Running

So thanks to this thread I found out about ParkRun and the Regents Park 10Ks.

happy days

I've always run with a Road ID wristband since reading that Steve Cram's brother died after an accident while out running and was unidentified for two days. Other than house keys (and a ten pound note on longer runs) I don't carry anything on me. As well as my name, address and those of my parents, it contains the critical information...

Allergies: Cats
Medication: Single Malt

I really need to do something like this. I have my keys and my phone. That's it.

Save a number in your phone as ice (in case of emergency) assuming you don't run with a security conscious smart phone.

Save a number in your phone as ice (in case of emergency) assuming you don't run with a security conscious smart phone.

Err............. Phone and SIM locks.

makes note in diary to order ID bracelet this evening.

As someone who hasn't got family in London, and practically lives alone, this has got me thinking; If I was run over on the bike or on a run, I could lay uncollected in some morgue for ages. Where do you get these bracelets?

Or should I just get my address tattooed on my arse?

I was thinking the same...

I found something like this earlier today but if somebody has a better alternative I am interested.
http://www.theidbandco.com/Rubber-Medical-Bracelets

Can't remember where I got mine from, but these are the exact same product...

http://www.menthogen.co.uk/vital-id.html

ID bracelet now ordered at long last. Thanks Brun!

I have life insurance through work. It pays several times more, if I snuff on the company grounds.

My identity band would simply read

stuff my corpse in the boot of your car and dump it at ...... Mrs Smallfurry will give you £200 for your trouble

Enough with the morbid stuff now.

Had a very pleasant run home with meandering diversions last night. feel like i've really turned a corner lately in terms of endurance, enjoyment and being able to vary pace. Can't really say what's caused it. Maybe dropping a bit of weight? Could be getting over the transition period (involving very sore calves) to forefoot strike. Could be the last eighteen months or so pounding about feeling miserable finally paying off. or it could be th epractical application of a few tips from friends and books. It could just be a mental thing. Or a combination of all of the above. Whatever the cause i'm glad to say I feel like I've finally got over that hill and i'm actively enjoying my running. So much so that it's even started to take priority of swimming lately. Weird.

I want that!

I'm running home from work with a backpack tonight. Something slightly odd about the idea of running for transport. Also slightly concerned about the distance, even though I ran roughly twice as far when doing the half marathon.

I love commuting by running, loads of time to have a think about stuff, basically if I run home _i've completely worked through any work issues I've had during the day and can completely relax in the evening.

No if I could just get my brain into gear and have an idea about an xmas present for the wife then I'd be completely at peace....

I've run with a backpack on a couple of times and hated it- felt like I had a pendulum on my back that was trying to "wag" me as I ran.

Hints or tips to avoid/ameliorate this, or is it a case of HTFU?

I would feel the same way Dammit. You need a good backpack that is stable and not too big.

Deuter are good, but I just use a cheap walking backpack from Decathlon and made sure the straps were tight.

If anything is loose or rattles, I have to stop and sort it out. So packing is important too.

What kind of pack are you running with?

I run with a Camelbak Octane LR if I'm doing more than 12 or so miles, waist and chest straps stop it moving too much. Also depends how weight is distributed (if it's a hydration pack is the bladder vertical or horizontal etc) I find.

Just back from 7.5 miles at 6:55 pace round Hyde Park on a lovely autumn day and feeling really good. Finally getting fit again!! And have awesome sausage sandwiches for lunch. Not a euph

+1 on camelbaks and similar.
Do kit runs in a dakine nomad.
Tend to leave off filling the bladders by staying hydrated pre/post activity.

^^ Good effort. I need to up my endurance before I can do similar distance at that sort of pace. Monday night's 5k was ~6:50, but no way could I have kept that up much longer. Current target is a <45 min 10k, which is 7:15 and I reckon I'm still a good ten seconds per mile off that at the moment.

Since getting the garmin footpod I've been reading about cadence. Lots of stuff on the web suggests this should be 90+, but I tried to up mine on Monday and still only averaged 83. Is this something that's worth working on?

I got a cab to work (pre-6am start, so on the company) and have just brought trainers, shorts and t-shirt. I took the bladder out of my CamelBak and hopefully I can cram my work clothes in there when I leave. If it works OK then I can see myself doing it more often.

What kind of pack are you running with?

+1

Looking for a bag for my girlfriend that she can use to run to work with. I'd imagine that something between 15-20 litres would be good. Needs to have good compression straps

I've got 3 backpacks I run with.

The first is a salomon skiing bag, which is probably sub 10 litres but is basically a gilet and the front has 2 big and 2 small pockets on, its super comfortable and I can get underwear a sandwich and a shirt in. Great for long runs as it contains a bladder, has enough room for gloves/hat/jacket and first aid pack and the front will hold an mp3 player and enough energy bars/snacks to run all day.

Second is a 20l north face mountain biking pack which they have discontinued but is awesome for slightly lasrger loads and the compression straps keep everything close to the body so is very comfortable.

Third is a new osprey back which is an all day hiking mtb bag and about 30l. I've run with it e times so far and hated it, as it sings all over the place due to insufficient compression and it feels like its shaped for cycling in.

I love running home too. The fact that you're going somewhere takes away any lingering feeling of futility. Plus you know that when you get home you'll be able to kick back smug in the knowledge you've done your bit for the day. I usually run home at least once a week and try to vary the route to make it up to 6-7k (it would be about 2 if I didn't take detours).

Last night I ran home with my medium Timbuk2 courier bag on. I've done it a few times. It's not ideal but it's ok. Basically I empty everything non-essential out and leave it at work. Have just wangled a locker which helps. I bury anything that will rattle like keys under some padding in a small pocket and pull it up nice and tight. I tuck the spare loop of shoulder strap back inside the bag and do it up and keep the chest strap nice and tight. I have to tie off the spare on that too to stop it bumping into my midriff. Then (crucually) stick earbuds In so I'm not annoyed by any rogue noises. Honestly after a few minutes last night I'd forgotten I was even carrying it.

Oh yeah and can i also say that I love running now that it's colder. Such a relief.