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

02/05/11 - Ashdon 10K: bonkers20
08/05/11 - Birchanger 10k: thecoo
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 marathon - 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
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
17/07/11 - Dublin Mountain Plod (HM) - drivingmisscrazy
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

Added a 10k I'm going to do as part of my training (6 miles at race pace).

Leg already feeling quite a lot better, so very glad I skipped the speed session yesterday. Will see how it feels in the morning to decide whether to do tempo run or not.

DrNorth am thinking of you. I lost my brother nearly 4 yrs ago - I had just started running and sometimes I think it's the only thing that stopped me going over the edge. I dread the anniversary every year too, so I hope you're ok and that the run helps.

I had my bike bike fitted for me yesterday. It took forever but it seems to have been updated to make it very fast now. Just as well as I am racing 56 miles after my 1.2 mile swim and need fresh legs for my half marathon afterwards.

DrNo I hope you were very kind to yourself yesterday.

MrsWed I hope your 20 miler goes well this weekend.

Peach I am keeping everything crossed for you. Great that they are scanning you very regularly, that's so reassuring isn't it. I hope the next 3 weeks whizz by.

driving you speak an awful lot of sense there. I started running after recovering from cancer surgery when my mental health was at an all time low. Running has done wonders for me and whilst I may not be challenging any world records I feel so fortunate just to be able to get out and run. It's a very liberating feeling.

Moshi you really are a glutton for punishment I can never understand how Triathletes can get off the bike and run, I can barely walk to the sofa after I have been out on my bike

We are off camping for a few days today. I am hoping to be able to get out and run this weekend at some point. Yesterdays 2 miles were stiff and uncomfortable. Quads still really sore and stiff. I got passed by a runner bounding along and felt really envious. I know it's just a post marathon thing but my mind is desperate to get back to some good mileage. Just waiting on the legs....

Have a lovely weekend everyone

Have a great time camping, DoYou

I'm trying to plan an 11 mile route for tomorrow morning. Scared!

backwardpossum I have to do one of those on Sunday. Also scared, even though I have done 10 without too much trauma...it's psychological, innit?

Thanks backward. We have a new, supersized car but still seem to have more stuff than space in the car

Hope your 11 mile runs go ok backward and driving. You are right driving it's very much a psychological barrier. I tend to talk myself through, reminding myself it's only half a mile each way more than the previous run....Or I count the miles down rather than up, that worked well in the marathon.

Hi all have been absent a few days trying to keep three boys amused! Just on the train down to Brighton - we fancied a seaside break but no plans to run 26 miles this time!

I've done a couple of short runs this week, still feel a bit tired and jaded though so taking a break this weekend till my usual 7 miles on Sunday.

Hope the anniversary passed peacefully for you DrNo. We have the added complication that ds1's birthday is obviously the day his twin brother died. But as time has gone on we've realised that keeping busy and distracted is probably a blessing. I just try and find a little quiet time in all the birthday madness for my thoughts and a few tears, then you just soldier on, don't you?

Happy Easter to all, have a lovely weekend whatever you're up to.

pawsnclaws - I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that must be for all of you. All of us seem to have deep-seated reasons to run - and yes, you do just soldier on, which is perhaps the lesson that running teaches you - fortitude, but also perspective

My event was missed off again. :( So I added it again. :)

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
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
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
17/07/11 - Dublin Mountain Plod (HM) - drivingmisscrazy
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

I had a gorgeous run out today - from Marazion right round the bay to Mousehole. Lovely, so it was, and no flies. Which was good. The best bit was there is a considerable hill and it was no trouble at all. In fact I ran faster than normal. So I am less concerned about the race next week now. Sad to be going back to Isca tomorrow but there you go - real life has its demands.

My event was missed off again...I could start to take this personally Added it again...and pondering another half in September as well as two 10K's later in the year (but don't know dates yet)

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 marathon - 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
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
17/07/11 - Dublin Mountain Plod (HM) - drivingmisscrazy
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

Sorry thetasigma and futurity - I thought I copied the most recent list, and certainly didn't mean to leave either of you out. My 10k is now missing again, but I'm nervous to add it in case I mess it up again, so will leave it as is. I'm doing it more as a training run for the 10 miler than a race anyway

Didn't do my tempo run today though am feeling a bit desperate to run. But would really like to do my long run on Sunday, so want to make sure all twinges are gone. Went for a long walk instead (must confess there was a pub involved half way).

hey all, i suspect I will start feeling a bit lame with the events coming up which I shall not be partaking in! However a friend came over this week for a cuppa and when she learnt I am running again she decided to spend the rest of the evening attempting to get me to do half marathon next year er, no! I said! She is doing it for the 3rd year, wants to beat her brother's time of 2.20 but likely to do it in 2:40. I think more like 4hours for me!

I went for my last run on thursday, and really want to go again, but my brother is down for easter and it is a pain to try getting that 45 mins (you know warm up/down etc too), however we are going to the beach and taking the canoe so I might go for a power paddle to make up for it a little.

The run I did on thursday though was good, I ran towards my work, did the route I would do, see how easy/difficult it is and rough timings (will be running back each day). It involves a bridge with lots of steps each side which I did not consider (ouch! on the way back!) and it was very slightly uphill on the way back which I did not notice on the way out (or, i was knackered!) I ran half way to work and then back (because the lock I have to run across was shut and I did not want to lose momentum!) so ran for 20 mins in total, well I say ran, I ran for 8, walked for 2, ran for 4, walked for 1, ran for 5.

I am not finding my muscles hurting as much as I expected, but I am out of breath and that is what is hurting the most! I sound almost raspy at the end sooooo unfit!

AND, after all this, we went to the beach in the afternoon, and I carried DS aged 17months in his backback, plus loads of towels/changes of clothes, down a cliff face to the beach, and back up again. and went for a swim with DD and felt surprisingly ok yesterday (apart from a bit of achilles heal pain).

I will try to go tomorrow morning. Hope you are al enjoying the sun.

pavlov that sounds good! my 5th day of consecutive running was OK, but really starting to feel the 43k I've run in my legs. So a day off today, and an 11 miler tomorrow...

I also decided to check out the half route for May 21st online, and it looks mega-tough - mostly rough off-road, and lots of climbing and scrambling - not what I'm used to at all! So think I will revise my goals and be happy to be around and back in 2h30 (was aiming for 2h10)...at least on the basis of reports from people who've done in before.

My mother is going home today, so hopefully some semblance of domestic harmony will be restored (nuff said)

Some solid activity and interesting musings going on. There is no doubt that running has been my lifelong friend and my saviour during difficult times. I hope it will remain so until I am a very old and wrinkly lady.

any views on trail shoes, folks? both my half marathons are essentially mountain runs - is there any point to them for rough terrain? or am I just a hapless victim of marketing hype?

I wear trail shoes for runs along tracks and field paths when the ground is slippery. The treads give slightly better grip, although I still felt I was running one pace forward, half a pace back on some of the slimier hills. Now that the weather's been so dry, the tracks are like running on cobbles anyway. I'm still wearing the trail shoes because I shrunk my trainers in the washing machine but I think something with a bit more cushioning would be better.

So, I IME it depends on the weather, and the ground conditions underfoot.

I agree with butter that it depends on the ground. I tend to wear mine in muddy and slippery conditions only as they are not as supportive as my road shoes.

Just spent the day doing flat pack furniture. Strangely compulsive but definitely ridiculously time consuming!

Agreed, definitely think that they are really useful in the mud and rain - paths round here are completely bone dry at the minute but I suppose this sunshine won't last forever.

I'm just nicer and happier when I run, it took my enforced break earlier in the year to make me realise this

Managed 21 miles today, ran 10.5 miles along the canal then turned round and ran back - trying to get used to running on flat surfaces rather than our usual hills, which felt tougher on the legs weirdly.

So tired now though, and really concerned about how hard those extra 5 miles are going to be, because I was nearly weeping at the end!

driving - is the number of runs you've accomplished this week related to your family visit?

Pavlov, you'll be able to do a half no problem if you carry on at this rate!

Have treated my poor tired legs to some fit flops - does anyone else wear similar? They feel so comfortable (old lady that I am).

oh i never considered how many miles I have run this week in total! 43k is a LOT!

mrswednesday how many miles today blimey !

What are trail shoes? Do they have less padding/cushioning?
Am pondering a half marathon in September which is at Grafham Water reservoir and describes it as "This is predominantly a cross country route following bridleways and footpaths. There are also short sections on quiet roads and hard trail paths. Please be wary of uneven ground!".

Also, there is a 10k I would like to do two weeks later but I don't know if that is a good idea (I dont normally do events so close together!). Any thoughts welcome!

futurity basically a running shoe with extra grip (lugs, apparently [buwink]); that half sounds exactly like what I'd like to do; instead I am signed up to something which describes itself as a 'challenge' rather than a race [buconfused] and previous contestants say is not runnable in places. Eeek! (these aren't fell running types, clearly).

It took me about 3 days to recover from my half, so I'd say a few gentle runs between the half and the 10k and you'll be fine

Mrs Weds - yes, it could seem that way! but no, I've just had a bit more time and I'm keen to up my mileage before aforementioned agonising slog up a mountain half marathon

Futurity, I've run round Grafham a couple of times and it's a nice, varied route. If you're looking for something scenic and interesting, rather than chasing a time, then I think it sounds worth a go. Is it early in September? I've got a half in mind in October, I'm quite interested in adding one earlier to see how my training is going.

Pavlov I love your posts - you're doing a brilliant job of reminding me why I run. Hope it all continues to make sense to you!

Went out for a 'recommissioning' run to check my legs are still attached this evening. Such a hot day and a beautiful evening - summer has really arrived with a bang here. Inspired by a lot of you I tried very hard to just run and not worry about niggles, pace, breathing. It made such a difference: running is a headgame, isn't it, as much as a physical one? So my plan is to spend the summer doing things I enjoy, running wise, and seeing if I can love it. Although I do have a speed training session on a Wednesday night with which my relationship can only be described as 'abusive'

I hope you've had a bit of rest MrsWednesday. This is a really hard point in the training cycle - it's not just your 21 miler but the cumulative miles in your legs that are so draining. If you need an extra day off, I'd take it - it's so easy to get injured at this stage, and so demoralising. I can't lie to you - the last 5 miles are basically more of the same. But on race day, particularly after a proper taper, I reckon you'll be able to do anything. Good luck!

Managed 11.17miles this morning according to map my run. Was a struggle towards the end, but am getting there. 4 weeks to go until the half marathon and am very pleased with my training! Have another 10k to add to the list on the 7th of May (2 weeks?):

01/05/11 - Great West Run (Half Marathon) Thetasigmamum
02/05/11 - Ashdon 10K: bonkers20
07/05/11 - Forres (Benromach) 10k: backwardpossom
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 marathon - 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
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
17/07/11 - Dublin Mountain Plod (HM) - drivingmisscrazy
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

it would be fun to plot all the races on a map, wouldn't it

Yeah, it would - I have no idea where half of these places are! :)