Running

Thames Path distance calculator online, but it’s so incredibly clunky

Oh yeah, it's not the best. Here is my run from Oxford to Goring back when I was recceing for the Thames trot. Just over 30 miles train station to train station. So it should fit in your target range I think.

Perfect! Thanks.

I second suggestions of joining a club, which is just as good for adding a bit of variety of running opportunities as it is for getting fitter/faster/whatever. And I'll obviously push Kent AC at Ladywell as a recommendation! PM me if you want any details.

I brought forward plans to start sub-3 pacing practise last night, mainly cos I was a bit pushed for time anyway so I thought I might as well get a wriggle on. 10 windy miles @ 6:46/m, felt pleasingly comfortable. (Apart from pressing on for the uphill bits, stubbornly keeping inside target pace!)

Oh, has anyone got experience of Adidas Solar Drive Boost? I saw them reasonably priced online and went for it. Reviews suggest they're closer in feel to my old favourite Glide Boost, compared to the softer Supernova/Solar Glide models that are supposed to have replaced them.

I brought forward plans to start sub-3 pacing practise last night

With Balloon & Whistle?

I've just got involved in a pacers' whatsapp group, so we can keep in touch with plans. So far all I've seen is in-depth discussion about whether the balloons should be on shorter lengths of string, because so many were lost to tree branches last year. It's literally ALL about the balloons!

More pacing practise in the wind this morning, sort of. 9.7 miles w/ 6 miles alternating target pace 6:50/6:20 each mile, ended up with 6.39, 6.14, 6.42, 6.19, 6.44, 6.19 feeling reasonably comfortable.

It's literally ALL about the balloons!

Brilliant.

Good running too.

Crystal palace or Ladywell for track time?

Surely balloon string length and height is related to the pace. Can't have the 4hr pacer going out with a 3hr balloon.

technically also the pitch of the whistle...

Probably overthinking this

See if you can spot the point where tailwind became headwind in the Essex relays today.

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Any suggestions for training plans for juniors? My 13 year old son is wanting to put a plan together for 800 and 1500 which he’ll compete in over the summer. He’s well into the data and currently reading Jack Daniels but this for adults and volume is too much.

Training is paying off and my pace is getting more regular and quick. Narrowly missed out on a 45 minute 10k today (I blame an ankle biting dog), and I reckon I will crack 20 minutes 5k soon.

After a few attempts at patching up those shoes, I've realised they're not going to be comfortable for anything more than 10k and I need a pair of shoe for long runs mainly on road and towpaths. Any suggestions? What's a good shoe for running 30km plus that is kind to knees and gives good support?

Also if anyone has something suitable for sale in 9.5, let me know.

I went on an impulse hard run tonight - only about 4km and no structure but had so much fun. Running has generally been slogging through 1hr ish recently so it was really fun to head out and run hard/easy as I pleased in the drizzle

I really wouldn't buy used shoes, ever...

sportsshoes usually has a decent number of discounted shoes...

https://www.sportsshoes.com/products/altra/mens/running/shoes/4/?$brand=asics|brooks|inov8|new-balance&$size=9.5&s=5&l=20

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/alt7/altra-escalante-1%2C0-running-shoes-~-ss18/
zero drop, so facilitates better running technique, nice cushioning, good foot shape if you have wider feet

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/asi7763/asics-gt~2000-6-running-shoes-~-aw18/
good well regarded all rounder

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino1026/inov8-roadtalon-240-running-shoes-~-ss18/
again good foot shape, nice level of grip, uppers can wear out a bit fast, cushioning is a bit dead for some peoples taste but I like it.

Just a quick check, you know what to do if a dog chases you of snaps at you while running?

Stop, stand perfectly still, fold your arms and stare into the distance. Don't acknowledge it.

Sorry if you knew that already.

Stop, stand perfectly still, fold your arms and stare into the distance. Don't acknowledge it.

And then rip into the owner for not having trained their dog properly.

Depending on the size of dog, I'd be tempted to give it a kick. That is also dependent on whether I'm having a good day or not.

Chances are that I would stand still and fold my arms.

Not very constructive tbh, but whatever floats your boat.

I'd find it very hard to justify kicking an animal that 90% likely has mistaken you for being fun and wanting to play with you.

Its a very small minority of dogs that chase joggers for other reasons.

I got bitten by a Jack Russell once when I was about 11, I stopped running when it started growling, but it still bit me on my heel.

I was running on a public road outside its house, and it was off its lead, and the garden didn't have a fence. I didn't kick it, but I did have a few tears when I got home and told my dad.

one of the unlucky 10% I suppose - story of my life.

I had the same thing from a German Shephard when I was a kid , although I panicked and flailed my arms around and got a few scratches for my efforts. That said, the dog was playful rather than aggressive which I suppose doesn't really matter if you still end up with scratches.

That was half tongue in cheek. It's not acceptable for anyone to let their dog chase somone though even if the dog just wants to play.

I've had enough dogs go for me that I can recognise the aggression vs playfulness. Still doesn't mean it's ok to have someone else's dog shitting up my run.

Of course its not ok for a dog to chase somebody. I doubt any owner wants that.

A couple of years ago, my whippet puppy "chased" a passing jogger in a park. He was tiny at the time and was just overexcited to see somebody run past at that moment. Poor guy had a total meltdown, was very afraid of dogs. We had a long chat afterwards...he genuinely thought my puppy was going to kill him. Obviously a really regretable situation.

Edit: Scrub that, there are lots of cunts in the world. I'm sure some owners enjoy it.

Greyhound – 45 mph
Saluki – 42 mph
Afghan Hound – 40 mph
Vizsla – 40 mph
Jack Russell Terrier – 38 mph
Dalmatian – 37 mph
Borzoi – 36 mph
Whippet – 34 mph

Jack Russell Terrier – 38 mph

Christ. Every day's a school day.