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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:
kookyboo · 14/08/2016 15:37

has to be music music music, anything that fills you with energy, I like rock music or a bit of heavy metal always gets me in the right frame of mind Smile

annarack99 · 14/08/2016 12:40

Start slowly with some gentle jogging and even walking, and build up gradually - it really does get easier with repetition

wooo69 · 13/08/2016 22:18

don't waste money on specialist clothing at the start but do make sure you have proper running shoes not just any old "trainers", it makes such a difference

RunningKatie · 12/08/2016 22:41

You need good shoes and a good bra! Nothing is worse than feeling uncomfortable.

I watched Aldi/Lidl for their running gear weeks, you don't have to look like the models in the adverts!

The other thing that made the difference for my running was making some running friends, who were back of the pack runners like me. Making arrangements to go out with them meant I actually got out regularly and enjoyed making progress.

I really want to get into going to the free weekly parkruns as they are all over the UK, I've got as far as registering but not actually made a start line! I really ought to listen to my own advice.

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 12/08/2016 11:29

What worked for me was joining a supportive group for women. The mutual support and encouragement has made a huge difference and kept me running.

I had tried and failed on my own before but I started a C25K in January and now I run regularly. I went out today with a couple of friends from the club and ran a personal best for 5km🏅which was nice but for me it's not about PBs or challenges. It is about being fitter, stronger and also the social side has been great.

If you're laughing you're not thinking about how hard it is Smile

greig23 · 12/08/2016 11:21

Wait for about two hours after a meal before running.

kayleigh39 · 11/08/2016 21:19

My biggest tip would be to start with baby steps - literally don't run before you can walk! Get great trainers and start with a fast walk and work yourself up in stages - it may not happen in the same day, but you will run!

yaeseul · 11/08/2016 20:47

the hardest thing is getting out the door! i really had to psych myself up every time. Its not necessarily a running tip but i always found the best way to get myself out was to get dressed in all the gear! If i wasnt feeling it i would put all my running gear on and then i would nearly always feel up for a run! and nice leggings/trainers whatever you need makes me want to go out and use the gear too ^^

Piepety · 10/08/2016 21:05

Get out and do it. Good bra and trainers. You might need a tena lady the first few times until your pelvic floor is stronger.

clairebybear · 09/08/2016 21:08

Good running shoes. Good play lists. Run at your own pace. Mix up your routes otherwise it can be boring. I take the dogs with me too, keeps it fun too.

thekiwibex · 09/08/2016 20:59

Invest in a good quality sports bra that is designed for the size and shape of your breasts!

Johnjewett · 09/08/2016 19:47

Even though I am a disabled, I still go out on my crutches, instead of my mobility scooter, and go as far as I can, as far as my upper body will hold me. Then I have a rest, realising that I still have to get back.no one is going to carry me. I don't see the dis, I just see ability jjx

Isis1981uk · 09/08/2016 19:24

If your hips are still achy after having a baby I'd say run little & often to avoid overstressing them!

zeenie · 09/08/2016 18:59

keep going, when you think you've nothing left to give you do, you have much much, just break through the wall!!

scoobysu · 09/08/2016 18:45

My tip is to run for yourself, not others.

Years ago I was pressured into signing up for a half marathon by a friend and hated every second of both the training leading up to it and the race itself. Embarrassed by my time and self conscious after a comment from a friend that I 'looked hilarious when I ran,' I didn't put my running shoes on for another three years.

A few years later after having my first daughter I started walking 5 miles a day to help lose the 'mummy tummy.' My walks soon turned to jogs and it wasn't long until I tried running my daily route. Now I run at least 3 miles most days - not because I have to, not because I need to as part of a fitness/weight loss regime but because I genuinely love it and want to. So my tip is to try it for yourself, find the love for it and you won't need any other motivation.

suzannedrummond · 09/08/2016 17:43

i started to walk for 10 minutes then 15 then 20 i set my alarm walk for 20 mins then set my alarm and walk back home and try and return before alarm goes off , i also try and run from lamp post to lamp post then walk fast to next lamp post then run in the last year ive neatly lost 4 stone and gone from a size 22 to a 12/14

fitzbilly · 09/08/2016 15:58

Anyone can be a runner if they go out and run. It didn't matter how fast or slow you are.

My to tip is to make running part of your weekly routine no matter what (unless you are bedridden ill). Don't make excuses, don't put it off, just run. Whether your are at home, on holiday, have a deadline at work, feel tired or are pregnant, still keep up the running.

zoendavid2 · 09/08/2016 15:53

I have just started running and like many others i was/still am paranoid about what other people are saying my mum tum still jiggles but i am determined i will get fit i am limmited at the min as a normal pram aint good for running but i am doing as much as i can got to 2km in 17 mins and when i say my time the looks on some peoples faces (is like i have said i ran a mile in 3 hours) but you know what i am doing it at my pace and when i am at my target weight and a lot fitter i will be so glad my bum aint on the sofa eating junk Smile

maria08k · 09/08/2016 15:53

If you are new to running try the couch to 5k programme....it eases you in!

squeezed · 09/08/2016 15:29

If you're recovering from an injury get advice on how to train. I'm recovering from spd and I'm slowly building up my core strength before increasing my running.

Mummageddon · 09/08/2016 15:19

I like to run first thing in the morning as i haven't eaten yet, the air is fresh and it hasn't got too hot (at the moment!)
I go very slowly but make sure I'm running the whole time, even if that means slowing down some more to catch my breath.
I also find it very motivating to track progress with a fitbit or plot my route/distance.

katiewalters · 09/08/2016 14:41

start slow and build yourself up, and go with friends as it motivates you to keep going. I went on my own and after 5mins I just stopped and walked but when I went with others they helped push me to keep going. When you start getting out of breath, dont stop completely but keep walking until you feel able to go again. Invest in some goof dunning trainers. I also joined a local running group by me, that was for all ages and abilities, if you wanted to walk, jog, run, sprint you can do any.

readingrainbow · 09/08/2016 14:39

Couch to 5k was a revelation. I'm slow, I plod along, but I've been able to work through the programme at a pace that worked for me. It has given me a lot of pride, and that's invaluable.

You don't need a lot of kit. Decent shoes, sturdy bra, and some scruffy clothes. Off you go.

Ang29 · 09/08/2016 14:29

Comfortable shoes, proper running gear is my advice! X

janekirk · 08/08/2016 22:31

Get a running machine, much better for those winter nights

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