runners united: the one with the time running with other people

Sticky re your GNR-centric post - think the rate this thread is going, Rhet (or someone) will be starting a new one on Sunday evening..well maybe Monday.

DS2 and I hoping to do parkrun tomorrow, no doubt he will be hoping to better his time again - last week he shaved 77 seconds off his PB and if he continues at that rate he will be beating me in about 5 weeks time......eek. Unless I stop taking him...

How are all the GNRers?

Marking my place and have a couple of races to add:

18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal, LaLa, SLF, Fannybanjo
18/09/11 - 10k: Tulip27
18/09/11 - Buckie 10k: backwardpossom
24/09/11 - Nairn Triathlon: backwardpossom (eeeeek!)
25/09/11 - Windsor Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
25/09/11 - London Half Marathon Run to the beat: June2009
25/09/11 - New Forest Half Marathon: MoshiMoshi, Tulip27
25/09/11 - Runway Run 10k: Ibbydibby
02/10/11 - Standalone 10K: Futurity, Quenelle
02/10/11 - Bradford Half Marathon - MrsWednesday
02/10/11 - Baxter's River Ness 10k - backwardpossom
02/10/11 - The Run, Northampton - YeahThatsTheBadger
02/10/11 - Great Edinburgh Run 10k -
02/10/11 - Big Fun Run 5k London Victoria Park - Wiifitmama
09/10/11 - Great Eastern Run, Peterborough - Futurity
09/10/11 - Herts 10k - WishIwasCherryMenlove
16/10/11 - Abingdon Marathon: MoshiMoshi
16/10/11 - Aviemore 10K: Piffpaffpoff
22/10/11 - Shockabsorber 10K Richmond Park - sfx
30/10/11 - Great South Run: Wheely, squix
30/10/11 - Nairobi Standard Chartered Half Marathon - M&M
05/11/11 - Glendalough Trail Run - rhetorician
13/11/11 - Stebbing 10 Mile - bonkers20
19/11/11 - Maasai Mara Half Marathon - M&M
20/11/11 - Leeds Abbey Dash (10k) - DrNortherner
27/11/11 - City of Norwich half marathon: ibbydibby, MoshiMoshi
19/02/12 - Brighton Half marathon - Wheely
22/04/12 - VLM: MoshiMoshi, ibbydibby
27/05/12 - London Bupa 10K - Futurity

ibby it is a lot like Christmas as a kid, I think. I don't do anything else like this - never been a stadium gig/rock festival sort of person, so hanging out with thousands of other people doing the same thing or supporting you doing it is an alien feeling - and a real buzz. Love it.

Sorry I really will shut up now and go and put the girls to bed.

oh yes - there is loads of parking at South shields - the leas is a huge grassy area - acres and acres. But with all the cars it's a nightmare to get out, it's like a funeral cortege all along the coast until you get through to Gateshead. So it's no probs getting parking, just getting away.

My word this thread >>>>>>>whoosh>>>>>>

fanny - it may be a testing day for your impatient DH... Getting away takes bloody ages. I know some in the know will park in South Shields on side streets to get away quicker, rather than on the Leas themselves (we don't because we tend to make a day of it, picnic etc - but we don't have far to go afterwards of course).

I've only tried train from Durham to Newcastle (works fine, except this year they're only running one train rather than two, so I'm a bit about how crowded it'll be. Hopefully not so much that they don't let people on at Durham). And I've driven to S Shields and took the bus back. That took ages. Looking at the site, it seems to make sense to drive to Gateshead Interchange and take the bus or metro from there to Haymarket. It is a nightmare with all the roads closing too!

I will be at the start about 8.45. With all the people about, everything takes ages, so you need to be all relaxed and not in a rush for anything imo. The pens fill up very quickly and there's a lot of chatter/banter etc so the time races by. It's a little walk from Haymarket over to the start as well (unless you happen to be a sleb, of course).

Breakfast - will no longer be with you ime!! And I can't eat much with nerves/excitement so it's toast at 7am, and a banana to go.

I take an old coat to discard at the start. I've tried to get rid of it for 2 years now, but always there's someone I know there who says they'll take it home for me... maybe this will be my lucky year for getting rid of the manky old thing!!

Seems to be a rather GNR-centric post...

DH could drop me at metro and I jump on train then he drives over to The Leas car parking around 9ish and he and DD find position to watch? Then he meets me in family area at finish and then we skip home holding hands, me with my medal and PB of 1hr 20min......

sfx - triathlon was my initial motivation but also because I can see how much better dd1's style is than mine. I also want to be able to use swimming as cross training and this will be more efficient/effective if I'm swimming properly. Am now not sure if I'll fit in a tri next year as I've also agreed with some friends to do the London to brighton bike ride and the best beginner tri's seem to be around the same time and I don't think its that fair to spend too many weekends doing stuff so we'll see.

Thanks Moshi I'll see what I can pick up tomorrow - I'll end up looking like Handy Manny!

Thanks Ibby - my poor mother looking after DD2 and DD3 so have to be back Sunday. Thing is - no matter how we do it, it's going to be chockablock - if DH can get parked somewhere near the finish then great, if not need to know what best to do. It does say in the GNR mag that there's plenty of parking in South Shields ! DH not the most patient of men - he'll be cursing me!

Fanny have friends doing GNR who are staying over until Monday as they say it does take hours to get going on the journey home.....they are parking at Middlesbrough, get bus from there to start (for DH) and somewhere else on spectator route for non-running DW and DD. Have you looked at GNR website for deals like this?

Otherwise being way down south have no idea of logistics, but sounds as if it may be tricky for your DH to drive to finish (and get away again).

You must all feel like today is the day before Christmas Eve - or something like that....

fanny - this is the fanny pack I have. No problems with it at all. Not too big and not too small.

Moshi thanks - any particular make better than others? I'll have to pop out in the morning and get one. So glad road tested the one I got before - I'd have flung it on Sunday had I not used it. To be honest I'd probably manage without as could use my armband for phone - it's the Snicker bar which needs a pouch! Hmmmmm.....

sfx DD2 just a total pink princess whereas DD1 and DD3 not at all. Thanks for diet tips - yep it's me with the toilet problems!

If anyone ( Sticky may have most knowledge) can help with advice re GNR then most appreciated:

• going to get DH to drop me at a metro station on way up from staying in Durham - I know I need to get off at Haymarket - what would be best metro station for him to drop me at then he could drive towards the finish line?

• what's the best time to get to the start?

• what's the best time to eat my breakfast?!

• when it's over - does it take hours to get out of South Shields?

Thanks!

and good luck to the GNR contingent

Hamster Run for fun popsycal LaLa SLF Fannybanjo

you lot moved while I was trying to catch up
apologies for all that I shall miss

peach hope preschool is settling, dd seems to feel a bit better now, and is super pleased that her Scottish teacher knows who Biffy Clyro are and likes them. re course yes a bit of serendipity, it is a a little boost

fanny I know who Sharpay is, dd keen on the movies but I think her uber pinkness finally weaned dd off the colour. was it you with the poo issue? I find fibre and plenty of fluids on the precious day followed by strong coffee in the morning will help.
no fags since 2000, no longer miss them

squix what timing for a jog I heard some parking fines where handed out that day while people where otherwise engaged, completely forgot he probably swam by our place

Futurity Cambridge run sounded lovely

bonkers well done on arse whooping of over enthusiastic whipper-snapper, hope knee better

rhet sympathies with dd troubles, it is trying, just don't make it into a battle of wills, far too draining and ultimately pointless. sorry to hear of diagnosis.

Sonic Tokyo is on my wishlist for visiting when dd is older. run sounds interesting (and orderly )

TheCoo happy birthday

wheely is the swimming to build up to triathlons? I often think I should get lessons, my technique is all over the place these days, hard to believe I actually competed in my early teens

orange it sounds like a difficult time, so sorry for the family and especially the little one.

I hope all are reasonably healthy as the cold season starts

today I have mostly been organising timetables for study, work and so on, attended PTA meeting so I can add more things to the diary

happy running

Right back 'atchya Moshi

fanny I haven't done GNR, but I did my first HM in June this year in 1 hour 58 mins.

Right, am all kitted up for 10k before collecting ds. No worries about pace, just me, the dog, the countryside and thoughts of my lovely Dad

fanny - Go for one that includes bottles so you can use it for LSRs in future. It will also be designed not to flap as a result. You can remove the bottles for the race to keep weight down. I use mine all the time and still had it on for my 5K looking a bit weighed down compared with the other runners with nowt but their club vests and racing knickers on!

DrNo - big hugs. It means your daddy will always be with you which is kind of nice. Tis just tricky when dealing with the fact he has gone and you miss his voice and daddyness. I'm with you sister .

DrNo sorry about your sad day re your dad. I have read your threads re your mum. Not up to date on recent developments but hope your ok. DH's Mum has narcissistic tendencies so can empathise.

rhet I'm just out at the moment but should be able to scan it when I get in from collecting my horrors Angels from school. Let me know if that's too late otherwise could just tell you which one they tested was the best!

DrNo was what your time for GNR? Oh the toilet habits of a nervous runner.... I now have the bowel movements to rival an Englishman on his first Indian holiday. . My tummy feels fine it's just hmm, erm, not keeping anything in there for very long! Fingers crossed all ok Sunday though doubt it.

Ibby mine was £100 from amazon. I love it, it's best size for me - I'd look like Mr T in Lycra with anything larger.

Just been out and road tested the "fanny pack" and what a load of shite the Sainsburys fanny pack is! It was bouncing like a pair of GG's sans bra. DH picked me up as I had to drop him at train station - he was pissing himself - looked like I was a Womble. Soooooo off to Runnersneed after all - hope I can find belt that suits. Any recommendations anyone? Only need smallish one to put iPhone, small snickers and liitle GNR pocket book in.

Ha ha DrNo - I just did the same. Was a bit hard with an ELC pretend builder tape measurer but I'm about 14-15 cms. But am a midget.

rhet - DH's is an Inov Race Elite. 15 litres. V. lightweight.

peach How did day 2 go ?

ANd I've just realised its friday and I might not get on before sunday so GOOD LUCK GNRers. I will be watching so I'll look out for you all . Really looking forward to your race reports.

Meant to say I have the Garmin 110 and very small wrists and it's fine for me. How the hell do those of you with 6cm wrists know you have 6cm wrists? I have never had to measure my wrist.....

Thanks wheely, the sad days are less with each passing year, but they still come. The price we pay for loving and missing someone so much I guess.

DrNo - sorry you're having a down day today about your Dad. Natural though if you dreamed about him last night. FIL died 8 years ago and DH had a moment when we were out on Saturday night as he heard a particular song that played at his funeral. The miner accident is terrible. Hope the run clears your head a bit. I too really want to do GNR next year. I have been in the ballot 2 years running so far.

2nd year for me in the marathon ballot too - although I'm sort of hoping not to get in as I'd consider doing it next year but would rather do it in 2013 when I'd feel more prepared.

Welcome tulip !!

Well done for starting the new thread Rhet. I bought DH a running backpack earlier this year. NOt sure he's actually used it though - will wander up stairs and find out what it is.

Am going out tomorrow morning for 6-7 miles I think. Hoping I'm not pushing my ankle but feeling more confident about it and want to get my mileage back up so I manage at least 1 more 10 miler before GSR. Would have liked (and originally planned) a lot more 10 milers but if i manage 7 ok this wekeend I'll do at least 8+ once a week until GSR which should be ok shouldn't it ???

There you all are! Thought I'd lost you all for a second...

Thanks for the new thread Rhet and welcom Tulip

DrNo I am so upset for those miners, I fear the worst too I'm afraid.

Oooh good luck all the GNR'rs. How exciting! I'd love to be participating this year, nothing but good memories of that day. Next year...next year.

Got out and did 6.12 miles, or so my Garmin tells me, last night. 1.01, which is frankly miraculous for me!

Running tomorrow, not an LSR, just a little 4 mile.

Ibby you will love, love, love your Garmin. It's my new running bff. I literally can't run without it now.

thoughts of miners and waiting familes here also

Ds and I were glued to teh TV when they rescued the Chilean miners.

Reminds me to NEVER moan about a bad day at work again. I work in an office and sit on a chair all day FFS.

My Dad is on my mind alot today too He was in my dreams last night

Think I might squeeze a run in before picking up ds from football after school. Blow off some cobwebs.