The Running Thread
Discussion
el stovey said:
So a few elite runners will be able to finish before they startpablo said:
ewenm said:
I'd suggest that gel usage isn't necessary for long slow runs, but a key part of marathon training is long marathon race-pace runs. I'd be trying to replicate everything in these, including gels/fuel/water intake so nothing is a surprise on the day. I found that Lucozade Sport really didn't sit well for me so had to work out a different strategy as my target marathon provided Lucozade Sport stations which were useless to me.
interestingly, bristol half organisers had high5 gels instead of energy drinks stations but water stations about 500m after the gel stations. lots of people were taking the gels and i did wonder how many were doing so for the first time. high5 is a watery gel unlike zipvit for example but even so, i was glad i wasnt after an energy drink on the day.The high5 are the ones I use, I get on quite well with them. Don't use them too often but my winter runs will soon be approaching 16-17 miles, think I'll need them for that!
First run in about 2 weeks tonight. Did about 7k I think and what felt like a quicker than usual pace so I'm happy with that. Calf are now very tight which I'm putting down to the new shoes being a more minimalist shoe so I'll stick to my old nike free's for the longer runs. Have dropped 2 kilos which seems to have helped.
Got a half marathon on the 14th, looking for a new pb of 1:55 ideally
Got a half marathon on the 14th, looking for a new pb of 1:55 ideally
My 'personal worst' marathon was done using energy gels. I had used in training beforehand. But they just made me feel sick & bloated TBH!. My best times have been when I just turn up & run. Water only too. Wasn't it proven recently that so called sports drinks are a waste of time/money ?
Jimboka said:
My 'personal worst' marathon was done using energy gels. I had used in training beforehand. But they just made me feel sick & bloated TBH!. My best times have been when I just turn up & run. Water only too. Wasn't it proven recently that so called sports drinks are a waste of time/money ?
IIRC sports supplements were shown to be no better than a good diet for general training. However, they can be a more convenient way of taking on extra energy mid-race than other "normal" foods. There might be just as much energy in a banana but it's harder to eat mid-race than a gel 
For me on a long slow run, I don't take gels at all (up to 2 hours). In half marathon races I rarely take even water unless it's a warm day. The only sub-marathon race I've taken fuel in was the Bramley 20 miler - took a SIS gel at mile 9 and one at mile 14 and felt strong (1:48:20, 2nd place, overall UK ranking 3rd 2009).
In training we would only use gels when doing long marathon pace runs (5:20-5:30/mile for 15-23 miles for me) and that was mainly for race practice rather than necessity. When planning my pacemaking duties in Zurich (20-21 miles @ 6:00/mile), we did fuelling at the same distances into the run as the elite athlete feed stations on the race course, with the proviso that if Holly dropped her drink she'd get mine and I'd wait until the next time.
For my (failed) marathon attempt in 2009, I took 3 gels with the plan to take them at roughly 9, 15 and 20 miles, just before water stations.
I guess all the above really means that I don't take gels in training at all unless it is specific MRP training.
In training we would only use gels when doing long marathon pace runs (5:20-5:30/mile for 15-23 miles for me) and that was mainly for race practice rather than necessity. When planning my pacemaking duties in Zurich (20-21 miles @ 6:00/mile), we did fuelling at the same distances into the run as the elite athlete feed stations on the race course, with the proviso that if Holly dropped her drink she'd get mine and I'd wait until the next time.
For my (failed) marathon attempt in 2009, I took 3 gels with the plan to take them at roughly 9, 15 and 20 miles, just before water stations.
I guess all the above really means that I don't take gels in training at all unless it is specific MRP training.
E38Ross said:
Ewen - how long does a run need to be until you think you'll need gels? For me I'm thinking around 13 miles or so.... But did 12 yesterday and was fine to be honest.
Half marathon and I'm starting to crave sugar by the end... any further and I'd need to take a gel or something.davey68 said:
Hiall, I'm thinking of starting to do a bit of running. I'm 43 and mainly want to get a bit fitter and burn a bit of the middle aged spread that's started to appear! Any suggestions regards how often to run, what sort of distances and good trainers to buy? Thanks
I might not be the person to answer but I think that some of the guys are using the NHS couch to 5k plan. Runners World will have a wealth of info on their site as well, it depends on how much of a beginner you are as to what will be best.In terms of trainers try your local running shop, yes they'll be expensive but a good pair will last 500miles+ and will hopefully prevent injuries. Good luck!
For myself, had a fartlek session tonight, 1/2 an hour of hell which reduced me to my knees and left me sounding like a worn out pair of bellows afterwards.
New to the thread
I ran the Bristol half yesterday in a meagre 2:10 which is still a PB (furthest I trained for was 8 miles) but I think I'm going to take it a little more serious. It's fair to say I put nowhere near enough effort into the training.
Apart from the odd sore, my feet have developed a couple of blisters on the inner arch. I'm looking into getting some decent socks (shoes are these).
Any recommendations?
I'll be focussing on 10ks now and looking to get my time from '55 to '45 in the next 6 months. With my training, I just lost focus after an hour so. Bringing 10k time down should (theoretically) bring the half marathon time down to a manageable training plan..(!)
I ran the Bristol half yesterday in a meagre 2:10 which is still a PB (furthest I trained for was 8 miles) but I think I'm going to take it a little more serious. It's fair to say I put nowhere near enough effort into the training.
Apart from the odd sore, my feet have developed a couple of blisters on the inner arch. I'm looking into getting some decent socks (shoes are these).
Any recommendations?
I'll be focussing on 10ks now and looking to get my time from '55 to '45 in the next 6 months. With my training, I just lost focus after an hour so. Bringing 10k time down should (theoretically) bring the half marathon time down to a manageable training plan..(!)
i mostly wear x-socks sky run socks but apparently they are made in israel and stocks have been somewhat hard to get hold of recently.... and the US get their stock first so UK/EU have to wait. a few people have stopped selling them because of stock issues but if you can find them, they are worth a go.
For ideas on socks, any of these: https://www.runninghome.co.uk/products_list.php?ge... are good.
Teddye4687 said:
New to the thread
I ran the Bristol half yesterday in a meagre 2:10 which is still a PB (furthest I trained for was 8 miles) but I think I'm going to take it a little more serious. It's fair to say I put nowhere near enough effort into the training.
Apart from the odd sore, my feet have developed a couple of blisters on the inner arch. I'm looking into getting some decent socks (shoes are these).
Any recommendations?
I'll be focussing on 10ks now and looking to get my time from '55 to '45 in the next 6 months. With my training, I just lost focus after an hour so. Bringing 10k time down should (theoretically) bring the half marathon time down to a manageable training plan..(!)
Welcome. I also got blisters in that area. I use 1000 mile twin layer socks. Also make sure you shoes are done up tightly. I found blisters were worse when the shoe was a bit loose because of the movement.I ran the Bristol half yesterday in a meagre 2:10 which is still a PB (furthest I trained for was 8 miles) but I think I'm going to take it a little more serious. It's fair to say I put nowhere near enough effort into the training.
Apart from the odd sore, my feet have developed a couple of blisters on the inner arch. I'm looking into getting some decent socks (shoes are these).
Any recommendations?
I'll be focussing on 10ks now and looking to get my time from '55 to '45 in the next 6 months. With my training, I just lost focus after an hour so. Bringing 10k time down should (theoretically) bring the half marathon time down to a manageable training plan..(!)
Also make sure your heel is fully at the back of the shoe. I put the shoe on and bang my heel on the floor a couple of times. I don't get blisters any more.
cookie118 said:
davey68 said:
Hiall, I'm thinking of starting to do a bit of running. I'm 43 and mainly want to get a bit fitter and burn a bit of the middle aged spread that's started to appear! Any suggestions regards how often to run, what sort of distances and good trainers to buy? Thanks
I might not be the person to answer but I think that some of the guys are using the NHS couch to 5k plan. Runners World will have a wealth of info on their site as well, it depends on how much of a beginner you are as to what will be best.In terms of trainers try your local running shop, yes they'll be expensive but a good pair will last 500miles+ and will hopefully prevent injuries. Good luck!
I second the recommendation to go to a good running shop. I had niggly knee issues when I started, but they disappeared when I got a decent pair of running shoes.
Just remember to start slow and if it's too difficult slow down some more!
davey68 said:
Hiall, I'm thinking of starting to do a bit of running. I'm 43 and mainly want to get a bit fitter and burn a bit of the middle aged spread that's started to appear! Any suggestions regards how often to run, what sort of distances and good trainers to buy? Thanks
I entered the preston marathon on 2nd jan having never even done a half marathon, aged 42 (43 when marathon 28th october) think i only ran 25 mile last year.My first run of the new year was 2mile @11 min miles, at the weekend i ran 20 mile @ 10.1 min miles with 1064ft of elevation, i did a 51min 10k the day after i did 19 mile run i hope to get below 50min by end of year
i tend to run about 3 times a week with a long run at weekend, I am off to portugal next week on a running holiday (2 runs a day) so might feel it.
I started off in nike structure but now moved to asics gt 2170 road and trail trainer
Edited by a boardman on Tuesday 2nd October 23:31
Following my first run in 2 weeks and in new trainers on Monday I am now suffering from horrific levels of DOMs in my calfs. I'm not particularly surprises since I went from Nike frees to New balance Minimus' which is a zero drop shoe so I was expecting the extra work for the calfs.
What advice for speeding up the recovery? Ice or heat packs? Guess lots of stretching. Wouldn't like to try running on them again at this stage. Got a half marathon in 11 days so would like to do a little more prep for that.
What advice for speeding up the recovery? Ice or heat packs? Guess lots of stretching. Wouldn't like to try running on them again at this stage. Got a half marathon in 11 days so would like to do a little more prep for that.
Good session this morning...
3x1.5 mile reps off 60secs rest at goal LT... Averaged 5:45/mile which isn't bad considering I was on my own. Finished that tired but not dead then had 4x200m off 30secs rest averaged 34-35s each so pleased on the whole! Overall did 8.25miles with warm up and warm down.
May do 4 miles tonight.
3x1.5 mile reps off 60secs rest at goal LT... Averaged 5:45/mile which isn't bad considering I was on my own. Finished that tired but not dead then had 4x200m off 30secs rest averaged 34-35s each so pleased on the whole! Overall did 8.25miles with warm up and warm down.
May do 4 miles tonight.
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff