MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
@quentyn great time that, a few friends from Brighton Mitre cycling club rode as support to runners and got a bit pink!
Thank you ! I have always fancied doing the ride Infront of the elite runners ! In September I am meant to be the support rider for a 40km trail section of a relay race.. apparently it's all gravel so I will be riding with the team carrying water, snacks and a 1st aid kit - really looking forwards to it. The only reason I am not running is that I have a marathon in Berlin the weekend after
Morning all,
Bit of an occasional lurker here an dlooking for a bit of training advice please.
This year I have given myself a target of running a half marathon a month with an aim of getting my time from 2:23 down to perhaps somewhere between 2 and 1:45. Last weekend I completed the Ibiza Half with was a really lovely experience and finished with a time of 2:12 which was done around 14 minutes from my previous PB. My training fell off a little in the last two weeks before the event however I hadn't been following a plan as such, more just trying to increase long run distance with a couple of shorter runs each week.
My next event is the Worthing Half that takes place on the 4th of May and I know that the course is about as flat as aflat thing can be so a good opportunity to push for a better time. So with just over three weeks to go, or two weeks of training and a taper week, I'm thinking perhaps two 5-8km runs, one easy and one tempo, and a weekend run around 18k for the next two weeks then on event week perhaps just two or three short 5-8km easy runs.
Any advice much appreciated 🙂
So with just over three weeks to go, or two weeks of training and a taper week, I'm thinking perhaps two 5-8km runs, one easy and one tempo, and a weekend run around 18k for the next two weeks then on event week perhaps just two or three short 5-8km easy runs.
That doesn't sound far off to me.
That sounds good to me @stayhigh - main thing to me in the last 10 days was just to try to stay "well" not over do it, try and get 8 hours quality sleep a night, eat right and stay hydrated - what actually happened prior to last weekends half, was horrible hayfever, 2 terrible nights sleep including night before due to party seemingly going on in our hotel and knackered legs having walked miles round the shops with my daughter on OXford St, including 2 hours in blinkin Primark!
So with just over three weeks to go, or two weeks of training and a taper week, I'm thinking perhaps two 5-8km runs, one easy and one tempo, and a weekend run around 18k for the next two weeks then on event week perhaps just two or three short 5-8km easy runs.
Sounds pretty good, although I'd perhaps change the last week to include a bit of higher intensity work at some point, while keeping the volume low. Something like 5-8 short interval efforts on the Wednesday before the race, for example. They shouldn't be full-on sprints, but just something a bit above race pace, say for a minute each (~250m at a guess) with another minute jogging between each to recover. Do a couple of km before and after to warm up / cool down.
I've got one last weekend of big runs before Taper Time in the run in to Peak Divide (week after Easter). Barely ridden my bike over winter, just done a bit of zwifting when it's been really foul, but have really enjoyed doing something a bit different.
Anyone felt very depressed after completing a marathon. I got a really good time and so should feel good, but no I have become depressed with everything the week after finishing. It is horrible.
Anyone felt very depressed after completing a marathon. I got a really good time and so should feel good, but no I have become depressed with everything the week after finishing. It is horrible.
Yep, absolutely textbook feelings. I find it's a combination of not knowing what's next and exhaustion from the event.
My way of getting out of the funk is booking the next one, though I realise this doesn't work for everyone! If not a marathon, maybe some fun 10k's to use the marathon fitness.
I think a lot of people get this. It’s a real though after the high. I think it took me a month to come down from the Lakeland100 last year. Booking another event can be a good way.
Thanks. It is good to know it is not just me. I also think I have been using running and cycling to avoid thinking of other stuff and now that has been taken away for now and that maybe why I am feeling it doubly hard, but that should be another thread. So get back to you lot doing cool stuff.
I did this event last week, it was the first run by the organisers
https://www.entrycentral.com/event/126867
I hit my target of 7 laps in under 5 hours so I was happy with that. The winner did 14 laps, 98km. Amazing accomplishment.
I really enjoyed the format of 4.3mile laps. Very safe environment to do a long distance event. There is another one in July which I am thinking of signing up for.
I’ve a training query I hope the wise folk on here can help with.
Did a 10k last week and now just want to maintain my running ability until I have another one in 8 weeks (maybe be able to do it a bit quicker and easier)
Can only really run twice a week so should I do 2 runs of around 10k at my usual very plodding pace? Or would I see more benefit of reducing the distance to say 5k for one of the runs and upping my pace on that one?
Or given limited sessions and distance will it not really make much difference which I do?!
FWIW I would do one run steady and the other I wouldn't shorten but I would do some sort of harder interval within the 10k, maybe 3x 1k hard with 1k steady between, a couple of k steady either end. ok that's 9k in total. Something like that anyway. Not really hard intervals such that you collapse at the end, just something around your 10k race pace, reducing to a jog between them.
Peak mileage 80 mile week done in my accidental marathon programme last week having said I'd not do a marathon this year. This escalation is ridiculous:
"No marathons in 2025, just have some fun, maybe try for a fast 10k"
"Everyone in the club is doing a spring marathon, you'll end up doing most of the work anyway, might as well enter one yourself"
"OK, I'll do a trail one in spring and just have a nice time"
"Well, if you're going to do it, you should do it properly, better start the block"
"Hang on, I can't turn a place in the Snowdonia ballot down, so that's one in the spring and one in the autumn"
"But family stuff means a fast marathon in spring 2026 might be a challenge"
"Chester marathon is 3 weeks before Snowdonia, is fast and will still give time to recover"
"OK, Chester is booked, and you might as well go for a GFA time"
So from none to 3, and basically a year round marathon block.
I am an idiot.
London marathon ticked off the list. Give me a mountain ultra any day! All that flat tarmac, in that heat, wears the body down. Enjoyed bits of it, but just glad I didn’t collapse before the finish like quite a few were! Carnage out there but brilliant support from fellow runners and the ever present crazy crowd. 4:10 and happy with that on the day.
Ran for the local cub scouts and raised over £700. Kept me motivated.
I have signed up for the Lochness Marathon.
Should be easy as its downhill.
In a fit of bravado i have claimed a 330 possibility. I have my work cut out 🤣
So from none to 3, and basically a year round marathon block.
I am an idiot.
pfft, my ultra list is worse 😀
Did one last weekend, bit of a nightmare. Mudfest from start to end, 68km of mud and wet, slippery grass. I've no idea how many times I fell over. All that, and continuous rain which turned into sleet up high. Not surprised there were over 40% DNFs.
Why did the London marathon as well this weekend. It's been a bucket list marathon for me for the last 2 years. Only my third official Marathon but I've run probably five or six this year in training. I really hope to get under 4 hours but in the end it wasn't to be as at 28 km. My knee and the heat just started giving me some problems. I went from 5:13 a km up to six and even 7 minutes a kilometre. Anyway, eventually I got over the line in 4:06.
Hopefully I'll be able to run it again next year and I'm also hoping that I can get below 4 hours in either Berlin or Amsterdam later on this year. Now to start training for the dragon ride, tour de Ricky and the London to Brighton!
Anyone know how on running/trail shoes size up against likes of Nike or north face? Do they have a narrow toe box?
I have a pair of Ons, think they're the cheaper entry level ones (CloudGo?). Size-wise wise I'd say they're about true to size, maybe a bit bigger than the equivalent Nike. And the ones I have are actually a pretty wide toe box.
I'm not a massive fan tbh, but it might just be the model I have.
Double post
I'm toying with the idea of signing up to the Lake District 5 Valleys trail event, 55k/2200m Ambleside to Keswick via High Street which is at the end of September.
I've not done more than 6km/30m since last July so I figure I've got just enough time to get enough miles in to grovel my way round.
I have been wearing On Cloudmonsters and Cloudultras for the last 18 months or so. Total convert here. I think they are excellent running shoes.
They are true to size and not narrow around the toes.
Good reductions for On trainers on sportpursuit but they are very white for UK weather!
One for the decrepid/injured amongst us please.
After a recent shoe update/mileage increase, I've now got pain in one of my heels. Deep ache not friction/blister pain. It throbs away after a run and I can ease it stretching/lifting my toes. I think it's the anchor point of the achilles being somehow bashed by the heal cup of the shoe. I've used the type and size of shoes before, in fact I put 1200 miles on the last pair (a few shoes ago) as I'm a bit mean with shoes and they were 'fine'.
Any ideas or similar experiences please? I know, I know: RICE. Well cycling doesn't seem to irritate it and I've got a 10 day trip starting tomoz so there's the Rest tight there 🙃
boblo, dumb question but the shoe update: same make/ model of shoe, or different?
My first thought is plantar fasciitis and/ or calf tightness, pulling at the bottom of the achilles. If it's the former, it may be because your arch is allowed to flatten slightly more than in your old shoes. If your new shoes have a lower heel drop that could also contribute.
Stretching your calves on a stair every evening before bed may be worth trying
No, they are different.
I mainly use Gel Nimbus nn's but occasionally go to Ghosts. These are Ghosts after 1k miles in Nimbus but in a later iteration than my last pair of Ghosts - if that makes sense? I don't think they'll be reducing heel drop as most modern trainers now look like foam platforms...
I thought plantar was on the underside of the foot/heel not on the back itself? I've never had it so don't know the detail.
I've started a new pair of Nimbus to see if it's shoe specific but I think the injury is there and not getting a chance to heal regardless of shoe type.
I decided to stop toying with the idea and entered the 5 Valleys Ultra afterall - best start getting ready to start thinking about making a training plan...
I ran my first half marathon (distance) yesterday. Mostly trail, just over 1000ft of elevation, pretty warm day for round here. Took me 2:33 which to be honest, I'm pretty happy with. Flatter on road I reckon I could get close to two hours.
Kind of enjoyed it - conditions were not ideal (had a bike ride with the eldest daughter and a big lunch before!) and I'm having a few rest days before getting back into it.
I'm thinking of switching up a bit and trying to improve my 5k speed. I struggled a bit to fit the longer runs in, and I'm getting out on the bike more while the weather's good.
So I'm thinking something like four runs a week. One tempo run (probs 5kish), one easy run, one longer run (maybe 8-10k) then mix in some hill reps and some interval pace runs ramping up the speed. I was comfortably doing 60 min 10ks during the half training, so I reckon start with 5:45 km/rest/repeat and see how we go from there. Do that for six weeks or so and see if I can get close to a 25 min 5k...
Does that sound like a reasonably realistic plan? Or any recommended ones to look at?
@flyingmonkeycorps, that sounds sensible to me. I might throw some efforts into you long run too, doesn't need to be over planned, just some 400m ish sections where you up the pace a bit.
Whatever keeps you motivated, interested, and not injured! Basically it's all about the steady mileage, the more you can be bothered doing, the fitter and faster you'll get. A few higher intensity efforts is fine too but not really very important compared to total mileage.
I decided to stop toying with the idea and entered the 5 Valleys Ultra afterall - best start getting ready to start thinking about making a training plan...
Egged on by my son I've just entered the Chiltern Ridge Classic 50k & 996m ascent, what could possibly go wrong....
Cheers - yeah I don't want to go too nuts with the efforts, but something a bit different should keep me entertained. A lot of my longer runs have been negative splits, so I'll probably chuck some of those in there too.
No, they are different.
I mainly use Gel Nimbus nn's but occasionally go to Ghosts. These are Ghosts after 1k miles in Nimbus but in a later iteration than my last pair of Ghosts - if that makes sense? I don't think they'll be reducing heel drop as most modern trainers now look like foam platforms...
I thought plantar was on the underside of the foot/heel not on the back itself? I've never had it so don't know the detail.
I've started a new pair of Nimbus to see if it's shoe specific but I think the injury is there and not getting a chance to heal regardless of shoe type.
Boblo, how have you got on - has going back to Nimbuses (Nimbi?) helped at all?
No, they are different.
I mainly use Gel Nimbus nn's but occasionally go to Ghosts. These are Ghosts after 1k miles in Nimbus but in a later iteration than my last pair of Ghosts - if that makes sense? I don't think they'll be reducing heel drop as most modern trainers now look like foam platforms...
I thought plantar was on the underside of the foot/heel not on the back itself? I've never had it so don't know the detail.
I've started a new pair of Nimbus to see if it's shoe specific but I think the injury is there and not getting a chance to heal regardless of shoe type.
Boblo, how have you got on - has going back to Nimbuses (Nimbi?) helped at all?
Thanks for the prompt.
On drop, my old Nimbus's were ~8.5mm, new Ghost's ~12.5mm.
I reverted to Nimbus's but a later model, still around 8.5mm. Still pain. Having done some more Dr Googling, I've settled/self diagnosed as bursitis as its right in the middle of the back of the heel. Plantar is underneath (I think) and achilles a bit higher (IME). Happy to be corrected by the more knowledgeable on this.
I had 10 days off running whilst away riding plus a couple of recovery days. Then walked 6 miles in the new Nimbus's = pain. Since then, I've walked a 2m and a 4m (in some very old XA's) and lots of RICE. I can't take NSAID's due to blood thinners.
It's feeling better (in a bed of peas as I type this) but I've not really done anything to aggravate it...
Not sure what's next - amputation? 🙃
I'm crewing for a mate in West Highland Way this weekend, doing Glencoe - FW as a support runner. It'll be slow going by that point in the day but some good time on feet and nice to be involved with the event. Hopefully I don't get too caught up and decide I want to do it next year... which I fear will be likely if it's a nice day.
Recently picked up some VJ Ultra 3 and very impressed so far. I don't like spending silly money on trainers when there's always deals available but these felt considerably better than any other option and I've got the Lakeland 50 next month, so the wallet is £160 lighter.
Back in the market for easy road mileage trainers. Hoka Cliftons were too narrow in the midfoot, Puma Velocity Nitro 2 caused shin splints. Any other favourites to look at?
in the market for easy road mileage trainers. Hoka Cliftons were too narrow in the midfoot, Puma Velocity Nitro 2 caused shin splints. Any other favourites to look at?
Asics Novablast are worth a look if you want a really good all rounder. Or Nike Vomero if you want lots of cushioning. Or adidas SL if you want something a bit lower and firmer (or the Evo SL if you want something a bit livelier).
Just started running again after a 5 year break ( thanks retirement) and I’m getting a stitch nearly every time I run, usually at about 4K. Usually run early morning so don’t eat breakfast beforehand. I do warm up for about 5 mins before I start and I think my breathing technique is ok. Any ideas how to stop this?
Good luck to Mark88 and buddy on the West Highland Way Race this coming weekend; feel free to come and say hello at the finish, where I will be your medic. It's looking like it will be a warm one.
Warning: it's an event that sucks you in .....
Just started running again after a 5 year break ( thanks retirement) and I’m getting a stitch nearly every time I run, usually at about 4K.
I got the same when starting up after a long layoff, seems to remember it going once I got some fitness back.
Warning: it's an event that sucks you in .....
I have heard that. She's aiming for 24-25 hours. Hopefully we can say hi and not need your services!
First-time poster on here ...
I'm contemplating doing an Ultra. There's a series near me (Punkpanther) of trail half & ultra marathons around West/North Yorkshire that I fancy (I think) having a go at.
I'm not a big runner these days, most of my exercise time is on a bike of some sorts, but I still run most weeks and comfortably manage 10-14km (trail) and have done a couple of 20-23km runs in recent weeks. Used to run more/bigger distances (3 Peaks etc) but nothing really like that for 15 years or so. I'm 57.
So, what do I need to do to step up from 15/20km up to 35/50/80km? I'm eyeing up an event in late September; I'm thinking the 50km route to aim for; is that realistic?
Is it just about gradually increasing time & distance?
Any other stretch/strength/endurance work (I'm not a great fan of structured training, but not averse to a bit). Last time I ran the 3 Peaks, had to pull out after Whernside due to ITB strain; anything I can do to make myself more resilient to that?
Footwear? I've always run in Inov8 (X-Talon for a few years now), which I like, but they don't seem very cushioned ... Do you need more cushioning for longer distances?
Anything else I should know / any other Pearls of Wisdom?
You will be surprised how much walking can be involved in ultras, so I'd prioritise time on feet (unfortunately for me this meant sacrificing bike time) and learning fuelling. If you can get fuelling right, turning a 23km run into a steady paced 50km is very doable.
I find running back to back days helps build fatigue resistance without having to fit in massive runs all the time, e.g. 10km easy run the day before your 20+ km long run. Always plan a rest day for the day after the long run.
Sounds like the race you have your eye on is local, so it's worthwhile making your long runs replicate the terrain and elevation for your race as much as possible. Even better if you can recce bits of the course whilst you're at it.
Getting into the routine of warming up properly before intervals or hill sessions and long runs has made a difference to how my body recovers.
I can't comment on ITB, but I suffer from knee pain which my physio deducted stems from glute weakness. It's worth having a chat with an experienced sports physio to iron that out and get some specific exercise recommendations.
Hi all,
how’s it all going? Anyone doing the Yorkshire 3 Praks Ultra this coming Saturday? I’m going up again as enjoyed it last year.
cheers.
I've been a bit lax posting on this thread.
My "big" running event for 2025 was the Glenmore 24 Ultra. That was last weekend. I'd trained for it by considering the event as a series of shorter runs. It's a 6.3km lap, so my strategy was to do 3 lap stints, with a good break between each. Seeing as how my longest ever run to date was 52km, I'd set 9 laps as my goal.
As things turned out, by 9pm I'd already done my 9 laps (it starts at noon) but had only been using my head torch for half a lap. I love running in the dark, so I had another break then headed out for a 4th stint. After 3 laps, and being about half past midnight, it occurred to me that another lap would get me past 80km/50 miles, so I cracked that one out too.
On finishing that lap Is planned and extended nap but was told that, due to high winds, the organisers were thinking of suspending the event. A decision was made at 2am to suspend for 3 hours to see if things improved but at 5am it was clear they weren't so that was it. Shame,, as I reckoned another couple of 3 lap stints were possible for me, but clearly the sensible decision.
On reflection, if I'd known what was going to happen I'd have had shorter/fewer breaks and would likely have completed 16 laps to get me past 100km.
Not sure I'll be repeating this though as training took away a lot of "freedom" to do other stuff (like more biking and bivvying).
I missed out on entries for both Lakeland 50 and The Lap in the last couple of weeks so feeling a bit dejected at the moment. Was really hoping for another go at the LL50 to try and beat my time from this year before hopefully stepping up to 100 milers in future.
Unsure what's next for me. Any recommendations for events from 50km up to 50 miles?
Lakeland is hard to get into now. I volunteered this year so got a free place for next year. It is the way. Really good fun too. I did sweeping duties on the first 2 legs so took the start, did the massive Walna Scar, then the horrendous bogs where we picked up a massively underprepared runner going off course and quite distressed. Finished at Boot and then sat in the bouncing broom wagon for 3 hours which included someone vomiting everywhere within the first 15 mins. Got back at 3am. Glorious, and highly recommended. Also did the 11pm to 5am shift organising medals and welcoming people in. Superb.
Have you looked at the 13 valleys? It’s later in the year but looks a great route. Shorter options available like the 7 valleys, but I’m tempted to try the 13 next year.
Just clicked on this thread and accidentally went to the first page which I had posted on all those years ago 🙂
In the interim I have turned 60 and struggling to break 20 minutes for 5k. Ran 20:35 twice and 20:37 once this summer. Injured at the moment and turn 61 next month so bit of an opportunity missed in that it gets gradually harder as you move through the age group. On the plus side I know a couple of V65's who have done it so all is not lost. Another plus is to look at others around me who would love to just get out for a run, its good to get some perspective.
I've done one or two parkruns and a couple of local 10k races over the summer, I was even first in age cat for one of them (small local event)! Not close to the times I've done in the past though. Don't really think I'm "a runner" at the moment, just someone who goes out for a jog occasionally...but it's good to keep the legs ticking over.
I did sweeping duties on the first 2 legs so took the start, did the massive Walna Scar, then the horrendous bogs where we picked up a massively underprepared runner going off course and quite distressed. Finished at Boot and then sat in the bouncing broom wagon for 3 hours which included someone vomiting everywhere within the first 15 mins. Got back at 3am. Glorious, and highly recommended. Also did the 11pm to 5am shift organising medals and welcoming people in. Superb.
Sounds like you've well and truly earned your free entry!
I've looked at the 13 (well actually 5/7) Valleys but I prefer my main race to be a bit earlier so I can enjoy some summer MTB and a holiday without having a race on the horizon. WHW has been on my list to do at some point, so think I'll enter that ballot and see what's what after that.
So I'm about to start running again with my modest target being Edinburgh 1/2 marathon on 26 May. Aiming for under 2hrs. I've done a few 10km but never really enjoyed running or kept going for more than a few months. I have lost a bit of weight recently (20kg) so hoping running will be a bit easier going from now on.
Any recommendations for events from 50km up to 50 miles?
We "help" on the Ultra so haven't seen the shorter races, but the lite and nite are getting a lot of runners.
duplicate post - ignore
I had 10 days off running whilst away riding plus a couple of recovery days. Then walked 6 miles in the new Nimbus's = pain. Since then, I've walked a 2m and a 4m (in some very old XA's) and lots of RICE. I can't take NSAID's due to blood thinners.
It's feeling better (in a bed of peas as I type this) but I've not really done anything to aggravate it...
Not sure what's next - amputation?
Three months late to reply....
Over time I was getting pain in my right heel, exacerbated by running and walking long distances. It eventually became so bad that I was in pain putting any weight on that foot after short walks, and I'd given up running at all. I manned up (was told to sort myself out by my wife!) and contacted a podiatrist. She roundly criticised my feet and legs - lopsided ankles, bowed shin bones, fused left big toe, terrible gait, the list went on. But, she was very good. Turns out it was Achilles tendonitis, possibly caused by shortening the tendon from lack of stretching and lots of pedalling. She suggested lots of quite aggressive stretching and orthotics. I said I'd start with the stretching and go back for orthotics if it gave no result. About two months later I started running again, just short 5k-ish runs along the beach and dunes, and am back doing decent length walks. I basically crippled myself for about two years by ignoring the increasing pain. 🙄
Been a while since I've posted here - I've just finished the Swiss Peaks ultra. Not for the faint-hearted, as it's over 380km with about 27,000m of climbing... I'd tried to do it before (when it was a bit shorter, at 350km) but had to DNF due to injury. So this time round nothing was going to stop me. I ended up limping in with massive blisters, about the 4th-last finisher... but job done 🙂
Three months late to reply....
Weeeellllll... As it happens, you're not late for anything as my issue is still ongoing. I reduced my running to 4m walks 2-3 times per week which stopped the pain but did nothing to aid running again. I then recently have had 6 weeks off away cycling and was pain free as cycling doesn't aggravate the injury. Followed by fortnight ago, away in France on a family holiday. I walked 2 x 5m and 1 x 12m and we're back to square 1. Pain.
I've an appointment at a private Physio later to qualify, via scanning, their initial (over the phone) thoughts of Insertional Achilles Tendinitis. I chose a Physio that does scanning, Shock Wave and Cortisone so all are on the table dependant on what the scan shows. However, AIUI, Cortisone is not recommended for Achilles Tendinitis.
We'll see later. And, thanks for the warning about ignoring the symptoms. I did that initially and I think that's why we're here now 🫤
And, thanks for the warning about ignoring the symptoms. I did that initially and I think that's why we're here now
That wasn't really a warning for you, more a reminder to myself about not being so stupid! 🤣 It did build up gradually to the point where I couldn't stand up without pain and was wondering how long and why I'd put up with it because it 'will just go away!'
Hello everyone, welcome back.
I'm, like always, in a marathon block, and getting ready for Snowdonia Marathon next month. I'm also doing the Midlands Road Relays this weekend so if any other clubs runners are there do say hello.
Next year looks, much to my wife's disgust, like 4 marathons. Manchester, Stockholm, something in October and finishing with Valencia. And a backyard ultra.
One year I'll focus on 10k's, but also not this year or next...
Next year looks, much to my wife's disgust, like 4 marathons. Manchester, Stockholm, something in October and finishing with Valencia
Get in early for the Valencia sign-up, it sells out pretty fast.
Get in early for the Valencia sign-up, it sells out pretty fast.
I got told that getting on the waiting list for this year gets you early access for next, how true that is I don't know but it's worth a go. If not, I'll be on the site the moment entries open.
Is anyone else doing Berlin on Sunday? It's my first marathon that I've had to travel internationally for and I have a mixture of excitement and trepidation. In the past I used to train religiously to a plan for a marathon and the last few I've just run them as I felt
I meant to be tapering this week but I need the running just to keep me going - it's my morning meditation
Weeeellllll I've had my ultrasound and it's been diagnosed as Insertional Achilles Tendinitis. So more Voltarol/peas/eccentric loading exercises and less running/walking/aggravating it. Though I obviously can't tell from an ultrasound, he showed me where he said the Achilles was inflamed and apparently there was some consequential bursa inflammation as well though happily, I'm not pregnant... He was very reluctant to jab it with steroid due to potential side effects (rupture 😬) and suggested avoiding Shock Wave for a few weeks to see if the above bears fruit.
So at least another 6 weeks of tossing it off. Cycling however, is definitely on the menu 😁
I've just finished the Swiss Peaks ultra. Not for the faint-hearted, as it's over 380km with about 27,000m of climbing...
That's monstrous! Chapeau!
Here I am, wondering whether to enter a local ultra (50km distance) in less than 2 weeks off the back of Endure24 back in June (I managed 80km over 5 stints of running) and since then occasional runs (weekly-ish) topping out at 22km.
I have not run much for the past couple of years. Have done little bits and pieces intermittently to keep some running fitness, and started various lower leg strength exercises. At the end of August I did a 3 mile run, it wasn't particularly easy and a quite a slow pace. So since the start of the September, every weekday, I go for a walk/run/walk for about twenty minutes. When I reach half way for walking, I start a timer and run until it stops, turn around, start the timer and run back, then finish the walk. At the start it was 2m30s, currently it's 3 minutes. Next week, it'll be 3m30s. I'm not necessarily intending to keep ramping it up, just quite enjoying a short run 5 days a week. At the park there's a long set of posts to slalom between to mix things up. Did it on the sandy beach the other day barefoot. Gets me out the house (looking for work sigh) and moving. Running doesn't have to be for torturous long distance. Every so often I'll do a longer run, but the idea is to get used to daily running for short distances.
Watched a Magnus Midtbø video where he and MattDoesFitness go through what it takes to pass the British Military test. No surprises they easily pass. But it caused me to wonder how fast can I run 1.5 miles (as well as start practising standing broad jump). Ideally done on flat hard track. I had the hard surface, but it was generally on an incline so was easier on the way back. Anyway, my time was 10m20s, age 50. I expect quite a few people on this thread could beat that. Anyone want to post their times?
5 valleys on Saturday, left it a bit late to start training properly training now so best I can do is go in uninjured, rested and adequately fueled...
Ran the Berlin marathon on the weekend, really enjoyed it and set a new personal best and three hours 55 minutes. My third formal marathon this year and I've been slowly working my way down to under four hours. Berlin to lovely marathon to run, good energy, good support from the crowd but not too busy unlike London. The weather could have been a little cooler as it was around 28 degrees which definitely slowed me down but overall a really successful weekend if more than slightly impacted by the cyber attack on the airport systems on the way home.
Next marathon in a month time and then I have a little bit of rest! And I can finally get some long cycle riders in again. And my goal before Christmas is to do an ultra - nothing formal I'm just going to do an ultra around here one morning - I should be able to do it in around 5 hours I just need to synchronise the groups of people who are going to run with me at different segments of the run.. I don't need anybody for the first to 25 kilometres but it would be very helpful to have some people around the last 25 kilometers to keep me company and keep me motivated
It's almost certainly just me but I wouldn't consider myself to have done an ultra (or marathon or whatever) if it wasn't an actual event of some description? It'd just be a really long run!
It's like I don't say I've done a 5k even though my regular (not regular enough though tbh) route around the village is 5k.
Been hill running for a couple of years now, mainly pretty short ones usually between 6 and 12k, and enjoying it. I’m a completely bang average runner, not particularly good at any of it, always finish almost exactly dead centre of the overall results but I like the contrast to bike racing and find I empty the tank in a way i just don’t seem to do on the bike.
Been looking to do some longer ones so did a 30k one on Saturday basically from Innerleithen to Broughton over the top of a bunch of hills, thinking how hard can it be?
Really hard actually, although peanuts compared to mogrim doing an entire lap of Switzerland!
The bits you could actually run were easy, but so much of it was traversing off-camber sheep trod or descending steep open heather hillside or climbing over big piles of scarified wood. Ankle ligaments did not enjoy large parts of it but the rest of me had a great time.
Just under 4.5 hours had me almost dead centre of the results once again and my quads are burning today.
Winner took 3 hours. Unreal!
A mate did the two breweries in 3hours 9. 3rd overall 1st V40.
I'm a slow runner, better running downhill.
My wife did her first race since having kids (8 years +ago). 53mins for the linlithgow 10k. She described her result as positively disappointing. Positive ass he got round, disappointed as no where near her best.
I was well chuffed, it's been such a source of stress and anxiety for her as she's been desperate to get back to it kids are demanding and she's never managed to get out.
Talk to me about shin splints / shin pain.
Currently back on C25k, first week of some longer (20min) run times.
I have some growing shin pain while running, but not afterwards. Coincides with more road running as the dark and wet mornings mean some of my trials are not so good. Concerned if I do not address it then it gets worse.
Matt, size 9 Adidas Tracerocker, tubby 95kg and 6'1". Probably crap technique. I do stretch post run, but not pre run.
In a moment of unbridled enthusiasm I signed up for the Beachy Head marathon, that's in less than 3 weeks and I'm no where near marathon fitness.
Cut off time is nine hours though so I'm telling myself that the worse case scenario is a long walk on the South Downs with some jogging.
Anyone else entered?
@bazz, I did it last year, it's a brilliant, beautiful, brutal event. Even at the pointy end people walk, I did it in 3:40 and walked a good chunk of the hills.
It's one of my favourite events, and if it wasn't such a pain to get to from the midlands I'd be doing it again.
@lunge that's a bloody good time, I couldn't even manage a flat road marathon in that time 😲
I nearly did it last year but in the end I did the Box hill ultra (50k),this year I was swayed by the talk of sausage rolls by some of our club members.
hey all, apologies if this has been covered...
I have been wanting to do a Marathon for the last couple of years, but never had the bottle. But today i thought F-it, signed up and get stuck in. I wanted to do the Brighton, as its local to me, but its sold out, so have my eye on the Southampton in May 2026. I have done multiple half marathons and run once or twice a week. So have confidence i can do it, but i'd rather do it well than crawl round.
So my simple question is, what training plans or apps are worth using to get Marathon ready? I appreciate i have a decent chunk of time to train, but dont want to squander it.
Any tips or recommendations greatly appreciated!
Regarding training plans I would have a quick look for the 16 weeks standard training plans. Chat GPT or Gemini will give you a perfectly adequate plan. The key thing to remember is that you need to stick to the plan religiously. Don't ever think that you could miss out a run and they just catch up later. also remember your rest and recovery are critical. If it's your first marathon try and pick a very sensible time. I hear people doing their first ever marathon and thinking about doing 4 hours - if it's your first one, it will be a personal best so aim for a time that isn't going to leave you crippled afterwards 🙂
@v7fmp, firstly, avoid Runna. The plans are super aggressive and based on the people I know who've used it, it causes injury or falling out of love.
AI can and will write you a good plan. What makes it work even better is if you feed back in to it. So once you've started the plan report back to it weekly saying what sessions work and what didn't, what you missed, what you did extra of, what was easy/hard. It'll then adapt the plan as you go through rather than is being a static things.
And there's obviously plenty of well proven plans available online Hal Higden, Hansen Method and Jack Daniels. All have their merits.
Finally, you can pay someone to write a personalised plan for you, which I did when going for a sub-3. I used Chris Ford, and had a plan written based on what I liked and when I ran. I actually then stuck that into ChatGPT and inputted every session I did so that the plan could be tweaked as I went along.