For the runners amongst you all

[baggy1]

I have recently taken up running again, it's always been a problem for me as I jeep getting calf injuries and my Left ITB also pulls on my knee painfully, but I've managed to be injury free for a few weeks and cracked under 25mins yesterday for 5k. I'm guessing this is a good time from what I see on the inter-web but should I be aiming for better times, or should I settle with that and aim for longer distances.

Also for road running what sort of trainers should I be using to protect myself from injuries?

[Borin' Baggie]

Longer distances, your 5k speed will come down at the same time.

[Ted Maul]

Under 25 mins for 5k is a good starting point. I would sort your niggles out before upping your distance. ITB issues seem to stem from weak glute and hip flexors, have a Google and pick some exercises you can do daily around the house to strengthen in these areas.

If you're currently just dipping under 8min/mile for 5k, do lots of easy jogging around 9:30min/mile, helps you increase your milage without putting too much stress through your body.

[mpad_mark]

I have recently taken up running again, it's always been a problem for me as I jeep getting calf injuries and my Left ITB also pulls on my knee painfully, but I've managed to be injury free for a few weeks and cracked under 25mins yesterday for 5k. I'm guessing this is a good time from what I see on the inter-web but should I be aiming for better times, or should I settle with that and aim for longer distances.

Also for road running what sort of trainers should I be using to protect myself from injuries?

It's probably worth having your gait analysed and getting trainers that suit your style.

I did this over 15 years ago and found that Sauncony was the best show for me for road running.

[Duffers]

I have recently taken up running again, it's always been a problem for me as I jeep getting calf injuries and my Left ITB also pulls on my knee painfully, but I've managed to be injury free for a few weeks and cracked under 25mins yesterday for 5k. I'm guessing this is a good time from what I see on the inter-web but should I be aiming for better times, or should I settle with that and aim for longer distances.

Also for road running what sort of trainers should I be using to protect myself from injuries?

It's probably worth having your gait analysed and getting trainers that suit your style.

I did this over 15 years ago and found that Sauncony was the best show for me for road running.

Yeah I’d definitely advise getting a gait analysis.

My advice would also be not to cheap out on the shoes. I wear Adidas Ultraboost which are £100+ but I’ve had far fewer injuries and problems with them than I did with the 40 quid Sports Direct jobs.

[baggy1]

Thanks chaps - I'm keen to keep it going will defo get the gait analysis carried out. Is that something that is a specialist thing or can I pop down to Birmingham Runner still?

[Ted Maul]

Thanks chaps - I'm keen to keep it going will defo get the gait analysis carried out. Is that something that is a specialist thing or can I pop down to Birmingham Runner still?

Recommend Runners Need in town for this. As has been said, do not be tight when buying a pair of running shoes.

[mpad_mark]

I have recently taken up running again, it's always been a problem for me as I jeep getting calf injuries and my Left ITB also pulls on my knee painfully, but I've managed to be injury free for a few weeks and cracked under 25mins yesterday for 5k. I'm guessing this is a good time from what I see on the inter-web but should I be aiming for better times, or should I settle with that and aim for longer distances.

Also for road running what sort of trainers should I be using to protect myself from injuries?

It's probably worth having your gait analysed and getting trainers that suit your style.

I did this over 15 years ago and found that Sauncony was the best show for me for road running.

Yeah I’d definitely advise getting a gait analysis.

My advice would also be not to cheap out on the shoes. I wear Adidas Ultraboost which are £100+ but I’ve had far fewer injuries and problems with them than I did with the 40 quid Sports Direct jobs.

Agree on cheap shoes.

I tend to go for Saucony Guide and they are about £140 a pop. I'm just about getting a year out of them, but they make a massive difference.

I've actually bought the last two pairs using Klarna to spread the cost over three months.

Although, I did manage to get a 'worn once' pair on eBay for £18!

[Lightnin]

Absolutely agree on gait analysis to check type of trainer. It may be that your injury is because you have always wore the incorrect ones in the past. Runners need in a ham is very good as others have pointed out.

Don’t try and blow yourself out if you go further. Distance first and speed will look after itself.

[baggpuss]

I have recently taken up running again, it's always been a problem for me as I jeep getting calf injuries and my Left ITB also pulls on my knee painfully, but I've managed to be injury free for a few weeks and cracked under 25mins yesterday for 5k. I'm guessing this is a good time from what I see on the inter-web but should I be aiming for better times, or should I settle with that and aim for longer distances.

Also for road running what sort of trainers should I be using to protect myself from injuries?

It's probably worth having your gait analysed and getting trainers that suit your style.

I did this over 15 years ago and found that Sauncony was the best show for me for road running.

Yeah I’d definitely advise getting a gait analysis.

My advice would also be not to cheap out on the shoes. I wear Adidas Ultraboost which are £100+ but I’ve had far fewer injuries and problems with them than I did with the 40 quid Sports Direct jobs.

Agree on cheap shoes.

I tend to go for Saucony Guide and they are about £140 a pop. I'm just about getting a year out of them, but they make a massive difference.

I've actually bought the last two pairs using Klarna to spread the cost over three months.

Although, I did manage to get a 'worn once' pair on eBay for £18!

Very different schools of thought on all this (gait analysis, expensive shoes etc).
I have recently read this guy's book which may be of interest to you:

https://olderyetfaster.com/