Running thread number 14

[emummy]

This is a thread to talk about all things running and support each other through the highs and lows. All are welcome, from absolute beginners to experts!
We keep a running total of everyone's miles for the month, so feel free to add yours on. Current total for March is:

204.3

Easy run ion & down hills in the forest today. Legs a bit tired but we got there!
Paddington I am evangelical about arm sleeves! I love mine.

185.6

Intervals session tonight with the recoveries gradually getting shorter.

Surprisingly warm this evening.

190.6

I wore my arm sleeves earlier this week for the first time in months. Not cold enough to wear a long sleeved top, but just a bit too nippy for bare arms (until well warmed up, when I took them off and tied them to my belt). One of the most useful bits of kit there is! Mine are Decathlon own brand (as it a lot of my running gear)

I backmarked a beginners' run at a club (included toning/stretching session) and also did an intermediate run this evening.

197.6

Wondered if I could pop in? I did the Bath half back in 2017(? Was that the one the year before it was snowed off?) and have barely ran since for various reasons, and because I stopped going to the running group I attended it now feels like I ‘cant’ go back anxiety etc, can anyone relate?

Anyway I’ve missed it terribly and today I’ve just signed up to do the Bath half again next year seeing that a) I really enjoyed it and it’s where I live so reduces the anxiety, and b) there’s 6 months for me to be ready and c) I ‘know’ I can do it because I’ve already done it I think my main worry is that I ran it with a group before which meant I had people to chat with etc whilst waiting in Runners Village but this time I’m going to be hanging about by myself :/

I’ve come off my anti depressants recently so know this is affecting the anxiety and I’m riding through it okay, I’m just having a ‘OMG what am I doing’ moment I think and I’m a bit gutted that I let it slide when I had been doing so well. At the moment I’m just managing 5k when I go out and I feel quite pathetic. I’m also tired in the evenings so thinking maybe get an early night and get out first thing tomorrow.

Apologies for the ramblings! Any thoughts/advice most appreciated!

Welcome Guy. I'm sorry you've had a hard time of it with the anxiety. I have close family with anxiety, it's not easy. Well done for getting back out. I think signing up for the half is good; you've got loads of time to prepare. I would say just be kind to yourself and build up steadily. Some days might just be too hard & that's ok, listen to your body & have faith in yourself and the training. You have achieved plenty with your running before and I'm sure you will again. A slow steady build up will get you there. Are you considering going back to the running group at all? It's common for runners to have injuries or illnesses and drop out for a bit, so you wouldn't be unusual.
Sounds like morning runs might be better for you, I'm always too tired in the evening although I know some people prefer evening running. I like running first thing, then it's done & no matter what the day is like I know I've achieved something!
Anyway, good luck and do keep posting here, we can be your virtual run buddies!

13.3 miles this week so far (2runs). Baby slept in the buggy so all was good and I felt good as well. Trying to go tomorrow morning too but legs hurt so much today.

I used to wear sweaty Betty while living in London but they don't have them here in Hungary. I wear H&M sports now and it is really good quality.

210.9

Thank you emummy! I’m the same regarding morning running, although I have told myself I’ll attempt the group on tues so wish me luck! I know the worst bit is just the turning up..

Yes as long as I keep trying then all should turn out okay. I’m placing far too much stress on something I’m actively choosing to do aren’t I! This is where anxiety sucks - I know I can still think rationally but sometimes that isn’t the side that comes out on top!

Thanks for replying

Yes, there's not a lot of logicical thinking when the anxiety's in charge is there! With my child we sit & play 'thought detectives' looking for thinking errors, like catastrophising & seeing through 'negative glasses' and then I find myself doing it too! Good luck with the running group, I hope it goes well.
Tempo run here in lovely sunshine today, but there was something stuck on my sock and I've ended up with a blister on my heel. Not amused. Have stuck a blister plaster on it, it had better be ok for Sunday's 20 miler!

216

22 mile long run this morning. It was a bit of a slog as my legs were not really up for it. Got there in the end and can now taper. I'm off on holiday for a week tomorrow so I'll get some shorter runs in while I'm away.

238

Well done on the long runs everyone. And the sleeping baby lily that’s a bonus. Hope the blister settles emummy
Welcome Guy I love your name. I know where you are coming from but just try and get out there and enjoy. I prefer morning runs but peri menopausal energy levels and family often get in the way. So I just go when I can and even if it’s a quick 2 miles in the evening I’ve been out and done it.
Don’t panic yet about not knowing people at the half, as it’s local you’ll probably find others you know doing it. But I’ve done a few, not local, on my own and just ended up talking to people. Good luck at running club.

Final long run today, energy levels were fine but feet were aching! I really need new trainers but no budget for that just now. Going to try and do as many of my remaining training runs off road as possible and give my road shoes some recovery time! I have bought new insoles which have definitely made a difference.

258

A gentle 4 miles along the coast path here on holiday this morning. Lovely views and not too hot. Fairly slow as I could still feel Friday's long run in my legs.

262

Well done on the long runs @emummy @Stingynettle you can look forward to the taper.

Relay race today, 198 miles split between 17 of us starting yesterday and running through the night. My bit was part road and part trail and was a beautiful run. Pace was fab too.

284

Whoops should be 274

Hi All, well I finally had to have a break after the Ultras. I didn't run for 14 days as I was just tired, I'd wanted to keep going but I had no zip left in my legs. If it was easy paced and flat I was fine but anything hard or with even a gentle skip was hard. It also coincided with the school start and my OH working a bunch of long shifts so I bailed on my training.
Well I did a 4km look home from school drop off on Thursday and a tough 10km trail race on Sunday. It was a great course 270 metres of climbing and the hot weather meant I was a bit slower than I'd aimed for. I can't be too up set by it though, I've had a good run of races this year and this maybe came a bit to soon after the Ultra in August.
So no more races planned this year so back to base training for the winter.

282.7

Well done on your running everyone. Been going great guns.

I had 6 days off. My cold went to my chest and had a terrible cough and sinus pressure. It seems to be on the way out finally, so did a little off road steady run today. Was a snotfest! 🤧

287

Glad you're getting better Chesney.
Tempo run this morning for me, went well.

292.6

@Chesneyhawkes1 snot fest

Managed a slow recovery run yesterday and need a rest day today.

298.1

3.5 miles of mixed pace today along the coast. A wee bit of cloud cover this morning so not too hot.

301.6

Hi everyone

Can I ask a probably silly question,
How do you measure the miles?
I have a very old treadmill at home that I have only just started using again and love to measure my progress. Are you all using one of those fit bit things?

I use a Garmin watch with gps to track my runs, I have a separate chest heart rate strap. I have a foot pod which I got to run at the gym on the tread mill with. Then I upload it to Strava

I have a Garmin as well, although haven't tested it on a treadmill as I only run outside. It does have 'run indoor' setting though so I guess it would record it. Not sure if an app on your phone would also work?

2 runs this week, baby fall asleep on both runs but woke after 5kms. So managed 10k on Monday and today. Planning to go on Friday too. Lower stomach muscles hurt,I guess I need to be patient,I'm only 7months post partum.

307,8

Hi everyone I haven't posted for ages and AGES, and now I'm back to ask a question which I am sure is the height of rudeness! Any advice would be great, thank you.

I'm finally doing my first HM in two weeks time. On my long runs I've been taking a bladder thing with me with an energy drink in it. I can't say I notice a difference between that and ordinary water but I've bought the things now so I may as well use them!! I sometimes carry jelly babies with me as well if I feel I need a boost on a long run.

There are water stations on the race and I don't want to carry a drink with me, so plain water it will be on race day (that's all they'll offer - it's a small race).

For my HM, do I need gels or the such, or will water and a few jelly babies be enough? I am desperately trying to get under 2 hours and want to give myself every chance. I am hoping if I need to try something new I've got enough runs left before the big day.

It's nice to see so many familiar names on here, IRUN, AuntieStella and emummy I'm looking at you!!

Intervals session tonight.

@Daisydoesnt I use jelly beans at 6 and 9 miles. I’m not sure if it’s psychological or actually helps but has been pretty successful for me so far. They are a bit hard to get down but I find easier to carry than gels. Whatever you decide have a practice before the race day.

312.8