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....?

almost40 you're prob building up muscle which is heavier than fat, wouldn't fret about the scales but how good you feel.

pb I think women's 10k route is same as last year & was lovely, much needed shade through park!

ta for encouraging words twink. 'ran off' (ahem) a mild hangover this a.m with a 45 min run but am gonna be healthy & (virtually) wine-free this week... have started to notice that I have a much, much better day if I've run first thing. V V busy with work this week tho so may only squeeze one in... think am getting addicted! (still as slow as a carthorse tho).

Gizmo, how are you feeling now ?

Do you do any weights at all ? I only ask because our running club coach told me categorically that I need to get back to doing leg weights as my legs now show I run a lot - which is not good as I've got muscle imbalances in my quads & hamstrings which could lead to knee problems if I don't sort it. He also said that I need to build up my legs to compensate for the milage they endure. Apparently I night put weight back on but that won't be a bad thing if I'm increasing my muscle mass.

If it's good enough for Paula...

I've also taken the opportunity to cross train a bit (ready for the gym triathlon challenge) mostly on the elleptical trainer but also cycling (for pleasure not to get from A to B) and going for walks with the family (dd on her bike to avoid the wingeing)

Thanks, fionagib. I do actually feel the muscles in my legs which didn't exist before, and I have been working out on machines at the gym. I just can't believe that after all this, only weight gain, and no weight loss whatsoever. I wish I could speed up my metabolism, and I was hoping that running would do that, but it hasn't happened yet.

Be patient Almost, it will happen, just takes time. I know it's hard (believe me, I've been there) but weight doesn't arrive overnight & takes time to lose too.

Try to forget about weight for a while & concentrate on excercise because you enjoy it (!) then see how far you've progressed in 3 months. If you keep a training diary you'll see how much fitter you are which helps motivation no end. Weight loss will happen - as long as you don't overcompensate for all the training

I am feeling a little despondent - the last couple of times I have been out have been really knackering. Just when I thought I was improving. Have added in a tiny bit of distance but not much. Should I just be sticking with the original route for longer?

Almost40 I haven't lost any weight but my waist and stomach are definitely a wee bit smaller/ firmer.

McKenzie - well done for getting out there! It's no mean feat so soon after giving birth - I remember just trying to run for a bus a month or so after dd was born and my legs almost gave way!

Hello Twink

10k on a treadmill! You're brave . How about splitting it into sections and trying to achieve different things in different sections? 2k with little surges, say, followed by 5 minutes where you consciously try to relax your shoulders, followed by 5 minutes focussing on rhythym and breathing? I know when I was rowing competitively, we would schedule pushes for 10/20 strokes and parts of the course where we thought about technique, and it took our minds off the pain (sort of).

Unfortunately I don't have time to get down to a gym, so weights (other than the small child variety) are out. I do a couple of yoga practices every week which seem to be quite good for balancing the muscles and I cycle around 40 mins per day, so one way or another there is plenty of cross training.

Almost40, I can only echo what the others have said: it's muscle! And the more muscle you build, the quicker it will burn the fat. Honestly, don't worry about the weight, a good test is how your clothes are fitting.

At last my lethargy is gradually abating - I'm trying to get out for 'fun' runs and keep them short. Drove past a 10K near my parent's house on Sunday and really wanted to participate, so obviously my competitive instincts are still alive! Today I'm going to take DH's GPS/HRM gadget out for a whirl and see if gadgetry can entertain me while I do a bit of work.

Anyway, while looking for summer race targets I have had an idea (always dangerous). Why don't we try and find a 5k/10k event late in the summer that all of us could do? Combine a mumsnet event with a race?

Would anyone fancy it?

Hi guys, I've got my race for life next Wednesday, when would you suggest I do my last run, and how can I best prepare myself on the day. What should I eat etc? The race is at 7.15pm and I'm at work during the day.

TIA

Ooh, Puddle, that's annoying - and things were going so well. Happens to me all the time, though, so I really envy those people who find every run energising and uplifting

You may well find your next run is fantastic - you could take a step down again but I'd be inclined to make it a 'one off' rather than a permanent habit. Alternatively, give yourself an extra day off and see if that makes you feel stronger. What about your pace? Maybe you've just increased it a bit too much, too soon?

Gozmo I'm really trying to do things at a slow and steady pace - my classic pattern with exercise is to do too much too soon and then find it too hard and then stop! So am taking it slowly - maybe I just had a couple of bad days. I took an extra day off yesterday so will try again this evening.

Gizmo, even

Hi everyone, i keep meaning to join this thread & finally i've got around to it! Thought you may like a bit of history

I have just got my place for the great south run. I applied for the marathon this year but didn't get in. Last year i ran the Great North Run. I'm not particularly a fast runner but was proud of my time of 2hrs 28mins. Before the gnr i hadn't run since school! I hope by joining this thread i will keep motivated with the training!

If anyone has run the Great South could you recommend a hotel for that weekend as i can't find the course route anywhere!

Hello Coldtea, pull up a chair (metaphorically)

When is the GSR? Are you in full training for it now?

Thanks Gizmo, the gsr is on the 9th october.

I haven't really run since the gnr so i'm trying to run 3 miles comfortably atm! I've been out 4 times in the last 12 days & it's feeling better already.

My legs are fine & are not even tired the next day but my breathing is terrible(not helped by the fact i smoke). Once i can run this without a stitch & without feeling too out of breath i may increase to 4miles. Tbh, i've started training quite early but i want to do this to maintain a good fitness!

Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated as i've never run with a club or anything, whilst we had a good program for the gnr i feel like we're muddling through this one!

Thanks, Puddle, Gizmo and Twink. Welcome Coldtea. I'll try not to focus on the scale or weight, and my clothes are fitting pretty well these days, and strangely, my skin and hair look quite good, if I do say so myself - clearly a result of running. As you suggest though, I'll try to stay off vanity and focus on the other fabulous aspects of running - like good health and feeling good.

Haven't posted for a while as I have been away plus had family staying. Despite still not getting into a regular running routine I'm pleased to announce (well rather smug really) that I took part in the TA Orienteering Championships on 23-24 Apr...and won. Yes I'm the Womens TA O Champ for 2005 plus we won the team event! Sounds good however the reality is there were hardly any entrants! That being said our womens team of three consisted of a W40, W45 & W50, more like a geriatric team.

Gizmo - if you are updating your race diary you can delete me from the Vienna 1/2 on 22 May, it just simply isn't going to happen for me. My excuse is that dh is now due to be away for a couple of weeks but the reality is I simply haven't done enough training . I have however entered a Womens 10k here in Vienna on 12 Jun which I should be able to manage on my limited training .

My new attempt at regular running is for dh to bath & put ds (2.8) to bed each night while I sneek out the door for a run. At the moment ds is not impressed with the new regieme (clings to my leg etc) however I'm assured that once I'm out of sight I'm out of mind!

Welcome to all the new runners and keep shuffling everyone

OH....MY.....GAAAAAWD

We are not worthy!!!!

Well done

See, I knew you were fast, knew it, knew it, knew it! And obviously highly cunning as well.

Tech, can we have a 'standing ovation' emoticon for this thread, please?

Not fast but definitely cunning when it comes to map reading

lapsedrunner (you need to change your name lol)

Here is a round of applause

((((((((CLAP))))))))

Well done !

Hello coldtea

Oh wow Lapsedrunner, well done you ! Stop making excuses too, it's irrelevant how many others did it, you won fair and square !

Here's a race update:

Twink, Gizmo Reading Half Marathon, 6th March - done
Gizmo, Paris Marathon, April 10th - done
Twink, London Marathon, April 17th - done
Lapsedrunner, TA Orienteering Championships, 23/24 April done & won !
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
Potty1, 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
Potty1, Birmingham hydroactive challenge

Feel free to add/delete/correct

Coldtea, assuming the GSR follows the same route as last year, it starts & finishes at the seafront with parking on Southsea Common, see map here

The entire race takes place within Portsmouth town centre so is great for supporters. According to the Runners World thread here there are a number of travel lodge things around.

Northener, just relax, make sure you drink plenty of water through the day, eat sensibly & don't decide to try anything new on the day.

Personally I'd run as normal on Sunday, have a walk Monday or rest if tired & a mile or so's jog Tuesday just to stretch my legs.

Thank you for the map twink. It sounds quite exciting! I found the gnr a bit lacking in supporters. I keep reading bits & pieces that make the gsr sound quite a serious run. Are there many fun runners do you know?

Congratulations to everyone who has achieved their run this year

This weekend looks busy! Good luck to everyone running on the 8th May.

Coldtea, firstly, if you're running 10 miles you are a serious runner whether it takes you an hour or over 2

Secondly, there are stacks of runners in the over 2 hour bracket, in fact last year there were not only run/walk people but walk/walk ones too.

You will not feel out of place at all, don't worry and you will almost certainly run far faster than you ever imagined possible.

Following on from my first comment, I ran with my Wed night bunch tonight (mostly drinkers who enjoy running almost as much as parties ) and the first 5 of us back were wondering how many others of our age could do what we had just done (4 hilly miles). It turned out that although we finished within seconds of each other, our ages range from 15 to 56 !! So really we should be wondering how much of the population could do it. Hmmm..

Reckon you can all feel quite pleased at being far, far beyond average Keep at it !

Hi Twink

I thought this (click on calculators on the left hand menu and then the 'speed' calculator) might answer your question, but when I look at it again it simply tells you how you perform against a population that is theoretically fit to run 1.5 miles.

What's interesting is how all of us on this thread shape up against the whole population. I've just googled 'running participation' and turned up this which covers participation in many different sports. To cut to the chase, I can confidently say that everyone on this thread is a better runner than 97.7% of the female population (and, at a guess, you're all probably fitter than 80% of the population).

Pat on the back time, guys