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....?

Oooh Binkybetsy just noticed your questions (nosy!). Everyone's going to have different reasons I suppose: I've always been active and liked endurance sport (rowing was my thing before) and I've run on and off for years (first marathon - London - in 1996!) I used to run for specific big occasion races and then just slump for 6 months to a year and this year is the first when I have strung several races together - it's made an enormous difference.

I run marathons because I like the effect it has on my body, and because I need extreme distances to put in respectable performances. Also, the races can be magical (in fact had a near mystical moment in the Paris marathon but sound like a dreadful hippy if I talk about it). Sometimes I raise money but not always.

On the practical side, does it take over your life? Well, while training for Paris I have worked full time, spent a lot of time playing lego and reading stories with DS, bought a new house and moved in, organised DS birthday party, been to visit both sets of grandparents, been down the pub at least once a week, cinema once a month etc etc. So I would say that it will take up a large slab of your time but does not have to become all consuming, until perhaps the two weeks before and after. You do need good support systems though.

If you have a look below I think Twink, LR and I have mentioned our different approaches to the training and the amount of time required . I have basically done the minimum necessary this time to build my speed and stamina (theoretically 4-5 outings per week with a variety of speed and stamina exercises, realistically more often 3 outings) but I was relatively fit from my marathon in Amsterdam in Oct.

If you were starting from scratch, I would guess you need to try at least a couple of months of training where you get used to running 3 - 4 times per week, with the longest run at about 6 miles (so perhaps 12 - 16 miles per week) before you actually start a marathon training schedule. That way your skeleton and muscles would get used to the frequent use and so would your diary!

Typical schedules are 4 months of running, of which the third month will be time consuming (even for slobs like me ) and the last two weeks will be spent stuffing your face with cake. This is the good bit.

Gosh another rant - bet you're sorry you asked now! But then I'm still on a high and you could say I'm a bit obsessed

Gizmo - tell us about your mystical moment - was it induced by low blood sugar and dehydration

Hi I'm new to this thread. I want to start running and wondered whether all you veterans have any advice on a good pair of trainers?

Hiya its the run for life I'm doing there.

that probably had a lot to do with it, Potty1.

We had to go through about 1/2 mile of road tunnel after about mile 16. No spectators. From sunshine and crowds yelling to dim lighting and the sound of feet and breathing. And all the runners started yelling in a great big wave of sound that went up and down the tunnel. A huge,sea like, roar. Very spooky.

And I wasn't noticing my feet or legs and had this floating feeling and suddenly (this is embarrassing ) it popped into my head that this - running in packs - is what our ancestors have been doing since the beginning of time. Felt wierdly connected to them.

Then I noticed we had a hill to climb to get out of the tunnel and came back to reality with a bump.

Endorphins are a bugger really, should be class A controlled!

Puddle, hello.

Almost any trainers are better than none, but choice of trainer is now quite a complex area - how you walk and run and what you want to do with them makes a difference.

This article will explain some of the options better than I can.

The most comprehensive solution is probably to find an expert running shop (Sweatshops are probably the largest chain) where they can measure your gait and let you know what style of shoe might suit you. You don't have to buy there and then of course and may find what you need cheaper on ebay....

Thank you Gizmo. I'm planning to get some on Saturday and start off on Sunday - I'll be very embarrassed if people think I am, inspired by the marathon though. It's my first time running although I have done treadmills at the gym. Am hoping running will be a cheaper and easier-to-fit-in alternative to the gym.

Ah Puddle, don't underestimate yourself: treadmills are definitely running

Hope you enjoy it - do you have anyone to run with?

Gizmo - mmmmm me thinks there was lots of carbon dioxide in that tunnel and not a lot of oxygen hence the strannnnnnnnnnge feelings.

There are a couple of tunnels on the Birmingham womens challenge - lots of Oggy Oggy Oggy going on!

Puddle - enjoy your first 'outing' and who cares what people think at least you're getting out there!

Tee hee, Potty! I think you might be right - am relieved to hear I'm not turning into some sort of shaman-hippy-freak

Hi to all the new 'faces'.

Thanks for the messages, nerves are kicking in now. Gizmo loved your tunnel story, I'll remember that when I hit the tough bits.

Potty I'll be in a Cancer Research UK vest (fetching colour of turquoise with a white stripe) with Twink across the front in black. Which will be a complete clash with the beetroot face - why can some people look like they've just stepped out of a salon when they finish a race whereas I look like I need to be seen by the nearest paramedic ????

Good Luck for tomorrow Twink! I'll be watching for you in the shirt you described with the lettering.
Hope everyone else doing the marathon makes their goal!!

Hi Twink

Since it's 10.30 I hope you are now tucked up in bed after a large pasta dinner. I'm really excited for you now: looking forward to the post race report

Just wanted to say good luck, relax, enjoy. You've done all the hard work and this is the easy bit (so they say!). I'm sure you will have a sensational race and hope you do everything you want to.

All the best for tomorrow Twink - have a good 'un!

It's a lovely morning Twink - I'm looking out for you!

Gizmo just read your race report - FANTASTIC!!! You're totally inspiring, what an amazing time.

And Twink.... can't wait to hear how you got on today, just been watching highlights (thanks v much for your wise words a week ago too! Did a few short runs in Yorkshire but really need to get my butt into gear over next three weeks as edin 10k looms...)

have not been training nearly enough, but am spurred on now by Gizmo's (and am sure Twink's, to be announced shortly???) fantastic performance!

Twink are you having a lie down????

Well done to Twink and of course Paula Radcliffe! Can't believe she's in for stick on another thread, but there you go.
Paula NOT Twink obviously!

I'm aching to know how you did Twink, when you've the time, of course!

I'm here !! Still walking, just...

I think every London Mumsnetter must have been out there today, either that or people like shouting out to people with wierd things on their shirts - either way, it was an ENORMOUS help, so thank you !

I don't do warm weather stuff (last warm 10k had me carried off from the finish to British Red Cross tent) so was praying for rain, didn't happen but I survived !!

Auntie Gizmo, I know you're right re pacing, mine was pants, far too fast at start but I couldn't slow down cos I was singing & dancing my way round the East End (fab support, you always read about it but it's true !)

Really struggled as I crossed Tower Bridge just before halfway but spoke stern words to myself. Unfortunately, managed to miss mile markers for 14 & 15, no idea how, as they're huge gantries with balloons all over but was v relieved to see 16 mile marker.

Got very hard from around 19, I was just counting the miles until I saw dh again at 22, then I was just surviving through the last 4, dropped down to 9.5 -10 min miles until I was almost at the end and then swore loudly at myself to pull myself together & legged it to the finish.

I finished in around 3:53 but can't be more accurate as it looks like the friend who collected my number didn't register the chip !!

Already planning improvements for next time, just don't grass me up to dh

Dead chuffed, knackered but Cancer Research UK have done well !

Hurrah! Well done Twink, great time - Kept a look out for you on the TV but didn't spot you. It looked pretty warm out there I must say. Are you in 'never again mode' or ready for next year?

PMSL 'dropped down to 9.5-10 min miles' ....that's me at speed.

Did you see Paula? Or stand in her poo ? Someone should have told her that only the blokes do kerbside tiolet stops. Also most impressed with Nell McAndrews time, 3 hours 10.

Twink! Twink! Twink! You did it!

I'm so pleased for you and that is a fantastic time. And 'cos it's your first marathon you can expect to take a big chunk off it next time.

I forgot to warn you to make sure you have computer access somewhere downstairs so you can collect mumsnet plaudits all day without having to go upstairs (or come down ).

Nice race report, btw. LOL at missing the mile markers - IME, they could have naked Chippendales waving them under my nose by mile 15 and I wouldn't notice, but after a while they're vital for morale.

Congratulations: where next then? Can I interest you in Amsterdam in October?

After a gap, finally got myself out again yesterday - in the cold and wet . Dh encouraged me to go out - as the Glasgow 10k is now only 4 weeks away.

Did 36 minutes - and felt quite good. Probably only 10 minute miling at the moment though.

Going to Pilates tonight, so it will be tomorrow before I get out again.

oops - meant to also say congratulations to both Gizmo and Twink. of you both!

Twink, that is a great time for a first marathon. Shows you had really put in the ground work. And next time, if you can pace the early miles better, then you'll fly around!

Twink, that is fantastic, you should be massively proud of yourself! (yeah, 10 min mile is about all I can do at best fo times - what's this 'dropping down?')

Am delighted for you, what a massive achievement.

Did Paula do a poo at the roadside?????

Yeah the glasgow 10k looms prettybird tho it feels a bit piffling in midst of gizmo and twinks' successes - AND haven't trained enough, can run about 45 mins at the mo, v slow pace. Edin 10k is in 3 weeks' time, am aiming to just run it, basically, just get round the course! Would love to manage under 60 mins tho. Twink am gonna take on board your advice re hill runs etc. It's raining here but am gonna get out as soon as dh gets home this eve... feel like lotsa training is needed (bit like last-min cramming for exams!)

well done again to the twinkster! Hopefully will be joining you next year

Ok I have some new trainers. Failed to go out last night though - the kind of weather only a duck would love. So looks like tonight is the night for my maiden voyage. I am a real beginner though. Any tips from you veterans? I haven't got anyone to run with - would quite like to get into it myself before looking for a running buddy. But would it help to pair up with someone do you think?