Hiya Rachael, yes, I was surprised when I read it, but I reckon it's true. You'd only start losing your fitness if you did nothing during those two or three weeks.
I've been a "twice a week" runner (8-10M/week) for years. It's only this year that I started training for races. Having injured myself several times already, I have quickly learned that the physiological changes occur slowly and can't be rushed. If you try to rush it (ie. get fit quick), you end up tired or injured, or both. Then you give up because you stop enjoying it. Vicious circle, I guess.
Point taken. I tend to have a bit of naive/flippant attitude to these longer races. I tend not to worry about the distance until the morning of the race - then the palpitations set in. My attitude is that i've done 10, albeit last month, so I can do 13. I've got a 5m XC race on Sunday so will put effort into that and then do what you call 'modest training' until a few days before the half.
A strange serene pre-race calmness is setting in. Very odd. (Just realised, i think they call it jet lag!)
Thanks for tips. Didn't want to do a hilly 10m anyway...
Right, going to order that book now. I'm using Hal Higdon's 18 week marathon guide (The Complete Marathon Runner) for my Paris effort as it's as simple as it can possibly get, but it's a bit light on the psychology bits like you've been describing. With me, running is probably 80% mental attitude so if i can get my head around why i'm doing what i'm doing I might just get to the finish line a bit easier...
bingo -<1.55 Blackers - 1:20 #209 BrianM - 1:40 Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice Hendo - 1:50 Little Lou - 2:00 Normski (Barns Green or bust!) Rachael Reynolds < 2.00 The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33 Glycogen - 1:35 hilly - <1:29 Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42 Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15 Ian Lang 1:50 Simbad - 1:32 Gold Rush - 1:23 steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230 runforest - <1:40
Starting to feel pretty calm too LL and I don't have the excuse of jet lag. Just hope it's dry on the day. And not too windy. Or too cold. And I get a PB. Not too much ask is it?
BDB, you made a contract. You are escorting Mrs BDB around her final lap. She will love you forever, you will be her hero. You know you want to.
Finally had a better run today. 10.3 miles, started at 8:20 pace for the first 3 miles, then 7:40 for the middle 4, then 6:55 for the final 3.5. Slight twinges in the hip, but hopefully it'll be OK. The sky was clear, the moon was out and it was freezing cold. Perfect, me thinks. I'm a bit more hopeful about my training now. Was beginning to think it was falling apart.
bingo -<1.55 Blackers - 1:20 #209 BrianM - 1:40 Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice Hendo - 1:50 Jaycee - 1:50 #682 Little Lou - 2:00 Normski (Barns Green or bust!) Rachael Reynolds < 2.00 The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33 Glycogen - 1:35 hilly - <1:29 Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42 Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15 Ian Lang 1:50 Simbad - 1:32 Gold Rush - 1:23 steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230 runforest - <1:40
Missed Marlow on Sunday due to stinking cold, but had a gentle run this evening, and feel OK. Never done Gosport before, so looking forward to a new course.
That's going some Glyco. Glad to hear the hip is holding out.
Not sure about that contract you mention. And as for being loved forever and a hero, I think I’ve got the boxes ticked already (not wishing to sound complacent and one should never takes ones partner for granted and all that).
In all honesty, if the race were a few weeks off, I could get my fitness up to do a few extra miles. But I'm pushing for a PB and will probably be a bit knackered at the end of the 13.1! I may summon the energy to jog back a mile or so to escort Mrs BDB in, but I’ll have to see on the day.
Spoke too soon. Injured now, left achilles and left hip. Just limped home from a 10K, took 54 minutes. Yuk.
Going to take the next four days off at least, and see what happens. Time will tell whether I manage to train again before Gosport, but I really don't want to miss it. Plus I've got another half on 11th Dec, so I need to get fixed. I'm prepared to lose some minutes now:
bingo -<1.55 Blackers - 1:20 #209 BrianM - 1:40 Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice Hendo - 1:50 Jaycee - 1:50 #682 Little Lou - 2:00 Normski (Barns Green or bust!) Rachael Reynolds < 2.00 The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33 Glycogen - 1:40 #286 (injury permitting) hilly - <1:29 Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42 Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15 Ian Lang 1:50 Simbad - 1:32 Gold Rush - 1:23 steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230 runforest - <1:40
Hey Lou, nice picture! The other one looked like the Loch Ness monster, what was it?
Loch Ness Monster?! Nope, it was actually a picture of my dog, a monster Newfoundland swimming in a 'loch'. Unfortunately the quality was so poor it just looked like me in the sea on a bad hair day... I have graciously used your instructions on how to do a picture properly and put my little man up instead. He's infinitely prettier than the dog - and even me on a good hair day...
Sorry to hear about your achilles and hip. People on this thread seem to be dropping (or drooping) like flies. I am still calm, partly because the idea of running 13 miles is totally beyond my belief. But, positively thinking, I ran 10 last month so i'm sure i can do 13 this month. And, if i can do 13 this month I can do 26.2 in April!! I'm invincible me. Or just daft.
Gosh, I'm impressed that you followed my rather sketchy instructions... your picture is perfect quality.
As for your old picture, I was at least half-right. I noticed it was a Loch and not a lake, sea or river. Ha!
Which mara are you doing in April? I'm doing the Lochaber. I'm looking forward to it, the forum's really busy and everyone's up for a good time. And sure, it's mind over matter, so you'll do fine!
I'm doing the Paris marathon - apparently they offer you Beaujolais and saucisson at 22 miles, that kind of clinched it for me. I don't know if I'll partake of any but they sound like my kind of hosts!
My husband has also decided he's recovered from his pneumonia that he had early last month. Therefore not done much training but he's going to put a few gentle runs in and see how he gets on. I reckon he would be the perfect candidate to run with Mrs BDB freeing up Mr BDB to go for his pb, injuries permitting...
Therefore: bingo -<1.55 Blackers - 1:20 #209 BrianM - 1:40 Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice Hendo - 1:50 Jaycee - 1:50 #682 Little Lou - 2:00 #67 Normski (Barns Green or bust!) Rachael Reynolds < 2.00 The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33 Glycogen - 1:40 #286 (injury permitting) hilly - <1:29 Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42 Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15 Ian Lang 1:50 Simbad - 1:32 Gold Rush - 1:23 steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230 runforest - <1:40 Mr Little Lou (Angus) - to finish #68
Oh yes, now I remember... of course you're doing Paris, sorry, you told me a month or so ago, when you were worried about an injury that you'd had.
Good luck to Angus with his half! Hope the warm-up training goes ok for him. I wanted to stick around to see Mrs. BDB arrive back (herself accompanied by Mr BDB, on his 20th mile), but I'm beig dragged to a lunch with in-laws and grandparents before the long drive back to Shropshire. I hope that others will be there to see them home though.
An update from me then. Having had 10 days off with a knee problem after a slow and painful 10 miles last Sunday, I tried a cheeky 4 and a bit yesterday. A little heavy-legged and uncomfortable but no ill effects as yet. Having a massage tonight which will hopefully help.
Given this lay off, any suggestions as to what would be the best thing between now and a week Sunday? Any benefit in doing 10+ miles on Sunday? Bear in mind I am a lot slower than most of you lot! Which reminds me, I need to update my prediction...
bingo -<1.55 Blackers - 1:20 #209 BrianM - 1:40 Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice Hendo - 2:00 would be nice Jaycee - 1:50 #682 Little Lou - 2:00 #67 Normski (Barns Green or bust!) Rachael Reynolds < 2.00 The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33 Glycogen - 1:40 #286 (injury permitting) hilly - <1:29 Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42 Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15 Ian Lang 1:50 Simbad - 1:32 Gold Rush - 1:23 steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230 runforest - <1:40 Mr Little Lou (Angus) - to finish #68
Hiya Hendo! I'm no expert, but I reckon a jump from 4 to 10 is a bit risky if you're still coming back from injury. I'd do 6 or 7 on Sunday, then if you feel OK, another 6 on Tuesday. Then I'd call it quits until Sunday, unless you fancy a 3 on Thursday.
I'm honestly facing up to no training between now and Gosport, because any possible gain in fitness is outweighed by the liklihood of non-recovery from my injury.
I hope that if you take it easy until Gosport, you'll have a good run on the day. That goes for both of us, so good luck!
Hendo - I listened very carefully to the Great Wise Glyco who gave me the same advice for my injury-infested GSR. Having totally rested for 2 weeks I had given up on the hope of 85 mins and just aimed to get past mile 1. I ended up with 90 mins - still a pb but my subsequent runs have been among my quickest ever. I have now accepted that a good rest might just make those legs a bit more 'frisky' come race day - at least that's what my physio reckoned. I will no longer worry about my 'rests', having said that I'm not as fast or as competitive as most of you lot. I have the desire but not the gumption. At least not til Paris...
Yes BDB, definitely ferry to Gunwharf for Pasta - I think there's an Italian near the cinema. It's worth a trip anyway, what with our lovely new Spinnaker Tower to look at...
Cheers guys - might pop across to Portsmouth then. Does the ferry run into the evening then?
The hotel we're in has a restaurant but it looks more like nice food rather than carbo rich if you get my meaning.
That Spinnaker Tower certainly looks spectacular - I was admiring it wandering around Southsea whilst down for the GSR. I suppose if we get down early enough we can hit the shops too or catch a film. At this rate we'll be making a proper weekend of it!
We do not have a decent pasta place actually in Gosport, but up the road at Lee on the Solent (2.5 miles west) there is an Italian restaurant - if they like paying English Italian restaurant prices!!! Otherwise there are several over in Gunwharf. 5 minute ferry crossing to Portsmouth, then 5 minute walk to Gunwharf Quays. We do have a Wetherspoons in Gosport though, and of course they serve pasta and their prices are brilliant. I also think that it is non-smoking now too!
**************
By the way, if you do visit that tower-thingy, don't take the lift. You might end up missing the race if you do.
hi everyone am panicking about this now as been fighting flu thing for a couple of weeks and not been able to run as long as before! did gsr in 131 but only managed a couple of eight milers and normal 5 miler s since. why did i put myself in for this!! one good thing local girl so know the course.
Hey swimsarah, no need to panic for two reasons: (1) If you take it slowly, you'll probably complete the distance feeling OK (2) It's a two lap course, so if you've really had enough after the first lap, just stop.
Hi Swimsarah, i also did the GSR in 1.31 recovering from injury. This is my first half and since i've done very limited runs since (max 5m) I intend to take it very steady - aiming for 9 min miles. So if you fancy running alongside me, i'm no.67. As Glyco says, at least you have the option of pulling over after the first lap, you'll know when you've really had enough. I'm feeling extremely positive and fully intend to finish - it'll be a pb anyway. What no. are you? I'll keep my eyes open for you. I was going to write LITTLE LOU across the back of my shorts so this crowd could shout at me - then I realised they'll probably all be in front of me and wouldn't notice!
hi little lou my number is 442 so will look out for you on the day, feel a bit btter as dragged myself out of bed 730 this morning and did one lap and a bit of the course, and if i feel that bad i will just run home!
Comments
LL, take care won't you! Don't want any injuries!
I've been a "twice a week" runner (8-10M/week) for years. It's only this year that I started training for races. Having injured myself several times already, I have quickly learned that the physiological changes occur slowly and can't be rushed. If you try to rush it (ie. get fit quick), you end up tired or injured, or both. Then you give up because you stop enjoying it. Vicious circle, I guess.
A strange serene pre-race calmness is setting in. Very odd. (Just realised, i think they call it jet lag!)
Thanks for tips. Didn't want to do a hilly 10m anyway...
bingo -<1.55
Blackers - 1:20 #209
BrianM - 1:40
Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice
Hendo - 1:50
Little Lou - 2:00
Normski (Barns Green or bust!)
Rachael Reynolds < 2.00
The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33
Glycogen - 1:35
hilly - <1:29
Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42
Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15
Ian Lang 1:50
Simbad - 1:32
Gold Rush - 1:23
steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230
runforest - <1:40
Starting to feel pretty calm too LL and I don't have the excuse of jet lag. Just hope it's dry on the day. And not too windy. Or too cold. And I get a PB. Not too much ask is it?
Finally had a better run today. 10.3 miles, started at 8:20 pace for the first 3 miles, then 7:40 for the middle 4, then 6:55 for the final 3.5. Slight twinges in the hip, but hopefully it'll be OK. The sky was clear, the moon was out and it was freezing cold. Perfect, me thinks. I'm a bit more hopeful about my training now. Was beginning to think it was falling apart.
bingo -<1.55
Blackers - 1:20 #209
BrianM - 1:40
Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice
Hendo - 1:50
Jaycee - 1:50 #682
Little Lou - 2:00
Normski (Barns Green or bust!)
Rachael Reynolds < 2.00
The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33
Glycogen - 1:35
hilly - <1:29
Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42
Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15
Ian Lang 1:50
Simbad - 1:32
Gold Rush - 1:23
steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230
runforest - <1:40
Missed Marlow on Sunday due to stinking cold, but had a gentle run this evening, and feel OK. Never done Gosport before, so looking forward to a new course.
Not sure about that contract you mention. And as for being loved forever and a hero, I think I’ve got the boxes ticked already (not wishing to sound complacent and one should never takes ones partner for granted and all that).
In all honesty, if the race were a few weeks off, I could get my fitness up to do a few extra miles. But I'm pushing for a PB and will probably be a bit knackered at the end of the 13.1! I may summon the energy to jog back a mile or so to escort Mrs BDB in, but I’ll have to see on the day.
Spoke too soon. Injured now, left achilles and left hip. Just limped home from a 10K, took 54 minutes. Yuk.
Going to take the next four days off at least, and see what happens. Time will tell whether I manage to train again before Gosport, but I really don't want to miss it. Plus I've got another half on 11th Dec, so I need to get fixed. I'm prepared to lose some minutes now:
bingo -<1.55
Blackers - 1:20 #209
BrianM - 1:40
Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice
Hendo - 1:50
Jaycee - 1:50 #682
Little Lou - 2:00
Normski (Barns Green or bust!)
Rachael Reynolds < 2.00
The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33
Glycogen - 1:40 #286 (injury permitting)
hilly - <1:29
Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42
Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15
Ian Lang 1:50
Simbad - 1:32
Gold Rush - 1:23
steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230
runforest - <1:40
Hey Lou, nice picture! The other one looked like the Loch Ness monster, what was it?
Sorry to hear about your achilles and hip. People on this thread seem to be dropping (or drooping) like flies. I am still calm, partly because the idea of running 13 miles is totally beyond my belief. But, positively thinking, I ran 10 last month so i'm sure i can do 13 this month. And, if i can do 13 this month I can do 26.2 in April!! I'm invincible me. Or just daft.
As for your old picture, I was at least half-right. I noticed it was a Loch and not a lake, sea or river. Ha!
Which mara are you doing in April? I'm doing the Lochaber. I'm looking forward to it, the forum's really busy and everyone's up for a good time. And sure, it's mind over matter, so you'll do fine!
My husband has also decided he's recovered from his pneumonia that he had early last month. Therefore not done much training but he's going to put a few gentle runs in and see how he gets on. I reckon he would be the perfect candidate to run with Mrs BDB freeing up Mr BDB to go for his pb, injuries permitting...
Therefore:
bingo -<1.55
Blackers - 1:20 #209
BrianM - 1:40
Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice
Hendo - 1:50
Jaycee - 1:50 #682
Little Lou - 2:00 #67
Normski (Barns Green or bust!)
Rachael Reynolds < 2.00
The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33
Glycogen - 1:40 #286 (injury permitting)
hilly - <1:29
Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42
Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15
Ian Lang 1:50
Simbad - 1:32
Gold Rush - 1:23
steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230
runforest - <1:40
Mr Little Lou (Angus) - to finish #68
Good luck to Angus with his half! Hope the warm-up training goes ok for him. I wanted to stick around to see Mrs. BDB arrive back (herself accompanied by Mr BDB, on his 20th mile), but I'm beig dragged to a lunch with in-laws and grandparents before the long drive back to Shropshire. I hope that others will be there to see them home though.
Given this lay off, any suggestions as to what would be the best thing between now and a week Sunday? Any benefit in doing 10+ miles on Sunday? Bear in mind I am a lot slower than most of you lot! Which reminds me, I need to update my prediction...
bingo -<1.55
Blackers - 1:20 #209
BrianM - 1:40
Evil Edna - 2:30 would be nice
Hendo - 2:00 would be nice
Jaycee - 1:50 #682
Little Lou - 2:00 #67
Normski (Barns Green or bust!)
Rachael Reynolds < 2.00
The Treadmill Trainer < 1:33
Glycogen - 1:40 #286 (injury permitting)
hilly - <1:29
Badly Drawn Bloke 467 - <1:42
Mrs. Badly Drawn Bloke 466 - 3:15
Ian Lang 1:50
Simbad - 1:32
Gold Rush - 1:23
steviet4x4 - <1:29 no 230
runforest - <1:40
Mr Little Lou (Angus) - to finish #68
Little Lou I'm doing Paris too - zut alors!
I'm honestly facing up to no training between now and Gosport, because any possible gain in fitness is outweighed by the liklihood of non-recovery from my injury.
I hope that if you take it easy until Gosport, you'll have a good run on the day. That goes for both of us, so good luck!
Glyco - I'm still not sure about this 20 mile milarky though! Why do I get another to run another 7 miles and you get a plate of roast potatoes?
Speaking of food, can anyone recommend a pasta type place in Gosport for the Saturday night?
Thanks for your suggestions guys, I'll see how I feel after tonight.
Yes BDB, definitely ferry to Gunwharf for Pasta - I think there's an Italian near the cinema. It's worth a trip anyway, what with our lovely new Spinnaker Tower to look at...
The hotel we're in has a restaurant but it looks more like nice food rather than carbo rich if you get my meaning.
That Spinnaker Tower certainly looks spectacular - I was admiring it wandering around Southsea whilst down for the GSR. I suppose if we get down early enough we can hit the shops too or catch a film. At this rate we'll be making a proper weekend of it!
***************
We do not have a decent pasta place actually in Gosport, but up the road at Lee on the Solent (2.5 miles west) there is an Italian restaurant - if they like paying English Italian restaurant prices!!! Otherwise there are several over in Gunwharf. 5 minute ferry crossing to Portsmouth, then 5 minute walk to Gunwharf Quays.
We do have a Wetherspoons in Gosport though, and of course they serve pasta and their prices are brilliant. I also think that it is non-smoking now too!
**************
By the way, if you do visit that tower-thingy, don't take the lift. You might end up missing the race if you do.
I read about the tower's lift on the beeb - bit of an embarassment for the council that!