runners united (burning up pavement, burning up threads)

[drivingmisscrazy]

calling all runners, veterans, newbies, fast, slow, anyone who likes to run to keen sane, keep things in perspective and to get out into the spring sunshine. We are a friendly bunch and all of us have things to learn from each other! Welcome. Please join us

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, squix
10/12/11 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (half): drivingmisscrazy

Pavlov I always run to music. But I couldn't when I was doing my half since iPods were banned (loads of people were running with them though which was very annoying, since I didn't have my headphones with me). I started out listening to one of those running trax compilations and with a few honorable exceptions I absolutely hated it. Most of the music on there was trex. So I made up my own set list instead, of reasonably up tempo music that I love. It took me probably 8 months to do this but I'm so glad I did, I have enjoyed running so much more since I began listening to my choice of music rather than the ministry of sound's choice. I think it's really important to have tunes that will give you a boost rather than have you thinking 'this is rubbish'. :)

Having had a day to recover, I'm now considering the Bristol Half, in September. I'd much prefer to do the Eden half but I am likely to be in New York for work that week and I don't think running a half marathon with jet lag is the best plan. Also, I wouldn't want to waste my central park running opportunities by being in a taper week when I'm there. I'm going to be there in a couple of weeks, too, and I'm really looking forward to running in the park for fun rather than as part of a training plan (although that having said if I am doing Bristol then I should probably have some sort of plan in mind if not officially in action yet).

I never run to music, except if on a treadmill. I found the headphones annoyed me, and the beat always dictated my pace, plus I would spend ages skipping tracks I didn't want to listen to. Perhaps I should make a playlist? I find it easier to zone out listening to the sounds of the outdoors Plus, as I run with a dog who is more often than not off the lead I have to be aware of the sounds of cars and other dogs being aggressive to him as he is such a wuss he stays rooted to the spot if another dog such as growls at him!

When I do have my ipod I always find I run really fast to Footloose!

Pavlov I always think about running in miles, not sure why, it's just easier for me to compute! There are many theories on what causes a stitch, I got a nasty one about 2 miles into my last 10k and it threw me right off track. Did you eat before you ran? This can cause it, and going off too quick, although you say you warmed up gently. Running through it is doable, I think breathing out on my left foot seems to help. Do you have a training plan to follow so you know when to up the distance and drop the walking? Sounds like you are doing great

Welcome to newbies! Sorry about brevity of post but Mac not obliging and on phone before second school run. Will try address questions later although our trusted thread members are already shooting answers back such is our collegiality and enthusiasm !

Thanks backwardpossum. I ended up doing 6 miles at club last night and my thighs are complaining a bit today after 12 miles in 2 days. Going the take it easy until the weekend (maybe 1 x 3miles on Wednesday).

I am planning to give blood this week too. Last time I did this it threw my running off for about 10 days. Anyone else have experience of this/tips to avoid it?

Like DrNorthener I try to avoid listening to music when running as it interferes with my pace. Even the background music at the gym can have me wanting to change the speed on the treadmill and I end up going to fast.

Pavlov I wish I knew the secret to stitch prevention. I got a really bad one last week (came close to vomiting into a ditch) about 1.5 miles into an easy 3 miles. The only thing I can think of is I had quite a meaty/beany high protein meal just before. I can usually eat before running with no problems but maybe need to stick to carbs.

Morning everyone, I am this morning, didn't manage to run yesterday either as my left knee has been so painful, I had to grit my teeth before crouching down, getting back up or tackling stairs. It was fine after run on Friday and on Saturday so I can only blame my ridiculous 4 inch heels I wore all day at the wedding on Saturday, fabulous as they were they weren't worth missing 3 days of exercise for!

I have managed to do something (gym/swim/run) on average 6 days a week since new year, haven't taken more than 2 days break until now, I have been feeling great and particularly pleased with how my running has progressed in the last two months or so. I really don't want to take 4 days off but gym/swim not an option today. My knee is a bit better this morning but I can still feel it. Do you think I should tackle a run and see how I get on? My mum has just had a partial knee replacement and will be having other one done this year, I am so paranoid about ending up with the same problems but don't want to not exercise!

Re music pavlov I find the best tracks to run to are happy, uplifting ones, it doesn't have to be a certain tempo. Your own playlist is the best way I think. Favourites on mine at the moment include Cee Lo Green, that "I Need A Dollar" track, Rolling In the Deep, Flawless by George Michael, "We Come One" by Faithless, Price Tag by Jessie J, various kaiser chiefs tracks and I am with you on Plan B .

Good Morning, Well, I was hoping to be able to post an official time, but the race organisers are obviously a bunch of slackers and haven't posted them on the web yet

So, I did my 10K yesterday. It was warm and sunny with a brisk wind.
My time was 50 mins.

The route was hilly and mainly on farm tracks and fields, so quite hard and rutted underfoot which made for unsteady running. My breathing felt fine but my legs were aching ALOT, which I think reflects the lack of hill training I do.

Anyway, I got the time I wanted so I'm pleased about that. I much prefer road races so I'm looking forward to doing some more this year.

DS did well in his 3K fun run. I don't know his time either! Nice tea and cakes at the venue so other DS and DH happy.

Oh, I did get beaten by a friend I often race with. I think this is the first time he's beaten me so obviously I need to rectify this!

Fantastic time bonkers, well done! How do you feel today? Am likeing the idea of a 10k with tea and cakes

Welcome to all the newbies, great to have so many people on here!

Goldberry glad the running mojo is back.

The Chewy, looks like you are well on track for your first half if you have done 10 miles before. Do you know what the course is like at Dundee? In termsof giving blood, I don't think you can do anything other than stay really well hydrated and well fed. I usually don't run for at least a couple of days after and then take it easy for a week or so. I think you need to be realistic and listen to your body as you probably shouldn't be doing the same training you would be doing had you not given blood IYSWIM.

robino, firsty massive respect to you for fitting in ANY running with your schedule! Not sure if anyone has posted this but here is the runners world guide to stretching.
www.runnersworld.co.uk/staying-healthy/the-rw-complete-guide-to-stretching/484.html

DrNo, your run yesterday sounds lovely. I know what you mean about being undecided what to aim for at your half. My instinct is to aim for something I know I can manage. I think I worry if I push myself and don't do it I will feel like a failure. However without pushing ourselves we don't meet those fears head on, like Moshi was saying. It's a tricky one.

pavlov, I sometimes run to uptemp indie stuff, but also more poppy stuff like Madonna, etc. Note everyone's cup of tea but her Confessions from the dance floor (think that's the name) is brilliant for running to. I find I get stitches when slouching. If I keep my posture up and relaxed and breath nice and deeply I don't seem toi get them. I think keeping running while it feels ok to a certain extent is ok, but you need to be careful not to increase your mileage too much at a time, to avoid injury. I t might be worth drawing yourself up a plan of when and how much you want to run and building it up that way. Oh and I always "think" in miles. Whatever suits you is best, you can then covert the distances/pace using Runners World calculators. I always think of my weight in pounds too. I must be old.....

theta am very at you running in Central Park, how lovely!

and erm...driving, where did you get your salty caramel chocolate torte recipe from???? Sounds awesome!

Hello all and welcome to the newbies! Haven't been around much with holidays and travelling with work.

All has been really cutting into my running so have been just trying to squeeze things in where I can - did manage one lovely (very early morning) 8 mile run through the Champs Elysee and Tuileries whilst with work in Paris but had nothing like a regular schedule. Feeling a little stressed actually as HM coming up in 7 weeks and am looking for a PB but done virtually no proper training over last 2-3 weeks, just junk miles which puts me way off where I want to be... am trying to just get my head back into the right place.

thetasigma well done on a great time on a difficult course. I hate hills, especially when you're not expecting them - it's hard to keep strong mentally when every time you think you've nailed one, it suddenly stretches out a bit further or a new one appears.

bonkers great time as well. You must be pretty pleased about that! Average 12kph over that sort of terrain is great going.

pavlov I think I run in miles or km depending on what I'm doing. If it's a longer run, say +8 miles then I think in miles. On shorter runs and intervals I always think in kilometres. Broadly I guess in line with normal race distances, i.e. 13 miles is a longer race, 5k and 10k are the standard races. I listen to all sorts of music when running - kinda depends on the run. On longer runs I like longer 'classic' albums like St. Etienne, James or Suede which just sit happily in the background. On shorter runs I listen to more uptempo modern albums like Vampire Weekend, Vaccines or MGMT. I used to have playlists but unless I updated them regularly I just found them getting a bit monotonous.

On an entirely separate note, had a very interesting long conversation with an Ironman triathlete about sports pyschology and running - he has sessions with the ex Team GB psychologist who works with Paula Radcliffe. Some good (if not massively surprising) stuff which I'll try and post about when I've got a min. Might even try and do some of it myself!

quick drop by to say well done bonkers very good time and it sounds like fun

running day tomorrow, should help with essay stress
dh hurt his foot on Sunday and was limping badly but he is not one to give up and reckons he will be fine for his half on Sunday 8th

happy running all

cestlavie your French run may seem like junk miles but seems lovely to me
would be very interested in the sports psychology stuff, I am my own worst enemy and have constantly to change my 'mind game' to keep it up

hello - not difficult to see that everyone is back at work!! I don't run with music, but realise that this makes me a freak - it's too distracting and the whole point of running for me is to get away from the constant noise of modern life IYSWIM. But it's a very personal thing, I think.

I did a proper warm-up today and my god it made such a difference. Normally I just start running and gradually speed up. But my calves get tight, then I stop and stretch etc. So I did run-walk (1:1, 2:1, 3:1: 4:1 and then continuous running) and my calves were fine (despite 13+ miler on sat). It slows the overall time down a bit, but I am trying to get myself into race mode now (only 2 and a bit weeks away!)

cake came from the Green and Blacks (second) book that was an impulse buy in Tesco peach

I think in km and kgs, not because I am yoof, but because I live in a country where these are generally used. I have a pretty good sense of how far a km is, although I sometimes like to see things in miles too. Must go and clean our car for MOT that it's going to fail tomorrow...

driving I don't listen to music either. There are lots of reasons:

1. I don't like that have anything extra about my body. All I take with me is my door key in the little back pocket.
2. I run on fairly quiet roads and would worry that I couldn't hear cars, bikes, people with dogs, or just people!
3. I would run to the rhythm of the music which would annoy me
4. I just love to be outside. The environment is a massive part of the enjoyment of running for me. If I had some sort of injury which meant I could only run in the gym and not on the road I would give it up. Or if I lived in a climate where being outside at certain times of the year was impossible, I just wouldn't run. Listening to music would impede my enjoyment of the sights, sounds and smells of the outside.
5. Running is my thinking time rather than my switch off time (I play DS and read for that!). It really helps me to get things in perspective, to count my blessings and to focus on difficult things. Listening to music would hamper that.

I do LOVE music. I sing in a choir and am able to listen to my mp3 player at work at times.

Oh and I do sometimes get annoyed in races when people can't hear that you need them to move aside because they're plugged in. I think you're really missing out on the race atmosphere if you're listening to music, though I do acknowledge that for some people it really works.

I've tried running with music and it does help pass the time if I'm finding it tough going on some runs, but I do prefer to run without it and appreciate my surroundings a bit more.
I've just had my race number and final details through for the Oxford Town and Gown 10k which I was supposed to be doing on May 15th, but had decided to pull out because I hadn't trained enough since my injury in Feb. I'm sort of tempted to just have a go anyway. Somoene tell me it would be a very silly idea please! It's just that I'm feeling so keen now that I've got back into it...

Hi Goldberry - how's the running going now (in terms of distance) and how long have you been back from injury?

just popping in quickly (as am at work) on new thread having not posted for a while... will pick up and read properly later and post again too...

Well done bonkerz - a great time on a difficult course !!

Welcome chewytoffee

pavlov - I always run with music and am a bit psychologically addicted to it. I'm not sure I always listen to it but couldn't imagine running without it on in the background. Particularly in the gym ! I think it helps me block out everything else. I listen to all sorts of thigns - am at a particular low point music wise at the mo as am sharing DH's ipod since mine broke which means it has all his rubbish music on it. I have added mine too (which he similarly moans about. Most of mine is either 90s indie stuff or poppy stuff which I normally wouldn't listen to. I think I've said on here before that some of DH's is Bob Dylan which doesn't particularly inspire me to run !

I think in both KM and miles depending on what I'm doing - Like cestlavie shorter distances tend to be km and longer miles. Although my garmin, and the treadmill, is set in KM so I have become good at converting in my head between the two (some useful ones 5K is 3.1m, 8K is 5m, 10K is 6.2m) . I do keep meaning to change my garmin to miles now that I am generally running longer.

cest - I hope you get back in the right mindset soon. I expect once you're back in a routine (and a race is looming) you'll sort it out. interested to hear about the psychology. It is definitely something I have big ishoos with.

I had a really good run in the gym today - thanks mainly to Moshi's speed plan. I ended up doing 10K whereas normally I only make 5 miles because I can't take anymore treadmill psychologically. I think this broke it up more and gave me something else to think about.

I did shorten some of the distances and ran the fast distances at 12 kph rather than the finally intended 13 but thought I can work up to it. Distance wise I did:

400m
800m
1000m
1500m
1000m
600m
300m

I think it was all pschological the shortening of the distances as I was worried I wouldn't make the original distances (400, 800, 1200, 1600, 1200, 800, 400) but having managed the above next week I'll do the full distances. Thanks moshi !

I have managed to squeeze dd2 into the creche tomorrow only for an hour (and at 1pm - not ideal) so not sure what will be the best to do. I'll see how my legs feel and either do a 5 mile plod or a shorter speed run.

drNo - I think I have found a home for your trainers - my SIL runs in asize 5 and is in need of new shoes (and is using this as an excue not to run and she is doing RFL with me !) so is it ok if I pass htem on to her ?

Cestlavie - I injured myself in mid-Feb and had nearly 2 months off (but did a tiny bit of cycling etc in the meantime). So I guess I've only been running again for a couple of weeks, and the race is on the 15th. I guess I should bear in mind that I've only done a 10k once before, and that was when the original injury occurred. I guess I've probably answered my own question ... It's just annoying to pull out when I'm feeling so positive!

gold - I would think probably best to miss this one rather than risk injury/putting yourself off. Look for another one in a couple of months or even a 5K in the meantime ?

goldberry I had abdominal surgery in mid Feb it also knocked me out of proper running and I started a very frustrating couch to 10K just to make me feel like I was not completely out of it, but it has yielded results, slowly and I mean slowly I am getting there following the programme without doing myself any harm
It is hard when you are used to a certain pace and then suffer the humiliation slog of starting over but hopefully it will be back to normal soon, I am on week 7 out of 13 and it feels much better
take heart

Thanks for the wise words, Wheely and sfxmum, and wow at running after abdominal surgery! Puts my sore foot in perspective. With me, it's not really about pace, as I don't have any ! It's just that I have these bursts of increased enthusiasm about my running and I'm keen to make the most of them, but that's exactly when I usually get ill or injured. You're right though - I should cheer myself up by looking at 5ks or 10ks for a couple of months' time. Well done on making it to week 7 out of 13, sfxmum - more than half-way!

'Fraid I have to agree with you Goldberry - given you've only been out running again for a couple of weeks and only done 10K once before you do risk injuring yourself again and to be honest, you'd probably not enjoy it that much on the day anyway. Races only tend to be fun when you're in good shape and well trained and rested, otherwise they end up just being a slog. Why not get another one in the diary for later in the summer so you've got one to aim for and/ or put a 5K one in for the interim?

Will put down the psych stuff when I get a minute Wheely. I'm generally okay but find it hard to find the right mindset and especially when I'm struggling from early on

Yes Wheely give her the shoes, then she has to run

cestlavie looking forward to your tips - hurry up and post! Just heard on radio that Paula is pulling out of Manchester Run due to injury.

bonkers what lovely points about running. Partic point 5. That is true for me also. Time to reflect, think, and focus. I always, always, come back from a run feeling much better than when I left, whether it be mentally or physically. Regardless of what pace we all run, it's how it makes us feel isn't it?

Off to running club soon, to have my form assessed....eek.

Oh, and just discovered peanut butter on toast after years of dh telling me how good it is.

Hi all, well done to theta and bonkers - sounds like they were both challenging runs but fun?!

So many posts ..... a quick question for anyone with asthma?

GP thinks I've got some form of asthma which seems to be triggered by hayfever/exercise - so I get very breathless when I'm exercising outdoors in the spring, but seem to have no problems on a treadmill. I can actually keep running, but when I stop I have a big coughing fit for about 10 minutes - can't hear any wheezing or anything, I just feel like my throat is tightening up.

He said my peak flow is perfect for my age and height as tested in the surgery, but has given me a monitor to test when I feel breathless and a diary. He said the diary would be self-explanatory but it doesn't say how long I should keep it for - also what kind of drop in peak flow is a problem? If I'm testing after exercise wouldn't it drop normally anyway? Am confused and any help would be appreciated!

Oh and I lost another toenail yesterday - isn't it weird how that actually doesn't hurt?!