Can I run in a 10k run with one month's training?

[jasper]

Or am I mad to consider it?
I got roped into running in a 5k "fun" run last weekend with two weeks notice to train. I am not fit and completely unathletic but managed to run (slowly) all the way.It was very hard going but I felt a great sense of achievement at the end.It was the furthest I have run in my life
Now I am considering doing a 10k run at the end of April. I have no ambitions to get a fast time, just to complete the course running most if not all the way.
Do you think it is possible and if so does anyone know of a sensible training programme I could follow?
Thanks.

Inspired by you guys - might have a go at the Windsor 8k - can't be too difficult can it? Not v fit though although do lots of walking just never been sporty - so wondering if it'll be lots of competitive runners entering. Any thoughts?

Agree with Twink about the value of keeping a running diary. If nothing else, it reinforces that you can have up days and down says. You might even be surprised and find that the run that you felt crap on, you actaully did faster than you hade a few weeks before . There again, if it's slower, you have an excuse - you felt crap!

I used to find that comments like "after about a mile, started to feel better" or "felt 'looser' today" helped me feel more in control of my porgress. It also helped me get around the run, as I'd distract myself by thinking about waht I was going to write at the end of the run! (eg "feel awful, legs tight, shouldn't be doing this....." and after a while - but not always - thinking "I'm starting to relax a bit, my legs feel easier... )

But I do have to admit the best bit of a run is the end of it!

If the Windsor 8k you are talking about is this then it sounds perfect.

There might be competitive runners (although they'd be more likely to be doing the half marathon the following day) but that won't matter - most runners are a very supportive bunch anyway.

Give it a go !

Thanks, it is that one and hope to do it!

Hello mumsnet runners! I am running my first Race for Life on July 25 at Millfield (Somerset), sort of in memory of my gran and uncle and in celebration of my nanny who had a sarcoma when she was just 18 months old and spent a year in hospital. She is now 25 and totally healthy and the most brilliant person, my two dds love her to bits. Anyway, I used to run a lot years and years ago (like, 15 years ago!) but am now pretty much starting from scratch. I have been following the Tescos training planner and now manage 3 x 8 minute bursts with 2 mins walking in between. I love it! BUT...my knees really hurt. I can 'run through it' but yesterday I was hobbling along for the first couple of minutes. What shall I do? I warm up and try and run on the grass but its very muddy around here - lots of fields, beautiful for running but very muddy and wet. I have crappy running shoes which I guess I should sort out? Would one of those strappy knee things help? I won't have to give up will I??? Sorry, a long message but don't know any other runners near me and could do with some support, thanks for listening.

Hi Nancy, welcome and well done for getting back out there! My (5th) Race for Life is on the 13th June and I've also signed up for the Flora Light in Birmingham on 5th September.

New running shoes are definitely a must if your knees are hurting. I've worn a knee brace before, for netball not running but somehow it just made me more 'aware' of the problem and I tended to favour the other leg which causes problems in itself. Make sure you remember to have your rest days (like you'd forget!). i also take cod liver oil which seems to help my ageing joints

Hi, welcome !

I am doing RFL on July 4th & 11th and have just signed up for the Great South Run in October.

Luckymum is spot on (as usual !), sort out your shoes as a priority.

I was advised not to wear a knee brace when I had problems as the leg muscles can become reliant on it & weaken leading to more problems, but I guess that will depend what the cause of the pain is.

Another good but ££ supplement is glucosamine, which I take when I am increasing my mileage.

Have a look at Runners World Beginners Section for some ideas (I know you're not a true beginner but there is some good stuff in it )

Good luck and let us all know how you are doing !

Can anyone advise re. an injury?
Since running the 10k my left calf is sore. Fine most of the time day to day but during a run gets very sore starting down near the ankle/achilles area and spreading up to affect most of the way up the back of my my calf.

I can hardly go for more than three miles without it becoming VERY sore. It is even sore to walk on.
I took a week off and it made no difference.

I always do loads of stretches before and after running, and also generally throughout the day.
Any ideas?

I'll look it up in my womens running book tomorrow Jasper.

Is it triggered by anything other than running ? eg first thing in the morning does it feel stiff ? (This is a running thread btw before any of you Chat types butt in ! )

Is there anything you can do which alieviates it ? Have you tried (apart from R) RICE = Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation ? Ibruprofen gel/tablets ?

Ouch! - sounds like it could be tendonitis. My dh had it and it did go evenutally but he rested for about 4 weeks and also has some ultrasound treatment. Hope Twink gives you better news Jasper.

Well, I've checked my books, which fortunately are consistent.

Problems with Achilles' tendons usually cause extreme stiffness first thing in the morning which gradually improves as movement warms & loosens the calf. When running it usually improves as you continue, which gives a false sense of security.

Causes can be:
Sudden dramatic increases in mileage or intensity
Running in sand (!)
Tight calf muscles
Overpronation
Frequent wearing of high heels (shortens calf muscles) so when you switch to trainers your Achilles & calves are forced to stretch quickly

I also looked up general calf pain. It's defined as inflammation in the muscles of the calf. Symptoms can include pain & tenderness, tightness & possible swelling.

Causes can include:

Sudden dramatic increases in mileage or intensity
Lots of running on hills or uneven surfaces

For both conditions treatment is similar:

RICE
Ibuprofen
Stretch followed by ice (particularly to reduce tendon irritation
Wear street shoes with low heels

Only run if it doesn't hurt

Cross-train to maintain fitness, may include elliptical trainer, swimming etc

If it doesn't improve, get help !!

Hope things get back to normal soon, take care.

How's the leg now Jasper ?

Hi twink - I was wondering how everyone was. I'm on countdown for my RFL, next Sunday, and feeling really good. Haven't had a 'bad' run in ages so the one I'm due will probably be then .How are you doing?

Hey that's great Luckymum !

I've been banned from running for a week (strained tendon in foot) but ban expires tomorrow, thank goodness as I've been cycling & swimming instead which just isn't the same...

Do you think you're on target for your sub 25 ? I'm hoping to do that too but I've got a few more weeks before mine.

No Twink - I don't think I'll be sub 25. I'm enjoying it, I think because I'm running with a couple of ladies who run slightly slower but go further. You never know though - it depends a lot on the weather, last year it was in the 80's, so if its cooler I'll push myself a bit. (this is what I looked like at the end - very red!!

Sorry to hear about the foot - ease yourself back in won't you?

HI Twink, and a belated thank you for researching that for me.
leg still a bit sore but stretching it loads seems to help.
You have inspired me to go for a wee run right now!

Well I made it - under the 30 but nowhere near 25 . I enjoyed it though, it was pretty warm but not so bad as last year. I ran alongside a woman who's best friend died yesterday.

I haven't had a very good week.....what do you think? - I've had a nosebleed 2 out of the last 3 times I've run, not too bad but enough to make me walk for about 10 mins, and then on Friday while I was driving with dd in the car I had a really funny turn. Felt a bit woozy not like I was going to faint but not focusing properly, with a ringing in my ears and sort of unco-ordinated. I had to stop the car and it took 2 or 3 minutes to pass. When I parked up my arms felt really heavy and weak. It was a bit scary and I'm not sure what to make of it.

Well done ! I did think of you around 11.20 today, wondering how it was going.

As for the funny turn, I think I'd go and see your GP for some reassurance - I had a similar one recently but I'd given blood the day before which apparently can trigger things like that.

Let us know how you get on, hope it's short lived and easily explained.

I went out early today (yes back to it !) and was glad I did, as it was hot for running even at 9am.

I've just been looking at the pics of people doing the run in the Sentinel.

Well done

Are you in Stoke then JulieF?

Twink - been to GP today......blood pressure is up a bit and mines usually quite low so I suppose its a marked raise. Got to go again in a fortnight to have it re-checked but I can carry on running - how's your foot and Jasper how are you doing?

Yes I am in sunny stoke right on the staffs/cheshire border near Kidsgrove.

I'm between Hanley and Leek on Staffs Moorlands border..........Hello!

Fingers crossed it comes down soon Luckymum.

I'm back to running but have various aches and pains in calves & a hamstring which I'd rather went away so I'm going to swim a bit more (need to though as a friend has persuaded me to enter a sprint triathlon..)

Yes, how are you Jasper ?

JulieF are you a runner too, if not can we persuade you to start ??

Me a runner HA HA HA HA HA HA. (picks herself off the floor)

I may occasionally run with the double buggy up the road to catch the last post but thats about it.

I'll stick to just sponsoring other people I think.

Luckymum so now you have done the Race for life what is next, the Potteries Marathon?!