This is the New Running Thread

[Wallace]

I can't find the old one in Health, and we deserve to be in brand new shiny Sport and exercise anyway

I am off out son, trying to decide whether to do a 5k or a 6.5k, only they are in opposite directions so I have to choose before I go, a week and a half to the 10k race so i need to get moving.
I am also going to go out tommorow and Forday morning and probably for a long on e on Saturday.

given my poor time in the 10km (well I mean poor for me 1 hour 6 minutes) can anyone advise me on how to increase my times? Been running pretty much since June 2007 - 3 times a week in the summer and in the winter fairly sporadically last year but with aims to keep it up this year.

This year when I picked it up again in about April I was running 10.30 min miles. As time went on and the summer wore on managed to get this down to about 9.30 miles but never faster. Usually do 3 runs a week, 2 of about 3.5 miles and one of about 5 miles.

Any advice - I just feel like I'm stagnating and need to up it to get that elusive under an hour 10k!

Hoping to do my reservoir run today and am going to start keeping a log.

HarrogateMum, I am a bit of a novice, but if I want to shave a bit of my time, I find a steady pace for most of the run that will keep me within my time and then, using a landmark (lamp-post, roadsign), focus on really running like the clappers as fast as I can to the end of my run, and extend it a little each time.

I usually end the run laughing like a loon!

I think I can manage about 53 mins on a good night with the wind in the right direction!

Bombing off to meet a friend at the gym now but I'll post some 'getting faster' ideas later for both inside & outside running.

Found out yesterday that the half marathon training group is held on a sunday morning (previous groups have been monday eve) and therefor will clash with the course Im on! (Im training to be a reflexologist) Having spoken to my course tutor I cant afford to miss any of the course days and I dont feel able to train for the half off my own back, so think I will use the next year to enjoy running and find out how good I can get at it, then go for 2010!

I think I'm better off concentrating on the course - theres so much work and home study - than worrying about that too.

Feel better now Im more 'sorted'. Will keep running though, my arse is looking lovely

good morning all

just quick post finally managed a short run today not very comfortable yet but manageable
will try again tomorrow, am abandoning all thoughts of improving time or distance until knee sorted

hope everyone is well and running, great to see winter is not deterring you lot

Went for a run yesterday, was ok but still not as good as pre-tonsilitis ah need to get to that comfortable speed where I feel good, rather than ragged.

Still get very hot when running despite the cold weather and wear shorts and tshirt - is this madness? Do you all wrap up warm?

Thanks for the motivation - I put my running kit on this morning so that I had no excuses and went straight out on a run from school gates. Just did a short run (1.5 miles) but at least I got out there! Planning to do a 5k run before the end of the week then build back up to 10k before Christmas hopefully. Yayyyyyy!!!!!! I've found the running bug again.

Harrogatemum, my last 10k time was similar to yours and I would love to get it down too. Think I'm going to have to start doing interval training/fartlek and some hills work (my nemesis!) to build up my strength and speed.

Dillinger - I find gmap pedometer is a good website for mapping runs especially on the satellite maps.

if I am cold I wear a hat and gloves, usually long bottoms but very often short sleeve tee although today was very light long sleeve for me, but no hat
only did about 2.5miles today as well and from school gates too

Oh yes, to answer the wrapping up question... I was wearing cropped running trousers, t-shirt and Montane running jacket (excellent investment, can highly recommend!). No hat or gloves today but think I might need them next time.

I can't seem to speed up either. I have now accepted that it's just the way it is. I'd rather spend my energies running further and investigating new routes. It gets my just as fit and its more fun. I have no intention of doing any races or organised runs.

Wow, I feel fantastic. I had to take it steady as I smashed my knee up in a cycling wipeout in february and it doesn't like this weather but had a brilliant morning. And I saw a buzzard close up, absolutely breathtaking.

Dillinger, I don't train for anything specific at the moment as I have lots of commitments (am trying to re-establish my painting 'career'). But just run for the absolute love of it.

With you on the bum thing..

Have I recommended a/ tens machine and b/cura heat pads for minor injuries, as I find both beneficial.

I don't cope very well with the cold so go out wrapped up and take layers off as I warm up. I have to have an extra layer as I walk last 1/2 mile or so to warm-down and don't like to go cold too quickly.

I did a 5k yesterday and it took me 34mins, which is a bit worrying when I have a 10k race a week on Sun.
was going to gop out today but my legs were a bit achey so didnt want to risk it,
how does this sound for a plan.
Fri 5k
Sat or Sun about 8 - 10k depending.
Tues 5k
Weds really short fast run.
Fri short fast run
Sun Race.

First run of the week for me today as ds1 has been ill. Went for 3 1/2 miles and did some interval training, absolutly knackering! my friend assures me that it will increase my times.Would also be interested in any other ideas for increasing speed.

Am thinking about entering a 10k race next month but feel really scared about it, think my main worry is i might get lost!!

Is it mountain biking you do smiles?

Hope the knee is improving sfxmum, had a bit of a twinge in mine today.

Yes, ambercat, allthough I don't get to do much offroading, I am trying to get DS to come out with me. I live in the peak-district so it helps to have lots of gears. I would like a nice road bike one day though.

Sorry DS1 has been poorly.

Will the race not be sign posted? I would get lost as well and probably wind up doing a marathon,.

Plan sounds good sockmonster, I had never thought of doing short fast runs, can I pinch your idea please?

not sure if it will work, desperate attemptto increase my speed.
I am really enjoying it again, i go through phases.
we get a xmas pud if we fifnish this race, and I am going to eat it that night knowing full well that I deserve it.

Smiles, mountainbiking is on my list of things to try... need to get a bike first though, and someone to go with to show me the way! live near the Quantocks so have some hills!

Am trying to update my ipod, need some inspiration! what are everyones favourite tunes to run to?

mine include:- Fighter by christina aguilera, Seven nation Army by white stripes, Jump by Madonna , kaiser cheifs, ting tings and fatboy slim.....lots more poppy type stuff that i'm a bit ashamed to post!

Sock monster, plan looks good to me but am no expert! enjoy your xmas pud!

I listen to the same tracks every time..

Ting Tings a must - fastest running on 'that's not my name'
Cake - the distance, for fast running bit at end of park
The Gossip - 'Standing in the way of control' brilliant

might add super massive black hole too.

White stripes is brilliant going to add that now.
Ok looking forward to going tomorrow just thinking about the music.

playlist this morning

Springsteen, J Ritter, Kate Nash, kings of Leon, Manu Chao, the Breeders, PJHarvey, Strokes, The The, Artic Monkeys, Biffy Clyro, Soft Cell, Chico Buarque

I am old!

oh you all have such good taste.

My running music is such 90s delights as Five "Keep on Moving", Daft PUnk "one more time" and Modjo "Lady". My power song is Dario's Sunchyme which always has me speeding at the end! I am not ashamed of my cheese!

AAAhhhh, don't get me started on music!
faves for running;
Bloc Party....Flux,
ColdPlay....Fix-you,
Kanye West...Stronger,
Elton John...Benny and the Jets,
Wyclef Jean..I am your Doctor,
Outcast...Hey-Ya!
Freemasons featuring Kelly Roland...Work,
(nearly stop and dance to that one),

somebody stop me....!

Whoa ambercat. That is spooky. Cos so do I

I think you lot have uncovered part of the reasons for my slow pace! I listen to Beethoven, Bach and Schubert mostly Gorillaz is good but quite slow for the most part. Green Day is my rocket booster for the end of a run.

hello all it appears what I managed to hurt was the iliotibial band thingy so all the advice Twink (thanks Twink) gave me is spot on, am frantically looking at appropriate stretches icing etc.

am really upset about it as I have managed to keep the blues away this winter, the run up to Christmas is always challenging so will have to make an extra effort to keep spirits up

must get new shoes too

happy running all

waving frantically at smilesLikeNoOther. I'm moving to the Peak district in January - I'm from there but have lived down south for too long. Whereabouts are you? It's a long shot but if we were near I'd love to run together - at the moment I have one run a week with friends and it's really good to have that structure to my running and I'm going to miss it. cat me if you'd rather not say where you are. We're moving to Calver. Can't wait. I've been starved of hills (mainly to look at, I mean, but I guess I'll have to start running them )