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

I am totally in awe of you Paws being someone who doesn't like to stray too far out of my comfort zone...Moshi what's your target time for the VLM, so that I can and ...I remember the very first London Marathon because it passed by my house - it's about 4 x as big now, but I do recall the waves and waves of runners, and that you couldn't cross the road for about an hour. So good luck to you all (I am pretty sure that I am never going to run a marathon...)

So, managed a 5 miler this afternoon at about 6:30 min/k pace which felt very easy indeed :) aiming for about 6:10/k for upcoming half, which I think is do-able, given that if I push I can easily do a 8.5k course in about 47 minutes. I've 6 weeks to go, and really need to put some long runs in. Longest so far was 16k - which was fine, so planning on stretching that out by 2k each week until I get to 22, and then a last 20k before the final week.

I keep hoping to get out in the evenings, but DD (2.3) is being particularly difficult about going to bed at the moment (we have a Battle of Wills in this house to make hitting the wall seem like fun...). Like a couple of others, I've been travelling a lot - sometimes this is good for running (no familial negotiation, no office to get to), but the last few occasions it's just been impossible, so I feel for you.

Welcome to the newbies, although I am only a thread old on here myself!

My DS1 (aged 8) is also boob-obsessed at the moment, couldn't get him away from the computer earlier when I was trying to buy a shock absorber bra online.

Fantastic race report paws, sounds like it was absolutely brutal out there so well done again! Especially considering how many people didn't make the finish line. Can't believe you are signing up for another one, good stuff!

Moshi your ds sounds adorable. I don't know much about 8 year old boys but his internet browsing is probably par for the course I would imagine. Perhaps cestlavie can fill us in on what it is liek to be an 8 year old boy, if he can remember that far back!

squix, thanks for the heads up on that programme. I saw a little article on the bbc website about the subject but didn't realise it was a whole show, will look out for it.

Chair welcome! I am pregnant and running (sort of). The general advice is to only keep doing things you have already been doing so make sure you have a good base so that when you do get pregnant you can carry on. My only other advice is that you will have to play it by ear. I am 8 weeks at the moment and so exhausted (and feeling sick) that I am only geting out there when I don't feel it won't wipe me out for the rest of the day! Was planning on going this afternoon but was so shattered (dreadful night's sleep) that I decided it would be counter productive. Good luck!

thetasigmait sounds like you are physically very well prepared. I can totally understand your nerves, but you will be fine with that training under your belt. You just need to take it steady at the start and after the first couple of miles your nerves will settle. Good luck!

Welcome too fascicle and gizmo, so exciting to have so many VLMers on here. Thinking if I feel ok on SUnday I might come in and have a look/do some cheering!

meant to add about the boobs, dd is completely obsessed with them, although perhaps in not quite the same way

penguin as I dimly recall that part of the pregnancy really is challenging on the bladder, as well as towards the end, anyway as you were, it is never the same again is it?

I am peeing about once an hour atm

hello and welcome to all newbies to thread

moshi that is very sweet

best of luck to all VLM have a great time

here all a bit holiday crazy hopefully will go out with dd tomorrow of day after for a run and she can ride her bike, all weather dependent
she is a very motivational trainer, 'come on mum faster, are you being slow because you are 42?'
to think that 6 years ago I went through such a lengthy labour

I also shed a tear at your marathon report Paws - you've set the standard for the next lot running on Sunday

Can't believe you've signed up for another one already!

Welcome Fascicle and Chair.

I'm so excited for you all running London! Have been listening to Marathon Talk today on my run home from work, it was all about the count-down of what to do in the last week before your 'A-race' as they call it (). Wish mine was sooner, I will explode by 22nd May.

Lovely poem, particularly the very specific mention of Asics!

Fab run home from work today, sunny but breezy and I felt the best I've felt for ages even though I did my longest ever run on Sunday. Feeling a bit more confident about actually getting round Edinburgh now - I may even send out a sponsorship link soon to make it official.

thetasigmamum, I also have to do a lot of travel for my work and it is causing a bit of a problem for my training as I can often only get out once during the week. May try and take my trainers when I'm away on Thursday/Friday. So no advice, only sympathy! Sounds like you are v well prepared for your race, hopefully on the day you'll be able to relax and enjoy it.

Happy running everyone.

Am still giggling at Penguin's 13 wees pregnant - exactly how I felt each time (sorry Penguin!)

Moshi I have no idea about that sort of tech stuff, but ds1 is 8 and has been coming out with some fairly choice language recently - everything "sucks" apparently . I blame the parents! . Seriously though his poem was lovely, I got a card from ds2 saying I was a superb violin player (not sure about the superb) a great dancer (definitely untrue) and a marathon runner (just about true).

I looked at our marathon photos on the web today and they're hilarious - as usual I look like I'm barely moving. Ds1 however looks like he's flying!

Wishing all of our VLM ladies all the best, the last few days of the taper are unsettling but you've got all the excitement and best bits to come! Can I just add one small tip - you can never get enough Vaseline. I was covered in the stuff but still rubbed very raw under my bra, despite topping up supplies along the way from the St John Ambulance people.

Moshi, I had to ring them a few weeks ago because I was doing such a fantastic job of losing every bit of paper they were sending me. As well as reminding me of my runner's number - again, they kindly told me which pen I'm in. Apparently, whoever put the entry in for me (wasn't me - long story) put me down for a finish time of 4 hours, which is what determines your pen number. If you're chasing sub 3.30 I imagine you'll be in pen 3 or 2.

Hello folks ? I wonder if I can hide on your thread for a little bit? I?ve got taper madness and with 5 days to go, I?ve got it bad. Symptoms include: feeling amazingly lethargic and unfit, compulsive checking of the weather forecast/all runs logged on my iPhone and the purchase of ridiculous quantities of beetroot (all recipes gratefully received)

Paws, bloody well done on surviving Brighton ? it?s such a shock to the system, isn?t it, training all winter and then getting 25 degrees! I had a few friends running the Paris marathon on the same day who were worried by the heat and I think it was cooler there!

Moshi that?s a very sweet poem from your son, and so lovely that he really appreciates the things that are important to you. Is he coming to London to watch the race? I think I might have to leave my family (DH and 3 DC) at Greenwich because getting around town is going to be such a struggle for them, I?m not sure they?d enjoy it much.

So, is that 4 of us at VLM ? or 5? Does anyone else know what start/pen they are in? I?m on blue start in pen 4 I think ? maybe we should organise a fast moving Mumsnet meet up?

Hi Chair

I'm currently 13 wees pg, but running is my secondary exercise to climbing. As such I aim to do 1 run a week (but haven't this week). Basically it's about effort. Keep effort the same and over time what you achieve will go down. Maintain current levels (although it's OK to increase in the 1T if you're not worried). The main problem is that pg symptoms get in the way. In my first pg I had extreme fatigue in my first trimester, followed by trap nerve issues and back ache. Running was therefore difficult but non aerobic sports were fine. I mountaineered until 7/8 months and climbed until 37 weeks. So if it doesn't work you can pick up other exercises like swimming or yoga.

Moshi meant to add in my last post, that poem by your DS is absolutely lovely, what a little star he is

paws good for you, entering another one! I think you deserve a bit of a rest before you start training again though

Welcome Chair. There are a few pregnant runners on here who could give good advice....not me though, I'm all done with babies

Thanks wheelybug guess I'll just to have to see how I feel, if and when it gets to that!

Ah fantastic paws ! Your post bought tears to my eyes. What an achievement. You should be so proud of yourself - we are of you here !! I guess it speaks volumes you are signed up for another - and, at least, October will be cooler (any known history of freak heatwaves in October ??).
Just think what you've done for the charity too. And well done to your son too (thanks for the email as well).

MOre tears in eyes with your ds's poem moshi, I too love the reference to Asics. Not that your obssession with all things running is rubbing off on your children.

Welcome fascicle - good luck for sunday ! Another one to virtually cheer on .

Welcome too Chair - there are a couple on here who are running whilst pregnant. However, when I got pregnant with dd2 I took to my sofa - but I'd had a tough time getting there and I think if I'd been able to wrap myself up in cotton wool I would have done !! Good luck with everything...

I'm hoping fora lap of Richmond Park in the morning. My MIL is up to babysit tonight so as long as I don't have too big a night (don't laugh - but I am taking DH to see Kylie as his christmas present.... I'm not a fan but have never really done the big stadium concert thing having been more of a indie dingy pub kind of girl in my youth, so I think it will be an... er... experience !).

Moshi - have signed up for the Chester marathon 9th October - I enjoyed the overall experience of the preparation, training, getting ready for the race - even elements of the race itself - and most of all having a goal.

So - my plan for the next 6 months. My training plan before was in fairness a "get you round" plan, and I guess it did what it said on the tin. What do I do in the meantime/for next time - any recommendations? How do I keep myself sharp and motivated for October?

PS DoYou - I noticed that the 5 hour pacing group was well behind me at the halfway point, but then must have ramped it up in the second half. If you've been able to handle ramping up the pace in the later stages then I would aim to do that. Presumably there will be a pacing group you can attach yourself to? The ones I saw at Brighton were brilliantly motivating.

Great race report paws - I know you said you're a little disappointed with the time but I think you're awesome just for finishing - particularly in those conditions! :)

Thanks for the welcome!

I enjoyed reading your marathon account, Pawsnclaws. Well done on completing the race in such gruelling conditions. Heat is something I fear!

Moshi and Doyouthink... Can I decide after the event whether the training went well? Actually I think I've been very lucky. Just a few minor hitches (like dropping a rolling pin on my toe and putting up with endless chafing whilst searching for the right sports bra!).

Here's hoping for a good day for all of us on Sunday.

paws so great to read your race report, sounds like an incredibly tough day. You did brilliantly, you should be really proud of yourself. The weather was one thing no-one could have anticipated, sounds really, really horrid!! Take care of yourself

Welcome fascicle I hope you have a great day on Sunday. I'm not sure whether I am excited or terrified at the moment....both I think How has your training gone?

Thankyou for all the pacing advice, I really apprecitate it I shall have a stern talk with myself about setting off at a really easy pace and seeing how I go! A the moment my goals are simply to finish, enjoy it, and not miss DH and the DS's along the route!

Hello runners. Am new to this neck of the woods, and wondered if this was the right place to ask for advice about running when pregnant?

I've just started to get into running, well jogging, and despite myself am really enjoying it. We're planning to start TTC soon and I wondered if 'success' on that front would mean the end of my new found running joy?

Is it OK to carry on running? I like to run outside, over footpaths and fields rather than the treadmill, not mega fast, but uneven ground.

TIA

Hi facsicle and welcome to the thread. Good luck for Sunday - there's a few others on here also doing it!

Very sweet poem Moshi - love the reference to a specific brand of trainers!

Agree with Moshi on the advice doyou. The classic advice is always start a little slower, find your pace and take it up if you're feeling comfortable - I think that makes sense, especially on a marathon when you need to maintain your glycogen stores for miles 20 - 22 onwards, otherwise there's a real risk of 'hitting the wall' earlier on. Also, pyschologically it gives you a lift to be able to pass people on the last few miles rather than being the one struggling along. In my experience, by about midway you should have a good sense of how you're feeling and whether you can take it up a notch.

Great race commentary paws, thanks! That sounds brutal. Unrelenting sun makes it incredibly hard and just beats you down, and may be part of the reason you felt heavy and uncomfortable - there is obviously a link between body temperature, heart rate which means that at higher temperatures your body (and heart) is having to work harder to maintain a certain level of performance. Getting round is an achievement in itself, plus having the thought to pace it properly. There are no prizes for ending up in a St John's ambulance on a drip (which I've seen happen to people).