runners united (burning up pavement, burning up threads)

Hat, am really glad you enjoyed the race, but really sorry that the MS symptoms are not so good just now. You seem to get such joy from fell running, that it would be such a shame to give it up. What does your consultant/doctor say about this sort of activity?

Moshi, will be thinking of you on Friday. As the others have said, best not to google too much and speculate on what might be. Much easier said than done. From my experience it is much easier to deal with the reality than what might happen. You are a strong person and this will help you, but don't feel ashamed to fall apart once in a while, it helps too. Really hope your mum gets a clear way forward with lots of support.

driving, I think your half sounds like it's going to be a good one. Seems like you have hit a rough patch with the training, but it will be worth it when you finish! Glad to hear about the "normal" scan report. Each of these little milestones bring a little sigh of relief eh?

Deb I tend to do local things so can leave DP and DD at home!

Wheely, hope the tonsilitis clears soon. not much fun.

MrsWeds, sounds like your tapering is going well, not long to go now!!

the coo, fingers crossed you are able to get out next week.

paws, glad to hear you are ok after the crash, must have been very scary indeed

Speaking of fakers, it's almost 2 weeks since I ran! ha ha. Went out and cut the very long grass with my manual (quaint) mower and now I fear I may have to take to the sofa for the afternoon. Have managed to keep up my exercise class on a Thursday in the park most weeks which involves a bit of running. Going tomorrow in hopes it will take my mind off afternoon scan.

hat - I was hoping not to read news like this from you but I guess these things are out of our control. May I be bold and say what I think? Having got to know you from here I think you would be annoyed with yourself if you stopped running and "waited" to see where this episode was taking you. I am not medically qualified so please do what is in your best interests, but as a runner speaking to a runner (and I know that despite your lapses you are truly one in your heart), get out there and connect both with yourself and with the beautiful outdoors. In doing so you are living and will be able to gauge the extent of what is going on. Just don't go for tricky technical runs while things are looking shaky.

Thanks all for the kind words of support. When things feel overwhelming I re-read them you know so they have more impact than you realise.

You're welcome cest

Hat - Well done on completing your race with little training and no walking ! That is a huge achievement even without your extra MS worried. I'm sorry that the MS is causing you particular concern at the moment and hope you find some answers on what is best to do (but hope you manage to stay running - your races always sound awesome !).

Wheely that's too kind of you! Thanks for letting me off

Hi hat - as a southern pavement runner am generally in awe of fell runners, especially having read Feet in the Clouds. I get twitchy at small London 'hills' (i.e. a slight 100m incline) let alone the sort of terrain you're running over. Sorry to hear about the MS worries and the accident - don't think I've got any advice as to what you should be doing. Personally, and only personally, I guess I'd still be trying to get out there but you know your own body - is there a way you can do it in a way which builds fitness but reduces risk of injury? Maybe running faster over softer terrain or running more slowly over more hilly ground?

Hope the taper is going well MrsWed and you're looking forward to the marathon. A friend did it a couple of years back and sounds like the course is just stunning and, even better, quite flat. It would definitely be up there on my list of marathons to do (if, um, I had a list!)

Always impressed by people doing triathlons Debi - think I could just about stretch to a duathlon but am not a particularly speedy swimmer. I suspect I'd just be dragging myself out of the water whilst some people are strolling home!

Hope you're doing okay today Moshi - stay away from the Google if you can.

Love the idea of urbanathlon possum!

Will message you about Stortford question thecoo

Happy running all

debi - don't be intimated. I'm a complete faker. you can probably count the total number of runs I've done so far this year on your fingers and toes.

Last night's race was fantastic, though a bit sobering (in a couple of ways). The route is incredible - I heard someone on the start line say it was "technical" and they weren't kidding. even flat bits were strewn with rocks. there was one descent which was just lunatic, a couple of streams to cross, knee-high heather to wade through - all good fun. Huge attendance for a fell race too. As most do it starts and finishes at a pub which fills up at the end with muddy runners drinking beer (beer seems to be an integral part of the fell-running culture. along with claims of having done no training.) My friend won the women's vet 40 class. She was delighted.

It was sobering though because I'm very out of training (honest). I'm normally slow and finish in the bottom 20% (and strive for little else) but I think last night I was probably in the bottom five - found it very hard going (but - to answer Driving I didn't walk). If I'm to do any more races this year I need to give myself a firm kick up the bum and get training more often.

The other reason it was sobering though is it confirmed for me that I'm having a mild MS relapse and seem to be developing something called footdrop. A couple of weeks ago I tripped (for no apparent reason) whilst running and it was horrendous - badly bruised and bloody on knees, elbows and hands, and a slightly sprained wrist. Last night I tripped twice (on flat, easy bits) - I actually managed to retain my balance and not actually fall but by the skin of my teeth. Footdrop is where you fail to pick your toes up - it can be down to a fecked tendon in your leg or it can be neurological (ie in my case caused by MS). I've been feeling pretty grufty for 2-3 weeks with a couple of other mild MS symptoms which I've been trying to ignore/will away but this tripping lark is a bit hard to ignore. After last night I feel both like I want to run 4/5 times a week and get fitter and faster, and like packing it in/giving it a rest for fear of doing myself damage.

and they should also know cestlavie is a boy . But we let him off.

Thanks MrsW - Am now armed with the requisite antibiotics so hopefully should kick it into touch. Luckily I don't feel too bad and nurofen keeping the worst at bay. But guess no running for the rest of the week.

debi - I have a vague plan with a friend to do a novice women's tri next July (although I realised that, as it usually happens at Dorney Lakes and they have bigger fish to fry next year, it might be somewhere else or not happen...) but currently do not own a bike (although I do have a bell....) and although I can swim and swim, its in a slow old lady not getting hair wet kind of way. So I need to do some serious work before then ! From Sept my youngest will be in pre-school 3 x week so hope to up all sorts of training then (somewhat over-ambitiously probably).

I haven't done many races yet. In fact, only 3. A 5K in 2008, then I had a pregnancy break, then a 10K last year and an 8.2miler this year. For these, and going forward, It depends on who's running them (DH did the 8.2 too) where they are, weather etc but we do try and rope my parents in for childcare/ extra cheering. They're not local though. In fact, DH and I are doing the GSR in October and its their 46th wedding anniversary so they were going to come down and spend the weekend in Portsmouth to support us (we're leaving the dds with their other grandmother) but they've now announced that, if we don't mind, they're going to malaysia instead. What a cheek.

Thinking of you, and your Mum, moshi.

Moshi it must be a nightmare time for you all, I hope Friday brings better news.

MrsWed the one item I really wished I had packed was flipflops in my race bag for after the marathon. I watched so enviously as a runner slipped off their trainers and stuck on their flipflops after the marathon. I had to hobble across London in my sweaty trainers! I do have a foam roller and use it alot, not helping at the moment unfortunately. Physio soon so hopefully will find out if it is ITB or something else.

Hope the race went well hatwoman.

I realised last night that my logic on leaving dh with the kids was a bit flawed! It seems mean to leave him on his own with the boys while I get ready and do the event, but leaving him most of day with them while I drive to an event 30 miles away is not mean
Last week's tri was only 15 mins drive away so I went early and he just arrived when I was about to start.

I saw on the list moshi that you were going to do a couple and then I read on and read your sad news. I hope the appointment goes ok.
Did I read that you haven't done a tri before but you were going to do a half ironman? I didn't dare sign up for more than one in case I hated it. And I don't think I'll ever be able to do an open water swim.

The Urbanathlon sounds great fun.

Welcome Debi. I was down to do a couple of triathlons this year to break up my running but am pulling out now due to mum being diagnosed with cancer. Triathlon training takes quite a lot of focus so good for you to tackle it!

Oh hey, Urbanathlon is brilliant - it's a 10k with obstacles like cars, tyres, scramble nets and haybales and things in the way. Urbanathlon linky I've not entered yet, as there are a few of us supposed to be doing it as a team. Really looking forward to it!

Welcome Debi! For my next race I'll be leaving my DH and kids at home - it's a long way for them to travel just to see me run past them once or twice (I won't say in a blur as I'm not going to be moving very fast). For more local ones they come along if the weather is ok and they haven't got anything better to do

Thanks Paws, have never run with a sun visor before - will pop into town tomorrow and have a look for one.

Moshi, am thinking of you and your mum - fingers crossed for Friday.

Hatwoman, really good to see you, hope the race went well. That hill profile was somewhat intimidating!

A bright and breezy five miles for me today, for once it was not painful or difficult in any way -fingers crossed it's like this on race day!

Wheely, hope the tonsilitis clears up soon - as a fellow sufferer, I share your pain.

Thecoo, good news that you'll be able to get out running again soon.

Doyou, have you got a foam roller? Supposed to be good for ITBS (I use one as I'm a hypochondriac runner at the moment - can you tell?!?). I listened to that Marathon Talk podcast at the time but will download it again as it will mean more to me now.

Great news about the scan Driving. Lots of positive vibes for yours Peachy.

My friend who I did the tri with has confirmed she can do the Chichester tri (sprint, not full) with me. So I should get off my butt now! She's going to convince me to do a 10k series too I think.

What do you all do with your other half and your kids when you race? My dh has been really good and has come along to all mine so far but I don't feel like I can keep dragging him along and leaving him with the kids. I don't think I'd like to go on my own though and my friend might get bored of having to always wait for me!

Oh my goodness, you are all so good! I'm a bit scared of you all now! And I feel a bit like the new girl barging in on the group of close friends!
I've skim read the thread and I'm very impressed with you all. I read the thread instead of going for a run which says a lot really!

So in case any of you care, here's a bit of background info on me- I ran as a teenager but stopped when I went to uni and didn't get back into it until my ds1 (he's now 5) was about 1 and I wanted to lose the baby weight. Ran on and off inc two 10k races for about 18 months until I stopped when pg with ds2 (he's now 2 1/2). Last summer I decided to get back into running again after standing on the scales and being shocked! I found it a great way to lose weight while watching what I ate and now I eat what I want and maintain that weight.
I did an off road 10(and a half)k in Nov and got 1hr 2mins (those 2 mins were v annoying). Then last Monday I did my 1st ever sprint triathlon. I am not a swimmer so spent quite a lot of time over the winter building up my swimmer. I enjoyed the training and loved the tri and will be doing another one. It was a 400m swim, 20km bike, 5km run and I did it in 1hr 30 (10.48 swim, 46 bike (inc the 2 transitions) and 31 run) which I was over the moon with. I couldn't believe my running pace wasn't much slower than normal.

But since Monday all I've done is 1 cycle and 1 swim (I have been busy with work but not that busy!) so I clearly need a kick up the backside to get back out there! I generally try and get out 3 times a week, upping that to 4 or 5 in the run up to the tri. I don't know how you find the time to go out more often. I also would never have time to run for hours at a time so I admire those of you who do fit it in.

Ok I'll shut up now!

Hi all - only had time to quickly scan thread since I last popped in, so apologies for brief post and anything I've missed.

Just wanted to say I'm thinking of you moshi and hope Friday is ok.

cestlavie please feel free to message me about Stortford anytime - sorry taken so long to see your post.

mrswed your advice re my achilles was spot on, thanks. Saw physio yesterday (ouch!) and need to ice, stretch and use voltarol or similar gel in between visits.

She said I may be able to start running short distances again by end of next week (crossed fingers emoticon).

Moshi - it's scary. But remember the ONLY thing that matters is your mum's situation - you can't get sidetracked by what happens to other people or by statistics.

After ds1's twin died we were told that actually there was a 1 in 400 chance of twin to twin transfusion in his case (at that late stage of the pregnancy), but that this was regarded as statistically insignificant and therefore we weren't warned. The odds fell against us and he died. Yet ds1's chances of surviving the pregnancy after it happened were put at 50% - not only did he survive, but he survived without any sign of the serious brain damage we had been told was almost inevitable.

Of course you're scared **less, anyone would be. I found it unbearable to think of my mum suffering not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I just kept thinking how scared she must be. You can only go with the cliche of taking one day at a time, and remember of course that we're all thinking of you.

I have scared myself by doing some research into treatment options for liver cancer and outcome to read that the usual outcome is poor. If what I have read is right, only a small number (10 - 20%?) of liver cancers are extricated completely by surgery and if the cancer cannot be completely removed, the disease is usually fatal within 3 ? 6 months. Oh help. [insert scared sh1tless emoticon]

I got one from amazon, if you just type in sports visor in the sports section you should get a good selection - otherwise you get all sorts of industrial/welding stuff. It was only 2.99 plus postage. I like it because the front bit is padded and acts as a bit of a sweat band but it doesn't get as hot as wearing a hat.

I also saw some today in our local sports shop but they were Nike and more expensive. You could also try a golf shop?

Quick post as on my phone..where can I get a sun visor from as like you say it is hard on the eyes at the moment even with sunglasses on?

Hope all those with injuries are bearing up. Let us know how the physio appointment goes Doyou.

Good luck hatwoman it sounds lots of fun. I definitely need a bit more variety other than pavement pounding.

Driving I was always a nervous mess before scans, but the sense of relief when it's all OK is amazing. I had a CVS with ds3 (due to my advancing years ) - now that was horrible! But he's sat in the kitchen with me stuffing chicken and carrots in his mouth, so all was well. Thinking of you peach for your scan.

MrsWeds sorry I meant to come back to your question about things to take .... the only thing I wished I'd had was my sun visor. I don't like wearing a cap, but the sun was brutal and I wish I'd had the visor to keep the sun from my eyes. That and maybe some extra vaseline?!

cestlavie you know me too well - I am in fact having an early drink with DH while the boys eat their tea - I've done homework and cello practice so I think I deserve it (despite saying on Saturday I would never ever drink again ..... ).

A quick pop in from me - off to the docs in a mo as I'm fairly certain my lurgy is in fact tonisilitis (quite prone to it so quite good at spotting it !). So feeling a bit yuck and missed my gym session today (but guiltily put DD2 in the creche anyway and sat in Costa reading my book.).

Oh paws that sounds scarey - am glad you are ok !

moshi - glad appointment has come through, am, and will be, thinking of you.

Hello hat - nice to see you and glad you are settling... good luck with the run/scramble (says another southern pavement runner ).

Glad scan news is good driving and peach best of luck with your scan - a nerve racking time... hope it comes quickly for you.

Welcome Debi !

sleep I haven't forgotten to PM you, will do so when brain less fuzzy...