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 too could make a run at Grafham Water. A bunch of boys and teachers from DS' s school ran a HM there last year. DS and I were going to do it this year but there isn't one this year

Maybe arrange a late spring meet up???

Late spring sounds good. I've checked and it's 10 miles all the way around but there are plenty of footpaths so we don't have to do a full circuit if it's too far for some.

Oh, walkjogrun says it's only 8.5 miles.

I find if I start focusing on progress and a race aim I lose the love of running and it becomes a chore. I was tempted by the heart rate monitor but I know after the initial buzz it would make me hate running. Mixing things up can help though.

For the next 6 weeks I'm doing 2 bootcamp sessions and a boxing session every week, I will probably only get 2 runs fitted in and they will feel like a real treat. Lots of running in bootcamp but more intervals and sprinting, there's something very meditative about just running....it's thinking time, I don't even like to run with people very often.

can I come too?

My dss had a school trip to grafham water but I think it's quite a way from me.

Grafham Water is just off the A1 south of Huntingdon (not far from the A14) if anyone's wondering.

Snowdown, thanks for the tips. I'm meant to be doing my last long run tomorrow. I was planning to do 6 miles but my hamstrings are still a bit achey so I think I'm just going to have a soak in the bath and relax.

I have no idea where you are all talking about!
So isolated

Today I did 3.5 miles in 35 mins feeling v self conscious around centre parcs

I think I must live much further north than anyone else!

No run for me today but hopefully out early tmorrow morning - make the most of the light mornings. Want a long run on monday when DS goes bck to pre-school

I live much further SOUTH sirzy!

Sounds like a good plan rouge cramming doesn't work with fitness! Rested legs are a joy to run with - you feel a bit like tigger, I think it's hard to get the balance right, get the motivation right.
Speed isn't always important and neither is distance - just getting out there with no pressure, no expectations can feel very liberating and often you surprise yourself.

I did 12 miles today and will do doggy run Monday but not sure whether to go on my normal Thursday morning run or not.

Wow cinnamon that's serious milage - you hurting much? How long were you out there?

cinnamon you will ROCK next week!

Thanks! I did parkrun in 28m 02 and then the rest was 1hr34mins. We stopped a few times but not for me so hopeful for next week! My hips were a bit achy straight after but fine now.

I went out for 5k today, stopped after 4k as was not feeling the love (had to much to do at home, so my head wasn't in the right place) so decided too do a long run tomorrow instead.

What is your plan for the rest of the week Eau?

I am think 5k Tuesday and Thursday, cross train Monday and Wednesday. Then 2 days rest before Sunday HM. Is this a good plan, or does anyone think i can improve this plan?

My Runners' World HM plan (which I have not been following this time) says:

10 miles the Sunday before
Rest on Monday
2 miles on Tuesday + 4 x 1 minute "aerobic intervals"
Rest on Wednesday
2 miles on Thursday + 4 x "gentle pick ups"
REst on Friday
2 miles on Saturday
HM on Sunday

I shall probably do 10K or so tomorrow, something on Wednesday because I'm off work, possibly my regular lunchtime run on Thursday, mainly so that I keep in the habit, and parkrun next Saturday.

I trained obsessively for my marathon last November and hardly missed a run other than illness. I loved it and hardly ever got bored. I hoped to stay in the groove afterwards, but apart from parkrun, and a HM in December I haven't run that much since. It's been a combination of dark nights, new job and quite a lot of "can't be bothered"

I am tail running parkrun Saturday and our slowest is usually 41mins so should be very gentle. Most of the plans I've read say don't do a long run the Sunday before as your fitness won't improve and then a short run mon, intervals wed and then walking the rest of the week.

I remember someone telling me a couple of years ago that if I could run 10 miles a couple of weeks before a HM I'd be fine on the day - after all it's just 10 mile run with a 5K tagged on the end .

The best advice I've had, and it's generally been true, is that you notice the first 2 or 3 miles as you get into your pace/find your place in the pack; miles 4-9 or so go by pretty quickly without you noticing; you notice mile 10 because it's a bit of a milestone, and the last 2 or 3 feel like hard work.

9-11 were the hardest last time and then that .1 at the end!!

My training plan says 6 miles the week before and then one very short run a couple of days before. My legs are still achey from the other day so I think I'm going to just see how I feel. I'm not running today though, I've got some muscle soak so I'm going to have a nice long bath.

I'm not worried any more about doing the distance within the time limit, I'm more worried about just not enjoying it. I might head out for a short one, maybe 4 or 5 miles, tomorrow or the next day.

It's funny how all the training plans are different

I guess you just have to find what suits you. I can't imagine not running at all in the week before. Apart from worrying about not being fit enough I'd go mad! Also read lots of different things about eating, that is probably my worst thing, I don't even think about adjusting my diet.

I'm just in awe of you lot saying that a 41 minute 5k is "very gentle" and that a 5m run is "short".