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....?

Ah, 35 in a couple of weeks time, LR, and this is an early birthday present. It should mean (provided they don't change the rules) that I get an automatic place for FLM next year. The fact that I regard this as a good thing must be due to the blood sugar deficit built up over the past few days.

Thanks to everyone for your good wishes and support - I did think about you guys at various points, the thoughts included: 'well, I can't bloody stop now, I'd never be able to go back on Mumsnet' and 'Twink will kill me after she went to all that hassle to get me a place in Reading'

Welcome, BTW, BinkyBetsy: the lungs thing has happened to me as well over the weekend so I sound like a particularly unsavoury old tramp, coughing and hawking away. In my case it's a sign of extreme effort coupled with the remains of a cold: I wonder if you might be starting a small cold? Anyway, it sounds like you are doing fabulous stuff and I really hope you're enjoying it.

Gizmo - that's fantastic!!!! Well done - you do know that's a Boston qualifying time. You must be soooo pleased.

Bloody hell Gizmo! Tres magnifique!

It's a what???

A Boston qualifying time ?

Holy sh1t.

So what would my 'good for age' marathon time be? I'm 41 and a half.............not that I would even consider running that far

According to FLM, 'Good for age' for women 18 - 49 is 3.15 - 3.45. If you achieve this in a race in the two years prior to a FLM, you get an automatic place.

I don't think this is a universal rule, I've only seen it applied to FLM.

Hand on heart I have to say that I don't think it's as challenging a barrier for women as for men: if I were a bloke, 18-40 I'd have to achieve sub 3 hours to be good for age. That requires some serious natural talent, whereas I think the 3.45 barrier is much more about having some previous marathon experience, plenty of training and being pretty robust - and lucky!

Also I think is is (or used to be) the case that if you run under 3.15 (women) you get an elite start for FLM......something to think about!

Ha ha...

Fabarooney Gizmo !!!

Magnifique

I've been dying to hear how you got on, well done !

How's your taper going, Twink?

Congratulations Gizmo... on your Paris time . Makes my just over 2 miles seem a bit feeble. But I suppose we all have to start somewhere!

Can't see myself doing marathons though unless I get the running bug like my SIL. Hydro Active challenge is more my level (5km - Sept 4 Hyde Park). Is anyone else doing it? I hope to run for a mental health charity since problems with PND and depression generally are what got me interested in runnning in the first place. Still haven't got any new shoes though and my right foot is getting sore. Hopefully tomorrow when dd is at school.

And I am still trying to find a less serious running club/group in SW London than clubs like Herne Hill Harriers. Anyone know of one?

Well done again Gizmo

Gardengirl, you might find a local group via Womens Running Network or keep your eyes open for groups of runners and ask where they meet. Lots of leisure centres have unofficial (ie non affliated) groups.

Taper is going ok, being forced as I'm away with work from now until the end of the week. Feel as if I'm piling weight on although the scales say otherwise. Had a sports massage last night which was bliss and I'm just off for my last run before Sunday.

Any advice/tips appreciated, half of me is feeling inspired by your result, half feels a complete fraud for even trying.

Twink - you'll do just great. Hope it's good running weather.

Dh has passed on another pearl of wisdom - he says to avoid the lechy St. John's ambulance men and their vaseline - they will all want to know if you have joggers nipple or chaffed inner thighs - I think he's joking!?!

Gardengirl - I'm doing the Birmingham Hydro race - following on from Twink's marathon I agree that it sounds a bit feeble. But its better than being a sofa slob!

MY GOODNESS GIZMO!
That's a fabulous time, you should be incredibly proud. I don't know you & I'm incredibly proud of you!!

Thanks for the welcome. Thoughts of an unsavoury tramp have also reached me when hacking and coughing. I think I have had a slight chest infection, but haven't felt unwell with it. It seems to be going now though.
Tonight I ran just over 5 miles and FELT the difference in the jump from 3, but the feeling of self satisfaction and elation when I did it was worth every niggle and now the obvious soreness. I'm not going to try any further until that route feels good to run though. Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey and all that!
Cngratulatins!!

Oh ho Binkybetsy, you are showing all the symptoms of getting sucked in This time next year you'll be like those nutters who do marathons

Seriously, to go from zero to just over five miles in under a week is a) incredibly good going - do you have a high fitness level from some other activity? and b) (adopts stern headmistressy tone) quite enough for now! I think your plan of easing back for a little while is a good one - you could try doing one longer run per week, mixed up with shorter, quicker ones, which will build up your speed and stamina levels quite quickly.

But most of all, enjoy it: sounds like you might have some natural aptitude for it and it would be a shame to turn it into a chore...

Hello Twink: can't believe they're making you work this week - don't they know tapering is an exact science, easily ruined by excess effort?

Don't worry about putting on weight, it is, after all, all good glycogen and by G*d you'll need it by mile 24.

I've been trying and trying to think of 'hints and tips' but you're probably getting bombarded with information from all sides (see, it is like childbirth) some of which will work for you and some not. FWIW, the things that work for me are being totally anal about pacing - printing off a pace band and forcing myself to run within 30 seconds per mile of the correct pace, even when I really want to go on. I'm also becoming very obsessed with refuelling during: I use one gel per half hour after the first hour (always with some water). They're unpleasant but they work for me.

The other thing that I think is worth noting is that is possible to drink too much: my DH thinks his problems from mile 22 were linked to drinking too much from the half way point. He was doing it for something to do to take his mind off the pain. Basically, a mouthful fairly often, carrying the bottle with you, seems to work better than necking half the bottle within 100 metres of the drink station.

I don't really think you need my advice, though. Please, please don't feel a fraud - I have no intention of putting any pressure on, but you've got to remember that all your prior race times are faster than mine, your preparation has been more consistent, you have done everything right. You have every right to do great things, if the luck is with you.

And whatever happens, it's going to be soooooo exciting - your first marathon. Ohhhh, I'm now!

To the ladies who are marathon runners....
what made you decide to do it?
How did you go about training for it?
Did it take over your life at all?
How long after starting to run did you decide to do it?
and finally, how many months, years etc did it tske to get fit enough?

I'm nosey can you tell?

Hello just signed up and walking the Marlborough course! Good thing to do and boost for the confidence and keep fit too!!!

Helloooooooooo - welcome

Hello and good luck!

Thanks, will go get a pedometer tomorrow!

Twink - all the best for Sunday, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Enjoy the emotion of turning down the Mall to the finish (it made me cry)!

Enjoy it MistressMary: it's such a lovely time of year to be out (says she, looking out of the window at grey fog and hand freezing temperatures)

When is your race?

May 8th at 11 in Marlborough. looking forward to it!

Right, time for an update, I think:

Twink, Gizmo Reading Half Marathon, 6th March - done
Wondermum, Wilmslow half marathon, end March - ???
Gizmo, Paris Marathon, April 10th - done
Twink, London Marathon, April 17th - good luck!!
Lapsedrunner, TA Orienteering Championships, 23/24 April
Clary, RFL 8th May
Northerner RFL 8th May
Zippy, Great Caledonian Run/Stroll 10k 8th May
MistressMary - Marlborough ?Marathon?, 8th May
Hannahsaunt, Balmoral 10k 8th May
Fionagib, Hannahsaunt, Edinburgh 10k May 15th
Prettybird, 10k May 15th
Lapsedrunner, Vienna half, May 22
Fionagib, Edinburgh Marathon June 12
Pottyone, RFL 12 June
NannyJo, RFL, June
MumToTwink, MiniTwink, Twink RFL 2nd July
Twink, RFL 10th July
Fionagib, Scottish Half Marathon, 4th Sept
Beetroot,Potpourri,Twink GNR 18th Sept
Gardengirl, Hydroactive challenge, September
Pottyone, Birmingham hydroactive challenge

What a long list, we should all be proud of ourselves...

Sorry if it's missed anyone or is a bit wrong - please feel free to correct and add