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

Yikes, you're all so quick. I was so proud of myself last week when I finally ran 5k in under 30 mins. Scarily I'll need to run at this pace for 10 miles in June in order not to come last, but it seems most of you are doing marathons at well under this pace... Can I blame my short legs?

Just had a look at Garmins, which a couple of you recommended. I presume I need a GPS enabled one, but there are so many different types, and some are v expensive! I'd be grateful if any of you would let me know which one you have, to help me narrow it down a bit.

I'm not quick - I have the short leg gene too. In fact I think one leg is longer than the other and I've definitely got footballer knees. Do I win?!

I've got a very basic gps garmin, it must be a fairly old model but has done fine for me for the last five or so years? The only thing missing from mine that I like is a feature to show feet climbed. I've got runkeeper on my iPhone but can't seem to get on with that.

I've got [http://gpswatches.org.uk/garmin-forerunner-110-gps-watch-review/ this one]]

try again

pipkin welcome! Think you have some good answers there to your questions. When I started running it was to train for a 10k and I just built up from there. Furthest I have run so far is 15 miles but would like to do a marathon some day. I started running longer distances just because these were the runs I enjoy most. I am not very fast and so prefer the endurance runs. For your first race it is a bit disconcerting with all the people but just try to enjoy the atmosphere, it will be fun. I'd say 20 mins is about the same for me too to start feeling comfortable in a run. I quite like running the morning,from a psychological point of view (less going on) but I find physically I am better in the afternoon. Probably a combination of body being more awake and having had time to digest food and get properly hydrated, but whatever time works best for you is fine. A lot of the time it's just fitting it in around family though hey?

Oh and I'm 36 by the way, though not for long. It's my birthday on wednesday!

hat, great to hear from you. Had a little chuckle to myself at your post "Been with a few blokes in the village" Don't worry, I realise you mean running!

thecoo, I am very unscientific, and just measure the distance on goodrunguide.co.uk and then time on my watch, though I can sort of "feel" my pace now. Saying that, as I run just about everywhere at 10 min miles it is not so hard to work out! I would LOVE a garmin so will await everyone's recommendations!

Oh go on DRNorth, join him for a 23 mile loop!!

Goodness it's getting kind of hot in London! Maybe early morning runs ARE the way forward...

Hi what a busy thread!
I have been running on and off for about 8
7 yrs, I get bored now and again, join a gym but always end up coming back to it.
I love being out doors, alone with my music on.

I work shifts so fit my runs in around that, usually in the mornings after school drop off.
Run 3 times a week btn 3-6.5 miles.

have doen a few 10ks just scraped in under an hr.
Am hoping to do the Cardff half in under 2!

Nice to meet you all.
Iam 39 btw!

peach - would you agree that another benefit if pm running is that the daily poo is out of the way ?

Welcome, sciencebint! Add your 10K to the list and we can all support you along the way.

thecoo - we are comprised of quite a lot of shorties from memory. I think hat just skims above 5' (hat correct me if I have just insulted you?!) and I am not even 5'3". Small people obviously like running .

I'm here! I'll update the race list when I know when my races are!

I would love to join. Had signed up to do a marathon in November. Had got up to 5 miles, then found out I was pg, due in October and haven't ran since (due to a combination of things mainly stressful work, holiday to the UK and amazing non sleeping 12 month baby)

But I need a kick up the back side.

really struggling with my PFs. Despite just going to the toilet, I feel like I need to go all the time. Feel desperate for the loo, then go and only get a few drops.

Any advice? It's really hampered my return to running.

I'm a shortie too ! I am just 5 foot with really short legs (petite trousers are way too long for me).

My GArmin is non-gps and I don't feel the need for a gpsyet. Its the FR60 from memory so one of the least expensive.

Welcome Penguin and sciencebint. Sciencebint do you have a ds the same age as my dd1 ? I think you know who I was, if you are who I think you are (does that make sense)!! Penguin sympathies on the non-sleeping 12 month old, I have a non-sleeping 24 month old and its so hard to stay motivated. I have no advice regarding PF as I have found one of the advantages of 2 c-secs and 1 of my babies being only 4lbs 9oz at birth means mine is in in pretty good shape (I can't say the same for my lower abdomen though !).

Right treadmill for me tomorrow.

Penguin I was like that in October when I started running, following a hellish labour 15 months before. I'm fine now, but I think the running has really helped improve mine. I always forget to do my PF exercises...

I'm another 5 footer

I'm asking for a CS with this one, if it sticks (am at 10weeks).

I'm managing to climb once a week, just need to get back out running. My strategy has been not to drink for 4 hours before hand which rules out evenings (plus I don't think is very healthy)

I had/have been running for a few months though, it hasn't started to improve yet. How long did it take?

I do my PFs on my bus commute to work but they make me cringe, so only one set of 10 each way. Should I do more?

Have decided to do a 2/3 mile run tonight when I get in, even told DH. It WILL happen

Right, bit graphic but - the most effective PF exercises are the slow and hold ones. A major mistake is to do them too fast to get them out of the way! You need to vary the strength of hold and how long you hold it for to work the different muscles.

Have you seen a specialist physio? I had to see one because of SPD and various muscle problems during pregnancy and she also gave me some fantastic PF advice too.

am short too - I say 5'3, dp insists it's 5'2...I am wondering if I can fit in a quick 6k before my day tomorrow, but DP has just said that she promised DD that she'd see me in the morning - so I guess I won't be able to leave in time (plan was get to work at 7.30, run, be changed and ready for 9). Whole day packed, have a course in the evening...maybe Wednesday then?

aaargh

Took a good few months!

New to this. Do I cut and paste the race list and add my races? Not sure, so I'll put them in this message and hope they magically get added to the master list ;-)

02/05/11 - Ashdon 10K: bonkers20
05/06/11 - Tilty Hilly 5(mile): bonkers20
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20

Penguin I sympathise with the PF. I really thought my running days were over. I have accepted that my trampolining days are and I can live with that, but running....Nooooo.

All I can suggest is to keep doing the exercises ALL THE TIME and as paws says, the slow ones are better. Running helps as well.

If you don't see any improvement in a few weeks then please see your GP, there can sometimes be an underlying problem which can easily be fixed. It's not something you should accept. I had a HV who said there really should be no need for Tena Lady, except in a few cases for really old woman.

OK so the early morning run has gone the way of all flesh - DD has a horrid sicky cold, woke at 1am having puked all over her bed; came in and slept with us (cue kicking, etc) and woke at 6.15. I have a very long and stressful day at work ahead; she won't eat anything and is cranky as hell. Will try and see if I can carve an hour out of the schedule tomorrow.

Love how quickly this thread moves!

Morning all, and welcome new people. I am trying out my heel supports today to see if it helps this niggle in my foot. Will report back.

Having running club tonight so know it will be a tough training sesh. Sun is shining again

Here you go, bonkers.

27/03/11 - Kingston Breakfast Run 8.2m wheely
27/03/11 - Elgin 10k: backwardpossom
02/04/11 - Miles for Missing People 10K: MoshiMoshi
10/04/11 - Brighton Marathon: Pawsnclaws
17/04/11 - VLM: MoshiMoshi/ Passmyglass/ Doyouthinktheysaurus
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
30/05/11 - BUPA 10K: MoshiMoshi
05/06/11 - Seaford Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
05/06/11 - Tilty Hilly 5(mile): bonkers20
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
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
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
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy

Welcome, penguin!

Good luck with the heel supports, DrNo. I am off to use the Alter G Trainer later for 10 miles with 4x1mile intervals at 5K race pace. Something to do with working my VO2 max apparently. Calf very sore and shin bit sore so will be using the trainer to support the injury so I can't feel it. No doubt will also spend the time on it wondering how I can lose 25% of my body weight to always feel so light when running .

Enjoy spring everyone! It is definitely here.

Sounds like a distinctly unthrilling start to the day drivingmiss . Hope your DD feels better soon and you can find a little time to go running tomorrow.

Quicky question about Garmins DrNo - have been wondering about the Forerunner 100 as Runmeter app is getting a little annoying. How do you find it in terms of usability and accuracy? Also, do you know how it tracks your current pace? Is it over the last 10 metres or 50 metres or 100 metres?

I just looked at DrNo's link (is it just me or does anyone else now picture her as a Bond villain?) and the 110 is the new model of my old Garmin. The main issue with the old model is that it's really bulky and an odd rectangular shape with a hefty velcro strap, so after 10 or so miles it starts to irritate.

I've found it very accurate and easy to use, and once you get a signal it tends to keep it. The only time it ever has an issue is when I run along an old railway line near us that has overhanging trees, and the display will start telling me I'm doing a 20 minute mile - but once it finds the signal and resets itself it will adjust the average pace down again.

Quite tempted myself by the new model as it looks much more comfortable .....

I haven't been on for a while, and I'm glad I've found you all!! I've been having Mac problems (it died, I had to buy a new one :( ). So dh planned me out a supposed 9 mile run - which I did in what I thought was a record time (1 hour 4mins). Got the new computer, mapped it on on good old MapMyRun - 6.5 miles. I was gutted. I saw my olympic place slip through my fingers (yeah right, I know..).

Anyway, I'm getting back on course this weekend. I'm at my Mum's in Portugal, so I should be able to have a nice run along the coast (10 miles?), with the sea on one side, and my sister shouting at me like a madwoman on the other side (on her bike - I'll have my iPod on to drown out the noise). In the meantime, I've still got my 6 miles tonight, and some hill training in the morning.

Only about 4 weeks until Chester Half I'm starting to get a little nervous!!