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

cestlavie don't rely on me about the rejection thing for the VLM as I'm not sure what would count for previous years, I just know it wouldn't help me that I was rejected for this year apparently. The trailwalker sounds brilliant, go for it. The Marathon des Sables would be my personal hell - no way in a million years!

thecoo you've described exactly my breathing problem - I feel a bit puffy while running, but when I get home it seems to really hit me and I feel very wheezy. I'm fine most of the year unless recovering from a cold, but this time of year it really starts - unless I do my exercise indoors, which I prefer not to do. Think I need to see my GP again to discuss.

I know paws. He was trying to tempt me into the MdS as well but I would need a gazebo on wheels, a petrol tank of iced water and a fridge to climb into to even contemplate it...!

cestlavie - what about this - I read an extract in a magazine and thought it sounded good (probably won't give you any tips on speed though!)

Did anyone watch the documentary about James Cracknell when he did the MDS? He was awesome and such an inspiration! It really blew me away, what he put himself through!

The Me who will do De Sables is from an alternate universe, but I like reading about it so feel free to do it and tell tales

I too run in order to keep sane and switch off, that is why too much planned training gets in the way of the zoning out required to achieve it

Getting quite excited about all the VLM and can't wait to hear about it, seems this year I know about 6 people doing it, all in this universe,although some virtual, thought I'd make that clear

happy running

Hello all . I haven't visited this thread for ages as I've been injured and failing to fight the inertia that sets in when I'm not running. I was supposed to be doing a 10k in May, but am writing that off - I'll never have time to build my distance back up in time and I'm determined not to risk hurting my foot again by building up too quickly. I was feeling really unhealthy and lazy and thinking maybe running isn't really for me after all etc etc.
Then I read an article in the Telegraph magazine about this crazy race called the Spartathlon, and gave myself a good telling off. If these people can run 152 miles in 36 hours, most of them in their 40s or 50s, I think I can manage to get back up to 10k again. Maybe not in time for the May race, but still...

Hi! Quick hello from me. I am a lurker who reads this thread every day but I have never had a chance to say hello (well I did a while ago but couldn't keep up with it!). I love reading about everyone's events and will be watching the marathon this weekend with envy!

I am posting now as I saw someones comment about the rejection thing and the VLM. I know they canceled the 5 rejections and then you are in thing last year but if you had 2 consecutive rejections under your belt then you are allowed to carry on and the 5 rejection thing still applies.

So basically I am covered by this. About this time last year I got an email from them saying they were changing the rules but that as I had 2 rejections I could carry on applying under that rule and gave me a special web link to go through to do this meaning I didn't have to battle trying to even get into the ballot again! This happened again this year...the other week in fact..I got the email from them and I have already applied so this will be my 4th application...and hopefully NOT my 4th rejection!

Anyway, it might be an idea to phone them if you think you may be in this position as they were very helpful when I had to phone last year about it.

Hope this helps someone! I know I could never raise enough money to go through the charity route and I realise how lucky I am to still be able to apply knowing that I will eventually get a place sometime in the next few years. Still doesn't stop me feeling crushed EVERY October when I get the beeping rejection magazine!

Just dropping in to wish any VLMmners good luck including Moshi and Doyouthinktheysawus

I have not managed to get in any running for 3 weeks due to wheezy chest and sick dcs but at least I got to 20 miles in training, so in theory I should be able to do it.

I shall post agin on Sunday to get everyones results.

Keep on running

Welcome futurity. It must feel good to know that you will get the chance to run VLM eventually. I'm not sure why they have scrapped it really, it does seem a fair way of doing it to me

Like you I would never be able to take a charity place, no way I could raise the sponsorship so I feel really fortunate to have got a place.

Good luck to you to pass I hope you are feeling better and all goes well on Sunday

I have done my penultimate run I feel much better for it actually. I think this not running is getting to me and not helping my nerves one bit!! I'm looking forward to the marathon being over so I can get back to some decent mileage.

I run as much for my mental health as anything else and not being able to run much plus the stress of worrying about all the practical stuff for Sunday...packing everything, finding the train station Sunday morning, getting to the start line on time, queues for the loo...I could go on....it's all getting too much. I need a really long run to wear myself out and forget about it all....Oh wait, that's Sunday isn't it

I got a leaflet with my race stuff about the delightfully named p-mate, so women can wee standing up Apparently there will be urinals for women at the start to reduce queuing time I'm sure I would end up just weeing all over myself

I have a cunning plan to go to the loo and then just join the back of the queue again and again, until it's time to start Oh and I will be taking immodium as a precaution too

Apologies for the overuse of emoticons!!

Hi futurity I think that's my understanding - that they've only kept the places open for people who were rejected in 09 and 10. Hopefully you'll get your chance soon.

Good luck pass, I read a fantastic article once by an ultramarathoner who said he ran his best race 3 weeks after ankle surgery - he believes it was the enforced rest that made it his best race.

DoYou I was like that on Sunday with the loos - I went at 8 am and then pretty much joined the back of the queue again, managing a final wee at 8.30! I think most of it was just excitement and nerves. Then I managed to not go at all until I got back to the hotel at 6.15 or 6.30! I would love a she-wee, within a mile of starting on Sunday there was a whole bank of men standing up peeing .... and one unfortunate lady squatting down in full view of everyone . Just a word of warning on the immodium, make sure you drink lots as otherwise it can cause cramps.

Really excited and a bit jealous too! Weather forecast looks fab, you're all trained up and good to go!

pass, gizmo, fascicle and doyou - Aarrrrgggggghhhhhhhhhh! I am getting really nervous now and not liking this tapering. I cannot stop stuffing my face but am probably not getting enough carbs in at the same time. I am full of nerves but weirdly excited about Sunday too.

Can we talk outfits? Are your outfits ready for Sunday? What are you wearing? I bought some new shorts yesterday which I may try tomorrow on my last run and, against popular advice, wear them on Sunday. I have been wearing mostly capris or leggings due to the cold weather but need to have bare legs for the race and my shorts are a little restrictive around the legs. The new ones are flappy runners' ones (niiiice). I also have a new visor which will replace the sunnies I usually wear but am thinking that cannot chafe so should be fine. Then I will have my BHF vest and old faithful socks and broken in trainers. gizmo - my vest will say Wendy on the front and For Dad on the back in case you spot me in the blue pen!

Pace bands - I picked up three. Can you tell I am indecisive about my pacing? I think I need to be able to adjust my target depending on how it goes. Or will that involve me wimping out too early then? How do I wear three though?

Is it a nightmare to apply for the ballot for VLM? I suppose everyone is trying to apply simultaneously so hard to log on? This will be my first time, so it may be many many years before I get accepted anyway, but at least that will force me to keep running as I get older time passes...

The Shewee sounds like a good idea to me, but what do you do with it afterwards when it's covered in wee???

doyou I watched the James Cracknell programme. I must admit I didn't enjoy it that much though - there was so much repetition by the narrator, as if we're too stupid to remember what's going on from one set of adverts to the next... I'm sure there was only about 20 minutes about the actual race despite it being an hour long programme! It is inspiring that he managed to finish it though.

paws I wonder if it is actually asthma or just hayfever? Either way the asthma pump seems to help... I'm nervous to use it too much though in case I get dependant on it.

cestlavie I think you've read everything I have that's running related already. Born to Run is still one of my favourite books ever. I'm considering The Haile Gebrselassie Story, but there aren't many reviews, so if you want to test it out you can let me know whether to go for it

Sorry moshi cross post... Hope the others can give you the advice/reassurance you're looking for. I'm just in awe of you all!

Thanks for your warm welcome. I think they scrapped the rejection thing due to "overwhelming interest in the marathon bla bla" or something like that! It will make it very hard to get in now through the ballot which is a right shame as I thought it was a good system.

Yes..it is a nightmare to get in the ballot unfortunately...the website ALWAYS crashes for the first half of the day the ballot opens. It used to open the day after the race but I think it may have changed to stop people applying on a whim after having seen the race and thought they could give it a go (despite never running a metre!). My advice is be patient and try later in the day or at some quiet time (middle of the night basically!). It is just a bit stressful and annoying but I don't know of anyone who has not managed to get through in the end. You just have to keep trying. It is just ironic that it is such a hassle even getting into the ballot...thats not even a guarantee of running the blimming thing!

Can I just ask a quick question about ...err..toilet stops before I let you all get on with marathon talk! I am training for a half marathon in June and I am finding it hard to know about drinking before my long runs as I know I should but then I need the toilet all the time:( I go before hand..then I go again..and then as soon as I start running it seems like I need to go AGAIN! It drives me up the wall! Heaven knows how I will cope if I ever got a marathon place. Any ideas on how I can get round this (apart from doing more pelvic floor exercises!??)

Thanks for the clarification on VLM ballot paws and futurity - sadly I didn't apply in last two years so guess it's just going to be a case of getting lucky! Have got one other friend also now up for the 100k Trailwalk so may have to go for that instead...

Thanks for the book tips thecoo and drivingmiss - I've seen the latter of these before I think it might be pretty interesting, albeit in a slightly more reflective sort of way.

Bold choice on wearing something 'new' for the VLM Moshi... are they a style/ type/ brand you've worn before? With you on the pace bands though - I'd have them all the way up my arm so three's neither here nor there... actually, forget that, I'd probably have a Rubrix pace cube or something so I could cater for every eventuality!

Thinking about all you VLM'ers - lucky folk. Don't fret about the day, it'll be fantastic. It's such a buzz standing there with thousands of others when you hear the starting 'gun' and feel everyone setting off. V jealous

Lots of deep breathing and focusing on the moment Moshi. Try not to think about race day. Not working for me at all at the moment unfortunately

I will be wearing my capri leggings. I looked at some shorts at the expo but I wasn't sure how 'short' they were and thought better of it. I've got my Macmillan running top, name on the front, race number already pinned on! I've a lovely new running hat I got at the expo as well, really light weight, much nicer to wear than the old hat. I think it's going to be warm. I also got a gel belt which I won't be able to try out but hopefully will be ok. I have a little running pack for my phone as well. I don't travel light!!!

I got 2 pace bands, I thought of getting a third but I'm trying to be positive

I think I'm having the same concerns as you Moshi. I worry if I set off too slow no matter how good I feel in the last few miles I won't be able to make up the time at the end. However if I set off too quick I may explode and limp to the finish even slower

I'm glad it's not just me with the loo thing paws. I always need the loo when I'm nervous and when I know I can't go very easily.

Do you really need to go futurity or do you think it's psychological. TBH I tend not to drink that much before my long runs but I always take fluids with me which I sip at mile intervals throughout. I've never had to stop for a wee and my pelvic floor muscles have gone on an extended holiday

I would suggest carrying fluids and not drinking too much before and going just before you go. Plus do your pelvic floor exercises.

I wondered that Doyouthinktheysaurus ...whether it was just all in my head...but on my last long run it was ridiculous..I went twice before starting the run...started running...realised I needed to go again..tried to ignore it..it didn't work so popped into local gym to use the loo...and did a massive wee (sorry if too much information!). I couldn't work out why!? Am I secretly a camel carrying excess water around or something!?

You are right...I should just avoid drinking before hand (within reason) and start carrying water with me. I am up to 8 miles now so was going to start thinking about doing that anyway (as well as the odd jelly baby as practice refueling) :)

futurity it helps me to have one big drink (say a pint) an hour before my run - then nothing until I actually start running. Otherwise I'm constantly topping up my hamster bladder!

I tried that...but I don't think an hour is enough for my hamster bladder (love that term...SO true!). Am definitely going to experiment more with what I can get away with as it is really annoying me and taking the shine off my longer runs. It is manageable when I am running locally but when I am doing the half marathon there will not be toilet stops so I need to nip it in the bud now so I can relax and plod along in comfort!

Popping in briefly although should be packing...

Lots and lots of posts.

Mostly - marathon-ers I hope you're getting excited now !! Am sure I'll be on to wish you all luck but just in case GOOD LUCK ! On the subject of clothing, don't do what my bro did (did I say this before - probably) and have the iron on too high when you try and iron on your name....

Welcome futurity - you are also a feb 05 Mum aren't you ?

Cestlavie - I think a lot of us read the murakami book last year when someone else recommended it. Well worth a read.

On treadmill running - I do 2 runs a week on a treadmill out of necessity (creche for dd2) and I detest it. I do 5 miles each time and can't do a minute longer - not physically but mentally, I find it such a challenge. I also run slower generally on a treadmill which I think is pyschological. That said, I think it is the treadmill running that has definitely helped me up my pace generally as I do intervals (I think) to ease the boredom. I only have a term left of having to use the gym (so 12 weeks, 24 runs !).

So, does anyone know when the VLM ballot is ? from what I remember last year, you had to do it the day it opened. I told a friend about it and by the time she applied it was closed.

It is 26th April for the marathon ballot so the tuesday after easter ....

moshi 0 it was me with the trainers. think i'm due a trip to alfords (very serious sw running shop) when dh gets paid then!

vlm people - i'm saying besy of luck now as i get waylaid all the time and forget thing xxxx

meanwhile wondering whether to go out and run tomorrow or go for 90 mins on the treadmill. i am covering more miles outside but not at an even pace and opposite to you all i get wimpy and slow to a walk now and then - not good since i've showed myself my real stamina! any thoughts?

Thanks for the welcome, and for the advice, I guess I'll just have to play it by ear and see how I go. Good to know there's a place to ask questions. Hope everyone's training is going well.