Runners united (come join us if you are addicted to running!)

[MoshiMoshi]

This is a continuation of the thread "Happy When We Are Running" for those of us who are committed to running in order to preserve a sense of ourselves and maintain a degree of sanity in our lives which are otherwise taken over by family and work-related matters.

All runners are welcome, experienced and newbies, if you are a keen runner. We promise to support you in your efforts and have a running (excuse the pun!) list of races (see below) which various of us have entered in order to provide advice and support along the way.

So what are you waiting for? Spring is here and there is no better time to enter those races you have been wondering about entering and lose those winter pounds, and all for free (well, as long as you have a decent pair of trainers suitable for your running gait ). Alternatively, if you don't want to race you can just join us to enjoy the racing vicariously and learn about training and what (not) to do along the way.

27/03/11 - Kingston Breakfast Run 8.2m wheely
02/04/11 - Miles for Missing People 10K: MoshiMoshi
10/04/11 - Brighton Marathon: Pawsnclaws
17/04/11 - VLM: MoshiMoshi/ Passmyglass/ Doyouthinktheysaurus
10/05/11 - Burbage Skyline 5.75 miles: Hatwoman
14/05/11 - Chester Half Marathon: IreadthereforeIam
15/05/11 - Oxford Town and Gown 10k: Goldberry
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Marathon: MrsWednesday
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
08/06/11 - Claver Peak 5 miles: hatwoman
11/06/11 - Clumber Park R4L 10k Hamster
12/06/11 - Bath R4L 5k Dillinger
12/06/11 - Redcar half marathon - DrNortherner
25/06/11 - Lewa half marathon Kenya - Masterandmargaritas
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal
23/09/11 - Notting Half Marathon: cestlavie

Thanks thecoo - Yes, I think its more expensive than similar of its kind but a bit more central but done now... My parents are talking of coming to Portsmouth for the weekend to support (for their 46th wedding anniversary !) so the plan is to shower at their place as they'll be staying sunday too.

The footfall/ breathign thing sounds even more complicated than pilates breathing ...

Am v. jealous of all this horseriding. My bro and I gave each other a horse ride (That dsoesn't sound right but hopefully YKWiM) the summer I found out I was (eventually) pg with dd2 and we haven't got round to it. DD1 is also desperate to have regular rides but am resisting for hte time being.

My garmin has given up transferring data through my ant stick. Not sure what's happened. Hoping my brother might pass through next weekend on his way to the brighton marathon and is exceedingly techy so might sort itout for me. .

Just dropped in to say hi to you all - our Easter hols have started already, so I'm home alone with all three ds to amuse! The oldest two are doing a football camp for a couple of days though, so only a few days to fill.

Did a nice slow 7 miles with a friend last night - my last long run (gulp). I really enjoyed it though, and my legs felt much stronger. Just 3 miles tomorrow and 2 on Thursday before the big day ...... yesterday was a lovely day, walked out to see the spring lambs then had a drink in a pub garden. Which was great until ds2 locked himself in the toilet cubicle and couldn't get out (you know that sinking feeling when you're saying the words "don't lock the ......" and you hear the bolt shutting?) Luckily he managed to slide under the door, but I guess the pub will now be puzzled as to how the door is locked from the inside with no-one in there!

Anyway, welcome all newbies, and special congrats to DrNo on a great time.

Haven't checked but I'm assuming I'm now top of the list

Oh dear. Just checked weather forecast for next Sunday ..... 21 degrees .

Dontcha love those locking-in incidents paws - "okay honey, just try pushing it really hard the other way, no, the other way... okay... try jiggling it a bit then.... okay, well try not to panic..."

Thought for warmer days which helps me a bit - if you have a drink you take round, keep it chilled for as long as possible, put it in a cool bag and put ice into it at the last possible minute (e.g. from hotel). Not sure how much physiological difference it makes but it does make a psychological difference and keeps your hands cold at least!

Started my 'new' training regime today. Looking back at my training diary, it's clear my speed it has plateaued over the last 2 - 3 months so am trying to take my own advice and work to a more structured training plan. Not sure but I think it's probably the result of running too hard and far on each run which means (a) not enough good quality running and (b) being increasingly knackered.

What this means in particular not trying to push myself too hard every minute of every run but make sure the running is better quality overall. Mainly this means (i) slowing down properly on intervals (ii) running the fast intervals and tempo runs at a steady, consistent pace and (iii) dropping the speed on my longer runs which I seem to run at race pace. Not sure how successful this will be, especially on long runs, but we shall see!

Today I did 12k with 4k at circa 8.60 m/m, then 5.5k at 7.20 m/m then last 2.5k at 9.40 m/m. Feels weird running under capacity for the last 2.5k so definitely need to be convinced of this new regime!

paws - I have the opposite problem with DD - she has a habit of opening the cubical door when I take her in with me, usually when I am not in a position that I want the rest of the world to see!

drnorthener - well done on the pb, and some good mile splits too

Rohanda - hello, I was the same about 8 months ago - hadn?t done much for ages - didn?t take me long to get addicted again

sfxmum - I was following low carb diet for a bit, I was doing this while I was training, but not training as much as I am now - I made sure I ate lots of the lower carb fruit - berries in particular. Although since I?ve started training more seriously I have moved to looking at GI rather than carbs and still avoid sugar and refined wheat (bread, pasta etc) and focus on things like whole grain, lentils and beans. For my porridge, I use oat bran and only really have that on long run days. I think something like Greek yoghurt and berries is a good, quick low carb breakfast.

cestlavie - taking your own advice can definitely be tricky

I had a busy weekend - Saturday did 3.5miles at about 9.0 mins per mile in the morning then off to see Mama Mia in the afternoon - my mother?s day pressie.

Yesterday did a long slow 12 miles before lunch at MILs. Although it was long and slow I was about 1 minute a mile faster than I was last week. I felt a bit achey afterwards but not as tired as I have done in the past, I got up early and had a bowl of porridge as suggested and I am sure it made a big difference. I think the speed training is also starting to kick in.

Saw someone dressed as the Easter Bunny - over the last 3 months I have seen the Gruffalo, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and at least 6 people walking in pj?s whilst out on a Sunday morning. I live near a famous landmark which is popular for sponsored walks - I do sometimes have to check that I am not hallucinating

I am also testing out my ?hydration strategy? (or as DH said - ?you mean ?having a drink???). Weighed myself before and after run and I was 1.5 kg lighter afterwards, despite drinking ½ ltr on my way round. I had not realised that I would lose quite as much. Made sure that I drank loads the rest of the day.

Those of you that use Garmin etc - how useful do you find them? I am thinking of buying something but not sure which - they?re quite pricey so I want to get it right.

Squix am also all ears on advice for Garmins. I've been thinking of getting the Forerunner 110 but it sounds like it doesn't tell you your current speed, just your lap speed (e.g. over last 250m, last 1km) which doesn't sound like it would be great for intervals...

Paws - have a relaxing week if you can ! And fingers crossed its a bit cooler on Sunday. At least being Brighton there is bound to be some breeze !

Well doen on the runs (so to speak !) Cest and Squix. Squix - are you sure you're not running too much if you're seeing the easter bunny etc .

I have a basic-ish Garmin (FR60) so not GPS but recommended by my techy bro (who told me a GPS one wasn't worth it... and then promptly bought himself one). Mine does tell you current speed and average speed and other things (am not very technical). Its great - other than the fact its not transferring data at the mo.

squix & peachy thanks, careful with GI's is the way to go thanks

wheely forgot to say thanks for thought while doing Kingston, it warmed my heart

went out today, working on recovery improving fitness ans hopefully getting on increasing speed it all went flat last year, not that I would ever be fast, but a little faster be great. True that training seems almost counter-intuitive but worth keeping at it

happy running all

Just an easy 40 min run for me today - weather was perfect for a run, sunny but still quite chilly.

I want a Garmin so much! DH says he thinks it's a waste of money as I can work out my pace easily when I get home anyway for free (and of course he didn't need any gadgets when he ran his 10 mile race...) But I want to know my pace while I'm running. Problem is I am a bit of a gadget fiend, and he just doesn't get it... I could just get one anyway, but feel a bit mean spending the money if he's not keen, as he recently treated me to a trip to NY and we're trying to be a bit careful with money now. Think I may have to wait until my birthday :(

cestlavie I like your tip for carrying cold water.
Squix I'm dying to weigh myself before and after a long run now (must remember that it's water though, and not get excited at prospect of losing 1.5kg in a couple of hours!)
Wheelie I think the convenience of the Ibis makes it well worth the expense!

Not ignoring everyone so will say "hello" to all now.

Just wanted to let paws know I hope this week goes well in the run up to Brighton! Also a well done to cestlavie for attacking your regime with a new approach as I am sure you will see the benefits very soon. Like I said before, I think you can get close to a 90 min HM this year. Maybe not the first attempt but certainly soon after.

Revelation of the day: puppy wee is a great tile cleaner. I missed an accident last night and on cleaning the puddle away this morning was presented with a clean tile!

Activity for the day: 6 miles in 43 mins on the Alter G Trainer at 75% of my weight (if only). Should have been slower (7:45m/m) as a general aerobic run but figured I needed to push a teeny bit to get the same CV benefit as having a full weight workout. Then did an hour of ballet stretches which was utter bliss. Asthma and shin pain much better - hurrah - but still not gone.

Happy running all.

PS Cannot recommend a GPS Garmin enough. Worth the expense.

I've got a Garmin, I think it's handy but as cestlavie says it only gives you average pace. Fine for me as I do my intervals at the gym (so I know I can't cheat ) but could otherwise be quite irritating. It also means I seem to end up going faster than I planned because when you get home the average seems to go down - so yesterday I planned to do my 7 mile easy run in about 12 minute miles, but when I got home my watch adjusted itself and said I'd done an average of 11 minute miles. Fine for training, but I'm going to have to really watch it in the marathon because I need to hold back for at least the first half.

PS whoever recommended Born to Run - what a great book. I read it in two days flat (wish I could run as fast as I can read ....).

And a real lesson in the counter-intuitive stuff too - training smart instead of just banging the miles out. How amazing were some of the athletes in that book?! In fact it's really inspired me to just enjoy this marathon - stop worrying about the heat/the time/etc., and just enjoy the moment.

My Garmin gives me a current pace too but it is more accurate to
use the average as the current fluctuates quite a lot which is misleading. My Garmin tells me an awful lot much of which I don't yet make the most of, but I will one day when I have the time to work it out...

PPS if anyone likes or fancies trying Powerbar Rideshots (little lemon or cola sweets filled with energy gel) - they are on special offer in Holland and Barratt at the moment. 99p per pack but the second pack is then 1p, so effectively £1.00 for two packets (much more expensive usually).

Ooh thanks for the tip paws

I love gadgets and would love a Garmin. sigh

Blimey you lot chat a lot.

Please can someone link to a Garmin that you can do intervals with? I don't want one of those where you have to add the shoe thingy to it either. Just one all singing, all dancing Garmin. But not too big please.

I managed a 10k on Saturday then 13.5k with my buddy on Sunday. Why can't I go any faster? I seem to have plateaued at the same speed for the last year. I need to do some intervals I know, I just find it hard to get out doing them.

Paws, good luck this week. I'm sure 21 degrees is manageable Just remember to keep tipping the water over your head, it really works wonders.

Peachy, I didn't run when pregnant, I think I would have died had I tried. I reckon you should listen to your body, if you are too tired then don't run. How about a little swim instead?

C'estlavie, I saw a cestlavielife posting last week, I had to do a double take and I got very confused trying to work out how you might have kicked out an abusive dh.

this is my garmin

It's the entry model, easy to use, and I have come to love it!

Can I ask all you ladies what you wear on your legs when you run? I wear either full length tights or capri pants but dh bought me a pair of very short running shorts and he is adamant I will run better in them

They are extremely short and one will feel very self concious

How funny DrNortherner - just been browsing around trying to find running shorts (with a pocket) that I'm not embarrassed to wear... I usually wear tracksuit bottoms or 3/4s (loose) but have recently started wearing tight capris with a very large tshirt to hide my fat arse curves.

How short are these shorts - show us a pic!

in winter I wear Ronhill leggings - just the standard old blue ones; in spring and summer a variety of shorts. I quite like loose fitting (but not those horrible racing shorts that men seem to favour...) but not baggy - i've a couple of nice adidas pairs, and a good pair of patagonia trail shorts with good pockets like these. Other than that I quite like rowing shorts - they are decently thigh covering, but looser fitting than most lycra. Like the Powerhouse brand. But no pockets, so those'll have to be on your top!

I can't help but LOL at your DH DrNo, do you think he just wants to admire the view .

I too have been pondering the summer leg atire question. I have one pair of running shorts from last year - baggy-ish but from what I remember they rubbed quite a bit. I have been wondering about tighter ones although my legs really wouldn't look good in too short ones.

These are so short, I am certain that if there is a gust of wind I may expose a buttock. Not a good look. I have told dh I will not be wearing them!

I only ever wear shorts when on holiday abroad and have tanned legs. Plus waering shorts means I have to defuzz all the time and quite frankly I can't be arsed

Anyway. Have spent time today thinking about my running. And I can clearly see I have been doing too many junk miles. I do one club session a week, then would do 2/3 normal mid week runs which I will now add in some speed work, with a LSR at a weekend. Am signing up for 1 more 10k and 1 10mile race before I do my half marathon. Eek.

Every one wears silly tiny shorts in CA

DrNo - yes, the leg maintenance is an issue, and the tanning potential is limited (expanse of lightly tanned flesh ending, um, just above the ankle, anyone?).

I too have been doing junk miles - or rather, have extended my base building period for too long. I did fartlek on Sat which suited me well; intervals I think I will keep for the gym as I can't seem to structure them properly outside and faffing around with laps on the watch (I have a Polar) - should probably read the instructions. Ran a (sort of) tempo on Sunday - i.e. a good bit faster than training pace. So 2 longish easy runs, 1 tempo or fartlek, 1 hill session and 1 LSD

Penguin - California does not count