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?

That sounds fine, sirzy. That's just under a 10 min mile - nothing wrong with that!

Will do me nicely, think I pushed myself a bit too hard today but I have shown I can do it at least just need to gradually build the distances now

Popping out while the sun is shining.

No sun here, weather is horrible now glad I bothered to go out this morning

Nice one sirzy. I'll go out later when DH is home and the kids are in bed. My back is killing me today so the first km will be torture But I'll be having a celebratory curry later (wedding anniversary) so will need to get a few calories in the bank, as it were.

It's not raining for once here but it is blowing a hoolie. So not today!

The sun didn't last long! I almost turned back at 2 miles when it started to rain, but kept going. I was glad I did, as it was only a shower. The sun came out again for a bit, but the sky went awfully dark again on my way back. 6.4 miles in the bank - today is my last full day before going back to work, so there won't be much chance for weekday running after tomorrow.

Just over 4km tonight - two laps of the village. Would any scientists out there care to explain how, on a circular route, I was running into wind the entire time? Time still around 8 mins per km.

Fish, I have noticed exactly the same about the wind. I think wind is my most hated weather, makes it horrible. I can cope with running in rain but not wind

The weather gods do it deliberately to spite us, sirzy.

Weather Gods obviously like the GNR as it was pretty windy there but it was behind us all the way :)

I really hate it when you are running and it's windy and you're thinking, what's the problem? This is easy! Then you turn around...

Did 10k with my running partner today. He is really chivalrous: lets me lead, says the pace is challenging, though he could leave me for dust if he wanted. Knowing this does push me on, though, as I am keen to show him I can do it passably. Ran average 9 min mile pace, which I was v pleased with.

Happy anniversary, fish - how was your curry?

Nice one, OhOne - it is easier when the weather holds off until you are at least outside, isn't it?

Morning all!
Hideous storms overnight. Lovely running conditions this morning though, y'know when it's all clean and blue skied and fresh feeling. Blustery though, so not easy.
Did a shorter run with faster intervals today, which I don't enjoy but hey ho.
Covered about 3.25 miles in half an hour so not too shabby

Thanks elvis! The curry was delicious.

Elvis I am so impressed at 10k in 9min miles. I would LOVE to be able to do that.

Right now I am feelling tired, a bit sick, and massively demotivated after my last run being crap and work being horrendously shitty to go back to. I just want to curl up in my bed until March. That is clearly not giong to get me to 10k though!

Can I join in please too? I picked up an IT band injury in Spring 2013 so had a couple of months off then built up again slowly with C25K over the summer and since then have been trying to run 3 times a week for anywhere between 30 and 40 minutes. Am toying with doing a local 10k in May and have downloaded a 5k to 10k training app. Started the programme before Xmas but over the break have just been trying to get out when I can so have deviated from it a bit. I mainly work from home so tend to run in the daytime after I've dropped the kids off. Would love to try a park run one weekend too.

New shoes have arrived and sooo comfy, hopefully get out for a run tomrorow afternoon!

Was windy here today, especially out in the fields. I managed 4 and a bit miles but my bloody Garmin conked out again.

I had a fab race with a fella on a bike as well he was asking about running and then challenged me to a sprint to the end of the road. He won, but in my defence I had just run 4 miles.

Can I join too? Had done new trainers for Christmas that I'm hoping will sort my arch pain out, been ill past few days though so missed a couple of runs . No aims in particular I did the rat race dirty weekend at burghley last year, which I'll do again and possibly a tough mudder too?

My main aim at the moment would be to get to an 8 minute mile over 5 miles, I'm not sure why I have this particular fixation though?!

Not sure why I said no aim, and then clearly stated one?!

Thanks twelve - I couldn't be bothered to go out at all today though :)

I don't know if anyone else has noticed days starting to get lighter - I'm finding that is making me feel more optimistic about running at the moment.

Hi anjelika sounds like you have set yourself an achievable goal. I am jealous of you having time to yourself in the day to run - I have to tag my runs onto the end of working days, as I never have a minute to myself at home. Am currently organising dd2's pre-school hours and hoping to get 3 hours a week to myself to run, though may increase my hours a little from September (teacher) and might have to use pre-school funding for childcare instead :(

Hi coo. I would love to hear about tough mudder: a friend has suggested a team of us do it at some point in the future. 8 min miles over five sounds challenging! That's a proper fast run! What distance do you favour for racing?

hi guys, can i join in? do any have you have asthma? it doesn't bother me when running day to day but tend to get chest infections when i get the cold so this knocks my training progress quite a bit, very frustrating. i have been running for years but i am still the slowest runner ever :(

Hi Elvis. I am mostly on my own at the moment with 3 DCs, 2 of which are still at pre school so running after work isn't an option unless I get a babysitter. A friend kindly sat for me over Xmas so I could go out a couple of times. Is anyone running on consecutive days? I've managed to avoid it so far but now I'm going to have to if I am to get 3 runs a week in. Any recommendations for which should be the shorter run?

Gosh, anjelika, that sounds full on. Sorry for my flippant remark earlier

I aim to run Monday (steady 10k), Tuesday (45 min ish speed work), Thursday (45 min ish stamina session) and Saturday (easy 10 miles plus) - at the moment, though, I am generally doing easy runs instead of speed and stamina runs, but I figure better to run than not at all. Today I chickened out though.

I am just following a programme, not sure of the rationale behind doing these particular runs on these days - though I would imagine that an easy/steady run before a speed work run would loosen the muscles up.

Wow! 8 minute miles!is that even possible?
[Except where Runkeeper inexplicably fouls up and decides I'm Linford Christie, despite all evidence to the contrary. For my self esteem I have to reluctantly delete those ones ...]