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?

I had a knee injury and then glandular fever which was a great way to get out out pretty much all pe for 3 years and the reason why I am having to lose massive amounts of weight now

Ah Sirzy, that sounds tough!

Did 6 miles today in 51:50, not too bad, but I'm definitely slower at the moment, can't put my finger on why? I'm sure it's work stress as I can't seem to empty my mind as I normally do on a run (although still feel loads better for going out), planned my route badly too as final 1/2 mile was giant hill, grr!

I went off piste today, running from my parents house rather than my own (quality time for nanny and DS means I can get the hell out if there!) it was fab! I ran nearly 6.5 miles in just over an hour, but it's the distance I'm so pleased with!
I think it helped only having an inkling of where I was going, and I was able to make it circular which I find much more enjoyable.
There was one absolute killer of a hill that I couldn't quite manage, and it rained so hard one of my speakers got water in and stopped working but who cares???

Hope you're all well today

So I dont run I mean never ever but I have signed up for a 10k run for charity in May. I have a couch to 10k program and it has 3 runs a week but says only to have 1 rest day. So I am doing
Monday - run/weights
Tuesday - cycle/row
Wednesday - run
Thursday - Swim
Friday - run/weights
Saturday - cycle/row
Sunday - rest
does that sound ok should I be doing more/less/different stuff. Alsi how important is it to train outside im doing it all on the treadmill at the moment as I dislike excersising outdoors but obviously the race is outside? Help I think ive bitten off more than I can chew!

That sounds plenty! You should be able to get to 10k by May quite easily. If you feel knackered or too achey then take an extra rest day, don't do too much too soon. 10k sounds really far but once you get going it'll be fine. I found it much easier to get from 5k to 10k than I did to get from nothing to 5k.

Agree 10k in May definitely doable! Are you reasonably fit at the moment?

Definitely try and get out on the roads, I find that it's much more challenging (and enjoyable) outside than it is on a treadmill, you'll prob have a few more aches than the treadmill too, but they soon go.

Thanks for the support Im not that fit but not unfit either (helpful description) Ive just finished week 1 and it was ok. Might hit the roads when the running segments are longer as at the minute I am clock watching constantly to know when to run/walk iyswim.

Actually I'd start on the couch to 5k, 3 days a week, that will take you to the end of feb which is plenty of time to up your distance to 10k. Doing too much too soon doesn't allow your muscles time to recover, so you ache constantly, you increase your risk of injury and you work so hard that there's no fun! Goals need to be realistic or you risk giving up. On your rest days you could go swimming or go for a walk but only if you feel like it.

Eau - I am glad you said that about 5-10k being easy. I am finally at a point where I can do 5k easily and have managed 7k but was concerned about getting from there to 10k. Hoping to add a km each week to get me to 10!

All the people in my life who've done distance running said it's just a matter of doing a bit more each week - but until now, I think I thought they were just being nice. I couldn't see how that might apply to me.
But today I ran 9.5 miles, and each time I've been out recently I've done 0.5 miles more than the time before. And it's working. Given that I did C25K about 18 months ago and that was my first running since I was at school (now just turned 40), this is a major thing for me. No real point to this post I guess, except to say that they were right - just go out and run 5 mins more than last time. Keep doing that. It works.
[Making no presumption that Sunday's planned 10 mile run will happen/be successful, please don't let me have angered the all-powerful "piece of cake" gods.]

EAT, two years ago I would never have believed you, but you're right! It just takes time. At the beginning that time feels ages away, but in reality you're running further than you thought possible in a matter of months

Fantastic, EAT, well done on your 9.5 miles! You won't even notice the extra half a mile on Sunday.

Thanks guys - I am determined to do this half marathon which is good. After that, we'll see ...
What's everyone else got planned for this weekend?

I am sure you won't have any problems with it Eat.

I am out tonight and then tomorrow morning supposed to be going for a run with a friend whether hangovers get in the way or not who knows!

EAT - if you can do 10 miles you can definitely do a half marathon - I should know :)
The training plan I used for the 2 halfs I've done has only gone up to 10 miles and the second time I didn't even get that far as I was recovering from injury. I still managed the 13.1 miles as the occasion takes you along with it - and it was surprisingly good fun going over 10 miles for the first time

eat you're doing really well, I signed up for the Jantastic challenge but I keep forgetting to record my runs! Writing down on this thread that I want to up my milage has helped.
PT session with dh this morning was hard, alternating between squat thrusts and press ups was nearly my undoing, they make wall squats seem easy.
Long run - 12km run planned for tomorrow...oh and I dropped 1kg this week, so nearly back to normal weight.

Thank you all. My half is not till March, so I just need to edge up on the distance and NOT GET INJURED. So that should be easy then ...

Can I join?

I have restarted running 2 weeks ago after a 2 month rest (due to illness). I am supposed to be running a half marathon in 6 weeks. My plan is to eat and drink clean, train and rest.

I agree: same runs during the week, just a few minutes more on the long run each weekend, and soon distance creeps up and up.

Everyone's running sounds great. Some good times, too.

Have taken the plunge: Nottingham marathon, September - entered

Wow Elvis, full marathon! I'm so terrified of the half I'm working towards - can't imagine doing twice that distance! Good for you. Are you doing it for charity?

No, I don't think so. I'm dreadful at asking for money, so disorganised. I donate to others' requests though. I think training will be enough :)

Well managed 7 1/2 mile this morning in 1hr 15, so thankful my fitness seems to be returning.

Brilliant, well done!

I struggled to manage 5k this morning. Lack of sleep and third day running in a row, I probably should have just stayed at home.

Ached this morning from the PT session yesterday but went out and ran 12km this morning as planned, boy do I hurt now! Tomorrow is a rest day, just as well as my body is crying out for it.

Well done Snowdown.

EauRouge I couldn't do three days in a row, so amazeballs, now rest x