Is there a general running thread?

[Sirzy]

I am pretty new to running (started in Septmember) but have some pretty ambitious targets in 2014 (10k and half marathon) so looking for other runners to advice, kick up the backside and generally chat about all things running.

I have seen a few couch to 5k threads but I didn't get on with that so can't use those threads so thought a thread for all runners whether they are new to it or experienced runners would be good?

Yes, if I can do 10 minute miles, I'd be happy!! I start slow and finish faster on my normal 5k route, and peak at about 6-7 k on a 10k run, depending on where te downhill sections are

I'm another one who has to get a babysitter in if I want to go for a run, although I have a running pushchair so mini kimmi comes out with me for park runs and other weekend runs.

karatekimmi- which running buggy do you have? DD is 4 months old but im looking to purchase one for when she gets to 6 months so I can take her out with me.

Looking fairly ridiculous in a mix of running/work clothes this morning, because I'm planning a run home at the end of the day. Hope this lovely sunny weather holds!

Sounds v fetching EATmum

Hi Elvis, haven't done a tm yet, but have done this: www.ratracedirtyweekend.com it was very good fun, I only did the half which was 13 miles, it was tough, but due to the nature of some of the obstacles you generally had a few seconds every so often to catch your breath. It was generally the simple, quick obstacles, such as logs, under / over type things that I found hardest. The climbing ones were actually ok, and felt 'safer' as there were a lot of people doing the same thing. I'd definitely recommend as it was great fun.

My quickest average is 8.11 so I have a good way to go to get to 8! My problem is hills, they just kill me! In terms of general distance, I find 10+ miles I don't really enjoy, 8 is perfect, but 5-6 probably more realistic in terms of fitting in with lifestyle. I'm not sure why the 5 mile fixation has come from, mainly as there's some straight forwards, scenic 5 mile loops I think!

Thanks Coo, I think a 10k obstacle race would be my limit, could never do a half marathon one!

My tip for finding it hard to run on hills is to avoid them forever! I come from marshland, so super flat, and now live in Norfolk. DH jokes that I can detect a 1% gradient - sometimes I complain about running uphill here, when'd he swears down it is flat. I spend quite a lot of time when route planning thinking about which way to do a loop to get maximum downhill and minimum uphill!

I don't think it would take much to get to 8 if you can already do 8.11; would it be a matter of doing some shorter, say 5k, runs with plenty of threshold/sprints? Then do five miles, alternating 8.30 and 8, then building from there? I don't really know what I am talking about but would probably try that. I am more focused on increasing mileage atm though.

EAT, do you run home form work door to door? I wish I could do that but work 25 miles away!

Elvis, you are so lucky not to have hills. I live in a valley so literally EVERY road goes up, and straight away too. Man I hate them, but it find them a useful way to measure my fitness ie; I can now jog up some hills that 2yrs ago would have reduced me to hyperventilating and walking.
Every time I conquer a slope I feel v pleased with myself. I also think of the bum toning

Well, apparently I am the only one who feels like there are hills here - everyone else perceives them to be flat. I'm like the princess and the pea I try not to complain!

If there were loads of hills here I hope I would try to be positive about them, like you are. I bet your legs are really strong because of them :)

elvis, you're not an ex-Fenlander are you?!

Went for a run this lunchtime - no idea what was wrong, but I just couldn't do it. My calves were burning horribly and I seemed always to be uncoordinated. I ended up giving in after about 2km and having a nice walk instead Does that happen to anyone else ever?

Lack of sleep, maybe? Or just feeling a bit off. Everyone has rubbish runs every once in a while.

There are hills where I live. They are hills and I will not be told differently. I keep meaning to do a bit of hill training in the park but somehow I always manage to avoid it.

Yep, that happened on my last run. Which is why I've put it off for 2 days now.. have to go in a minute. Honest, I will.

Yes I have days like that. Can never figure why though.

I have just done 2.5km in 20 minutes as I didn't have neighb time to go further today. Got that sort of distance generally very comfy now so just need to go further now.

Go on, twelve: no one ever regretted going for a run! Or something like that, anyway.

No, not the fens. Similar though: marshland on the south coast. Flat is all I've ever known :)

Love a nice walk!

Thanks Elvis I have tried to follow plans before that say similar to what you've suggested, trouble is I always think the interval training is a waste of time when I actually come to do it (I KNOW that it is not) and then just have a normal run! Maybe I need to look again for a good 10k plan?

Do go twelve, as the others have said you never regret a run. Even if you end up walking for some, it's still good to be out there. Plus, what always gets me through is to think how much you will enjoy your dinner later! Food motivates me for most things

I've been mainlining Voltarol and co-codamol since Monday (ooh me back, etc) so maybe that had something to do with it. Frustrating though!

Re hills, one of my cross country runs has a long gradual rise at the halfway mark. It's a right sod to get up, but the plus is that the last sector home has me running down the other side. The only time I can go sub-7 mins per km!

twelve, you been yet? How was it?

Am exactly the same as you, coo - go for an easy run when I had planned an interval run. It's not exactly lazy, is how I justify it to myself.

interval or any other kind of run (even a light jog)- You are still doing more than someone who is sat on a couch.

I hate interval runs.
See earlier post re: hills.
How are you supposed to speed up whilst going up hill???
I try v hard to keep up, fail, and write them off as calorie burners

Too many hills around here, I try to plan routes to avoid them as much as possible but its pretty much impossible.

I want to do a 10k in March but the big hill involved is putting me off!

Ha ha, you lot are fierce!

I went. I did 4.73 miles in 52 minutes according to Runkeeper, with two lovely sub-10 ,minute miles to start with then a motherfucker hill of a mile climb home which nearly killed me. But it was MUCH MUCH better than the other day. So I'm glad I went!

And I didn't walk for more than 5 paces, and that was only once.

even if I ran up the hill so slowly I was basically running on the spot like a cartoon character

Fantastic twelve, glad you went out

Gosh, this thread moves fast!! I've got a baby trend jogger, had been searching for ages on eBay for a pick-up-able one, and managed to get it for about £40. They are on amazon for about £110. I started running with just me zia petit (three wheels) but I am a very slow plodder and people could probably walk faster than me!!
The baby trend pushes a lot easier but it's harder to steer. It manages the park run every week though!

Off to the runnin club for the second night. I was the slowest in the half marathon training group, but the other option was c25k so I pushed myself!!

Twelve you run around the same as me, I have been doing weekend runs of 10k at just around 60 minutes and weekday runs of 4-5 miles at 42(4m) and 50(5m).