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?

9 miles today, which I'm pleased with - esp as I felt totally done in at about 6 miles but managed to keep going but slow down - really felt like I was barely going faster than other people out for a stroll in Bushy park at that point, but it kept me going.
Looking for advice re 2 things - pain that I get in the area on the innermost top of thigh - that tendon-thing aches. My running books don't seem to reference anything for that area, so wondered if anyone might have some wisdom?
Also, I have bruised one of my toenails, which is quite painful. I've had these trainers for about 4 months, so not used excessively (certainly not as much as I should have), and this is the first occasion where I've had any bruising - but I've not done this kind of distance before. More experienced runners, does that indicate a problem with the shoe - and do I need to go and spend lots of money on a proper running shop fitting rather than relying on the less-thorough approach at Sports Direct??
TIA for any advice that people with more experience than I (that's everyone then) might be willing to share!

I have braved sharing my justgiving page for the machester 10k on facebook and twittter. No getting out of them now!

EAT - bruised toenails suggest that your shoes are too small. You might need to go up a size to make sure there is plenty of room in the toe-box for your feet to expand and contract. I would recommend a proper fitting at a running shop.

EATmum, have never had the problem you describe but I will say that getting running shoes fitted at a specialist shop made a massive difference to my comfort when running. Was definitely worth the money.

I was going to say might your shoes be too small as well?

The trainers I started running in were decent-ish Addidas trainers I bought a few years ago when I used to run the odd three miles or so and had been gathering dust for an embarrassingly long time since. It wasn't until I started going a bit longer distances recently that I realised they were actually too small.

Thanks Coo - I feel bit sore today, but a short, slow walk with dd1 on her scooter helped loosed my muscles up.

Sorry - when is the 10k? Do you have a time in mind? It's so exciting, looking forward to a race, isn't it?

Eat - sorry that I don't have any advice about your questions, but wanted to say well done for your run. I think that those kinds of runs give you something to draw on when you feel like that again - you did a whole three miles more when you thought you couldn't. That's quite a lot :)

Run tomorrow, though I don't have much time so will be a short run with a few speedy bits...if I can be bothered.

May 18th, I am looking forward to it but finding the idea of my first race being one so big quite daunting. There is a smaller local 10k in March but not sure I will be ready for that! I will be quite happy just to finish really, I am currently doing 8 min 30 ish kms so I would love to finish it in under 1 hr 30 but will have to see how I go!

Eat- defo sounds like your shoes are too small. is yhere anywhere nearby that does gait analysis?

I managed 10 miles today in 1hr 45 which I was pretty pleased with.

sorry for typos, fat finger s.

Eau - that's a great time. I was planning a long run but got sidetracked and ended up only having a 3 mile walk with DH.

Thanks all. I'm going to book in at our local running shop for a proper analysis. I'd gone up a size with these trainers, so thought that'd be enough - but I might need a slightly more scientific approach I think.

Sirzy, that sounds like an excellent goal. I bet the atmosphere will be amazing!

I am doing it with a friend who did it last year and the way he described the atmosphere made it sound fantastic!

Sounds like the perfect race then - is it on the flat!?

From what I have been told it's pretty flat.

Having said all that, I had a gait analysis and spent £100 on fancy pantsy shoes and I've woken up with a purple toenail It's going to fall off, isn't it? Ew.

The Manchester 10k is known as the 'flattest' 10k I think ( Im sure I read that somewhere - either the 10k is or the Marathon)

1hr 45 for 10 miles is a great time. I did my 10 mile race in 1hr 52 and that was such a tough race. I thought I was going to die.

Flattest 10k sounds good to me, I want to do the St Helens 10k in a few weeks but knowing the area that is far from flat (infact there will be hoodies available after saying "I survived North Road" its so steep) puts me off - might leave that one til next year

Eau, that's what I'm worried about. I had a friend telling tales of his marathon running where the toenails were rattling around in his trainers (slight exaggeration, possibly). Yuck!

It's a bit better now, I put some ice on it. Apparently ruined toenails goes with the territory :(

I hate hills. I live right near the edge of the fens so there are quite a few hills around here where I can overlook the tantalisingly flat bit. My half marathon is going to be fairly flat but it's mixed terrain so not sure how fast it'll be. I'm hoping mixed terrain means 'a couple of gravelly bits' rather than 'mud and ditches'.

That Manchester 10k sounds really, really interesting. I'd love to hear how you get on.

Mind you, no uphill means no downhill either...

Didn't go for my run today. Couldn't be bothered. Unlike me - I think the cold and dark is getting me down. While I can get out running after work by 3.30 if I try hard, it's invariably later than that and already nearly dark :(

I will let you know how it goes Elvis, I am pretty sure its normally on TV in which case I will be the woman looking like a tomato struggling at the back!

I hate running in the dark, thankfully I am managing a few mornings a week - the joys of being a student! - just updated my running play list ready for tomorrow, bored of playing the same songs!

4.5km in 34 minutes this morning [biggrin]

even

Well done Sirzy!

I haven't been out since Saturday as I'm just feeling permanently a bit crap/sick/ridiculously tired (No.. definitely not pregnant!)

Glorious sunny day though and the dog needs exercising so might have to drag myself out later.

Bored of being ill. I thought running was supposed to make you all super energetic and healthy!