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?

Yikes Thursday, that's always alarming! Hope you're now home and feeling smug. Got my long run planned for tomorrow, which is not filling me with excitement right now ... Worst storm in recent history I think they're saying ...

I think giving blood makes a difference EATmum, I did my first donation since I started running in December and despite drinking plenty it took a week or so to recover my pace. I think you just have less ability to carry the oxygen around your body. Hope tomorrow is better.

So as my road shoes have been giving me a very sore toe I decided to get a new pair and I apparently no longer pronate, or very slightly on my foot and not at all on my left. Anyone else had that? I've got some brooks adrenaline GTS as my trails are ATS and I love them, hope that these are as good.

I'm sure giving blood must effect everything. I can't give any now but when I needed it I could barely move.
I just had a cold today and that effected my run for sure.
Cinnamon, let us know how your new shoes go, I like living vicariously through you all re naice running clothes. I'm a TK Maxxer myself

Giving blood definitely affects your running, there are some articles about it if you google. You make up plasma pretty quickly but your red cell count takes longer to catch up, and so you're not as efficient getting oxygen around the body. Or something.

I just dragged myself around the village for almost 12k and then gave up. I am so sick of this bloody wind

So according to the nice running shop lady who made a fortune off me in custom made insoles and some lovely new running shoes I have runners knee and I should rest it for a week perhaps longer.

Any tips for getting over runners knee because I am really aware of the fact my 10k is in not that many weeks and I was only on week 4 of my couch to 10k programme so cant really afford much time off.

Even though I have only been running for 4 weeks I really really miss it and I was jealous of all the runners I drove past on the drive home with their working knees and all!

No idea yoube but hope you feel better soon!

I only managed 2km this morning. First km was fantastic (by my standards) 6min 50 seconds but then I struggled with the second km which I put down to running into the wind, but now I am feeling achy and 'fluy' so wondering if I am getting some sort of bug which is why I couldn't go as far as I wanted. Hopefully I feel better in the morning and can do my planned longer run

Youbet there are a few things you can try - ice will help to bring down the swelling, you can buy ice packs shaped for your knee, ibroprofen will help with the inflammation.
Knee supports might give you some stability. Knee straps - choose one that fits around your knee -they are often made for men and are quite big. Some have a pad that can be frozen.
Changing your running style so you avoid heel strikes and land more mid foot/front foot give better shock absorption and take the pressure off your knee - do it very gradually for short distances as it will put strain on your calf muscles/Achilles.
Knee stretches help too, there are other exercise I did to build my thigh muscles, like leg lifts, because it was suggested that underdeveloped thigh muscles put strain on knees.
Giving up wheat has helped my joints too.
Pool running can keep the rot from settling in but you will look vaguely ridiculous.
Do not run until the pain has gone and then give it another few days before building up the distance gradually.
When I had this I wore a knee strap for months, I also started cross training so I wouldn't put so much strain on my joints by running too much.

How's your training going for Cambridge boundaries OhOneOhTwoOhThree?

Sorry youbemummylion, I don't know anything about knees. I would have thought you do need to rest though :(

yoube, how about power walking? Or using an elliptical cross trainer if you have access to a gym?

Training, what training cinnamon

Well, after last Sunday's 11 miles I was hoping for another long run today. But I have been stuck to my laptop writing an OU assignment all day today, apart from an hour or so's brisk walk with DH. I have a day off on Weds so am planning a long run then, though it's also the submission deadline for the assignment.

I am fairly confident about doing the distance, as I've done several other halves, but my time will not be great - my times have ranged from something like 2:45 (one of my first, which happened to be in blazing heat) to about 2:20 (all three of last year's) so I reckon I'll be in the 2:30 ballpark and come last, but I don't mind that.

Should have asked, what about you cinnamon?

Thanks everyone for the tips. Snowdown thanks for the advice. I have just ordered some knee straps after reading your post so hopefully they will help. I am using some anti inflammatory gel stuff on them at the moment and I currently have a bag of frozen peas on one and a bag of frozen sweetcorn on the other .
FishandJam yes we have a gym at work, Ill try the crosstrainer on Monday thanks.

Hey all. Managed my planned 12 mile run today but it was a tad windy ! Feeling exhausted now but pleased that Friday's rubbish attempt was hopefully a blip. Ankles are achy now. Certainly looking forward to my bed! Well done to all for their runs this weekend.

Ok I think OhOneOhTwoOhThree! I did 10 miles today, first 6 with others and last 4 on my own. Did it in 1hr 39 with a few stops to sort dogs so I'm pleased. I don't expect to beat my st Neots time as it was so hard and I didn't enjoy it but I'm hoping for less than 2hrs 10. We'll see!

Well done EATmum! I'm planning 12 next Sunday :)

Good work on the runs this windy weekend! I'm like sirzy, meant to go out today but felt fluey and horrid, so skulked by the fire instead.

Anyway, I need your advice ladies. I want to start training to increase my distance - 5k is the furthest I've run so far. Initially, am I better off (a) trying to slowly go a bit further eg 6k; (b) trying to improve my time over 5k, so that I'm a bit quicker/fitter generally; or (c) both?

Brilliant EAT and cinnamon. I will join you for 12 miles next Sunday

I think you're better just increasing time Fishandjam, say 5 mins each run and that will help both. Running further helps improve pace on shorter distance ime. You could do a x min run twice a week and then a 5k as fast as you can once or try some interval training, lots of plans online :)

Thanks cinnamon. (BTW, your nn always makes me think of biscuits!)

Fish, I am in the same position I am currently just trying to do a bit further each time I do a 'long' run. I have done 7km in the past so know I can go further but at the moment I seem to get a mental block at around 5km. We will get there evenutally!

Yay! Up to 9 miles. Really enjoyed my run today. Made a change not to be soaking wet by the end.

Thank you guys - it's so nice to get support on this thread. I'll be honest, I still pinch myself that I'm running distances that I would never have dreamed of before. I used to get out of breath running for the train!
Fish, I've just tried running a bit further each time recently and found it really motivating. I'm a bit sad I think but the awards from Runkeeper telling me I've done a personal best for distance or time or calories are great!
I also find it interesting that for a while before Christmas, I was ending a run before my physical limit - don't get me wrong, I was tired and mentally definitely wanted to stop, but I could have carried on physically if I needed to. But now I know I'm at the very edge of what I can do, and that's good and bad at the same time!
Probably not making much sense. Blame the blood donation. As you were.

Hello all

I'm usually to be found on the S&B board but my New Years resolution was to get fit so I started running in mid Jan. I quickly found I enjoy it quite a lot so I signed up for the Bupa London 10k at the end of May with a view to doing a half by the end of the year.

Am currently up to about 5k distance wise, increasing each week. Getting out about 3-4x per week, plus a couple of cross training sessions.

Did a paltry 2.5 in 16mins yesterday - not a good time as I realised after I had barely drunk anything all day! Did shred when I got home as penance! Am going to attempt 6.5k tonight (running/walking intervals).

Hi Amber glad your enjoying the running! Hope you manage the 6.5 tonight.

Lovely weather here for running and im too ill to run, sods law!