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

Yes Cadix! You and Rowland & Misschief and all the wondering lurkers out there could all build up to do a 10k race, honestly!

If I could do it, anyone can. Following the original July RFL I built up to a 10k in the Sept, a multi-terrain 'undulating' (hilly) course. Despite my fears, I wasn't last - by a long margin (around 35mins!)

I've since got loads faster, out of sheer stubborness and love doing the off-road stuff - how could I possibly forget your Swishy-Swashy Saggars!!!

I even got my one and only award last Dec in our local equivalent of the swishy - 3 streams (through them ) ploughed fields, woodland trails and loads of MUD. Got 3rd lady and an engraved brandy glass! Was gobsmacked

A good rule of thumb is to only increase both your longest run and your total mileage by 10% each week, which although it seems a slow way to build things, does help to prevent over-enthusiastic injuries.

I didn't make it out tonight as dd came home from a playdate with a sprained ankle so ended up practising my RICE technique..

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Tomorrow's another day!!

if you'd of told me a few years ago when i started walk/run programme that i would be capable of running for 7 to 8 miles i would of laughed lots but it has happened.i still pinch myself:-)

On the subject of longer runs ..as i am increasing my long runs by half mile each week i am heading into the running for over one hour and fifteen mins and should be doing the whole drinking and refueling thing but not sure how to go about it..any
advice welcome!

OOoooh I can't wait to be a Proper runner!

Sorry, got ahead of myself there
I hope the sprain is ok?

I've got one of those handheld water bottles with a hole in the middle that I take out with me when I do longer runs and that's usually enough for me. A few people have suggested drinking an energy drink but I've never tried it.

After the encouragement I had on here, I went to my local running club tonight and enjoyed it a lot. Nice to have a reason to actually get out of the house and run although it is weird running with so many other people (I do like the peace and quiet usually). It's quite 'stop and start' though and my calves have seized up.

Lots of luminous yellow cagoule type things at the running club too - do you all have one of those? I felt like a proper novice wearing an old t-shirt and sweatshirt in the rain!

Oh yes... you MUST wear a reflective. Our club say no reflective, no running with us. It's very dark around Scunthorpe.

Orm, I think you are doing brilliantly.

Cadix, when did you start running? I started in about march and can now do the distance of a half marathon. I don't think I will ever get to do an organised one as H isn't keen.

I am going to get some reflective tape for my favourite waterproof as it is in my lucky colour!

I am off on friday so I can't decide whether to a/run the 13 miles, or b/ cycle the four (very hilly) miles to our local reservoir, run the track around it, cycle home and bounce around like tigger all weekend!

Pan, what distances do you run, and have you a mountain or road bike? I have a mountain bike but would love to get back on a decent road bike again.

Cadix, yes easily! my dp did it last year, he only trained for abouy 12 weeks or so and did it in 1hr 6mins, so we've got plenty of time to train, as twink says.

I got to 10k after about 3 or 4 months. After about a yr of pootling about with 3/4 mile runs. I wasn't training for a specific event, just my own satisfaction so I didn't push myself to increase distances very quickly. It just happens almost without you realising it once the little 'I want to run' switch gets flicked in your head.

did 4 miles this morning, rubbish time but hey it was brilliant and I feel great

I will get to 10K

And then sometimes you just have days when you feel as if you could just run and run and run.....haah, contented running sigh...mmmmm might get out at lunch time.
good for you sfxmmum!!

I think that is what I will do this week, tomorrow,sat and sun just run for the joy of it these are the days when I can so best get on with it

Cadix it only took me a month and it just sort of fell into place, I got into my stride and was away! It took me 65 minutes to do my first 10k race about 3 weeks ago - you can do it!

I'm not sure mentally I can get past the 10k block now.

Ah, you are all inspiring me to get out today. Have only been managing about one run per week for the last month or so which is NOT ENOUGH! Must go to bed earlier and get up early to go.

I need to get myself out tomorrow sometime as first extra session since the start of the 10k group on monday. I love running but think the difficult part is getting the motivation to get up a little earlier each morning, esp when youve been up in the night with a 7 month old, or a nightmare suffering toddler!

I wonder about running in the evenings instead but its so dark. Although saying that we were going to take the children into town to watch the fireworks tonight, Im wondering if maybe I could run into town and meet them there. Its an idea isnt it. Dont know if Id be brave to run home though its all uphill

Ooh must sign up for Bath half! Remind me lol

I run at night. No choice really. As long as you mostly stick to well-lit roads you are OK. I did risk the canal path last night which was a bit daft I suppose.

I've never had a scare and been running in the dark for ages.

Thanks Orm. I guess sometimes Im going to have to run at night so should prob just go for it. Think I should do some self defence classes but to be honest I dont know where Id fit it in right now!

What do you think about while you run? I dont like not being able to hear whats going on around me and I dont have an ipod anyway so right now music isnt an option. Its very easy to talk yourself into stopping running sooner etc when you dont have a partner but I think thats something I need to figure out myself.

MP3 player has been a boon. I love it. I like classical music so it's a good chance to listen to entire symphonies. I often find that without meaning to I've sorted out problems in my head - I think more clearly when I'm running.

I prefer being alone. It's purely my time and space then. And I can choose my route as I go along too.

I like running at night...and in the rain. Like you orm, it is very much my time. sometimes I deal with problems and try to fix things, get rid of stress but once I am half way into a good run, it often becomes purely about the earth I am pounding, the air that I am breathing and me. And then I know it has worked. I too listen to music, as that is one of my other great passions, almost anything goes on my phone and I very often sing and run!

If you have a mobile phone dillinger, they sometimes have space to put music on. (can boost there memories also).

Ive recently started a wonderful course that Ive wanted to do for ages so I think running will really help with the stress of studying! I love the feeling of the air on my face, and the distance you can travel is amazing. Maybe I'll get a dictaphone and then can record ideas etc as I run

like most of you mentioned it really clears my head I don't run at night and I don't run on the road, probably should diversify but for now I use the tow path by the river it is safe and pretty.
I rather go alone with my playlist on my ipod but hope to join club for proper training, that will mean an evening run

I run with my ipod (just bought a new nano as well as a treat to myself!) and love it. I have read some very snotty comments before by people saying that if you run whilst listening to music then you are not a "real" runner and that attitude winds me up.

Being an extrmemly busy working Mum, I love having the time and space to listen to music without interruption from my two kids (!) and if it helps me run (which is more than most people do to be honest) then who cares!

Running is very much ME time and recently have found myself using it more as time to think about things...sort out stuff in my head and plan stuff and sort out work issues as well. Although saying that I came home the other day and started bombarding my DH with stuff about "Heroes" which I had been pondering whilst running!

(I sing and run too...and do "air" drums to rock tunes...what must I look like!)

there was an article in runners world about how some people benefit from music while running and others just don't something to do with needing a sort of background to 'let go' I spend time organising the playlists