The Running Thread

[Avon]

My first marathon is less than 2 months away now.

Cant wait, Ive been told for my training not to run any further than 13 miles..Im currently up to 11 and Im managing quite easily.

Glowy, I would suggest you start adding some longer runs to your schedule and aim to get to the around the 20 mile mark in training runs.

This will give you a lot more confidence you can do the full 26.2miles, a longest run of 13 miles seems a little short to me.

There's loads of marathon training plans online which you can review for a second opinion.

You've still got plenty of time aswell, it looks like you're on track with your training.

I was told not to do that as it instills some sort of mental block? Like you know how far it is? I did my knee the other day, been told off for constantly running on concrete I dont have many other types of surfaces to run on though

Again, check out some marathon training plans on the web and take a look at the suggested mileage. If you can run 13 miles then you will need to run that again to finish the marathon, if you can make 20 miles in a training run, you are so much closer to your final goal and your body may be better physically prepared.

In terms of the concrete/knees issue. Are their any rivers (towpaths) or parks (tracks) near you at all? You could always buy a pair of sorbathanes and put these into your shoes to lessen the impacts on your knees. You can pick these up in Boots.

[Poser]

I'm going to be signing up for Men's Health Survival of the Fitters soon, anybody else? Or even heard of it?!

Never heard of it. What is it? I need a target - the threat of looking unfit and slow in front of lots of people - otherwise I'll never get off my arse again.

I do quite fancy the Kielder marathon, mind. Looks pretty n that. You tempted, as it's so close?

http://mhsurvival.co.uk/

A 10km run, with an obstacle every 1km.

Obstacles like one is a parkour type little bit, one a big load of haybails to get up and over, etc)

That looks mint. Are you definitely doing it? The Embra one, I assume?

[Glowy69]

My first marathon is less than 2 months away now.

Cant wait, Ive been told for my training not to run any further than 13 miles..Im currently up to 11 and Im managing quite easily.

Glowy, I would suggest you start adding some longer runs to your schedule and aim to get to the around the 20 mile mark in training runs.

This will give you a lot more confidence you can do the full 26.2miles, a longest run of 13 miles seems a little short to me.

There's loads of marathon training plans online which you can review for a second opinion.

You've still got plenty of time aswell, it looks like you're on track with your training.

I was told not to do that as it instills some sort of mental block? Like you know how far it is? I did my knee the other day, been told off for constantly running on concrete I dont have many other types of surfaces to run on though

Again, check out some marathon training plans on the web and take a look at the suggested mileage. If you can run 13 miles then you will need to run that again to finish the marathon, if you can make 20 miles in a training run, you are so much closer to your final goal and your body may be better physically prepared.

In terms of the concrete/knees issue. Are their any rivers (towpaths) or parks (tracks) near you at all? You could always buy a pair of sorbathanes and put these into your shoes to lessen the impacts on your knees. You can pick these up in Boots.

Never heard of them, are they easy to find? There are a few tow paths, but not enough to train properly. As for the running Im not sure now, knowing that you have run them makes me want to believe you more than a screen

[Avon]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keyw ... stdpnna6_b

Here's a quick linky. Yes they're easy to find and basically act as a shock absorber.

I have a pair of these in each of my trainers (generally have two pairs on the go at a time) and I've not suffered any knee problems.... yet.

Here's a link to a Runners World intermediate marathon schedule. It recommends from 15-20 miles leading up to the event.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/racing/rw ... e/109.html

You can get round on lower mileage but may find yourself run/walking later stages.

[Glowy69]

Weve already decided to walk the first 5ish miles, we dont have a strict time limit to finish in I just want to finish it if you get me, thanks mate

[Maroon Brinks]

Ok Runners! I have decided to do a marathon in 10 weeks. Yep, absolutely mental, though I was wondering if you guys could hook me up with a training programme? For the runners here at the minute, what type of diet are you on, notice any weightloss? I ran 5 miles comfortably yesteday, so that's the base I'm going to be working off.

[Avon]

Ok Runners! I have decided to do a marathon in 10 weeks. Yep, absolutely mental, though I was wondering if you guys could hook me up with a training programme? For the runners here at the minute, what type of diet are you on, notice any weightloss? I ran 5 miles comfortably yesteday, so that's the base I'm going to be working off.

Quick tips.

1. Check out Runnersworld.co.uk/Internet search for running plans.

2. Build up mileage gradually.

3. Just eat/drink sensibly. Wouldn't overly worry about this as long as it's reasonably healthy.

4. Make sure you have some decent running shoes.

[Poser]

Nottingham one I'm doing, entered the other day. Roped 3 of me mates into it too COME ONNNNNNN. 7 and a half months to train, boom.

I'd never convince anyone else I know to do it, but I think I'll enter the Edinburgh one. Looks hilly as strawberry float, but hills were always my best bit in my x-country days.

I just need to bite the bullet and make the payment, then start working on a training plan. No way I'm turning up at that with no fitness.

[abcd]

Nottingham one I'm doing, entered the other day. Roped 3 of me mates into it too COME ONNNNNNN. 7 and a half months to train, boom.

I'd never convince anyone else I know to do it, but I think I'll enter the Edinburgh one. Looks hilly as strawberry float, but hills were always my best bit in my x-country days.

I just need to bite the bullet and make the payment, then start working on a training plan. No way I'm turning up at that with no fitness.

and then you can do the tough guy event.

In January.

[Avon]

Nottingham one I'm doing, entered the other day. Roped 3 of me mates into it too COME ONNNNNNN. 7 and a half months to train, boom.

I'd never convince anyone else I know to do it, but I think I'll enter the Edinburgh one. Looks hilly as strawberry float, but hills were always my best bit in my x-country days.

I just need to bite the bullet and make the payment, then start working on a training plan. No way I'm turning up at that with no fitness.

and then you can do the tough guy event.

In January.

Did I mention that I've done Tough Guy... twice.

Most fun event I've ever participated in. Well recommended but very pricey these days.

When 2000 people line up at the top of the hill and they start the race by firing a cannon and everyone charges down the hill through the smoke it's immense, a true braveheart moment.

[Bunni]

So, who else is represent GR at the London? I'm doing so well on training. I know it'll kill me. I've breezed half marathons, but I also know how killer it feels to think you've gott run it again. My Dad who has done loads is pushing me to do a 20mile in the next few weeks. I need to build up from my comfortable 5mile the other day though.

[Exxy]

Used RunKeeper on my last run, it's strawberry floating amazing The fidelity of the gps is what has surprised me the most, as well as knowing when the run goes uphill/downhill. Going to try and work my miles/min down to around 5. I only do short 3 mile runs during the week so setting some small goals.

[Glowy69]

I use the nike one. Without the sensor in my trainer. Paula radcliffe talking to me to congratulate me

[Fin.3]

Just done my daily (or every other day, depends on what I'm doing) run of 3.7km. Trying to find a longer route or I may just do another lap. I live in a really rural area so one half of my route is uphill - tiring but good.

[Yoshimi]

I started running at the end of last year, after losing 3 stone and starting going to the gym. I'm now running over 5k, 3 times a week on the treadmill and having a few runs outside every week. My longest run was on Sunday past, 11.5k. I'm going to enter 2 or 3 10k runs over the summer.

I highly recommend the Nike+GPS app for iPhone. Very accurate, encouraging, syncs with their great website, social network stuff, coaching etc.

[Avon]

What's the weekly update running peeps?

[Glowy69]

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

[Avon]

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

[Glowy69]

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

[Ryan]

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

I was going to say that it wasn't too bad a time for your first time. Perhaps you'll run a faster time should you do one again now you have a feel for it.

As for me, i've only done a few races - Bath Half in 08 and 09 finishing in 2hrs 03 and 1hr 45 and the Bristol Half last Sept in 1hr 37. Also done the Longleat 10k in 09 and 10, i think, and finished in 48mins and 42mins. I was meant to run the Bath again last weekend and was looking to finish around 1hr 30, typically I was feeling too good so didn't run. Pretty annoyed about that.