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

'lo all. was hoping to up training to 3 times a week but my babysitter has gone home for the holidays. dash her!!

never mind but theres not getting out of 2 big runs this week then. meh

Paws I hope you are ok and getting plenty of rest

Moshi so glad you are feeling strong and your niggles have improved, it must give you alot of confidence Hopefully the weather will stay a bit cooler. I would have really struggled on Sunday, I hate running in the heat!!

I have been getting myself in a bit of a tizzy over my race pace so if anyone can give me any advice I'd be grateful I only have a rough time goal, under 5 hours would be good, under 4.45 even better but I have to add in pauses when I (hopefully) find DH and the ds's along the route.

Plan A is to stick to 10.15mm and try to run even splits throughout the race.

Plan B is to start out at 10.30mm and pick up the pace toward the end if I have anything left.

You will all be pleased to hear I don't have a Plan C

In my long training runs I have done the first half slow and the second half trying to get to marathon pace. I always build my pace slowly and then steam home faster than 10mm That's partly because the last 3 miles or so is completely flat and I normally need the loo

I did my 20 milers in 3.36 and 3.34, undulating and some off-road.

Anyone care to tell me what to do

doyou - without looking at pacing the general advice is to aim for even splits to avoid depleting glycogen stores from an early fast burst of speed and then suffer in the latter stages. The pace you aim for should be derived from training and recent races to make sure you are going to feel comfortable (in the racing sense of the word!) If you put 3:30 into Macmillan's calculator as your 20 mile race time it gives you 10:41 for your marathon pace with an estimated finish time of 4:39. As you tend to speed up, I would start at this more conservative pace and then ease up the gears to 10:15 as you progress always making sure you can maintain pace. This will be my challenge as I think I start too fast and then have a moment where I have to have a quiet word with myself to push the pace! I have a pace in mind but will be willing to deviate by 0.05m/m in the hope I can keep what feels a comfortable pace.

Can I share a proud mummy moment? My 8 year old son fished a poem out from his school bag which he'd written for Mother's Day which goes like this:

My Mother

My mother is like a bungalow because she is cosy and happy.
My mother is like a bubbly lemonade because she is lovely and active.
My mother is like a Vizsla because she is elegant.
My mother is like Asics trainers because she is always lively.
My mother is like a buttercup because she is beautiful.
One thing special about my mother is she is very caring.

He then gave me all his pocket money, totalling £23.66 (which included his Tooth Fairy money) to sponsor me for Sunday as I have chosen to raise funds for the BHF (my dad died from a heart attack suffering from undiagnosed heart disease). My dad would have been v proud.

Moshi - that's lovely

Just wondering if any one heard the radio 4 programme last night about running a sub 2 hour marathon and if/when it would ever happen? I caught the start on my way home and was wondering if it was worth digging out on iplayer.

Hello, new to this thread. Room for a small medium sized one?

VLM on Sunday will be my first marathon. Very excited but nervous too, trying to plan for all eventualities.

Doyouthink - your pace/planning sound not dissimilar to mine. Are the 20 milers you mention LSRs or races? Like Moshi mentioned, there are online calculators you can use to gauge estimated finishing time from previous shorter races.

My plan is to aim for 10 min miles for the first 20 (latching on to the Runners World 10min mile pace person if I spot them), then review and, if possible, speed up during the last 6.2 miles. However I will try to tell myself not to get too hung up on pace, and adjust if I feel uncomfortable.

Moshi that is a lovely tribute and gesture from your ds.

moshi you must be proud on so many levels! That is really really lovely. Hopefully that will inspire you when you're running on Sunday too :)

squix (I always type squiz by mistake for some reason...) I'd love to have a listen to that, so thanks for mentioning it.

doyou I'm not nearly knowledgeable or experienced enough to advise, but sounds like moshi knows what she's talking about. I think it's good that you can speed up later on, as most of us tend to slow down rather - mentally that must be an advantage too.

Hi all, just wanted to say hello and thanks for all the warm wishes.

Physically I'm feeling much better, the sunburnt patches on my arms are getting a bit better (I had P20 on which has never failed me before but I guess the combination of sweat, glaring sun and pouring water over myself didn't help) and the muscle soreness is starting to ease.

A quick race report! Hoping this may help anyone with races to come.

Started off very comfortably a little too fast I think - the first five miles were in the mixed sun and shade of the town so in retrospect I definitely should have made the most of it.

By 5 miles we'd turned east and up the coast road towards Rottingdean, and the full glare of the sun and going uphill started to make it tough. The course looped round through the college at Ovingdean and then up up up towards the turnaround point at Rottingdean. By 10 miles the complete lack of shade or any breeze and the uphill effort had started to tell and I was having a bad patch which lasted until I saw my DH and ds1 at the halfway point.

At this stage I had to have a stern talk with myself and made the difficult decision to take it easier. Probably helped by the fact that I was starting to see people who looked massively fitter than me literally collapse with the heat! DH said afterwards that at that point he was worried sick and would've been happy for me to drop out. No chance! No way was I dropping out, but I was getting increasingly worried I might not be able to finish through no choice of my own.

So .... a steady slow plod from then along the seafront until at just past 15 miles we finally got the chance to turn up towards Hove and it was possible to dart between the patches of shade. Also helped by the lovely people in Hove who provided the best support on the course and in one case turned their garden hose on us! Got a big lift when I saw my friend Claire at 17 miles.

By 19 miles back to the seafront and back in the full glare of the sun again. Trudged onwards towards Shoreham Power Station. Saw DH and ds1 again at 19 miles, Claire again at 21 and 23 after the loop round the industrial area (just awful by the way - no shade, no supporters, no music - nothing to look at but factories and warehouses).

By this stage we all looked like extras from a zombie film - just shuffling away, heads down to avoid the sun. And where was the sea breeze that had been promised? Nothing! Saw DH at 25 miles and he thought I looked quite comfortable, but I think that was because I was taking it steady.

From 25 miles the crowds built up again and I was running for the line - slow and steady but lifted by the cheering. I can't describe the relief and emotion I felt when I saw that finish line and realised that somehow I'd actually made it. I came through cheering and whooping, and probably faster than I'd run any of the rest of the course!

Lessons learned

1. Slow and steady wins the race. I know I set out a little too fast - classic beginner mistake. On a cooler day I would've got away with it, but not on Sunday. Luckily I clued up at 10 miles - by 15 miles I could see the fast finishers at about 24.5 miles (so probably expecting to finish in just over 3 hours?) and a fair number of them were either walking or staggering and looking in a very bad way. Now to me, someone expecting to finish in just over 3 hours is much much fitter and probably more experienced than me - the conditions were truly awful.

Out of 15,000 places taken up, I was told 10,000 started and 7,600 actually finished the race. I don't know how that compares to other races but I wonder how many just didn't respect the weather conditions and went too fast too early.

1. Looking back I was horrendously dehydrated - despite drinking at every water station and sports drink station, and having my own sports drinks, I didn't need the toilet at all. Last time I went before the race was 8.40 am. I didn't go again until 6.15 pm.

1. I need to lose some weight! I think I put on a few pounds over the taper and I must admit I felt heavy and uncomfortable. I'm going to do some more tailored training over the next few weeks and shift some blubber.

So ...... on balance. I have to admit to feeling disappointed by the time, and the fact that it didn't feel as much fun as I had wanted. There were good patches, but the heat just made it into a battle to get round. It wasn't what I was hoping for. But I got round in pretty terrible conditions. Good enough for a first marathon, right?!

Oh and on a final note - HUGE respect to the firefighters in full gear and the squaddies in full uniform and carrying massive rucsacs who completed the race. I can't imagine what the heat must have been like for them.

Hi facsicle and welcome to the thread. Good luck for Sunday - there's a few others on here also doing it!

Very sweet poem Moshi - love the reference to a specific brand of trainers!

Agree with Moshi on the advice doyou. The classic advice is always start a little slower, find your pace and take it up if you're feeling comfortable - I think that makes sense, especially on a marathon when you need to maintain your glycogen stores for miles 20 - 22 onwards, otherwise there's a real risk of 'hitting the wall' earlier on. Also, pyschologically it gives you a lift to be able to pass people on the last few miles rather than being the one struggling along. In my experience, by about midway you should have a good sense of how you're feeling and whether you can take it up a notch.

Great race commentary paws, thanks! That sounds brutal. Unrelenting sun makes it incredibly hard and just beats you down, and may be part of the reason you felt heavy and uncomfortable - there is obviously a link between body temperature, heart rate which means that at higher temperatures your body (and heart) is having to work harder to maintain a certain level of performance. Getting round is an achievement in itself, plus having the thought to pace it properly. There are no prizes for ending up in a St John's ambulance on a drip (which I've seen happen to people).

Super race report, paws with plenty to take forwards for the next one. So the question is: which one are you going to target?

I think the key thing with pacing is to feel like you can race a hard 10K by the time you reach 20 miles. That is when we are glycogen depleted and into the unknown territory for those of us whose longest training runs were less than 26.2 miles. The worst feeling of any race is struggling in the latter stages even if we achieve a PB. Much better to fly past others who ate struggling as cestlavie says!

Welcome facsicle! how has your training been for the marathon? Do you feel prepared?

Hello runners. Am new to this neck of the woods, and wondered if this was the right place to ask for advice about running when pregnant?

I've just started to get into running, well jogging, and despite myself am really enjoying it. We're planning to start TTC soon and I wondered if 'success' on that front would mean the end of my new found running joy?

Is it OK to carry on running? I like to run outside, over footpaths and fields rather than the treadmill, not mega fast, but uneven ground.

TIA

paws so great to read your race report, sounds like an incredibly tough day. You did brilliantly, you should be really proud of yourself. The weather was one thing no-one could have anticipated, sounds really, really horrid!! Take care of yourself

Welcome fascicle I hope you have a great day on Sunday. I'm not sure whether I am excited or terrified at the moment....both I think How has your training gone?

Thankyou for all the pacing advice, I really apprecitate it I shall have a stern talk with myself about setting off at a really easy pace and seeing how I go! A the moment my goals are simply to finish, enjoy it, and not miss DH and the DS's along the route!

Thanks for the welcome!

I enjoyed reading your marathon account, Pawsnclaws. Well done on completing the race in such gruelling conditions. Heat is something I fear!

Moshi and Doyouthink... Can I decide after the event whether the training went well? Actually I think I've been very lucky. Just a few minor hitches (like dropping a rolling pin on my toe and putting up with endless chafing whilst searching for the right sports bra!).

Here's hoping for a good day for all of us on Sunday.

Great race report paws - I know you said you're a little disappointed with the time but I think you're awesome just for finishing - particularly in those conditions! :)

Moshi - have signed up for the Chester marathon 9th October - I enjoyed the overall experience of the preparation, training, getting ready for the race - even elements of the race itself - and most of all having a goal.

So - my plan for the next 6 months. My training plan before was in fairness a "get you round" plan, and I guess it did what it said on the tin. What do I do in the meantime/for next time - any recommendations? How do I keep myself sharp and motivated for October?

PS DoYou - I noticed that the 5 hour pacing group was well behind me at the halfway point, but then must have ramped it up in the second half. If you've been able to handle ramping up the pace in the later stages then I would aim to do that. Presumably there will be a pacing group you can attach yourself to? The ones I saw at Brighton were brilliantly motivating.

Ah fantastic paws ! Your post bought tears to my eyes. What an achievement. You should be so proud of yourself - we are of you here !! I guess it speaks volumes you are signed up for another - and, at least, October will be cooler (any known history of freak heatwaves in October ??).
Just think what you've done for the charity too. And well done to your son too (thanks for the email as well).

MOre tears in eyes with your ds's poem moshi, I too love the reference to Asics. Not that your obssession with all things running is rubbing off on your children.

Welcome fascicle - good luck for sunday ! Another one to virtually cheer on .

Welcome too Chair - there are a couple on here who are running whilst pregnant. However, when I got pregnant with dd2 I took to my sofa - but I'd had a tough time getting there and I think if I'd been able to wrap myself up in cotton wool I would have done !! Good luck with everything...

I'm hoping fora lap of Richmond Park in the morning. My MIL is up to babysit tonight so as long as I don't have too big a night (don't laugh - but I am taking DH to see Kylie as his christmas present.... I'm not a fan but have never really done the big stadium concert thing having been more of a indie dingy pub kind of girl in my youth, so I think it will be an... er... experience !).

Thanks wheelybug guess I'll just to have to see how I feel, if and when it gets to that!

Moshi meant to add in my last post, that poem by your DS is absolutely lovely, what a little star he is

paws good for you, entering another one! I think you deserve a bit of a rest before you start training again though

Welcome Chair. There are a few pregnant runners on here who could give good advice....not me though, I'm all done with babies

Hi Chair

I'm currently 13 wees pg, but running is my secondary exercise to climbing. As such I aim to do 1 run a week (but haven't this week). Basically it's about effort. Keep effort the same and over time what you achieve will go down. Maintain current levels (although it's OK to increase in the 1T if you're not worried). The main problem is that pg symptoms get in the way. In my first pg I had extreme fatigue in my first trimester, followed by trap nerve issues and back ache. Running was therefore difficult but non aerobic sports were fine. I mountaineered until 7/8 months and climbed until 37 weeks. So if it doesn't work you can pick up other exercises like swimming or yoga.

Hello folks ? I wonder if I can hide on your thread for a little bit? I?ve got taper madness and with 5 days to go, I?ve got it bad. Symptoms include: feeling amazingly lethargic and unfit, compulsive checking of the weather forecast/all runs logged on my iPhone and the purchase of ridiculous quantities of beetroot (all recipes gratefully received)

Paws, bloody well done on surviving Brighton ? it?s such a shock to the system, isn?t it, training all winter and then getting 25 degrees! I had a few friends running the Paris marathon on the same day who were worried by the heat and I think it was cooler there!

Moshi that?s a very sweet poem from your son, and so lovely that he really appreciates the things that are important to you. Is he coming to London to watch the race? I think I might have to leave my family (DH and 3 DC) at Greenwich because getting around town is going to be such a struggle for them, I?m not sure they?d enjoy it much.

So, is that 4 of us at VLM ? or 5? Does anyone else know what start/pen they are in? I?m on blue start in pen 4 I think ? maybe we should organise a fast moving Mumsnet meet up?

Updated list (I think but please amend if anyone missing):

17/04/11 - VLM: MoshiMoshi/ Passmyglass/ Doyouthinktheysaurus/gizmo/fasiscle
02/05/11 - Ashdon 10K: bonkers20
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
21/05/11 - Clare Burren Marathon Challenge - drivingmisscrazy
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Marathon: MrsWednesday
22/05/11 - Merchant Taylors' Triathlon: MoshiMoshi
22/05/11 - Edinburgh Half Marathon: backwardpossom, squix
29/05/11 - Stirling R4L: squix
29/05/11 - Plymouth Half Marathon: sungirltan
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
05/06/11 - Seaford Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
05/06/11 - Tilty Hilly 5(mile): bonkers20
05/06/11 - RFL 10k: LaLa
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
19/06/11 - Dash for Dads - Pawsnclaws
19/06/11 - Half Ironman UK 70.3 - Twink, MoshiMoshi
25/06/11 - Lewa half marathon Kenya - Masterandmargaritas
26/06/11 - Stortford 10 miles - thecoo
26/06/11 - Colworth half marathon - cestlavie
02/07/11 - Achill Half marathon - drivingmisscrazy
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal, LaLa
23/09/11 - Notting Half Marathon: cestlavie
24/09/11 - mooathon, donegal: drivingmisscrazy
25/09/11 - Edinburgh Urbanathlon: backwardpossom
16/10/11 - Abingdon Marathon: MoshiMoshi
30/10/11 - Great South Run: Wheely
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy

gizmo - am in blue pen but have no idea which bit - how do you find out?

Uh oh. DS got an iTouch for his birthday and I see from his history that he has been surfing Safari and has looked at Big Boobs, Rihanna's Boobs and Katie Price's Boobs. Should I be concerned? 8 seems a little young to me to be looking at naked ladies on the internet...