Runners- come answer my inane running questions please?

[Glitterkitten24]

Hello,
After running the Glasgow10k today, I have decided I need to start running more seriously and training more regularly - i have some questions to help me get prepared and in the mindset to get my trainers on my feet and my ass out the door on a more regular basis, if you could help a novice out?

First... What do you use to record your run? Do you have an app on your phone? Where do you put your phone when you are running and don't have pockets? A watch? Any recommendations?

Question two...if you run in the evening immediately after work, when and what do you eat? I feel bagged up if I eat too much, but lightheaded if I don't have a little snack before running.

Question three... What do you wear to run in the rain? Did you buy a lightweight jacket? I find my normal waterproof jacket to warm to run in, but the thought of getting soaked puts me off- I don't want to spend money on a special jacket unless I need to.

Lastly... If you go to park run, what is the mix like? Are they for super super '10k in 30mins' types? Will they laugh me out of the park if I amble along doing 5k in, say 35-40mins?

Thank you for any thoughts you might have on the above!

I cant answer all your questions but rest assured no one at ParkRun will ever laugh at you.

I ran today too! What time did you get? St Vincent street was a killer!

When I've been to park runs, people finish between about 16 min and 45 minutes. So no you won't get laughed at. I use an iPod nano with nike plus on it and a receiver thing on my trainers. I could use my phone but prefer the lightness of the iPod nano. I have an armband that's nice and flexible.

I can't stand running with a jacket on - I get wet and then enjoy the shower afterwards . I'm a 30 min 5k person on a very good day so not going very far.

Thanks yoube I don't really have anyone I run with, and am a bit scared about rocking up solo to a park run and everyone else is almost elite!
I fully appriciate I might be projecting here tho!

When I run I might have a snack about 30 min before - maybe a banana or something like that.

I always go to ParkRun alone its really no big deal there will be lots of lone runners. If your nervous go to the park when its on and just observe who is there, what time the slowest are doing. That's what I did before I started to actually run just put my mind at rest.

Definitely no laughing at parkrun. Yes there are ridiculously keen and quick types there, but it really is open for everyone. In fact my understanding is that they really want those of us who are a bit slower pour encourager les autres. I generally do it in 32-38 minutes.

PS I'm often a lone parkrunner but now I've been going for a few months (and volunteered a few times) I know people to say hello/chat to before the off. A couple of them are elite runners as well!

thebiscuit 1,20.40- I was running with an older colleague and did little training so was glad just to finish today!
I definitely want to use that time to improve tho, thus all my questions tonight!

Yes St Vincent street was tough! But I thought it was s real buzz running over the Kingston bridge and the squinty bridge, places up you wouldn't normally run!
And the support and bands were fantastic too!
What was your time?

Thanks miranda that's helpful, an armband would be a good idea- my running legging things have a pouch in them but I don't find that very comfy while running.

Thanks all re park run,I think I am just being a bit of a chicken! Great idea yoube about going along to check it out prior to running, that would help!

I use mapmyrun to record my runs, and have a stretchy armband it goes in. It lets me play my Archers podcasts in the background and tells me how slow fast I'm going every so often. Syncs with my PC.

Congratulations on the 10K! If you look up your local park runs you'll see the finishing times.

I have bought a Garmin forerunner 10 watch to track time, pace, distance etc. I find it really helpful as I have just started running; it helps me run at a good pace and track how I am doing.

Parkrun round here has big mix of runners and atmosphere is nice. It's only ever positive and encouraging.

1hr20 is fab for little training!! I got 52mins, was well chuffed. I've been working hard at it since I had my son and it was great to get the result I wanted.

I've been doing a boot camp at kelvingrove twice a week and a park run on a Saturday morning.

There is a 10k at bellahouston on 8 November if you have the bug!

Great time biscuit, I can only aspire to a sub-hour time, that is my goal!

Well done on completing the 10K, I was at the finish to cheer on friends.

I use Runkeeper app on my iphone to record my runs, the gps can be a bit off if you start the run with anything less than it saying GPS good but I really just use it to record times and a rough idea of distances, I'm not too fussed down to the exact millimetre!

As someone else has said, I regularly have a banana before I run but not much else.

I wear a lightweight cycling jacket for running in the rain and in the dark, they have the advantage of being longer at the back and won't ride up when you're running. Keep an eye out at Aldi as they sometimes do specials on cycling and running gear.

I've not been to parkrun but a lot of friends go and say it is really relaxed and there is a mix of all abilities.

It's really easy to get sucked into spending lots of money on gear (which can be fun, and sometimes wearing the gear can make you feel more like a runner) but really it's all about having fun, feeling good about yourself and the challenge, enjoy it!

Well done on your 10k! I use mapmyrun on my phone and have it in an armband and listen to podcasts while running.
In the rain I wear a waterproof running jacket which is nice and light and wear a cap to keep my head dry and the rain off my glasses! I often do get warm in the jacket and do end up taking it off after a few k.
Have only done one park run but it was very friendly and my time of 32 minutes was right in the middle with loads of people behind me. There's no judgement at a park run I think, it's just people out running for the pleasure of it - except for the really fast ones maybe!
Anyway, good luck, hope you carry on enjoying your running.

Well done on your 10! I just have a cheap digital stopwatch and then put my run on mapmyrun later.
Have you tried looking on RunBritain for local running groups? They are not clubs but for people who are starting out or just want a bit of company every week.
Depending on how heavy the rain is, I'll either run in normal running stuff or put a waterproof jackety thing on. If you have a look at Karrimor range on Sports Direct you'll find them. Not too pricey.
Definitely give parkrun a go. Lots of lovely people of different abilities but all wanting to do the same thing.
Good luck!

Hi, another Glasgow runner here.

1. I use runkeeper app and have an armband. I find it really encouraging to track progress.
2. I tend to eat a bigger/later lunch like a baked potato and that keeps me going.
3. I wear a light fluorescent jacket that I got very cheaply from Sports Direct. Also keep an eye out in TK Maxx as they sometimes have bargains.
4. I have been to both Pollok and Strathclyde parkruns, both are fantastically friendly, no pressure on time and very encouraging. I would definitely recommend (although I used to hate the Pollok Hills!).

Enjoy!

Well done on your 10k!!

1. I use a Garmin 10. Basic but fab! I take my phone in a running belt costs about £4 from sports direct. Room for phone and keys.

2. eat a snack like a sandwich or toast.

3. I dont wear a coat. I go out and get wet!!

4. not done a park run as none near me yet! But ive heard there's one on the way so ill he there when I can! But no one will laugh at you regardless of where you run.

Park run is absolutely great! I had never run a step until I went to my first park run 8 weeks ago and after doing it (almost) every week I ran the Glasgow 10k in 58m25s. If you are near Pollok Park I would highly recommend it - huge range of abilities and very welcoming.

1. I use a garmin 220, don't take my phone unless by some accident I forget to leave it somewhere and then I'm always wearing a jacket or something with pockets (I don't exactly overheat at my pace)
2. I eat every two hours even if it's just a banana
3. a so-called 'water resistant' jacket (it's not, but after a few minutes I don't really care)
4. Despite printing off my barcodes over a year ago I still haven't made it to a park run!