No prizes for recognising this as a picture of some of the participants in the 60,000 strong field for the Great North Run yesterday. It is an incredible mixture of elite athletes, club runners, first time runners and wheel chair racers. The logistics alone have to be admired. All of this with one goal; to help ordinary people do something extraordinary. Sir Brendan Foster used those words yesterday. Everyone who took part is a winner. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.
Back on the Planet Earth, this is our weekly chat where we share anything which is on our mind. It will be a quiet week for me, but my flirtation with the NRC Marathon Plan continues. I keep saying, and I mean it, that I will never run a marathon; I just want to know more about the training and nutrition involved and open up a discussion for anyone who may be thinking “Do I want to do that?”If I manage to add a bit of distance to my HM’s then that will be a happy coincidence.
I have already made discoveries! One is the Nike Training Club app. Cross training from the latter is cross referenced into the weekly running plan, so in the last four weeks I have cross trained every day; a big change. The key, for me at least, is that it is so accessible with people leading sessions on video . There is a link on the running plan (although I have downloaded the NTC app now) and suggestions for each week of the plan. Some sessions are 10 minutes, others are 20, and it is a mixture of strength, balance, warm ups and cool downs for the body and yoga for the mind and flexibility. So if nothing else comes out of my decision to explore the Marathon Plan, this is a win. The early focus on increasing the strength of each leg separately has helped me a lot. This will keep me stronger through the winter…and hopefully upright!
I have also looked at nutrition on long runs; I need cross training there too; releasing my bottle from its holder quickly needs practice! I am hoping that my next HM will be easier as a result. In fact, I had a great start to my nutrition for this week last night! A sausage casserole made by yours truly (I mention it because Irishprincess was licking her lips at the thought last week; hope you found time to cook one up IP).
I am off for my steady 15k now, last run of week “12 Weeks to Go”. I need to run it more slowly; these runs are not meant to be PB attempts (another lesson not quite learned!).
Over to you 🙂. How are things going? Do you have plans? Insights? Stories ? Questions? Whatever, we really love to hear from you. Hope everyone has a lovely week.
Intriguing post and I too have been toying with a training plan, probably the NRC but for HM not marathon, if there is one. My main reservation is that I’m not great at doing (or finding time for) other forms of exercise, be it cross tracing, weights etc. I do 3 runs a week and a weekly aqua aerobics and I think that’s probably my lot.
Good luck with the training plan if you do do it, as you say they are sometimes a good way add a bit of distance 😊
Hi IRunning. There is an NRC HM plan which I used this year. The emphasis on cross training is not so strong there; it is something I struggled to find time to do. The sessions I have been doing have been mainly 2x10 minutes or 1x10 minutes; doubles up with watching television!
My step count has always been high; dog walking on top of 3 runs per week, so I do try to keep moving.
That’s what I like about the Hal Higdon HM plan. Although it builds in two days of cross training I do strength work rather than cross training as it seems to suit me better, but the discipline is there because I love ticking off each session. Very satisfying ✔️🙂
Apparently I have fitted in 80 sessions since 29 July! Most are 10 minute sessions but I often do 2 or head back to the 20 minute Yin Yoga. The main benefit to date is improved balance. I can happily stand on one leg and do exercises and stretches with the other leg now. Much less wobbly!
Oh well, serious cross training now; grooming Molly before she goes for a clip tomorrow!! Bit of Strength and Flex needed! She is very heavy, very strong and very determined. My main weapon? The dog-biscuit tin!!
I like the NRC training club. Watching them on YouTube via the telly rather on my phone was a huge revelation ☺️
The NRC marathon plan is good and my preferred one these days. Useful for pulling in other races along the way too.
Marathon and long run fuel has been on my to-do list and I’ve got it sorted in the past few days. Tailwind, two emergency gels 😝 one each for half and full marathon - to be eaten in the dying moments if required bleugh 😁. Hula Hoops, homemade energy bars made and in the freezer, Haribo’s ✅. Also got some Twiglets as discussed the other day hereabouts 🙂 I’ll Road test them for “ toteability” beforehand 🏃♀️
Training runs ongoing, physio ditto, new shoes bought, hotels booked. Most important I had my hair cut short this morning. Loads lopped off to make me lighter 😃
Speaking of casseroles, my beef one is blipping away 😋
A totally different test I know, but I got through my 15k this morning in the rain with no trouble, in fact I picked up pace in the last 6k because CB told me to!!
It was a good run (under instruction!) I ran the first 6k really easy, picked up pace without increasing effort until 9k, then upped the pace until the end of the run with minimum extra effort. Much more like a real race strategy; I surprised myself! Back to 10 miles next week; I am already thinking about a PB….🙄 we will see what PB says. I think that I have now got the hang of increasing pace without increasing effort.
I had a good glug of Tailwind at 6k, and then had a smaller top up dose every 1.2k after that. I think that this may be the least slow 15k I have run (I don’t run many at exactly 15k though!).
Do you reserve your Hula Hoops, energy bars and Harbo’s for much longer runs?
Yes. I only eat Hula Hoops from about mile 22 The smaller bags have been dropped now unfortunately so I took one bigger bag and divided it into two small ziplock bags I happened to have around
Energy gel for a marathon race. Right at the very end if I get cramp or something, as happened once. A guy gave me a gel and it cured me, so now I tote one just in case. I might take one for my half marathon race this weekend but I can’t see me eating it. I usually manage a half marathon on an energy bar or two
Haribo’s generally for race day I don’t generally take them on training runs but they can be handy to moisten the mouth if I’ve not got a drink . I usually count out six of them Not overly keen as they can be sticky 😝
Tailwind for half marathons and marathons. Too expensive to use for everyday runs 😀
Well I love hula hoops normally so knowing that they can help you run further / faster has just changed my life 😂. Back from Spain yesterday and went out for my morning run today and ran my fastest 10k yet so I’ll add Churro’s to that list 😂
I don’t eat them at any other time but fromabout mile 22 of a marathon If needs be I’ll eat a second small bag as I near the end. I just tip my head back and scoff the the lot. You can’t get them in small bags now so I divvy the larger bag into two smaller bags. The salty hit is great when you’re really fatigued. I got the tip from the fab distance runner Nikki Spinks when I watched one of her many videos.
A mention of sausage casserole and I’m here! My husband is the cook in our house so I can give him a request ❤️ I’m sure there’s one at the bottom of the freezer as he normally makes a batch and it’s such great comfort food 😋
Your comment about releasing the bottle made me smile because I know what you mean. That move takes practice and every now and then I have to swivel the belt around to the front as I just can’t get the bottle out otherwise.
How did you get on with the Tailwind?
I’m getting back to a routine after Antrim Coast, although having said that, I went out the other day to do 10K and stopped after 6K as it was so humid and my legs had no energy. But I got four runs done last week so it’s time to go again 🤗 I still don’t have a plan but I might, might increase my long runs a tad to see how I get on. Don’t tell anyone in case I jinx it 🤫
In other news, I signed up for a night run in February and I’m so excited as I’ve never done a night race before. Mind you, my night vision is not good so it could be a disaster 🤣
I am the cook in our house; Mrs BC does all of the chopping 🙂. I managed a large scone and coffee in the cafe after my run; but we then needed to walk Molly, so lunch has been missed!
The tailwind went well. Having a large gulp after 6k or so, and then just a little bit after each 1.2k seemed to work for my 15k. The time was good and my pace was good over the last section. I felt more lively post run than I would have expected. My unfastening skills have improved too🙄. So all good. I am still wondering whether I will need more than Tailwind if I venture beyond HM.
As they so rich you need only a few small bits. They are high in protein and sugar though so perfect for mid-run snacking and even post-run with tea or coffee 😋 misswobble is a big fan as is Sandraj39
I only used to drink Tailwind during the marathon but I’d got some to hand so I took some on my last hot day half a few weeks ago. It’s good stuff I find. I did take two of my energy bars as well and ate them 😋
I have run off road at night minus lamp (emergency) and you realise just how black the countryside is at night. All-encompassing dark 😁.
It should be fun if you’ve got a decent light. I haven’t. Mine’s not enough to light up the area around my feet so I carry a small hand torch. Not ideal but I don’t run at night much these days 🙂
My son bought me a new one along with a hand torch and a flashing armband for running and walking the dog. I dug the head torch out recently and it came supplied with batteries. They were the wrong ones though 🙄
We don't have street lights in our village and the first time Mr IP and I went to a “social” in the village hall shortly after we moved here, we had forgotten that little fact and were like two very drunk old people trying to find our way home in the pitch black. It was hilarious 🤣 but we never made that mistake again.
it’s funny isn’t it blundering about in the dark when you’ve had a few. OH and I and two kids rolled home to our digs in Tobermory. We ended up in a cow’s field then the wrong house. I had my eyes practically up against the window frame to see the paint colour and it was still the wrong house! Pouring rain too ☺️
Hi Beachcomber66 and HU friends! As you’ve seen, I ran the New Forest HM yesterday and had a great time running in beautiful scenery.
I’m now going straight into preparation for the Great South Run which is next month. At least I know I can walk/run ten miles now! I normally use a training plan on the Garmin Connect app, but there doesn’t seem to be one for 10 miles so I’ll play it by ear and devise my own I think
Other than that, I’m looking forward to volunteering at Cardiac Rehab on Thursday, and maybe inspiring our patients to get out there and do what they can (within the limits provided by the cardiac specialists, of course)
An alternative is to do the NRC HM plan which has a 10 mile stage David, as does the NRC Marathon Plan (joining part way through to suit your requirements) the latter has built in stretch strength and balance exercises. I am sure that you can devise your own if you would prefer that. You will have done a lot of that stuff in your rehab I would guess.
I know, Dexy5 😉 I’ll take a look on the NRC app and see what’s there. I do like a plan! I know my running club friends are working towards the GSR too, so I might join them if it doesn’t clash with Parkrun/Junior Parkrun volunteering duties (I’m currently on 97, so working towards my 100!)
That all sounds great BC.Mine is not so great! I'm sulking.and skulking around the IC (not ready to sit just yet tho). On my last speed run my leg suddenly went again. Same old, same old that no one can find a cause for. I finished the run but have not run since and have cut my walks right back too. Taking Naproxen to reduce any inflammation and just now it feels OK. Going to take a whole week off running though to try to avoid making it worse. Everyone please cross your fingers for me.
So Victoria HM? Well ... 1. My leg is dodgy ... 2. Personal issues mean I may not be going to Canada and 3. looks likely that Air Canada pilots are about to go on strike. Right. Doesn't look like I need to stress over a week off running!!!
Unbelievably, when my father came over in July, he was flying Westjet and their pilots had an on off on off strike in the week leading up to his departure! It was all very stressful.
You feel completely helpless; we had a Teesside to Newquay cancelled,; we were told as we got to the check in desk! In the end they hired a mini coach to drive us down. Not so easy with Canada!
Thanks RW. It feels like it has gone already which seems too good to be true. Will stop the painkillers and give it til the end of the week. Fingers crossed 🤞
Oh no Linda! I “liked” your post automatically and then realised I didn't really like it at all! That’s rubbish about your leg. Did you ever get a proper diagnosis on that? It’s so frustrating when old injuries pop up again to stop us - grrrrrr . You have my utmost sympathies 🙁
Let’s hope after a week’s rest it will be ok. I’ve got everything crossed for you 🤞
As for your other stresses, as my wise dad use to say, “what will be, will be.” ❤️
Thanks IP. I already can't feel it through painkillers, so I'll stop taking those now. I'll try not to run before the weekend and just build walks back up. I had space to drop a week even if I do Victoria HM, so that's OK. I had slotted in an additional long run which I could also drop if needs be. So just peed off rather than panicking. When I'm fed up I really need the runs!!!
Oh goodness Linda! What a crock! You’re sure having a run of bad luck 😬
I hope you can sort your leg out. Getting the inflammation down is easier said than done isn’t it 😟. The inflams can take quite a while to kick in once you start taking them.
It’s frustrating for you. If it lets you down it needs sorting The first question my physio asked me the other week with my ankle was whether it had let me down by giving way. Luckily it hadn’t
I’ve probably said this a million times but I massively underfuelled my long distance runs for a long time & it took me ages to work out what worked & didn’t for me. I can’t do carb drinks. I find gels, salt tabs & plain water so much better. I can only stomach the really fluid gels though. How misswobble can run a marathon eating crisps 😅
I’m also not good at doing anything outside of running. Hard enough to find time to run. I’m going to try & keep the strength training up twice a week.
I’ve got too much on my plate at the moment & I’m tired from it all. I miss running long.
I read an article yesterday about fuelling. It suggested that we need to train our gut - we aren't just trialling what works, but are actively getting our bodies used to eating and processing nutrition during exercise. Another reason why it takes time to get it right, perhaps.
I’ve been working on this all year. I was happy that I got to 6 gels on race day. I had packed ten but didn’t want to risk 🤮 So many piles of vomit between 30-42.2km. Long distance running is hard core 🤣
That makes sense. I don’t fancy getting gummed up with sticky gels. Maybe the running shop jelly beans are a halfway house….very brightly coloured though!
Not crisps! Hula Hoops 😁. At about mile 22 mark I stop running and scoff the small bag. a swig of drink and I’m off again 🏃♀️ If I need to I will neck another small bag. The salty hit is just great 😋
Thanks RW. So far I have got as far as 50ml of Tailwind (just under..there was some left when I finished) which, at this dilution is more of a drink than a gel. CB called for pace in the last 5 or 6k of my 15k yesterday, and my response was pretty good.
I did once get(from a specialist running shop) a chocolate/ salted caramel flavoured brownie designed for in run use. It tasted really nice, but I don’t think it did my system any good!
I am sure that 50ml will get me to HM(I have done that on just water). It’s the possible 5k beyond which I am not sure about. Plenty of time to work something out. Salt tablets are next on my list.
I think it’s the heat here that’s tricky to manage with long runs. I found carb drinks made me super thirsty. I could not eat a chocolate / salted caramel gel 🤢 I can only do fruit flavours & they have to be super liquid. High 5 would be my choice if I was in the UK. I’ve also trained my gut to take on more fuel. I managed 6 gels for my marathon but probably needed more.
Unless something changes in my head, long runs are sidelined. Unfortunately not doing GSR this year, as we are off to Ireland tomorrow for a month in the van and I can’t do 10 miles without around 6 weeks training. I certainly don’t rule it out again in future years, but have no current desire to do another HM. I am more than happy with my 3 runs a week (parkrun and 2 x 1 hour club runs) and 20 minute daily yoga, with the occasional 10k race if they are in nice places! I am planning to do some parkrun tourism in Ireland, though, including Portrush on Saturday - along the beach. Eek 😧
Hello Beachcomber66 , my post seems to have fallen down the proverbial black hole again.
No long distance running for me so I don’t get involved in gels etc, which is good because just the thought of then sets my teeth on edge.
I do make the misswobble high energy bars, which I will nibble on during the Great South Run, but other than that, just dried apricots and fruit pastilles.
NFM 10k was fine with all the niggly worries and I’m sure that having cheekychipmunks pacing me in a steady run for the first 2k helped immensely. Whether my hips/glutes/knees will accept the training to 10 miles is another matter as I would have normally got further on by now. But no doubt I will achieve it one way or another.
I am sure that you will give it your best shot in any event Dexy5. Famous last words, but I am finding the NTC work outs really helpful. 🤞I can keep it up for another few weeks! They are well worth a look.
I plan to trial the different “foods” alongside the tailwind on long runs each week, in the hope that I can find something which I can tolerate, before straying a little bit beyond HM.
A slower first 6k or so helped last Monday; it brought my heart rate down for a start. Having cheeky as a pacer is much better than consulting Mr Garmin.
I moved on to a middle section with more pace, but without additional effort, and then managed a faster finishing section. CB at his best.
You’ll definitely achieve that 10 miles Dexy5 . You’re great at doing your exercises and you have a few weeks to ensure you’re nice and strong. When should we start doing our “please, no headwind” dance? 😳
After Sunday, I am not sure which dance we should do. 💃🏾🕺👯♀️. But it would be nice to have a day without rain or wind. I don’t mind a gentle drizzle once I’ve got going to cool me down.
Can’t believe I haven’t bored you all with a weekly chat reply this week. I guess I thought I should spare you after my NF 10k missive. Unlucky though Dexy5 tagged me, which woke the sleeping chipmunk! 🐿️ 😈
I’m loving my running at the moment, albeit it with a very stop start couple of weeks. In fact I hadn’t run a single step between my tourist PR in Exeter and the NF, which probably isn’t ideal, but since when did that stop me? It was a wonderful weekend, with great pals. 🥰 The race, for me, was a deserved slog, but my little goal of not walking was still intact. I even jogged on the spot when people stopped at puddles right in front of me. Just run through ‘em guys, it’s fun! 💦💦
Cardiff HM in 3.5 weeks which will be fun (not fun from 16k onwards), then GSR two weeks later. Bath Half in March and lots of other fun things to look forward to too.
You don’t need extra nutrition cheeky; you are like the Duracell bunnies !! A perpetual motion machine! You will be ready on the day; you always are! Just a natural runner. Just rock up, do the run and grab a cuppa (and your bling) no fuss or worries…or at least that is how it looks. 🙂
You’re very kind Beachcomber66 ! I really can’t call my perma-trot proper running, but it’s fun! 😅
My nutrition is literally a handful of jelly babies (head off first), and that’s about it. I’ll take Tailwind and plain water to Cardiff along with my JBs, and maybe some Hula Hoops as a special treat!
When the is GSR over I’m going to start the NRC Marathon Plan I’ve decided, after a week or two of no plan. I’m liking the fact it builds in some strength work, because I need it massively. Are you still enjoying it? It’s clearly working! 👊
I am really enjoying the Marathon Plan and the NTC workouts…about 900 minutes of the latter since the end of July. I am really pleased with all the single leg work I can now manage without falling in a heap. It is just what I needed. 🙂
Love the post Beachcomber66 . How did your 15km go? That’s always the point when I start to think “wow, I can run quite a long way now!” I like the NTC app. I need to investigate putting it on a screen bigger than my phone because I sometimes struggle with seeing the moves!!
Sunday is my race and why I’ve popped in here. I still haven’t quite got over the imposter syndrome! I’ve had such a bizarre build for this. The plan was for an October marathon until covid basically binned my training plan. I entered this 10k on a total whim thinking, 10k in a few weeks will be super easy. The humidity and post covid “I can’t breathe” combo has been a killer one and my longest runs have been 5k. I don’t think I’ve been less prepared for an event! Still, there are some positives. Since the weather turned, I’ve had some really good runs, including some faster ones, which has been a massive confidence boost. I did “Speed Run b4 the Half” this morning and that felt great . There was such good commentary on that one-just massive reassurance that all the training is done and this is the time to just go and enjoy it. By no stretch of the imagination has this block been what I want it to be but I’ve still notched up a lot of miles over a long period and that won’t have disappeared with things being quieter recently. The plan is to run once more, probably Friday, 20/30 mins take it really easy. On the day I’m going to Jeff my way round the course and really focus on enjoying myself. Maybe in October I’ll attack my PB but this weekend is just for celebrating actually getting to the start line. Coach B’s best comment on the guided run was “the hard part is not the race, it’s getting to the race” . Bring it on!!
How can you possibly think of yourself an imposter MissUnderstanding ? You are a fabulous runner, full of great advice and speedy too. Enjoy your race, and hopefully bump into you at a West Country PR before long. 😀
Aw, thank you! I think all the trouble with this training plan has just knocked my confidence a bit. Luckily a couple of good runs have come along at just the right time. I’m really looking forward to Sunday now.
We are definitely overdue bumping into each other!! I’m looking at the Severn Bridge night races in November and I’m still overdue Severn Beach parkrun!
I’ll let you know if the Worcester 10k is one to put on your list!
Hi MissU. My 15k went really well thanks. CB broke it down into three parts (all within the envelope of “easy” pace). First third was slow easy, 2nd third was normal easy,( increasing pace without increasing effort) and the final third was quicker easy (pushing it a bit). It was really enjoyable. It rained a bit, but nothing too drastic. Next Monday is 10 miles, so I am a bit ahead of the game for a possible GSR.
I see we have you on the Pom Pom spreadsheet for your 10k. No imposters on there, so I guess you have to leave those feelings behind you now. You are definitely a fully fledged and very welcome Fun Beyond Runner!!
Many well worked plans seem to be left behind the start line once you get going. What linda9389 calls the race magic takes over, so anything can happen. I am sure you will be absolutely fine. Enjoy and, of course, bring home the bling to decorate your after run post. It’s exciting 🙂
I love of slow, normal and quick easy! That’s going on my list to try. A bit of rain sometimes makes a run a bit more interesting…and legitimately means you can feel like a hero for being out in it. The GSR sounds like a really great event. Good luck with the training. Being ahead is such a good position to be in.
Look out for the run report-kit is getting organised tomorrow in case of emergency washing, I’m excited now!
🙂 I am further ahead than I thought. Monday’s run turns out to be 20k!
It was really cold up here today. 12 degrees C but it felt a lot colder thanks to a northerly wind. I confess that I resorted to leggings! Never had to do that in September before. Monday looks warmer. Hope you have a nice week end.🤞
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