Runners Rehomed

[Twink]

Here we are in Sports, I've been so lax about keeping up with anything outside our little thread that I'd no idea it was here - but have just spotted a cycling thread, so will be later to bed than planned....

[quanglewangle]

Hello, here I am. Where is everybody? Sleeping after a long run or still out running?
Two more training sessions at the gym before the run on Sunday. Managed 3Km on Monday so i might manage the full 5Km, especially if it stays nice and cool. I'll certainly finish even if I have alitle walk half way.

[busywizzy]

Today is my RFL and I'm really quite excited. Only thing is DD is poorly with tummy pains but still desperately wants to run with me so we'll have to see how we get on.

We've got £365 in sponsorship money and I'm so proud of myself for getting off my bum and doing something for such a good cause ....... and getting fitter into the bargain.

Wish me luck ladies

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

I'm here - out this afternoon for a run with one of my friends who's just getting over a bad back so don't think it'll be far or fast.

Really enjoying it at the moment - weather is brill, nice and cool

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Oh and Good Luck busy - enjoy it!!

[JonesTheSteam]

Is this a thread for runners who are good at it, or can people who have just started and seriously crap (like me ) join in?

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

I'm a long term runner but coversely pretty crap too lol - everyone welcome Jones. Pull up a chair.....

[busywizzy]

Jones, I'm pretty rubbish I've just been running a couple of months and am doing my first 5k run this evening. Never run that far before and not confident I'll be able to do it without a break (or two) in the middle.

BUT I'm trying to get better and everyone here is really encouraging.

[JonesTheSteam]

Was going running with a friend in the evenings, but it wasn't working out well - she's been ill / working overtime / now has stitches in her leg!!!

Have started going out on my own at about 6.30 - 7.00 in the mornings. Works much better for me!!!

I'm doing some sort of plan thing I found in a magazine. Run 60 secs, walk 2 mins and repeating - building it up gradually. Is that ok, do you think? Feeling a bit demoralized at the moment.

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Walk/run things are fine - you'll get there so don't give up. There are some good beginner's ones on the Runners World website. Just try not to run too fast on the 'run' bits and you'll soon be able to go for a bit longer. Think stamina not speed - speed will come later (mine never has but I prefer stamina lol).

Just remember that the majority of the population can't run for a bus (and most can't be bothered to try).

[JonesTheSteam]

Thanks saggar.

Feeling very tired after this morning's effort - didn't help that I had to run faster at one point because I was being chased by two spaniel puppies!!!!

[busywizzy]

Jones, I started by jogging, walking, jogging etc and did 2.5 miles in about 5 chunks. Each week I tried to run a bit further before stopping and walking for the first time and within a short space of time (3-4 weeks), I was jogging half way before stopping.

What I then found was that I needed to walk a bit less before starting to jog again and I also found I had to stop less and less as the weeks went on after my first walk (hope all that makes sense). I finally managed to do the whole 2.5 miles without stopping and the following day, hurt my knee, couldn't run for 5 weeks and now I'm starting again. Ho hum - gives me something to aim for again

Good luck. I totally agree with Sagger - you're doing much, much more than most so be proud of that

[futurity]

hi! can I join in? I have been running since March training for my Cambridge Race for Life which is on Sunday...can't believe it has come around already!! Training gone well..hoping to do it in under 35 mins.

Quick question if I may as I am still a novice runner! Normally I run when I get out of bed at 7am so eat when I get back but my Race is at 11am...what should I do about eating and drinking before hand as I don't want to get a stitch? Am worried that it is going to be very hot!!

[Pidge]

Ah, nice to be back under sport, from health!

And welcome new thread people.

This is definitely a thread for anyone. That's the great thing about running, you can just set your own targets and be competitive against yourself rather than other people.

I (re-)started running in September, having lapsed whilst having two kids. I was pretty fit due to frequent cycling, but still could only jog very very slowly for 10 minutes to begin with. I've taken it really slowly, and now 9 months on I've just done my longest run at 10 miles. Amazing to think how much I've improved.

My top tips would be - go slower than you think is possible. Start off jogging barely above walking pace. That will enable you to keep going longer. Also, don't suddenly increase your run times / lengths. I used to add 5 or max 10 minutes every couple of weeks, even if I felt like I could run longer. Have fun.

Oh and Good luck busy for the RFL. Looking forward to hearing how it went.

[leogaela]

Oooh, lots to catch up on already, I'll be back later, my boss has a good view of my screen today !

But GOODLUCK BUSY!!!!! THe important this is to get yourself round safely and enjoy it.

[lapsedrunner]

Found you....ran (well mostly walked) in a 2 day Orienteering event last weekend. It was seriously hot (about 30'C) and very hilly, however I survived to tell the tale. Building up to the this www.wmoc06.com nest week (why can't I do links)? .

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Futurity - welcome and good luck on Sunday. Think you may be right about the heat. I can run after only half an hour of eating but if you don't usually then just have some breakfast a couple of hours before. Weetabix and a banana are always good for me. Keep sipping your fluids throughout the morning - the RFL's are usually good for having plenty of loos at the start - they know what us women are like

Sounds like a fun weekend Leo - 30 degrees and I'd have been stripped off in the garden!

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Sorry that's Lapsedrunner whose had a good weekend - although hope you had one too Leo....

[crunchie]

My 10km is this sunday at 9.35 am, so quite early. BUT it is going to be HOT. Luckily there are water stations as I often run without, and this should help me I hope. I didn't run today but I will do an easy run tomorrow am and again Friday. And that's it.

Anyone do other preparations for 10kms??

[JonesTheSteam]

busywizzy - how did your RFL go?

[moondog]

Ah,this doesn't look as scary as some of the running threads!
I started 6 mths ago and have passed the 3k and 5k stages and now hovering around the 10k stage and seriously thinking of entering a run in September.
I don't want anything competitive really thoguh,I just want to do it and feel proud!

Now,a question (Saggars,you are always v. helpful) It seems that people aim for 10k in an hour yes??

I can do 30 mins and 10.5 k and 30 at 10k,so end up doing about 9.35k in an hour (have only run on a treadmill so far)

Should I forget about the times and just go for 10k running outside,or should I be trying to jam it into an hour??

Is 10k an hour ok or is this pathetic beginners stuff?
I am not in it for speed,just for fun sand fredom of running but it would be nice to know i can do a decent time.

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Moondog - I think 10k in an hour is great. In fact I wish I could do it, I can do 5k in under 30mins but can't transfer it to the longer distance. For me it's more about achieving the distance, not the speed and I am over 40 so I don't let it get me down Crunchie and Dannie have a little competition going as to who can do their 10k race faster.....they are doing around 54 minutes I think

Signing up for a run is good motivation and helps keep you 'at it' when life is getting in the way.

Twink posted this on the other thread.....

Something that has helped me is to have 3 goals for each major challenge that I've set myself:

1. A 'real world' target for the training I've done
   
   
2. A target I've not admitted to anyone else but I think I could just about do if training goes well
   
   
3. An absolute best case, if training goes really well, I get sufficient sleep, if the weather goes my way, no one steps out in front of me and trips me up etc etc
   
   Eg 1 - Get round and enjoy it
   2 - 10k in an hour
   3 - 10k in 55 mins
   
   I'd be happy with 1 or 2. 3 is pretty unlikely!

[quanglewangle]

moondog, as a beginner I am seriously proud of myself but couldn't possibly do 5Km it in under 35 mins. Now after a month of a hurty foot and no training, I am only up to 4Km and that is slow going. So if I manage the 5Km on Sunday it will take me an age.

I just hope I keep running up after the race as I would like to be able to do more. The question is, do I go for speed or distance?

[moondog]

Thanks Saggers.

I honestly never believed I could do 2k 6 months ago.
I'm of normal weight but have never been that sporty.
I realised things were improving when 5k feels like nothing strenuous.

[Twink]

Glad you've found us !

Loads of questions, I'll try to help a bit:

JonesTheSteam, we're very inclusive here - and most of us started with run/walk - I could scarcely stagger to the next lamp-post when I started but soon improved, stick at it and try to enjoy yourself.

Futurity, hello ! Saggar is spot on, try to eat your ordinary breakfast when you get up so there's plenty of time to digest it & pop to the loo. If you're too nervous to eat, it wouldn't be the end of the world for 5k but you'd need something to eat & drink as soon as you finished - not a recommended strategy for anything longer though.


Crunchie, you know you'll be fine, your training times have been great - and better than you expected , have a great run. Carry a water bottle with you all day on Saturday and make sure you use it & refill regularly.

Moondog, go for a run outside, don't take any gadgets, just run as you feel, preferably with a faster friend, you'll be amazed how well you've done when you check the route out later in the car An hour is a respectable time for 10k, you won't win prizes but you'll be a long way from being last, typical back marker times are 1:15-1:25.

Last but def not least, Quanglewangle, gradually increase your distance, don't worry about speed, that will come later. Rule of thumb is never increase your longest run or your weekly mileage by more than 10% at a time. Pick up steadily, and every 4th week cut back (by up to half) to allow your body to adapt to your new training.

Ooh, just checked out World Masters Orienteering site - sounds like fun !

[crunchie]

Moondog, running outside is the key TBH. I have read somewhere that you can go approx 10% faster outside (not sure if this is true, but I know you go faster outisde). In the gym I can run comfortably at around 10.5 , possibly 11, but I wouldn't be able to do it for 10km. However outside I am running at 11 or faster, without a problem.

When I first ran a 10km I wanted to get round in an hour, this was four years ago and I shocked myself by doing under 53 mins. However I then stopped training. This time my 1/2/3 targets are

1. 55 mins
   
2. 53.5 mins
   
3. sub 53 mins
   
   I am sure I can do 3 if I keep myself hydrated, and as I am HUGELY competitive I love to run past people (hehehe) so this should speed me up.
   
   Enter a run and see how you go, I know loads of people eho enter a 10km and they have never run more than 5km. You can already run for an hour, therefore you can do the distance. I found out yesterday a collegue from work is doing teh same run as me, I asked if she had trained and she said 'well I ran 5km the other day on teh treadmill!!' She has never run further than that, SHE will suffer big style.