Have you read this book?

[YJB1]

Has anyone else read 'Running Like a Girl' by Alexandra Heminsley? It's really inspiring but light hearted, also gives lots of useful tips. It charts her progress from her first run to running marathons. She didn't have the benefit of Laura helping her through! I recommend it.

[notbad Graduate]

Yes, it's a great feel good book - made me want to get my trainers on, maybe not a marathon for me though

[misswobble Graduate]

Yes I read it. It made me laugh that she wears full make-up for marathons, complete with false eyelashes. You have to admire her pluck

I can't ever envisage running a marathon but at least from reading her book I can definitely rule it out. You get from it though the fact that she's just an ordinary person who showed that you can do extraordinary things.

[YJB1 Graduate]

No, no marathon for me either. I have done a couple of half marathons in the past and would like to again. Much more doable, far less painful!

[carole01 Graduate]

Great book and made me run on holiday!! (supposed to be my holiday read!) I am starting to think about a half marathon. Good to hear you have done a couple. Any tips much appreciated

[YJB1 Graduate in reply to carole01]

It was a while ago, Carole - the last one was in 2011. Shortly after I developed the problems that kept me away from running for two years. The best tip I can give anyone (and I hope you do this anyway) is to stretch and warm up and cool down properly every single time you run because this is what caused my problems, or rather NOT doing it caused my problems! I got away with it for years but once I started upping my mileage to half marathon level, I paid the price, in fact I'm still paying it if I overdo it. Apart from that, core and glute strength training and learning to pace yourself if you don't already. I loved the half marathon distance, it's far enough to be a challenge but doesn't put you at as much risk of injury (unless you are daft like me) or take over your life like a marathon. Don't hesitate - just enjoy it! Good luck.

[carole01 Graduate]

Hi, thank you for replying. Sorry to hear that you had to give it up for a while. I will take take your advice and do more stretching and strengthening as I am aware it's my downfall. I am starting the 30 day challenge today that I found on the Couch to 5k Facebook page which I think will force me to become more aware of the core stuff. It looks quite doable and there is a video to show each exercise correctly and safely!!. So glad you are able to get your trainers back on and out there again your experiences help us all