Share your running tips to win a copy of This Mum Runs PLUS Thule Glide sports stroller worth over £300!

[SorchaMumsnet]

Excited for the Olympics? To celebrate the publication of British athlete Jo Pavey's This Mum Runs, here's a chance to win a copy of the new book PLUS a Thule Glide sports stroller - perfect for any mum who runs.

Jo Pavey was 40 when she won the 10,000m at the European Championships. It was her first gold medal and, astonishingly, it came within months of having her second child. Now 42, Jo will be representing Team GB in the Athletics squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Jo has been dubbed ‘Supermum’, but her story is in many ways the same as every mother juggling working life with a family – the sleepless nights, the endless nappy changing and the school-run chaos. The only difference is that Jo is a full-time athlete pushing a buggy on her training runs and clocking up miles on the treadmill while her daughter has her lunchtime nap.

Heartwarming and uplifting, This Mum Runs follows Jo’s roundabout journey to the top and all the lessons she's learned along the way. It is the inspiring yet everyday story of a mum that runs and a runner that mums.

Share your running tips for a chance to win a copy of This Mum Runs plus a Thule Glide award-winning high performance sports stroller worth over £300.

This discussion is sponsored by Penguin Random House and will end on 17 August

[tamalyn1]

having just started my own running group in april i have to say i have enjoyed it sooo much, have made so many new friends, finally ran a full 5km and am loving the summer weather! my tip is to run slow, if you are not sure, then run slower, try running 1k without stopping then try upping it every time you go, you will be suprised at how much you can do, and always stretch afterwards very important to not get injuries.

[katyj182]

Go early to avoid other people when you're starting out. Really helped me to get over feeling self conscious when I had to alternate running and walking every few metres! Also...good, upbeat music always helps with motivation.

[Pestopanini]

Learn how to breathe properly and then when you start just push past that initial feeling that you can't breathe, because you can. Once you learn to breathe properly you will be amazed at what you can do. Couch to 5k is a great way to start.

[Ntinyn]

Watch some YouTube videos on proper stretches and breathing while running. Run an extra block each week and warm down properly too.

[JoCar72]

I think most Mums know that when you have very small children 'being given the runaround' is an occupational hazard. My tip is to try to always stay one step ahead of them or risk the wrath of the 'tickle monster'!

[cocochips]

Take it easy and pace yourself

[Theimpossiblegirl]

I'm a mum who is about to start running.
My tip is to drive somewhere where you are unlikely to see anyone you know. This was passed on to me and I think it's a great idea!

[Mozarmstrong]

I own a good pain r of running trainers . Do it for yourself so what if her next door can run faster I don't need to catch her up! She might be surprised one day when she is behind me x

[Hashburner123]

I started running in March 2015 when my little boy was 4 months old -I couldnt run to the end of the street! I did C25K and walked and walked with my little boy firstly which was a great way to start and then started entering some 5k and 10k races as an aim! Each month since then I entered a race and I have just completed my 4th half marathon this year!

I have knocked 30 minutes from my half marathon time in 9 months and lost 4 stone!! My little boy is 21 months now and is my most favourite supporter!! Come on mummies get running!! Xxx

[Hashburner123]

P.s once you see your little medal collection building you just want more!! X

[Bishybishybarnabee]

Even the short runs count. It can be tricky juggling kids, work, everything AND fitting in a run - so if you only have twenty minutes for a run then go and run for twenty minutes. Sure still get those longer ones in when you can, but every bit counts. I now run on my work lunch break a couple of times a week. It gives me so much more energy for the rest of the day, and means I can squeeze in another 8k or so into my week.

[BikeRunSki]

Properly fitted running shoes
Properly fitted high impact bra
Couch to 5K
Tick chart
Positive mental attitude

[mirrah]

I am a wheelchair user now and can't stand up for longer than a minute, never mind run, but I really do miss just being able to get up and walk out of the door and going for a walk.

I used to be able to run quite fast when I was younger and always remember the basics,

1. Get advice from a physiotherapist about which running shoes/trainerswould be best for you. Your feet are unique to youand you may find that you need a pairof running shoes with more arch support, more heel support or more pad support. This is really important for comfort and reducing running injuries.
   
   
2. Goand visit your G.P. I know this might sound silly, but your G.P. can give you a general health check before you do anything that may make you ill. Some people don't realise that they have a vitamin dieficiency or a hidden and undiagnosed illness like heart problems or diabetes, etc.,
   
   
3. If you are a wonderful Woman, then a well fitting sports bra can stop you from getting sore, chapped, inflamed, thrush ridden bosoms and any associated shoulder strap injuries that may manifest.
   
   
4. Get a personal rape alarm for when you are out running by yourself and never listen to music when you are running as you won't be able to hear if there is someone behind you or shouting a warning to you. A bitof a killjoy, I know, but you can always listen to music when you get home. Safety first people. If you can enslave a running buddy, then all the better.
   
   
5. Always take your mobile phone with you incase of accident, illness or other emergency when you are out running and always tell a family member your route and roughly how long you should be. Safety first people.
   
   
6. Take a bottle of drinking water with you to stay hydrated while you are running. (also acts as a distraction if you are attacked while out running as you can throw it in their face which will give you some precious time to get away or activate your rape alarm)
   
   
7. You must first learn to walk before you can run. In other words, start off doing walks that gradually get longer to gently build up your strength and stamina, then walk it a bit faster until you can do so easily, then start to do it in a jog all the while building up slowly to reach your peak fitness. Remember to do your warm up exercises before you start and your cool down stretches and exercises at the end of your run to minimise injury.
   
   
8. Remember to adjust your diet as you build up strength and stamina. Your calorific and nutritional needs will change as you burn off those pounds.
   
   
9. Remember to take suitable rest periods between running and training sessions as your body needs to adjust and heal because you are building new muscle and your body will be changing due to your exercise and diet changes.
   
   
10. Have fun, be safe, keep healthy and have those support bandages and ice packs handy and the odd blister plaster to gingerly put on when you have to.

[lottietiger]

Start with a very small goal, just going to the end of the road and back for instance and track the steps on your watch/phone. Then everyday just do a few more and a few more until you realize you are going a fair distance. Get yourself a decent bra, trainers & socks, nothing more annoying than socks slipping or rubbing and your boobs getting sore!

[bridge16]

A good sports bra like a Shock Absorber can make a huge difference! Also setting yourself realistic targets so you dont get deflated and give up. If just getting back into it after having a baby then slowly increase the distance.

[bogglebonce]

Start off walking at first, then start speeding up then when you think the time is ready start a slow jog. When I finally started to jog I played the lamp post game, walk to the next lamp post then run to the one after and keep repeating. Then build it up walk to one lamp post, run 2 lamp posts etc. before long you will be counting how many minutes you can run for. Essential equipment are good running shoes, not just a pair of old trainers, and a good bra, nothing worse than your dangly bits going in different directions.

[dannydog1]

Join a club and don't worry what you look like

[Laurajp35]

Let your inhibitions go, free your mind and run!

[Louwilko83]

I always find I am more motivated when I have something to train for! That reminds me...must enter a half marathon asap!!!

[comeagainforbigfudge]

Im working my way through c25k for the second time and i would say if you just starting out, slow down. Then slow down some more until you are at a slug like pace.

Doesn't matter how long it takes you to "run" 5k, you still faster than the couch potato

[RunningForMySanity]

Join a club. Single best thing I did since starting running. The support and camaraderie and the inspiration you get from running together with people from all walks (or runs!) of life is simply the best I've ever experienced

[YellowShockedFace]

This won't win the competition but go for a wee before you run

[Pickofthepops]

Soundtrack - I can't run without my face tunes - v important

[lozzmc]

The best thing I ever did was to join a running club, at first I thought as many others did that they would all be elite runners but it's not the case at all. They have runners of all abilities, from the best in the area to run/walkers. Everyone is supported at the club.
If you are like me and can't get out running during the week after work, look online you will be surprised at how many local small
And cheap races there are mainly during the summer, I sign up on line and it motivates me to get out.

[windowmouse]

Get an activity tracking band such as Fitbit as this can be really motivating,seeing the steps clocking up and calories burned.