Running Kleek - how are you all doing?

Well done! It's lovely getting back into it after a break.

I've actually just been on gmaps planning out a 6k for tonight. We did the Royal Parks half on the 12th and we're doing Birmingham this Sunday. RPs was great, fab event and I got a PB, so I'm planning to just relax and have fun and not push myself in Brum. These two weeks have been difficult as we haven't been trainnig much and I'm feeling underprepared and twitchy as a result.

Oh, and we've entered for the Paris marathon next April. ??

I was despairing this morning but a very helpful chap on a running forum confirmed that my physio is probably on the right lines with the diagnosis of my knee problems. A bit of googling seems that this is probably the case and I need to be patient and take it easy. Hopefully I can start my London marathon training soon!

Glad to have you back Zeb. How about the Derby 10k in April? I did the RP half too. Currently struggling with the calf/tendon niggle again but still trying to do some running.

Does a 10 minute pootle along the west side running track count as running? ?

I finished a learn to run plan back in June and haven't run since so it almost killed me - mainly because I reverted to breathing through my mouth and so a few mins in my throat was freezing and sore.

It is so nice to be able to run along the river and its really close to my apartment so I've no real excuse other than it's starting to get quite cold here (yes I know I just need to buy some approrpiate clothes and will be fine)

Well done - 2.2 miles in 25 mins is olympic-speed in my book!

I am planning on doing a 5-miler in the morning, but as I feel bloody crap with a cold I'll see how I go.

I need a kick up the ars$e to get healthy eating and proper running again - I - have put on around 10lbs in 6 months due to various reasons and I want to ged rid of it.

I am going to go get in training soon for the Brentwood half marathon in March - long way off I know, but I did it this year and was sh1te so I really want a better experience this time.

Somebody give me some incentive to knock wine and chocolate on the head purrrlease!

I went out yesterday for the first time in months. I ran 4.5 miles without stopping and felt marvellous! Not too achey this morning either. I'm back to 11 min/miles but I'm happy with that. I'm trying to build up my endurance rather than get faster.

I actually prefer running in the winter so am looking forward to going out regularly again.

Sorry Zebedee, meant to ask - was there a reason why you haven't run for so long? Did you have an injury?

I'm injured. Again. My hips and right thigh are fooked and I haven't run for weeks. I was meant to be doing the Royal parks HM and couldn't, which I was really disappointed about. I'm joining a gym next week, and I'm going to use the eliptical trainer and whatever else springs to mind in the hope that I can maintain fitness and stamina. I need to start training for FLM soon, and I hope to do the Wokingham HM again in Feb.

That's really shit Winkle. Do you have a diagnosis or is it just general problems?

Soph - what's your number for the Brum Half and I'll look out for you? [non-stalker icon] H is running it so I'll probably be on the Hagley Road with the Woodster. He was saying last night that the route is quite hilly (I believe the official description on the website is "undulating"!)

Anyone else doing the Brum Half?

I had a baby at the beginning of September.

Iris - will check date for Derby - Lincoln 10k is usually April, and that's a bit closer...

Ah - sort of an injury then ?.. Well done at getting back running so quick - that really is a good effort.

Mrs Winkle - sorry to hear you are still injured - that's been going on for ages.

It is indeed. I'm not sure what's going on - nothing specific, just crappy tight muscles and stupid hips. I'm going to see an osteopath next and see if he can help. My GP kindly told me that I had no chance of getting to see anyone who specialises in sports injuries on the NHS...bad luck if you're trying to live a healthy lifestyle!

I can't muster up any enthusiasm for running any more. I go out 3 times a week for 2 weeks then stop for 2 weeks then repeat. I'm unfit and fat. I loved running this time last year. I think that the biggest thing I have to overcome is that I'm not just going to be able to head out the door and run for 10 miles as I could before. I get so frustrated that I give up and go home and don't try again. It's pants.

How rude? I also mean well done to those who aren't as rubbish as me and speedy recovery vibes to all that need them.

Chook, I've also had quite long periods of just not being into it - I'll send you returning-mojo vibes.

And GWS vibes to you, Wonks. The NHS is pants for that stuff. I managed eventually to get an appointment with an orthopaedic woman for my knee, and her verdict was: "Have you thought about swimming instead?" Yeah, thanks for that.

CBH - I'll check my number at home and let you know.

Chicken, if it's not 'clicking' with you, I think the key is not to force yourself or else you coud end up resenting it 9well, that's certainly the way my mind works- on the odd occasion I surprise myself and enjoy it, but I generally have to be feeling good at it and up for it or else I hate it). I'm struggling to get back into it just now too- I go out about once a fortnight and cough and splutter my cigarette clogged lungs round a 10k course before going home and eating my body weight in bacon rolls.

Chicken - is it that you don't have it in your legs or that you've lost a bit of Cv fitness? Might be worth dropping the running for a bit and finding something else to keep/improve your fitness that you enjoy more. Either that or randomly distribute glasses of wine throughout a 10 mile route ?

Lou - if I could run 6k I don't think I'd have a problem with it. I can barely last 2-3 miles. BGB, CV fitness has gone. I hate gyms and currently working 10 hour days so can't really fit in swimming etc. Running is the only thing I can do. Not sure why you think wine would help though?! I never touch alcohol.

Wine always helps. With everything ?.

Maybe that's where I'm going wrong. I shall drink and run this evening.

If you could overcome gym-phobia and do a 45 min spin class twice a week I guarantee you you'll be up and running in no time. Is there any way you could manage it? If not, maybe you just have to set aside loads of time and go for a really really slow snail pace jog- yes, it will be dull and frustrating, but you'll be able to cover the distance, I bet you, if you pace it. And then you'll have done it, so you do it agaibn, a little faster next time, and so on. Now I just need to take my own advice! ?

I did my first 10k about 3 weeks ago in 1hr 5, but havent really been out since (bar a few 2-3milers)- my left ankle keeps playing up. I'm supposed to be doing the Bedford 6mile this weekend. Also planning on doing either the Wokingham or Brighton 1/2 in Feb.

Hope those of you sporting injuries or dispondency can start running again soon.

I was feeling exactly the same. Thinking "I'm just not getting anywhere and I'm still rubbish. I'm knackered after 2 miles so what's the point?". I decided that I really needed to change my way of thinking as I really do need to lose weight. So I went out and ran stupidly slowly and managed to keep going for 4.5 miles. I've no idea how. That used to be my long run when I was running 3 times a week! However, I now feel really keen to go out again (to see if it was just a fluke or not!) and it's kind of revitalised my interest in running.