runners united (burning up pavement, burning up threads)

I survived. And I wasn't last not by a long chalk, even thoug I was slow (2:19). It was freezing though. And it was practically ALL hills which I wasn't really prepared for both in terms of expectation ( the route just doesnt look so hilly when seen from the window of a camper van) and training ( I did no hill training). Running uphill was fine (I knew this would be the case, I have once or twice run up significant hills but some time ago) - running down was very difficult (I knew this too hence the no hill training) - something to do with my dyspraxia I think. I just find it very hard going downhill to keep my balance. And there were about 6 significant downhill stretchs. Still, it was fine. I was careful. It was hilarious to overtake people going uphill and have them overtake me again going downhill (I could see them doing double takes).

I'm not sure if or when I will do another. I'd like to not leave it at one but I thought the organization of this race was atrocious so Id rather not enter this one again but instead maybe think about Bristol in the autumn or bath next spring. Or Plymouth next year maybe.

I should probably point out that I don't have a ferociously weak bladder or bowels -I'm just scared of suddenly developing them. I've always been scared of this, since I was a kid - I never use to eat or drink on exam days until after the exam, just in case. :)

Hi All, Sounds like some good running (and cycling) going on this weekend !

Welcome robino - sounds a tricky situation. I started running (again) when dd2 was about 4.5 months which was hard enough with the breastfeeding etc. I also had issues with childcare during the week as, although DH isn't away, he's out at least 7 - 9 and often later. Luckily my local authority leisure centre has a fantastic creche from 6 months so I have been doing 2 of my runs in the gym each week. Is anyhting like this an option for you in a few months ?

I did just over 8 miles this morning. Wanted to try and pace myself and run a slower pace than usual. Struggled to stick to anything. I wanted to run between 5.15 and 5.30 a km. According to my garmin I did an Av pace of 5.34 but it was all over the place (my maximum pace was 4.55). So a bit more practice required on this and actually I wonder if I need to slow down even further as when I look at my average run times on Garmin connect it didn't actually end up much slower than others. Anyway, on a more positive note I haven't run that far since I did the Kingston run so feel better about that and want to start increasing that distance AND it was my 4th run this week which is what I want to try and maintain.

Still shedding sand from my trainers everytime I run after the beach running on hols !!

I'm very excited - have ordered a Garmin 205. Can't wait to try it out! :)

My left foot is sore today - there's a pain in the arch. I wonder if I need me gait analysed again. Not what I wanted 3 weeks before the half marathon.

Good luck to bonkers and theta for your races today.

Back from camping. Did 8 miles while away. I got hopelessly lost though and ended up just going out and back a few times on a long no through road. It felt ok, that's what matters I guess.

The plan is to build my long run to 11-12 miles next week and then up to 14-15 the week after. It's only a matter of weeks until my half

Welcome robino! Sounds like you are determined but realistic given your constraints which bodes well. Best to be realistic about what can be done as there is nothing more depressing that feeling like you've failed and cannot continue. Breastfeeding and running is not without it's challenges too!

Why does my iPhone think "remember" should be "remover"?

46 miles on the bike yesterday which included 1 hour warm up, 3 x 15 mins at pace with 10 mins rolling recovery, warm down. It was fun but took 3 hours so I will need to practice my race pacing to get up to speed for my races.

Can I join? In a fraudulent kind of way? I'm getting back on the wagon and thought you might inspire me!

I started running when DD2 was 4 months old. Did a beginners course through the women's running network and carried on; did one race of 4.5 miles. Moved area, lost momentum and was just building up again when I fell pregnant with DD3. Had every intention of carrying on while pregnant but was crippled with first trimester tiredness and didn't get back into it. So, DD3 is 10 wks, I went out for the first time last week inbetween breast feeding and was pleasantly surprised to find I didn't need to start right back at the beginning of 1 min run/ I min walk.

It's going to be tricky to fit in. DD3 is still feeding a lot. DH works 300 miles away and is only home usually from 10pm Fri til 5 pm Sunday and I don't have any regular child care. I'm thinking I will run on Saturday and Sunday, shred or pilates DVD as and when I can be bothered can fit it in during week and run if I have a grandparent around (they live an hour away and I usually see someone every couple of weeks).

My first goal is to get up to 30 mins continuous running.

the and bonkers - really hope you enjoy your races! Remover that running and, in particular, facing your nerves in races is what helps you deal with your fears directly. As such it is a great metaphor for what you must do in life as surely we must all learn to confront that which we are scared of or uncomfortable doing and in doing so become stronger and more confident in ourselves.

Good luck theta!
I think you are not alone in being anxious about toilets. It's a PAIN being a woman. The only race there has ever been enough loos was the Race for Life. Millions of them!
I tend not to need loads to drink ie I never take water out with me for runs up to about 10 miles, but on race day it's the nerves that do me in.

Ooh driving you should patent that phrase! You could make a fortune

thetasigmamum the toilet thing is always a big issue for me (particularly post DS). I struggle to find a happy medium between staying hydrated and needing the loo all the time. Been experimenting on my training runs with varying success...

Thanks for all the good wishes. I feel like a bit of a fraud when some if you have run practically as far as I will tomorrow....but then, I've run that far loads of times too (well - 6 times) in the last couple of months. The difference is of course running on your own terms and running on someone else's. I am incredibly wound up about this. My main worries revolve around toilets (obviously. Obsessed so I am) and just the whole ore race period. The parking. The hanging around (we had thunder hail this afternoon. What if we have thunder hail early tomorrow? We will be drowned rats before we even run). The remembering to take what I need and not taking stuff I don't need. The decision vis a vis glasses or sunglasses. I hate squinting, I wear my prescription sunglasses outside for 9 or 10 months a year, I've been running in them since March - but I'm not sure they would do well in thunder hail.

Oh well. What will be will be. My team lost today and the whole season is therefore abject failure when it looked so very promising until a couple of weeks ago and that is probably worse than anything that can happen tomorrow. I'm sure it is.........

Just a quick good luck to bonkers and thetasigma for your races... hope all goes well!

Best of luck to bonkers20 and thetasigmamum for your imminent races -Go girls!

I am gently easing my way back into running, after a week off following VLM. Feeling a bit creaky (although that might be mental as well as physical!).

Lots of events on the list for the next few months - I'm looking forward to hearing about everyone's race experiences. Just trying to decide what I should sign up for next.

Well, despite being merde-visaged last night, I did 11.4 miles this morning. I'd gone out to do 12, but went the wrong way coming back in to the village and cut 0.6 miles off my run by accident. I tell you what though, it was a bloody struggle. Shows how much of a difference rest/food/preparation etc makes to a run.

Good luck tomorrow, bonkers and thetasigmamum

Afternoon all. Good luck before I forget to thetasigmamum and bonkers, will be thinking of you.

Went out this morning for a 10 mile run, but got hot and actually only did 8.5 - I was close to home and just thought sod it. I did it a bit faster than usual though, and ran out of water at 6 miles which may not have helped. I also managed to swallow a fly at 6 miles and retched and coughed so violently I scared a dog and his owner!

DS3 has a dreadful cough so we've had a few rough nights recently - not helped by a few too many beverages at a friend's house yesterday to celebrate the wedding. Hoping for an early night tonight after a barbecue in this glorious weather .

Oh dear, I had a dream. I have to collect my number on the day because I registered online quite late.

Anyway, in my dream I had to collect my number from a shop, but the shop was closed until 1/2hr after the race started. I was SO upset. The race was organised by some WI ladies and they were SO mean and not understanding of how starting 1/2hr late was a problem.
Then I got my number and started running (as the first runners were finishing!), but I was wearing my sons Converse All Star high tops, which are too big for me.

Note to self: make sure I get to the race early AND get my kit ready tonight.

Good luck thetasigmamum and bonkers20. Hope all goes well ! Look forward to hearing all about it.

Hope your run goes ok backwardpossum on a hangover [csmile]. I was suprisingly, uncharacteristically well behaved today and absteined and went for an early evening run. 5 miles - but felt the big lunch and two helpings of pudding weighing a bit heavy.

Hmm, I got a bit tiddly today (street party - um, ended up wearing my wedding dress at my most drunk) and am supposed to be doing 12 miles tomorrow morning. Let's see how that goes... Arf!

Husband has fallen asleep on the couch. Tempted to leave him there while I go to bed. Like having the big bed to myself!

Awww, you're such a lovely bunch. I only thanked Peach for the good luck, but others have said it as well (I just didn't scroll up the thread high enough). So, thanks. I will be inspired by the collective well wishes of MN runners.

Yes, DS is speedy. This was actually the first time we've ever been out together, but it will be lovely if we keep it up. Like many children (boys especially?) it's often easier to talk when you're doing something together rather than sitting him down saying "well now......". We have aspirations of doing a marathon together when he is 18. I'll be 46!

As for running styles. I am a firm believer in just running in a way that is comfortable for you, rather than what the books say. I also have never used a HRM or any sort of training device. I just run. Sometimes I feel great, other times not so and I naturally adjust my pace to how I feel rather than push myself too hard, or ease up because "the computer says so". I think this is partly why I've never been injured. It's also down to luck as well I know. I did get my gait analysed the other week which was fun. The man was proper impressed and said I had a perfect running gait. He didn't give me a free pair of running shoes though. . OK, off my soap box and off to read some RW threads (that's royal wedding, not runners world!).

Hmm. iPhone likes to make are become ate.