Running

I did something stupid last night while drunk... I entered the ballot for the london marahon.

Please please please let my bad luck prevail and let me NOT win a place.

Repped.

I just signed up as well, and hoping that in my 6th application in a row my bad luck will end and I'll get a place in the ballot...

Repped.

I just signed up as well, and hoping that in my 6th application in a row my bad luck will end and I'll get a place in the ballot...

I can't remember your time but don't you qualify for a good for age slot?

also signed up for the marathon.

in other news, anyone know of a decent running club in sw london that trains midweek?

Im going to bite the bullet and invest in some Flyknit Trainers tomorrow. Since I sprained my ankle a few months back barefoot style running (using Vivobarefoot) has made running any significant distance painful. Being what my mum calls a Chunky Monkey (6'2" and 15st) I want something with some cushioning.

I will repeat the (standard LFGSS runners?!) advice I got, which was go to runners needs. They'll do a free assessment for you to let you know what type of shoe/support you need, and will then let you try on loads. I had my eye on a pair of flyknits, but the footbed was a lot less comfortable than the brooks I ended up going for (my old shoes were Nike Frees, so I was surprised at how uncomfortable/different the flyknits were)

also signed up for the marathon.

in other news, anyone know of a decent running club in sw london that trains midweek?

looks like the wimbledon windmilers is perfect for my needs.

I will repeat the (standard LFGSS runners?!) advice I got, which was go to runners needs. They'll do a free assessment for you to let you know what type of shoe/support you need, and will then let you try on loads. I had my eye on a pair of flyknits, but the footbed was a lot less comfortable than the brooks I ended up going for (my old shoes were Nike Frees, so I was surprised at how uncomfortable/different the flyknits were)

Nerg'd for being a retro-grouch and recommending Brooks

looks like the wimbledon windmilers is perfect for my needs.

There are a few other wimbledon area clubs such as Thames Hare & Hounds and Belgrave Harriers. I know a few H&H people who are good company. Can't comment on either Windmilers or Belgrave.

Repped.

I just signed up as well, and hoping that in my 6th application in a row my bad luck will end and I'll get a place in the ballot...

Good luck!

I am actually a bit excited about it. I just joined my work running club too. Perhaps I am still drunk?

I can't remember your time but don't you qualify for a good for age slot?

Good for age is 3.05 this year.

I applied for ballot, will also be making inquiries into good for age.
If I'd known that they were shifting it down from 3:10, I would have pushed a little harder in the last km, because I'm 20 seconds out of it, which is absolutely gutting.
Ahh well.
Robin Hood Marathon also signed up for in September (29th) http://www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk/
For all keen on a september run. Will also be signing on to Paris when it opens, and maybe a couple more next year.
Target for R.H. is 2:55, then next year's VLM if I get in is 2:50.

Also- thinking Owler Middle Distance triathlon (4th Aug) and a standard sometime, and Red Bull Steeplechase (not this year as annoyingly its only a week after Robin Hood) , and some fell running in Peaks to keep me happy over winter, alongside occasional cyclocross.

I realise I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but I'm going to do the groundwork a long way in advance, and properly train with a slightly more scientific leaning than just going for a run... I may even invest in a GPS watch, if I'm feeling a little flush.
Also at the end of this year I was disappointed that I didn't push on at all, when I was feeling very comfortable.

I'm also going to go stockpile some Saucony Virratas, so if anyone knows anyone who can get me a discount- I'd be very interested.

I'm now very concerned- because I'm normally very cagey about saying a time I'm going for, so I'm worried I've jinxed it all.
Ahh well, whats done is done.

There are a few other wimbledon area clubs such as Thames Hare & Hounds and Belgrave Harriers. I know a few H&H people who are good company. Can't comment on either Windmilers or Belgrave.

cool will investigate them also. just looking for training sessions that'll

a) force me to run regularly

and

b) force me to run at a decent pace

I may even invest in a GPS watch, if I'm feeling a little flush.

I borrowed a FR 405 for the marathon and it was great to have my pace there all the time (as it turns out I ran an extra .5 mile according to it, so my pace was under the 8min/m split!). Will have to see how it helps for training, but I'm considering getting a FR 410 as its relatively cheap.

There is a lot of info out there, but the newer garmins seem to be massively hobbled for features

I'm doing a Tough Mudder this weekend. It's not strictly speaking a race or even a proper running event.
Has anyone done it before and have some useful tips other than just HTFU through the whole thing?
I'm very excited.

Saucony Virratas

Been reading up about good transition shoes for going 'barefoot', and these have come up quite a few times. Would you say they're good for that?

They're just great shoes, IMO.
In terms of 'barefoot' transition... I'm not really sure- I'm not ever likely to be a barefoot runner- but they are much more natural in feel than any other shoe I've worn. This is as much as I can say on the matter:

Good things:
They are 0mm drop so you're forced to re-evaluate how you run.
They weigh 185g or something, which is crazy light.
Bad things:
They're pretty cushioned.

But shoes are so personal... I now need to find a trail shoe that is essentially the same for the winter/ return to Nottingham area (currently roads, roads, and more roads in Lincolnshire).

I'm keen for the robin hood marathon, have you done it before henry?

Reviews say mostly flat, with a couple of dusty paths but mostly roads...

Nope- but I (normally) live on the course, and regularly run 10 miles or so of it...
Its pretty much dead flat, maybe 1 decent rise...
I can't find many details of the route, but a friend ran it last year and enjoyed it.
Hopefully they re-instate Wollaton Park as well...
Get on it!

I've just ordered some Saucony Hattori to make the transition into barefoot. Current shoes (after full gate analysis) fit great but the false support messes with my ligaments in my foot so a few miles will leave me hobbling for a week or so.

Also entered (but not hopeful) the London ballot today and will sign up for Leicester marathon which is October time. Fitness has been so shocking over the past few years I think something like this is the boost I need to mentality kick myself back into shape.

It's def the Achilles, back to calf lifts and no running.

I think I'm going to have to rule the "Dua" part out of my Duathlon, turning it into smashing it up a mountain on a bike.

cool will investigate them also. just looking for training sessions that'll

a) force me to run regularly

and

b) force me to run at a decent pace

I used to go to the midweek windmilers, if you try to keep up with he fastest you will get a really good work out, one of my friends was in the top five for the club and is now back in Asia winning 50-100milers!

There's usually enough people that it splits into two groups (at least).. I'd be hanging off the back of the slow group :)

Also you don't really have to join to run with them... You'll be able to try them out a few times before anyone bugs you to join! But it's nice to be a member.

Also you don't really have to join to run with them... You'll be able to try them out a few times before anyone bugs you to join! But it's nice to be a member.

This is true of pretty much all clubs, as joining is a bit of a commitment given the faff of changing first claim clubs.

Legs are recovered... Now to train harder than ever before.
However, I just came as close to doing a Radcliffe as I'd ever like to be. Thank fuck for that pub, with the nice landlord who took one look at my face and pointed in the direction of the loo.

I'm sorry to the wake I disrupted.

P.S. Ed/ Tim- you signed on for Robin Hood? Or anyone else also.

Ha!

Just convinced the wife she really fancies a romantic weekend in Nottingham in late September, so I've signed up to the marathon, I'll drop that lt detail nearer the time!

^ Hmm, room for one more ... ? ;)

Sounds like I'll have to sign up!