Webchat with Alexandra 'Hemmo' Heminsley, author of Running Like a Girl, Thursday 27 February, 1-2pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Following the success of the recent blog and book giveaway we're delighted that author of Running Like a Girl Alexandra Heminsley will be joining us for a webchat on Thursday 27 February between 1 and 2pm.

When Alex first tried running, she could barely make it the to end of the road. Five years later, she's completed five marathons. In her book she explains how running has transformed her relationship with her body, and helped her to find reserves of determination that her pre-running self could never have imagined.

Whether you're a runner or spend time thinking about running, come and chat to Alex on Thursday 27th at 1pm or post a question in advance to this thread.

[CogitoErgoMum]

Your boob to feet ratio beats mine hands down, so there goes my excuse. A book with laughs in it sounds great to me. I am going to check out the app. Many thanks

[hairylittlegoblin]

Thank you!!! Great webchat.

[TwelveLeggedWalk]

Thank you Hemmo! Good luck with your running this year. No go shoo those lazy bints and MNHQ out for a jog....

[RachelMumsnet]

That was great. Mumsnet runners' club have been lapping up all the running tips. Thanks SO much Alex for getting through so many Qs. There's still time to nip over to @mumsnetbookclub, follow and RT to enter a comp to win a SIGNED copy of Running Like a Girl.

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

Thank you very much for all your questions! Oh my GOODNESS it is always such a relief to find that other people have wondered and worried about the same things I did - there really were moments when I was writing Running Like a Girl that I thought the world might shrug and say "WHY is she fretting about THAT?" when it was published.

I hope I've answered most - and some questions overlapped so do read through them all. I'm sorry I skipped a couple of knee ones, I was a bit too scared to answer with no medical qualifications! All I can say is that VERY OFTEN knee pain can be eased by looking after your ITB. There is a whole section on it in the book. I can't rewrite now as I am worried I'm already 12 minutes over time and the internet might break.

GOOD TO CHAT LADIES! xxxx

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@hairylittlegoblin

Am not around for the webchat but wanted to thank you for the book,I loved it and credit you with getting me back into running after a 5 year/2 kids hiatus.

I wondered if you had any tips for keeping motivated? I love running when I actually get out there but can always find a reason NOT to go out unless I'm in training for a race. Is there any way I can stay on track without the threat of public humiliation to motivate me?

Okay you are my final answer before my fingers fall off!

Basically, I sympathise entirely. I stopped running for actual years after I did my first marathon. It was 'done'. Running in itself wasn't a fun thing, just achieving the goal was.

The thing that I always cling on to is that the balance of joy vs grimness is SO MASSIVELY tipped in your favour. Say you go and run for 20-30 minutes a couple of times a week. Sure, you might not be getting a PB or a new distance, but you'll feel better for sooo much longer than you were faffing with the running bit for. Seriously, all evening you'll feel warmer, you'll eat better, you'll like yourself a bit more. You'll be getting around faster, with less effort in your day to day life, and you'll be clearing your head - even the simple act of seeing your neighbourhood and not looking at another screen is a treat for your eyeballs.

But mostly - don't be too hard on yourself. Take a month off and do something else. It doesn't have to be for you. Maybe you are an undiscovered lacrosse player or boxer or mountain climber and running is just a way to get the cardiovascular superpowers to get you going! xxx

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@CogitoErgoMum

I've got big boobs and small feet. This has led me to believe that running is not for me. It hurts so much that it cannot be good for me. But I have such limited time, it is the only exercise I think I can realistically fit in to a day. If I start doing something, how long before I can go 30 minutes without actually wanting to die? I try to run and remember child birth, but then I am just reliving the pain of child birth and experience the pain of running - which is just worse.
So, I guess my question is, if I buy your book will it help me over come these mental and physical obstacles (the pain - not the small feet and big boobs - I don't expect miracles.
Please say it will!

Speaking as someone with size 4.5 feet (my brother says my trainers look 'like they should be on a key ring') and size 32FF boobs, I feel your pain. I haven't had a baby but I HAVE run a marathon with someone who has had a baby and she did compare the pain..

However, I think if you WANT to run, you'll stick it out. Go easy on yourself. The Getrunning app is really really good. They talk you though the whole thing while you're running - breaking it up into walk/run rather than just making you run and then go home.

I can't speak for the MYSTICAL powers of my book sorting your head out, but it might make you laugh about the ridiculous levels of pain and woe I have gone through along the way. I figure being reassured and having a laugh must at least have a mild painkilling effect.. GOOD LUCK! xxx

[alikat724]

Thank you Alex, as you say - treadmill is always better than no run! :)

[HypodeemicNerdle]

Thank you! Off to google some much less expensive shoes and some hip strengthening exercises so I can get a bit faster and run for a lot longer. Really appreciate the tips, and answers to other peoples questions too

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@smellsofsick

Hi Alex, just on the top tips section of your book, which I've loved, so sorry if you've covered this already! My question is race snacks:

Got my first half in May and am bricking it. The only thing that is keeping me going is planning stuff to take my mind off the actual running. Do you have a top tip on what to eat on the course and when? Or even at all. I'm hoping you're going to say a family size pack of Haribo...

Not far off! I use Jelly Beans - you can get specific ones in sports shops, made by Jelly Belly, and you can get Lucozade ones. Personally I struggle to get Lucozade or Powerade down me at all, and I find the gloopy gels make my hands so sticky, especially when they're hot from being carried in my sticky paws for however many miles. So I decant two packs of the jelly beans and half a clothes peg (don't ask, it's a good luck thing, the same half a peg, not for eating) into a tiny freezer bag and have a few every time I'm struggling.

Good luck with the half ! xx

[CogitoErgoMum]

I've got big boobs and small feet. This has led me to believe that running is not for me. It hurts so much that it cannot be good for me. But I have such limited time, it is the only exercise I think I can realistically fit in to a day. If I start doing something, how long before I can go 30 minutes without actually wanting to die? I try to run and remember child birth, but then I am just reliving the pain of child birth and experience the pain of running - which is just worse.
So, I guess my question is, if I buy your book will it help me over come these mental and physical obstacles (the pain - not the small feet and big boobs - I don't expect miracles.
Please say it will!

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@Shewhojuggles

Hi Alex,

I'm a C25K graduate and ran my first 10k on Sunday - terrifying but very proud! I wanted to ask about recovery and how much pain is 'normal' please? I tried to go out for a little jog last night and couldn't manage 1k. My les are often agony for several days after my long run. Generally I run 5-6k on a Tuesday and a longer run 6-10k go the weekend.

Thanks!

I am running out of time but it sounds like you need to streeeeeetch! Get a foam roller or an instrument of TERROR called 'THE GRID'. There are some links on my website runninglikeagirl.co.uk which talk about the basics. I think you're being quite tough on your leg muscles and perhaps not allowing them time to streeeeetch and heal. xxx

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@Catilla

Hi Alex, I haven't seen your book but you sound like an inspiration. However all your answers so far seem like you have very much become "a runner" and a believer!
When you were first starting, how did you get over the initial hurdles? For example I start couch to 5k and enjoy the first couple of runs, finding it quite easy. Then I feel bored of running! Then I find after about week 4-5 the increases seem too big. Did you experience these feelings?
How do you link the big picture motivation (get slimmer, grow old more flexibly) to the day to day grind and the problem of fitting it into your day/clothes/shower/children/work/etc routine?
Thanks!

I don't want to be just sell sell sell here but to answer you properly would be to rewrite the book! It is basically all about how I was the definition of a 'non believer'. I wanted to look like a woman from a sportswear catalogue and I was just someone wearing a grey old bra unable to run to the end of my road. Look at your motivations - if you want to just get thinner, it probably won't work. what MIGHT happen is that you realise that feeling strong, feeling your head clear from being outside for 20 minutes a few times a week, feeling that you're being a different you than you might have ever dreamt is quite a good feeling... xxx

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@CQ

Hi Alex, I've just been laid low by a horrid virus flu-like thing (but obvs not flu as I am not a man).

How long should I leave off running for? I've just been out walking with the dogs and my usual big hill gave me palpitations and sweats so I'm guessing my usual 1 hour HIT runs should not start again just yet. But I don't want to lose all my fitness.

Today is the first day I've even felt like going outside for a walk, but I'm still constantly craving chocolate??.

Oh blimey, that's rough. My dad (who is of course always right) says that if you've been ill in your chest (ie your lungs) leave it til you are FULLY better, especially in winter, as you don't want to be expanding your lungs and filling them with cold air when they're weak.

If walking is not making you feel great, leave it a bit. It takes about 2 weeks to lose fitness altogether and it is pleasingly surprising how good taking a total rest can make you feel!

Also, you have made me lol re the man flu. I am getting a bit delirious!

[Mitchy1nge]

thank you alex x

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@TwelveLeggedWalk

Oh god, squats. You're right!

I KNOW. NIGHTMARE! But we'll get to the top of the stairs first if Mark Ruffallo is ever in the attic.

[Catilla]

Hi Alex, I haven't seen your book but you sound like an inspiration. However all your answers so far seem like you have very much become "a runner" and a believer!
When you were first starting, how did you get over the initial hurdles? For example I start couch to 5k and enjoy the first couple of runs, finding it quite easy. Then I feel bored of running! Then I find after about week 4-5 the increases seem too big. Did you experience these feelings?
How do you link the big picture motivation (get slimmer, grow old more flexibly) to the day to day grind and the problem of fitting it into your day/clothes/shower/children/work/etc routine?
Thanks!

[CQ]

Hi Alex, I've just been laid low by a horrid virus flu-like thing (but obvs not flu as I am not a man).

How long should I leave off running for? I've just been out walking with the dogs and my usual big hill gave me palpitations and sweats so I'm guessing my usual 1 hour HIT runs should not start again just yet. But I don't want to lose all my fitness.

Today is the first day I've even felt like going outside for a walk, but I'm still constantly craving chocolate…….

[MelanieCheeks]

Hi Alex, welcome along!

I've just recently got into running, and am loving weekly ParkRuns, though I find it odd that I don't just get faster in a nice straight graph each week....

My biggest problem is breathing. What's you're best tip for finding a breathing style that works?

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@AmberNectarine

Thanks so much for your response - you're right it IS all in my head. I have been incorporating some strength training on my rest days so hopefully that should help!

My aim is to be able to run a whole 10k with no walking by May. Fingers crossed!

COME AND DO IT WITH ME! You'll see how red I get and we can all have a laugh at that.. x

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@WhatUsain

Hi Alex,

I've been loving your answers on the thread, they're so helpful. I was just wondering if you had any tips of how to bridge the gap between 5 & 10k? Are there any good apps/training programmes, or is it just a case of adding a bit of distance to each run?

Thanks!

Hello ! THank you re the answers. I think my fingers are getting more tired than my legs have ever been! I have answered re 5k to 10k, and I would say keep in touch as I am training for one and will be posting coming up to May. wooooop!

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@alikat724

Hi Hemmo! Another sycophant here. Thank you so much for your awesome book, I have recommended to a colleague who like me is doing the London Marathon in 7 weeks and have adopted pretty much ALL both your's and your Dad's advice, including Vaseline-ing my feet!

I have run lots of 5 and 10 kms, and the Greenwich Half last year but London 2014 will be my first and I think only Marathon. My question is -have you ever used treadmills for speed or hill work? I did an interval session on Tuesday night and found it quite useful to be able to be precise about my speed but is this copping out?

I think if you're taking marathon training seriously there can be no talk of copping out - you're doing a great thing however you approach it.

I have used a treadmill in the past for hill training - when I did that mad night run in Edinburgh I did it once a week for about 6 weeks. Purists are of the mindset (and they are basically right) that running on a treadmill is not as good as running on actual ground, as the physics are such that you are only having to keep pushing your body up off the treadmill, rather than forward along the road. On a treadmill you just land, rather than go forward, if you see what I mean.

But if it's treadmill or no run - you still get the heart going, the endorphins whizzing around, the legs a bit stronger. It's always worth doing something instead of nothing. xx

[WhatUsain]

Hi Alex,

I've been loving your answers on the thread, they're so helpful. I was just wondering if you had any tips of how to bridge the gap between 5 & 10k? Are there any good apps/training programmes, or is it just a case of adding a bit of distance to each run?

Thanks!

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@HuffPuffPant

Hi Alex,

Thanks for coming in - loved your book!

I've only recently started running, but am chuffed with myself as I recently ran 5 k, something I didn't know I could do! I'm currently debating signing up for a 10 k run but keep chickening out and doubting myself. How do you know when you're ready to do a big race like that?

Also, cheeky second question - how do I get better at hills? I'm worried the answer is, "run up more hills!"

I'm afraid you're right about the hills - but I have answered in a bit more detail in earlier posts!

And if you are debating doing a 10k .... you're ready to do it. I sincerely believe that if you have the taste for it and you can do 5k, you will be fine. I'm doing one in London on 10th May, and the British 10k is also fun, and I always keep posting events I like the look of on Twitter/my website/my FB page, so keep an eye out and take a go at it! Good luck and let me know how you get on! xxx

[AlexandraHeminsley1803]

@Notmorelego

Hi Alex

I have been running for two years now and am doing my second half marathon this weekend. I loved your book and it really helped keep me motivated. I just want to increase my stamina - I get so cross that after 2 years I can't run any faster than a ten minute mile. I run about 20 miles a week in a very hilly area so I really think I should see some improvement. I keep telling myself the only race is against myself and I'm only running for me etc but then I see other people posting their pbs and feel demoralised. Did you ever feel that way?

Well I can only do JUST under a 10 minute mile and I rarely manage that on race day anyway! So don't feel tooooo bad!

But essentially the answer to getting speedier is sprints - I have answered more fully earlier so maybe read through other answers but I've described my rather amateurish HIT technique as well as the reasons for it.. xxx