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....?

Just thought I'd say that I managed a 20 minute run despite feeling a bit down (OK that's an understatement - dp and me,long term problems). But for anyone else wavering I must say that it is when you feel most like wallowing in self pity on the sofa or in the bath or under the duvet that getting out seems most important. Otherwise all the improvement and boosted self esteem is for nothing.

Merrygoround that is so true, good on you for making the effort esp when things are crap.

For those of you who have to run in the evening, remember how good your intentions are throughout the day, and after the 5 O'clock witching hour they start to waver, and you feel sooo tired that even if your partner gets in on time or even, shock, gasp, early, all you really want to do is collapse, pour a gin/have a cup of tea and postpone until the next night - DON'T, remember how much better you feel afterwards.

Change into your running kit before the fatigue/aggg! feeling starts (or maybe that's just me), you're less likely to skip it.

As for those partners who take the mickey, let them put up or shut up ! Many of them seem to remember their school cross country days with rose coloured specs - see how many of them can do 3.1 miles in under 30 mins.

hah! Had an excellent run 20 mins plus tonight.
Wrote about doing Race for Life in my column (well, I only write it now and then) for the paper i work on yesterday, and finished the piece off with Dh's cruel quip.
At least I wasn't writing about the kids like I normally do!!

I'm no expert Beety but would be happy to help if I can. I'll be off Mumsnet this weekend but still picking up email so feel free to CAT

Thanks very much for advice folks, will mull it all over and am v tempted to go into ballot anyway...

hope things are a bit better merrygoround, great that you got out for a run despite troubles... have not run since wed so am gonna force myself to get out this morning... we have pals arriving today to stay for few days, so I'll catch up later in week & hope everyone gets out and is awash with that lovely smug glow... xxx

Tee hee....we'll get you hooked yet, Fiona

A suggestion? Why don't you wait until after your Scottish half before entering the ballot? It doesn't close until October and you'll have a better idea of what your finishing time might be and of the training load for a marathon.

Meanwhile, I did a shorter-than-I-should-have run yesterday (top tip: the correct order is to go for a run first, then go out for huge greasy fry up - not the other way around ) and will go out with my pals in the Hash House Harriers tonight and then that's me done, apart from a short run on Wednesday. I have to sit and stew and worry about catching a last minute cold and not run. Gaaaaahhhhhhh. Always a bit nerve-wracking, this bit.

No idea about how I'm going to do in Paris. I'm not even sure that I should have a target, since I haven't done enough to deserve a good race and a target will only irritate me. Hopefully I'll just enjoy a long run around a beautiful city and not be too bothered chasing times...but it would be nice to beat my previous PB

Good luck in Paris Gizmo - what a lovely place to run.
I ran when I visited my mum this weekend gone, and it was such a change to run through woods and down a hill (getting up wasn't so easy) - my normal turf (well, pavement I mean) is the docks around London's East End. Which is nice because of the water, but very hard underfoot.
I have a question about "stitch". What is it exactly? Do other people have any idea what brings it on? I always seem to get one within about 5-10 minutes of starting out, and then I can't stop dwelling on whether it's going to get worse. Once you've got it, can you stop it?
BTW, would love to join any "fit club" type thing - any more thoughts on this?

My understanding (bearing in mind I have no medical training) is that it is a cramp in the abdominal muscles associated with breathing. The legs are getting the lion's share of the oxygen rich blood, and the ab muscles are missing out slightly, which is why they cramp up.

Cures that work for me include slowing down slightly (this, of course, is my answer to everything: it's a wonder I ever run at all!) and a wierd but true breathing exercise. What you do is try to synchronise your breathing out with the footfall of the foot on the opposite side to the stitch. It works, but I think that's probably because it's complicated and takes my mind off it.

Go Beety!!!!!!!

Just putting my runners on as we speak - will check in later.......

ooohh, good stuff Beety. I bet you didn't even notice the miles ticking by.

Potty1 - you got your shower back yet? Mind you, if the weather is anything like it was last night round here, you can just take a bar of soap with you and save some time when you get home!

Having been plagued with injuries for the last 4 months need to get back in time for 2 10k races in the next month. Do-able or am I mad? Haven't run for 4 weeks; off to the gym at lunch time. It feels like I'm back at square one. So much for improving on times this year...

Oooh, just found this thread!
Hannahsaunt - if you were fit before and don't expect too much from yourself the 10Ks should be possible. Just don't overdo it and re-injure yourself.

A question for you all - has anyone had a C-section? how soon after did you start running again? Doctor says I have to wait 3 months(!!!!) i don't feel ready to run yet (6 weeks), but wouldn't mind starting slowly in the next few weeks.

Hi Leogaela - only took up running last year, 2.5yrs after c section, but from other experience know docs tend to err on the side of caution. Mind you, 6 weeks is not that far off 3 months. I was certainly going for long and quite fast walks very soon after the section - but I guess running is different in terms of stress on the scar? Have you tried a v gentle jog for just a few minutes? I imagine that builing up slowly, and taking notice of your body if it feels pain would be OK. But must add I am no expert, so this is only instinct speaking.

Hi all. Do you mind if I join in this thread? I've just signed up for race for life, started training in teh last week or so. Last night managed to run for 20 mins on the treadmill but only did 2.5k and teh race is 5k. Have 5 weeks to go - is this achievable? Any tips on how to structure my training?

Hi northener - good for you! 5 weeks should be plenty of time - build up your distance gradually but run at least 3 or 4 times per week (one of these times could be alternative CV exercise - rowing or cycling are my favourites; I found the fitter I am all over, the better I run).

Gym session was fine (but only 3 miles); just need to face up to going outside and doing those hills. And not overdoing it. And stretching lots.

If you have five weeks to go and can do 2.5k now, northerner, you will be absolutely fine. Are you chasing a time or the distance as a goal? This looks like quite a good schedule for getting speed and endurance up, and I reckon you're at about week 4 or 5 of a 9 week schedule already. It assumes you can carve out 3 sessions a week.

If I were to summarise the tips people tend to offer, it would probably be 1) get good shoes and bra 2) don't run too fast or try to increase distance and speed too much from week to week (about 10% per week is maximum) 3) put outings in the diary or find a friend to run with for motivation.

My top tip would definitely be to enter races: they're fun! And there will be people who are slower than you so you don't need to worry about being last.

Let us know how your training is going: we all like to do some virtual coaching/motivation from time to time

Hi Hannah. Yes I do run outside also, but have no idea of distance, that's the problem.

I'll keep coming back here for moral support!

Hi northerner - just signed up for the Race for Life again myself, mines 12 June. Five weeks is plenty of time to be up to the distance. Just keep increasing your treadmill time by a few extra minutes a week. If you can do 30 minutes on the treadmill by the time of your race you'll be fine. The atmosphere and the crowd on the day will get you round no problem, plus I think its actually easier to run on the road than on a treadmill - but maybe that's just me

Top advice here Northener, you'll amaze yourself on the day !

Sorry to hear of your injury woes HA, sounds like you're doing ok now - do you ever try the elliptical trainer ? The physio I saw about my dodgy knee recommended them, and I got hooked (I HATE treadmill running, have to be outside).

Gizmo, not sure how long you'll be with us before you cross the Channel, so just wanted to say

GOOD LUCK !!!!!!!!!

Hope you have a great day, we'll be all ears (or should that be eyes ?) waiting for a report when you get back - and I'll be picking your brains for things I need to know !

Kx

Awww thanks Twink

I'm going to need some luck to get to the start I think...I have a very sore throat this morning . Providing it's only a sore throat/mild sniffle I'll do it but several of my colleagues are off today with a 'flu like bug

Twink - are you on wind-down yet?

Dh says to look out for people with mini mars bars and opal fruits, he says there were loads of folks handing them out. Also the toilet queues on route are huge - he used several peoples gardens (typical bloke!) but you won't be doing that, will you??

And are you meeting up with your friends/relatives at the end - its a nightmare, everyone looks the same wrapped in those foil blankets. I couldn't find dh, borrowed a mobile but couldn't get a connection and had to go to the tent to find out if he'd finished. In the end, had to make for the coach and meet him there. So make a good plan, and a back up plan!!