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....?

Hello puddle: good on ya...we'll be waiting for your report tomorrow!

Try to find somewhere nice with something to look at - I always like rivers, or parks where people are playing.

Take a watch. Depending on how fit you're feeling you might want to walk briskly for 10 minutes (fast enough to make yourself breath a little heavily), then stretch a little and then begin. You can play little games with yourself: run five minutes,then walk for three, or run to the next lamp-post, or far enough to overtake that attractive man with the dog

The only thing I would say is essential is don't run too fast! Distance first, pace later, I reckon. Basically regular, deep breathing (so you could still talk) is OK but if you are panting for breath you are too fast and it will all go pear shaped.

If you make a note of what you do tonight (how long you were out, how much you ran, how much walked etc) and run the same route two or three times a week you will soon begin to see little improvements - it can be as small as being able to go for a minute more on each of your run sections but very soon it starts to look like real improvements.

You probably will find running with someone else would be a good motivation - I know a lot of people do, but I don't normally so I'll let someone else who knows what they are talking about comment on that..

Fionagib, is that four races I see you pencilled in for? You are going to be a very busy lady and I've just realised I left the Glasgow 10k off the list - sorry

Hello! May I join here? I just started running (well, walking really) yesterday, but went again this morning at 6:30am, so I'm feeling really inspired and will hopefully keep it up. I quit smoking a few months ago and am generally in poor shape. I walked for most of 3 miles yesterday, and ran about 1 of 2 miles this morning. I have an ancient Sony walkman, which inspired me and my trainers are about 3 years old, but am feeling pretty good all in all. I would love to get an ipod or something like that. . .

ooohhhhh, an iPod...that would be lovely.....actually even a working walkman would be lovely....

Welcome almost40, and frankly if you have the dedication to pull yourself out of bed at 6.30 to go running, I think your willpower needs little supporting!

I know some people swear by it, though: what's the world like at that time in the morning?

Hi Gizmo, it was a beautiful crisp morning here (in the U.S.), and I was thinking - life is pretty good, even though things are not so great for me atm. I was quite pleased with myself though mind you it was only my 2nd day! If I can keep this up for a few months, I'll really have something to boast about . . . DH also doesn't believe I'll be able to keep it up.

Thanks for that gizmo. I'll report back tomorrow. Almost40 let's do it together! You are two days ahead of me. My dp is a runner and he's generally supportive but he knows that my willpower is not great - especially at the end of the day.

Hi Puddle. I was really surprised to find that DH didn't mind that I was leaving him in the morning with 2DDS. It is really nice to get the run overwith in the morning. I also get tired in the afternoons, and don't think I'd be able to get out then. This morning, I feel as though even if I don't do anything else today, I have at least accomplished one thing. I have nearly 20 pounds to lose since having DD2, and I am just sick of wearing big baggy clothes to hide it all.

It sounds lovely, almost40, and you have nearly tempted me...but what sounds lovely in the evening is somehow never as attractive compared to my warm duvet in the morning

Hope your DH appreciates the trade off: he gets to spend quality time with your kids in exchange for fit and happy wife...can't be bad!

Hi Gizmo. We'll see if it ever pays off, but I already feel better, so I'm hopeful. Vanity is a huge motivating factor for me - but could really use an ipod too . . .

C[GRIN]NGRATULATI[GRIN]NS TWINK!
WOW what a great time for a first marathon. Well done (kneels and bows down in not worthiness posture)

Welcome puddle and almost40 I hope your runs were good ones today.

I'm up to three 3 mile runs and one 5 mile run per week. Started to feel some arch pain in my left foot yesterday and couldn't understand what it was!????!
Discovered I'm running too slow! Today we ran 3 miles in 24 minutes and I didn't feel a niggle (previous 10/mile/min). I used to run 7 minute miles regularly as my 'norm' years ago when less than fully fit, so I'm thinking maybe we have a comfortable running level, because it wasn't half as hard tonight going a bit faster.
How weird is that?!
Any thoughts ladies?

CNGRATULATINS TWINK!
WOW what a great time for a first marathon. Well done (kneels and bows down in not worthiness posture)

Welcome puddle and almost40 I hope your runs were good ones today.

I'm up to three 3 mile runs and one 5 mile run per week. Started to feel some arch pain in my left foot yesterday and couldn't understand what it was!????!
Discovered I'm running too slow! Today we ran 3 miles in 24 minutes and I didn't feel a niggle (previous 10/mile/min). I used to run 7 minute miles regularly as my 'norm' years ago when less than fully fit, so I'm thinking maybe we have a comfortable running level, because it wasn't half as hard tonight going a bit faster.
How weird is that?!
Any thoughts ladies?

oops

Hello puddle....how'd it go?

Hi there almost 40 and puddle, am sure you'll soon be hooked like a lot of us on here... (actually wouldn't say am hooked as have to force myself out a lot of the time, but def feel miles better physically, emotionally etc when I run regularly & it's helping massively with ciggie-quitting...)

Yeah gizmo that's 4 races but two are only piddly 10ks, plus a 5 mile chunk of a marathon, chickenfeed compared to your recent performance! And although I could live without the training sometimes I love the atmopshere or the races.

Managed 45 mins last night - v v windy - but had to walk to occasional minute on the hilly bits... will go out with a friend tomorrow a.m. - it should be easier with some company & chat! Am DESP to get round my favourite out-in-the-country 45 min route (just over five miles I think) without walking at all.

So to blether on girls! PS why are people being so mean to paula radcliffe on that thread in the news section?

I meant SORRY to blether on....

Hello puddle and almost40, welcome aboard, hope you are both feeling motivated by Twink and Gizmo's marathon exploits.

Binky - I find that my legs are much sorer (is that a word??) if I'm clipping my pace to run with someone slower....not that there are many slower than me.....I'm pushing it at an 8 min mile.

Fiona - those that are being mean to Paula have probably never pulled their trainers on for a wet, windy, morning run and therefore do not know just how hard she must work to get where she is. Respect!

Yeah, the Paula thing is a bit of a funny one, isn't it?

Perhaps it just reflects a general frustration with everyone's preoccupation with sport. I mean, I don't like sports I don't do, so stuff like football leaves me cold and consequently I could get pretty bitchy about certain footballers (if I knew enough or cared).

And I'm sure some people find anyone with Paula's incredible determination and single-mindedness a bit wierd; let's face it, it would be hell to live with if you weren't interested yourself!

But some of those comments were really close to the bone: as I said on the thread, I think people must think she isn't human - it's kind of like a cartoon thing when you can hit people and they still bounce back. One of those casual conversations probably best done in real life where there is no record of what you've said...

Hi all. Thanks for the welcome fionagib and binkybetsy. I did my 35 minute (mostly walk) run this morning. Third day!! To give you an idea of the shape I'm in, I think I was able to do 2 miles in approx. 35 minutes. Pathetic, I know, but I figure I must start somewhere. There were old ladies walking their dogs who seemed to be moving faster than me.

Who is paula radcliffe? I'll have to do a google search.

My shins are sore today - could it be my trainers? I have New Balance cross-trainers.

Hi Potty1, I'm still doing an 18 minute mile.

Almost40

She's a British marathon runner who currently holds the world marathon record and 3 of the fastest marathon times in the world ever.

Big hoo haa over here after the Olympics last year when she stopped running at about mile 18, suffering, basically, from inadequate nutrition (she has IBS, which makes it difficult to eat properly before races). A lot of people felt she should have finished - even at a walk - and that it was disrespectful of her to have given up and been driven back.

She still appears to irritate some people, although I don't really understand why.

BTW - no shame in slow steady mileage - can lead on to great things! Just make sure you keep a note of what you're doing then you can gloat over it when you're down to 10-12 minute miles

Thanks Gizmo. On the Paula thing, it seems that only she can decide whether or not to continue on, no? I remember a couple of olympics ago, seeing one of the marathoners at the finish line vomiting all over the place and having to be carried off on a stretcher. It really is up to the them, whether they feel well enough to finish, isn't it?

hey guys,

just as a matter of interest can anyone tell me how soon after the birth of my son i can start running again - used to be competitive long distance but obviously not trained for nearly ten months so not really sure when to begin???

Hello Prettyfly1

From personal experience (ie not a medical fact) I was running sporadically within a month of my DS birth. Stopped for a good long while once he was about 4 months old, though!

I'd have thought as soon as you have the energy and the time you could get out - for a week or two immediately after the birth you have to be careful as your ligaments are loose. Just listen to your body, eat loads and be careful not to add to the exhaustion, I guess.

Almost40, yeah, you'd think so, wouldn't you, and if she'd passed out or something there wouldn't be any debate.

But the great British public seemed to feel that, because she'd stopped shortly after she fell back to 4th place, and because she could still walk, she must have stopped because she had no chance of getting a medal and was being a prima donna, rather than competing for the honour of representing her country.

Here's a question - Since I've been doing this in the early morning right after I wake up, I haven't been eating or drinking anything before I go out. Do you suggest that I drink some water and have a little bite before stretching or should I go out on an empty stomach?