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

bonkers great time on tough terrain - not sure that I will be able to say the same for my half on 21st. Starting to get quite nervous about it - there's a good 2k of uphill (steep) about 5k in as far as I can see...I can't see myself running up it, tbh, I do run some hills but they aren't exactly challenging!

Dr No I'd love someone to analyse my form, you're so lucky and will learn so much. I might join a club next year, but yours sounds very proactive - not sure where I'd find that for an auld slow one like me.

goldberry I concur - I'd scrap the race and gradually build up to a race a bit later in the year

bonkers that just about sums up my philosophy! It matters to me that I stop and look at the deer crossing my path, or an interesting bird . You see things when running that you wouldn't otherwise see (or hear).

I deliberately did an easy slow run today - it was a beautiful day and I was starting not to enjoy my running. Also want to do a speed workout tomorrow (tip o'the hat to Wheelybug)

Quick post on phone yet again.

paws - I suffer from asthma and the peak flow meter is useful to gauge changes in lung functioning. As such I don't use one anymore as I can generally feel when things are getting bad and increase my meds without having to see the Dr. It sounds as if your lungs are fine of the peak flow is right for your age but keep using the peak flow meter to monitor it at times you are experiencing breathlessness when running. Asthma is controlled by careful management and pre-emoting a serious attack is the best way to approach it.

wheely - hurrah you enjoyed my session!

Sorry to not refer to you all but I am enjoying reading the posts. Today, with less than 3 weeks till my first triathlon, I did my first brick session and biked 14 miles and ran a 2 mile tempo effort afterwards at 7m/m pace which felt surprisingly good and fun! I has forgotten how fun multisport races are!

Forgot to add a huge congrats to bonkers on a blooming marvellous time there! Now you can start thinking about aiming for a sub-50 the next time [searches for addicted to running emoticon]!

moshi - it might be a sub-50, as I don't think she has official race time yet...

also dying to hear the verdict on the new Garmins - I have a serious case of gadget envy (I use an old polar, but without heart-strap [somewhere in the house, probably in DD's toybox] and without footpod).

bonkers did not know it was possible to run that fast well done!

Thanks for all the responses to my questions. I did not know ipods were banned for races - is that all races? i might steer clear for a while. I think i would like at some point to consider running without, but for now I am really enjoying the time to just zone into the music and think of not much at all.

I ran my ultimate aim today, ran home from work as i have worked towards, I managed to run about 3/4 of it i guess, possibly a bit more, and fast walked the rest, not for more than 2 mins at a time though. I found today hard, guess slight inclines worked harder, and I warmed up much less than normal due to it being the first time i left work in my running gear! 15 mins 39 seconds to be exact (timed by my songs!). I am not impressed with my timings though - 15.39 seconds to run 1.4miles (felt longer!), did include a lot of stop/starting near roads, and a ton of steps over a road bridge, and several inclines, some tourists and a harbour lock...not too bad, but wanted better. Once i get used to it, I shall add a bit to it, but plan is to run this route every day til i can run without stopping.

Does anyone run on empty stomach? is that a good/bad idea? i actually think i prefer running on an empty stomach, have mostly done this, and feel really good when running, feel more cloggy when running after eating (normally a light lunch about 1-2hours before). When on empty stomach, i run after drinking a cup of coffee, then some water, then run about hour later? It is probably really bad for me isn't it?

I think the stitch might have been me running without drinking much water first? had lunch about 1hour before.

Sorry, driving I didn't realize anyone was interested in my Garmin.

I must admit, I was shocked at the price of my forerunner 110. I'm a gadget girl, me, iPads, iPhones, macbookpros up the wazoo in this house. So it's not like I don't know what tech costs. But still. It seemed v expensive. It tok forever to charge, because the charging method is damnably fiddly. I have child size hands (to go with my child size feet and general diminutive stature) and I found it really difficult to get the charging clip properly in line with the contacts. Heaven only knows how DH would manage. But. Once the thing was charged, and I took it out for a run (this was last Friday I suppose) it was great. I used it again for the half on Sunday and it is simple and uncomplicated and basically just works. Do I prefer run keeper? Well - yes. Yes I do. But the watch is great too. I will definitely carry on using it now I have it. And I will be importing all my data into run keeper (since I have a complete year's training log, and a (small) street team, I'm not about to abandon it). The watch will come into it's own the week after next when I am in NY and Chicago - last year when I was in the US I ran up huge phone bills just for the data involved in using run keeper on my runs. This time hopefully the Garmin will work and will cost me nothing. :)

am harbouring silly ideas that it would make me run faster...

pavlov that sounds like a great start - I wish I could do that - I usually cycle to work, but I might try and work this out - I could bus it in, and run home (it's about 12k)..

I often run on an empty stomach (starting to take up residence as the thread rebel - no music, no food, no stretching - I'm a minimalist runner!!) - I find I struggle if I have eaten anything but a very light meal. If going on a long run in the morning I'll eat a banana and/or slice of toast, plus a couple of cups of tea. If later in the day, I try and leave a minimum of 2 hours and maybe a carb snack - a biscuit, or a bit of choc. I don't know if it's bad for you - anyone explain the science??

thetasigmamum I have the forerunner 110 too, and my only bugbear is the charging device, it is tricky to get it in the right place. I moan everytime I charge it! I love it though, so easy to use.

Had a good club session tonight, did some drills, then we focused on speed and form. Did 5 miles in 50 mins, but that involved hopping/jumping and listening to instructions so good going. Lots of thinking about foot strike, high knees, strong arms etc. Very enjoyable.

Pavlov I find for my early morning runs I am terrible if I run on an empty stomach. I need food, so always have a slice of toast or some banana. Tonight I ran at 7pm, I last ate at 5.15pm when I had a bit of toast and peanut butter. I try not to drink for about 45 mins before. Apparently though, I have read that training yourself to run first thing is good as the body has to burn fat as fuel.....anyone else heard this?

Dr No that fat as fuel thing was what I was trying to remember as well; but other stuff I've read suggests that the afternoon is the best time for good performance...feck it, I'm not fast enough for it to matter a jot

driving like go-faster stripes you mean?

i used to bus it in, or DH would give me a lift in, and same back, so now i walk in, or bus in if late, then run home. we have showers at work so do like the idea of running first thing, but can't be doing with putting make-up on, doing hair then warming down in front of male colleagues who cycle in (communal!), then working for hours, although will wake me up i am sure! I am lucky to live by the sea, s eventually my plan is to encorporate the sea front into the run, and stretch it to 3 miles, but that is a way off. i can do 3 flat miles, but this includes a lot of hills (only baby ones but gradients nonetheless!).

Great drNo I'll pass the shoes on - then she'll have to think of another excuse .

I also prefer running on an emptyish stomach. I have to have something if early but usually a banana. I am in the gym tomorrow 1-2 so not sure how I'm going to work that one.

Beginning to feel my legs aching a bit after today's effort....

It's fantastic to see new people joining, I love reading about what everyone else is doing (and it's hard to find people to talk to about running, they all glaze over once I start...)

Great racing Theta, fantastic time on a tough course.

Bonkers, you must be so pleased with a 10k 50 minutes over hills!

I don't run with music, for all the reasons you've eloquently described, but I have started listening to Marathon Talk podcasts on some runs, which I do find inspiring, but I can also switch off from it easily.

Driving, weirdly I have also been making (and consuming) a salted caramel torte this weekend - this is the recipe I used:

probably need to run a half marathon after eating it

Ran 5 miles home from work today, in a minute more than my marathon pace (9 m/m instead of 10 m/m) which was hard going - I've definitely lost pace since I started doing longer distances.

In taper mode now - so am reducing my long run to 16 miles this weekend but still doing my two shorter runs during the week. Does this sound about right? Anything else I should be doing with less than 3 weeks to go?

Glad you are on the mend sfxmum, that is great news that you are getting back out there again.

Chewy, have been advised by other more knowledgeable people on here that it's best not to give blood too close to a race as it can have a noticeable effect on your running for a good few weeks after. I've delayed my appointment until after my race for that reason.

DrNo, from all the different types of training you've done, and the distance you're running now, it sounds like a 2 hour half would be a definite possibility!

Cestlavie, looking forward to your insights (I think I will need them!).

Hope injuries heal soon, happy running all.x

Cross-posted! I can run immediately after eating, which is good because I eat a lot.

And I catch the bus to work and run home twice a week -do you have a decent rucksack to bring stuff home with you?

NOOOOO MrsWEds don't say a 2 hour half is possible on here, I don't like seeing it in black and white

Secretly hoping for 2 hours but will NEVER say that out loud, ya hear me guys?

The fat burning thing (cardio fasting) ie running/exercising before eating anything in the morning does apparently work because your body has no immediate fuel to hand, it has burnt whatever you consumed the day before already. I am unclear about whether/what you should drink between waking and exercising though, it seems insane to not take any liquid on board and a recipe for an almighty headache and bad mood - not what you want from a run ! That is my justification for tea in the morning even if I postpone breakfast anyway . Also maximum fat burning is not the same thing as good performance...I guess it depends on your goals.

The other benefit of exercising early in the day though (if weight loss/control is one of your reasons for exercise) is that it boosts your metabolism for hours afterwards, so it makes more sense to utilise that effect during the time you are likely to be eating rather than sleeping and eating nothing! Bit embarassing doing the bright red and sweaty thing in front of colleagues for some time in the morning though...although you and they will get used to it if my experience is anything to go by .

MrsWeds that's just bizarre! Am starting to re-classify cakes now - a fairy cake is a 1 miler, a flapjack a 5k, a big slice of Victoria sponge a 10k cake, and these are definitely half-marathon cakes. What would be a marathon cake, then?

this is the recipe I used, but not from this source...mine was chewier rather than gooier, but my god it was nice (just ate last teeny bit)

God that looks amazing, will add that to my list of puddings immediately!

Sorry DrNo, I actually meant 2 and half hours, blame my dodgy typing...

it is amazing - very much a grown up choc cake (which is why it's a torte) although DD (2) scoffed her way happily through it, licked the bowl and said 'more chocolate cake?' :) that's my girl...will have to start her running before long :o

Thanks for all the congratulations! You ladies (are there any men here?) are so supportive. I hope I am able to find the time to participate in the talk.

STILL no official time for my 10K. I felt fine yesterday (obviously didn't push myself enough...ha ha!).

I am fine running up to about 8 miles on an empty stomach. Running first thing in the morning after a single cup of tea suits me fine. In fact it's probably the best time of day for me.

When I run at work (during my lunch hour) I will usually have had a small breakfast and then I'll have 1/2 a banana about 45 mins before I run.

I have never been one of those people to put the children to bed and then go out marathon training. My relaxing time or time with DH is more important than my running. It would feel like a chore and that's not what runnings about for me.

All these puddings - must resist! I'm already finding it hard to ignore the remaining Easter eggs! Running group was hard last night - she made us do 3 mins slow, 2 mins medium, 1 min as fast as we could, then repeat, before doing a steady run for the rest of the session. Fitness-wise I was definitely suffering from my injury break, but my feet and legs felt good - this altered foot strike and stride seem to be paying off.
I find it hard to eat/drink the right amount before a run. Last night I hadn't drunk enough during the day, and over-compensated too near to my run. I seem to be able to manage a snack before the run, but not a ful meal - even if it's a couple of hours before!

paws I agree with sciencebint re: trying an antihistamine. My DH has asthma which is only triggered by exercise outside (cold air?) and hayfever. His PEFR was normal at rest, even in mornings, but dipped after exercise. DH takes antihistamine daily during the hayfever season and takes 2 puffs of blue inhaler prior to exercise. (His GP asked him to keep the diary for 2 weeks with AM, PM pre and post exercise readings.)

Planning an easy 3 miler today then give blood tomorrow evening - not racing until end of July so should be recovered by then [hopeful emoticon]. I was planning to do 7 miles at weekend but I will take it extra slow with walk breaks and do a route that I can cut short if I need to. I suppose it will be a bit like altitude training!

DrivingMissCrazy I too am a firm believer in new gadgets making me faster. The only problem is when they are more accurate than what you were doing before and you find out your previous sub 10-min miles were actually closer to 11.

chewytoffee lol...glad to see we are keeping up the thread tradition of fast and furious posting :)