Page 38 | Runners united (come join us if you are addicted to running!)

thecoo · 21/03/2011 15:58

Welcome pipkin, drivingmisscrazy and backwardpossum - I'm quite new to the thread too, but everyone on here is so friendly and helpful. Not nearly as scary as AIBU!

pipkin I love running first thing in the morning, but only get the chance on weekends - during the week I have to fit it in at lunchtime.

pawsnclaws can't wait until I can say I did a 'gentle' 10 miles!

moshi you're in danger of being an overachiever! Can't believe you're supermum as well as superfast

My 'easy' 40 min run today felt quite hard - bloody iPhone GPS! My runkeeper app kept telling me I was a minute and whatever seconds behind my pace each mile but when I got home I discovered I was actually running faster than I was supposed to, not slower. Oh well, can't have done me any harm I suppose...

How do the rest of you measure pace? Do you get the hang of it so you don't have to measure eventually?

Original poster

MoshiMoshi · 21/03/2011 15:56

misscrazy has given some great advice but here are some thoughts I had on your post:

"Any tips for a first race would be most welcomed as I'm actually getting a bit nervous! I always run on my own."
When I ran my first 10K I was really put off by all of the huffing and puffing going on around me as I do all of my training on my own and always have done. It sounds so silly but it was such a different experience to the tranquil runs I was used to and put me off my pace the whole way round. That and the fact men generally don't like being "chicked" so will try harder to keep up or not be overtaken despite the fact they are puffing like a nuisance caller!

"Also any tips on training generally - don't really know what fartlek/interval training is?"
Runners World is a great site which sets out this sort of information far better than I could explain it so have a look when you get a chance, perhaps during your lunch hour at work. They also publish a really handy book with literally everything you could think of running-related which would also help you. I think it costs around £10. The approach you should consider is to look at a training programme which is specific to the distance you are contemplating. Make sure it is one which you can reasonably fit in and stick to. Within that will be a variety of run types and you will soon learn how they benefit you and what the difference is.

"Those of you that do long distance, how did you work up to that? And did you know you always wanted to run long distances?"
I think most of us started out small and ended up increasing distances over time. When you think about it this is the natural thing to do as you get fitter. What tends to hold most people back from moving up is the time commitment as the general rule seems to be that the longer the race distance, then greater the training load.

"And is it normal when I'm running to actually not really 'get into it' iuntil I've already run for about 20 mins...?"
I think this is quite common as we all take time to warm up and get into our zone. For me, even before I had children, it was around 3-4 miles when I felt like I was in my stride.

"Currently running between 3-5 miles 3x a week." "Am considering going 1st thing in the AM - those of you who run - when do you go? best/preferred times? Reasons why?"
That sounds like a great base to start from and you could think about trying to make one of those runs longer, one of them a speedy interval based one and then a general aerobic one at a comfortable pace. When you go should really be dictated to by when you think you can stick to going as consistency is the key thing with running. It is better to maintain 3 runs a week for 6 months than manage 5 runs a week for 3 months and have to stop for a month as you will end up back at square one.

misscrazy - we are a range of ages here. I can confess to being 38 (which leaves me 2 years to reach my goal of a sub-3 marathon before I hit 40!)

OP posts:

drivingmisscrazy · 21/03/2011 13:58

pipkin sounds like you've got the bug. I tend to run in the mornings too - drop off DD at nursery 3x a week and run from there. Fortunately it's just outside the park gates. Otherwise, I depend heavily on the goodwill of DP and try and pay her back...mornings I prefer, although I'm going to have to start throwing in an evening speed workout soon.

On building distance, you have to do it slowly - your cardiovascular system adapts quicker than your muscles and tendons. Drop your pace (you should be able to sing or whistle) even if you are being passed by 2 legged dogs. Keep your weekly mileage increase to 5% or under (most programmes will say 10% but on an ongoing basis this is, I've found, too much, and I just get hurt), and don't increase every week. Pick one run and gradually make it longer. When that's comfy, you can start to add to the shorter ones. It might take up to about 6 months to build. What kind of weekly distances are you aiming for? I'm pushing for about 50-60k a week, with a decent long run (10 miles and up). I wouldn't build distance and add speedwork simultaneously, but you are probably younger than me and this might be less of an issue. I've found adding speedwork too soon just lands me with something sore.

I am totally shit for the first 20 minutes - again, as you get older, it takes longer to get into your stride. The upside is that your endurance gets better. If you have a running watch, you can record this as warm-up (which it is) - I'm trying not to obsess about pace, so I just average paces out over the whole run at the moment

Who's the oldest on here then? Me first - I'm 45, have been running for about 5 years, with a big gap in the middle. My usual training pace is about 6.30min/k - sometimes faster, sometimes (e.g. this morning) slower.

Original poster

MoshiMoshi · 21/03/2011 13:30

Welcome, pipkin! Will try to answer some of your questions later although am sure you will get plenty of responses in the meantime as everyone here is friendly and supportive (because we are runners!)

OP posts:

cestlavie · 21/03/2011 12:49

Hi Pipkin I always run first thing, practically because I run into work so it minimises impact on family time. Even before kids though, I always used to like to run early mornings. Partly, I think because I like the fact that it's peaceful out there at that time - also in summer it's so much nicer to run in the cool morning air than in the heat of the day or the evening (when you could be sat outside having a nice cold beer!)

pawsnclaws · 21/03/2011 12:06

Oh and hello hatwoman - glad to hear you're striking a blow for womankind with your running, keep closing that gap .....

pawsnclaws · 21/03/2011 12:05

Moshi thanks for the tips - I must admit the whole notion of tapering seems so odd after all that hard work? I'll keep the speed workouts at least until the last week (what about hills? Was thinking only as part of the long run as usual rather than a separate workout?)

cestlavie I'm getting nervous now about the marathon but am also looking forward to it. Just trying to fend off the dread of getting another cold or twisting my ankle or something stupid! Have a look at the Dash for Dads, it looks lots of fun - my oldest two are going to do the 1k run, I've said I'll either run it or if they need the help will volunteer instead. West Wycombe Park is stunning.

Hello pipkin, glad to hear you've got the running bug. I prefer to run in the evenings, but have had to retrain a little for this marathon to get used to mornings. As for building up distance, I don't think there's a shortcut - it just takes time. For me personally, it's meant dropping my pace dramatically and accepting it takes as long as it takes!

Beautiful day here, but starting to get a little warm for me - am praying for a cool, overcast day on 10th April.

hatwoman · 21/03/2011 11:24

quick wave...have been trying to cut down mn as dd says I'm ALWAYS on it. I deny this absolutely of course, but have a sneaking feeling I'm maybe on it too much.

still running - but slow and short. been with a few of the blokes in teh village - they're faster than me but I'm closing the gap.

pipkin35 · 21/03/2011 11:21

Hello! Can I join you please? Am quite new to this running lark. Did the couch to 5k in October. Hoping to do my first race in April - 10K. Any tips for a first race would be most welcomed as I'm actually getting a bit nervous! I always run on my own.
Glad to hear am not the only one that actually gets paranoid that I'll get injured and then worry I won't be able to run!
Also any tips on training generally - don't really know what fartlek/interval training is? And I don't have the net at home so am only ever on here during work (PT).
Those of you that do long distance, how did you work up to that? And did you know you always wanted to run long distances?
And is it normal when I'm running to actually not really 'get into it' iuntil I've already run for about 20 mins...?
Currently running between 3-5 miles 3x a week. I go in the evening after DS (3) has gone to bed but before DD (2). Am sad though cos I run along the beach but next week we are moving and I'll be on some estate instead. :( Wondering if its worth driving the 15 mins just to be able to run along the beach again!

Am considering going 1st thing in the AM - those of you who run - when do you go? best/preferred times? Reasons why? Etc...

cestlavie · 21/03/2011 10:41

Good work on setting up the new thread Moshi - like the title even if sometimes I do worry I am getting addicted to running! Last night I fell asleep thinking about intervals and what different distance splits would mean over my usual course. Is there such a thing as Runners Anonymous? Well done also on the 20 mile run - it sounds like if you stay proper injury free then you're doing really well on your training plan. Didn't realise you have four kids - wow, that is impressive juggling family and running! I've got two and even then can't find time to run at weekends (do all my running through the week

Welcome misscrazy, sixtyfoot and possum. This is indeed a wonderful thread to talk about how to juggle family life and running and how to run a decent time after you've been up 6.00am with a narky tired toddler.

paws sounds like it's all coming together! Got a friend who's doing the Brighton marathon who I'm seeing next week so be interesting to see how he's feeling about it. Normally he manages to injure himself at some point in the run up to these things but he's managed to stay injury free so far... I like the Dash for Dads event by the way. Sounds like a great charity, so might try and make that.

Had my interval run in today. Same as last week 6x 1k fast, 6x 1k slow. Came in at the same time as last week, but I think the splits were different/ better, i.e. slower on the slow and faster on the fast. Always find it tough keeping up them speed on the last couple of fast splits though.

Find of the last couple of weeks I meant to mention: HIGHS Double Chocolate protein bars. So so good. Tastes remarkably like a big chocolate bar but full of protein for after a hard session to help muscle recovery (so actually it could be considered to fall in the health food category...)

pawsnclaws · 21/03/2011 10:07

27/03/11 - Kingston Breakfast Run 8.2m wheely
27/03/11 - Elgin 10k: backwardpossom
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
21/05/11 - Clare Burren Marathon Challenge - drivingmisscrazy
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Marathon: MrsWednesday
22/05/11 - Merchant Taylors' Triathlon: MoshiMoshi
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Half Marathon: backwardpossom
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
05/06/11 - Seaford Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
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
19/06/11 - Dash for Dads - Pawsnclaws
19/06/11 - Half Ironman UK 70.3 - Twink, MoshiMoshi
25/06/11 - Lewa half marathon Kenya - Masterandmargaritas
26/06/11 - Stortford 10 miles - thecoo
02/07/11 - Achill Half marathon - drivingmisscrazy
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal
23/09/11 - Notting Half Marathon: cestlavie
24/09/11 - mooathon, donegal: drivingmisscrazy
25/09/11 - Edinburgh Urbanathlon: backwardpossom
16/10/11 - Abingdon Marathon: MoshiMoshi
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy

Original poster

MoshiMoshi · 21/03/2011 08:12

paws - well done on getting the bulk of the training done! I was reading up on tapering and about how it is important that just the volume is reduced but not the intensity. The idea being that your body gets rest but loses minimal fitness for race day. Good job I read that otherwise I would have coasted a bit towards the end. I think the key is to enjoy more days rest and shorter long runs but keep up with the paces and effort level you are capable of to reach your full potential from the training you have put in.

Am missing my 7 mile recovery run today to see the physio as I think tomorrow's 11 miler is more important as that addresses the endurance side of things which, after all, is what a marathon is about.

OP posts:

pawsnclaws · 21/03/2011 07:17

Hi all, just a gentle 10 miles for me yesterday, now my tapering has officially begun! Still trying to get over this cough, I thought I was better but had a 10 minute coughing fit when I got home, so rest has definitely come at the right time.

I'll update the list when I get a chance to include my Dash for Dads in June and the RFL in July.

Oh and my race number and chip came on Saturday!!

Original poster

MoshiMoshi · 20/03/2011 21:29

wheely - I am very lucky to have a lovely cleaner who pops in Monday to Friday every morning for a few hours to help out with various things and I can leave the youngest with her while I do school runs etc. I then run straight away! It also helps save my sanity as I feel like I am constantly firefighting with all the household chores. Weekends are chaotic and I am clearing up as quickly as this lot make mess!

misscrazy - I love it! You must post some pics when it is done.

OP posts:

Wheelybug · 20/03/2011 20:52

I love the idea of a Mooathon ! Sounds fun.

Well done possum on beating your PB, especially on a hilly course !

Thanks for the advice Moshi. I didn't realise your dc4 was quite so young. About the same age as my dd2. How on earth do you get out running so much ? Am so impressed with what you are achieving with such a young 'un (not to mention 3 others !!).

backwardpossom · 20/03/2011 20:13

Thanks, moshi - I think that will be, once I get this half marathon out of the way in May! :)

drivingmisscrazy · 20/03/2011 20:11

moshi it's a marathon/half marathon in Donegal, with a silly cow theme (you have to wear black and white) - daft, but fun. It's sponsored by a creamery. I try to race in scenic locations - not much point in slogging round a ring road, no inspiration.

Here's the link if any of you fancy it.

Body holding up ok so far, despite sleep issues. But finding myself getting hungry all the time now I'm pushing 30 miles a week (I also cycle 12 miles a day to work and back) - and keep eating chocolate (not really like me!). But I also find that keeping my weight down does improve my times.

Some of you guys are flying along...I'm about a 10min/mi person on average

drivingmisscrazy · 20/03/2011 20:11

moshi it's a marathon/half marathon in Donegal, with a silly cow theme (you have to wear black and white) - daft, but fun. It's sponsored by a creamery. I try to race in scenic locations - not much point in slogging round a ring road, no inspiration.

Here's the [[http://www.mooathon.com/ link] if any of you fancy it.

Body holding up ok so far, despite sleep issues. But finding myself getting hungry all the time now I'm pushing 30 miles a week (I also cycle 12 miles a day to work and back) - and keep eating chocolate (not really like me!). But I also find that keeping my weight down does improve my times.

Some of you guys are flying along...I'm about a 10min/mi person on average

Original poster

MoshiMoshi · 20/03/2011 19:46

Cross post. Well done, possum! A 3 minute improvement on your PB on a HILLY course is fantastic. You should be very proud of that achievement. To put what you did in perspective, I improved on my first half marathon time by 3.5 minutes when I ran my second BUT that is over 13.1 miles. To do that over 6.2 miles is a massive achievement . Next goal, a sub-55 10K perhaps?

OP posts:

Original poster

MoshiMoshi · 20/03/2011 19:43

Welcome to the thread, misscrazy! What is the mooathon? It sounds like fun! Good to see you have a few races in your diary. Have you done lots? I am quite new to racing as I have spent the past 8 years having babies and raising them. DC4 is now nearly 2 and I am cramming dates into my diary like there is no tomorrow to make up for it! Small problem of body seeming to fall apart but not to worry .

wheely - look after yourself this week. You won't gain any fitness by doing extra runs so should focus on being mentally strong for race day. If this means taking it easy and getting over your bug then so be it. Race chips are exciting as it means we only have to worry about gun times if we are concerned about our race position. During my first half marathon I spent nearly 8 minutes crossing the start line and didn't understand why I was so low down in the listings. Now I know better to position myself in a more appropriate place!

OP posts:

backwardpossom · 20/03/2011 19:41

Hello again, thanks for the warm welcome in the last thread! I normally only frequent AIBU, so not used to people being so nice

I'll just add a couple of races I'm doing, if you don't mind?

27/03/11 - Kingston Breakfast Run 8.2m wheely
27/03/11 - Elgin 10k: backwardpossom
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
21/05/11 - Clare Burren Marathon Challenge - drivingmisscrazy
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Marathon: MrsWednesday
22/05/11 - Merchant Taylors' Triathlon: MoshiMoshi
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Half Marathon: backwardpossom
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
05/06/11 - Seaford Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
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
19/06/11 - Half Ironman UK 70.3 - Twink, MoshiMoshi
25/06/11 - Lewa half marathon Kenya - Masterandmargaritas
26/06/11 - Stortford 10 miles - thecoo
02/07/11 - Achill Half marathon - drivingmisscrazy
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
24/09/11 - mooathon, donegal: drivingmisscrazy
25/09/11 - Edinburgh Urbanathlon: backwardpossom
16/10/11 - Abingdon Marathon: MoshiMoshi
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy

I did my 2nd 10k of the year today in a place called Inverurie, just outside of Aberdeen, and beat my previous PB by about 3 mins - 57:49! I'm absolutely delighted, particularly as it was a very hilly course and really quite hard going in places. It's the first time I've broken the 1 hour mark in a 10k (which I know probably isn't particularly amazing for some of you, but a huge achievement for me!!) so I'm really really chuffed!

drivingmisscrazy · 20/03/2011 18:57

wheely yes, sleep deprivation and running...I have a running colleague (without children) who says that losing half an hour a night (or something) over a month will wipe off about a minute from your pace. Oh, that's why I am so slow...

agree about the crowds - live near a great park for running, but usually avoid on Sundays because everyone is out - and they are all faster than me which is a bit dispiriting. So usually run the canals on Sundays - but DD up in the night, so knackered today so scrapped the 10 miler for a 7 miler...time not too terrible considering

Wheelybug · 20/03/2011 18:49

Found you ! Well done on the new thread Moshi and Very well done on your half + extra ! Great time.

Welcome new people - good to have you on board. Good luck with the 4x halfs. I think we all struggle with fitting running around family so here's the right place to talk about it !

There's lots of foot pain around at the moment by the sound of it. Hope it all sorts out for you all.

DrNortherner - I find its great going out early for runs .. once you're out there. Although I haven't done it for ages as I've been getting so little sleep but I always regret it when I head to Richmond Park later mornign and its heaving. Much nicer early and quiet.

I cna't believe I am up next on the race schedule. Makes me feel quite nervous. Especially as I don't feel as prepared as I'd hoped. Have ditched the idea of 6 miles tonight due to being v. tired, ear ache, copious amounts of snot, cough and feeling grotty time of the month and having been away all weekend. I decided probably best to have dinner and get an early night. SO will do 5 miles Tues and a bit less on Thursday. Got my chipthrough the post which is the first time I've had a chip (sadly slightly excited by this prospect...).

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 20/03/2011 17:52

Welcome drivingmisscrazy and good luck with the training

Moshi, you are doing another marathon You have definitely got the bug

Reposting and adding my half to the list;

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
21/05/11 - Clare Burren Marathon Challenge - drivingmisscrazy
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Marathon: MrsWednesday
22/05/11 - Merchant Taylors' Triathlon: MoshiMoshi
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
05/06/11 - Seaford Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
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
19/06/11 - Half Ironman UK 70.3 - Twink, MoshiMoshi
25/06/11 - Lewa half marathon Kenya - Masterandmargaritas
26/06/11 - Stortford 10 miles - thecoo
2/07/11 - Achill Half marathon - drivingmisscrazy
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
24/09/11 - mooathon, donegal: drivingmisscrazy
16/10/11 - Abingdon Marathon: MoshiMoshi
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy

drivingmisscrazy · 20/03/2011 17:10

can I join? have just posted on my running log about the perils of reconciling running and family (they are all American so their solution to such things is to suggest getting up at 5am!!)

OK I am old and slow, but having lost about a year when DD (2) was born (long story, which I'll fill you in on at some point) I am now getting back up towards 50k a week. This year's plan is to run 4 half marathons and raise money for heart disease (my father, who died when he was the age I now am, would have been 83 this year - so 21 x 4 is about the closest I could get, distance-wise). I don't think I want to run a marathon, but would like to get to a sub 2h half, and about a 50min 10k over time. I have managed to build mileage this time without getting hurt - so far - but this does mean keeping training paces down.

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
21/05/11 - Clare Burren Marathon Challenge - drivingmisscrazy
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Marathon: MrsWednesday
22/05/11 - Merchant Taylors' Triathlon: MoshiMoshi
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
19/06/11 - Half Ironman UK 70.3 - Twink, MoshiMoshi
25/06/11 - Lewa half marathon Kenya - Masterandmargaritas
26/06/11 - Stortford 10 miles - thecoo
2/07/11 - Achill Half marathon - drivingmisscrazy
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
24/09/11 - mooathon, donegal: drivingmisscrazy
16/10/11 - Abingdon Marathon: MoshiMoshi
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy