Running when Sixteen Stone
I am a 6'3 and 16 stone ex rugby player. I took up running after dislocating my neck when I was 34. I was running well until the past few weeks when all the runs seemed to become a struggle.
I was running 35 miles a week for about 3 months. My training intensity has changed a bit in that more hills and trail running have come into it but the legs just feel heavy on every run.
Any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to train for an endurance event over 3 days that will involve lots of running lifting my own body weight and pack work.
Answer by Dominique:
Hi there,
Thanks for your question. Although you have titled the question: "Running when Sixteen Stone", I am not sure if your weight has got a lot to do with your current struggles.
If your weight had been holding you back I would have expected more difficulties during your build-up towards 35 miles per week.
It is not rare for runners to have setbacks during training or periods where you seem to struggle a bit.
Especially when you change the intensity as you have done, you can expect your body to protest a little bit.
I recently had a period like that as well. Just about 2-3 weeks or so where I did not seem to get a decent run out. Seemed like I was running backwards at times, that's how slow I was going!
What I did was to keep on observing the hard/easy principle, i.e. follow a day of hard running with a day of easy running / rest.
And when I change intensity or go into hill work etc, I always try to "ease into it". Start off with a short hill run, or intervals of only 1 minute length or so. Just build it up nicely and slowly.
For now, do not hesitate to reduce the intensity a little (i.e. less hill work, less mileage) on some of your runs and try to make sure that you still do your easy runs as well, i.e. those 30-45 min easy runs without hills/speed or anything.
Take one step back to take two steps forward!
Also, if there is any muscle soreness/stiffness it may be good to get a sports massage. When you increase intensity the risk of running injuries increases, so you will want to make sure you get some extra pampering as well.
Hope this helps.
Best of luck.
Kind regards,
Dominique
Helpful
Resources
-
Beginner Running Tips
Are you a beginning runner? Then this is your best starting point. Many tips and running programs on offer, dedicated to you.
-
Running for Weight Loss
Aiming to lose a few pounds? Get into the Running for Weight Loss section for tips and advice.
-
Running Training
The Running Training section of the site has got the most articles. It is constantly getting updated with new tips and information. A must-visit if you are serious about improving your running performance.
-
5k Running Tips
The 5k is a great distance to run and train for. The great thing is that you can do it quite often and see big improvements.
-
10k Running Tips
The 10k is a real challenge. You need to run fast for an uncomfortably long time! Check out this section if you are strong of mind and legs!
-
Marathon Running Tips
The marathon is a massive challenge. Proper training is so important! Make sure to check out this section if you have got your mind set on the marathon!
What's New?
-
What's a Realistic Goal for My Next Half Marathon?
I started running three months ago and followed a beginner marathon training schedule that had me running between 12-20 miles a week and running 4 days -
Trying to Run Half Marathon in Under 1.30
Hi, I am 18 year old and I've entered for my local half marathon, which is in 2 months. My goal is to bring my race time to below 1 hour 30 mins. -
Is 20 to 30 Training Miles Enough to Run a Half Marathon
I have been a committed runner for a year and a half now and have completed two half marathons with over a dozen 10k races! With the snow and winter -
64 Years Old - Want to Increase My Running Speed
I am a 64 years old male and never really ran in my younger days. Recently I have picked up running and speedwalking. I participated in a half marathon -
Improving My Time for a 10k Run
I have just finished a marathon and I have a fun-run of 10k in 6 weeks time. I would like to do it at 50 minutes for 10k but having just finished the