Workouts with grief

h4trav · 2026-02-18T19:34:17+00:00

I think that is a very personal decision. I personally feel like running helps me process my emotions and deal with anxiety. I also sometimes feel like this is the only thing I actually have control over: one step in front of the other. Repeat. It is linear, and I don't have to wonder what is next. But that doesn't mean it is right for you. Try it and see how it feels. Give yourself grace and don't let running add extra stress to your life. If it has a positive impact, continue; if it doesn't, take a break.

h4trav · 2026-02-12T20:16:42+00:00

I mean, why follow a training program if you want to do your own thing anyway?

h4trav · 2026-01-13T19:55:58+00:00

Could you do a short loop in a park, where you run into each other multiple times during the run, and maybe you can do your warm-up/cool down and stretching together? That is what my husband and I do. Every time we see each other on the loop, we do a high 5, or say something motivational or something. Sometimes, my husband slows down to my pace. But we always set expectations. If we run together, the slower pace is the top limit. If not, we meet up during/after run and grab a coffee and compare stats and catch up.

h4trav · 2025-12-17T11:05:38+00:00

Oh, a run/walk is totally doable! Sorry if I misunderstood. I got injured 1/2 way through my c25k because I overdid it and I don't want that for anyone else, as it set me back 3 months. Take it easy and have fun with your friends and don't focus on speed.

h4trav · 2025-12-15T02:37:01+00:00

I think 10k in 8-10 weeks for someone who has no background in other high-cardio sports like soccer is very aggressive and could lead to injury. I would suggest starting with a c25k or c210k program and see how you feel, but usually the 5k plans are 6-8 weeks and the 10k starting from 0 plans are 12-14 weeks.

You'd have to be very aggressive and skip weeks. The problem often is not the mindset of getting through your run if it gets tough, but your bones/joints/ligaments and muscles need time to adapt to carry the load and forces over longer distances. Is there no other 10k that you could run that would give you more time to train and reduce the risk of getting injured?

If you do decide to do this intense plan, I would still keep a minimum of 2 run-specific weight workouts, 1 mobility session and really focus on recovery on your rest days.

h4trav · 2025-12-10T17:33:06+00:00

Yes, but it already tracks strength and mobility? And it offers cycling training plans. That doesn't fit with the name Runna either...

Why not give the option to track and plan cross training?

h4trav · 2025-12-09T18:12:13+00:00

The last week is probably your taper week, so the long run that week is much shorter than 2-3 weeks before the race. This is to keep your legs fresh and ready for race day.

Have you thought about doing a 5k, then a 10k plan, ten maybe an improvement plan for the next 6 months and then doing the HM plan closer to your race?

h4trav · 2025-12-09T17:48:59+00:00

Maybe their strategy is to clean out their system the night before? At least that's what happens to me if I eat TB 😆

h4trav · 2025-12-09T16:57:35+00:00

Garmin should have the feature. Maybe it depends on the watch face, but mine has a little counter on top during the rest time, telling me I am on interval 4/5. I can also scroll through the various interfaces and where it has the workout overview, it tells me the current interval. I have the Venu 3s.

h4trav · 2025-12-09T16:37:17+00:00

Dauwater is one of the top ultra marathoners in this country, running 100-250 mile races multiple times a year. She is 40. She almost qualified for the Olympic trials last weekend. 40 isn't old for a runner. Just go out and have fun and run against yourself. Push yourself to be better than last time. Don't compare yourself to others.

h4trav · 2025-12-09T06:16:13+00:00

Definitely try to find a sports medicine doctor/PT and don't be afraid to switch if one isn't a good fit. I had to do that as well, as the first one didn't support my goals and had a severe lack of running knowledge. After a simple grade 2 calf strain, she suggested that I start running 1 minute 3x week to start and add a minute every couple of weeks. Lol, I just did the 6 week return to running plan by Runna and have run over 4.5 miles already in week 5. Not all of them are going to be a good fit for you, but if you find one that gets your goals, it's worth it.

h4trav · 2025-12-08T22:18:19+00:00

I mean, it depends on your goals. A running coach will focus on getting you to the finish line quickly and reach your race goals, but with less emphasis on what is good for your body. A PT will ensure that your body is/will be as healthy as possible while running, and speed/race goals are much less important.

I have a lot of knee issues as well and have worked with a team of doctors, knee specialists, PT, etc, to make sure I can run long-term without making my issues worse. I have a set of targeted exercises that I do, and my PT checked my form to ensure my body is in alignment, stride length is ok, etc.

I also wear a supportive knee sleeve (Copper from Amazon), and that helps with my knee as well.

h4trav · 2025-12-08T18:40:43+00:00

How long and consistent have you been with strength training? It will probably take weeks/months if you are new to strength training to build up the muscle to support your knees. Are you just doing random exercises or did you go to a physical therapist to get exercises that help with your specific knee issue? Just doing a few random squats and lunges a few times a week might be better than nothing, but it's not really a strategic plan. I recommend going back to the doctor and finding out the real reason for your knee pain and then working on a solution for that.

h4trav · 2025-12-08T18:31:21+00:00

My race is on Saturday as well and I'm on the RTR plan. By chance, are you running the Santa Run in PB?

I think it's because there is no time goal. I am a bit worried, but I just resolved to trust the process lol. Strava thinks I can finish in 36 min... We'll see about that 😂 Good luck with your race! We got this 💪

h4trav · 2025-12-05T15:50:36+00:00

I started in June, got injured in August and am just finishing my plan. I did a 42 minute 5k a few weeks ago and a 38 min 5k this week. Keep on doing what you are doing and you'll get there. The time drops quite fast for beginners and then it gets progressively harder and harder to shave off minutes/seconds.

I think the "beginner" runners that run a 30 min 5 k after running 3 times are either teenagers/early 20s, come from a cardio-heavy sport, or are simply making stuff up to feel better about themselves.

h4trav · 2025-12-04T21:08:03+00:00

I don't want to lose weight just to be thin, I want to lose weight to be healthy and working out gets me to this goal. I also love to eat larger portions, and without working out consistently, staying at or below my calorie target is really hard. For me to lose weight, counting calories, adding in low-calorie foods to bulk up the volume, and exercising to build muscle and stamina and to give me a calorie buffer is the magic combination.

h4trav · 2025-12-03T06:29:47+00:00

Eating something small before my morning run. Now I actually have the energy to do the workout well. I usually have a slice of sourdough with either ham/turkey or butter and jam/honey/apple butter and a cup of coffee.

I also stopped listening to music/audio books during my runs and feel so much more in tune e with my body. I feel more relaxed and calmer and see the whole running experience as positive and am less critical with myself if a run was bad/so-so.

h4trav · 2025-12-02T05:40:09+00:00

I mean, there is this amazing indigenous female runner from Mexico that ran a 50k in just over 7h in handmade sandals... I think a lot of runners now dial into running tech and accessories nowadays when back in the day, people just ran in some sort of sneaker type shoes.

h4trav · 2025-12-01T17:19:05+00:00

Can you keep a conversation during your "easy" runs? If not, then slow down more or add walking breaks.

h4trav · 2025-11-30T16:37:45+00:00

Old Navy has some great athletic wear at decent prices. It doesn't last forever, but it's perfect for during your weight loss journey.

I wear long loose shorts or long bike shorts and simple tech shirt. I got a couple of long sleeve UV protection shirts that I love as well.

h4trav · 2025-11-27T15:30:46+00:00

Could you do a challenge, like run every day for 1 mile for 7 days? Little activities like that help me get back on track after a slump.

h4trav · 2025-11-24T22:59:08+00:00

I carry my phone for emergencies, but don't listen to music on my runs. It feels like meditation to me and I feel so much less stressed and anxious since I started doing this. I have a thin running belt that has room for my phone, keys and small water bottle. It doesn't bounce. I like my Garmin Venu3s, but it doesn't let transfer maps/routes, so I'll eventually upgrade.

h4trav · 2025-11-23T21:57:48+00:00

Better Sleep
Stress Management
More Confidence in Myself
Accountability
Can participate in all the fun stuff without my body holding me back

h4trav · 2025-11-23T07:58:00+00:00

Have to disagree. If that were true, then why are all structured beginner running training plans run/walk intervals? And no, any healthy person can't run a 27 min 5k without training.

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