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

Futurity - I was Hazellnut, way back when.

sciencebint - I meant to say re: me being faster than you - don't forget that was in race conditions. I don't run that fast on a training run.....

I never knew that about Beetroot (but then I can't stand the stuff). Hope it works for you !

Also meant to say about changing trainers. I ran in a cheap 10 year old pair for probably about a year . Now change at 300 miles as I think I am heavy footed despite being a midget and need support and can feel when this starts to go.

hi Wheelybug...yes I am a Feb 05 mum...you've got a good memory! Seems a lifetime ago I was announcing my pregnancy on here :)

oh yes, the purple pee....I'm getting very self conscious in the work loo. In summary, it's supposed to improve your ability to process oxygen and reduce your time to exhaustion, according to small scale studies here. Can't believe I'm being so credulous, to be honest, generally I'm more the type to pick such studies apart, but beetroot is pretty inoffensive and even if it's just a placebo effect it's probably worth having

for beetroot divine

gizmo - the only upside of the beetroot will be that all the mn runners will know where you have piddled at the side of the road! (unless you are one of those strange people whose wee doesn't turn pink when they eat beetroot?). Seriously, what is it supposed to do for you?

Cestlavie: seriously, if you get a chance to do Trailwalker, go for it - I did it 7 years ago and am still banging on about it - although it was utterly foul because it rained incessantly (for 11 hours) and I got trench foot. No, really - unbelievably painful. But it was something that I won't forget in a hurry and introduced me to the joys of walking the South Downs in a full moon which is in my top 10 favourite ways to spend a summer night. Just to give you something to aim at, the Gurkha squads generally run it in around 11 hours

Moshi, I don't think I'd be much help to you, as I am also cacking myself. Can't work out why: this is my fifth marathon, you'd think I'd have worked out that the taper is a grisly mind game by now. But it's the not knowing?.I could have a sub 3.45 marathon in these legs or a 5 hr one and I've no way of telling until Sunday. Argggggghhhhhh.

As to what I am wearing? Some well worn but not too ancient capri leggings, a pink/black loose fitted v neck t-shirt and possibly a bum bag for gels, ibuprofen, emergency cash card & phone. Plus miracle double layer socks bought for me by a running mate at christmas which are just the most comfortable things ever. Recognise me by long brunette plait, glasses and my home made name label on my pink t-shirt saying Hermione (yes honestly). However I suspect I am in a pen well behind you so our chances of overlapping are remote.

The toilet question is a hardy perennial, I'm afraid. I'm not really one to ask as I have been known to pull a Paula (although not in full public view!) but actually I find if I don't overhydrate immediately before a race and just sip to my thirst (so a small mouthful as soon as I feel a bit dry, then maybe one more) it isn't generally an issue.

And oh the pace band nerves. I have only one. It's either one or 10 of the damn things to cover every eventuality. I actually quite like doing the mental arithmetic if I'm slipping off pace - it's a bit of mental arithmetic that distracts me from the pain. My main problem is avoiding accumulating gadgets - I'll be carrying my phone which has Runkeeper, a friend has offered me his Garmin and I'm thinking that a running watch and pace band is the simplest way of keeping track - if I succumb to all of it I shall be decorated like a bleeding' techno christmas tree!

However my big issue right now is Beetroot. Seduced by some dodgy pseudoscience I have bought Sainsbury's entire supply and am now chomping my way through root after root of the damn stuff. Just opened the fridge door and I can hear it laughing at me. Ho hum, beetroot and pasta for supper. Again.

sungirltan wouldn't worry overly - all the running greats (Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway) recommend brief bits of walking in training runs - rests the legs, settles the heart rate - the key is for them not to be too long. I try not to, but if I do I try to make sure that it's only for 30-60 secs. I find i do it more because of legs than lungs, IYSWIM and I usually could keep going - and would in a race, or on a tempo run. The key for me is to only do it in the last third of a very long run, by which time I often (now that I'm running for longer) feel that I might as well keep going.

If you are not going at an even pace, then you might just be going too fast - try dropping your pace a bit and you will probably find you can keep going.

I did a 10 miler this morning, in about 1:46 which i was happy with as I haven't done a long run for about 10 days. This is a canal route, so you have to watch your feet on some sections (elevated above canal, narrow, rocky), and I kept getting trapped at level crossings. I did feel it in my legs towards the end, although the first 3/4 was fine. Just realised too from my log that my shoes have over 900k on them, and when I bent down to take a stone out that they have actual HOLES in them (couldn't work out why I kept getting stones in my shoes - doh). So I have an ?80 voucher to use - am a bit broke - to buy I think my 6th model of Asics nimbus. Despite the wear and tear, I am running with much less calf pain then when I first wore them.

Thanks for the welcome, and for the advice, I guess I'll just have to play it by ear and see how I go. Good to know there's a place to ask questions. Hope everyone's training is going well.

meanwhile wondering whether to go out and run tomorrow or go for 90 mins on the treadmill. i am covering more miles outside but not at an even pace and opposite to you all i get wimpy and slow to a walk now and then - not good since i've showed myself my real stamina! any thoughts?

moshi 0 it was me with the trainers. think i'm due a trip to alfords (very serious sw running shop) when dh gets paid then!

vlm people - i'm saying besy of luck now as i get waylaid all the time and forget thing xxxx

It is 26th April for the marathon ballot so the tuesday after easter ....

Popping in briefly although should be packing...

Lots and lots of posts.

Mostly - marathon-ers I hope you're getting excited now !! Am sure I'll be on to wish you all luck but just in case GOOD LUCK ! On the subject of clothing, don't do what my bro did (did I say this before - probably) and have the iron on too high when you try and iron on your name....

Welcome futurity - you are also a feb 05 Mum aren't you ?

Cestlavie - I think a lot of us read the murakami book last year when someone else recommended it. Well worth a read.

On treadmill running - I do 2 runs a week on a treadmill out of necessity (creche for dd2) and I detest it. I do 5 miles each time and can't do a minute longer - not physically but mentally, I find it such a challenge. I also run slower generally on a treadmill which I think is pyschological. That said, I think it is the treadmill running that has definitely helped me up my pace generally as I do intervals (I think) to ease the boredom. I only have a term left of having to use the gym (so 12 weeks, 24 runs !).

So, does anyone know when the VLM ballot is ? from what I remember last year, you had to do it the day it opened. I told a friend about it and by the time she applied it was closed.

I tried that...but I don't think an hour is enough for my hamster bladder (love that term...SO true!). Am definitely going to experiment more with what I can get away with as it is really annoying me and taking the shine off my longer runs. It is manageable when I am running locally but when I am doing the half marathon there will not be toilet stops so I need to nip it in the bud now so I can relax and plod along in comfort!

futurity it helps me to have one big drink (say a pint) an hour before my run - then nothing until I actually start running. Otherwise I'm constantly topping up my hamster bladder!

I wondered that Doyouthinktheysaurus ...whether it was just all in my head...but on my last long run it was ridiculous..I went twice before starting the run...started running...realised I needed to go again..tried to ignore it..it didn't work so popped into local gym to use the loo...and did a massive wee (sorry if too much information!). I couldn't work out why!? Am I secretly a camel carrying excess water around or something!?

You are right...I should just avoid drinking before hand (within reason) and start carrying water with me. I am up to 8 miles now so was going to start thinking about doing that anyway (as well as the odd jelly baby as practice refueling) :)

Do you really need to go futurity or do you think it's psychological. TBH I tend not to drink that much before my long runs but I always take fluids with me which I sip at mile intervals throughout. I've never had to stop for a wee and my pelvic floor muscles have gone on an extended holiday

I would suggest carrying fluids and not drinking too much before and going just before you go. Plus do your pelvic floor exercises.

Lots of deep breathing and focusing on the moment Moshi. Try not to think about race day. Not working for me at all at the moment unfortunately

I will be wearing my capri leggings. I looked at some shorts at the expo but I wasn't sure how 'short' they were and thought better of it. I've got my Macmillan running top, name on the front, race number already pinned on! I've a lovely new running hat I got at the expo as well, really light weight, much nicer to wear than the old hat. I think it's going to be warm. I also got a gel belt which I won't be able to try out but hopefully will be ok. I have a little running pack for my phone as well. I don't travel light!!!

I got 2 pace bands, I thought of getting a third but I'm trying to be positive

I think I'm having the same concerns as you Moshi. I worry if I set off too slow no matter how good I feel in the last few miles I won't be able to make up the time at the end. However if I set off too quick I may explode and limp to the finish even slower

I'm glad it's not just me with the loo thing paws. I always need the loo when I'm nervous and when I know I can't go very easily.

Thanks for the clarification on VLM ballot paws and futurity - sadly I didn't apply in last two years so guess it's just going to be a case of getting lucky! Have got one other friend also now up for the 100k Trailwalk so may have to go for that instead...

Thanks for the book tips thecoo and drivingmiss - I've seen the latter of these before I think it might be pretty interesting, albeit in a slightly more reflective sort of way.

Bold choice on wearing something 'new' for the VLM Moshi... are they a style/ type/ brand you've worn before? With you on the pace bands though - I'd have them all the way up my arm so three's neither here nor there... actually, forget that, I'd probably have a Rubrix pace cube or something so I could cater for every eventuality!

Thinking about all you VLM'ers - lucky folk. Don't fret about the day, it'll be fantastic. It's such a buzz standing there with thousands of others when you hear the starting 'gun' and feel everyone setting off. V jealous

Thanks for your warm welcome. I think they scrapped the rejection thing due to "overwhelming interest in the marathon bla bla" or something like that! It will make it very hard to get in now through the ballot which is a right shame as I thought it was a good system.

Yes..it is a nightmare to get in the ballot unfortunately...the website ALWAYS crashes for the first half of the day the ballot opens. It used to open the day after the race but I think it may have changed to stop people applying on a whim after having seen the race and thought they could give it a go (despite never running a metre!). My advice is be patient and try later in the day or at some quiet time (middle of the night basically!). It is just a bit stressful and annoying but I don't know of anyone who has not managed to get through in the end. You just have to keep trying. It is just ironic that it is such a hassle even getting into the ballot...thats not even a guarantee of running the blimming thing!

Can I just ask a quick question about ...err..toilet stops before I let you all get on with marathon talk! I am training for a half marathon in June and I am finding it hard to know about drinking before my long runs as I know I should but then I need the toilet all the time:( I go before hand..then I go again..and then as soon as I start running it seems like I need to go AGAIN! It drives me up the wall! Heaven knows how I will cope if I ever got a marathon place. Any ideas on how I can get round this (apart from doing more pelvic floor exercises!??)

Sorry moshi cross post... Hope the others can give you the advice/reassurance you're looking for. I'm just in awe of you all!

Is it a nightmare to apply for the ballot for VLM? I suppose everyone is trying to apply simultaneously so hard to log on? This will be my first time, so it may be many many years before I get accepted anyway, but at least that will force me to keep running as I get older time passes...

The Shewee sounds like a good idea to me, but what do you do with it afterwards when it's covered in wee???

doyou I watched the James Cracknell programme. I must admit I didn't enjoy it that much though - there was so much repetition by the narrator, as if we're too stupid to remember what's going on from one set of adverts to the next... I'm sure there was only about 20 minutes about the actual race despite it being an hour long programme! It is inspiring that he managed to finish it though.

paws I wonder if it is actually asthma or just hayfever? Either way the asthma pump seems to help... I'm nervous to use it too much though in case I get dependant on it.

cestlavie I think you've read everything I have that's running related already. Born to Run is still one of my favourite books ever. I'm considering The Haile Gebrselassie Story, but there aren't many reviews, so if you want to test it out you can let me know whether to go for it

Hi futurity I think that's my understanding - that they've only kept the places open for people who were rejected in 09 and 10. Hopefully you'll get your chance soon.

Good luck pass, I read a fantastic article once by an ultramarathoner who said he ran his best race 3 weeks after ankle surgery - he believes it was the enforced rest that made it his best race.

DoYou I was like that on Sunday with the loos - I went at 8 am and then pretty much joined the back of the queue again, managing a final wee at 8.30! I think most of it was just excitement and nerves. Then I managed to not go at all until I got back to the hotel at 6.15 or 6.30! I would love a she-wee, within a mile of starting on Sunday there was a whole bank of men standing up peeing .... and one unfortunate lady squatting down in full view of everyone . Just a word of warning on the immodium, make sure you drink lots as otherwise it can cause cramps.

Really excited and a bit jealous too! Weather forecast looks fab, you're all trained up and good to go!