Runners united: I run, I do running, I am a runner

Speedy moving thread! I've noticed the autumnal looking leaves when out on my LSR yesterday...when does Autumn "technically" start I wonder?

Was glad I got that run out of the way to be honest as had a week off on holiday and then the week before was a lesser mile week so hadn't run that distance for a few weeks and was worried how it would go. Did 10 miles and tried my first gel - wasn't exactly tasty so then had some jelly babies :)

Have noticed that my training plan has now gone up to 5 days a week...maybe I shouldn't of clicked on "advanced" or whatever it was when I came up with this plan on the runnersworld site! Perhaps I will change the fifth run to a bike ride...will see how I go.

I presume I'm looking at the Garmin 405 Forerunner possom? Is that the latest one?

Yes and yes

Ooh and speaking of running kit. It's my birthday next month, should I ask dh to get me a garmin? Are they worth it?

I really need to learn not to hunch over when I run I did a 9 mine run Sunday and my shoulders and across between them really aches. Trying to decide if it will be with getting a sports massage before my HM or wait and get it sorted afterwards

Rhet that's good advice. I nearly broke my arm patting myself on the back when I finally ran 10k last week. No sooner had I ran one when I was beating myself up about only running a 10k. Completely forgetting I could only run for 30 secs back in May. Well now I'm up to 7 miles, but feel like a cheat cos the first mile is on a down hill!

I will try adding an extra mile to my weekend LSR (get me using the lingo!), and see how that goes.

I needs some 'proper' running kit too. The Primark leggings and 09 GNR tshirt just aren't cutting it anymore.

encyclo - I really think that we have every level of runner on here and all of us have stuff to learn. The running folk are very encouraging when things aren't going that well (I'm just emerging from a bit of a slump thanks to all the support on here). I think a lot of it is about setting goals that are realistic - so yours might be running 8 miles without stopping, and then 9, and before you know it you'll be dashing off 10 miles.

Goals don't have to be speed, either, although for many people that's the thing. Mine are more to do with distance and keeping injury at bay, although I wouldn't say 'no' to a little more speed - not least because it would make the tedious long runs take up a little less time!

hills are your friend :o

Rhet there are some great spots to run locally. Hilly though!

I'm looking forward to some Autumn running. I've been a real fair weather runner in the past. This year I fully intend to plough through.

I feel very much a rookie compared to some of you, 7 miles being the longest I've managed to run without stopping in my entire (sporadic) running career.

Really hoping hanging out on this thread will keep me motivated to improve. I apologise in advance for the lameness of furture questions

cest that was almost poetic!

Autumn is soooooooooo the best season for running. Sharp, clear blue mornings. Crunchy, floaty golden leaves. Soft, springy tread underfoot. Cool, smoky wood-burned skies. Actually, autumn is just the best season per se!

Yeah, autumn is my favourite running season, too :)

hello everyone - especially to new runners, who I hope will migrate to soon-to-be-new thread with us.

Bandon, eh? bet there's some lovely running around there - West Cork is one of my absolute favourite places in the whole world.

Well, I just went out for a longish run before my race on Saturday - it was fine, although I had a struggle in the middle for a mile or so. As they say, had nearly all the seasons at once! It was a bit of a slog, tbh. Am hoping for about 1h 45 for the 10 miles - nothing too ambitious. I think after the half and the 15k I might focus on some shorter races next year.

Leaves are turning, autumn on its way (I love autumn) - a great running season, I always think.

Morning all. I am loving this thread, welcome to all the newbies

It feelks like lots of good training and lots of race entering going on. Rhet you do seem to have your mojo back and then some, go for it! cest good to have you back, london riots were deffo a good time to be out of London, although you could probably outrun all those hoodies

I did a drill session last night with running club. we did 6 x 250m sprints with 30 sec recovery in between each on a track (accuratley measured and marked out but on a field not a proper track surface) so it was uneven and lumpy and bloody hard! Then speed ladders, hopping over hurdles and other plyometric stuff, then loads of core and balance work (I doscovered my balance on one leg whilst holding a medicine ball is not good...), and some dynamic stretching to finish. It was tough but enjoyable and today I ache.

Rhet you are up racing next! Then me. What you aiming for? Interestingly, my next 10k was the first ever 10k I entered last year and I did it in 1 hour 15 mins, so I will have a complete benchmark of just how much I have improved in my first 12 months as a propeer runner!

'Tis holiday season indeed around here!

Science I struggle to get up past 25 miles per week as well, just in terms of juggling time around work and life. I also find it hard to fit in more than 4 quality runs per week without my legs really feeling it as well and the fifth run being just a bit rubbish (if I can even find the time to do it!). Agree with Moshi that if I do fit an extra run it, doing it on a 'running day' is definitely easier on the legs than not giving yourself a day's break from training. Also agree with rhet though that in the absence of training for a +HM distance I wouldn't get too hung up on actual miles but rather the quality of the runs you're doing. Personally, I'd be much happier absolutely nailing each training session (hmmm, miracles may happen) than adding a few miles on to my weekly mileage!

Just popping in on my iPhone from our holiday in the New Forest to wish the new folk a very warm welcome! Please copy and paste the most recent race list and enter your race(s) so you can't deny it is happening and we can all support your efforts in training and on the day. Lots of running happening I see and pleased to see people have rediscovered their mojo (rhet!) and are sensibly cross-training too. Am clocking up my miles with another 20 miler yesterday which felt fine. Not fast but I am anxious not to injure myself so am cautious on the LSRs. My intervals are going well and an hitting paces which is exciting! I am Majorca-bound on Thursday for a long weekend with DH and will look forward to reading about your exploits - running related or otherwise - on my return.

PS sciencebint - another way to up mileage other than increasing your long run, if time is poor, is to squeeze in a short 2-3 mile run on the same day as another short run. More time required changing/showering but it is effective to avoid injuring yourself as the body more easily adapts to just a few extra miles on the same day as a running day.

Rhet I'm in West Cork, near Bandon. Love road running and think I might try to join the local athletics club. I just can't get on with threadmilling. My dh is a Londoner and I lived there for years. Only after we left did I discover the beauty of the English countryside

Did a 10k this evening. It was chucking it down and I got completely soaked, still fab though. I managed it in just over an hour.

Well done Piff.
Sleep- altitude training supposd to be very good for increasing fitness. Not sure about intervalas altitude as it harder,maybe just norma lrunning might be best unless you eally want to push yourself.
I ran my 10k tonight but it was so hard, I run alot better in the morning but can't with school holidays. I just too tired in the evening and cant seem to find the right time to eat

herecomes why not add a km to a couple of your weekly runs, and then after a couple of weeks, add a couple more? I know what you mean about long runs - they are time-consuming and dull for the slower paced women plodders on the thread. I too am not keen to run more than about 12 miles in all honesty - I just don't think that the kinds of times I can do justify it IYSWIM e.g. relationship between outlay and expenditure (time, sweat, goodwill etc) ain't worth it.

I did 35 miles last week, mostly by running every day - this is a new departure for me, but I think I am up to it now. It's actually easier for me to make it non-negotiable, as I work at home and do lots of childcare so it's easy for that 'flexibility' to turn into my not running. So I have been doing my usual interval run, and long(ish)run, plus a medium run (6-7 miles) and the others 3-4 miles which takes even me 30-40 minutes. It all adds up! But I'd be more worried about the niggles you're talking about.

Anyway, do you need to run more? why do you think you do? You are running as much as time and your body will allow - as I say, just add a couple of kms here and there from time to time. Or alternate a high mileage week with a lower mileage week? There's no magic number for weekly mileage (is there?), just what works for you in the context of your life (I can run every day because DP is at home too and I am not tied to an office, or someone else's schedule, at least not in August :o)

sorry for essay!

Welcome newbies!

No running this weekend. Was at a party saturday night and I think something I ate gave me food poisoning. Had vomiting and diarrhoea that night. I have a strong stomach so luckily it was fairly shortlived. Felt better today but thought best to wait til tomorrow to get out.

piff i'm doing a 10k in October too. Add your race to the list and it will spur you on even more.

It's getting trickier to go out in the evening after dc are in bed. I don't mind running in the dark but our local council are trying to save money and so have switched off the majority of the streetlights where we are. Think I might have to join a gym...

rhet you have a strange idea of lovely

I have also been muttering lately about giving road biking a go, DH is a big fan. He suggested we hire a bike over there so I can try it...what do you cyclists think? Is first try in the Alps (close to Alpe d'Huez) a very bad plan? Maybe he is trying to put me off it ?

By the way, rainbow wrt your gym membership, if all you do is run then it sounds as if binning it may be the best plan, however I am not such a dedicated runner (though getting more so) as lots of people here. I am also a great believer in cross training, particularly sessions with weights. I think they are hugely beneficial, including for running and also balancing things out physically IYKWIM? I'm not sure i could ever rely solely on running for exercise, but I realise that weight training is many runners idea of hell ! That is why I wouldn't give up my membership...also being a complete running wimp so far when it comes to rain/cold, though I am sure I'll be tougher this winter

sleep - alpine running, get you! sounds lovely
piffpaffpoff welcome, that sounds like a great plan and that you are well on target for your 10k. Most of us on here (I'm guessing....) are a few years either side of 40 - it's a good age for running!

Hello, another lurker 'coming out' to say hello. I am by no means a serious runner but I've done a couple of slow 10ks a few years ago. I've started up again a few weeks ago because I want to lose some weight and get fitter. I turned 40 last year and just feel a bit saggy and want to do something about it. So, I've signed up for a 10k in October and I intend to do it well, rather than struggle round as I did before! I did 5k nonstop tonight in 40mins and I'm planning to get out 3 or 4 times a week. The brilliant thing this time round is that I am actually enjoying it, and looking forward to each run. That's never happened before! So I'm going to enjoy getting hints, tips and motivation from all you more experienced runners to get me through this 10k and keep it up afterwards.