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

sungirltan wouldn't worry overly - all the running greats (Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway) recommend brief bits of walking in training runs - rests the legs, settles the heart rate - the key is for them not to be too long. I try not to, but if I do I try to make sure that it's only for 30-60 secs. I find i do it more because of legs than lungs, IYSWIM and I usually could keep going - and would in a race, or on a tempo run. The key for me is to only do it in the last third of a very long run, by which time I often (now that I'm running for longer) feel that I might as well keep going.

If you are not going at an even pace, then you might just be going too fast - try dropping your pace a bit and you will probably find you can keep going.

I did a 10 miler this morning, in about 1:46 which i was happy with as I haven't done a long run for about 10 days. This is a canal route, so you have to watch your feet on some sections (elevated above canal, narrow, rocky), and I kept getting trapped at level crossings. I did feel it in my legs towards the end, although the first 3/4 was fine. Just realised too from my log that my shoes have over 900k on them, and when I bent down to take a stone out that they have actual HOLES in them (couldn't work out why I kept getting stones in my shoes - doh). So I have an ?80 voucher to use - am a bit broke - to buy I think my 6th model of Asics nimbus. Despite the wear and tear, I am running with much less calf pain then when I first wore them.

Cestlavie: seriously, if you get a chance to do Trailwalker, go for it - I did it 7 years ago and am still banging on about it - although it was utterly foul because it rained incessantly (for 11 hours) and I got trench foot. No, really - unbelievably painful. But it was something that I won't forget in a hurry and introduced me to the joys of walking the South Downs in a full moon which is in my top 10 favourite ways to spend a summer night. Just to give you something to aim at, the Gurkha squads generally run it in around 11 hours

Moshi, I don't think I'd be much help to you, as I am also cacking myself. Can't work out why: this is my fifth marathon, you'd think I'd have worked out that the taper is a grisly mind game by now. But it's the not knowing?.I could have a sub 3.45 marathon in these legs or a 5 hr one and I've no way of telling until Sunday. Argggggghhhhhh.

As to what I am wearing? Some well worn but not too ancient capri leggings, a pink/black loose fitted v neck t-shirt and possibly a bum bag for gels, ibuprofen, emergency cash card & phone. Plus miracle double layer socks bought for me by a running mate at christmas which are just the most comfortable things ever. Recognise me by long brunette plait, glasses and my home made name label on my pink t-shirt saying Hermione (yes honestly). However I suspect I am in a pen well behind you so our chances of overlapping are remote.

The toilet question is a hardy perennial, I'm afraid. I'm not really one to ask as I have been known to pull a Paula (although not in full public view!) but actually I find if I don't overhydrate immediately before a race and just sip to my thirst (so a small mouthful as soon as I feel a bit dry, then maybe one more) it isn't generally an issue.

And oh the pace band nerves. I have only one. It's either one or 10 of the damn things to cover every eventuality. I actually quite like doing the mental arithmetic if I'm slipping off pace - it's a bit of mental arithmetic that distracts me from the pain. My main problem is avoiding accumulating gadgets - I'll be carrying my phone which has Runkeeper, a friend has offered me his Garmin and I'm thinking that a running watch and pace band is the simplest way of keeping track - if I succumb to all of it I shall be decorated like a bleeding' techno christmas tree!

However my big issue right now is Beetroot. Seduced by some dodgy pseudoscience I have bought Sainsbury's entire supply and am now chomping my way through root after root of the damn stuff. Just opened the fridge door and I can hear it laughing at me. Ho hum, beetroot and pasta for supper. Again.

gizmo - the only upside of the beetroot will be that all the mn runners will know where you have piddled at the side of the road! (unless you are one of those strange people whose wee doesn't turn pink when they eat beetroot?). Seriously, what is it supposed to do for you?

for beetroot divine

oh yes, the purple pee....I'm getting very self conscious in the work loo. In summary, it's supposed to improve your ability to process oxygen and reduce your time to exhaustion, according to small scale studies here. Can't believe I'm being so credulous, to be honest, generally I'm more the type to pick such studies apart, but beetroot is pretty inoffensive and even if it's just a placebo effect it's probably worth having

hi Wheelybug...yes I am a Feb 05 mum...you've got a good memory! Seems a lifetime ago I was announcing my pregnancy on here :)

Futurity - I was Hazellnut, way back when.

sciencebint - I meant to say re: me being faster than you - don't forget that was in race conditions. I don't run that fast on a training run.....

I never knew that about Beetroot (but then I can't stand the stuff). Hope it works for you !

Also meant to say about changing trainers. I ran in a cheap 10 year old pair for probably about a year . Now change at 300 miles as I think I am heavy footed despite being a midget and need support and can feel when this starts to go.

Lots of crazy healthy Feb 05 mums :) Back then I didn't run...I started in 2006 doing a Race for Life and it just took over my life and I've never looked back. If someone would of told me back then that I would now be training for a half marathon I would have eaten more cake laughed at them! Actually...I still eat cake..that's why I run..so I can eat cake! :)

Cheers, gizmo. Tis reassuring to know you too are nervous!

Welcome to all newbies! Add any races to our cumulative list so we can track progress and encourage you in your endeavours.

Moshi re outfit: I will be wearing my old faithful black Ronhill capris and a short sleeved bright blue top. I bought a lightweight white cap to wear, but have already busted the fastener without having run in it. So might pick up some head protection at the exhibition on Saturday.

I am feeling excitedly nervous, but not too bad. I had butterflies on Monday but they seem to have calmed down a bit. Still have one or two things to do, like buy a pair of Crocs or similar to accommodate swollen feet after the race. Will shop for those today.

thetasigmamum - you mentioned problems with your feet after longer runs. I'm sure there's a fix out there somewhere. Have you tried consulting a podiatrist/using socks designed to prevent blisters/slathering on some sort of lubricant?

Hello to all newcomers (not that I've been on the thread long myself!). It's great to have so many people here who enjoy running. And thanks to all the VLM wellwishers!

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
12/06/11 - The Heroes Half - Futurity
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

just added mine to the list.

What a lovely post herecomes that's made me all teary....again. When I ran yesterday I kept visualizing myself running through London and kept welling up

Really good to read you saying you don't know what your legs can do gizmo, that is exactly how I feel. I've done all the training, all the long runs but now....I've no idea what time I am capable of. I'm starting to doubt I can even run for the bus, my legs feel so sluggish every time I run!

Anyone else fretting about trying to find family along the way? Mine are going to the docklands and DH has latitude on his phone so may be able to track me. He's got a list of the times I am hoping to be,at which point, not much more I can do. It's hard though because I feel I just need to think about my running but I know the ds's would be disappointed if they didn't see me!

Well VLM ladies, am getting very excited for you .... I found it best the day before to not think at all about the marathon and distract myself with something different entirely.

I'm in London today. DH works in the Gherkin (but is moving offices soon) so is taking me to lunch on the top floor . Shame I can't be there on Sunday, I'd get a grandstand view. Then I need to get to London Bridge to pick up ds1 from the ILs so I'm sure I'll see all the marathon preparations - I'd so love to be there next year!

17/04/11 - VLM: MoshiMoshi/ Passmyglass/ Doyouthinktheysaurus/gizmo/fasiscle
01/05/11 - Great West Run (Half Marathon): Thetasigmamum
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
12/06/11 - The Heroes Half - Futurity
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

List looking good folks. With DCs 2, 3 & 4 at Odds Farm and trying to avoid sickly children. There are lots of potential illnesses to catch here. Hmm.

Gizmo - might have to bug you about Trailwalkers in the future!

All very exciting for you VLM'ers - Moshi, Passmy, Doyou, gizmo and fasiscle. You'll have an absolutely fantastic time and feel like superstars afterwards. I remember the guy I ran it with described it as the most memorable day of his life (and he finished it almost on his knees!)

Doyou - sure you'll see your DH. Best advice is for him to be somewhere just like Docklands where the crowds are quieter. Can he choose a specific place to stand in advance? e.g. a mile marker or a certain building.

Just a couple of quick thoughts I was thinking about as I ran in this morning - 13 miles, including the last few miles along the VLM route round the river from Wapping to Westminster (which made me even more jealous of you all than I already was...)

Number 1. Pace yourself, pace yourself, pace yourself! I set off too quickly this morning and only realised at Mile 3. By Mile 4 I could already feel the difference and it's not a good feeling knowing that you're breathing harder than you should be and are burning glycogen too fast. At that stage, even if you slow down you still don't feel as good as you should. It was a depressing feeling on a 13 mile run, let alone a 26 mile run. Think about using the first 2 - 3 miles to 'feel' your way into the right pace and don't get ahead of your race plan. Don't do what I did this morning which is shoot off thinking you're feeling great for the first mile and then find out you're not 3 miles in!

Number 2. It's a gorgeous run in the last 5 miles round the Thames but it's deceptive. The river bend makes it look like Westminster is just round the corner from Tower Bridge. The sweep though makes you feel like you're running for ages without making any progress towards it. Don't be too excite by seeing it or too depressed when you don't seem to be making any progress towards it (which I felt like today and on the VLM!). Just stick to the mile markers or your Garmin...

Good luck all of you!

Oooooh just back from London - saw all the preparations, and had quite a lump in my throat looking out towards Tower Bridge!

I found that in the tough moments I said to myself "this is what I've trained for .... this is what I've trained for." It really helped to just focus on the mile I was on at the time and NOT how many I had to go (which is pretty depressing until you get past 20 miles). I also took a leaf out of Born to Run and said to myself "easy, light and smooth." I wasn't, but it helped slow my breathing down when I was getting a bit panicked!

Very excited foryou all - Moshi, Passmyglass, Doyouthink, gizmo and fasiscle*. The very best of luck and I hope you all get to enjoy it.

Drno - the shoes arrived today - THANK YOU !! Feel fine but hope to pop out this evening, probably only 5k so will be goodchance to test how they are running.

Ballot hopefuls -I metup with afriend todauy that has got in to the ballot twice in the last 6 years so there is hope !!

Off on hols tomorrow to south wales. Hope to run lots as DH aroundfor thechildren. Will definitely check in though to hear how sunday goes.

Thanks for all the good advice!

DH will be going to Docklands Cestlavie along with the ds's, my mum, dad, brother, SIL, sister and BIL...oh and a neice and nephew I keep warning them how busy it will be but they are all really keen to be there!!

I will set off slowly and not panic if I feel sluggish in the first few miles. I know from experience it takes me a while to get into my stride with these long runs.

Paws I walked past Tower Bridge when I went to the expo the other day and got a lump in my throat as I went past. I still can't believe I'm going to be running over it!!

Have a wonderful holiday wheely and thanks for the good wishes. South Wales is lovely, hope the weather is kind to you

We are camping for the first time this year next weekend I am hoping this mild weather continues.

Off on a week's holiday from tomorrow but will be trying to watch some of marathon. Best of luck to you all and have a fantastic time! Will be checking at some point to hear all of the stories....

Have a lovely holiday cestlavie and thank you for all your advice and support

Thanks for the tips, cestlavie and pawsnclaws. I hope when the time comes, that I remember at least some of the positive thoughts, strategies etc I've been practising. My memory is very dodgy! I've found out that I'm starting in Pen 9, so that should help with a nice slow start.

Re the ballot - I'm pretty sure this was only my second application, so definitely worth persisting.

Doyouthink...weirdly I'm not worried about spotting family and friends. As long as I find them at the end! I did advise one brother not to station himself at Tower Bridge or the last few miles...and he's now decided to go to Tower Bridge and the embankment at mile 25! I think my partner and children will start off at Docklands as that is where we are staying.

Enjoy your holidays, Wheelybug and cestlavie. Hope you get some nice picturesque runs in.