I used to be exactly the same when I first started running - I'll just go out for a run round I used to think, but somehow my watch had always started recording the time and somehow I always remembered what time I should be at each point to get a PB and then I just had to go for it - coming back covered in sweat and beetroot like every time!  I personally don't think it did me too much harm but  I'm sure I  was very lucky not to get injured and its certainly not the current wisdom!  Nowdays I ditch the watch for a lot of runs and then there isn't the same temptation and save the efforts for speedwork or races (although sometimes I just can't resist trying for that little yellow PB symbol.....).  Our training pace article sums up the amount of running at different paces that are recommended and there is a lot of 'easy' in there! 

Well you certainly coped with this soaring heat better than I did this morning Martin
Half way into a 5 mile run, I wilted under the sun !! Then had to walk for about 2 mins to recover before being able to summon up some energy reserves to finish off.

Was all my own silly fault for setting for like the preverbial 'sh!t off a shovel' to try and beat my AG%
I'll know better next time.

Think I might wait for the snow to come back before I try that again !!!

I have a lovely 10k race tomorrow, first I have ever done 'over the sticks' so to speak, all off road complete with fields, styles, horse gallops, cow pats and bulls, gonna be a hot one.

Done a 'reckie' of the course and it's definately trail shoes and full length tights as there are quite a few places where there are nettles and briars. Not a PB course but will be pleasant all the same.

Drunk the equivalent of the Elan Valley reservoir today to hydrate in preparation for tomorrow.

10/10 Martin for linking tupperware to running I couldn't do it that seamlessly, I feel I'm living your life through your 'blurges'. I'm a betterware kid myself with lot's of gadgets - the best to date being the garlic skinner which is a rubber type tube that you roll the garlic segment in and the skin comes off soooo easy.

Aaargh you've got me talking cheap plastic commodities now. Must get back to running type things.

Martin, always enjoy your posts - keep it up!

I too have been finding my right foot points out a bit when running. Apparently this is quite common in people who drive, as we have a tendency to rest our heel behind the brake pedal when using the accelerator, weakening the adductor muscles that keep your foot straight.  A bit of concious effort will bring it back in line, but you are right- it does feel as though you are walking like you have just suffered a critical digestive malfunction!

[Googled subungal haematoma] Aha so that's what it is. There are some excellent Youtube videos on draining them... Here's one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7yNSVDg_l4

Enjoy whilst eating your lunch.

Well done Martin go for the burn....... double bubble 10k next, classic distance and the one that gets run the most. Did your black toe nail accomany you at the time?

Our summer league is now closing to an end with the cross country season starting in October, looking forward to getting down and dirty.

Well done Martin in the top 30% finishers or thereabouts, were you practicing for the gurning competition?

I tried to get the missus to take some snaps or video, but bless her, technology is not her strong point and I'm not slowing down to pose!!

Another first post tonight.

Picked up running in June; bought the "wrong" shoes from the "wrong" store which cost me sore calves, heels and shins before the penny dropped (actually best part of £100) for new trainers + another £105 from the physio who told me to get back on my moutain bike and forget about running at my age - 61 last week.

Now I am one week away from my first half-marathon in Luxembourg where my son lives - his fifth, my first!

Training wise I have already run the full distance once in 2 hours along the Kennet & Avon canal so I have no fears there just coping with pacing on the day.

I have tested my pace twice at the Basingstoke 5K Park run in July 23mins 41 secs and again today at 22mins 04 secs but now I am struggling to work out what my actual pace should be next w/e during the big race. The race predictors indicate anything between 1hr 57 and 1hr 41 which means I could easily blow up if I choose the wrong one - any advice from the Brains Trust?

Thanks  

Hello Mike,
I'm not sure who I feel most sorry for... You for the injuries you suffered early on...or your wallet for the injuries it suffered !!!!
Sounds like you made atleast one correct choice by not listening to the physio....(How dare he swear at you like that, telling you to give up running !!!) Good for you for being defiant !
Most running injuries are generally caused by poor running technique, although starting off with the totally wrong footwear does add to the list of potential injury risks.

With reference to your pace predicament for next week, you could try mapping the run on this site and then study the hill profile, that way you'll know what you're up against before you start. You could allow extra pace seconds on the uphills safe in the knowledge that you'll be able to claw back a few seconds when you're flying downhill.

Ultimately though...the biggest aim should be the 'enjoyment of crossing the finishing line knowing you gave it your best shot'

Good luck.....(and happy belated birthday)