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Share your running tips to win a copy of This Mum Runs PLUS Thule Glide sports stroller worth over £300!

256 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 20/07/2016 12:27

Excited for the Olympics? To celebrate the publication of British athlete Jo Pavey's This Mum Runs, here's a chance to win a copy of the new book PLUS a Thule Glide sports stroller - perfect for any mum who runs.

Jo Pavey was 40 when she won the 10,000m at the European Championships. It was her first gold medal and, astonishingly, it came within months of having her second child. Now 42, Jo will be representing Team GB in the Athletics squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Jo has been dubbed ‘Supermum’, but her story is in many ways the same as every mother juggling working life with a family – the sleepless nights, the endless nappy changing and the school-run chaos. The only difference is that Jo is a full-time athlete pushing a buggy on her training runs and clocking up miles on the treadmill while her daughter has her lunchtime nap.

Heartwarming and uplifting, This Mum Runs follows Jo’s roundabout journey to the top and all the lessons she's learned along the way. It is the inspiring yet everyday story of a mum that runs and a runner that mums.

Share your running tips for a chance to win a copy of This Mum Runs plus a Thule Glide award-winning high performance sports stroller worth over £300.

This discussion is sponsored by Penguin Random House and will end on 17 August

Share your running tips to win a copy of This Mum Runs PLUS Thule Glide sports stroller worth over £300!
Share your running tips to win a copy of This Mum Runs PLUS Thule Glide sports stroller worth over £300!
OP posts:
SirleyYoung · 16/08/2016 20:55

I started reading the comments and realised that like myself many other moms are excited about couch to 5 k :) it's a great way to condition yourself to run without being too much too soon. I also have an additional tip: draw up a bullet journal spread to track your running. It gives you motivation and much needed accountability if you're a bit of a couch potato like I am :)

nickitayler · 16/08/2016 20:34

Find a buddy to drag along with you for a chin wag. It makes it far less painful! I joined a women's only running group for beginners and it built my confidence and I actually looked forward to running each week. Since then, I have run 3 half marathons.

ksouthcott · 16/08/2016 20:16

For anyone thinking of starting out running I would highly recommend NHS Couch to 5k. I did it in March of this year after having my third C-section and I now thoroughly enjoy running 2-3 times a week. I wouldn't say I'm fast but it keeps me fit, and it's healthy. Just enjoy it and don't be too hard on yourself.

tolly16 · 16/08/2016 19:48

Run with a friend, makes the time go faster

Mozarmstrong · 16/08/2016 19:36

Good trainers good bra good friend !

olivia280177 · 16/08/2016 16:42

Invest in a good pair of running shoes.

bevmichelle47 · 16/08/2016 14:54

I find that having a large plate of pasta (spag bol) the night before restores my energy for the morning run.

Always take a running partner, this way you have company and you would feel guilty if you stop lol so you have to keep going..

Invest in a fantastic pair of running shoes, yes they may be expensive but your feet as to carry your whole body all those miles and they will protect your ankles and knees from the pounding..

Plus always stay hydrated!!

emmav6 · 16/08/2016 13:54

i don't think you need to spend a fortune on clothes, but the right trainers are a must. i got myself assessed for free at a local shop & fitted with the right style/size trainer to prevent injury. It's important to buy a size or half size bigger in running shoes

ama6270 · 16/08/2016 13:36

I invested in a good sports bra with padding because your breast area could become quite sore if wearing your everyday lace bras

iPanda · 16/08/2016 12:22

I like running during cooler periods so I watch the weather report. Location is also important for me so I plan my routes to avoid things like cars and having to stop/start. Of course a proper fitting pair of running shoes is essential & an app to track your progress is useful too.

Nanalou · 16/08/2016 10:54

Good running trainers, a well fitting sports bra and whatever distance you find comfortable have positive thoughts and enjoy.

cjh123 · 16/08/2016 09:40

Ive been running for many years and have completed many races and believe everyone can get out there and slowly improvement their performance whatever their ability is. I started by walking and increasing very very slowly. I walked and then ran a little then walked again. When I had my daughter I would go out at about 11am to the park knowing my daughter would sleep and park her pushchair in the middle of the green area. I would then run round the pushchair several times keeping a watchful eye out for strangers. The freedom of that twenty minutes of just running around in a circle made long tired days with a toddler so much more manageable.

Lreece · 16/08/2016 07:51

Take running in small steps. I thought I could run then had the stark realisation I couldn't. Warm up properly by stretching then start off by power walking. Once you are comfortable at doing this over a longer stretch start jogging but maybe jog for 5 mins & walk for 5 mins alternating to build up your stamina. Also when running with your baby ensure your buggy is an arms length(ish) infront of you as it can suddenly appear right infront of you 🙊. Also enjoy and only do what is manageable for you and you baby, everyone is different.
Make sure you have plenty of water so you don't dehydrate

joannecc · 16/08/2016 06:53

My tip would be to visit a specialist sports shop for advice on the correct footwear for your gait. I have real problems with my feet and the wrond footwear can cause injury that lasts for weeks

DimensionAEB · 15/08/2016 23:32

I've only been jogging for a few months, but the main thing I found that helped was getting a comfortable pair of running shoes. It really makes a difference.

Other than that I just love listening to music while jogging.

kelandab · 15/08/2016 23:10

Set yourself weekly goals. Use Distance, type of ground & endurance as ideas for setting them. Perhaps an unhill run as challenge

MrsHarford · 15/08/2016 22:17
  • When starting out, if it doesn't feel too slow it probably isn't slow enough
  • Remind yourself that you'll never regret going for a run when you come back so even if you get out the door for 10 minutes that's better than nothing
  • parkrun is the best thing ever!
  • There's no such thing as bad running weather just the wrong gear
jaizko · 15/08/2016 21:25

There's a good choice of larger cup sports bras now, so there's no need to miss out if you're top heavy.

26milesofcbeebies · 15/08/2016 21:02

A decent sports bra! Try several, and make sure you jump up and down and jog on the spot to test it. A decent bra makes a huge difference.

sylviagill · 15/08/2016 20:58

Good Trainers, Some Music to make your body move, Comfortable Clothing and a positive, confident attitude .... give yourself a big pat on the back for every step you make

Amaksy · 15/08/2016 20:33

Start slow - take it easy.
Set realistic goals and use a free app (no need making this a costly hobby/ activity).
Buy appropriate attire - running shoes and clothes (check out SportsDirect and ALDI/ LIDL for clothes on deal days!)
Please carry along a suitable music player - phone/mp3 player/ipod etc and create your own playlist its boring otherwise.

candyfloss79 · 15/08/2016 17:32

What worked for me when I was starting out was to stick to the same route. I fast walked the route and had stretches where I would run. Each week I would extend the stretches just a little bit and eventually I was able to run the whole route.

goldenretriever1978 · 15/08/2016 09:27

Decent trainers and perserverance are a must. If new, mix walking with jogging and build up to all jogging then runnning.

phillip666 · 15/08/2016 04:52

I Can Offer No Greater Running Tip Than To Always Warm Up And IF You Are A Beginner To Ease Into Running ... Try a 5 Minuet Warm Up . Then 10 . Then 15 And So On

xcxcsophiexcxc · 14/08/2016 22:24

i always find listening to music helps me and really listening to it so i can zone out, i feel not only relaxes me it makes time go quicker and helps my breathing - i forget that im running entirely.

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