[Sol Ford]

The missus and I have just started running/jogging about four weeks ago. She's signed up for the race for life in July(?), I 'signed up' as her motivator/training partner.

I'd not done any running training for 25+ years, since I was at school, the missus the same, nothing since school, although not as many years. I'd always hated running as a form of exercise.

This time around I'm really enjoying myself. I think it's because I'm going at a slower pace than I would if I exercised on my own.

We put together a seven week interval training program with a view to be running non-stop for 30 minutes/5k at the end of it. After four weeks we're now alternating between 30 minute hill runs and 40 minute flat runs and are surpassing our 5k target.

We found a free nationwide 5k run/race (link below) that's on every Saturday morning which we've signed up with. The missus is talking about PB's now.

Link,

http://www.parkrun.com/home

 

[Sol Ford]

Just been out for a quick blast around a different route to take in a new view, thought I'd go through some farm fields.

I'd just topped out on a steep climb, heart beating like the clappers, I didn't think it could go any faster, then out of the hedgerow on my left comes a deer and it's foal, they land about a metre in front of me.

I didn't know who was more startled them or me, and yes, my heart could beat a lot faster than I thought.

The deer shot off into the field on the other side, the foal got it's head caught in the fencing around the field. I gently coaxed it free and off it went to it's mum.

An eventful run, but they messed up my times.

 

[Sol Ford]

Been for a cross-country run this morning about 7-8K. I'm starting to enjoy this.

I went with someone who can run. It made a massive difference having someone who can pace it properly.

 

[Sol Ford]

I'm doing a 'Park Run' 5K at 9.00.

 

[Sol Ford]

Lately, I've been doing the Park Run 5K's as a way of gauging my progress.

Four weeks ago, 24:20 minutes. Two weeks ago, I managed 24:19 minutes. Yesterday I set off with the task of getting under the 24:00 minute mark. I managed it in..............

.....23:02.

I'm made up with my time, yet disappointed I didn't look at my watch 100m earlier and kick on for the 23 minute barrier. Still, there's always next time. [Determined Smiley]

 

[Sol Ford]

Did a 5K Parkrun today, managed to get a PB, go under 23 minutes for the first time and get into the top fifty runners. Finished in 22:50, woohoo

I know there'll be quicker runners on here, but not too bad for a 40 something, who only took up running five months ago.

I'm chuffed, can you tell?

 

[Sol Ford]

I've had a cold all week and haven't run since last Saturday. I'm dreading the first one back, I'm putting it off by convincing myself I'm not fully fit yet.

Just wanted to post, so it's wrote down somewhere and spur me on.

As you were.

 

[Sol Ford]

Nice and sunny here, ideal running weather. I am going to marshall the New Forest Marathon in a moment. I wont be running it alas after having way too many injuries this year.

So get out there Sol Ford.

We've got the default setting Manchester weather.

I'll go out today or post otherwise, to ensure ridicule about a bit of water.

 

[Sol Ford]

Right, I did it.

The first 15 minutes hurt like hell on the lungs, the last 15 minutes hurt like hell on the legs, the middle 15 seconds flowed.

And I bumped into an old mate who I'd not seen for more than ten years, so a good morning all round.

It's funny bumping into old mates on a Sunday morning, whilst we were both exercising. Ten, fifteen years ago we would've both been still partying from the Saturday night at 10:30 on a Sunday morning. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

 

[Sol Ford]

I've just been out. I was hoping to get 40 minutes in but last weeks cold is still lingering and 30 was all I could manage.

 

[Sol Ford]

I've been out this morning and managed to get 40 minutes under my belt, felt like I could've gone on for longer but decided not to push it.

 

[Sol Ford]

Just been out for an hour with a mate. A straight 30 minutes by the side of the canal, turn around and come back.

We were only going out for a 30 minute run, but we both got our rhythm early, so we ploughed on for an hour. Shorts on, T-shirt off, sun on the back (then the front), it felt good.

 

[Sol Ford]

I've been approached today to do a 'Leadership in Running Fitness' course and RunEngland will cover the costs.

Now all I need is work to give me time off.

 

[Sol Ford]

Did the Heaton Parkrun 5K today with my ten year old. He's never done any running before, never mind a race with 250+ enterants. I'd said just get round without stopping and aim to get as close to 30 minutes as possible.

He finished 137th with a time of 28:30.

*Edit* His time has officially come up as 28:28.

 

[Sol Ford]

I've been out quite regular lately, but been running with some slower people, so I've not really pushed myself too much.

That changed today, I discovered a whole new meaning to the word pain.

I went out with someone who, normally, is a good six or seven minutes quicker than me over 5K. He was getting back into training and I'd been mentioning how I'd got a lot quicker than last time we went out.

We both set off sharpish and no one was willing to back down, half way through I croaked that I couldn't keep the pace up for 40 minutes, he croaked back he wanted to bail five minutes ago. We settled on 30 minutes and pounded on, I tried to tire him out with a hill at the end, but he still managed to out sprint me at the last 30 seconds. I need to do some secret speed work.

On the plus side, we managed to cover over 7K in 30 minutes and my recovery time is a lot quicker.

 

[Sol Ford]

Ah, the running thread.

Not been out as much as I'd like for the last ten days or so. I've been using my bike on my off days as I'm toying with the idea of a triathlon next year.

Yesterday, I went out on my own and did an hour. A very muddy off track blast, fairly flat with a couple of short, steep climbs. It felt good.

Tonight I'll be doing around 45 minutes with my lad and a local running group.

 

[Sol Ford]

Calling all marathon runners.

UB, Smull, any other marathon runners, your help please.

First off, it's not me, I'd just ask questions on here.

One of my punters has signed up for a marathon in May.
She's a regular runner, but never bothered wih a club and doesn't really want to.
No great shakes in the speed department, but can plod on for 10+ miles at a fraction under ten minute mile pace.
Isn't after any particular time, just wants to finish.

I've suggested she starts a diary including length/time of run, time of day she runs, what she eats and time of meal. Have I missed anything?

So, the question is; Are there any marathon training websites that you'd recommend to a virgin marathon runner? Something with a training plan and possibly a dietary plan.

Thanks.:group:

 

[Sol Ford]

I shall pass the details on.

Thank you, Mr Smull.

 

[Sol Ford]

Spence, start with a couch to 5k program, it should help ease your knees into running.

I found, with the shorter distances, my everyday trainers were okay. I splashed out on a running shoes once I knew I was sticking with it.

Here's a couple to have a look at. I just googled them so if there the same don't shoot me.

Posting your progress on here may help motivate you (or improve your lying skills).
Good luck.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

http://www.c25k.com/

 

[Sol Ford]

Cool Running have some good training plans, including for marathons.
There's also some good training articles and forums that might be worth a look for nutrition.

Thank you, details passed on.