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?

Yup, from just over 41 mins to just under 35. They've changed the course though, back onto the summer one, so it's no longer ankle-deep mud the whole way round. Plus I had some trail running shoes, and a girl in my sights that I was determined to beat

What is everyone's warm up routine. I have been a bit neglectful of this but I don't want to get injured so must get better at this. Just wondered what others do?

I walk briskly out of the village for about 5 mins. I don't think anyone would recommend that as a warm up

Er, I do the brisk walk thing. And maybe a stretch or two. I sometimes stop after the first km and do a few more stretches.

I do brisk walking and then just start running slow. You are meant to do dynamic rather than static stretches at the beginning, so stuff like leg swings and lunges.

Be careful about stretching when your muscles are cold - I don't think this is recommended any more. I warm up with a light jog for about 5 mins and then I naturally build up more speed when my legs are feeling like it. Slow down walk for 5 mins and then stretch at the end of the run.

Ah ok, maybe it's not such a bad warm up after all!
I do it so as not to huff and puff up the hill in front of my neighbours

I love love love my resistance band for doing some stretches pilates taught me. My hips get especially tight for some reason.

Ye i just tend to start of walking quickly or a bit of jogging. I tend to walk DS to school and back (and 1.5km round trip) then come home get changed and run so thats sort of a warm up anywy.

Need to remember to stretch when I get back in though

trying to plan running routes but struggling because a lot of the routes here are footpaths not by roads so runkeeper doesn't show them so i have to guess. Anyone know any better route planning websites/apps?

Have you tried Walkjogrun? There are loads of saved routes near me so sometimes I look there for inspiration. If you're thinking of going off-road then your local council might have some info about walking routes. This site uses OS maps and I've used it to plan a few trail routes, but I haven't actually tried them yet.

Thanks Eau I will have a look now. Now I am going a bit further I want to have a bit more idea before I head out on distances so I don't end up going too far!

The way the town in planned is daft with the footpath network separate to the roads but the maps only seem to show the roads!

Nothing terribly exciting to report here - did 5k in 32 on the treadmill at lunchtime. Not my fastest but kept getting a weird pain in the sole of my foot so had to walk a couple of times. Strength training tomorrow then 4 miles on Thurs, will revert to the great outdoors, I find the treadmill SO boring.

Entered ballot for Royal Parks half today - hope I get in!!

I'm quite worried about not knowing where I'm going! I live right next to a country park so usually run the marked routes, I know a couple I've done with others from my running club but otherwise I haven't found a website that I can use as it's all in the forest and most paths aren't visible. One of my club mates is very adventurous so I try and go with him and remember where we've been!!

As for warming up I don't! Out of the door/car and running, not great but so far not had any problems.

Hope your foot is better soon Amber.

Cinnamon - living near a country park sounds great, better than running around housing estates and industrial estates.

I really like checking the OS map and then just setting out . Haven't got lost yet... If I'm not sure of a route I just backtrack, or shortcut across fields.

I quite enjoy the getting lost, I am not too bad at judging how long distance/run/time might be. But I mostly run on country back roads, so I can use my GPS to check where I am!
I've really enjoyed getting to know the area via my runs, especially as I've has to start going further.

Thanks Sirzy - seems ok now. Just got new trainers so maybe it's that.

M1tchy - I gatecrashed the garmin group last week.

I too live close to a country park, a river and a nice flat cycle path, so have lots of nice running routes.

I am not very good at warming up, but I do try to remember to stretch afterwards. is a good set of stretches (originally found by Blatherskite).

Good luck with the ballot Amber!

Just done 1km in 6 min 47 and was really pleased with myself. Slipped around 1.2km and twisted my knee triggering an old injury so just had to hobble home :(

Oh no sirzy, that's so frustrating. Is it something that will heal quicklyish or might you be out of action for a while? (Great km time though!)

Please can I advertise a new race - the Mayor of Huntingdon's Charity 5 Mile multi-terrain race. It's on Easter Monday, chip timed etc. There's also a 1.5 mile fun run for anyone who doesn't fancy the full 5 miles. I'm aiming to do it - perhaps while wearing a Mumsnet scarf?

I am hoping a couple of days rest and lots of painkillers will help.

I'm up for the Huntingdon race. Will have to double-check dates and then argue with DH about who gets to do the race and who has to look after the DDs.

I can't see the Garmin group at all now, the page just isn't loading properly. I assume this is a glitch and will settle down once they've found all the bugs in their new update.

Sirzy, hope your knee is better soon. Will going to a sports physio help?

Fishandjam - not sure what we are doing yet for Easter, but if we are around I will join you and run in a MN scarf

I can see the garmin group, but it has been taking several tries each time to get in.

Hope you feel better soon Sirzy