The Running Thread

[Slartibartfast]

Finished my first half marathon today, training of course. 2:06. Is that any good. I was pleased with how not knackered I felt Though my legs hurt a bit now though

Difficult to judge Glowy as finishing times can vary according to build, diet, training, talent, age etc etc.

The world record is just over 58 mins I believe. Elite runners are probably up to the 70 mins mark, good club runners would be aiming for under 90 mins.

If you're new to running then 2.06 is ok, you will probably be faster at a real race event with hundreds of other people running with you as an incentive.

Looks like you should aim for a sub 2hr half, finishing 1.59 sounds so much better doesn't it?

Here's an age grading calculator from Runners World:

http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/agegrad ... -0,00.html

Assuming you're 25 (I have no idea how old you are), this would generate a result of 47% with the world record time being 100%.

Edit: Here's a summary of the results:

100% = Approximate World Record Level
Over 90% = World Class
Over 80% = National Class
Over 70% = Regional Class
Over 60% = Local Class

I'm 29. I thought that was pretty good for my first attempt. You've ruined it now

It's the time I did the Cardiff Half in and I'm 23... however, I had a succession of being ill (including green poo at one stage) for the preceding three weeks. Had to stop regularly and cough my lungs up

I had been aiming for 1:40 beforehand. Ah well, am trying again this year.

[Glowy69]

I think my difference is Im training for a full marathon, so improving my time in a half isnt that important, gotta prepare the legs for the burn

[Avon]

Reading Half Marathon today, new PB of 1.33. Happy Days.

[Glowy69]

Youre a machine

My marathon is in 3 weeks, got my number and stuff through yesterday, Im excited now

[Starbreaker]

Reading Half Marathon today, new PB of 1.33. Happy Days.

Argh! Bastard, that's a full thirty nine seconds better than me. I think I'm going to have to kill you.

[Avon]

Reading Half Marathon today, new PB of 1.33. Happy Days.

Argh! Bastard, that's a full thirty nine seconds better than me. I think I'm going to have to kill you.

Actually, my time was probably the same as yours after checking the official chip time results. Unless I can take age rating into consideration as I'm over 35 which is positively old in these parts.

[Bunni]

My Dad is about to turn 60, and is rather excited about being moved up an age category, so he can again be top of his league.

I seem to feel more motivated to run these days, so hopefully the marathon won't kill me too much. I've been coping fine pacing myself for longer runs, and haven't really felt the effects as much the day after. Need to get into the habit of stretching and warming up/down. It's awful that I've been running 18 years and have never really done a warm up. I tend to get to the start and just run. As long as I don't stop completely when I finish I tend to survive quite well.

[Glowy69]

Should I be getting some new trainers before I do my mararthon?

[abcd]

You can do.....but....

Wear them in first. We're talking a couple of months to be on the safe side.

[Glowy69]

Wear in pair of trainers? I didnt do that last time

[abcd]

If you bought a new pair on day of your marathon, you'll now doubt have feet issues.

Your feet have been running in a pair of trainers for miles, and the trainers will gradually change shape to match your foot through wear and tear. If you chuck a new pair of trainers at your feet, they won't fit as well as your old pair and are likely to cause fiction, which will lead to blisters.

[Bunni]

Anyone got any tips for acid reflux when running? Been suffering for a few days now and it's bloody awful.

Went for a run just now, about 5/6k round the park. Met some other runners from the local club which I'll head back to next week. Otherwise training is going alright. Getting motivated to get out more, and I'm back to work tomorrow where I'm looking to run to and from.

[Lotus]

If I want to do some light running...maybe 30mins/45mins a day, few times a week...how important is it that I wear the right shoe?

I don't really want to be spending £90 on shoes that I have to get 'measured' for and have my running style assessed, etc. If I just walk into Sports Direct and buy some Asics or New Balance's, will it do me any harm?

[Glowy69]

I spent £45 on a pair of nike pegasus trainers, and ive been training 3 times a week pretty much since august last year

[Starbreaker]

If I want to do some light running...maybe 30mins/45mins a day, few times a week...how important is it that I wear the right shoe?

I don't really want to be spending £90 on shoes that I have to get 'measured' for and have my running style assessed, etc. If I just walk into Sports Direct and buy some Asics or New Balance's, will it do me any harm?

I don't have any specialist ones and I've always been fine. Just make sure they're a good fit and don't rub.

[Lotus]

Cool, that's all I need to hear! Cheers guys.

[Avon]

If I want to do some light running...maybe 30mins/45mins a day, few times a week...how important is it that I wear the right shoe?

I don't really want to be spending £90 on shoes that I have to get 'measured' for and have my running style assessed, etc. If I just walk into Sports Direct and buy some Asics or New Balance's, will it do me any harm?

You could do the "wet foot" test http://www.runnersworld.ltd.uk/foottype.htm to look at the appropriate type of shoes to wear and then look for a pair online such as http://www.sportsshoes.com which I have used several times.

Alternatively, you could support your local dedicated running store (i.e. Sweatshop) get measured up properly and buy a pair and then buy all subsequent pairs online cheaper.

I don't like paying any more than I should but do try and support dedicated running stores in a roundabout way.

Sweatshop 20% off using code GBTWD at checkout
Sports Shoes 15% off using code LMF2 in the special instructions box (they will work out discount and not charge you full cost).

Had a bit of an energy crisis on the run home yesterday but Mr Cadbury and Mr Kipling came to my rescue. Probably my own fault for not taking a rest day after Reading HM.

[Glowy69]

Avon, should I be buying some new trainers, with my marathon 3 weeks away? Just in case my ones i wear now are worn out

[Bunni]

It'll take a bit longer than 3weeks to break in a pair of new trainers to a standard you can do a decent length run in them comfortably.

[Avon]

Unless your old trainers are uncomfortable I would probably leave it now Glowy. Why don't you retire them after the VLM?

I think it's recommended you change a pair of trainers every 500 miles you run in them but I've gone on longer than that without too much of an issue.