So..... running [Archive] - Page 5

BBx

23-06-2011, 22:02

Well done Jonny :)

Well my last 5km run didn't go too well.. :( was in the gym and aiming to get to the body pump class at 7.30 and started running about 7.10 so entered 20mins into the machine to do 3km.

Then halfway through thought sod it I'll be late for the class and went on to do the full 5km. Except forgot to up my time and the stupid machine started the cool down programme :angry:

So every min I had to whack the speed back up to 11.5km/h = VERY annoying! :angry::angry::angry:

I did 30mins of running anyway and 5.46km so would have been about the same time, apart from I was actually running the fastest I have so far - so bloody typical!!! GRR.

Anyway thats that... I am more concerned about the weather for the day a) because its going to be dangerous if muddy and b) I'll freeze my ass off as the pants I have only really fit me as actual pants :/ and won't go over my running shorts :/

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2052/imag0526b.jpg

Oh well!

BB x

Will

23-06-2011, 22:35

Nice! :cool:

Mondo

23-06-2011, 22:45

Off topic, but is anyone else getting the thing that theres an extra page in this thread, and then when you click to go to the next page, it takes you to the top of the page you were just on, and there isn't a new page at all. :)

That's the bug in the forum software for a thread over 100 pages....it needs a new thread.

anyway, ran 4km again today, well, I jogged. it was 7.6 on the speed thingy.

It is certainly getting easier, i can feel it.

BBx

23-06-2011, 23:22

Yay mondo! It will get easier and easier :D

BB x

lostkat

24-06-2011, 05:17

Guys, I am confused. It's summer. Why on earth aren't you running outside?

jmc41

24-06-2011, 07:37

I am, hate treadmills, only use them for gait analysis, feels like I'm speeding along when they set the machine is at 7.5, and I assume that's kph.

BBx

24-06-2011, 13:01

i think Summer is confused as well because so far until today all I have seen is rain.

Would love to run outside, but its too dark (dangerous) for me by the time I get out of work and back into the ghetto.

Plus I pay an extortion for my gym membership to use their equipment.

After the 10K I think I will go back to doing my 20min runs 3 times a week after work outside - only problem I have with this is that I won't be using the gym as much and I likes the gym innit :p

BB x

Mondo

24-06-2011, 13:14

Guys, I am confused. It's summer. Why on earth aren't you running outside?

There are pretty girls in the gym :p

I dunno, running outside means lots of road crossing and I am crap at pacing myself.

lostkat

24-06-2011, 17:28

Utterly piss poor excuses, sorry guys! Disappointed :p

P.S. jmc i know you do. Wasn't directed at you ;)

Knipples

24-06-2011, 19:27

Guys, I am confused. It's summer. Why on earth aren't you running outside?

I am! I find it easier on the grass because of my knee. :)

BBx

24-06-2011, 23:11

Well I'm not wasting my money or jeapordising my personal safety so suck it up Reeves!

:p

lol

BB x

Mondo

24-06-2011, 23:23

I don't have the safety excuse...so I am going to go with the pretty girls excuse :p

Von Smallhausen

26-06-2011, 00:17

Went and got my gait done and Asics Gel were recommended with medium support. Went running on them and comfortably did more than I usually do.

Also treated myself to a Nike GPS watch which is a good bit of running gear.

Matblack

26-06-2011, 11:03

Sooooo, it's the day after, my time (according to Runkeeper) for the 5k yesterday (which Runkeeper says was 4.95km but I suspect thats just GPS error) was

28.12 minutes

I enjoyed the run from the registration and the mass warm up to the actual run although I was slightly nervous about the whole thing and didn't know where to place myself in the line up.

I the end I chose to line up about 2/3rd of the way down the field and in retrospect should have been a bit further forward as a few of the pack in front were too slow for me, but I soon popped out and went around them and found someone who seemed to be running at a reasonable pace to track when they started to slow I picked another person and did the same again then towards the end I ran my own pace.

I did find I had to slow to a walk on two occasions but only for 100m or so and then pulled myself together and got on with it. This is something I need to work on and is either a result of going off too fast or just poor pacing in general but I will crack it.

I managed to sprint the last 200m or so to the finish and overtook a couple of people finishing much stronger than I have in past but this is probably a side effect of seeing an actual finishing line :)

Overall I enjoyed the day and would certainly do it again, I raised £375.37 for Prostate Action much of which came from you chaps so think you very much :) And thank you to everyone who came to support us it was great to see Mel and a lovely surprise to see Paul. Mel took some photos so despite my promises not to release a picture of me in my pants, you may get some anyway :o

Having achieved my first goal of running a 5k I suppose I should review my targets for the future. My preparation for this run was interrupted quite significantly by my calf problems and I don't feel I fulfilled my full potential, however whether I am permanently going to be limited by this weakness remains to be seen and this may be a key factor in my future aims.

Right now my sights are set on the Royal Romp 5k in August and I'll be preparing for that using a mixture of Elliptical training and road running to try to reduce the chance of hurting myself again, I'd like to get down to around 25 minutes for the 5k and not have any slow down in pace at all. Medium term I'd like to do a 10k next year, for me that would be a real challenge and a step up from something which 'anyone' could do (even without significant training) to something special, next step after that would be a half marathon and I'm still not sure on that one. One thing I can say is I'm pretty confident I won't run a marathon at any point; its just too much time commitment for me but I have utmost respect for those who do it, even 5k is hard work 40k is, well, its a 'marathon' commitment :D

MB

lostkat

26-06-2011, 11:46

Heh, I used to say that about a marathon Matt. Be careful ;)

Well done for yesterday. It's a real achievement to cross that finish line and collect your medal. You've proved that you CAN do it. Personally I think that your walking breaks were purely down stamina and in that respect you will get there. It's mind over matter and there never comes a point when you don't FEEL like stopping... You just manage to overcome it and keep going :)

If your injury problems get sorted and you decide to run a HM, I will run it with you, if you feel you want someone to keep pushing you onwards.

Again, WELL DONE. Damn fine achievement :)

petemc

26-06-2011, 12:07

Congrats Matt :) Ace achievement.

lostkat

26-06-2011, 17:29

How's the marathon training going Pete?

Will

26-06-2011, 18:21

You did brilliantly well Matt. :)

jmc41

26-06-2011, 22:09

Great job Matt!

Am trying to inspire a friend to go for the C25K (he really struggling cycling around the IOW this weekend).

BBx

26-06-2011, 22:30

I got a PB for my 5k on saturday. :) 26m48secs

10k next weekend...

Knackered... Matt you did soooo well! I would be chuffed with that!

Surprised at how small the race was (only 250ish people ran). Am used to the whole Race For Life rigmoral, but in a ways I preferred it :)

BB x

Kitten

26-06-2011, 22:55

loved the pants! looking hawt Missy!

Jonny69

28-06-2011, 21:08

Did a very very careful 3k at the weekend to check everything was ok, then a longer 7k at lunchtime today. Ooooh me ITB's didn't like that :D

Definitely suffered from not running (only cycling) since late April / early May, but it feels so good to be back on the streets. Hopefully get a run in Belgium next week so I'll take some snaps and update the other thread :)

Desmo

28-06-2011, 21:24

Great work mate. Once I'm better I'll hit the road again, haven't run for a while now :(

Well impressed you dipped under the 30 minute mark too :D

BBx

28-06-2011, 21:41

whats up James? Ru injured? Missed you say....?!

BB x

Desmo

29-06-2011, 11:55

Been ill for the last 12 or so days. Really hit me for six and not been down the gym or doing cardio.

BBx

29-06-2011, 12:18

5u><0rz

:(

GWS mate.

BB x

BBx

29-06-2011, 23:01

27m 35s

BB x

petemc

30-06-2011, 11:13

How's the marathon training going Pete?

Good so far. Did 8 miles last Saturday which is the furthest I've run since the half in March. Went ok. Finding sticking the to plan is tricky though. I was away in London on Monday / Tuesday so I couldn't do those days. I'm away this weekend so I can't do my long run. I'm hoping this won't be too much of an issue in the grand scheme of things.

BBx

30-06-2011, 21:06

So. I thought I'd do 10km tonight to prove I could do it.

Did it in 58m 05s would have done it sub 28m if I had jacked up the speed a bit mpre, but considering by that point I would see the end in sight & would be sprinting anyway lets just say sub 28mins ;)

Thats running at a steady pace of 10.3km/h & finishing on 11km/h at 0.5 incline.

6/7km was the wall...got bored :/ more new tunes needed I think.

Did a lot of stretching afterwards...think i'll be ok come sunday.

last 10k time was 1hr10 so anything sub that & i'll be happy :)

BB x

Pickers

30-06-2011, 21:15

I really miss running :( but my knee just wont get better. kinda stuck on what to do. I intend to vist docs when I move and register in new surgery in Summer.

It sucks :(

Mondo

30-06-2011, 23:03

Ran 5.09km today in 34:53. :)

Pace was 11min per mile.

Kitten

01-07-2011, 10:30

Will

01-07-2011, 11:09

haha! ;D Well spotted! :D

BBx

02-07-2011, 00:16

lololololololololololol! :D

BB x

BBx

03-07-2011, 16:35

10km DONE!

New PB 57mins exactly :D

BB x

Edit: so used to typing 27 nowadays! :p

Will

03-07-2011, 17:24

Don't believe her, it was actually 57mins ;)

Amazingly well done. :cool:

lostkat

03-07-2011, 19:04

WOOP WOOP! Damn fine run Mei Mei. Well done :)

jmc41

07-07-2011, 07:05

10km DONE!

New PB 57mins exactly :D

BB x

Edit: so used to typing 27 nowadays! :p

Well it's not as good as the new WR you set earlier at 28 mins :P But still good job :D

petemc

13-07-2011, 10:16

Um, nuts. Spoke to a sports therapist the other night. He was concerned about my RunKeeper training program. He's suggested I do fartlek training, hills and things. So I need a new program. Erp.

Matblack

13-07-2011, 10:43

Kitten

13-07-2011, 10:45

Um, nuts. Spoke to a sports therapist the other night. He was concerned about my RunKeeper training program. He's suggested I do fartlek training, hills and things. So I need a new program. Erp.

heheheh...you said "fart"

petemc

13-07-2011, 10:49

Different people have different opinions, those Runkeeper programs are usually developed by coaches so thats obviously what they think is appropriate, it just so happens that the guy you spoke to has a different opinion. The question is who do you trust more :)

MB

Yeah true. Do I trust random internet guy or someone who is trying to build up their sports therapy business and has UKA qualifications. Surely the guy I know wouldn't want to damage his reputation while he's building up his business.

Just feeling very lost in it all. Thought I could simply follow the RunKeeper guide and do the race. Now its more like an actual job.

petemc

13-07-2011, 11:58

After discussing the issue with Runners World folk (http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages.asp?dt=4&UTN=178302&V=8&SP=) they say I should stick with RunKeeper.

jmc41

13-07-2011, 13:48

I agree with what they're saying, everything I've read is about gradually building to slow long runs of 18-22 or 23 miles max. Normaly no more than 10% or a mile extra a week.

Personally my runnering improved a lot more adding in a longer run Friday even when only doing two in a week. If I never ran more than 8 I'd fear a HM let alone a full one.

Of course, I've not run a marathon so this is all purely imho :)

[Edit] The plan he suggested, with 7 items, is that meant to be per week? The other thing I've read everywhere is to take at least one day a week off! Although that's normally meant to be after a hard run, and even the fartlek doesn't look like it's extremely hard. Normally hard runs are 80-85% I thought?
Stick with the runkeeper plan!

petemc

13-07-2011, 14:15

He wasn't clear. It was just a suggestion of the sort of thing I should probably be doing. I think the one day off would be the stretching day.

Like I said over there, it was more of a chat than a comprehensive programme :)

lostkat

13-07-2011, 18:21

This is your first marathon. From what I remember, you're not trying to do any kind of aspirational time. The main objective is getting round... preferably alive! :)

You don't NEED to do hill springs, fartleks or anything like that, but they will help your endurance as well as speed etc. Personally, unless it's a particularly hilly marathon, I would forget hill sprints at this early stage in your marathon running career. I only did them for my 4th marathon, which is one of the hilliest road marathon in the UK! However, some fartlek training might be beneficial... it really does work, trust me!

It doesn't have to be out and out sprinting, just an increased effort for a set length of time or distance. Many folks do alternate lamp posts. Pick up your speed from one post to the next, then have one lamp post recovery... something like that. It might help you anyway and add some variation to your plan. Plodding at one speed all the time isn't the way to train. Shorter runs should always be quicker than your long slow run, where the aim is getting the distance done.

The main thing is to get the miles in. Your long run is absolutely crucial. Please don't miss it under any circumstances, or you'll find yourself falling behind. If you're planning to be out that day, rejig your plan and do the long run another day. I really cannot stress how important it is to get the distance under your belt. Without that, you have a VERY long and painful marathon to look forward to. 26 miles is a bloody long way!

I've said this before and I'll say it again, a marathon is not just 2 half marathons stuck together. Halfway in a marathon is about 20-22 miles. After that, the wheels start coming off and you fall apart. I cannot describe to you exactly how hitting 'the wall' feels, but you just want to curl into a ball and cry. Your feet feel like someone has sanded them down and made you walk in vinegar, your legs are made of lead, you can't get any air into your body and your mind is utterly fizzled. The only way through is sheer grit, determination and the fitness you've picked up during training.

What date is your marathon Pete? How far are you up to now?

P.S. I trained for London 3-4 runs per week. You don't need to do 6 days of training. You'll lose motivation, or even worse, injure yourself! "It's better to be 10% undertrained than 2% overtrained"

petemc

13-07-2011, 18:29

Cheers Lostkat :)

My marathon date is 9/10/11 :D Lennon's birthday. I'm a month into the training program. Last week I did an 11 mile run, this Saturday its a 12 mile run.

There is an element of fartlek training (*hears Kitten giggling*). There's a run I do like 4 miles then 20 second bursts, 2 min slow, etc.

I'm going to be running for the RNLI which was my mum's favourite charity. I often run past the local station and see them training, so I hope to do a photo essay on them.

lostkat

13-07-2011, 18:34

OK, so you have plenty of time and it sounds like you're on track. That's good!!

When is your first 20 miler planned? Are you doing more than one 20 miler? Are you planning on doing a run over 20 miles?

The fartlek training you have in your plan sounds absolutely fine to me. Just make sure that shorter runs are ran faster and longer runs slower. The interval training is horrible because it takes you out of your comfort zone, but it will help :)

What a great choice of charity to run for :)

petemc

13-07-2011, 18:47

When is your first 20 miler planned? Are you doing more than one 20 miler? Are you planning on doing a run over 20 miles?

Huh. There isn't one. The longest in training is 16 miles. http://runkeeper.com/user/petemc/fitness-class/scheduled-class/328

It says...

Long and slow 22 milers provide a deceptive sense of confidence about completing the full 26 because they don't address the fueling issue. Furthermore, runs over the 3:30 - 4 hour mark breakdown the muscles and will completely exhaust you, which leads to a significant delay in recovery. In addition, running for longer than 3 hours and 30 minutes can significantly increase the chance of injury and doesn't provide significant benefits for the increased risk. Instead, this schedule places runs on both weekend days, which will allow you to carry the fatigue of Saturday's run into Sunday, which will simulate the latter stages of the marathon without having to run 20 miles first.

lostkat

15-07-2011, 05:27

I would strongly disagree with that statement, but as MB says, everyone has their own view. I've done 4 marathons now and I ALWAYS do at least 1 20 miler first, even if my training is horrendous (as it was for Winderere). If you're building up 1 mile a week, your body gets used to the longer runs so you're not, in my opinion, at much risk of injuring yourself unless you're going too quick etc. You also "taper", which means your last 20 miler is about 3 weeks before your marathon, then you crank the distance back down so that you're recovered in time for the big day. 16 miles is a whole 10 miles short of a marathon Pete. Now given that in my previous post, I said that the halfway point is 20-22 miles, that's a bloody long way!

I'm not sure what it's talking about with the "fuelling issue" either. Are you taking gels/water with you on your runs? You should be practicing your fuelling strategy as you train, so you can get used to what works for you. The "deceptive sense of confidence" is all well and good, but I would get the opposite if I'd only done 16 and to me, lack of confidence is much more dangerous in a marathon than too much.... because you'll get to 16, run out of beans, give up and have 10 awful miles to walk.

Anyway, as I've said, people all have their own views on marathon training, but I've never read anything that's suggested a longest run of 16 miles. All the marathoners at my running club will do at least 1 before they run a marathon too. Worth considering anyway... I wouldn't take any single plan as gospel.

petemc

15-07-2011, 20:18

I never even thought to check but when you mentioned it I was quite shocked that the longest run was only 16 miles. I'm no expert but I would have thought it was good to run at least 20 miles just to get your head around the crazy distance. From doing the half marathon I learnt that its good to run a very long run so you can test your shoes, legs, etc.

I got a book by Graeme Hilditch which has good reviews on Amazon. He has a beginners training program that looks good. Fartleks, hills and steadily adding on the miles with a 20 mile run 3 weeks before the marathon.

If you've got a minute I'd appreciate it if you could glance over it and see if it looks any better. I'm meant to be doing 12 miles tomorrow on RunKeeper but Hilditch's plan says 6 miles. I'd prefer to go with his plan now ;)

http://www.fitfaqs.co.uk/_media/beginers%20marathon%20training%20guide.pdf

Mondo

15-07-2011, 21:50

5km in 36min. I think I can officially run a 10min mile!

Kitten

16-07-2011, 10:29

\°/ well done Ray :)

lostkat

16-07-2011, 13:36

I'll have a proper look in a bit, but at a glance it seems like a good plan. However, do NOT drop your mileage back to 6. Stay with 12 and then just keep it level until your plan increases. It'll get you fitter and give you more miles in your legs :)

So, either way you are doing 12 miles today!!! ;)

petemc

16-07-2011, 13:41

So, either way you are doing 12 miles today!!! ;)

Er... or not ;) Busy day so I've already been out in the torrential rain. I did do a fast 6 miles though. Shaved a good 4 mins off my time for that. Hopefully that's not too much of a disaster... :confused:

I'm not actually sure where I got that from. The plan online says do an easy 7-8 miles. Oh well.

Desmo

17-07-2011, 08:58

Good time that Mondo. I really need to get out running on the road as I think the treadmill is holding me back. Once I've stopped doing two hours of cardio a day I can start running again :p

Mondo

19-07-2011, 23:51

5km in 34 min, i think when i started a month ago i did 4km in 35min.

Slowly getting there.

Kitten

20-07-2011, 09:00

Right. Am starting again. Best plans from C25k? pls?

Jingo

20-07-2011, 11:38

Not so much a plan but some advice from someone who goes from couch to 10k about three times a year :p

Make sure you run in some proper shoes - I have seen a suprising amount of people pounding pavements in Converse All Stars.

Learn to understand your body - recognise the differences between 'difficult' and 'overdoing it'; failing to listen to your body will almost certain lead to injury which can be devastating when not into a training lifestyle.

Understand that progress can be slow, and that you may well have outings that will be awful from step 1 - try not to be put off by bad days; this can be difficult when you're not in the mood to go out and previous runs haven't been fun or rewarding.

Keep a log of all your activities - runkeeper, mapmyrun or just a list will do; it is inspiring and motivating to add up your total weekly/monthly/annual miles!

Post on here about it for extra support and motivation! :D

Good luck Kitten! I look forward to reading your progress :)

Kitten

20-07-2011, 18:06

I have done it before :p pretty much every year...,I have gait analysed shoes, was just wondering on the most used plan of the moment I was after, seems to change year on year :)

Lozza

20-07-2011, 20:50

If your looking for something with music to help you along the Podrunner Intervals are great (for me anyway) they do a 9 week C25K kinda thing called first day to 5k (http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html), then a 10 week gateway to 8k (http://www.djsteveboy.com/gw28k.html) followed by a 10 week freeway to 10k (http://www.djsteveboy.com/fw210k.html)

Best bit = free!

Kitten

21-07-2011, 09:12

sounds good, thanks chaps x

BBx

25-07-2011, 21:03

5km 28.05

I did body pump & half of body attack beforehand tho & ran at 10.6km/h 0.5inc

BB x

Mondo

25-07-2011, 22:36

i run at 9.0, damn you are fast!

BBx

25-07-2011, 22:55

You'll get faster Ray! :D I started on 9.5 :)

Just gotta ease it up....

BB x

Mondo

25-07-2011, 23:01

I started at 7.5 !

lostkat

26-07-2011, 07:18

I used to run at 8.5 and 10 was a sprint.. Now I run outside and it's all irreverent cos my legs decide how fast they want to go :-)

petemc

26-07-2011, 09:46

Outside ftw :)

Ordered a Garmin 305 yesterday. Wanna make sure I'm training correctly in relation to my heart rate. Got 30 mins of hills tomorrow, and I live at the bottom of a big hill. It's a chore walking up it let alone running. I'm expect I'll die ;)

Jonny69

31-07-2011, 21:39

Long time no see, folks :)

I got lost in France yesterday and ran 11 miles in scorchio 30+ degree heat instead of the 5k I'd planned :D

Didn't take the camera unfortunately, so I can't update my 'post your running route photos thread', and it was quite picturesque with canals, locks, woodland paths, livestock and traditional French country houses :(

petemc

01-08-2011, 09:34

11 miles in 30+ degree heat? Are you mad?:shocked:

Jonny69

01-08-2011, 13:37

Bloody glad I took water with me :D

It's unbearable when you set out but once you start sweating you keep cool as long as you maintain pace. If you stop for any reason at all, like to get a stone out your shoe, you literally boil up.

I found it quite interesting. Left nipple is a bit raw though :D

petemc

01-08-2011, 18:31

Nipguards ftw. A little odd as you have frankennipples but they do a great job.

Jingo

01-08-2011, 19:41

Vaseline on nips.

BBx

01-08-2011, 20:18

7.5km 42m 50secs

BB x

BBx

02-08-2011, 20:21

I obviously knacked myself out yesterday as I had to split 7.5km tonight :(

Maybe its because I started on 10.5km/h & yesterday I might have been starting on 10.3km/h with 0.5 incline :/ so knackered myself out before I even started. Trying to build my stamina so can run longer distances.

4.5km 26m 30s
3km 17m 27s

Total= 44mins apx

BB x

Kitten

05-08-2011, 13:25

Nipguards ftw. A little odd as you have frankennipples but they do a great job.

I read that as ..."A little odd as YOU have frankenipples"

petemc

05-08-2011, 15:31

If he does then those things will fit perfectly ;)

Been using the Garmin 305 to record my heart rate for training. I had to do a 45 min fartlek session today. 8x 2 mins at anaerobic rate then 3 mins rest. I really struggled to get my heart rate up to my anaerobic rate. I was just about maxing out my aerobic rate.

I also read that losing 2 stone takes about 15 mins off your time. It's gutting to know that no matter how hard I train I just won't be able to set a great time. It's like running with a handicap.

BBx

07-08-2011, 11:25

7.5km in 45mins

OUT ON THE ROAD!!! :D

Yes Reeves you heard right!!! <3

:D

BB x

petemc

08-08-2011, 13:50

OUT ON THE ROAD!!! :D

Nice one :) Best time of year for it as it's sunny in the evenings. Running when its dark at 4pm is annoying.

I'm stepping up my marathon training. I figure its better to push harder now than later. My basic training plan seems a little too relaxed really. 3 miles, rest, 4 miles, rest, 5 miles, rest, long run. Occasional fartlek one week or hills the next. So I'm shaking it up a bit and adding at least hills or fartlek a week along with a good 1-1.5hr cycle.

Matblack

08-08-2011, 14:42

I ran during my lunch hour today, it worked quite well, there are showers here at work so it's easy to get out for 30 minutes get back have a shower and be back at my desk in under an hour. I'm going to try and do this three times a week which will take the pressure off trying to run in the evenings after Amelie is in bed or missing out on spending time with her :)

MB

lostkat

08-08-2011, 18:31

7.5km in 45mins

OUT ON THE ROAD!!! :D

Yes Reeves you heard right!!! <3

:D

BB x
So very proud :-)

And I love running on dark chilly winter nights when you can see your own breath. I'm definitely a winter/spring runner. Have to get up too early in the summer to get out before it's warm

BBx

08-08-2011, 20:57

<3<3<3<3<3

7.5km 43m20s

8km 46m05s

Wish I could gym at lunch :(

Up 4 a jaunt at the weekend Reeves?

BB x

Garp

09-08-2011, 08:18

One of my colleagues at work is a strange lady.

3 years ago she smoked regularly, ate kinda okay, but not particularly healthily, and was a self described 'lazy slob'. She decided to change all that and started running and eating healthily happened as a natural extension of that, along with not smoking.

Last year she ran marathons for the first time. Several of them over the space of a year.

This year she's run a few marathons, won the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu marathon in 6h 19m (a 27.5m trail that climbs up to heights of 4200m, something she can't train for here), and has taken up ultra-running.

She's just been confirmed for this http://www.hurt100trailrace.com/ Crazy lady...

Jonny69

09-08-2011, 20:39

Was hoping to do 10k round Bushy Park this lunchtime but my running partner's knee/ITB/calf has let him down again. We only got up to about 4.5k when it started playing up, we got chicked by a HOT girl in hotpants and long white socks, walked for a bit, took a wrong turning in the park and got lost, ran for a bit, stretched, ran a bit more and clocked up 7k. I'm hoping he's going to be ok because he was trying to push himself through it despite me protesting, but I think he might regret it tomorrow.

Desmo

11-08-2011, 07:11

I've not run for ages :/
The charity run is next weekend :/

;D

Need to try and fit a few runs in within the next week somehow. Not going to be fun as my bro is on holiday from today and all next week so work is going to be doubly knackering as it is...then down the gym and then trying to run. Hey ho, life is fun :D

Matblack

11-08-2011, 13:22

I was contacted today by the Anthony Nolan Trust about doing a press release :shocked:

They gave me a quick interview on the phone and will apparently be contacting local and national media and using my story on their website :o

Don't worry too much Jamie, I'm not at mmy fittest and I seem to be consistantly running times over 30 minutes at the moment, so we just go for it and see what happens :)

MB

Desmo

11-08-2011, 14:29

Great news on the press story mate :)

I'm not going to train legs next week either as they're killing me today ;D

BBx

11-08-2011, 16:20

Wow thats great Matt! :D

Keep us posted!

James... you will be fine! :) good luck to you both - I won't be there to spectate this time :(

BB x

BBx

11-08-2011, 20:38

7.5km = 43m 40 secs
10km = 57m 50 secs

Actually felt good today & probably could have gone further which is a good feeling :) I set the pace at 10.3km/h & went to 10.5km/h for final 2.5k then finished with a sprint at 11.5km/h for last 500m.

Going to keep it up to 7.5k stints 4 a couple of weeks & get out at least 3 times a wk so can keep up the distance.

Happy!

BB x

PS actually thought I might have to switch to running outside as the machines only let you do 60mins max....tested it today & it went into 'Marathon mode' none of the PTs knew what this was & they are going to find out for me :p The distance reading goes up slower & in different increments, but doesnt say what :/

Matblack

11-08-2011, 21:06

The distance reading goes up slower & in different increments, but doesnt say what :/

Lightyears :)

MB

lostkat

11-08-2011, 21:18

miles dear :rolleyes: :p

BBx

11-08-2011, 21:32

But why would it switch from km to miles?

BB x

lostkat

11-08-2011, 21:56

But why would it switch from km to miles?

BB x
Because real runners do it in miles ;) :p :cool:

BBx

11-08-2011, 22:54

Because real runners do it in miles ;) :p :cool:

REAL runners also like running :p

BB x

jmc41

11-08-2011, 23:09

REAL runners also like running :p

BB x

Doh I knew I was missing something.

No running since Monday, climbing the 3 peaks at the weekend. Forecast is Ben Nevis: Rain, Scafell Pike: Rain, and Snowdon: Rain.

Should be... interesting.

lostkat

12-08-2011, 16:56

REAL runners also like running :p

BB x
Haha;D

BBx

15-08-2011, 22:20

8.5km on sat says map my run - took me 58mins :/

10km today took 57m 15s on a different treadmill... which goes over an hour

and in MILES!!!

:D

BB x

lostkat

16-08-2011, 05:29

and in MILES!!!
:cool::cool::cool:
10km = 6.2M

Desmo

16-08-2011, 19:57

First 5km in ages on top of my other cardio....29.36 :D

First time I've beaten the 30 minute barrier. Was so bloody hot in the gym didn't think I was going to make it but managed to zone out near the end and keep on plodding.

It's nothing amazing, but I'm pretty pleased :)

BBx

16-08-2011, 21:30

Thats excellent James! :D

Have fun on sunday, wish i woz there.

BB x

Mondo

16-08-2011, 23:57

REAL runners also like running :p

BB x

I fricking hate running, hate it, hate it, hate it!!!

The best part about it is that it is a great calorie burner and cardio...

Kitten

17-08-2011, 06:34

Matblack

17-08-2011, 11:14

Bah, doesn't look like any papers etc picked up on it anyway but it was a nice thing for them to pick up on :)

MB

Kitten

17-08-2011, 12:21

Bah, doesn't look like any papers etc picked up on it anyway but it was a nice thing for them to pick up on :)

MB

it's probably been filed away for a slow news day. Things like this turn up weeks, sometimes months after an event :)

BBx

17-08-2011, 14:09

6.5km in 37m 35s

Ran outta time :(

BB x

petemc

22-08-2011, 09:02

Matblack

22-08-2011, 10:00

You're doing well Pete but maybe your right maybe you're pushing just a little too hard at the moment. I've had the feeling you're talking about but under very different circumstances, I had this when I was very overweight and started exercising too hard too quickly, I'd come home from a hard walk and colapse in my chair sweating for 30 minutes plus just feel terrible and being close to vomiting. I suspect you are exhausting yourself just pushing too hard too quickly which is probably going to do you more harm than good.

For what it's worth I think you're doing the right thing, take your time, I'm sure it will come together :)

MB

Matblack

22-08-2011, 11:07

OK, I need to have a rethink about my running.

First off a big thank you to Desmo for completing the Royal Romp with me yesterday, he ran my pace and I have little doubt that without having to slow up for me he’d have streaked off to come in under 25 minutes. As it was we finished together on 29.05 which given that yesterday’s course with slightly longer than then the Pants in the Park run (yes, BBx we were right that course was under the quoted 5K) was probably about the same pace as I did in June. And herein lays the problem.

I really want to improve my running, I’m proud of what I have achieved so far but it isn’t enough and I’m having trouble placing why I feel this way. I have no interest in competing, I know I’m too old and not talented enough to do so at any level and it just doesn’t inspire me anyway.
My only real ambition is to run faster and further for me.

Actually that’s wrong; currently my real ambition is to run 5k without having to slow to a walk at least twice! This really got to me yesterday, for some reason I just can’t keep up my running pace for the whole 5k and I really struggle to slow down and conserve my energy, I have a natural pace that I fall in to of around 5.30min/km which would give me a nice 27.30min for 5km which I’d be happy with but at around about 3.5km I find myself needing to slow to a walk for a while before I can run again and then for a similar distance at 4.5km. This means my times are consistently around 30 minutes for that distance. I’m running myself into the ground and then having to walk to recover.

I’m not unproud [sic] of covering 5k in under 30 minutes in fact I’m pretty pleased with it overall but I think I’d be even more pleased with it if I could ‘run’ it rather than ‘run-walk’ it.

I’m not 100% sure what is causing this but I do find that at around these distances my breathing is becoming laboured and running with Jamie yesterday he mentioned that he thought I was breathing quite fast and probably needed to slow my breathing rhythm down. I’m confident that my legs have more in them, I think if I could sort out my cardio fitness (if that is the issue) and solve this problem I could probably do a 10k, actually scratch that I could definitely do a 10k.

Up until now my training has consisted of putting on my shoes, going out the door and running 5k 3 or 4 times a week, because it’s the easiest way for me to train, just bang on Runkeeper and some music and run.

One other thing which is holding me back is I haven’t been as good with my eating lately and I’ve put a little bit of weight back on, not so much as it worry me but it probably isn’t helping and I need to get that back in order.

So right now my thinking is that I need to change it up, I’d like to do the 10k thing but I wonder if I might be a lot better off doing another 5k first and this time training properly for it, rather than just running regular 5ks, doing some splits and sprints and hills and weights and proper stuff.
Your input as ever will be valuable

MB

petemc

22-08-2011, 11:16

Thanks mate :)

I guess I've always taken things within my stride. Sure I've pushed myself to do a 5k, 10k, half marathon and it's been hard work but I've never had injury or anything quite like this. It's on a whole new level. I spent 16 weeks training for a half marathon and I had to get up to that level in 8 weeks for this. It's bloody mental. I dunno how Lostkat keeps doing them.

To get to 10k I just added another 1k on every few Sundays. I'd run 5k's in the week and a LSR (long steady/slow run) on Sunday.

Desmo

22-08-2011, 14:26

I'll say one thing MB, if you want me for another 5km I'm there if I can be :)

You had a real rocky style finish to the run yesterday, going from wanting to walk to a full on sprint for the line. As you've mentioned above, your breathing seemed quite fast in comparison to mine which is slower and deeper. I have no idea what is right or wrong or how you can maybe change your breathing to cope better. There must be some kind of training you can do to increase you lung capacity which may help you cope a little more when you feel the need to walk. I wanted to spur you on yesterday but also didn't want to push too hard...the only time I did was for the finish :)

You've inspired me mate. Whilst I don't want to run lots, I do want to run more and see if I can push myself that little bit more :)

Matblack

22-08-2011, 15:16

I'll say one thing MB, if you want me for another 5km I'm there if I can be :)

You had a real rocky style finish to the run yesterday, going from wanting to walk to a full on sprint for the line.

Cheers Mate, it was really good to have someone to run with, very different very good fun. I think you had a harder time than me pace wise because I ran exactly as I wanted to/ felt I could and you just kept up be it fast or slow!

I think I'll probably do train for another 5k before I start training for a 10k so the possiblity for doing it again is high and when we come up and see you one weekend I could always bring my running shoes and we can go out for a casual training run :)

I did manage to dig deep for that finish but it was all coming from Anerobic sources so once I got about 100m I had to slow again as I just couldn't get enough oxygen in to my system :(. Most training programs have a element of sprints and hills which would expand my reserves and enable me to dig a little deeper for that last sprint.

:weights:

With regard to the Spartan Sprint, I'd happily have a crack at that, two things worry me, the first is that I wouldn't want you running with me, I would definately hold you back for that one and it's your run so that wouldn't be fair, the second is The Wall, that is the only obstacle which I don't think I could do, I ALWAYS failed at the rope climb and wall climb at school and ended up having to go around, I think it's a combination of my weight and low sholder strength but maybe if I start lifting some weight again I'd consider it for 2012!

MB

lostkat

22-08-2011, 19:13

You probably won't want to hear this, but it's stamina Matt, that's all. Pushing yourself will always be uncomfortable, but you just learn to suck it up. Hill reps and speedwork are brilliant for increasing both your fitness and your stamina, so they're definitely a good place to start. However, be prepared for it to be uncomfortable. You may finish a rep and feel like you're about to die, but it will do you good in the long run. Trust me :)

Try running at 75% of your max pace between 2 lamp posts, then have 2 lamp posts gentle jog recovery. Repeat 4-5 times during a run once a week and then increase the number of reps you do... OR find a big hill to run up and then walk down. Catch your breath and then repeat. Once you get good at it, you can sprint up it and jog back down. I bloody hate hill reps and speedwork, but they're a necessary evil!

Once you have 5K cracked, you're laughing. It really does get a LOT easier after that because the first 20 mins running is always the hardest. You sort of get into a groove after that. Once you've found that groove, you will understand why I love it so much :)

Finally, I know I've mentioned it a million times before, but Park Run do a free 5K every single week which is great if you want to get some practice in and build your stamina and times. I think Matt's nearest is Whitstable and Jamie's nearest is Cambridge, which isn't ideal. I'm lucky because there are 2 near me both within 1/2 hour. I'd love to go out running with you Matt (&/or Jamie) whenever we're next in the same vicinity. I'm used to running with new runners because I do it down the running club, so it'll be at your pace for however far you wanted. I would want to push you though because I truly think that you CAN do it.. it's just your head which is holding you back.

lostkat

22-08-2011, 19:25

Did the 15 miles I needed to without muscle issues. Yay. Average pace was 11:40 min / mile.

However, walking back home on my cool down I felt very odd. Pins and needles in my face and hands. Very tight stomach. Felt like I was going to feint. Couldn't catch my breath at all. Made it home only to throw up a fair bit. Stomach isn't tight now. Pins and needles still there. Breathing better.

It took me about 30 mins to catch my breath, which only occurred after throwing up. I also lost half a stone in water loss.

Had the pins n needles last week too after 13 miles. I'm going to follow a more relaxed training method that still gets me to 20 miles 3 weeks before the marathon. I think I maybe pushing myself too much.
Had that feeling after a race many a time. Always when I'd overdone it and never after a training run.

First question, did you take on any nourishment during your run? I'm talking gels, jelly babies, energy drinks etc.? You should be taking on fuel during the run if you're onto 15 milers. It's very important because come marathon day you will HAVE to take on fuel and if you don't have a strategy you'll be knackered. You need to start trying out gels, bars, energy sweets and seeing which agree with you and which don't. I also assume you have a bottle of water with you when you run. If not, why not? :angry: :p

I also think you're going too fast. IIRC you're aiming for around 5 hour marathon? That's 11:26 min miles. You need to be training SLOWER pace than that by approx 10-20%. So, you probably need to be aiming for 12:30+ min mile. I always found slowing myself down really hard because I have a natural long run pace, but I wasn't sure what time I was aiming for and I just made sure that I was at a slow, very comfortable pace. Also remember that walking is OK. If you need a break mid-run, just walk for a minute. Nothing wrong with that. It's time on your feet that counts :)

If you ever want a chat, just give me a shout!! :)

petemc

22-08-2011, 21:46

First question, did you take on any nourishment during your run? I'm talking gels, jelly babies, energy drinks etc.? You should be taking on fuel during the run if you're onto 15 milers. It's very important because come marathon day you will HAVE to take on fuel and if you don't have a strategy you'll be knackered. You need to start trying out gels, bars, energy sweets and seeing which agree with you and which don't. I also assume you have a bottle of water with you when you run. If not, why not? :angry: :p

Yup. I'm getting better at this now. I had 400ml of isotonic lucozade 2hrs 40mins before my run, then 100ml 1hr before. (Its meant to be 20 mins before but I was delayed getting out.) On the run I took a 500ml bottle of isotonic lucozade and had 100ml every 3 miles. I had 3 jelly babies every 45 minutes.

I do sweat a lot more than an average person imho. Maybe I need to take on more water? I lost half a stone due to water loss on that run. Dunno if that's above/below average.

I also think you're going too fast. IIRC you're aiming for around 5 hour marathon? That's 11:26 min miles. You need to be training SLOWER pace than that by approx 10-20%. So, you probably need to be aiming for 12:30+ min mile. I always found slowing myself down really hard because I have a natural long run pace, but I wasn't sure what time I was aiming for and I just made sure that I was at a slow, very comfortable pace. Also remember that walking is OK. If you need a break mid-run, just walk for a minute. Nothing wrong with that. It's time on your feet that counts :)

Aye, did walk a bit just to catch my breath here and there. Usually when having a drink. The whole psychological thing of "Just 3 more miles then another quick breather and drink."

I was hoping to do a 10 min / mile pace for the marathon but I think I'll have to come to terms with the fact that I'm just not fit enough to do that. I'm 17 stone 10. I've just got too much fat on me to do a "decent" time. I guess I should let that go and refocus on getting round. Above all I'd love to say I ran it all.

Pace is a funny thing. I started that run at around 10:45 ish thinking "This is so slow. How can I go slower without walking?" I finished around 11:40ish and that felt fast.

I'm going to continue doing the more advanced weekday training of hills / fartlek etc but the beginners long run. I need to get my confidence back to be honest. Really did think about quitting after Sunday. It was quite a shock.

If you ever want a chat, just give me a shout!! :)

Cheers :) I've been re-reading this thread from the start. It's quite something to see you saying things like you just did a 5k :)

lostkat

22-08-2011, 22:17

Yup. I'm getting better at this now. I had 400ml of isotonic lucozade 2hrs 40mins before my run, then 100ml 1hr before. (Its meant to be 20 mins before but I was delayed getting out.) On the run I took a 500ml bottle of isotonic lucozade and had 100ml every 3 miles. I had 3 jelly babies every 45 minutes.

I do sweat a lot more than an average person imho. Maybe I need to take on more water? I lost half a stone due to water loss on that run. Dunno if that's above/below average.

Aye, did walk a bit just to catch my breath here and there. Usually when having a drink. The whole psychological thing of "Just 3 more miles then another quick breather and drink."

I was hoping to do a 10 min / mile pace for the marathon but I think I'll have to come to terms with the fact that I'm just not fit enough to do that. I'm 17 stone 10. I've just got too much fat on me to do a "decent" time. I guess I should let that go and refocus on getting round. Above all I'd love to say I ran it all.

Pace is a funny thing. I started that run at around 10:45 ish thinking "This is so slow. How can I go slower without walking?" I finished around 11:40ish and that felt fast.

I'm going to continue doing the more advanced weekday training of hills / fartlek etc but the beginners long run. I need to get my confidence back to be honest. Really did think about quitting after Sunday. It was quite a shock.

Cheers :) I've been re-reading this thread from the start. It's quite something to see you saying things like you just did a 5k :)
Great to hear that you're already trying out fuelling strategies :)

My first thought was that 500ml doesn't seem much for 15 miles. I fully admit that I'm not very scientific when I run. I tend to go by how I feel because it's worked for me so far. I take my Camelbak rucksack with me for anything over 14ish, with either a 1.5L or 2L (for 18+ runs) pouch filled with water. I take a sip when I feel like it and it works perfectly. For nutrition, I take blackcurrent SIS gels coupled with jelly babies out of the hands of race supporters when I'm doing a race ;)

I've never weighed myself before/after a run, but it's a great measure of how much water you're losing. 1/2 stone equates to around 3 litres of water. So.... 500ml?? Now can you see why you felt horrendous at the end of the run? Not even close to what you need! I would never suggest that you lugged around 3 litres of water with you, but you certainly need to be taking on more IMHO.

It's also worth pointing out something someone told me at the weekend. Apparently lot of people don't get on with isotonic drinks AND gels/jelly babies. It might be worth exchanging your drink for water instead.

Finally... I have to agree that 10 min miles is far too ambitious. I don't know how to say this without sounding up myself, so I'll just say it... I'm not a fast runner, but I'm certainly not slow either. I can run a half marathon in about 1:46, which is OK for someone my age. However, my last 3 marathons were all between 10:01-10:13 min miles. Running a marathon is HARD. Really bloody hard. You will only realise this after you've done one. After 20 miles, it's all about gritting your teeth and not doing what your body wants you to do (give up). Your first aim HAS to be just getting around the course without giving up, no matter how fast you go. Set your sights on completion, go off at a pace that feels uncomfortably slow, be prepared to walk if your body needs to and you will not disappoint yourself. You will be a marathon runner :)

P.S. ANY time for a marathon is a 'decent' time. It's 26.2 miles... you'll still be a marathon runner at the end of it and THAT is a bloody brilliant feeling :D

petemc

23-08-2011, 13:02

Spoke to my doctor. She knew exactly what the pins n needles issue was. CO2 issue. It was almost like having a panic attack. I needed to take deep longer breaths, but as I couldn't it caused pins n needles.

She suggested I try to take things a little slower and said it's not a sign of anything major. So that's good. I'm going to refocus, again, and simply aim to get my self round the course.

Desmo

24-08-2011, 08:55

Anybody got any tips for me and my legs? The one problem I always seem to get is tight calves. Is it just a case of decent stretching or will my legs loosen up over time?

petemc

24-08-2011, 11:06

I had that the other week. I think it was due to running too fast. Didn't have it when I slowed down.

Roberta

24-08-2011, 14:30

Anybody got any tips for me and my legs? The one problem I always seem to get is tight calves. Is it just a case of decent stretching or will my legs loosen up over time?

Runners are notorious for having short tight calves. Make sure you do a good stretch after each run/gym session. I always recommend yoga to complement other training and fight muscle shortening. Hardly anyone takes it up though!

Desmo

24-08-2011, 16:02

I'm not a runner yet so that can't be my reason :p

I tend to stretch before but not really anything after, will try and fix that :)

petemc

24-08-2011, 16:05

I only ever stretch after.

I've heard that doing it before can be bad as you're forcing the muscles, or something. If you need to warmup walk around for 10 mins or jog slowly. Then run, then cool down / stretch.

Roberta

24-08-2011, 18:27

Pete - stretching cold muscles, before they're warmed properly is always a bad idea. In that state they're inflexible. I think that's what the person who's told you that means.

Stretching after mobility/pulseraiser - There's 2 schools of thought on it.

Some people believe that stretching before a training session can weaken the muscles and make your workout less effective. Others swear by stretching first and believe it helps to avoid injury. Everyone is different and different things work for different people.

Everyone agrees that stretching afterwards is a good thing though!

Personally, I prefer not to do static stretches pre workout and instead do a warmup that lengthens muscles without holding, to ensure mobility. Static stretches afterwards combined with Ashtanga yoga.

Matblack

24-08-2011, 20:47

Well that was a good day :)

New shoes, new heart rate monitor and a plan to concentrate on my breathing rather than a time brought a bit of freshness to tonight and although I had planned to run a shorter distance I felt good so went down my usual 5k route although I walked slightly further to warm up than usual so it was a shorter run.

The result of the heart rate monitor was interesting to say the least. My resting heart rate is about 60 which is supposed to be pretty good however I got a bit of a surprise that my average heart rate for the run tonight was 175 which is in the highest part of the training zones and isn't really where I should be, in fact I was peaking at 182-5 which is very high but I wasn't pushing hard and felt great. So I'm either in rubbish shape which i doubt given I ran a 27.5 minute pace for 5km tonight albiet for 4.3km or something is up with the HRM or there is something else happening. A little research shows I might be something called a 'high beater' someone who just happens to have a higher heart rate during exercise, or maybe I'm from Gallifrey, who knows. Fingers crossed it doesn't mean I'm going to drop dead :)

So all in all a good night, I ran the 4.3km without feeling the need to stop once where previously I've always needed to stop at around 3.5km for a walk, I felt my run was more consistent which is borne out by flatter splits, I ran faster than usual and the odd check on my breathing and trying to breath in for three strides and out for two seemed to keep me from hyperventilating :)

MB

lostkat

24-08-2011, 21:23

Runners are notorious for having short tight calves. Make sure you do a good stretch after each run/gym session. I always recommend yoga to complement other training and fight muscle shortening. Hardly anyone takes it up though!
Yeah... &%$! that! :p

Never stretch before running, but jog to warm up and do a few dynamic movey doovey stretches pre-race to get everything moving. ALLLLWAYS stretch after a run!

If my muscles are feeling tight I'll have a stand alone stretching session too. I stretched every single morning for 3 weeks before my last marathon and it made one hell of a difference. My physio said that if I did that, I'd take 1/2 hour off the time I thought I'd achieve. Considering my training was horrendous, I decided to try it out... and it worked :D

Well done Matt. Big improvement. It's weird concentrating on your breathing, but I'm always surprised at how relaxed my breathing is when I'm running (except for up hills). You just fall into a pattern after the first 20 mins or so. Might put my HRM on for a few runs to see what it says. I never tend to wear it because it goes where my bra rests, which is annoying.

petemc

24-08-2011, 21:38

I stretched every single morning for 3 weeks before my last marathon and it made one hell of a difference. My physio said that if I did that, I'd take 1/2 hour off the time I thought I'd achieve. Considering my training was horrendous, I decided to try it out... and it worked :D

O rly? Any tips? :)

lostkat

24-08-2011, 21:59

O rly? Any tips? :)
I was injured at the time, so it was either stretching or PAIN PAIN PAIN. You can't subsitute training with stretching... unfortunately :p

Quads, Hamstrings, Calfs, Hip Flexors, Shins, ITB, bach as a minimum for me.

petemc

25-08-2011, 08:59

You can't subsitute training with stretching... unfortunately :p

Haha :) Anything that helps is good. Ta.

BBx

25-08-2011, 21:54

10km 58m 09secs - bit wheezy at the end tho... :/

back on the wagon! :D thanks for the pointers the other week Ms Reeves...although I find I am now running like a crab :/

BB x

Kitten

26-08-2011, 13:30

10km 58m 09secs - bit wheezy at the end tho... :/

back on the wagon! :D thanks for the pointers the other week Ms Reeves...although I find I am now running like a crab :/

BB x

sideways? :p

The whole psychological thing of "Just 3 more miles then another quick breather and drink."

18 months ago, who'd have thunk? ;)

petemc

26-08-2011, 14:40

sideways? :p

http://petecarr.net/t/zoidberg_dance_animate.gif

whoop whoop whoop whoop whoop

18 months ago, who'd have thunk? ;)

Aye. It'll be my 2yr running anniversary around the same time as the marathon.

Visiting the shoe store tomorrow. Fairly sure my current shoes are impacting on my toes too much. I have blisters under the toe nails on the same toe on each foot. They're not getting enough time to heal up before my next run. I imagine they'll take a massive battering with Sunday's long run. Joy.

I've also got zero fizzy tablet things to drop in my water. Electrolyte things. Not taking a sports drink on the run now. Just water with these in. Hopefully that fixes my tummy and breathing issues.

lostkat

26-08-2011, 17:57

http://petecarr.net/t/zoidberg_dance_animate.gif

whoop whoop whoop whoop whoop

Aye. It'll be my 2yr running anniversary around the same time as the marathon.

Visiting the shoe store tomorrow. Fairly sure my current shoes are impacting on my toes too much. I have blisters under the toe nails on the same toe on each foot. They're not getting enough time to heal up before my next run. I imagine they'll take a massive battering with Sunday's long run. Joy.

I've also got zero fizzy tablet things to drop in my water. Electrolyte things. Not taking a sports drink on the run now. Just water with these in. Hopefully that fixes my tummy and breathing issues.
What size are your trainers compared to your normal shoe size? They usually recommend 1 size larger for marathoning because your tootsies take such a hammering.

Fingers crossed with the electrolyte wotzit :)

BBx

26-08-2011, 18:27

ouch Pete :(

I have a manky toenail thx to running...luckily Reeves comvinced me that im not a freak & the running may have caused it ;) unfortunatley she happed tp voew the makny toes.pics at dinner...oops!

no not sideways :p just the claws lol!

BB x

petemc

27-08-2011, 12:30

What size are your trainers compared to your normal shoe size? They usually recommend 1 size larger for marathoning because your tootsies take such a hammering.

Running shoes are a size 12. Annoyingly I have size 12 Vans that fit nicely and size 11 Vans that fit nicely. So I'm not really sure if my running shoes are a size above what they should be.

petemc

28-08-2011, 09:22

I haz nu shoez. Muzino expert told me that my current ones were too supportive, so gave me a neutral pair that are a size larger.

15-16 miles today. Looks very windy. No sports drinks while I run just water and electrolytes.

petemc

28-08-2011, 16:49

Managed to do 15 miles today. New shoes aren't helping my toes at all. My 2nd toe on each foot is taking a hell of a beating every time I go out. It hasn't got time to heal.

But that's not the real issue. I'm struggling to do over 13 miles. I walked a little today just to get through it. My pace was 12 min / mile and even at that slow pace I could just about do 15 miles. It really feels like my body wasn't meant to run past a half marathon. My legs were really aching after 13 miles.

I really don't know how to get from 15 aching miles to 26.

On the plus side, switching to water and Zero tablets seems to have fixed my electrolyte issue.

BBx

29-08-2011, 17:12

6miles in 56m 20s

Yes MILES I accidentally didnt set to km.

Dont like miles :( take longer to count down...

Oh and on Saturday am I did 6.5k outside IN THE RAIN!!! :D

BB x

lostkat

29-08-2011, 20:52

6miles in 56m 20s

Yes MILES I accidentally didnt set to km.

Dont like miles :( take longer to count down...

BB x
Haha, miles are better than k's.... cos I now understand how far you ran :p

Well done girly... ONWARDS!!!!

Pete - I find that once your toe is damaged, new shoes won't help. I hurt one of my toes in my cross country shoes the other weekend. It was just starting to recover from my last marathon. Anyway, it now hurts when I run. Only rest will heal it... and I CBA with that to be honest :p

Not sure what to suggest with you struggling to run further than 15. Have you tried gels? They do some with caffiene in which are supposed to be really good for picking you up mid-run.

petemc

30-08-2011, 20:00

Caffeine doesn't affect me. It's quite annoying.

I guess I have to just keep going and hope for the best.

camerajuan

31-08-2011, 00:18

On the subject of stretching, I've never done any kind of static stretch before any kind of training. My training order of play goes thus.

800m very easy jog. Sip Powerade. Dynamic Stretches. Sip Powerade. 2 x 60m easy paced sprints in trainers. Sip Powerade. 2 x 60m slightly quicker sprints in spikes. Sip Powerade & eat a couple of squares of dark chocolate/bite of Snickers. Decide if its cold enough for long lycras/not. Go out & kill myself doing sprints ranging from 60m to 300m all practically flat out. Throw up/convulse for a bit. 3/4 very easy 60m runs in trainers on grass. Static stretches. Packet of Wine Gums & some more dark chocolate.

It varies from time to time. Sometimes I don't feel like throwing up depending on my eating pattern beforehand but sometimes - like 6x250m @ sub 30secs pace - it doesn't matter!

BBx

31-08-2011, 19:54

lostkat

01-09-2011, 21:33

Couldn't effing run tonight :(

feet were fine all day then when running it hurts at the point you are on the ball of ur foot :(

hope this doesnt set me back...

V annoyed, but couldnt physically run & wouldve done more damage if tried.

BB x
No point training if it hurts Mei Mei. See how it feels after your jollies :)

Your training sounds very complicated camerajuan. I just go out there and peg it. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes fast and slow :p

BBx

06-09-2011, 21:34

No point training if it hurts Mei Mei. See how it feels after your jollies :)

Yay! Back on track :)

Jollies obviously helped lots... managed to do 9miles today :shocked:

1min in between when I reset the freaking machine... but in reality this would be drinking time anyway...

6miles 56m 15secs
3miles 28m 10secs

Total = 9miles 1hour 24mins 25secs + 1min for drink time

Legs are knackered but was at a good pace and felt like I could have kept going :) so happy.

BB x

lostkat

08-09-2011, 05:28

Yay! Back on track :)

Jollies obviously helped lots... managed to do 9miles today :shocked:

1min in between when I reset the freaking machine... but in reality this would be drinking time anyway...

6miles 56m 15secs
3miles 28m 10secs

Total = 9miles 1hour 24mins 25secs + 1min for drink time

Legs are knackered but was at a good pace and felt like I could have kept going :) so happy.

BB x
Bloody hell, WELL DONE!!! :D :D
You're doing run to the beat aren't you?

BBx

08-09-2011, 17:27

Yeah mate...need to do me page for sponsorships n stuff.. will do it tonight for the FB and da BD :D

BB x

Jonny69

08-09-2011, 18:26

Just done a perimeter loop of Bushy Park because I haven't done a whole one yet. 55 minutes. Just mapped the distance: 13.47km (8.4 miles) :shocked:

lostkat

09-09-2011, 05:13

Just done a perimeter loop of Bushy Park because I haven't done a whole one yet. 55 minutes. Just mapped the distance: 13.47km (8.4 miles) :shocked:
Bloody hell, that's good going!!!

jmc41

09-09-2011, 21:21

Well it's official I'm screwed.

Haven't posted recently, but have been busy.

July 22nd did 18 miles in 2h39m, was happy and finally signed up for Cov HM (Oct 2nd). Managed a PB 49:26 for 10k and then went on vacation and proceeded to pick up a injury to the back of my left knee during a 9 miler in 26C heat on 8 hours jetlag in a week where I slept 12 hours in 3 days , and then took an 18 hour trip to Oregon.

This injury (left foot went off the path suddenly) wasn't really evident until a bit later and a very hilly (think worst parts of IOW) 5 miles in sub 42, a 6.35 mile walk up and down a mountain (2:04) and 8.1 mile 1h10 run on the same hilly island where the leg completely went.

Returned to the UK Monday and did a short 5k at an okay pace and then sat in an ice bath for 20 minutes. The weekend after did the 3 peaks, except our guide got lost (we got down from Scafell Pike at 3am) and various other things meant we only did 2 peaks, so then did Snowdon the w/end after and during all this the pain left the left leg and I got tendenitis in the right knee.

The docs solution of ibuprofen for 10 days allowed me to get in decent 9 miler (26/08 - except for some beast stinging me 45 mins in), and a interval run (29/08) which was great until the left knee went again, this time the outer side and partly the front, managed to just about finish though it was more staggering than running.

This same solution from the doc destroyed my stomach in about 7 days and I was forced to turn around and change an 11 mile run in 2.21 miles, and take a week off (except for driving to and from the lake district and walking 5-6 miles each day last weekend).

Tonights run? Minor pain before 2 miles, kept going and got dodgy around 6-7 miles and then went again. I ended up crashing into mile 8 and having to stop. Followed by a rather painful 3 mile walk home, in the dark.

The HM is in 3 weeks. In just over 59 hours I'm calling the doc again to see what he can recommend, the sports guy is meant to be back off holiday Monday.

The 1h40m HM was out the window weeks ago, the fact that I could have run it in under 2 hours half asleep went out tonight, I'm wondering if I can even run it now.

lostkat

10-09-2011, 07:53

jmc41

10-09-2011, 10:08

My advice? Stop running on it! You're obviously not recovered so each time you run, you're just doing more damage, making it worse and extending your recovery period. You need to stop and rest until it's had a chance to get better. I know a few people who wouldn't stop training when they were told and have ended up not being able to run because of it. PLEASE be careful!!!

I would also defer your entry to Cov (if you can) to next year. Tell them that you're injured. There are loads of other half marathons you can do, especially with autumn/winter approaching. There's the Clowne Half which is down Coventry way on 27th Nov, so how about that? It gives you almost 2 extra months to recover.

I think I'll have to :( I have only run a couple of times since (and was fine to start with yesterday - had been fine general walking for 4-5 days), and the doctor said I could and should keep running, obviously she's a real genius.

The deferred entry I'm not sure is going to work for various reasons, so may just have to give up on Cov. Clowne is interesting especially as it's a) cheaper and b) on-the-day entries are possible as it's £2 more. Will have to see how things pan out and I feel.

I can walk okay now, well it hurts like hell but not in agony. Figures, I waited so long to sign up and less than a week after I did I start getting injuries - and wans't going that fast. :confused: :'(

BBx

10-09-2011, 14:53

That sucks JMC :( like LK said it sounds like you've been doing a lot with it :(

I did over 6miles today at Virginia Water park in Woking.

Round the lake is 4.5miles but went the wrong way twice which deffo wouldve been over 6m.

A few gradients too which....from the look of my race pack which I received yesterday, am going to need to train on...at least i have the course now so I will need which parts I will need to practice.

BB x

petemc

12-09-2011, 10:29

18 miles done :D Felt happy about that. Pace of around 12:30. Discomfort kicked in after around 13 miles but I just kept going. Only took a small break every 3 miles for water.

Only two real issues to sort now. Firstly, I will throw up after every long run. My body clearly doesn't like endurance running. So I have to work out what to do at the end. Don't fancy throwing up in front of the crowds. Dunno if I could make it to the loo after. On Sunday I finished 18 miles, walked a bit, had a drink and then went onto the beach to throw up.

Other issue is can I run faster on marathon day? 12:30 pace is around 5hrs 25 for the marathon. I'd like to get under 5hrs. I know that I could run 26 miles at 12:30, so thats the safe bet. I don't know if I could run at 11:30 or even 10:30. I could do a half at 10:30, as I already have. *shrugs*

Jonny69

12-09-2011, 11:09

jmc41

12-09-2011, 13:52

Well I went to see the doc, unfortunately the doc that used to be medic for the England cricket team was unavailable for various reasons so had to make do.

It's the lateral ligement apparently, which is quite hard to injure, the medial is more common. Not sure if that's good or bad as I've not had a chance to google yet, but she seemed to think I could get a support and run, but to keep the distance below 5 miles and not start until Wednesday.

So I got a open knee support and will give it a go with a short distance on the flattest ground around, I have a route that won't take me more than a mile from home so will see what happens. It feels pretty much okay now as it did yesterday, but then it did Friday, if it starts more than twinging I'll stop right away.

Pete: I'm not really sure you should be throwing up after every long run? I've felt pretty bad on a few runs (normally dehydration) but never actually been sick. I do like sticking my head into a sink full of cold water after anything substantial which seems to help. Are you taking on small amounts of water, I've never found the need to drink on runs, but don't normally go over 2h as I'm not (yet?!) marathon training.

[Edit] From what I've read (having never done a race) your ERP should be a minute slower than planned, so if you're doing 12:30 training you should aim for 11:30 race day, that sounds like a massive difference to me on anything above 10k though. Another thing I read is that the distance tends to be more unless you are able to follow the exact path, so I'd bank on it being more ilke 26.5 or slightly more. Again, just what I've read possibly lostkat with a GPS watch has some experience?

BBx

12-09-2011, 23:40

10miles

1hr 33mins 38secs

BB x

Jonny69

13-09-2011, 08:21

Woop! That's big distance BB!

lostkat

14-09-2011, 05:40

Cracking pace BBx, well done :D Do you have any time aspiration for the HM?

18 miles done :D Felt happy about that. Pace of around 12:30. Discomfort kicked in after around 13 miles but I just kept going. Only took a small break every 3 miles for water.

Only two real issues to sort now. Firstly, I will throw up after every long run. My body clearly doesn't like endurance running. So I have to work out what to do at the end. Don't fancy throwing up in front of the crowds. Dunno if I could make it to the loo after. On Sunday I finished 18 miles, walked a bit, had a drink and then went onto the beach to throw up.

Other issue is can I run faster on marathon day? 12:30 pace is around 5hrs 25 for the marathon. I'd like to get under 5hrs. I know that I could run 26 miles at 12:30, so thats the safe bet. I don't know if I could run at 11:30 or even 10:30. I could do a half at 10:30, as I already have. *shrugs*
Firstly, well done on 18 miles. Huge achievement, you should be very pleased :) Not really sure what to advise on the vomiting though. How much water did you consume and what did you eat both pre-run and during the run? In my opinion, it could either be down to dehydration & low blood-sugar levels OR simply be because down to the churning of your stomach from running action, and the fact that blood is directed away from the GI tract to muscles, which, over a long period of time can cause problems. Any other symptoms apart from the vomiting? Do you feel light headed or anything?

In terms of your race pace on the day, I would seriously advise that you do NOT set yourself a time to achieve. You'll only end up putting yourself under too much pressure, going off too quick, wearing yourself out and absolutely hating the last 6-8 miles because you'll be walking it. Like JMC said, there is a huge difference between 12:30 min miles and 11:30 min miles over a 26 mile distance. On shorter races, you can expect the adrenaline to push you that bit further, but in a marathon you really need all you've got and you really must reserve something for when you hit that wall and feel like you're actually dying, which will be 20-22 miles. Stick with a pace you're comfortable with and be pleased that you're actually completing a marathon. Who'd have ever thought you'd be doing that? Amazing achievement :)

Glad you've had some more advice on your injury JMC. I really hope the support works for you *fingers crossed* Let us know how the run goes today

Jonny69

14-09-2011, 13:53

w00t! Sale items in Sweatshop. Picked up a Salomon soft-shell jacket reduced by £20:

http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/xt--softshell-jacket--m.html

Really nice bit of kit with a breathable stretchy back on it. Will be good for cycling and running :)

jmc41

14-09-2011, 19:40

5k @ 25:24, not really setting any amazing records (pretty flat) but no left knee pain, yey.

Did have some issues with the support, very tight but the top part slipping down so got rather warm and had to briefly walk (which is unheard of for 3 miles) but will give 5 miles a go on Friday and see how that goes.

BBx - great time!

Random thought, was chatting to a guy from work who runs and does BMF, apparently the instructor recommends starting races fast, then slowing down when you can't continue, then finishing fast. This goes against everything I've heard, read (and experienced), but he wouldn't budge. Anyone else heard this?!

lostkat

15-09-2011, 05:21

jmc41

15-09-2011, 06:53

Personally I'd leave your watch at home, just whilst you're recovering since you're still thinking about times even though you're injured. You really don't want to pressure yourself into running faster and damaging yourself further.

Where did you get your support? I know the folks down my club don't think too much to the off-the-shelf ones you get in generic sports shops. Did you go to a specialist running shop and get it fitted? Might be worth trying another type if it's not agreeing with you.

Not sure I agree with that instructor either, not for me anyway. If I start a race too fast, I blow up and that's that. There's no recovering half way through, especially if it's a marathon. I start steady to get myself warmed up and my breathing regular and then up the pace if I feel comfortable before attempting a final kick at the end. If I'm doing a shorter race, I'll have a little run beforehand just to warm myself up so it doesn't take me so long to get into it. Doesn't matter with the longer races though as I'm only looking to better my previous time. I'm never going to win any races ;)

I know what you mean, I'm glad I took it though as I wanted to be sure especially running with support I didn't go too fast. Okay that didn't work as for a slow run, not so much, but I actually went far too fast miles 2 and 3 at the start, (glanced .1 mile into mile 3 and was hitting over 9mph) so slowed down seriously before I did any more damage. I think if I can actually pay more attention and keep it to a slower pace rather than "this feels comfortable right now" I'll be better.

With so few runs of late my pacing it definitely getting worse!

Fitting wise it's a specialist sports shop that the doc recommended (it's the only local one); and they asked if it was for running etc... There was another support that seemed to aid around flex-ing but I guess the best approach is to go back Saturday and see what they say. There was definitely someone there who knew what she was doing, but she was just passing advice through this fairly clueless bloke, so not ideal.

I have exactly the same regarding starting speeds, I've started runs fast to see how far I get and it generally knackers me out, but I can go faster the last few miles if I've had a good slow run first. My best 5k time would actually be the last 3.1 miles of any number of longer runs (9-10 miles).

Thanks :)

BBx

15-09-2011, 13:28

So I have 10 DAYS OMG!

Am planning this:

Friday: 7/8mile run
Sat: Nothing
Sunday: 6mile run outside :p
Monday: Nothing
Tuesday: 7miles
Wednesday: Nothing Carbs
Thursday: Last run how many do you think? 6?
Friday: Nothing
Saturday: Carbs
Sunday: RACE DAY!!! :D

Drinks: I think I will only sip water, those fizzy drinks bloat me and make me feel zzzzzzz

Any tips would be good :)

BB x

jmc41

15-09-2011, 13:49

The only tip I can think of it the Sunday before (this one I guess) do the race morning itself, just less distance.

So if the race is 9:30 like mine, get up 6am, eat cereal or whatever is normal for 6:30am, then warm up 9:15am and start 9:30am or whatever.

I can't speak from experience, but that's what I've heard works well, it makes sense and is my current plan. It might be easier for you but I normally run after work or if on hols late morning so not used to getting up and going.

My personal taper will depend upon if my knee(s) are working, but I was thinking last run Wed or maybe Thurs but not more than 5 miles? Slow, like 1.5-2 mins under race pace just to keep stuff flowing but not risking any kind of injury of soreness.

I've never taken on liquids during a run. I'd again go for whatever is normal though, and avoid the first overcrowded tables!

Good luck! Do you have a goal of 2h or so or just "finish"?

BBx

16-09-2011, 20:09

thanls jmc :) will reply properly when i get home.

7m tonight

4.35 in 40mins
3 in 28mins

1hr 8mins total.

BB x

jmc41

16-09-2011, 20:16

Not long in myself, just over 5 miles in just under 43 mins. Decent times above, pretty much dead on a 2h half speed wise, assuming the course is actually 13.1 and not 13.5 as I've heard they can be.

Was that flat?

BBx

18-09-2011, 17:56

It might be easier for you but I normally run after work or if on hols late morning so not used to getting up and going.

I've never taken on liquids during a run. I'd again go for whatever is normal though, and avoid the first overcrowded tables!

Good luck! Do you have a goal of 2h or so or just "finish"?

Yeah you are right about the getting up early thing...too late for that unfortunately :( I didn't read your post properly the other night.

I can run for over an hour without liquids... I would rather not have liquid sloshing around inside me... I think I will just drink enough to hydrate me for the race but not too much - will leave the drinking till the end ;)

Well... taking into consideration my practice runs and my 10k I thought I might be able to do it sub 2hr BUT it never occured to me that there would be hills, what the weather would be like or how I will feel on the day. I have been training pretty flat on a treadmill but I have been doing weekend runs outside (living in London is poo :( - there are no nice places to run - locally that is, its polluted, and now its getting dark again you have to watch your back so running outside after work isn't an option).

So initially was happy with coming in before 2hr 30, but am hoping its sub 2hr 15m :) this time next week I will be done! :shocked: (hopefully!)

Just been out with advice from Reevo (LostKat) to do 5m as the weather was ok here and would be good to get out on the road one more time.

I actually did 6.7m :/ when I mapped it just now on mapmyrun - I also foolishly did some of the course (I live practically next to the course so all of the road closure signs are now up) so now I know where some of the evil hills are... eeek!

Feel better for doing it though - thanks boss! :)

BB x

jmc41

18-09-2011, 18:28

I was presently suprised actually, got up 6:15 and ended up running about 9:40 and stomach etc... all fine. Was also 13C, very pleasant conditions and a fair few other runners (mainly overtaking me :P)

Left knee is another story, but I got in 9 miles and while glad I didn't try more glad I got at least that done and going to concentrate on recovery now.

I've done runs after 2 week holidays where it wasn't an option before (ie: Ecuador - mainly on a small boat) so I'm not too worried about takig it all off, but I do have the Doc appt. a week monday and he's the sports expert so will see what he says.

If I don't post before then, great luck for next Sunday!!

Jonny69

18-09-2011, 18:47

Wightlink Challenge yesterday. Just got home and had a nap. Wow, brutal run. In fact, the whole event was brutal and the biggest physical challenge I've taken on.

The 18 mile ride was genuinely off-road. The terrain was extremely hilly and through long grass, mud, rocky paths and a few miles on road. There was next to no flat stuff and the hills were an incredible challenge for everyone. Views up at the tops of the hills were amazing. I've never ridden off road before and coming down the hills at full tilt with the bike skipping all over the place, banging over rocks and getting some pretty serious air was amazing. And I did it on a single speed with no suspension, what an idiot ;D

Oh yeah, and when you're hammering it down a hill flat out on the grass next to a golf course and think one of the humps they put in might be fun to ride over and get some air, don't forget there might be a deep bunker on the other side. I'm not entirely sure how I got away with that one, but I jettisoned the bike and manage to land in the sand without getting hurt ;D

The canoeing was an utter hoot. 3 miles in the estuary. One of the girls on my team was an ex rower and obliterated all 3 of us put together. I was at the back rowing and steering because technically I should have been the strongest, but when she got going I couldn't hold the boat in a straight line no matter what I did :D

Then the run. 8 miles. NOTHING could have prepared us for it. Huge incline changes, huge terrain changes, more mindblowing views, heat, hills, forest paths, road, stones, water, sand, beach, and did I say HILLS? :D We were planning to stick together, but it became evident that two of us were quite a lot faster and couldn't hold back at the slower pace. I certainly wouldn't have managed the distance running that slowly, so we ran on ahead and finished about 20 minutes ahead. We then ran back and picked her up about a km back. I got distracted by the blackberries so stopped for a free feed on a corner, then all of a sudden Amanda nearly ran into us, face lit up and we all started whooping and cheering and ran the last bit back with her so we could finish as a team :)

Total time was about 4 hours and we finished halfway through the field. But it wasn't about the time; for us it was about the event and having some serious fun, which it was. There were some teams taking it quite seriously and they really took offence at us which was comedy, but then there were also some other amazing teams there who had a total blast like us. Also crazy to see that if we'd run the whole run at our main pace we'd have actually come in the top 10 :shocked: But as I said, that's not what it was about for us.

Getting emotional now. Totally amazing weekend with amazing company and pushing ourselves way beyond anything I ever thought I could do. Would I do it again? Maybe. I've done it now and perhaps I need to move on to the next challenge. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.

lostkat

18-09-2011, 18:55

Well done BBx :) You will be brill!

Unfortunately training on the treadmill just can't even compare to doing it outside, because you're more used to the hills and the weather if you've trained outside and they don't phase you. However, I do understand why you've done your training the way you have.. and I do have quite a bit of respect for that because after 15 mins on a treadmill, I want to hurl myself out of the window :D

Like I said in my text, next time you're up I'll take you for a nice countryside run. I can't guarantee flat though as it's far from flat around this part of Leicestershire ;) :p

In terms of drinking, I always drink during races over about 10k and I think you should at least try because you'll need it. You don't need to drink much, so you won't have water sloshing around inside you and it shouldn't make you need a wee either because you'll be using the water you drink. Just take a sip and wet your mouth. You'll be amazed at how much difference it makes, especially if you're hot and tiring a little. All I'm saying is don't dismiss it completely as it could affect your racing if you're running dehydrated. I briefly stopped at a pub today during my 10 mile run for a mouthful of water and splash my face. I was really flagging because I was too hot and it pushed me through the last 3 miles.

Make sure you get all your hydrating done the day BEFORE the race, so you're not drinking gallons on race day morning. Do drink on race day morning, but stop about an hour before the race and make sure you join the loo queue well before you line up. The last thing you want is a porta loo visit during the race.

So many things to think about :p

Well done on your run jmc :) I did 10 hilly miles today after marshalling for a local 10K race. Had breakfast about 7am, then a banana and a couple of jaffa cakes around 10ish before running at 1pm. I find that as long as I don't eat 3 hrs before I run then everything's fine.

I've been struggling a lot since May this year. I did Windermere Marathon, which I was happy with because I hadn't trained for it, then we went on hols for 2 weeks. I ran a couple of times, but not much. However, when I got back I was ill with synusitis for a few weeks and it knocked me for six. I'd also put on a stone since Christmas.

I lost a lot of fitness and speed and because of that, I lost my mojo too. I didn't stop running, I just didn't enjoy it and didn't seem to be making much progress. Things are finally starting to improve though, and apart from an awful half marathon last week, I'm slowly getting quicker and finding things easier. I'm also lugging around almost a stone less than I was in July which has made no end of a difference to how it feels to run.

I ran well today, but I'm desperately hoping for a marathon PB by the end of the year... and that means taking 43 seconds per mile off my current 10 mile pace... EEK!!!!! :confused:

lostkat

18-09-2011, 19:00

Sounds like an utterly brilliant race Jonny. Well done :D It's amazing when you do something like that and come away with such a huge sense of achievement :)

I do fancy the events where they swap the swim for canoe instead, as I'm not massively keen on swimming. I got asked if I'd do a short one sometime in November, but it clashed with a 14 mile cross country event which I LOVE, so I couldn't do it.

Jonny69

18-09-2011, 20:26

I've always said I'd never run a marathon but I've got the idea in my head now. I think it might be next year's challenge. I'm going to do a Grim 10 at Aldershot at some point because I think it looks like a hilarious day out in the cold, but after that I think I might see about either upping the distance or switching to hill running. I LOVED the mad off road terrain and impossible climbs :shocked:

petemc

19-09-2011, 11:58

BBx - I agree with Lostkat. Anything over a 6 mile run and I'll take water. I don't drink a lot just a few sips here n there. It's amazing how much get's thrown away at an event.

Jonny - Sounds like an incredible event, aside from the impossible climbs :)

Lostkat - I'm sure you'll knock those 43 seconds off :)

I did my last LSR yesterday. 20 miles. It was hard going and emotional. My right calf muscle felt like it was going to explode at around 14 miles. I walked a bit and it just felt like it would go. I was tired and on the verge of breaking into tears. It was just so tough. I plodded on and made it to 20 miles. My average pace dropped from 12:30 to 13:00.

The best thing was that I didn't throw up this time.

Im confident, just about, that I can do the 26 miles but it's a very long time to be running.

jmc41

19-09-2011, 14:02

Glad you've at least lost the being sick part Pete. Are you still on the jelly babies? Might be worth taking something else if you're out there over 4 hours your body is going to suffer.

Good job for getting it done though, especially when you haven't really been running that long. Take it easy now, is it the 2nd October in two weeks so the taper now?

petemc

19-09-2011, 15:27

Thanks. 9th is the run so tapering starts today. Still taking jelly babies and doing ok on them. But yeah, I'm looking at 5+ hrs.

lostkat

19-09-2011, 17:26

Glad you've at least lost the being sick part Pete. Are you still on the jelly babies? Might be worth taking something else if you're out there over 4 hours your body is going to suffer.
Golden rule of marathon running: NOTHING NEW for race day
If jelly babies are what you've trained with Pete, stick with them. Lots of runners train purely on jelly babies. They aren't so good as the specialist gels, but they're good enough and they're a lot more palletable!

Your body is going to suffer no matter what. I think you know that by now. It WILL be painful and you WILL feel like giving up. Just grit your teeth and carry on. The last 6 miles will be completed willpower alone. You WILL get to the end, and then you will feel absolutely brilliant :cool:

Rest up now and "trust the taper" :)

petemc

19-09-2011, 18:37

Golden rule of marathon running: NOTHING NEW for race day

100% agreed.

Your body is going to suffer no matter what. I think you know that by now. It WILL be painful and you WILL feel like giving up. Just grit your teeth and carry on. The last 6 miles will be completed willpower alone. You WILL get to the end, and then you will feel absolutely brilliant :cool:

Rest up now and "trust the taper" :)

Looking forward to these next 3 weeks of tapering. Think I'm aiming (hoping) for a 12 - 12:30 min mile on the day.

lostkat

19-09-2011, 19:13

100% agreed.

Looking forward to these next 3 weeks of tapering. Think I'm aiming (hoping) for a 12 - 12:30 min mile on the day.
If you're tapering properly, you should feel like you have a lot more energy on race day. You almost always have a crap run for your last LSR, because your body is knackered after the weekly long runs. You'll be all ready and raring to go by race day :)

jmc41

19-09-2011, 19:15

Yeah, meant to say try it first, on shorter runs ofc.

Does anyone know when I can expect any sort of race details through? Mine is in two weeks and I've nothing except a notification email. Last entries are this Saturday I think but if they're planning on posting anything RM it might not arrive until November!

Argh, just seen why the back of my left knee is hurting, the strap looks like it rubbed the skin raw and there are two bloody (lit.) blisters or something!

BBx

19-09-2011, 20:51

6.43m in 60m

6m in 56mins 21secs.

What time are u hoping to complete Pete?

BB x

lostkat

19-09-2011, 21:01

lostkat

19-09-2011, 21:02

6.43m in 60m

6m in 56mins 21secs.

What time are u hoping to complete Pete?

BB x
Was the 6.43m your outside run BBx? Good going there :D

BBx

19-09-2011, 22:19

Was the 6.43m your outside run BBx? Good going there :D

:o

Got out of work at 7pm :(

4miler on weds will be outside though :)

BB x

Jonny69

21-09-2011, 12:54

Going to run home from the station tonight. I need to get back into the habit of doing it because it's a convenient 6k I can fit in.

Only downer is having to use public transport all the way in to work. It borks regularly and when it borks it borks bad. 2 hours 40 to get in this morning :'(

Jonny69

21-09-2011, 21:11

Ow, ow, ow. Well I've done something to my foot and it's really painful. Noticed it this morning; a sharp pain in the muscle (I think) that runs over the arch of my foot. I got about 3k in and it was too painful to run on and had to get the bus. I'm hoping it's a muscle strain from the weekend so I'm not going run on it for a week or so and keep an eye. Flipping well had to sprint for the second bus as well, or sit there for another 25 minutes. Ouch.

BBx

21-09-2011, 21:27

Bugger Jonny :( rest up well.

Last 4 miles was tonight - sunday is the big day. :shocked:

Eating some carbs this week in preparation with some about 5pm on sat as want them to digest properly by sunday morning so am not running 'full' :)

Going to be at the run from 915 so am thinking of eating porridge with banana at about 8am with cuppa tea and then just drinking water from then till the start. Take some fruit and cereal bars for afterwards...

What do you guys think? :)

BB x

lostkat

21-09-2011, 22:03

The race starts at 9:45am. Personally, I always make sure I've had my breakfast at least 3 hrs before the start, so I don't think 8am is early enough.. but that's just how my body works. Yours may be different. Porridge and a banana is ideal though.

Up your water intake over the next few days. If you leave it until race day, it's too late. No more water after 8:45am on race day or you'll need the loo halfway round. Make sure you have a wee (even if you don't neeed one) just before you run. There will be huge queues so get in line.

Also, get a good night's sleep on Friday because there's a chance you will be too nervous Saturday night and end up getting a crap night's sleep. At least you have Friday's sleep to fall back on :)

BBx

21-09-2011, 22:18

That means eating at 645 :/ maybe 7.30 I could do... ok

Yes am drinking lots of water this week :)

On my own Friday and Sat night so (fingers crossed) good night's sleep for me :) - have even booted out my own father from staying cos he snores :/

Feel bad, but there's no way I can afford not sleeping on sat night... he's ok though - at my uncles not far from here ;)

BB x

Jonny69

22-09-2011, 13:19

You'll be reet, don't worry about it too much! Just make sure you've eaten enough. I did the 8 miles last weekend about 40 minutes after scoffing two large Cornish pasties. As long as you're not rammo with fatty food when you start you'll be fine.

And we got no sleep in the tents :D

Will

22-09-2011, 14:22

My last run I did was 3.2km in 19:20. Not particularly fast, but a fair few low gradient long lasting uphills. Tempted to go again today (but did squats and deadlifts yesterday!). Quite enjoying these short runs, certainly around where Mei lives, it's less hilly than Crystal Palace! :p

Haven't got good running shoes, but at the moment I only really run once a week but probably something I should invest in.

I don't think I will ever do anything long distance or be at any of your levels - whilst I have the fitness I just don't have the strength or interest to lug myself around for hours. One day it would be fun to run with someone just for a bit of company but I'd be holding them back! ;D

jmc41

22-09-2011, 14:55

Dangerous :) I never thought I'd do more than a few miles home, then thought I'll try for 5 miles 3 times a week, had issues so did a 5 miler and a 'long run'. That was last xmas when long was 8 miles and I'd once done 10 miles.

Now (when not injured) do 10 miler or more every week! Have to get over the first hour to really enjoy it, and first 2-3 miles still thre hardest hence I (really) suck at anything under 10k. Nor do I enjoy those distances much.

Running shoes well worth it to aim to avoid injury. Might get my gait rechecked in my newer pair this w/end as sports shop said that may have caused the initial injury, bit close to the HM to get a new pair though.

jmc41

23-09-2011, 20:51

Just got an email about the HM, eeeeek. Hoping I can nick a lift (off a friends wife)!

Have to pick up number and chip Sat or 7:30-9am Sunday.

Jonny69

24-09-2011, 08:05

Gah! Got an invite down to her folks tonight. They are out in the stick so that means a few miles of trails, woods, mud, golf course, vintage airfield and general out in the middle of nowhereness. Except my foot, MY FOOT. WHYYYYYYY!!!!! ;D

petemc

24-09-2011, 12:48

I don't think I will ever do anything long distance or be at any of your levels...

I think most people who've said that end up running a half marathon at least ;)

jmc41

26-09-2011, 13:55

Well the sports doc has declared ITBS, given me some streches, and suggested I don't run until Sunday, should be interesting.

BBx - How did you Sunday go?!

BBx

26-09-2011, 15:40

BBx - How did you Sunday go?!

Full race report in my sponsorship thread :)

http://www.boat-drinks.co.uk/showpost.php?p=375969&postcount=13

Legs are very achy today have to keep moving around.

Funny feeling not being able to exercise tonight - but looking forward to chilling out :)

BB x

jmc41

28-09-2011, 19:55

Sorry don't follow other threads much, just to echo what I said great job though, hope the legs are less achy now!

jmc41

30-09-2011, 22:43

Well my 'postcard' finally arrived, waiting for me when I finally got in at 21:50pm. Nothing like a nice 14 hour day to polish off the week before a holiday :(

jmc41

02-10-2011, 14:25

Disaster.

2 miles in my knee started aching, by 5 I was getting concerned, half way around I got it strapped up by St. John's Ambulance, this didn't really help. Miles 5-10 were agony and I had to walk.

Tried to re-start a few times in vain, (made the mistake of getting my knee sprayed with cold water which left my left shoe soaked) and by the time I got to mile 12-13 walking felt like an ice pick was being buried into my left knee. I kept going (at over 4mph walking) and sprinted from 13 to 13.25 miles according to my watch (in under 2 minutes) overtaking at least 30-40 people.

Got the the finish and collapsed a bit, got handed a medal, water, and then St. Johns took off the bandaging (had to cut it off) and an ice pack. It was agony to walk and the right knee wasn't much better.

Finally, after limping (didn't know which leg to favour by this point) to the train station my housemate answered the bloody phone and came to pick me up. She then got lost getting home, so I finished before 12pm, but only just got in.

Time was 02:12:56 on the watch though that's after collapsing so probably should be 12:30; the official time looked like 2:13:13 which is odd. Either way I'm not happy, my training times were 1:53-2:11. Okay it was 26C with little shade, I've got two busted kneees, haven't run in two weeks, and the first 6 miles ranged only from a gentle to a steep incline and the downhills bits later didn't really help my knee.

But still disappointed. And unable to walk properly.

petemc

02-10-2011, 14:45

**** mate :( I know it's probably of little consolation but that's still a faster time than me. I couldn't do that time without injury, let alone in serious pain. Kudos for carrying on and I hope your recovery is quick and pain free.

jmc41

02-10-2011, 15:12

Cheers Pete, I think what bites the most is that despite the heat (and the fact that I knew my knees were dubious) I was hitting 6.9-7.0mph right up to mile 9, even by mile 10 (yet another incline through the park) I must have been just over 1:30 so on track for sub-2. And until I limped on it for miles my right leg and everything else was fine and could have taken more.

Looking ahead the Reading one is tempting though I'd have to stop over, that's April 1st so two weeks before I go to China (no issues with training). Just not sure how long it's going to take to recover before I can even look at upping my runs, then distance, then speed. Subject to the snow currently being forecast for October (it's 28C at present).

Tip for myself and anyone else though who isn't already aware, take a water bottle that you can dump! I took water (flask, not 'disposable') but had to check it in with everything else, we started 10 mins late and the first water station was almost 4 miles in (by water station I got half a cup), it wasn't until 6-7 miles or so I got an actual bottle!

BBx

03-10-2011, 20:00

on phone will read later...

need to total up my miles... reverse tapering began on sat:

3 miles 29mins

today:

6 miles 56mins

theres a running club @ gym

will expand later on comp!

BB x

lostkat

03-10-2011, 20:17

Really sorry your race didn't go to plan jmc :( No point being disappointed though as you can't help injury. If you'd pushed for a faster time, you'd have only done more damage. I think you should give it some proper rest for a few weeks now and let it recover a bit. April is a LOOOOOONG way away. Plenty of time for training

theres a running club @ gym
Oooooooooh LIKE!!!!!! :)

jmc41

05-10-2011, 21:32

Thanks, not too sure I could have gone any faster given my inability to even walk properly afterwards. Aches are subsiding now, but not gone for a run yet and may not go for another week, then will try 5k's and see how they go, on the flat where I can. I did have some left leg issues on holiday where I was running on extremely hilly terrain, combined with the 3 peaks, just too much. Hoping it doesn't take as long as I've read ITBS can take to heal.

Official times out today, chip time reported at 2:12:39 which sounds more like it. I also checked my stats on the computer, last .25m was actually 1:33 with the peak at the end being a 3:55mi/equivalent, so I know I couldn't have gone much faster.

Plus, the best time was 1:17, which for a HM isn't that great. One of the guys I was speaking to got 1:27 at the great north run and was aiming for 1:26, he got 1:32, so definitely a hilly and warm course.

Only one photo seems to show me here (on the right) if anyone is interested, I think it was at the very end: http://www.marathon-photos.com/scripts/photo.py?event=Sports/CPUK/2011/Coventry%20Half%20Marathon&photo=TRYB0011&match=372

The facebook page doesn't seem to have finish vids for anyone as late as me :(

petemc

06-10-2011, 09:17

3 days to go. Met office is saying heavy rain and 14 mph wind with 26 mph gusts. Yey?

OK we're having hail storms right now. I know you shouldn't wear any new kit on race day but I've been lucky enough to train only on dry days these past months. I'm off to buy a jacket.

Kitten

06-10-2011, 17:04

oooh come over, I'll test it for hotchocolaterepellent

petemc

06-10-2011, 17:24

Haha! It's not listed on the features. Maybe test after ;)

Kitten

06-10-2011, 17:26

deal. You'll be up this way anyway :p

jmc41

06-10-2011, 23:28

Good luck Pete. I quite like running in the rain when it doesn't affect the surface, but the wind chill is getting nasty. That said I've only run in hail once and that wasn't pleasant. 13C today, half what it was last weekend but in my opinion almost perfect (wind excepting!).

Good luck again, and may be the wind be at your back for all 26.2 miles.

(Which marathon is it?)

lostkat

07-10-2011, 06:34

I love running in the rain, but not when it's combined with strong winds! HM for me at the weekend too, so really hope this wind dies down.

Pete go for something VERY light. If it rains, you'll get wet. No "waterproof" running jackets are actually completely waterproof. This is because you sweat and they stop being breathable, so you end up soaked. Just get something windproof to stop you getting cold that you can take off and tie around your waist if you need to.

WATER, CARBS, REST!!!!!!!!

petemc

07-10-2011, 09:49

jmc41, its the Liverpool marathon.

I got a lightweight Ronhill jacket. It folds up into my fanny pack thing. I'll decide at the start whether I want to wear it or not. I sweat like I'm in a sauna so I don't want to add to the dehydration issue.

Water, carbs, photoshoot tomorrow night then rest :)

BBx

07-10-2011, 12:14

Good luck for this weekend Pete! :)

BB x

lostkat

07-10-2011, 18:06

Rest TONIGHT Pete. Always a good idea to get a good night's sleep on the Friday in case you're fretting on the Saturday and end up getting a rubbish night's sleep :)

petemc

07-10-2011, 18:21

Oh? I was going to do a casual 2 mile run.

I'm going to have a big lunch and bake spud for tea as I've got a shoot to head off to in Manc in the evening. I'll nibble on the drive too, with both hands on the steering wheel of course. Safety first :)

lostkat

07-10-2011, 18:26

Little run is fine, but early night tonight please!! :)

jmc41

07-10-2011, 18:50

Amazing how times change, 2 years ago would you have considered 2 miles a little run or a 'marathon effort'?!

Enjoy your spud, I ate baked potatoes before my half, then a huge amount of wholewheat pasta the day before. Worked though, no issues with feeling tired!

jmc41

07-10-2011, 18:50

petemc

08-10-2011, 12:52

I've updated my Liverpool Marathon page with details about the course, my rough pace times and locations. It has a link to my RunKeeper profile so you can watch me live tomorrow and a link to donate :)

It's probably going to rain, probably going to be very windy but there's nothing I can do about that. I will run and will finish. That's the only thing to do.

http://www.littletimemachine.com/the-liverpool-marathon/

lostkat

09-10-2011, 15:50

Did Leics HM in 1:50:12 (by my watch) today. It's not a PB, but it's 15 minutes faster than the disaster that was Notts HM a few weeks ago and it means I'm back on track. I'm really hoping that I can PB by the end of the year :) VERY chuffed!!

I've also been following Pete's marathon via Runkeeper. He's *JUST* crossing the finishing line about now. 5:30hrs. Damn good achievement, so I hope he's happy :D Very proud!!!

Pete, when you read this. WELL DONE!!!!! Recovery mode now. Protein, water, REST and a LOT smugness ;)

jmc41

09-10-2011, 17:03

Good job Pete, and Kate :)

BBx

11-10-2011, 20:26

10k 57m 41s 10.4km/h knackered!

yeh km i know! bloody m machines all being used!

BB x

Jonny69

13-10-2011, 20:03

If anyone fancies joining me for a bit of fun I've signed up for these two:

Santa Run 6k in Battersea Park, 3rd December: http://www.209events.com/event.php?event=52

Grim Challenge 8 miler in Aldershot, 4th December: http://original.grimchallenge.co.uk/

Should be an epic weekend. I'm SO looking forward to the Grim :D

BBx

18-10-2011, 21:27

6miles 55min 30 secs :D

10.4km/h - going to try to keep running at this pace now :)

BB x

lostkat

19-10-2011, 19:38

Speeding up BBx :)

BBx

19-10-2011, 23:04

:)

BB x

camerajuan

20-10-2011, 16:30

My 3 mile Spartan Race was completed in a shade over 48 minutes. 16 minute miles you say? Infiltrate the mud pits, net climbs, tyre throwing, spear throwing, sand bag carrying, ice pit, forest runs, clay lake swim, tunnel crawl, tyre runs, 2 Gladiators with Pugil Sticks and to finish off, an electric barb-wire fence.

I'm chuffed to survive! Edinburgh Race next year, goal is sub 45. COME ON!

Kitten

20-10-2011, 16:38

BBx

20-10-2011, 20:26

4m 37mins

BB x

Jonny69

21-10-2011, 07:00

camerajuan

22-10-2011, 18:04

www.spartanrace.com

Only two races left this year but they're both in USA. There will be more in UK in 2012 than there was this year.

I'm definitely doing Edinburgh next year and I may do London again or possibly the Yorkshire race. Depends on how this winter goes and how much of a tank I can make myself again.

jmc41

25-10-2011, 13:21

Well I'm back, at least just been out for my first run following the HM disaster 3 weeks ago. Clocked up 3.17 miles around Essex (ah the joys of the A130 at 8pm) in 27:40. Both knees (especially the good one) weren't 100% by any means, but no serious pains although a little sore this am.

Slowly does it. Hoping to go out again Wed/Thurs and then in the light at the weekend. Probably going to stick to 5k runs until I can do that without knee pain, but if it's still there in a few weeks I'll hit the doc again, need some ITB exercises that don't require an adjustable bed, I mean come on, who has one of those kicking around accessible 3-4 times a day!

BBx

26-10-2011, 19:57

Monday: 6miles = 55m 30s (sprinting the last 200m at 12km/h)

Today: 6miles = 55m 24secs sprinted again finishing 12.5km/h

was gonna do 4miles, but thought had better push myself given i ate burger chips AND pizza at the weekend :p

BB x

BBx

01-11-2011, 14:43

Yesterday: 55m 35 seconds 6miles

Just put in for a charity place for the London Marathon - good vibes please people & fingers crossed!!!

BB x

lostkat

01-11-2011, 17:41

oooooooh!!! Fingers crossed :)

BBx

01-11-2011, 21:24

1.1miles = 10mins
5miles = 46mins 10secs

BB x

Jonny69

02-11-2011, 09:40

Just put in for a charity place for the London Marathon - good vibes please people & fingers crossed!!!

BB x
Wow, good luck! :D

I haven't run much for the last few weeks. Been a bit run down and had a lot of work to do, so it had to take a back-burner. I had done a few trots between work and the station, but it's only 1k, so it is literally just a trot. I managed to get in 9k on Sunday morning which felt fantastic but my ankles and shins are out of practice for that distance and I'm a bit shinsplinty feeling. I also got in 6k last night from the station to home. I had planned to do 13k from the other station, but a combination of a stomach upset and the trains taking an age meant I'd lost motivation. I took it really easy (just over 30 mins for 6k) and really enjoyed it in the end, arriving home hot and sweaty and feeling like I'd done something but at the same time not killed by it.

jmc41

03-11-2011, 14:34

Nightmare day yesterday, got horribly lost trying to find Halfords and even started going the wrong way down a dual carriageway. So finally went out just before 8pm, felt great so pushed it and did 5k in 23:36 so pretty happy with that.

Hate going that late though, by the time I finish, stretch, shower, get and eat food it's gone 9pm and when I'm up at 6am I don't like to drink tons of water that late!

Jonny: 6k in over 30 mins is about normal for me when I'm pushing it a little. That's pretty much 8 min miles...

GL for the marathon BBx!

petemc

03-11-2011, 15:15

Just put in for a charity place for the London Marathon - good vibes please people & fingers crossed!!!

BB x

Ace! Fingers crossed :)

BBx

04-11-2011, 15:01

Thanks for crossing everything!!! I GOT A PLACE!!!

OMG!!!! :shocked:

Running to raise funds for IT 4 Children in Hospital :) how apt!? ;)

Kate Reeves I have to say you have been a total inspiration to me regarding the running and I wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't for you xxx

Scared but excited!!! :D

BB x

Will

04-11-2011, 15:13

:woot::woot:

semi-pro waster

04-11-2011, 19:12

That's great, congratulations on getting a place. Hope the training goes well for you. :)

Jonny69

05-11-2011, 11:25

Cool :cool:

BBx

08-11-2011, 20:58

6miles 55m30s

Going to buy a running bag on sunday & start running back from work-7miles.

Struggled a bit today-overindulgement at weekend & TUC biscuits are the cause.

Back on the food wagon tomorrow now Im done with all that!

BB x

BBx

10-11-2011, 18:08

55m 40 secs last night.

Shattered today.... thanks to Reevo for the advice for Marathon training :)

Spoke to my Director yesterday aswell as we were out and its one of the subjects I am able to smalltalk with him. He's done 5 Marathons and the London 3 times. O_o

He said about a 16wk plan and that apparently the Reading Half falls nicely into the plan.

Any training I do until I start the plan will be basically conditioning my body and preparing it for the training of 16wks.

He also advised that I did squats as well to strengthen my legs as they will get a pounding with all the training.

I also slipped in the fact that I have to raise £1.5k for charity ;)

Also to concentrate on amount of time running rather than speed - which is going to be tough for me :/

Oh and he reckons after I told him my Half marathon result - that I should be able to do it in 4h30 - yeah ok :p

BB x