Happy New Year, and welcome to the first Chat post of 2021!
The weather here is grotty today, and I have very little desire to go out in it. Also, I did an impromptu 6-day mini-run-streak last week, so I feel I deserve/need a rest!!
I think I'll stay in and finish off the tax returns. Or do some more Lego 😃
I actually really enjoyed the run-streak, even though I don't generally approve of them (rest is best - builds strength!). Who has done a run streak and how did you find it? Did anyone else got Lego for Christmas? What are your plans for this week??
As always, if you're new here, or just browsing through the community posts, this is a great place to introduce yourself and let us know how you are doing. You’ll find plenty of support and knowledge from your fellow runners here.
Checking in with you here, and letting you know that posting will resume next week. If you have started training how are you getting on? Also, I feel very aware that (in the UK anyway) there may well not be any Spring half marathon events this year - what are your thoughts about that? I hope you all will feel encouraged to continue with virtual/solo runs? We can support one another and enjoy the journey together!!!
Hi roseabi I started my HM training this morning. As far as I know the Vitality Big Half is still going ahead on London on 25 April, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it gets postponed or goes virtual. I’ll run a HM that day anyway, I just don’t know where yet. I think I’ll be much better prepared for the HM this time as I’ve done so many more runs and intervals/fartleks/tempo runs etc. I’ve found the variety of runs on the NRC app invaluable for those. I’ve got used to running virtual races since the first lockdown and I understand why we need to do it so I just get on with it. Having said that, I’m looking forward to the restart of ‘real’ events and mixing my weekly Parkrun fix!
It’s my first day back working (from home) today so I’m just getting used to it again. Luckily my work is fairly flexible so I can fit in my runs when I need them.
I'm having to rethink my plans on the HM training - I still want to do it but will probably need to build up more slowly, partly because school being closed is going to cut into my running/walking time and also because I think I was overdoing a bit - I have been getting knee niggles and don't want them to turn into anything more serious. So I'm planning to consolidate at my current level of effort for a few weeks with a view to starting to build up again after that. I didn't have a fixed race date in mind so that gives me more flexibility, maybe by the time I'm ready real races will be a possibility!
Happy new year! I started my HM training in November but I've had to put it on hold because my foot has started bothering me again 🤬 the weather is atrocious here as well so I'll give myself another couple of days and do a short run to test things out! No Lego for me this Christmas but I do need to finish off my tax returns so that'll keep me busy for a while! Happy running 👣
Thanks 😊 yeah my foot will be fine, I had very mild PF a couple of months back, which got better with rest and rolling plus foot and calf exercises. I just need to be more consistent and keep on top of those! 👍
I was highly motivated on New Year's Eve and signed up to all sorts of challenges on Strava. Then today arrived. First day back at work, continual rain, near-zero temperatures. Struggling to find my get up and go; it has got up and gone, leaving me behind. As a compromise I MUST go on the hideous indoor bike later instead, although that won't help my running challenges.
Tomorrow's forecast is "only" sleet showers so maybe I'll be back at it in my lunchbreak.
Ugh, I've been feeling like that today, and although I said it's good to take a break, I'm sort of wondering how I'll fit all my planned runs in this week without going out today. Too late now though, I'm for Yoga with Adriene and then dinner 😊😊😊
Our indoor bike is going to be set up again soon, podcasts here I come!!
I have started to up my weekly kms as part of my HM. Was hoping to do Istanbul but that seems unlikely now. What would be good would be to know of decent victuals to to. You know the ones you can be there in spirit for.
Happy New Year. Finding it a struggle to run in the current weather. I am still getting in three runs per week but it can feel a lot harder when it’s one degree or under. Anyone else finding this?
Happy New Year Stephen. I’m ok once I’m moving but it’s the first ten minutes or so that’s hard so I try and do a warm up at home before I head outside. And wearing the right layers is key. Merino wool is the best methinks.
But good for you for still getting out three times a week 🙂
That’s a good idea about a pre-warm-up warm-up. I have also started wearing gloves, which helps with the first few minutes. On the down side, I then have to carry them for the second half of the run. But that’s better than feeling like my fingers are going to fall off.
I have been known to warm up my calves with a hot water bottle. I don't like gloves because I have to take them off after a few minutes same as you. I find wearing a top with long long sleeves is better - I pull the sleeves down over my hands at first, and end up with them rolled up later on 😊😊😊
I know what you mean about the gloves. I sometimes stuff mine in a pocket which makes me look seriously lopsided 😂 but perhaps you could hide them somewhere en route and pick them up on the way back...?
Or attach them to strings threaded through your sleeves like a pair of mittens 😂 I think I’ll patent it!
HNY everyone. I have started following the BUPA HM plan after a brief C19 enforced break. No event planned. I’m also doing the 5k a day in Jan, alternating walks and runs.
I have to wear gloves as I've got Raynaud's in some fingers of one hand. So when I get too hot I end up wearing one glove and tuck the other in my leggings waist band. It must look very weird 🤣
I like running when it’s cold, but not when there is ice on the roads or when even the mud is frozen. The other day my mouth froze (it was minus 3) which I only realised when I tried to speak to someone! I felt fine. My ears were a bit chilly, not used to that - recent short haircut 😂 maybe I should wear a hat rather than my trusty sun visor!
As someone wise told me once: “there is no poor weather, only poor layer choices” and it is true. 🙂 Having said that, cold rain is the worst! Roseabi’s long sleeve trick is something I do all the time in the Autumn here. Too cold for that now in Toronto, so I usually have 1-3 layers plus mitts - my hands get so cold. Another piece if advice I got was to keep your hands and head warm and it makes a big difference. I do that now too, especially hands which are my weak spot - no blood circulation to the hands for me 🤷♂️
All good advice. Thanks. This morning the BBC site said it “feels like” minus 3. And it did! My T-shirt definitely wasn’t enough to protect me from the icy winds. Going to try for a long-sleever. Could never run in a hat, though. Just don’t like having anything on my head.
You are brave in a T-shirt in the cold! A thin running long sleeve should work well. You could probably get away with shorts and a long sleeve top if you heat up a lot.
Happy New year everyone 🙂 You’ve just reminded me Roseabi that I need to do my tax return too but I’d rather be outside 🥰 in the garden.
I haven’t run since my 2020 run last Wednesday. I normally take four days off after that distance but I didn’t feel like it today so I didn’t. I’ll go for a little trot on Wednesday. I’ve booked Pilates for tomorrow and I’ve started strength training after too long a gap. What’s really interesting is that my left leg was very unsteady on single leg squats and guess which leg gave me grief on my run last week? Serves me right for letting the strength work slip 🙄
I was seriously considering taking a month off running completely just for a rest and did some research about the pros and cons. I still might do it but it depends how I feel on Wednesday. If there’s any niggle at all then I’m focusing on strength work and putting the runs on hold.....
Have a good week everyone and we just have to remember that nothing lasts forever 🙂🥰
Sounds like you're getting a good plan into action! Maybe a week or two off, and then for the rest of the month just a couple of short runs per week would work?
You’re smart enough to know when to rein back IP. I hope if you do, it’s out of choice - not because of a pesky injury. Keep up the strength training and I’m sure you’ll be fine. 🥰
Hi everyone! I’m in the spring HM group again, but I wasn’t planning on starting training in earnest for a little while as the Bath Half was moved to September some time ago,
But ...... into my inbox today popped an email offering a virtual version on March 14th. Nah, I thought, another solo HM? I don’t fancy another one of those. But the bling called and I found I’d all of a sudden signed up. What? 🤦♀️ 🙄 🏅😍
Woo hoo Munks! Go you. I got that email too....and couldn’t remember what I’d done from the last time! I think I delayed until September...when we’re supposed to be on holiday 🙄
Hi roseabi as soon as this ice melts and it’s safe to run I shall build up to the half marathon slowly...run it slowly... and take inspiration and encouragement on here to complete it. I like having a plan and a target so I will get there! 🏃🏻♀️
I love the Lego sea-bottom scape!! Really creative. Your toes seem to be at risk from the great white though!I used to hate January tax return stuff; accountants did all the hard work but I still had to put aside proper work and dig the info out for them. Nothing quite like the peace which came when the job was done though; wine o’clock whatever the time of day!! So, running! After my NY Day 5 k come back run, I decided that I would have to get in a run of sorts today, or tonight as it turned out. Rain, hail, sudden gusts of wind...but thankfully the snow has gone. I ended up doing an hour of strengthening stuff ( mainly knee) and then ran 2.3k under the street lights. It may have been a very short run, but I felt so much better for having got out there. Snow forecast tomorrow.
I really don’t know where I am plan wise! I think that I need to get a few 10ks in and then start building from there. Running on the road is certainly easier than muddy trails, but I am a mud man at heart 🙂
Oh.,,I meant to report to linda9389 on the High5 Gels I got at Christmas. I went for the raspberry flavour; it tasted ok. The only problem was the unavoidable sticky fingers. I ate it post short run, so no opportunity to test the energy boost; but I haven’t fallen asleep yet!! 🙂
I got a bit carried away in Christmas week, running five times including my second solo HM - actually 22.7k. So last week I thought I'd better cut back, and just ran three times, for a total of 21.6k.
And today the snow has arrived properly 🌨️🌨️🌨️ and I suspect I won't be running anywhere at all for a few days! I'm not teaching tomorrow so might put on snowboots and go for a walk with the dog 🐾🐾 instead.
Love your Lego shark and crab! I’ve not seen those before! 😃
I’m running regularly but no plan on the go. I think 🤔 I’m signed up to the HM group. You never know, we could get a real live, actual race cropping up, so it makes sense to be ready 🙂🏃♀️
Having built up the distance, I don't want to lose it so went out for an HM run yesterday. After taking off the time for the extra 1 k at the end, I was 10 minutes slower than my last one. There again, I'd added in an extra hill and I don't think I'm back on form after the Christmas excesses so I guess it's reasonable.
Also, I've still got 9 months to get ready for it.
Had a Lego Harry Potter Great Hall for Christmas. Not sure why, but I preferred last year's Saturn V kit.
Oh a run streak, guilty as charged (if the limbs hold up 🤞) but it'll mean missing a strava badge for a 10k 🥺 oh well ..... Today was number 5 of 5klms 🙄 January has too many days!!! But I love the lego lobster 🥰
With the news today, looks less likely that running events will go ahead. I really hope we can have more virtual events through this forum. Please stay safe, everyone.
I had a bit of a break over Christmas as I had an eye problem and then went away for Christmas. I had planned a couple of runs with my daughter-in-law, but she had hurt her ankle. So for a couple of weeks, I only ran once a week.
I ran 3 times last week, though, to get back on track! My plan, as ever, is not to have a plan, other than to listen to what my body is telling me. After running my first HM 3 weeks ago, I do want to run another. So I’ll do maybe a couple more 10 milers, dropping back to 10k in between them. Then, when the time is right, off I’ll go for a repeat performance!
First day back at work...cant sleep 🤣 planning on having a crack at HM pb within the next few weeks. Having Jeff'd out around 10 slow ones since sept 2020 think I need to see what my legs can do 😜
I love lego! Our kids used to play for hours with it. We still have a ton downstairs.
I’ve just been taking runs casual lately. There have been some really nice small group runs and a couple of longer solos over the holidays. Back to work today so back to some daily structure too. Still balancing TM indoor speed work with outdoor slower runs I can enjoy.
Morning roseabi, and happy new year! Love Lego! Wish I could relax long enough to do some! Yesterday’s news really doesn’t help as youngest kitten no longer has exams and eldest kitten stuck at home when he was supposed to be going back to uni.
Meanwhile, I’m having a run streak. Just contemplating escaping the desk to go out on a short run. It’s beautiful but cold out there this morning. Streak is partly (very needed) RED January and partly just because I wanted the ‘Finish Strong’ Garmin badge last week. Also slowly making my way up the country on LEJOG6: just passing the M6 junction for Blackpool.
HM training hasn’t really started yet but it will do once RED is out the way I think. It will also herald longer days. If I can get past the 14 days I managed last time I did a streak then I’ll be very happy indeed!
Thank you 🙏🤗 Feeling a bit frustrated with my short run today: didn’t realise we’re only allowed out once and it only took me 15 minutes with WU & CD 😩
I’m happy to be part of this group! I’m a very slow runner (10K in 90 minutes) but I’m lucky to be even walking without a limp so I keep it slow to ensure I can run well into my future! This group, based so far from my home in the US, never makes me feel insecure about my pace. Obviously, I’d like to finish a Half before they close down the course and I miss the post run beer😆.
I have not begun training yet but I expect to do so tomorrow. I did my second 10K last weekend. I’m hoping to do a half by summer and I’m okay with it being virtual until we can safely run together. Good luck to all in your training endeavors!
My first few 10Ks were around 90 minutes and I haven’t got that much faster! It’s fine. You just have to develop more endurance to be on your feet that much longer 😊. I like slow!
My training is progressing well. I've just been counting out the weeks. I should be ready for my first HM around mid-March (all going well), so I'll need to get one booked.
I've been looking for a virtual HM in March & the Cambridge one appeals as it can be run anytime in March (cambridgehalfmarathon.com/v.... There is an option to enter a team - is anyone else interested?
It looks like you get a web link when you enter. That link can then be used by others to join your group. It's a bit tricky to locate your reply on here so I suggest you start a new post and put the web link on that.
I noticed that a_in_gsr is looking for a virtual HM at the end of Feb so that could be someone else in the group. I think we might get a few more from the Spring HM group as well.
I started my training a couple of months ago as my race is (or was 😭) in February. I’m using a Garmin coach plan and I’m finding 4 runs a week hard going. Actually for the last few weeks I’ve not done the Monday runs so only done 3 per week. Yesterday I resolved to try and get back on track and made it out the door for an easy 5K. As the wonderful Adriene says, “the hardest part is showing up” and I’m pleased I did. I will get all 4 done this week (I’ve said it now, so I have to!) I feel pretty comfortable with the 10 mile distance now which is also a good sign as a difficult 10 mile run gave me a major wobble last time around 🏃🏻♀️😁
Do you find it hard physically? Or do you mean it's hard to fit it into your life? If the former, I guess you could switch the short easy run for a walk sometimes? There's no reason to beat yourself up over a training plan 😊😊😊
A little bit of both, I ran less over the last couple of weeks because we were going for lots of walks (basically the only way you could see most family and friends!) and now it is hard to motivate yourself when it’s dark before and after work!
Also I think another place I was going wrong- the Garmin plan has “optional” extra time on most of the runs for 10-20 mins. I think I was overdoing it by feeling like I had to do the extra every time. So I’ve decided not to do the extra during weekday runs to help fit it in, but to do it on the longer weekend runs when I have time 😊
I managed two slow runs last week, and marathon recovery seems to be fine, so I suspect I'll be back to normal soon. We had some snow right after Christmas, and the temperatures have finally dropped, so it's really pretty here now. I decided to do something different today, and drove to a lake for a run. It's a nature reserve, and it was amazing seeing the swans sleeping on the frozen lake, then flying around the lake later. The run itself wasn't completely successful, as my studs weren't able to handle the icier sections of the path, and it got a bit too slippy for me. Did I wear them out during my marathon? I ended up running on the snowier sections, and walked on the icier ones. I had a great time anyway, and figure I'll go back later this week with my other pair of studded shoes, to see if they're any better.
Hi Roseabi. Love the Lego, especially the crab. 😂 As I posted earlier, I’m giving the Runners World 5k challenge a go. My brother is doing it with me. We started today with a gentle 5k and then into 6 x 20 second hill sprints. It was a gentle start tbh. Tomorrow is another easy run or rest day (haven’t decided yet) before the baseline run on Thursday. We decided to use the Preston Park Parkrun course for the 2 trial runs. Saturday is a 10k run. Not sure how fast that one needs to be so I’ll likely go by feel.
Loving the structure of this and the potential to see an improvement in speed is always a bonus. Fingers crossed🤞
Happy New Year. I'd like to join in the hm training please. It will help me to have a plan and a target as I'm not particularly motivated at the moment.
I haven't done any strength and flex work for ages, so I've started yoga with adriene today. I also need to work on speed and motivation. I haven't put much effort into my runs since I completed my first hm in September.
I have done my tax return and I received a 1,000 jigsaw for Christmas, which is still a work in progress. I think I'll go for Lego in future it looks more fun. Keep safe and well. Xx
Hi roseabi, I’m still intending to work towards a HM this year and would really like to do a real event. I’m hopeful for the Robin Hood HM going ahead in September in Nottingham so am going to sign up but would like to aim for a virtual event in May sometime. I’ve had a few issues with knees and calf muscles since building up my mileage so have slowed it down a bit, a few grumpy couldn’t be bothered weeks recently too as well, likely partly because of very bad weather conditions. So I’m plodding along hopefully, maximum I’ve run so far is just over 7 miles so still a way to go. Loving your Lego, still have all my son’s Lego from 30 + years ago, just waiting until the ‘bump’ arrives in June to hand it over...or shall I? 🤣🤗
I'm in the second week of my self crafted base building / HM plan which is a total of 9 weeks. I'm really looking to build up my mileage and to increase my shorter runs. I began last week with 30km ,and I'm hoping to get to 40km by the end of the plan. I also want to practice with longer runs (over 10 miles) which I am hoping to reach soon. For my last HM I'd only done one 10 mile run beforehand! So this time I want to get comfier with these distances.
My motivation is very up and down, but I am determined to keep going! Today was a (very) rainy and very cold 7.5km... all I can say is I'm excited for when the weather gets better and Spring arrives!
Does anyone have any good HM virtual races which I can sign up to for the last week of February? That is my plan to do another HM attempt... but I'd love it if I could have some bling, too!
On paper I'm on week 6 of my plan to get to 10 miles in February, but in reality it's more like week 4.5! The last 2 weeks have been very icy and far too scary for me to run. I got out yesterday for 5k for the first proper run in about 10 days. The forcast for the rest of the week isn't looking too good so we'll see.On the plus side I've joined the Adriene yoga posse and have been doing far more other training than before. I know that I need to do more for knees as my right knee keeps feeling a "bit odd" weirdly not when I'm actually running. So perhaps having a bit of a slow down is a good thing.
And on the plus plus side yesterday I was feeling so fed up about another lockdown but after my run and the reassurance and comments from you lovely people today I'm feeling so much better.
And you've reminded me I have a huge box of lego upstairs that hasn't been played with for 20 years 😊👍
A belated happy new year from me too! I think I've stood on/picked up too many lego pieces to ever again find enjoyment in lego! I'll stick with my jigsaws I think - far easier on the feet 🤣 I dont mind going out to run in the cold or the wet (not that it gets too cold where I am and we don't often have ice or snow to contend with), but it's been putting me right off cycling! Have got my runs back up to 6k and am hoping I'm on a roll - just going to enjoy that thought for this week 👍😊. HM training (on the way to ultra training will have to wait a bit longer for me).
Ah good point! My brother has a scar on the back of his head from falling on a Lego brick when he was little - dangerous stuff!!
Good point about running vs cycling too. But I got up this morning to a frosty scene, and the sight of people swimming in the sea 😨 I'm just not hardcore enough...
Ah sorry only just found this! Well I haven't started HM training as nothing to focus on yet and I think it will be easier for me to go long distances when mornings are lighter. I haven't booked to run anything physical as I'm not wanting to be around people yet!! (Proper hermit forming) and I don't feel confident enough to book a virtual one yet. I am going the Agri5nations challenge so apologies while ALL my strava activity is set to run as we are including walks too!! It has been hard to get motivated to run in the dark and cold but the strava group helps and I just come on here to get inspiration!! My husband just got new trainers and they have made him super speedy.....I don't do speed but can keep going steadily, so maybe I'll work on speeding up. Husband says good idea for all areas of life 😱 😂 Happy new year to you all.
Yes I did miss them....well we were TB testing a lot of cows last week so I think I missed a load of social stuff!! Will have a good read of the update later xx
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which is a total of 9 weeks. I'm really looking to build up my mileage and to increase my shorter runs. I began last week with 30km ,and I'm hoping to get to 40km by the end of the plan. I also want to practice with longer runs (over 10 miles) which I am hoping to reach soon. For my last HM I'd only done one 10 mile run beforehand! So this time I want to get comfier with these distances. 
