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

sleepwhenidie that's a serious bit of speed in my book! fighting the urge to walk - yes, sometimes, but a lot of that is about mental attitude I find - learning to push through discomfort/perception of your limitations. I'm much slower than you, but fairly happily running 11+ miles.

resting today - well, gardening actually. Enjoy the bank hol, everyone

sleepwhenidie welcome! You are most certainly a runner! And 5 miles in 36 mins thats a 7.2 minute mile pace and what I consider very speedy.....regarding the knee pain I would say when you start running seriously and upping the mileage and the speed almost always something hurts...it is the body getting used to what you are putting it through. Do you take any supplements? Glucosomine Sulphate is good for runners. Also, make sure you are not doing too much, too soon.

Hope everyone on here is having a great Easter weekend. I toppled off my wedges yesterday and my right ankle is throbbing a bit today. Did a 5 mile run at 7.30am this morning with my SIL but I was running on empty, 3 G&T's last night and a glass of wine, then out for a run without any brekkie. Not good. I had to dig deep to do 5 miles!

cestlavie you were so right about Paula Radcliffe's book. I finished it but God was it dull

Hi, could I join please?

I have been running since January and still struggle to think of myself as a runner, it has never been my thing, but I appear to be getting addicted I think the weather has helped get me out more, also I haven't been able to get to the gym or pool so easily the last few weeks so it has been the obvious choice as part of my mission to lose weight after finally stopping breastfeeding DC3.

In January I could only manage about 10 mins continuous jogging but am now managing up to 50, which I am so proud of! I still spend most of the run fighting the urge to walk however. Will that pass?! I went out with DH for a run today and did 5 miles in 36mins, definitely a faster pace than I do on my own but felt great afterwards. We discussed maybe entering a half marathon (scared/disbelieving emoticon)

I have a question, after a run my knees often hurt, particularly going up or down stairs. Trainers are good. I stretch well and do plenty of strength training in the gym (squats/lunges). The pain passes after maybe 12 hours. Does anyone else have this, should I be concerned or doing anything to prevent it?

Hi all and Happy Easter ! [busmile]

Glad all the marathon-ers are recovering (and considering doing it again !). Great race reports all round !

Welcome pavlov

Back from hols - Had a lovely week in Wales although not great in running terms. 2 x 5 and a bit K because where we staying was rural and coastals with rugged coast lines so, to run round the coast was lovely but you got to a sheer cliff edge each way and couldn't go any further and I am too much a townie (I am embarrassed to say) to be able to cope with running through fields etc when I don't know where I'm going. Ah well. Did 5 miles tonight, when I was hoping for 6-7 but got out late due to DH's bbq angst. I did run the last 1 km holding a vienetta so that must count for something.

Anyway, back to routine next week !

gizmo its this one here: grafhamwatermarathon.tumblr.com/ on Sunday 18th September. I've been there for walks and bike rides a few times so roughly know the area and don't think I will need trail shoes for it (thanks for explanation of what they are drivingmisscrazy)...like you say I don't think I would do it for a certain time ..rather for the experience and scenery as well as something to keep me running over the summer holidays.

I then have the www.standalone10k.org.uk/ in mind for October and the Cambridge Cancer Research 10K which will also be sometime in October (date not released yet).

Got a aching back at the moment due to picking up a crate wrong (silly me!) so trying to take it easy before my next long run tomorrow or Tuesday.

Happy Easter!

I'm enjoying easing back into the running, I've done 2 x 3 miles and 1 x 4 miles this week following my 7 miles last Sunday and am feeling OK, so I'll do another 7 later today and then I need to start reviewing where I go from here in terms of preparing for the next marathon in October. I had a lovely run last night at about 9.30 when we got back from our couple of days away, it was just cooling down and there was the odd rumble of thunder and flash of lightning. In fairness it was partly a guilt run, since my diet for the last two days included: 1 x wagamamas meal, 1 x pizza express meal, 1 x giant ice cream, 1 x candy floss, and x glasses of white wine. Good to see the sights of Brighton without running them though!

thecoo if the pain is worse when running then definitely more rest. Most of my aches and pains get better after the first couple of miles.

MrsWeds I just bought some very medicinal looking sandals from a shop in Brighton - because the dog ate my only other pair on Thursday. Go comfort!

driving - that's a lot of miles!

thecoo sympathies - been there, done that. In my case it was an overuse issue and I learned the (very) hard way that slowly building is the only way. I still have problems with stiffness in my calves (took me about 3 miles this morning to run the soreness out). I am not a stretcher generally speaking (although I should probably make more effort) but I do stretch my calves after about 10 minutes of gentle running. Two types - the first one is leaning against something, leg more or less straight; the second with knee bent (and this stretches the muscle I have trouble with, the smaller one on the inside - the soleus, I think). A woman in the US also suggested doing these stretches but moving your foot position (so say toes at 11 o'clock, then 12 o'clock and then 1 o'clock) so that you stretch the muscles thoroughly. It's not a perfect solution, but I haven't had any significant achilles issues since starting with it.

nice 11 miler this morning, cool sunshine, and negative split...that's 60k for me this week [bushock]

happy easter running bunnies!

Are you able to do any stretches thecoo? Icing too? Standing on some steps and dropping the heels is a good stretch for that bit.

Fingers crossed it is nothing serious.

I'm freaking out a bit! Haven't run since Tues, then decided to try today but rather than do my long run just see how it went. I only managed a mile at an easy pace before I decided to stop because my achilles/calf was hurting again.

Don't know what to do. Do I carry on resting it? Do I run through it? Do I chop my leg off?

Really grumpy now .

Yeah, it would - I have no idea where half of these places are! :)

it would be fun to plot all the races on a map, wouldn't it

Managed 11.17miles this morning according to map my run. Was a struggle towards the end, but am getting there. 4 weeks to go until the half marathon and am very pleased with my training! Have another 10k to add to the list on the 7th of May (2 weeks?):

01/05/11 - Great West Run (Half Marathon) Thetasigmamum
02/05/11 - Ashdon 10K: bonkers20
07/05/11 - Forres (Benromach) 10k: backwardpossom
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, squix
29/05/11 - Stirling R4L: squix
29/05/11 - Plymouth Half Marathon: sungirltan
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
05/06/11 - Seaford Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
05/06/11 - Tilty Hilly 5(mile): bonkers20
05/06/11 - RFL 10k: LaLa
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
12/06/11 - The Heroes half marathon - Futurity
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
26/06/11 - Colworth half marathon - cestlavie
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
17/07/11 - Dublin Mountain Plod (HM) - drivingmisscrazy
18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal, LaLa
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
30/10/11 - Great South Run: Wheely
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy

Futurity, I've run round Grafham a couple of times and it's a nice, varied route. If you're looking for something scenic and interesting, rather than chasing a time, then I think it sounds worth a go. Is it early in September? I've got a half in mind in October, I'm quite interested in adding one earlier to see how my training is going.

Pavlov I love your posts - you're doing a brilliant job of reminding me why I run. Hope it all continues to make sense to you!

Went out for a 'recommissioning' run to check my legs are still attached this evening. Such a hot day and a beautiful evening - summer has really arrived with a bang here. Inspired by a lot of you I tried very hard to just run and not worry about niggles, pace, breathing. It made such a difference: running is a headgame, isn't it, as much as a physical one? So my plan is to spend the summer doing things I enjoy, running wise, and seeing if I can love it. Although I do have a speed training session on a Wednesday night with which my relationship can only be described as 'abusive'

I hope you've had a bit of rest MrsWednesday. This is a really hard point in the training cycle - it's not just your 21 miler but the cumulative miles in your legs that are so draining. If you need an extra day off, I'd take it - it's so easy to get injured at this stage, and so demoralising. I can't lie to you - the last 5 miles are basically more of the same. But on race day, particularly after a proper taper, I reckon you'll be able to do anything. Good luck!

futurity basically a running shoe with extra grip (lugs, apparently [buwink]); that half sounds exactly like what I'd like to do; instead I am signed up to something which describes itself as a 'challenge' rather than a race [buconfused] and previous contestants say is not runnable in places. Eeek! (these aren't fell running types, clearly).

It took me about 3 days to recover from my half, so I'd say a few gentle runs between the half and the 10k and you'll be fine

Mrs Weds - yes, it could seem that way! but no, I've just had a bit more time and I'm keen to up my mileage before aforementioned agonising slog up a mountain half marathon

What are trail shoes? Do they have less padding/cushioning?
Am pondering a half marathon in September which is at Grafham Water reservoir and describes it as "This is predominantly a cross country route following bridleways and footpaths. There are also short sections on quiet roads and hard trail paths. Please be wary of uneven ground!".

Also, there is a 10k I would like to do two weeks later but I don't know if that is a good idea (I dont normally do events so close together!). Any thoughts welcome!

oh i never considered how many miles I have run this week in total! 43k is a LOT!

mrswednesday how many miles today blimey !

Agreed, definitely think that they are really useful in the mud and rain - paths round here are completely bone dry at the minute but I suppose this sunshine won't last forever.

I'm just nicer and happier when I run, it took my enforced break earlier in the year to make me realise this

Managed 21 miles today, ran 10.5 miles along the canal then turned round and ran back - trying to get used to running on flat surfaces rather than our usual hills, which felt tougher on the legs weirdly.

So tired now though, and really concerned about how hard those extra 5 miles are going to be, because I was nearly weeping at the end!

driving - is the number of runs you've accomplished this week related to your family visit?

Pavlov, you'll be able to do a half no problem if you carry on at this rate!

Have treated my poor tired legs to some fit flops - does anyone else wear similar? They feel so comfortable (old lady that I am).

I wear trail shoes for runs along tracks and field paths when the ground is slippery. The treads give slightly better grip, although I still felt I was running one pace forward, half a pace back on some of the slimier hills. Now that the weather's been so dry, the tracks are like running on cobbles anyway. I'm still wearing the trail shoes because I shrunk my trainers in the washing machine but I think something with a bit more cushioning would be better.

So, I IME it depends on the weather, and the ground conditions underfoot.

any views on trail shoes, folks? both my half marathons are essentially mountain runs - is there any point to them for rough terrain? or am I just a hapless victim of marketing hype?

pavlov that sounds good! my 5th day of consecutive running was OK, but really starting to feel the 43k I've run in my legs. So a day off today, and an 11 miler tomorrow...

I also decided to check out the half route for May 21st online, and it looks mega-tough - mostly rough off-road, and lots of climbing and scrambling - not what I'm used to at all! So think I will revise my goals and be happy to be around and back in 2h30 (was aiming for 2h10)...at least on the basis of reports from people who've done in before.

My mother is going home today, so hopefully some semblance of domestic harmony will be restored (nuff said)

hey all, i suspect I will start feeling a bit lame with the events coming up which I shall not be partaking in! However a friend came over this week for a cuppa and when she learnt I am running again she decided to spend the rest of the evening attempting to get me to do half marathon next year er, no! I said! She is doing it for the 3rd year, wants to beat her brother's time of 2.20 but likely to do it in 2:40. I think more like 4hours for me!

I went for my last run on thursday, and really want to go again, but my brother is down for easter and it is a pain to try getting that 45 mins (you know warm up/down etc too), however we are going to the beach and taking the canoe so I might go for a power paddle to make up for it a little.

The run I did on thursday though was good, I ran towards my work, did the route I would do, see how easy/difficult it is and rough timings (will be running back each day). It involves a bridge with lots of steps each side which I did not consider (ouch! on the way back!) and it was very slightly uphill on the way back which I did not notice on the way out (or, i was knackered!) I ran half way to work and then back (because the lock I have to run across was shut and I did not want to lose momentum!) so ran for 20 mins in total, well I say ran, I ran for 8, walked for 2, ran for 4, walked for 1, ran for 5.

I am not finding my muscles hurting as much as I expected, but I am out of breath and that is what is hurting the most! I sound almost raspy at the end sooooo unfit!

AND, after all this, we went to the beach in the afternoon, and I carried DS aged 17months in his backback, plus loads of towels/changes of clothes, down a cliff face to the beach, and back up again. and went for a swim with DD and felt surprisingly ok yesterday (apart from a bit of achilles heal pain).

I will try to go tomorrow morning. Hope you are al enjoying the sun.

Sorry thetasigma and futurity - I thought I copied the most recent list, and certainly didn't mean to leave either of you out. My 10k is now missing again, but I'm nervous to add it in case I mess it up again, so will leave it as is. I'm doing it more as a training run for the 10 miler than a race anyway

Didn't do my tempo run today though am feeling a bit desperate to run. But would really like to do my long run on Sunday, so want to make sure all twinges are gone. Went for a long walk instead (must confess there was a pub involved half way).

My event was missed off again...I could start to take this personally Added it again...and pondering another half in September as well as two 10K's later in the year (but don't know dates yet)

01/05/11 - Great West Run (Half Marathon) Thetasigmamum
02/05/11 - Ashdon 10K: bonkers20
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, squix
29/05/11 - Stirling R4L: squix
29/05/11 - Plymouth Half Marathon: sungirltan
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
05/06/11 - Seaford Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
05/06/11 - Tilty Hilly 5(mile): bonkers20
05/06/11 - RFL 10k: LaLa
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
12/06/11 - The Heroes half marathon - Futurity
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
26/06/11 - Colworth half marathon - cestlavie
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
17/07/11 - Dublin Mountain Plod (HM) - drivingmisscrazy
18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal, LaLa
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
30/10/11 - Great South Run: Wheely
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy