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!

I have Nike alpha flys for races (and parkrun if the ground is dry enough - so not at the moment)

Do you think they make a difference than if you ran with your regular training shoes?

I've heard positive things about Alphas too.

Alphaflys for Parkrun?!?!
Is that not overkill somewhat?!

I mean, I love Alphaflys and all, but as they have so little mileage in them, I wouldn't be wasting them on Parkrun...

Do you think they make a difference than if you ran with your regular training shoes?

In my experience, yes there is a difference over marathon distance. Not massively in terms of speed, but definitely in recovery time.

The gains in speed possibly come when you've maxed out every other variable - ie your training is as good as it can be, your kit is perfect, you're at peak fitness and perfect body weight, etc. For me I have a lot of improvement to do on those fronts before I can really start looking to carbon plates for extra help.

I know it's technically a timed run, but essentially parkrun can be like a race so yeah, I sometimes wear them for pr.

I'd say they make a difference of around 1 min on my parkrun time.

I wore them for the half marathon I did last week and I can't say how much time difference I think they made because I haven't done a HM for years, but agree I think they improved recovery time. Not tried for any other races/distances because most races I've done this year have been multi terrain (pr is partly grass but because I do it regularly I knew they would be suitable when it was very dry)

Hello all, can I join in?

I got a GFA place for the 2020 London marathon but obviously, it didn't happen. Place was carried over to 2023 and I haven't been intending to do it, as older, creakier etc. BUT, did my first timed event since covid at PR on Saturday and was surprised to find that my time was the same as 5 years ago so my age grading went up quite a bit.

Now thinking that I could try to carry the London place into 2024, but worried about risks of long-distance running in mid-50s.

To train for the marathon, I just ran a few times a week, long run every 10-14 days gradually building up distance. Didn't follow a training plan, measure HR or anything like that.

Is long-distance running in mid-50s risky for knees and other joints, does anyone know?

Joining you all as I’ve signed up for my first marathon next year. I’ve got to half distance a few times now over the year and thought about doing an ultra trail but gone for Road marathon instead. Will come back to the Ultra in 2024 !

Nutrition is my worry. I’ve managed a slice of toast pre half but getting up 4 hours or so before the run. The full starts much earlier so I am a bit stressed how to fuel adequately. Tailwind has been suggested so I’m glad to see PP here have tried it with good results too…

@Forestcantrun I can't eat at all running

I just ran a 50k using active root drink and a tiny bit of Kendal mint cake. I was fine.

Tailwind absolutely will see you through a marathon.

@Ricco12 how is active root drink on your stomach? Mine is sensitive to say the least. Tailwind was recommended by a gastroenterologist as one of their patients use it with good outcomes. I’m seeing my own consultant next week so will see if they have any recs. I’m happy to try anything that helps. Is there a particular flavour you recommend?

It's ginger (but doesn't taste bad) so it's gentle on stomach

It's the only thing I can tolerate.

Stupid question - with tailwind how do you take it with you? I really don't like carrying a bottle or a backpack with a platypus so is it just not the one for me? During a race do you make it up at the water stations?

I've been trying sis energy gels. They're ok, rumbly tummy for a mile or so but manageable.

I like to get dressed, put in headphones and run! But im over 11 miles long run now and it's a struggle without water and nutrition! Think I'll have to start with a vest and just get used to it 🤔

@Shinyredbicycle sorry don't know about over 50s running but non pavement surfaces are much kinder to your joints in the long term

Enjoying hearing about everyone's goals and tips!

Not for everyone but I did my long runs as loops in the summer, and left a water bottle/gels on a fence at the start/finish of the loop, so I didn't have to carry them. The loops started about 1 mile away from my house and it was downhill from my house so the temptation to cut short was mitigated by having to run up the hill!!
I got a hydration vest for my birthday though so I'm going to test that our when I increase mileage

When I was training for a marathon, I used dh's little running rucksack to carry water, gels, tissues, keys etc. It was actually okay. In the heat, I wore it over just a sports bra and it wasn't uncomfortable.

Never got on with waist carriers.

I know that running on grass is better for your joints, but really don't like worrying about slipping (and it feels very slow!).

I'd rather just continue running for health and pleasure than injure myself doing long road runs. I don't feel desperate to do another marathon

I use Nakd bars. My digestive system loathes arificial sweetners which is very restrictive. TBH I don't understand why they're in products created for energy anyway!

I go for softer ones lile Blueberry rather than grittier ones like Cocoa Orange.

@Shinyredbicycle many people turn to ultras as they age, as it's a slower pace.

I would think as long as you train correctly you will be absolutely fine for a marathon,

I had a hip arthrogram a few years back for a labrel tear in my hip.

I walked into orthopaedic surgeon office and said I know what your going to say ....stop running

He said no matter what I find wrong with your hip I would never tell you to stop running, it's the best thing you can do for your joints especially a women as you age. Seems like the theory of it being bad for you isn't correct, well not according to that man anyway.

Oh wow @Ricco12 I've just been told to stop running by an orthopaedic surgeon! Your story gives me hope.

@Swissnotswiss I seen a article about it recently in runners world on a study

www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a38962111/running-pain-ageing/

Thanks!

if you run when it's cold (freezing or close to freezing) do you run with a mask?

I’ve been known to take the buff off my ears to basically breathe into for a bit until my lungs don’t feel as cold but I can’t tolerate it round my neck for too long 🤣
I mostly wear shorts also so I am aware I look clean mad at the best of times

How is everyone managing with the icey surfaces? I’m not long back on my feet from a bad fall so I took a few days off and then hit the treadmill yesterday but I find no enjoyment from indoor running.

@Forestcantrun I'm ok I managed 5 miles yesterday in -12 ice/snow trails thanks to Inov8 Oroc 290's

They are the best shoe ever for where I live in the winter.

They are filled studded underneath so even on the worst ice you don't slip I actually where them just walking too in this weather

I had tried think like YakTrac in the past but found they would fall off or slip etc so just bit the bullet and invested in proper ice running shoes.

www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino1679/inov8-oroc-ultra-290-women%27s-trail-running-shoes-%7E-ss23/#sku-ino1679

If anyone decides to get a pair definitely get a size bigger as they are small made and you need cozy socks on or feet get freezing

#fully studded *

I was gutted not to go out in fresh snow yesterday as I love running in snow, in trail shoes. Once it's turned to slush or ice, I have to admit I'm a bit of a wimp. I try to stick to off road so it won't be as slippery but can only really do at weekends when daylight hours are so limited.

I went out twice and skittered about 20m along the pavement before calling it a day. It's all clear down (south west) here now so will be out tomorrow
Like the look of the those inov8s though....