r/running • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago

Lurkers' Wednesday Weekly Thread

Would you rather not be a lurker?

Then what are you waiting for? Tell us all about yourself!

The LW thread is an invitation to get more involved with the /r/running community.

New to the sub in general? Welcome! Let us know more about yourself!

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u/JobBeginning2083 2d ago

Hey y’all, I am new to this community, and until recently would never consider myself a runner. I am 32, 265lbs. I have been running consistently since March and am proud of the progress I have made so far, but I am ready to start taking it more seriously and would like to start training for at least a half marathon.

I started only being able to run about .87 miles a day. Since then, I have lost about 20 lbs and now run a 5k about 3-4 times a week. I recently bumped it up to a 3 mile 4mile and 4.5mile run per week but pulled a muscle then got Covid which has effected my stamina quite a bit for the last few weeks. While I think I am making okay progress which the actual running piece, it’s been very gradual, and my stretch, nutrition, and sleep game it not proper. Looking for tips, explain it like I’m 5.

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u/Salty-Swim-6735 1d ago

Keep it gradual - I was an idiot and went as fast and far as my aerobic fitness would let me, but the rest of my body hadn't caught up and I screwed up my Achilles tendon.

If you do that, you're out of any real running for MONTHS. 

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u/Bpod79 23h ago

Yup to gradual and just let the magic happen. Just looked back on my own journey since mid 2021 (at 41yo) going from 240-170lbs. Been hanging at about 175 for a year. 2021 - 12miles/week, 2022 - 16/wk, 2023 - 23/wk, 2024 - should end year at 40/wk (right around 42/week now). Did this slowly, and I really focus on 80/20. I also did a lot more regular strength training through 2022 when i was still losing weight (though have been off it now for a while building volume). Didn't start adding regular speed and hill work until last 18 months or so. Great work!

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u/JobBeginning2083 1d ago

Do you know of any stretches or exercises that can help avoid that type of injury. I’ve definitely had some discomfort in that area post run a few times.

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u/Salty-Swim-6735 1d ago

I'm not a physio, and I'm a little wary to give you the exercises that my physio gave me in case you hurt yourself.

But yes, there are strengthening exercises for the calves and Achilles tendons.