2018 Running number 2

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Hi lovelies! I was just about to join the running thread and saw it was almost full and couldn’t find another
I’ve copied below from the last thread and I hope you don’t mind me joining you all!

This is the 12th thread since it started with a few of us who wanted to chat about our running, running clothes, support each other and get some training tips.

We talk about our runs and support and encourage where needed.

Please feel free to come and join us and add your miles to our running total for the month for the whole thread in bold at the bottom of each post.
Currently on 10.2 for September

Best wishes

Groken I use a head torch - pezl ones are small,bright and don't shift about in your head. Mine was under £15 And is fab. I'm sure I've seen them in Lidl or Aldi before but they will be in outdoor/climbing shops or even Amazon.

Last year I also took some finger torches I had bought for Hallowe'en - dead bright and I could point light at places. I'm easily pleased.

Tempo run this morning, really pleased with pace even with achy legs from yesterday's boot camp.
OhNo there are loads of head torches around. They are of varying levels of brightness; if you run off road you need a really bright one, otherwise that's less important. Kalenji used to do a chest light as well, not sure if they still do, I know some people preferred that to having the strap around their head. Also consider leggings and jackets with reflective bits if running near traffic.
Winter clothes you can experiment with. 2 things I love are my sleeves which I wear with a tshirt and my gilet. They mean I can be more flexible with layers depending on which bit of me is warm/cold at the time.

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Hideous little tempo run this afternoon - my heart wasn't in it, and I was inappropriately dressed in running tights so I was cooking after the first mile!

Stole the crown on a strava segment though (yesssssss). Am I awesome or is everyone else really awful I wonder....?

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Obviously you're awesome LastOne!

Just done one of those, thankfully rare, runs where it just feels like such a chore. I am a crabby mare today and thought I would feel better but I was grouchy even while I was running!! Rubbish!

Urgh, hate those thenew, at least it is done now!

I did two lots of intervals yesterday, firstly flat speed sessions and then hill reps. I feel pretty good at the mo, if it wasn’t for my toenail-less toe that keeps blistering I’d be totally happy!

I’ve also decided I might try a new shoe as my stability seems to be ‘good’ at the moment, so I’m not sure I need a supportive shoe all of the time... hovering over some beautiful Nikes now I’m imagining I’ll be super fast if I only buy them....!

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Hello everyone 👋
Hope its ok to join in? I am back running (albeit rather slowly and not very far). I got some new kit and have entered (been coerced into) a 10k. I am actually looking forward to it!
I used to be a proper runner years ago but am heavier now so want to get my fitness back and see my weight reduce too🤞
I am adding in 7 miles as I managed 2 short runs...

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Hello Topsy and welcome!

Annoyingly I'm not able to do the half I had my eye on later this month as I don't have transport (or the spare money to get transport/accommodation near the place). So instead I've decided I'm full on "marathon training" now - I haven't decided on which marathon though! Any tips for a first timer from seasoned marathoners? I'm looking for suggestions of great beginner races and general advice. I've been researching but still have few questions:

Why do so many training programmes not actually go up to marathon length practice runs? If you did one of these programmes, what was the furthest you ran before the actual race and on race day did you feel the extra miles?

What time did you achieve for your first ever marathon and how much did this improve the next time (if at all/if there was a next time)?

Did/do you wee?

I've read that some races don't allow headphones! Is this true!?

Please and thank you in advance if anyone can be wonderful and helpful and answer any/all of these and/or give me any other advice.

Ran 19 miles today and hydrated mid run for the first time ever- unsurprisingly it felt needed!

That brings my mon-fri total to a slightly crazy 46 miles (will probably rest tomorrow).

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Welcome Topsy! Good luck with the 10k.
Irvina I have done 2 marathons, so not an expert! A good marathon depends on what type of race you like, but I guess for a first time you want one that's not too hilly and has some good support to keep you going, and is well organised. I did London, which was great but obviously hard to get into, unless you can manage the charity fundraising. Edinburgh is good for being flat, also Manchester, and a lot of people seem to like Brighton. There are loads of marathons though so have a good look around.
Training programs don't go the full distance because of the recovery time. Unless you are an experienced marathoner or an elite your body will need to recover from running that far and it doesn't benefit your training. Doing up to 20 miles gets you used to being on your feet for a long time and that's what you need. I did 22 miles in training; on the day the crowd and adrenaline got me the rest of the way and the belief that my body had run enough miles to cope.
My first time was 4:53 and my second, on a hot hilly course in the Orkneys, was 4:49. Aiming for Loch Ness next year.
I did not wee! Despite drinking at every water station. And no poos either - thanks Imodium!
Races run on roads which are not closed will not allow headphones under UK athletics rules. They do allow bone conducting headphones, such as Aftershokz, which are what I use. You should check when entering though. So big races like London, Manchester etc will be on closed roads and headphones are allowed.
Go for it! Marathons are hard but amazing and it is a great feeling of achievement afterwards. And there are so many different types of races you can get a different experience every time. Do make sure you have recovery times in the week, and the occasional week where you run a few less miles as this is beneficial in the long run. A sports massage and a regular bit of foam rolling help too.

Hi and welcome topsy
Irvina I’ve only done one marathon- and not doing another - but not because I regret it, I definitely don’t. I absolutely loved it and so proud but due to the time out training and also the impact on my hips - I don’t think it would be wise so I’m sticking with halves.
I did the Edinburgh in 4hrs 41 minutes (another reason not to any more as I’m happy with my time ). It was a lovely route and headphones were allowed. The crowd and other runners got me round as well especially near the end. Fabulous atmosphere.
Like emummy I think my longest training run was 22 miles. I did about 4 or 5 around the 19-20 mile mark. I did find the extra miles hard but nothing unachievable. Also actually ran 28 miles on the day due to not always being able to follow the exact racing line. And also I did stop a couple of times for a wee - there were loads of toilets en route. I also found that also gave me an opportunity to stretch my legs out.
The training plan definitely prepared me for the 26+ miles as I knew I could do it but also helped my recovery afterwards, I felt fine and just had slightly achy thighs for a day or two.
I do honestly think it was hard but absolutely amazing and made me realise I can do anything. I couldn’t recommend it enough

Just found this thread, am currently attempting the couch to 5K programme for the 2nd time so will be watching for tips

Welcome paddler!
Parkrun pb today! In fact, 5k pb! So chuffed. Perfect morning at Aberdeen beach, cold, sunny and only a light breeze. Off home to pack now, off to Spain tomorrow!

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Thank you so much for that wonderfully helpful post emummy. Edinburgh is really appealing but so very far away. I know people in Brighton and it's much closer so that might be an option.

I've obviously done quite an unconventional jump in going from 3 x 5k per week to 40+ miles in less than a month but I've been really listening to my body and it hasn't objected yet so it does seem to be fine for me. I am making sure to take rest days but I think now I've decided on aiming for a marathon sooner rather than later following a proper training plan will probably be beneficial and give my running a bit of structure.

I'll admit I just had to google foam roller as I've not used one before (was imaging something a bit like a lint roller that you rub over your muscles ). Turns out there is one of the big blue ones in my house though so that's good. I will put it to use!

Is anyone else first time marathon training at the moment? I'd like a virtual companion to share the whole thing with (shockingly my friends and family haven't shown any sign of becoming more interested in my running despite my persistent efforts...).

@emummy I was in Decathlon the other day and saw sleeves. Bought some on your recommendation.

The best £3.99 I could have spent! Used them today for the first time (cold, wet and raining this morning) and they are great!

Thank you for the suggestion. I'd definately recommend them to others.

Great stuff FATE! Decathlon is where I got mine too.
Go for it Irvina! Sounds like your body is naturally suited to long distance running, lucky thing!

So sleeves... Are they tight? I am chubby of limb, despite being average sized and I don't want to look sausage like.

How's the C25k going so far paddler78? What put you off first time, or did you complete it but you've lapsed?

topsy when is your 10k?
Sounds like you've got some good residual fitness if you're managing that mileage at the start of your return to running?

I need to sign up to my next race, I can very easily see myself slipping back once my half is done and the cold weather is upon us.

A very grey and wet run. But very enjoyable. All felt good
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So sleeves... Are they tight? I am chubby of limb

Not really. But then I have the opposite problem of slim arms (and chunky torso). They are very stretchy, hence coming in one size. They dropped down my upper arms over a 5km, but only by a few cm so nothing to be concerned about (and the extra air circulation around my arm pits is helpful as a run continues).

They are good at Decathlon with letting you try before you buy, so if you have a store locally go and try them on. Given they are only £4, it's way cheaper than buying a load of long sleeved tops.

I have my first half marathon today and I'm really nervous!
It starts at 8am and I've had my breakfast and a decentish nights sleep. Everything is ready to go but my stomach is in knots! Any last minute tips?!

Good luck RocketPockets! Deep breaths, enjoy the atmosphere and experience. Have a great run!

Good luck RocketPockets
I would suggest find the loo’s as soon as you get there as if you are anything like me you’ll need to go at least twice before you start and remember try not to set off too fast and you’ll soon settle in to your pace. But mostly enjoy and have fun.

You'll do great RocketPockets

Ooh how exciting Rocket- I hope it is going well! Please report back and let us know when it's all over and you are on that post-run high

Hope the Half is going well!

I've had a fairly steady week

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