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

Just an easy 40 min run for me today - weather was perfect for a run, sunny but still quite chilly.

I want a Garmin so much! DH says he thinks it's a waste of money as I can work out my pace easily when I get home anyway for free (and of course he didn't need any gadgets when he ran his 10 mile race...) But I want to know my pace while I'm running. Problem is I am a bit of a gadget fiend, and he just doesn't get it... I could just get one anyway, but feel a bit mean spending the money if he's not keen, as he recently treated me to a trip to NY and we're trying to be a bit careful with money now. Think I may have to wait until my birthday :(

cestlavie I like your tip for carrying cold water.
Squix I'm dying to weigh myself before and after a long run now (must remember that it's water though, and not get excited at prospect of losing 1.5kg in a couple of hours!)
Wheelie I think the convenience of the Ibis makes it well worth the expense!

squix & peachy thanks, careful with GI's is the way to go thanks

wheely forgot to say thanks for thought while doing Kingston, it warmed my heart

went out today, working on recovery improving fitness ans hopefully getting on increasing speed it all went flat last year, not that I would ever be fast, but a little faster be great. True that training seems almost counter-intuitive but worth keeping at it

happy running all

Paws - have a relaxing week if you can ! And fingers crossed its a bit cooler on Sunday. At least being Brighton there is bound to be some breeze !

Well doen on the runs (so to speak !) Cest and Squix. Squix - are you sure you're not running too much if you're seeing the easter bunny etc .

I have a basic-ish Garmin (FR60) so not GPS but recommended by my techy bro (who told me a GPS one wasn't worth it... and then promptly bought himself one). Mine does tell you current speed and average speed and other things (am not very technical). Its great - other than the fact its not transferring data at the mo.

Squix am also all ears on advice for Garmins. I've been thinking of getting the Forerunner 110 but it sounds like it doesn't tell you your current speed, just your lap speed (e.g. over last 250m, last 1km) which doesn't sound like it would be great for intervals...

paws - I have the opposite problem with DD - she has a habit of opening the cubical door when I take her in with me, usually when I am not in a position that I want the rest of the world to see!

drnorthener - well done on the pb, and some good mile splits too

Rohanda - hello, I was the same about 8 months ago - hadn?t done much for ages - didn?t take me long to get addicted again

sfxmum - I was following low carb diet for a bit, I was doing this while I was training, but not training as much as I am now - I made sure I ate lots of the lower carb fruit - berries in particular. Although since I?ve started training more seriously I have moved to looking at GI rather than carbs and still avoid sugar and refined wheat (bread, pasta etc) and focus on things like whole grain, lentils and beans. For my porridge, I use oat bran and only really have that on long run days. I think something like Greek yoghurt and berries is a good, quick low carb breakfast.

cestlavie - taking your own advice can definitely be tricky

I had a busy weekend - Saturday did 3.5miles at about 9.0 mins per mile in the morning then off to see Mama Mia in the afternoon - my mother?s day pressie.

Yesterday did a long slow 12 miles before lunch at MILs. Although it was long and slow I was about 1 minute a mile faster than I was last week. I felt a bit achey afterwards but not as tired as I have done in the past, I got up early and had a bowl of porridge as suggested and I am sure it made a big difference. I think the speed training is also starting to kick in.

Saw someone dressed as the Easter Bunny - over the last 3 months I have seen the Gruffalo, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and at least 6 people walking in pj?s whilst out on a Sunday morning. I live near a famous landmark which is popular for sponsored walks - I do sometimes have to check that I am not hallucinating

I am also testing out my ?hydration strategy? (or as DH said - ?you mean ?having a drink???). Weighed myself before and after run and I was 1.5 kg lighter afterwards, despite drinking ½ ltr on my way round. I had not realised that I would lose quite as much. Made sure that I drank loads the rest of the day.

Those of you that use Garmin etc - how useful do you find them? I am thinking of buying something but not sure which - they?re quite pricey so I want to get it right.

Dontcha love those locking-in incidents paws - "okay honey, just try pushing it really hard the other way, no, the other way... okay... try jiggling it a bit then.... okay, well try not to panic..."

Thought for warmer days which helps me a bit - if you have a drink you take round, keep it chilled for as long as possible, put it in a cool bag and put ice into it at the last possible minute (e.g. from hotel). Not sure how much physiological difference it makes but it does make a psychological difference and keeps your hands cold at least!

Started my 'new' training regime today. Looking back at my training diary, it's clear my speed it has plateaued over the last 2 - 3 months so am trying to take my own advice and work to a more structured training plan. Not sure but I think it's probably the result of running too hard and far on each run which means (a) not enough good quality running and (b) being increasingly knackered.

What this means in particular not trying to push myself too hard every minute of every run but make sure the running is better quality overall. Mainly this means (i) slowing down properly on intervals (ii) running the fast intervals and tempo runs at a steady, consistent pace and (iii) dropping the speed on my longer runs which I seem to run at race pace. Not sure how successful this will be, especially on long runs, but we shall see!

Today I did 12k with 4k at circa 8.60 m/m, then 5.5k at 7.20 m/m then last 2.5k at 9.40 m/m. Feels weird running under capacity for the last 2.5k so definitely need to be convinced of this new regime!

Oh dear. Just checked weather forecast for next Sunday ..... 21 degrees .

Just dropped in to say hi to you all - our Easter hols have started already, so I'm home alone with all three ds to amuse! The oldest two are doing a football camp for a couple of days though, so only a few days to fill.

Did a nice slow 7 miles with a friend last night - my last long run (gulp). I really enjoyed it though, and my legs felt much stronger. Just 3 miles tomorrow and 2 on Thursday before the big day ...... yesterday was a lovely day, walked out to see the spring lambs then had a drink in a pub garden. Which was great until ds2 locked himself in the toilet cubicle and couldn't get out (you know that sinking feeling when you're saying the words "don't lock the ......" and you hear the bolt shutting?) Luckily he managed to slide under the door, but I guess the pub will now be puzzled as to how the door is locked from the inside with no-one in there!

Anyway, welcome all newbies, and special congrats to DrNo on a great time.

Haven't checked but I'm assuming I'm now top of the list

Thanks thecoo - Yes, I think its more expensive than similar of its kind but a bit more central but done now... My parents are talking of coming to Portsmouth for the weekend to support (for their 46th wedding anniversary !) so the plan is to shower at their place as they'll be staying sunday too.

The footfall/ breathign thing sounds even more complicated than pilates breathing ...

Am v. jealous of all this horseriding. My bro and I gave each other a horse ride (That dsoesn't sound right but hopefully YKWiM) the summer I found out I was (eventually) pg with dd2 and we haven't got round to it. DD1 is also desperate to have regular rides but am resisting for hte time being.

My garmin has given up transferring data through my ant stick. Not sure what's happened. Hoping my brother might pass through next weekend on his way to the brighton marathon and is exceedingly techy so might sort itout for me. .

some good running been going on! time and opportunity conspired against a long run for me today (had to make cake...) but managed about 8k at a 6:08 pace which was pretty easy. So pleased with that - would like to get easy runs down to under 6 min/km as a rule. This week has been a washout in terms of mileage (not my fault), and next week may not be much better...but I should manage a longish run on Tuesday morning (well, a 9 miler at any rate), and then a proper long run on Sunday (11+). It's just really frustrating me now!

Wow, the thread has been busy this weekend.

Well done on the PB DrNo.With a stitch and a tough course that's a great achievement. Agree with peaches and Rohanda (welcome by the way!) - I think stitches are meant to come down to diaphragm issues. Usual advice is as they said, to match footfall with breathing. That said, I imagine the practicality is harder than the theory.

Sounds like some mums have had good mother's days! Sounds like you had a great afternoon Moshi! DW went properly riding this morning for the first time in a while and is now lying whimpering on the sofa with a large glass of wine. DS had his first riding lesson as well and loved it and DD took the disappointment at being too tired to ride with surprising equanimity (well, comparative equaniminity anyway sit - she got to sit on a horse at least). Friends over this afternoon as well so all good here.

I like the idea about comparing race stats and thoughts on where races have gone wrong (um, got lots of personal experience in that regard... . Means I now get a little obsessed about splits and things. Am definitely going to get a decent Garmin over the next couple of weeks as am thinking about have a big old rework of my running regime.

Enjoy what's left of Mothers Day all of you!

Have just spent a good 45 mins on here trying to catch up with you lot as haven't been around since Thurs...

Well done DrNortherner - that sounds like a fab time to me, and at least now you know that you only have a measly 14 secs to beat your friend next time.

Welcome Rohanda and any other newcomers I've missed. This is the friendliest thread not just on Mumsnet but anywhere I've come across - everyone is so encouraging and lovely, regardless of ability/speed.

I only managed a quick run this morning, warmup then 3 miles then cool down, but did run faster over the 3 miles than I have before, so felt pleased. Hoping it's my intervals/speed training that is reminding my muscles they can go faster, so by June I'll be flying round the 10 mile race!

Wheelybug I think it was the Ibis that DH and I stayed at when he ran GSR a couple of years ago. It was expensive for what it was (though I think that was due to the race and demand) but otherwise fine and really convenient for getting to the start.

I don't really understand that - I can do three/four steps in the time it takes to breathe out?

possum footfall is just how your foot meets the ground. Apparently you are supposed to regulate your breathing so you your right and left foot falls alternately on the ground with each out breath. This is to kee everything in balance as your footfalls ate harder on the out breath and it should help with stitches etc. I tried doing it but found it felt quite complicated and unnatural. However I think with practice it could become second nature.

Sfx I tend to stick to porridge, bananas, bagels. Bagels would be high GI though eh? Someone here avoids here wheat, can't remember off the top of my head so they might have good ideas about low GI foods.

speaking of nutrition I need to follow a sort of low carb diet not Atkins but be careful about glycemic index due to high risk of developing diabetes
question is, do any of you follow a similar plan? and what do you eat before running? I a happy to stay on the porridge for breakfast when I can run in the morning but when it is cold but coming Summer I need option, and also for later in the day running TIA if anyone has suggestions

and welcome Rohanda sorry about missing your initial post

Congrats on your PB DrNo, great time. Agree it is all down to experience. I am rubbish at races and seem to lose my mind as I cross the start line! Happy Birthday to your DS!

Poor you Wheely that restaurant sounds vile!

Moshi your day sounds lovely, glad you enjoyed it! I got a liie in and a card which was nice. Have spent most of the day shovelling down crackers to stave off nausea.

Have another question for those of you who ran whilst pregnant. Did you feel awful but ran anyway (and did it help?) or did you feel ok and so were able to run? I had planned to run today bit just felt to yuck and tired. Haven't been out since last Saturday but would like to keep it up.

Welcome Rohanda, that was a great time for your first in a year!!

Agree with everyone posting their splits, it is really useful.

Yes Moshi - I think its new in Kingston and we went there because we've always liked it elsewhere... guess its all down to the individual manager/chef etc. There were other people walking out and complaining so at least we know it wasn't just us being awkward buggers (never done it before either).

Sorry if it was the banana that caused your issues DrNo, I think that was my advice.

The whole nutrition thing is a minefield. I just had a wierd half hour of feeling like I was going to throw up and really shivery - DH told me to go and eat and drink so I had some water and a couple of biscuits and it seems to have sorted me out. I don't think I ate enough today before my run even though I didn't run as far as I usually do and I didn't push the speed. NOw, if I'd had that brunch..... .

(what's footfall?)

Hi Rohanda

FROM practice and experience!!

ah, the banana issue! Some say yes, but it can also be caused by breathing and footfall on your right foot. I am too stupid to follow the footfall thing, esp. as it asks you to regulate your footfalls with your breathing in a particular way. Too complicated!!
Google it and see if any of the causes are prevalent to you DrNo? IT seems to be quite an individual experience. I think you just have to find out what is relevant to your body, and you will only know this my practice and experience.

and thank you too Moshi. There's a few talented runners round here! Can feel the first stirrings of a running plan........

I ate a banana 55 mins before the race......could that have contributed to my stitch?

And second moshi's notes on starting reasonably. There's quite a lot of discussion around causes of stitches and how to drop them. Some say it's diaphragm muscle, some it's the diet. I just know that extending my abs muscles out in the area where the stitches is helps me. No need to stop for it.

This IS a busy thread!!

DrNo - even better, knocked a few seconds off. At least with only 14 seconds between you and your friend you know you could beat her . Glad the party went well.

Well done Rohanda

Sounds lovely Moshi. I've been treated pretty well this weekend but we had a disasterous brunch out today - went to Browns in Kingston (AVOID AT ALL COSTS) and brunch took 45 minutes to arrive adn then was congealed and horrid so we left without eating (or paying) all starving and dd1 in tears.

Did get out for 10K once we got back (after not getting any of the shopping we were after !) which improved my mood .