The Running thread

[andrew08]

I did my fist half marathon after having done pretty much nothing for 10 years. 13 weeks of preparation, 3 runs a week (2 short runs and the 3rd longer, adding a bit on each time) and I thought I'd be slow but believe me some people were really slow, even stopping after a couple of miles.

If you keep doing 3 runs a week and gradually build up the distance, you'll have no problem.[/quote]

Thanks for that I feel encouraged by your comments.

I'm doing my three runs a week on a 2.5m/3.5m/2.5m program currently. When I get 12 weeks out from the day I will increase by a mile a week on the middle run and probably half a mile a week on the other two. I haven't been finding it too bad and reckon I could do around 6 or 7 miles now if I had to.

[OCD]

Do you all do running on flat surfaces or do lots of uphill training?

[andrew08]

I've started doing hills. The uphills I'm ok with, I just grit my teeeth and get on with em. Downhills are really strange, I can't work out if I should lean back and jog down or just lean forward like a headless chicken out of control.

[OCD]

I've been doing a running club for a few weeks with my gym. It's a really hilly area around the gym so there is very little flat running, it's either uphill or downhill. Running downhill, I've just kept my body shape the same as it would be on a flat but controlling the pace so that I've recovered a little for the uphill parts.

[usav]

Turn 36 next month and injuries are starting to mount up - just had my first achilles problem.  Thankfully not a rupture, just tendonitis.  Doing rehab with stretching, massage and stim therapy.

Over the last few years I've had: sports hernia (both sides), several ankle ligament strains, stress fracture in the back, adductor tear, knee pain.....

Ready to retire from football yet?  Nope.

[DBTW]

The Wolverhampton marathon/half marathon is on 5 September. A pretty good course for a PB, some decent slow climbs and a well organised race.

[Rob Gee]

As someone who regularly works out, plays football and cycles but that has only ever really done 4/5mile runs am I dreaming thinking I could run the Wolverhampton Half marathon on September 5th?

[DBTW]

As someone who regularly works out, plays football and cycles but that has only ever really done 4/5mile runs am I dreaming thinking I could run the Wolverhampton Half marathon on September 5th?

If you have a good basis level of fitness then you can start a training session now, but really don't aim for a decent time.

You have four weeks, you need to build stamina that will see you finish it.  

I can do you a detailed plan if you want?

[Rob Gee]

That would be great, I'd be happy with a finish and am thinking of entering EDF Birmingham Half marathon on October 24th so would aim for decent time by then!

[Rob Gee]

Also, does anyone have any links to or suggestions for good running mix.

Do I need to worry about the speed of the songs or should I just get 2 1/2 hours worth of music I like on there to keep me distracted?

[DBTW]

If you're starting today i'd go with this.

Thursday, 3 miles easy
Friday - 3 miles easy
Saturday - rest
Sunday - 6 miles slow
Monday - 2 miles fartlek
Tuesday - rest
Wednesday - 4 miles at 10k pace
Thursday - 5 miles easy
Friday - rest
Saturday - 2 miles hills
Sunday - 8 miles slow
Monday - rest
Tuesday - 4 miles fartlek
Wednesday - 6 miles easy
Thursday - rest
Friday - 7 miles slow
Saturday - 4 miles hills
Sunday - 10 miles slow
Monday - rest
Tuesday - 3 miles fartlek
wednesday - 8 miles half marathon pace
Thursday - rest
Friday - 3 miles fast
Saturday - 3 miles hills
Sunday - 12 miles slow
monday - rest
Tuesday - 2 miles easy
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - 2 miles slow
Friday - rest
Saturday - rest
Sunday - race day

[Rob Gee]

Cheers DBTW.

Should I try and do everything outdoors or does the odd session on the running machine fit in OK?

[Comrade Blitz]

Where does everyone run? There's no way I can run in the morning before work so I run two nights a week around the Jewellery Quarter (on streets in winter because it is too dark on the canal.) On the weekend I run along the canal if I can (snow and ice permitting) - otherwise JQ streets again.

I really can't wait for spring. By then I'll have finished my programme to get me up to 30 minutes non stop (currently at 17 minutes run, 1 minute walk, 12 minute run).

[DBTW]

I run locally around the Black Country, this time of year is really hard though with the conditions.

[Comrade Blitz]

Does anyone belong to a running club? I'm interested in joining one - my "local" club is Birchfield Harriers though - only slightly intimidating.

Also, what's the best way to find out about local races (10K)?

Cheers