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....?

Sophable, there are a few here I've not done any of them so can't recommend any.

There are some slightly longer ones \link{ www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/foundevents.asp?evntTitle=&evntDate=a%3Afut&distance=8-16&county=101&area=&evntSurface=&distanceFromHome=&sp=&v=2\here}

Sorry, here

Beety, don't worry about getting outside yet - as long as you're not wearing full make-up (unless it's waterproof) and concentrating so hard on Trisha or similiar that you fall over your headphone cable, then the treadmill is good.

General rule of thumb for running, if you don't need a shower afterwards then you've not worked hard enough

thanks twink!

this is such a good thread!
Grr my pilates class was cancelled tonight and I only found out when I got there (15-min drive).
Out running last night so couldn't go out again tonight now fitness plan is bobbins-ed.
right! going to do 20-min run tomorrow. Very impressed fiona with yr 35mins and all others thanx for tips and websites.

This is so what I need to get back into my routine again; a whole week off seems like such a long time. The sponsorship was fantastic - over £3,500 to Cystic Fibrosis (my niece has it) and a real motivator when the running got hard. I love the fact that this game comes with gadgets and I can be as nerdy about something as dh is with his toys. Need another race to aim for but not until at least the spring - it's gone so well so far that I don't want to be silly & overdo it. Looking for a half marathon somewhere.

Hannahsaunt sorry if am being dumb here but did you actually run the NY marathon? Blimey, am so impressed if you did. Would like to do one 'one day' but have no idea how anyone manages to fit in the training, esp the long runs.

a half would be good I think. Twink, thanks v much for info! Will be out tomorrow for 40 mins as my mum will be here to take kids to school, so much easier when another adult's around to help!

Yes - did the NY marathon last week and it was fab! Long training runs were a killer though but I did find that I love that 1/2 marathon distance. It takes me a few miles to get into my rhythm so a 10k (6 miles) it feels like I'm just getting into the swing of it and it stops. Looking out for a nice spring overseas 1/2 to get me through the winter. Training was easier than I had expected because running is so completely flexible - I could go out whenever dh got home from work be it 6 or 7 or 8 and did that Tues, Wed, Thurs. I also got militant about taking my lunch so if he was on nights or a late then I would run at lunch time. Weds and Sundays I usually cycled and/or rowed to break up the monotony of only doing 1 type of exercise and it definitely benefitted my running just by being stronger all round. The only hard run to fit in was the long run on Saturdays but I did it whilst ds2 had his lunch time sleep and dh/ds1 did the bonding thing over their lunch. It didn't take too much out of the weekend until the long ones got really long (18/20 miles) but that only happens in a marathon training schedule.

Hannahsaunt - very impressed

hannahsaunt, you're right about fitting in those long runs. I did a couple of 15-milers before this last half (and still have no idea how people manage to carry on and run a further 11 miles after that!), but I had real trouble fitting them in between it getting light on Sunday morning and having to be back in time for the kids to go to Rugby Club. Now that I'm working freelance I did consider doing my long run on a weekday after dropping the kids off at school, but I really love runnng on Sunday morning early when there's no traffic about. If I decide to train for Dublin or Amsterdam next autumn I may just have to bite the bullet and long run in the middle of the day.

Wow, I'm very impressed but feeling my attempts are rather inadeguate now! Should I start a "I pretend to be a runner runner but not very good yet" thread!
Great motivation, I'd like to think that one day a half marathon could be possible,but that is a very long way off. Just sticking to my little 15-20 for now.

Wow, £3500 is awesome, well done !

Dingle, your 15-20 mins is right for you, don't feel glum about it, 80% of the UK population couldn't do it so don't give yourself a hard time !
If you don't build up slowly & steadily you will get injured which will really be frustrating - be patient !

We did a 5km time trial at club tonight, I had a flier so am really pleased with a new PB esp as I hate 5k as a distance (except RFL) cos I feel like I've hardly got going when it's time to stop.

Having a big glass of red to celebrate

Actually Dingle, I built up from 1 min walk/run through to 30 minutes running in around 4 months I was very unfit !

But once I could do 30 mins I managed to get up to an hour after about 10 weeks & then did my first half marathon 5 months later so don't despair.

Dingle - Sorry not logged on for a while. Yes - I'm hunting for one. Will let you know when something comes up.

Yeah dingle I think you're doing fine - I went out this a.m. and tried for 40 mins but got a belly ache like a period pain and also wind was awful (weather wind, that is, not coming from my body!!), blowing right in face, was hellish actually but I came back home (after having to walk a bit) and thought oh well, better than nothing - I really DON'T want running to become a pressurised angsty thing, but something that's fun & inspiring - anyone else feel that way?

Am gonna TRY and do 35/40 mins fri but school hol here in scotland so may be tricky...

hannahsaunt that is FANTASTIC!!!!! You must have a body of steel!

Twink's right, Dingle, don't you dare think that your efforts are inadequate! You're out there doing what most of the lardy couch potatoes in this land can't do. And if you're running, then you're a runner, no matter how short your runs are. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Back in March 3 very slow miles was my longest run, and just about finished me every time. I still find it totally amazing (and totally wonderful!) that I can now go out and run 5 miles without thinking about it, let alone run the longer distances. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can (I'm not exactly a lean whippet sort of person, you see...).

Dingle - don't put yourself down, or let anyone else for that matter. Just getting out there and making the effort is worth a pat on the back. Your 20 mins will soon stretch to longer. Personally I find the first 15 mins hell, and find myself chanting in my head 'I will feel better, I will feel better......and then I do'

well done to you hannahsaunt, that is amazing!
dingle i'm with you,20 mins is my top effort more or less (tho have managed 35) so let's keep at it.
Fiona, yes, why is it sometimes so hard to run? I was out last night at 8.30 (oops, forgot to go on my training course!) and it was a realt struggle. Stuck at it tho, as I am so supported by you girls! Brilliant!

Personally I find it physically harder to run at night and always do my longer run on a Sunday. I also find its more dificult at different times of the month so hormones are obviously playing a part for me. On the up side my PMT has improved no end since I started running dh will testify!

Thanks for the encouragement girls! Due for a run tonight but we all found a pub after the funeral and I feel I have far too much brandy in my system to cope tonight!
Will try to fit a run in tomorrow as we have yet another funeral on Friday and I am sure I will be in the same situation.
(really not used to this lunchtime drinking thing!!!)

I really like this thread, it's got a sort of no pressure feel about it. Will try to get out tomorrow or fri for 35 mins... hopefully no wind this time....

For me, evenings work better cos have a head full of kids and the freedom and peace is wonderful.

How are you all doing ?

I run with 2 running groups (not the same as clubs, groups are just bunches of people with similar interests without any membership etc) and following on from the time trial on Tues, the other group did their TT last night - legs what legs ? Ouchhhh...

The good bit is that the training and effort is working and I am getting fitter & the wobbly stomach bit is finally starting to wobble less

haven't been out since thur, to my shame, and was crap then - desp for dh to get home from work so I can get out - not that I really WANT to but, heck, it's only 30 mins, and the promise of a twink-style wobble free tum would be great motivation! Twink I remember you saying you lost 4 STONE which is incredible.

It's getting v icy here in scotland, it's getting hard to rev up thr enthusiasm sometimes.... but so don't want to be a winter blob.

Haven't manage to run since Monday!{blush]
Will get back to it this week,aiming to do 2, if not 3, 20 minute runs this week.

did get out last night and was feeling v good, like running in cold weather once have hauled blobby rear end outside - but then ran into an overhanging branch which I hadn't seen (as it was dark) which stabbed my eye, was bl&&dy agony, had to come home after 20 mins as couldn't see properly! Hardly paula blimmin' radcliffe behaviour. I didn't even need a shower, twink!!

so am gonna go out again tonight, aiming for 35 or 40 mins... also (think it was twink's suggestion?) to start a running diary, just to see some progress...

how's everyone else done these past few days? It's v quiet.......

does anyone know of a 10k in scotland (glasgow or edinburgh preferably) in late winter or early spring?