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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:
pawsnclaws · 02/04/2011 16:05

MrsWeds no good for my great clod-hopping feet - I'm a 6 in normal shoes and a 7 in running shoes. I always have Brooks as they seem to be great for my wide feet.

Hi youmakeme, do join us please. This is a fun and fast-moving thread!

Lazy day for me today - the boys are out washing the car for me and the only activity I'm planning is walking the dog later. Touch wood I feel completely injury free, even my feet feel abnormally good. Chest still a little wheezy, but nothing too dreadful.

Good luck for tomorrow DrNo, I always have porridge before my run - bananas are good too. No wheat for me otherwise I'd choose a bagel.

drivingmisscrazy · 02/04/2011 15:59

mrsweds - is that model of ascics neutral? If so, I'll take them off you - I run in nimbus, but could try another model, perhaps? I tend to just keep buying the same model, because of injury paranoia...this is silly, isn't it?

Wheelybug · 02/04/2011 12:30

DrNortherner - Lots of luck for tomorrow. I reckon you'll be great !! In my limited race experience, I've found porridge (raisin and cinnamon for me) for breakfast and then a banana half an hour or so before the start seems to do wonders. I hope you enjoy it and don't get chased by any sheep Grin.

Welcome Youmakeme and good luck tomorrow too ! Stick around here - everyone's welcome.

Thanks for the advice on accomodation booking Doyouthink (bummer re the pre-race injury) and paws. I've just booked the Ibis. I was worrying about how far things were away/ parking etc etc. But just thought I'd better just go for it. It seems to be in walking distance of the start. Hope the taper heebie-jeebies are being kept in check. My bro (brighton) is suffering the same I think.

Glad you're getting out there Hamster ! and great run possum.

moshi - glad the taking it easy has sorted the shins at least.

No running here today - am going to spend the afternoon in the hairdresser with a book. Then probably 10K tomorrow.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

DrNortherner · 02/04/2011 11:12

MrsWeds I would buy the Asics off you, they are my size but I need stability shoes. I love ASICS. Dh bought me some Adidas Supernovas and I just don't love them as much as my Asics, funny isn't it? I think we must stay loyal to what feels best.

youmakeme am very jealous of where you live, beautiful running routes on your doorstep!

YouMakeMeWannaLaLa · 02/04/2011 10:23

DrNo We're one of the farms just off the route, the horses will probably be leaning over the fence trying to distract you! I don't think I can do the race but might be helping out with the bbq (or come out with cheerleadering pom poms for everyone!). Good luck, it's a nice route. Oh, and keep an eye out for Red Kites!

Well I'm not a very experienced runner and a lot of the technical language you use terrifies confuses me, but I'm trying to improve. I try to run 4 times a week; two long and slow, two short and fast, but I find the short and fast ones a lot harder than the long ones Confused

I'm doing the RFL in June and the GNR in sept. I'll keep lurking for tips and inspiration!

Thanks for the nice welcome Smile

MrsWednesday · 02/04/2011 10:22

Sounds like a decent plan to me (a novice at plans and intervals in general Smile)

My and DS1 have our 'breakfast of champions' on weekend mornings when we have running (me) and football (him) - porridge with fruit such as blueberries or summer fruits and golden syrup. I always have a few cups of green tea too.

Good luck tomorrow DrNo and YouMakeMe (and welcome).

Moshi, hope everything keeps healing and that your cold goes away (ditto for you sfxmum). The tapering sounds tough for you all. Wise words from Cestlavie which I will be re-reading when/if I get that far!

I'm planning to do 13 miles tomorrow, having done two 5 milers this week with no bother or injury. I'm also going out to buy another pair of trainers, as I had to stop wearing my Asics because they just didn't suit me at all (and may have contributed to my injury problems). So does anyone want a pair of size 5 Asics 2150s? I've done exactly 92 miles in them and they are muddy!

Happy weekend running everyone.

drivingmisscrazy · 02/04/2011 09:42

doing my first interval run today: it's 8.6k so I was thinking about 2k of warm-up; 1k@5k pace; 300m recovery x 4, then easy home. Does that sound like a plan?

DrNortherner · 02/04/2011 09:05

youmakeme hello! Where about's do you live then? Will wave to any horses I see just incase they are yours Grin Please join the thread, it's a very friendly place. Lol at this coming up when you search for Arkendale 10k!

I did a very slow, steady 4 miles yesterday and am doing nothing today other than walking my dog. Feel OK about tomorrow, but normally, on race day I get super nervous. Why is that?! Am still quite new to races, and when I get there and see all the runners limbering up looking very serious I always feel like an imposter!

Moshi I have no race plan Blush If I am honest I would love to beat 55 mins, then I will have a new PB, but don't like putting any pressure on as don't ant to feel like a failure if I don't manage it. I am running it with dh, plus a friend and her dh. My friend and I get quite competitive and sometimes she is stronger, sometimes me, so we will no doubt push each other on with our friendly competitiveness! Are you feeling any better?

BTW, what is a good pre race brekkie please? Porridge......wholemeal toast.....cereal?....

Happy running this weekend everyone.

drivingmisscrazy · 01/04/2011 22:32

youmakeme - join! not everyone on here is banging out fast times; us slowcoaches need company down here at the back...

YouMakeMeWannaLaLa · 01/04/2011 22:27

Oooh, DrNo just searched for Arkendale and this thread came up! I might be doing the race on Sunday, depending on illness Hmm and I am ALWAYS last so don't worry! It's a lovely course, not that hilly, and I don't think there will be any livestock in the way at the moment but we do run past my horses, so give 'em a wave!

Happy running everyone else! I would join the thread but my times are shameful Blush

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 01/04/2011 21:37

Wow such a busy thread this week.... I've finally gone back to work and promptly spent a couple of days away on a training course in a hotel in a none too salubrious area just outside Liverpool, so just 3 shorter runs for me this week.... Around 5k each time...

Took DD out with me tonight too - fastest run we've done together yet but still had to have some walk breaks and felt the pain of that in tight calf muscles when I got back - but at least she felt good when we got back and is keen to go out again too

paws I have a 12 yo version of your DS2 - but his repertoire extends to loads of other games too especially pokemon.... Grin

Sorry to hear you're still not well moshi and that you're missing the 10k - take it easy ....

Good luck dr no for Sunday too

Happy running everyone else

Original poster
MoshiMoshi · 01/04/2011 21:31

Those not this (stupid iPhone!)

OP posts:
Original poster
MoshiMoshi · 01/04/2011 21:31

Cross post. Brilliant start to the holidays for you, possum! Those moments when we have a stern word with ourselves are definitely more satisfying than this we have with others!

OP posts:
Original poster
MoshiMoshi · 01/04/2011 21:28

penguin - thanks for the sympathy vote. It's a drag but not the end of the world and certainly workable. Just means I have to downgrade my expectations if I feel pain on the day. Consider this an arse/kicking too - get out there before you have time to think about it as you will feel better for having done so! Temperature is a personal thing bit definitely something which can be changed as all of us are capable of adjusting to local environment if we put ourselves out there enough. It's a case of what you are used to and getting used to a certain level of discomfort.

DrNo - best of luck on Sunday with your 10K. You are sounding really strong at the moment so should try to give it your all. (Do you have a race plan or pace you are aiming for?)

OP posts:
backwardpossom · 01/04/2011 21:26

Good news about the shins, Moshi - I think ditching your 10k tomorrow is a good idea. Hope your cold shifts quick, too!

I have been so lazy this week (read: I've done no running since the 10k on Sunday) and I'm not going to manage to get out for a long one at the weekend. So I decided to get out tonight and did 8.5 miles. :) I got out from work (am now on holiday for 2 weeks yay!) and thought a run to de-stress from the awful term I've just had would be fine. So, got to the second village along and then thought I better turn around! Great run :)

PenguinArmy · 01/04/2011 18:54

Moshi I hope your shin improves, splints are a bitch and I got one a few weeks before I did tough guy a few years back. Shame race day is so close otherwise new trainers might be in order

I need some kicking up the arse to go up a run tomorrow. It is very warm here atm, but should cool down to 20 for the weekend. Can't run in the day though, I don't do heat Blush I used to be a winter runner and stop in May and start in September. Am outdoor climbing on Sunday though, should be lovely as it's right at the top of the mountain with views over the town and sea.

pawsnclaws · 01/04/2011 17:51

Wise words indeed cestlavie - I think also I'm quite an impatient person (but sadly I don't have the athletic ability to match) and so on race day I'm going to have to drum it into myself to calm down and take it slowly for at least the first half - or by 20 I'll be a staggering knock-kneed heap.

Just a very slow 3.5 mile jog for me today with ds2 (6) and the dog. He ran all the way, but he's such a motormouth (ds2 that is) I don't know how he found the energy. What that boy doesn't know about Lego Star Wars on the Wii isn't worth knowing!

cestlavie · 01/04/2011 17:29

Hope a more leisurely weekend (well, with a 16 miler thrown in) makes you feel even better Moshi.

Have a great weekend all and hope everyone stays fit and healthy/ gets fit and healthy!

Original poster
MoshiMoshi · 01/04/2011 16:36

I agree with cestlavie that as fat and slow as we feel, we must trust in the training. The schedules were written by experienced people after all! Grin

I am ditching my 10K tomorrow as I want to recover from my cold. I will be taking a slow 16 miles in though as I reduce my long runs towards the race date in two week's time. I went for a slow 3 mile run to test how I felt and there is still wheeziness although the shin pain is much less. So the enforced time off due to a cold has helped in another way!

Happy running everyone.

OP posts:
Doyouthinktheysaurus · 01/04/2011 12:56

Thanks for your wise words cestlavie, it helps!

cestlavie · 01/04/2011 11:57

Doyou and paws - the taper is tough psychologically. I've always hated it. It's even worse when you're doing the shorter runs and finding them difficult and the doubts just get worse... I think you just have to trust on the (much deeper) experience and advice of other people and training plans and absolutely believe that you're doing the right thing.

There are a lot of things in running that are counter-intuitive and I really struggle with - like doing your long runs more slowly than you can, or having low mileage weeks to help your body rest and absorb training. I always want to run as hard and far as I can which is definitely not the right thing to so. You guys are doing the right thing.

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 01/04/2011 11:30

I think this bit is actually worse than the hard training pawsHmm The doubts are really creeping in here too.....yesterday when I got back from my 8 miles all I could think was on marathon day I have another 18 to do and I feel shatteredHmm I quite happily did 11 on the same day last week!

It will be fine paws. I think many runners find this bit the toughest. Less time spent running means more time to think about it, not always a good thingSmile

pawsnclaws · 01/04/2011 10:04

DoYou I just keep repeating to myself .... "this is NOT a drop in fitness .... this is tired legs from the training ...." - am starting to annoy myself now with all this doubt.

My DH is a very generous man especially when it comes to sharing his coughs and colds. I'd say he brings more home from work than the boys do from school. I'm hoping this is just typical manflu and actually just a mild sniffle!

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 01/04/2011 09:55

Sorry to hear you are suffering too paws. So annoying isn't it?! I was so looking forward to this drop in mileage thinking how much easier it would feel and it doesn't at allHmm

Hopefully you will feel rested after next week and raring to go for the big day!

Tell your DH to keep his cold to himselfGrin

pawsnclaws · 01/04/2011 09:03

Hi Wheely I would recommend getting in there early - we left it very late (ie this week!) to book something for next weekend, and when I checked even about three months ago everything in Brighton itself was booked! After a trawl through some - umm - choice looking b and bs, we went for a premier inn place nearer Gatwick, on the basis that we could then be about 15 minutes drive from the marathon park and ride.

DoYou I'm suffering from leaden legs too. Had a horrible 4 mile run yesterday, I felt sluggish and hot. Hopefully the next week of almost complete rest will do it. Just a short run today, then 6 miles on Sunday - then hardly anything during next week.

Oh and DH came in yesterday and said "I think I'm coming down with a cold ....."