Hi Everyone, i've been a bit quiet recently, the cold dark winter did nothing for my running mojo. I did join a gym to try and keep up my fitness and have been doing 4-5km about 3 times a week on the running machine. I know it's not the same but it was better than nothing and any more than that is very dull on a running machine.

However today i have given myself a challenge and signed up for the full Great South Run. I did the 5km last year, and today went online to sign up for that again but found myself thinking running the same distance was a bit of a cop out so i bit the bullet and went for the full one.

I was thinking i need to try and get a 10km race planned in as a practice, when do you racing pro's think is a good time to plan one in. Soon to try and gauge the work to be done or nearer the time as a kind of trial run leading up to the event. Or dare i say it do 2 if possible to try and keep me training.

Thanks everyone

Excellent Liz, well done.

Many of us gripe about slower runners/walkers starting too far forward and causing jams, but it takes a lot of experience to get it just right - ahead of the jam-makers without becoming one!

So, what's next?!

well done Liz :-)     keep at it

Paul

Well i did the Great South run 5km yesterday and completed it in 29 mins 19, not a bad time but i found it really hard to get into a rythm for the first 1km as so many slow runners/walkers started in front of me and so i kept getting stuck behind groupd and i had to dodge around them. After that it was great fun and i have my first running medal.  :0)

Hi Liz, just wanted to say well done and keep at it.I started jog/walking a long time ago and it worked for me. I`m now training for my next event in Dec` a 24 mile off roader,then it`s the Hull Marathon in April and then the 50 mile Woldsman....another off roader at the end of April.....so keep at it.it`s worth it :-)

Paul

Well done Liz, outstanding effort keep on going.

This topic and all the advice on here has really helped my wife who was feeling down after walking on her last few runs and after seeing she is not the only one and taking note of everyones posts and tips she has began completing her runs again and is far more positive about her running, 

Thanks all

Good work, Liz - well done!

Another quick update, i can now do 3.5miles without stoping and am trying to up that each week slowly. I also do 4-5 miles once a week with running club and one slow longer run with the club 8.5 miles this morning (longest run ever!!). Although with the club there are stops to regroup so hence my weekly run on my own to see how i am progressing with not stopping.

Joining the running club was definatly the best move, it gets me out there and motivates me to push myself. I have also just signed up for my first ever 5km so that should be interesting and then hope to move onto a 10km in a few months.

Thanks for everyones help and support since i first asked my question.

Hi Liz,

i'm with Dave 'Kangaroo' Johnson on this don't get so hung up on milage, mix it up a bit, run shorter but all the way, or maybe at a faster pace. It all gets you fitter and soon you'll be able to run as far as you want (or have the time and inclination to do).

I must have my gait checked...