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Original poster

Runners united (come join us if you are addicted to running!)

959 replies

MoshiMoshi · 20/03/2011 14:46

This is a continuation of the thread "Happy When We Are Running" for those of us who are committed to running in order to preserve a sense of ourselves and maintain a degree of sanity in our lives which are otherwise taken over by family and work-related matters.

All runners are welcome, experienced and newbies, if you are a keen runner. We promise to support you in your efforts and have a running (excuse the pun!) list of races (see below) which various of us have entered in order to provide advice and support along the way.

So what are you waiting for? Spring is here and there is no better time to enter those races you have been wondering about entering and lose those winter pounds, and all for free (well, as long as you have a decent pair of trainers suitable for your running gait Grin). Alternatively, if you don't want to race you can just join us to enjoy the racing vicariously and learn about training and what (not) to do along the way.

27/03/11 - Kingston Breakfast Run 8.2m wheely
02/04/11 - Miles for Missing People 10K: MoshiMoshi
10/04/11 - Brighton Marathon: Pawsnclaws
17/04/11 - VLM: MoshiMoshi/ Passmyglass/ Doyouthinktheysaurus
10/05/11 - Burbage Skyline 5.75 miles: Hatwoman
14/05/11 - Chester Half Marathon: IreadthereforeIam
15/05/11 - Oxford Town and Gown 10k: Goldberry
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Marathon: MrsWednesday
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
08/06/11 - Claver Peak 5 miles: hatwoman
11/06/11 - Clumber Park R4L 10k Hamster
12/06/11 - Bath R4L 5k Dillinger
12/06/11 - Redcar half marathon - DrNortherner
25/06/11 - Lewa half marathon Kenya - Masterandmargaritas
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal
23/09/11 - Notting Half Marathon: cestlavie

OP posts:
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drivingmisscrazy · 29/04/2011 07:55

Yes, I'll do it

new thread

Original poster
MoshiMoshi · 29/04/2011 07:06

[Forgot to insert excited about Royal Wedding emoticon!]

OP posts:
Original poster
MoshiMoshi · 29/04/2011 07:05

OK, the list shows we have two racers this weekend! Good luck to thetasigmamum and bonkers20 in your half and 10K respectively. Get lots of rest the day before the day before so that if you don't sleep well the day before it doesn't matter (hope that makes sense!)

DrNo - recovery runs are just that so don't worry too much about pace, but use it as a guide to how tired you are instead. I agree that the speed session probably took a lot out of you. Lack of sleep and tiredness can also make it slower. Look forwards to the next one instead!

On the topic of stretching and ballet, I have always suffered from tight calves and hip flexors which I think is down to running. Too much of the same repetitive movement. Stretching and flexibility is really important so as not to compromise your range of movements and therefore biodynamics when running. Otherwise you may find your pace dropping over the years despite getting fitter and lighter! I have dabbled with yoga but honestly couldn't continue as I couldn't keep a straight face with the teacher telling me to relax my genitals and anus. Grin I have done pilates for a couple of years now and cannot recommend it enough in keeping a strong core. I prefer the reformer bed pilates as it is a dynamic session. More recently I have added ballet to the mix (although I didn't do it as a child) and think this is more useful than anything I have done so far on the stretching and flexibility side of things. The reason is it addresses directly tight areas and DYNAMICALLY reverses any problem areas. Ballet is all about strengthening and stretching and reinforcing the belief that for anything we do, there is an opposite that needs working on. I really relate to this Yin and Yang type of thinking - has anyone else thought as we get older that there are always two sides to everything in life? I find this system of moving stretches really useful in improving my understanding of the series of movements required and it translates well when I am running as I go through a mental checklist of what actions should follow on when running to ensure I am working my glutes and inner thighs enough which, usually, are lazy and my quads do all the work. Finally, it has definitely improved my proprioception.

Sorry for essay! Now, it is more than likely our thread will need rebirthing this weekend. I am away in the New Forest so wondered if somebody would like to take responsibility for pasting the latest list in the first post (v useful I find) and putting out the clarion call that will attract new blood and remind us oldies where to go? Planning more cycling as my first race is 3 weeks away now.

OP posts:
backwardpossom · 29/04/2011 00:47

squix It's a lovely flat/slightly downhill route, you'll enjoy it I'm sure! :) I'm starting to get a bit nervous about it now... going to do 12 miles on Sat and that will be my last long run before the 22nd.

squix · 28/04/2011 23:05

Driving - i think we are - Edinburgh is on Sunday 22nd - from what I can tell from the route it's supposed to be good - was chatting to the woman in the running shop today who did the full marathon (which is sort of the same route) last year. She said the first 4 miles is down hill ish so it's a real temptation to start too fast. The rest is flatish and along the coast - we pass Arthur's seat but don't go up it - thank goodness! It finishes at a Racecourse - not looking forward to a possible sprint finish on grass. Are you managing to train on hills and off road?

To be honest I've only really been keeping a traing diary for the last 6 weeks and have noticed the increase this week - whether that will be sustained over the next few weeks is another matter Smile

drivingmisscrazy · 28/04/2011 21:49

squix think we are both running halfs the same weekend - mine is on Sat, and - oh did I mention, off road and up a bloody great mountain. Does the Edinburgh half go up Arthur's seat? lovely city. I might try and sling in a couple of speed sessions.

When you say 'finally noticing my speed increasing' what timescale are you talking about? I've certainly dropped about a minute per km since Jan, but from an admittedly low base...I think I need to stop eating DD's easter eggs and lose a couple of kgs - that would help :)

squix · 28/04/2011 21:30

Blimey ? I am away from the thread for 48 hrs and miss loads!

Driving - yay ? big congratulations! That?s great news.

westernwaydomesticgoddess - welcome and you?ve given me a blast from the past ? I lived in Netley for a couple of years when I started my first job in Portsmouth ? I lived there in my first proper flat with my first long term partner ? I felt very grown up!

DrNo I?m not as flexible as I used to be - and I am making a real effort to stretch after a run as I am very aware of running making an impact on flexibility. I can touch my toes standing up and but (and this is going to sound dreadful) I can?t open my legs as widely as I used to be able to Blush Also interested in Moshi?s views with regards to ballet.

I am finally noticing my speed increasing ? I?ve started to be strict about keeping a training diary and have noticed my pace increasing slightly. My fast run earlier in the week helped, running with a faster runner really helped - even to give me a benchmark fast pace for my intervals.And I am noticing how things like time of day and what I?ve eaten are effecting me and I am getting stupidly excited about the arrival of my early birthday present Garmin. Oh and new running shoes today so hoping for some extra bounce!

Thanks for reposting the speed session, driving ? might give that a go next week ? 3 weeks until ½ Marathon and 2 big projects at work ramping up so need a real focus on quality as quantity is going to be a struggle for a bit. I foresee lots of early morning runs ? I am sooo not a morning person.

drivingmisscrazy · 28/04/2011 21:13

here it is - she also gave useful conversions (400, 800, 1200 and 1600m, I think). Do you think it will make us all as fast as Moshi [cgrin]

W/up 1-2 miles
0.25 miles fast
60 sec recovery jog
0.5 miles fast
90 sec recovery jog
0.75 miles fast
2 min recovery jog
1 mile fast
3 min recovery jog
0.75 miles fast
2 min recovery jog
0.5 miles fast
90 sec recovery jog
0.25 miles fast
60 sec recovery jog
W/down

Herecomesthesciencebint · 28/04/2011 21:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

peachsmuggler · 28/04/2011 20:48

DrNo, I am fairly flexible due to years of yoga. It is difficult to say if it helps with running as I took up running after yoga but have read lots of articles to say that they complement each other well. I think there used to be some accepted wisdom that they were incompatible, but this has been debunked. It may not be just the flexibility that yoga gives you that is good for running though as it is just as much about strength (and also stamina!).

Since doing yoga again recently for the first time in earnest since DD was born I have noticed a massive difference in my abilities, due to the increaded muscle strength I have from running. I have found it so interesting to see how my body has changed though running. I would be surprised, therefore, if the flexibility had not affected my running.

Will be interested to see what Moshi has to say as I know she is quite into ballet so must be pretty flexible.

Theta, am so sorry that you are having there pre-race worries. I hope that you are able to get your family sorted in order to see you at the finish, and that you are able to enjoy the race.

Right! I am going out running tomorrow. I am! It is 2 weeks since I have run, but the weather is cooler, I am feeling slightly less vile than I have the last couple of days, and I feel the need. Am hoping to head out about 11am when hopefully the streets will be nice and empty, what with everyone staying indoors watchin' some posh folks getting hitched!

drivingmisscrazy · 28/04/2011 20:35

oh, and we will need a new thread soon...this one has moved at about a 7mm. V. speedy

thetasigmamum · 28/04/2011 20:04

Driving Congratulations!

Wheely No, they just do Nike. I have been running in Voomero+ shoes since I started running 52 weeks ago. And they have been fine for me. :)

I'm basically bricking it. :( The race website is rubbish and the arrangments for parking and spectators etc seem very......approximate. There is a real possibility that my DH and the DCs won't actually be able to see me finish (if I do) since they can't realistically walk two miles to the stadium and all the roads between here and there will be closed from about 9am. And they don't really fancy hanging round there from 7:30. I am trying to persuade them that they can walk in to town, have breakfast at giraffe, and then stroll v slowly to the stadium taking lots of breaks - but DH isn't keen since he thinks DD2 will play up. :(

drivingmisscrazy · 28/04/2011 19:57

thanks to you all - I think we are just starting to realise that by Christmas we will have 2 children! I can't tell you how weird that is for us...

I also have Moshi's speed session written down (adapted for the less fit amongst us, so shorter fast bits, planning to work up as I go), but haven't managed to get to gym yet.

I feel antsy, having not run for 2 consecutive days, although in my heart of hearts I know it will do me good (I've run about 190k in the last month) and my calves certainly need a break. I'll run better tomorrow because of it - but find it hard not to see my mileage clocking up (I think I am an addict). But will do 10k tomorrow and a long 13 miler on Sunday; and then a heavy week next week. I'd like to build up to a consistent 50k a week, but having only really come back to regular running in January I think I'm doing well to be out there and not injured.

Dr No I think everyone has runs like that (at whatever speed!) - some days I just don't have it, but it doesn't matter overall.

I am not very flexible either, never have been - also suffer from tight calves. Like hamstrings this is (apparently) to do with imbalances in muscle groups - the ideal strength ratio between hamstrings and your big thigh muscle is 50:50, but even most elite athletes have a huge disproportion (thigh muscle twice as strong as hamstring - heard this from big honcho physio guy on the radio). So the trick is to strengthen the weaker muscle. Same with calves - often compensating for weakness in ankles. Some light weight training for the legs might help. Keep meaning to get to that myself. One day. Probably won't hamper your running per se, but might cause problems when you try to build volume

DrNortherner · 28/04/2011 18:46

Afternoon all Smile

DRiving congrats to you and your dp, you must be delighted! Another running thread baby, how wonderful Smile

Lots of great running going on here. After my monster interval sesh on Tues I rested yesterday and just did a 5 mile recovery run, but I was so slow, I barley got over 10 m/m. Is this normal? I enjoyed it, breathing wasn't laboured, was ticking along nicely but could not muster up any more speed. Not sure if I am still pooped from Tues of if all the crap street party food I ate at work today made me sluggish.....

Whilst running it occured to me to remember to ask you guys how flexible you all are. am very unflexible and can barley touch my toes, have always been like this. I seem to have short/tight calfs and hamstrings. Can I improve this? Will it hamper my running?

Off to cook dinner ready for dh and ds returning from footie training...

Wheelybug · 28/04/2011 18:07

Congrats to you and your DP Driving ! Lovely news.

thecoo - hope the news shoes sort you out.

theta - maybe a stupid question but do Niketown do anything other than Nike ? How are you feeling for the weekend ? Good luck for Sunday !!

So, off I went to the gym with Moshi's speed session plan written out to look at as I didn't think I'd remember it all. Dashed from helping at school to make sure dd2 got into the creche on time so I had lots of time and then bumped into a friend and chatted for 30 mins Blush. So, didn't have time for an hours run. So, I did similar to Tuesday which I think is a good use of a short time. Was feeling bad though but then remembered the long weekend so, my plan is to not drink tomorrow lunchtime (hopefully easy as liver transplant friend is coming for lunch) and do 5 miles tomorrow and then a longer run on Sunday.

thecoo · 28/04/2011 17:57

Just quickly popping in to say hi, as still not able to run Sad - have ordered new shoes as think mine are very worn and resting for a bit longer until all twinges gone as don't want to aggravate the achilles problem (if that's what it is...)

Fishie I have the Vivo Barefoot Lucy's but I can't run very far in them, so was building up to 3-4 miles a while back (got very stiff calves from different running style). Haven't worn them for a while though, although they are VERY comfy, especially for walking.

drivingmiss congratulations, that is such wonderful news! :)

sfxmum · 28/04/2011 11:41

forgot to say dh will be doing his half marathon on the 8th, he is worried he hasn't put in enough training but I guess since it is the 1st he should chalk it up as experience, must sort out banner with dd

also it is his birthday on the 6th and he said 'no alcohol' until afterShockHmm

sfxmum · 28/04/2011 11:37

quick dip in to say

driving congratulations how lovely
I think I am of the same school of speed, but I want to still be running when I am old. or in other words for as long as I possibly can no matter how slow

what is this Borg thing? the only Borg I know are scary and turn you into their collectiveShock

off to jog soon I think

happy running weekend

fishie · 28/04/2011 09:49

oops

fishie · 28/04/2011 09:48

here's my shoes! neos took them for another 10k this morning, lovely. It really is the first time I've ever had enough room for my toes. I got them from Terra Plana in Covent Garden, there's a 20% off shopping evening coming up on 5th May. (i got 10% off as I work in CG).

Does anyone else map with iphone? Is consistently undercounting by 10% which is rather galling.

drivingmisscrazy · 28/04/2011 09:23

thanks all; I have decided to take today off - I think I need a rest and to reconsider my mileage load...

what about this for the next 3 weeks until half?

this week - a 6 miler and a long run (13)
2/05 - a 60k week with another 13 miler
9/05 a 50k week with a 12 miler
15/05 - 2 x easy 10k + race on Saturday

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 28/04/2011 08:17

Congratulations driving, lovely newsSmile

Hope you are still recovering ok today Iread

Herecomes I wear a sweatband under my Garmin because I also have tiny wrists, works a treat. I also have a soft velcro strap for it which I got with my bike mount kit. I prefer that too as it's more flexible.

I did 4 miles on Tuesday, legs feeling much better and have my long run (only 8 miles though!) today instead of Saturday as we are off camping again. I'll go very slow and cut it short if it feels too much.

I have entered Windsor Half Marathon in Spetember. Will add to the list when I get a chance. A nice excuse to run in a lovely place and take the ds's to visit Windsor Castle aswellSmile

Original poster
MoshiMoshi · 28/04/2011 08:08

Congrats misscrazy! And well done to you Iread on getting that run in which must be a great confidence booster at this stage.

Puppy training today - hurray - for our ankle biting jumping nipping puppy.

OP posts:
backwardpossom · 27/04/2011 22:47

Congrats, driving! :)

MrsWednesday · 27/04/2011 22:46

Ah that is such lovely news Driving, congratulations to you and your DP! Fantastic Smile

There are some older ladies at my running club who are probably in their 60s at least; fantastic figures, slim, toned and energetic and can run for miles whilst chatting at the same time - that's what I want to be like.

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