Runners united: I run, I do running, I am a runner

[DebiTheScot]

We've run out of room on the other thread so I hope you don't mind me starting the new one.
This thread is for runners to share running stories and chat about life in general too. Anyone with running shoes welcome!

Our latest race list is below. Feel free to add or remove races from it.

06/07/11- Yately 10k: DebiTheScot
10/07/11 - RFL 5K, Kingston & Kempton Park: Wheelybug
10/07/11 - Felsted 10K: bonkers20
16/07/11 - Phoenix park 5 miler - drivingmisscrazy
17/07/11 - RFL St Albans - Pawsnclaws
17/07/11 - Dundee Half marathon - TheChewyToffeeMum
17/07/11- Chichester (Sprint) Triathlon: DebiTheScot
24/07/11 - Harrogate town centre 10k - DrNortherner
20/08/11 - Frank Duffy 10 mile, Dublin - drivingmisscrazy
03/09/11 - Dingle Half-Marathon - drivingmisscrazy
11/09/11 - Bristol Half- Marathon - thetasigmamum
11/09/11 - Bristol Half- Marathon- N4nny
18/09/11 - GNR: Hamster, Run for fun, popsycal, LaLa
23/09/11 - Notting Half Marathon: cestlavie
25/09/11 - Edinburgh Urbanathlon: backwardpossom
25/09/11 - Windsor Half Marathon: Doyouthinktheysaurus
25/09/11 - London Half Marathon Run to the beat: June2009
25/09/11 - New Forest Half Marathon: MoshiMoshi
02/10/11 - Standalone 10K: Futurity
02/10/11 - Bradford Half Marathon - MrsWednesday
02/10/11 - Baxter's River Ness 10k - backwardpossom
02/10/11 - The Run, Northampton - YeahThatsTheBadger
09/10/11 - Great Eastern Run, Peterborough - Futurity
16/10/11 - Abingdon Marathon: MoshiMoshi
30/10/11 - Great South Run: Wheely, squix
20/11/11 - Leeds Abbey Dash (10k) - DrNortherner
19/02/12 - Brighton Half marathon - Wheely
27/05/12 - London Bupa 10K - Futurity

june 2009 it's actually for the UK and it's here - I've never run on a track even though there's one where I work in good order. This one (S. London) was clearly ripped up some years ago - but I ran around the outside - 600m. Struggled a bit with intervals - it was warm, I have an acidy tum from all the crappy food I've eaten on the move the last couple of days, and I am tired. But still managed 6.5 k at average 5:25min/k which I am quite pleased with.

Think poor DP is not having fun with DD who is a bit all over the place with all the comings and goings and is playing her up big time.

rhet your poor DP - being pregnant with a 2 year old no joke... I always remember being glad my gap was so small with DD2 and DD3 because DD2 was really still a baby and didn't throw Bette Davis type tantrums - which she does full throttle now. Have a good time in London.

June ditto bar I have a decomposing cat which has been at the side of the dual carriageway for about 4 weeks - can you beat that...?! I would love to be able to run near the beach and the only time I have ever been able to (we lived in Southport), I wasn't running whatsoever. I look wistfully at the sand dunes every time we go back and think "ohhhh just think of the hill sprints I could have done barefoot up those..." - yes, my life is totally taken over by running!

Quenelle please tell me where you get these chocolate milkshakes from my love! I would love an excuse to have one.

Well ladies I am very at your running as I am still not back out. I am desperate - it's awful. God help me if I was ever injured, I'd be like a bloke with itchy bollocks - I wouldn't be able to sit still!

Is that the Mars recovery drink? I love them but ration them to after long run only as they are high in calories but very yummy! Damn..I fancy one now!

When I loved in London, used to go for weekly run through Epping Forest with a friend, and used to see loads of woodland birds (though hopelessly unable to remember what).

More recently while running in Norfolk have seen grass snake (dead), a single deer (once) and heard various scufflings of small things in the undergrowth. Also when driving home from running club recently, saw tawny owl beautifully silhoutted against the setting sun, carrying some poor unsuspecting creature...

Not much running to report as bunked off club session on Monday, and have been involved in summer holiday club for last 2 days, but bought 2 new tops today, and about to somehow figure out a training schedule for November half marathon.

Liking the sound of chocolate post-run recovery drink..

Most unusual creature I've seen whilst out running - it's eyes were orange, and it's tongue was black, it had purple prickles all over its back - oh no it was a gruffalo

• either that or a 6 ft Easter bunny!

Disclaimer - this had nothing to do with excess wine consumption (honest) and more to do with the number of sponsored walks I encounter on a Sunday morning going over the Forth Road Bridge.

Apologies for the excess ' in 'it's' - iPhone seems to like them!

have seen grass snake (dead)

Sorry, this actually made me giggle! Not the dead snake, just the way you wrote it, I'm not a completely hideous person!

You're welcome, possum!! Sad to say, the only grass snakes I have seen around here have been dead ones. They are such beautiful things. Know that they have been around when we have been on walks, but DH tends to be in front, and calls out "grass snake" - by the time I get there it has well and truly gone (Disclaimer: this does not happen very often so please don't imagine that there are sankes-a-plenty in these parts!)

Reminds me of another snakey sighting while running though. Running club organised training morning one Sunday recently, at a sandy beach about 20 miles away. Some of us were lucky enough to see an adder!

On a fancy dress theme, many runners (including DH) in the last Norwich HM were passed by a speedy Pink Panther. Costume looked v old and manky, but boy, the chappie inside was speedy!

sciencebint - me. I think the puppy was the proverbial straw though. Definitely like a 5th child. Thankfully at 6 months she is much calmer now.

Loving all the roadkill/dead snakes chat ladies

Science, baby cooking nicely. Am 24 weeks tomorrow, which I guess means baby is technically viable, not that this meansuch but feels like another milestone.

I would LOVE 4 children, though am afraid advancing years and DP's reluctance means we will probably stop at 2 .

Went to see Tangled with DD yesterday, inbetweeners washing the walls (thanks DD for those Niro drawings!) and cleaning the oven (sigh). Was emotional wreck! Must be the hormones...

Still doing exercise class on Thursday mornings (today!) and doing short bursts of running in that. Feel surprisingly unbumped (obv not a word!) when I run, but also know I couldn't keep it up for even a mile. Was really hoping to not put on too much weight with this pregnancy and have certainly not been going mad but first trimester nausea has put paid to that as just HAD to eat, all day. I don't feel too big, but scales say otherwise. Was a stone lighter to start this time so hopefully won't feel too massive at end. I do love being pregnant though and having a big belly!

Happy running!

err, that would be biro drawings. Damn you iPhone!!!

Can't beleive you all want to see snakes - the only benefit I could imagine is the adrenelin rush an subsequent increase in time as I sprinted away! I also see pelicans most runs, and had one drop a fish on me once when I was cycling to work.... Today was vile though on the ride in - heavy thunderstorm with really gusty winds. Was a drowned rat when I got into work.

I believe the chocolate milk in question is just that stuff you get in the plastic bottles with a foil lid. Usually only sold in corner shops, next to the Ribena cartons in the fridge.) I'm sure I read in RW that the skimmed milk, combined with sugar and other chocolatey goodness aids recovery after a run. It could be utter wishful thinking though.

Sciencebint I'm doing parkrun for the first time this Saturday. DebitheScot does it regularly.

It's definitely been said that milk aids recovery better than any sports drink so if you like it, chocolate or otherwise, go for it!

12.72M MLR average pace 9:10m/m. Hot out there today and was tired from yesterday and HUNGRY. I tend to run on an empty stomach but didn't eat much last night and suffered as a result. Time for a big bowl of yogurt and granola with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries!

quenelle - excited you are doing Parkrun!

sciencebint I did my 20th parkrun on Saturday, it is habit-forming. Though have to say that I am heavily influenced by the fact that it is just 4 miles away. If it was further I may not go so often....

I usually have a mars milkshake after a 'long' run (i.e. anything over 10k)

I am excited Moshi, about to register now. I'm going to feel like a proper runner again after this. Ooh, what shall I wear?

ibbydibby I'm hoping the drive through Saturday morning town centre traffic doesn't make it too much of a faff to be a regular thing.

I've just got back from the Asda and am now kicking myself for not buying a large multipack of chocolate milks.

Quenelle you might discover some neighbours/friends that you can share lifts with.....which parkrun are you going to do?

Seriously thinking about chocolate milk as part of the recovery process..

Onto runnig gear: does anyone use "Fox River" running socks? I bought 2 pairs in late 2006(!) and now 5 years later they are not surpisingly on their last legs! Am desparate to replace them, but can't find them in any shops - have found on-line, but nothing that look identical to mine and really want to mull over them in real life. Just wondering if anyone had any recommendations over where I might get them, or a good online seller of socks etc where I can get a good look, please?

They were £8 a pair which at the time seemed extortionate, but they have really worn well (I trained for, and ran, the London marathon using only these 2 pairs so they must be good)

Hello ladies,

Looking at the road kill stories - I saw a decomposing fox a few weeks back if that is any good? It was quite whiffy but strangely fascinating at the same time ...

Anyway, I come to share with you ... Blenheim 2012 Triathlon = entered! Gone for the sprint distance. Have also entered DP as it's part of his Ironman prep. I think I'll worry about it all after Christmas.

I am due to do a 10k race in October. I know this is small fry for most of you, but it is the longest distance I have ever done. I wondered if anyone has a good training plan for 10k? I am not starting from scratch, but equally I am not the best in the world.

I have done one 10k about 5 years ago - it was one of the Nike ones in Hyde park with North London against South. DP, BIL and I all did it, DP and me on the back of a 2 week holiday where we had literally eaten our way around Italy. I managed ok and finished in an hour, but upon sprinting for the finish managed to throw up. Unfortunately there was a video of the finish so you can see me sprint across, then hold my stomach with one hand and mouth with the other before running off camera to be sick ... hopefuly that doesn't exist online and I will not need to vom after this one in October!

ibbydibby that would be ideal, have had trouble making friends since we moved here a year ago. I'm doing the Bedford one, it's only been going since the beginning of June.

Cherry I have done a few 10ks and always use the Runners World schedule.

Quenelle thank you, those schedules look great. think I will endeavour to do the 3 days a week 8 week one and then mix in some cycling and swimming also

mmm. I like those Mars milkshakes! I have tried the For Goodness Shakes vanilla and chocmalt flavours which are quite nice too. If I am able to go straight home after my long run I usually make a smoothie made with a frozen banana, milk and a heaped dessertspoon of peanut butter.

Anyway - running mojo still awol today so did a 30 day shred workout instead.

Has anyone tried Nike frees? I quite fancy a pair.