anyone like to start a runners' support group thread thingie?

[fionagib]

Inspired by Paula Radcliffe's victory at the new york marathon (but HORRIBLY unfit), I wondered if anyone would like to start running, or keep running, or get even better at running, and support each other here by telling each other how we're getting on, or swap tips, ideas etc?

I did quite a bit of running earlier this year, a few 10k races (and loved it, felt so much better, really proud, with more energy etc) but have let it all go to pot and now have jelly belly & bum, and a running bra that's probably covered with cobwebs somewhere...

Am totally un-athletic, was smoking heavily until 2 weeks ago, and just wanna make a positive change, avoid a winter of blobbiness, and feel really good & fit come spring.

so anyone like to join me....?

Good Luck Stringbean !!!!

Please let us know how you get on, we'll be thinking of you.

Hi Bubbles, welcome, cross trainers are fab aren't they ?

I used to do all my training on one when I first started to lose weight so I didn't damage my knees too much. Plus I couldn't have run for a bus at that stage

I went on it for the first time yesterday but couldn't do it for very long, my aim is to TRY and up it a little each day.

Are cross trainers those things that make you use your arms as well as your legs? Like Nordic skiing? Respect to Bubbles and Twink, they look like hard work.

And hello Bubbles, BTW.

Potty1, did you get some time out yesterday? Find your kilted wonder again?

I'm still grounded but getting no twinges at all so I think I will try a leeeeetttleee run tonight. I'm getting another massage from my masseur-in-training friend so I have to do something to justify it!

You've made a start though Bubbles (I have a very strange picture of you with that name lol)- I couldn't run down the street the first time I went out. When I got back I lay on the living room florr for for 20 minutes....I thought I was going to die.

Keep at it

Bubbles/Twink: re cross trainers. Are they easy on your knees? If they give a good CV work out and don't hammer your joints maybe I should get myself down to the gym and do a spot of cross training....

No, Gizmo, didn't manage it yesterday, it's been a week now. The weather here is drreadful - I don't mind the rain but its freezing cold as well......probably to cold for the kilted chappie too!

Potty,

You're right: BubblesdeVere? C'mon Bubbles, there has to be a story behind that one?

On the bright side, when I go out having had a week off I generally have a really good run. I might lose a little fitness but my energy levels come up and compensate nicely. It's the second run after a week off that hurts (she says encouragingly)

Yes cross trainers are where you use your arms and legs. I got mine quite cheaply in January and its fab. I can also change it so that the arms are stationery, also, you can go backwards on it so that it works the hamstrings and buttocks etc.

The cross trainer is also very good on the joints i find, you can also adjust the tension to suit you.

Potty1 and Gizmo, nothing special with my name lol, except hubby says I look like BubblesDeVere

Gizmo and potty1, here my Cross Trainer its fab, going to go and do some later.

Do you think I ought to just go on it once a day or twice a day

Well, if he's going to call you BdV, surely the least he can do is arrange for a lengthy spell of pampering???

I must confess I'm just a teensy bit scared of the cross trainer: I've seen what happened to Bill Murray in 'Lost in Translation' and his co-ordination is better than mine! I would have thought (I'm no expert) that you might want to start with once a day - perhaps you can find a regular time that works for you? - and just very slowly extend it - perhaps add 2 minutes every three days, or something, until you are doing regular stints of 30 minutes or so.

I expect someone out there has better knowledge than me, though.

Gizmo, you must be joking, dh arrange for some pampering, its all he can do to pick up a plate he;s left on the floor, I can't remember the last time he hoovered or did any washing up.

Note to self, must stop agreeing to work Fridays as miss too much on Mumsnet...

As Bubbles says, cross trainers are fab for an all over workout and they are impact free.

Bubbles, if I were you I'd do as already suggested & build-up gradually just as you would if you were running (and I'd introduce your h to the kitchen sink but that's a whole new thread )

Gizmo, when I was recovering from an injury last year, my gym advisor gave me a nightmare cross trainer programme which made my running better than before I was injured.

This is one of the routines he devised for me:

Choose the 'hill' programme, they all seem to have one, it's the one where you get a flat bit then a minute or so at a peak then a flat bit etc (looks like a square wave with each 'up' getting higher). Aim to start at 10 mins then build up to 20 & more if you're a masochist (sp ?)

Set the level high enough to be a challenge, then try to maintain a leg speed of 60-65 rpm on the flat bits - I felt quite complacent at this point - until he added that I should increase to 75-80 rpm on the hill sections. It's seriously hard work !!

Computer problems over the last few days, so no chance to post. I'm off to do the Chichester 10k tomorrow and will report back as to progress. Looking forward to it, but just hope I don't come last! Very impressed with all of you entering half-marathons/marathons and hope the training's going well - will be interested to hear about all your race experiences. I haven't done enough for tomorrow's race, but dh is going to run it with me (its a good opportunity for a conversation uninterrupted by kids if nothing else!). Wish me luck!

Good luck stringbean - what us mums will do for a few child-free moments!?!

Stringbean, will be thinking of you in the morning, you won't be last !

Enjoy an hour or so with your dh sans kids

Still no word from Stringbean ! Come on, how was it ??

oooh can someone tell me the best beginners race near sw london?

i'm doing half an hour (can't vouch for my speed ) at least 3 times a week now...so reckon i might be ready to think about a race???

anyone?

Have a look at these sophable - if you can run 30 mins you can do a 5k easy.

thanks potty

you're doing an effing half marathon woman!!!!!!

come to london and do the hyde park run then...during the school hols so my mum and dad can look after ds!
x

last fri of every month...5k starts at 12.45pm