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?

Same fish! But there again I still class 7k as a long run

On eating, I don't change my diet to carbo-loading the week before or anything like that - my diet is quite carby anyway. I might just have an extra slice of toast, or a small bowl of cereal for breakfast on the day. I do find that I need some protein afterwards - I'm not a huge meat eater, but can usually demolish a steak after a HM

I do use gels on long runs, and sometimes have something sugary (sports beans or a gel) at the start if it's been a long time since breakfast.

I'm not risking a change in diet. I don't want to end up really backed up and too uncomfortable to run (or worse, the opposite! Can you imagine... ). I just need to make sure I'm hydrated enough. Making cups of tea and then forgetting about them is not going to help.

I'm hoping that I get taken out for a nice big Sunday roast at the nearest pub afterwards. Will probably eat my own weight in roast beef.

How are you feeling, OhOne, are you nervous?

Apparently the opposite is a big problem for runners - thankfully not one I have ever encountered but I have a friend who often has to duck into the bushes [need a yuck smiley]

I was marshalling at a parkrun once where a bloke came out of the bushes having been for a sneaky poo- doubt he got a PB that week!

9k in 54mins this morning. Not too shabby as until a month ago I never even ran for a bus! Gives me hope for a sub-60 10k at end of May.

Wow amber that is amazing! I am hoping to do my 10k in under 1 hr 15 in May but really I will be happy just to finish!

Eau.

Fortunately there is a swimming pool/sports centre at our parkrun, which we run past three times, so anyone who gets caught short can duck in there no, I haven't, not me, not ever. I think I know the location of every loo on my regular running routes. My pelvic floor isn't as good as it was

I am looking forward to next week, mostly because I will be meeting cinnamon, but also because I hope it will kick-start my motivation.

x-post Amber - that's great! Well done!

Wow Amber, that's excellent time!

Sitting here looking at the drizzle and grey sky isn't going to get me out is it?

OhOne, nor me motivation much needed here. My problem is that it's still four weeks till my run - wish it was sooner, I totally mistimed my increases in distance. And now I have to sustain a stupidly long distance or get my head round interval training. Does anyone have an app or podcast they'd recommend for interval training?

I did 6.43 miles in 1:11. Quite a bit on boggy trails to slow me down. My calves were burning after yesterday's parkrun, and quite sore again today. Now for a nice hot bath.

EAT - I just used to use C25K for intervals, and sprint the running bits and jog the walking bits IYSWIM

Ah good thinking re the C25K OhOne, I'll give that a try. Run was crap today, kept having to stop and walk. Annoyed with myself! Ah well, guess that means I'll (hopefully) do better next time!

Wow this threads been busy. Thanks for the watch advice just taken my forerunner 10 for its first outing. I love it and just wasted about half an hour looking at all the stats on garmin connect (geek alert!). Have joined the mn group.

Just did 4 miles in 36 mins longest run so far. I am really enjoying getting back into running and since having dc I find it easier to motivate myself to go as I am getting some much needed 'me' time.

Just reading back through the thread. Amber thats a great time you should definitely be on track for a sub 60 10k.

Are there a lot of hm runners next weekend? I am getting that gist so who is doing which ones? I am doing the Richmond running festival hm in September looking forward to that.

Will stop gibbering on now!

Coco - glad you like your garmin.

Off the top of my head I think we have 4 people doing HMs next weekend - 2 x Cambridge Boundary (me and cinnamon), 1 x Silverstone (Buddha? - can't scroll back) and 1 x somewhere else nearby (Eau)

My HM is in Septmember, although for now I am focusing on the 10k I have in May!

Furthest I have gone so far is 7k, so hoping to get to 8k tomorrow or may just run for an hour and see what I can manage!

Amber well done! that's a great time.

Run today was poor, I got as far as 6k and gave up - had a pain in one foot and a toe nail digging in on the other, everything just felt wrong...maybe it was the sprint finish yesterday, maybe my pace was too fast initially....but that's the first time I have failed to complete my Sunday long run. Running is such a bastard at times - good days and bad days it's bloody impossible to figure out what goes right or wrong. Lots of classes booked in this week so that should keep me active, even when my leg are being lazy buggers.

Good luck to all the HM - remember to rest up, it's too late now to build fitness, just stay flexible...tired legs don't run well.

Thanks all, it feels good to be on track - long may it continue.

Am going to enter the ballot for the Royal Parks HM in October. Hopefully I'll get a place. I've got one eye on doing the London Marathon next year as well but the fundraising pressure terrifies me - a friend is doing it and she's much more worried about hitting her fundraising target than the actual running!

Sorry about the bad run Snowdon - agree it is frustrating when you can't pinpoint when things go wrong. For me it is usually hydration - I am a terror for forgetting to drink, either before I run or during. Today was a case in point - I diligently filled my bottle and left it on the counter. That bottle has yet to actually leave the house!

I would love to do the London Marathon, I think next year will be a bit soon for me but hopefully 2016!

Amber - I am awful for doing that. Must remember to take it with me tomorrow!

Well Done Amber!
I had one of thoses days yesterday Snowdon. No reason, just frustrating!!!

Well what difference a night makes. 5 miles in 48 minutes across field, felt I could just keep on going but have take your advice and decided not to tire my legs out. Can't do anything on Tuesday, so going to do another 3 or 4 (but at much more gentle pace) tomorrow.

OhOne, yes Silverstone. I hope the weather is good for all of us.

Hiya....I've not read all the thread but is anyone doing the Silverstone half marathon next weekend? My three running buddies have all pulled out with injuries and I don't fancy doing it alone.