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

Welcome futurity. It must feel good to know that you will get the chance to run VLM eventually. I'm not sure why they have scrapped it really, it does seem a fair way of doing it to me

Like you I would never be able to take a charity place, no way I could raise the sponsorship so I feel really fortunate to have got a place.

Good luck to you to pass I hope you are feeling better and all goes well on Sunday

I have done my penultimate run I feel much better for it actually. I think this not running is getting to me and not helping my nerves one bit!! I'm looking forward to the marathon being over so I can get back to some decent mileage.

I run as much for my mental health as anything else and not being able to run much plus the stress of worrying about all the practical stuff for Sunday...packing everything, finding the train station Sunday morning, getting to the start line on time, queues for the loo...I could go on....it's all getting too much. I need a really long run to wear myself out and forget about it all....Oh wait, that's Sunday isn't it

I got a leaflet with my race stuff about the delightfully named p-mate, so women can wee standing up Apparently there will be urinals for women at the start to reduce queuing time I'm sure I would end up just weeing all over myself

I have a cunning plan to go to the loo and then just join the back of the queue again and again, until it's time to start Oh and I will be taking immodium as a precaution too

Apologies for the overuse of emoticons!!

Just dropping in to wish any VLMmners good luck including Moshi and Doyouthinktheysawus

I have not managed to get in any running for 3 weeks due to wheezy chest and sick dcs but at least I got to 20 miles in training, so in theory I should be able to do it.

I shall post agin on Sunday to get everyones results.

Keep on running

Hi! Quick hello from me. I am a lurker who reads this thread every day but I have never had a chance to say hello (well I did a while ago but couldn't keep up with it!). I love reading about everyone's events and will be watching the marathon this weekend with envy!

I am posting now as I saw someones comment about the rejection thing and the VLM. I know they canceled the 5 rejections and then you are in thing last year but if you had 2 consecutive rejections under your belt then you are allowed to carry on and the 5 rejection thing still applies.

So basically I am covered by this. About this time last year I got an email from them saying they were changing the rules but that as I had 2 rejections I could carry on applying under that rule and gave me a special web link to go through to do this meaning I didn't have to battle trying to even get into the ballot again! This happened again this year...the other week in fact..I got the email from them and I have already applied so this will be my 4th application...and hopefully NOT my 4th rejection!

Anyway, it might be an idea to phone them if you think you may be in this position as they were very helpful when I had to phone last year about it.

Hope this helps someone! I know I could never raise enough money to go through the charity route and I realise how lucky I am to still be able to apply knowing that I will eventually get a place sometime in the next few years. Still doesn't stop me feeling crushed EVERY October when I get the beeping rejection magazine!

Hello all . I haven't visited this thread for ages as I've been injured and failing to fight the inertia that sets in when I'm not running. I was supposed to be doing a 10k in May, but am writing that off - I'll never have time to build my distance back up in time and I'm determined not to risk hurting my foot again by building up too quickly. I was feeling really unhealthy and lazy and thinking maybe running isn't really for me after all etc etc.
Then I read an article in the Telegraph magazine about this crazy race called the Spartathlon, and gave myself a good telling off. If these people can run 152 miles in 36 hours, most of them in their 40s or 50s, I think I can manage to get back up to 10k again. Maybe not in time for the May race, but still...

The Me who will do De Sables is from an alternate universe, but I like reading about it so feel free to do it and tell tales

I too run in order to keep sane and switch off, that is why too much planned training gets in the way of the zoning out required to achieve it

Getting quite excited about all the VLM and can't wait to hear about it, seems this year I know about 6 people doing it, all in this universe,although some virtual, thought I'd make that clear

happy running

Did anyone watch the documentary about James Cracknell when he did the MDS? He was awesome and such an inspiration! It really blew me away, what he put himself through!

cestlavie - what about this - I read an extract in a magazine and thought it sounded good (probably won't give you any tips on speed though!)

I know paws. He was trying to tempt me into the MdS as well but I would need a gazebo on wheels, a petrol tank of iced water and a fridge to climb into to even contemplate it...!

cestlavie don't rely on me about the rejection thing for the VLM as I'm not sure what would count for previous years, I just know it wouldn't help me that I was rejected for this year apparently. The trailwalker sounds brilliant, go for it. The Marathon des Sables would be my personal hell - no way in a million years!

thecoo you've described exactly my breathing problem - I feel a bit puffy while running, but when I get home it seems to really hit me and I feel very wheezy. I'm fine most of the year unless recovering from a cold, but this time of year it really starts - unless I do my exercise indoors, which I prefer not to do. Think I need to see my GP again to discuss.

Hi Strangeways - welcome to the thread!

Thanks gizmo. Trailwalker sounds absolutely fantastic! Am so up for that... Have actually already mailed a group of like minded friends from uni this morning and got one other guy who's already mailed back and is up for it (he's a little nuts though and has his name down for the Marathon des Sables in 2013 so may not be a fair reflection of general enthusiasm...!)

Can't believe that previous failed ballot entries don't count anymore for VLM paws. That's very disappointing - I'd be counting on that a bit having a couple of failed attempts to my name already... Will definitely still be going for it though!

thecoo - have just finished Feet in the Clouds. Very good book. Am also trying to find my next running read so any thoughts welcome...

gizmo I don't normally get asthma but every now and then it appears. A doctor prescribed an inhaler for me a few years ago when it appeared after I'd recovered from a bout of bronchitus, and I occasionally get it during the hayfever season or if I overdo the running a bit. Last night was the first time I'd got wheezy in about a year though. I felt it very slightly when I was warming up, but it didn't really bother me during the training itself. It was afterwards, when I got home that I got the wheezes which lasted until I went to bed. Fine this morning though.

All you VLMers must be getting sooooo nervous excited now - a friend of mine is doing it too and I'm feeling quite jealous of you all! It will be fab to read all the race reports on here once it's over.

Moshi Shooters Hill! That's my home turf - went to the primary school just down the road Truly, I wish you your dream race.

squix I don't think my knees or, even more importantly my feet, could take a full marathon. They are practically exploding with pus after a 20K run as it is. I have very small feet - size 4, and although I'm short, at 5'2" I think they are perhaps disproportionately little. I'm convinced that is a factor in how much they hurt. I change my shoes every 300 miles and I've had my gait analyzed several times, so I know it's not that I'm wearing the wrong shoes. I just think they want me to know they are there and there is a limit to what they will take (they are fine after a 10K run, fine after anything up to 16K really).

sungirltan It sounds like I'm the opposite to you - I hate tready running. I had to do it when the snow was, at least, while my route was sheet ice (I did run in falling snow several times till the route became impassable) and I found it torture. I've also had to do it when abroad - Swedish treadys have seen a lot of me this year - but I just find it desperate. I like the wind on my face, basically. And most of all I like running beside water. The longest I have ever managed on a tready is 10K but my last trip to Stockholm, a month ago, it was all I could do to keep going for 5K each day. :( I hate watching the stats but they hold an awful fascination for me and I can't tear my eyes away. :(

The info about gels was interesting but I don't think it would be wise to experiment 2.5 weeks before my race. Maybe afterwards. A marathon running friend told me he takes a bournville bar with him. Obviously I can't do that, I was thinking about a vegan bar (Nakd do some nice choc orange ones) but actually since I've managed several 20K runs without, I think I might be better off leaving well alone. This time, anyway.

I think you're right, Drivingmisscrazy. That's the basic obstacle to doing a marathon, isn't it? It's not that it's physically not accessible to all of us, just that you must a) have the time available to do the training b) accept that without it you're not going to be able to wing it.

Although having said that, the time commitment per week can be made quite reasonable for 75% of a marathon campaign - say 8-10 hours per week. It's the ability to maintain it for many weeks in a row and put aside a much higher commitment for a crucial 6 weeks or so that can be tricky.

squix you sound like my kind of runner! not built for speed either (short, stocky type) and probably never going to do a marathon. I've a good friend doing the training at the moment, and I do find myself thinking that I'm not sure I can be bothered...I too struggle to fit in the training between DD, cooking, the house, the garden, the extended family, endless work, allotment etc...something has to give, and it's the marathon. Or to put it a bit differently, staying fit and sane IS a priority for me, running 26.2 miles isn't, although I greatly admire people who have the discipline and talent to do it.

To all those contemplating the VLM ballot - go for it! At the very least, if you get the rejection letter, you could pick up a place in the Paris marathon. No ballot, and a frankly more glamorous venue than the Isle of Dogs

Thecoo, that sounds like a good session. If you get running related asthma, do you find it comes on as you are running or afterwards? Are you asthmatic otherwise?

Wow, lots of chat to catch up on.

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend - hope it all goes to plan and all your hard work comes to fruition.

Drivingmiss - my 1/2 marathon is the day after yours - 5.5 weeks blimey. I am looking forward to it but it seems to have come round very quickly. Hmm - quite excited about it - particularly with all the marathon news at the moment.

sungirltan - I find I give up quicker on the treadmill rather than outside - I find it easier to step off . Outside, I know I am either going to have to complete my circular route or run back the way I came, so I might as well stick to what I was planning. I don't mind the treadmill - particularly for intervals I think it is great. The treadmills at the gym I use have their own TVs and I sometimes have to be selective on what I watch....I can't watch anything funny as I have been known to giggle too much and fall off the machine or any food programmes as I just end up feeling really, really hungry.

I don't think I will ever be able to do the full 26 and a bit miles - I don't think my knees would take it and it can be a struggle for me to fit in all the training I need to for the 1/2. I did the moonwalk just before I was pregnant with DD - my sister dragged me round and we did it in 6 hrs 40 so I am more than happy with that and working towards time goals is a big enough challenge for me - I am not naturally built for speed.

I've decided I'm going to go for a ballot place in VLM for next year - I know chances are slim, but you never know... If I survive my 10 mile race without injury then I'll do a half around Sep or so and that will have me ready to start training for the marathon. If I don't get in then I'll look for another one to enter instead I think.

Will have a look out for the Paula Radcliffe biography - she's amazing! Still busy reading Feet in the Clouds which someone here recommended, but will need something new to read when done with that.

I listened to the BBC radio 4 programme that someone on here also mentioned yesterday - it was great! So thank you to that person (sorry I can't remember who )

Had a hard speed training session today. I ran at total of about 4 miles including 3x 1mile fast intervals with 4.5-5 mins recovery inbetween and it really finished me off! Got a bit of mild asthma this evening, but feeling proud that I pushed myself. Of course my "speed" intervals are at the pace most of you do your long slow runs at...

No run for me tomorrow, but will probably go for a bike ride instead with my boys.

hello all: despite my best laid plans, seemingly I am not going out to do hills tonight :o I think the evening running isn't going to work for me - DD no longer goes meekly to bed at 7, and I often have work to do...

paws friend of mine is at about week 13 of the Hal Higdon schedule (whether beginner or intermediate I can't recall) - it's going well for her. She particularly likes the step-down weeks that aid recovery.

Paula Radcliffe - 10 min mile is presumably walking, for her? As I said, my running hall of fame includes Sonia O'Sullivan (passed her :o), Catherine McKiernan (probably not famous there, but is here) and Brendan Foster...nothing rubbed off on me, unfortunately

Chasing weekly mileage now, 5.5 weeks away from my first half (May 21st), so out for a 10 miler tomorrow. At least it's cooler now

I spoke to a friend the other day who is running the VLM this year - she's got in 2 times out of 10 on the ballot and the other times has had a charity place. I think I'll definitely put in (you know I tried last year?). My usual running partner also tried the ballot and didn't get accepted, but decided that if she wanted to run a marathon it had to be London, so I think she'll try again.

My good news is that another friend of mine has decided she might do Chester with me. That would be amazing.

stranger - i thought about getting a running pram. there is some reason why the wheels are different sizes on different models (i mean on running prams - obv they are different to regualr buggies!)- i got some prof advice i will dig it out for you later

cestlavie 0- thanks for that. think i will have to go to the serious running shop and have them look at me and my trianers as i cant tell. they look brand new but they dont feel quite as springy as before - i think thats my clue isnt it?

meanwhile pouring here and i am a wimp so just done 60 mins non stop on the treadmill. not much inkwo but i never htought i could run non stop for an hour - i ama amazed! and a bit scared as i could have carried on about another 20 mins i reckon - clearly i am not pushing myself enough out on the roads! does anyone else find htis?

CestLaVie, if you want to try out the south downs in a sort of lightweight ultra, can I recommend Oxfam's Trailwalker event? Very well supported and administered, surprisingly flat and if you really want to you can run parts or even all of it.

Only problem is the amount of funds you need to raise to do it. And it's sold out for this year. How about a mumsnet squad for 2012?

Moshi, I think such curiosity is very normal, isn?t it, in 8/9 year olds? My DS (9) doesn?t show a lot of interest in boobs, as such, but we don?t bother with clothes much in our house and I?ve been feeding his baby sister a lot this year, so he?s probably rather boobed out. But I?m pretty sure he has a lively interest in bums and sex, it?s just he doesn?t mention it to us!

LOL at Grattan catalogue, I remember seeing a porno mag in the late 1980s that someone had just tossed into a ditch and being both shocked and curious, although I think it would be considered very softcore now!

StrangewayshereIcome ? I think I know where you?re coming from and depending on your own physiology and schedule a marathon next spring is perfectly sensible. I ran London 7 months after DS2 arrived (very easy birth, very easy baby) but that probably was a bit much and I ended up with a personal worst marathon time! On the other hand, DD will be 10.5 months old on Sunday when I run my next marathon and my training has gone well enough to make me hopeful of a PB or at least a good for age time. . IME the key things are to start very gently and give yourself several months to build a base of regular running before launching into a marathon schedule. And if things are sore and achy ? rest them! You need to be doubly careful about joints and ligaments because of post baby hormones.

By the way, I have an incredibly ancient babyjogger that I trained with after DS2 and DD, so if you wanted to give one a trial and see if it?s worth the money then I?d be happy for you to have it, if you?re willing to pay the courier. It?s not very pretty - it needs a bit of TLC to fix up the sun canopy properly and I wouldn?t rely on its brakes to work on a steep hill, but other than that I think it?s still got some miles left in it, and I don?t want to just sling it in the skip. Just let me know if you fancy it.