Anyone for a running training thread?

[milkfromthesleepycow]

So I was a good runner in what feels like a previous life (pre kids!) and have recently got back into it. Done the couch 25k program and am gradually building up the mileage with a view to doing a half marathon in may and a full marathon in October next year.
Could do with some support /chat with anyone else training for a race or just wants to debate the finer points of the importance of interval sessions (I hate them!)
I was sure there used to be a running thread on here but I can't find it!

Does anyone have a treadmill and a recommendation for a decent one? I hate running in the dark, I’m still coming back from injury and doing sessions with my club in the evening too much. I’d love a treadmill for the dark rainy weather…also means I can get a run in while minding kids. I’m short on space though…

When I was looking I was told stay away from reebok , cheap rubbish.

I have a Proform treadmill and really rate it, it's never missed a beat. Had it 4/5 years now and use it quite a lot. Picked it up 2nd hand off gumtree.

Thanks, I was actually looking at a Reebok one online earlier today. Will steer clear based on this!

I know nothing about treadmills, sorry.
just tgat when we looked at getting one the types that are suitable for our attic bouncy wooden floors are prohibitively expensive.

if it's dark I run in a local sports park. it has good lighting and plenty of people doing exercise and it feels very safe.
incredibly booooring to run in circles though... but I appreciate that not everyone has the option.

@milkfromthesleepycow on the (free) Nike Run Club app there is a guided run called Running in the Dark with tips and guidance. There is also a cold run and a rainy run to cover your winter running.

Fingers crossed for foot @Indoctro

I love running in the dark! I love that focus on the circle of light in front of me and the silky dark all around.

Hiya, can I join?
I'm a very new runner but enjoying it. I'm slow, very very slow. My parkrun pace is about 50 mins but I'm building up my stamina and able to run for longer periods of time now, perhaps about 12 mins of it in one go just super slowly!

Welcome @Rainydaize that's great

I just love parkrun and how it really encourages people to get out and love running

The great thing about running is your fitness improves quickly, won't be long till you are steadily running 30 minutes. It's so good for the body and the soul

Well done @Rainydaize
My top tips are never ever worry about being slow and remember it’s supposed to be fun 😊

Thanks both!
I'm absolutely loving it if I'm honest. I did about 7k of absolute plodding a few weeks ago and just felt like I'd achieved so much.

I'm struggling to get out this week because of the clocks though! An early morning run tomorrow perhaps

@Rainydaize I'm very slow too! Takes me 1hr 40 to do 9 miles but I'm increasing the distance and (fingers crossed!) injury free

Still haven't braved the dark but that's mainly because of the biblical rain and hail around where I am. Only seems to fall at the times I can go running 😡 thanks for the dark tips all

I don't mind rain. the humidity seems to make breathing easier for me.

hail and snow though...

Also here for the treadmill recommendations! I HATE running in dark/wet so would love one to keep up my numbers of sessions per week on! I’m back down to 3 from 4 as a result of naff weather!

I start my fast fall programme tomorrow @user1471548941 - lets see if I get any faster 😂

I gave myself a slow month back to training after Loch Ness so I think it should go ok. I've started putting the workouts into my calendar and my watch so I don't have to faff with stop/starting and trying to look at my watch in the middle of a rep.

I bought myself a cheap reflective gilet from BTR as I'm very aware most of my tops are dark although I have a good range of reflective leg wear! If it's rubbish it was only £12.

@MintChocCornetto I registered for Loch Ness next year- how is it? It's my first marathon so I'm quite excited!
Strangely I'm not that worried up the long uphill in the later sections but I'm terrible at running downhill so really nervous about the starting miles!! Planing on doing some specific downhill training over summer next year

I had a bad race but that wasn't any reflection on the actual marathon - I would love to go back and have another go but it's very difficult to get leave at certain times of the year, I had to sweet talk my manager!

Some people go back every year, I got talking to someone who's done it loads on the coach to the start (you have to get up super early and catch a bus at 7:30). Apparently it usually rains but we were lucky this year.

The scenery is amazing, obviously. Well organised, the first downhill miles you have to be really careful not to get carried away. But it's a great atmosphere, got talking to loads of people at the start. Not much in the way of support - you get little groups of people now and then or the occasional family who come down to the road from their remote farm and clap. It's very sweet.

Inverness itself is lovely. I want to live there 😁

I say there's not much support but once you start to approach Inverness there's more people and once you get to the last mile or so there's loads. I even managed a sort of sprint at the end (it probably was just a speedy shuffle, but it felt like I was sprinting 😂)

@milkfromthesleepycow

I love Lochness marathon. First 10k is extremely downhill and yes you have to be careful not to get carried away. Then it's lovely and undulating which is great for the legs. The hill at mile 20 isn't bad at all , but I live in a hilly part of Scotland. Then from mile 21 it's a really nice down hill into Inverness which comes just at the right time in a marathon.

Plenty of pockets of support along the way. It's a fast route, everyone I know has PB at Lochness. You will really enjoy it. Plus there medal is one of the best I think.

Thanks @Indoctro @MintChocCornetto
I'm really looking forward to it! Scotlands home and I do miss it, tend to be in my happy headspace when I go back so it's win win all around for me.
I'll try and find a long downhill route where I live now to practise on

Just checking in. I'm definitely upping my distance and can now run 4k non stop (but very very very slowly...11 min/k sort of pace 🙈)

It is hard in winter @Rainydaize , you're doing really well.

I've got Day 1 of my Fast Fall tonight - should have been last night but I didn't get home from work until 7 🙄

it's harder ti get motivated in winter. especially if you have the choice between running in the rain or running in the rain & dark...

but the feeling of achievement when you come home steaming from your effort (literally) and drenched is second to none!

plus, less dog slalom.

Does anyone have tips for motivation and discipline during the winter?

I know some people are very good about just not thinking about it and getting it done. I'm the opposite of that even when it's not winter.

top tip - just do it.
have your gear ready.
make a of your choice hot chocolate with a chunk of ginger in a flask ready for you when you return.