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Share your running tips to win a copy of This Mum Runs PLUS Thule Glide sports stroller worth over £300!

256 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 20/07/2016 12:27

Excited for the Olympics? To celebrate the publication of British athlete Jo Pavey's This Mum Runs, here's a chance to win a copy of the new book PLUS a Thule Glide sports stroller - perfect for any mum who runs.

Jo Pavey was 40 when she won the 10,000m at the European Championships. It was her first gold medal and, astonishingly, it came within months of having her second child. Now 42, Jo will be representing Team GB in the Athletics squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Jo has been dubbed ‘Supermum’, but her story is in many ways the same as every mother juggling working life with a family – the sleepless nights, the endless nappy changing and the school-run chaos. The only difference is that Jo is a full-time athlete pushing a buggy on her training runs and clocking up miles on the treadmill while her daughter has her lunchtime nap.

Heartwarming and uplifting, This Mum Runs follows Jo’s roundabout journey to the top and all the lessons she's learned along the way. It is the inspiring yet everyday story of a mum that runs and a runner that mums.

Share your running tips for a chance to win a copy of This Mum Runs plus a Thule Glide award-winning high performance sports stroller worth over £300.

This discussion is sponsored by Penguin Random House and will end on 17 August

Share your running tips to win a copy of This Mum Runs PLUS Thule Glide sports stroller worth over £300!
Share your running tips to win a copy of This Mum Runs PLUS Thule Glide sports stroller worth over £300!
OP posts:
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CMOTDibbler · 20/07/2016 12:38

You might think you can't run, but you can - you really can. Its just right now, you don't.

I spent 40 odd years thinking I couldn't run - I avoided it at school at all costs and thought I just wasn't made that way. But I heard good things about couch to 5k, really wanted to get fit and gave it a try.
3 years later, I ran a marathon! I even ran in the same event as Jo Pavey last autumn (actually she just did the 10km, I then got on a bike and cycled 20km then ran another 5 Grin)
Have I suddenly become an elite (like one of those inspirational books) or found an amazing talent? No. But its an amazing feeling to just be able to go out and run, and thats all I want.

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asuwere · 20/07/2016 17:22

My only tip would be to get good trainers, they really make a difference.
I did C 2 5K, and was amazed when I discovered I could run when I'd always thought I couldn't.
I currently don't have a running buggy so don't get out to run as I never get a chance on my own. When youngest is at preschool, I'll finally get back to it (1yr, 2mths and counting :))

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emummy · 20/07/2016 17:36

Slow down.
The first km or so always feels uncomfortable till your legs settle.
Don't stress about what others think, be they family, friends or strangers in the street. This is for you, do it because you want to, enjoy it. It will make you stronger, fitter and happier.
Get good trainers and sports bras.
Have fun, running can be hard but also wonderful, giving you the chance to get out in the fresh air and explore, often I find paths and places I didn't know about, and exploring new routes on holiday is great fun.

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MelanieCheeks · 20/07/2016 17:38

Don't think, just run.

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CopperPan · 20/07/2016 17:59

A good running playlist is essential for me - a chance for me to pick my most self-indulgently favourite tracks and make different playlists for different moods. I found running a really cheap way to get fit after having DS2 - I just needed some decent trainers, I didn't need to buy any other equipment.

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CordeliaScott · 20/07/2016 18:00

That just because they are called trainers they aren't necessarily designed to be trained in!

I used to get shooting pains in my knees until my personal trainer pointed out that my trainers, whilst they looked lovely, were doing nothing for me from a training perspective.

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Givemecoffeeplease · 20/07/2016 18:36

As Nike said, "just do it". Don't be put off by the weather either. I love running in wind and rain, and I get the park to myself with the exception of a few other hardy runners who give me a nod as they pass. It's like a club!

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MunchyMunchkin · 20/07/2016 18:39

Good running shoes but you don't need to spend a fortune or faff around on a treadmill being assessed.
Get running is a great app for couch to 5k.

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loosechange · 20/07/2016 18:54

My tip is just do it. Get couch 2 5k and good music. The walk/run ratio means you will often be itching to start running whilst you are walking.

Don't forget your pelvic floor. It may need some serious clenching.

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SlowJinn · 20/07/2016 19:09

Download some good music to run to, buy some decent running shoes and spend some serious cash on a sports bra. Nothing else matters. Start small, run for 5 minutes, walk for 5, then gradually increase. Running is fun and running is free.

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Pumble · 20/07/2016 19:11

Just get outside and run. Nobody will bat an eyelid. I spent so long worried what people would think of fat old me running around but nobody noticed. It was the perfect break from the family for me and made all the difference to my PND. I found nothing can compare to being outside pounding the pavements.... Now I just need my foot to completely heal so I can be out there again!

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StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 20/07/2016 19:26

Good running shoes and sports bra.
Just get out and do it. If you don't feel like going for a run, go out for 5 minutes and see if you change your mind once you get started.
Track your progress. I use Runkeeper. Mapmyrun is also good. It's also good to set goals.

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RamsayBoltonsConscience · 20/07/2016 19:35

Spend money on a bloody good sports bra especially if you are large of norks, do the couch to 5 k the steps are manageable and make sure that you have been to the toilet before you go. There is nothing worse than getting half way through then realising that you need a wee or more, the faster you run, the more you need to go. Seriously.

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MummyBtothree · 20/07/2016 19:35

A decent enough pair of running trainers, a good sports bra and some good up-beat music.

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crayfish · 20/07/2016 19:41

If you're just starting out, slow down. I mean, right down. If you think you are going slowly, slow down some more. If it feels hard, keep slowing down until it's easy. Seriously, so many beginners start doing too much, too fast and either knacker themselves out or get injured. Build up slowly. The people you see winning (even local) races have probably been running for years. It takes time, patience and miles on the clock to see big improvements but you will get there. It gets easier surprisingly quickly and then you can work on upping distance. Speed comes last.

Do it properly though and it will become an addiction and a passion. And runners are the most supportive and friendly community you could find in sport!

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IrisBlue15 · 20/07/2016 19:47

Join a running club, the beginners groups are always nice and slow and friendly. Nobody will laugh and it's so much more fun whilst you're having a chat! It seems daunting, but it's never as scary as it seems.

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FrozenYogurt · 20/07/2016 20:28

Set aside an hour, put your trainers on and get outside.
Start slow, start short, go easy on yourself. The first run I did lasted 17 minutes and I was absolutely exhausted, I think I covered 2.5K. I could not have run faster, further or longer. But keep at it, go twice, three times a week and soon you'll find you can run for 20 minutes, 25, 30.
Soon you'll be running a 3K, a 4K and feeling more comfortable. One day you'll feel confident enough to enter a race, maybe a 5 or 10K. When you complete your first event and get handed a medal you might as well have just won Olympic Gold, your pride and sense of achievement will be immense, because you did this. No one else, just you. 🏅

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MrsChrisPratt · 20/07/2016 20:30

The only people judging you are those without the guts to do it themselves!

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SaltySeaBird · 20/07/2016 20:31

I was never any good at sport and so unfit I'd get out of breath going upstairs.

Then I decided to do C25K and really commit to it. I made it part of my routine and think this was key. After three weeks I was used to going out at a set time, running it with friends.

Within about 3 months I was running 10km races in under an hour - remarkable considering how unfit I had been.

Two children later I've done the C25K again. It's harder now as my son is just 3 months old and finding time to go out without him is hard.

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Stopmithering · 20/07/2016 20:57

Loads of great tips already!
Mine would be:
Get decent running shoes. You don't have to spend £100s. Look in sales.
Join a group if you can. Or run with a friend. Company really helps to keep you going.
If money allows, get a basic GPS watch. Mine helps me pace myself and I love seeing how far I have gone.
Use websites like 'mapmyrun' to vary your route. That's one of the beauties of running. You can change the scenery whenever you like.
Vary the type of running yo do. Intervals and hills are great for increasing stamina and fitness, which in turn allow you to run faster on the flat.
Wear comfy kit. There nothing worse than pulling up slightly too big trousers and hoiking up shirt sleeves and bra straps.
Enter a race. The atmosphere is always positive and encouraging, no matter what your fitness level. Having a goal helps you keep going.
Go out whatever the weather. Except ice. That's dangerous.

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finova · 20/07/2016 20:58

I used to be ready to go out as soon as DH got in. Then wouldn't be drawn into jobs/dinner/eating dinner/loafing on the couch.

Can't do mornings and once settled in the evening don't want to leave the house!

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MotherFuckingChainsaw · 20/07/2016 21:00

The hardest part is putting your shoes on

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randomsabreuse · 20/07/2016 21:04

Good shoes, good bra, good music and if you're coughing horribly the first time you run in a while it's not unusual.

I prefer varied terrain, definitely prefer a target event to aim for and really enjoy using Zombies Run to motivate me to complete a full run rather than decide I'm bored and stop. Particularly apt with Two Steps to Hell as the music...

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TwoMs · 20/07/2016 21:07

If you feel like you're running through treacle when you first set off for a run, keep running past the 10 minute mark. I've found something happens and it just clicks.

Currently struggling to get out of the door at all though due to my velcro baby Confused

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bloomburger · 20/07/2016 21:31

Run with s friend and chat throughout. Not only will you spur each other on and be more likely to keep it up and keep each other safe but the talking will mean you're not shallow breathing as it's impossible to do it whilst talking.

Regulating your breathing is one of the hardest things to get right when starting running.

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