Anyone doing the Dartford Half Marathon on Sunday? I've done Gore Road a few times recently so it hopefully feels 'normal' climbing it after 10 miles on Sunday.
I'll be running it on Sunday for the first time. Have had look at the Gore Road bit on Strava and it looks a right bastard! Cant say i'm looking forward to that part!
Cool, come say hi if you see someone in a red Charlton training shirt. Yeah it's the timing of it as much as it is the size, apparently a lot of people walk the top to save energy. It's downhill from there to Dartford at least.
You got a time you're aiming for? I think there's 650-ish feet of climbing, so not the best for PBs but the early weather forecast looks nice and warm.
I'll keep an eye out for you!
I'd like a sub 1hr50 but that might be pushing it for me with that elevation gain. Mainly trying a new route in an organised event so I'm looking forward to it. Any particular times you're aiming for?
I similarly would be aiming for 1:50ish but would be happy with 1:54:59.
The Barkley Marathons is going on at the moment, for anyone who saw the Netflix documentary (now on Youtube, worth paying for) or the Gary Robbins doc on Youtube. Rain, freezing rain and fog makes it sound like no-one will finish again, the last time someone did was 2017.
Anyone on here doing/done the North Downs run. Signed up for this at the end of June. Training was delayed a bit by injury and covid but and catching up now.
Did the Magna Carta Marathon on Saturday (in a Charlton shirt), my first attempt at a full one - am happy with 4hr14, could have gone on a bit longer but not any quicker.
Have properly got the running bug now, planning out what halfs I can do through early summer. Victoria Park on 7/5 is my next booked one.
May as well keep striking whilst the iron is hot as it's a lot easier maintaining long distance stamina than it is building up to it.
Stubbed my little toe 5 weeks ago and it's still almost as sore as when I did it (at this stage I'm certain I broke it). Absolutely desperate to get out for a run !
Did the Magna Carta Marathon on Saturday (in a Charlton shirt), my first attempt at a full one - am happy with 4hr14, could have gone on a bit longer but not any quicker.
Have properly got the running bug now, planning out what halfs I can do through early summer. Victoria Park on 7/5 is my next booked one.
May as well keep striking whilst the iron is hot as it's a lot easier maintaining long distance stamina than it is building up to it.
Great job!
Before signing up for any other races, do a bit of research on recovery times etc. I was told a day per mile raced before attempting more than just a gentle run - obviously for non elites! Everybody is different though. You won't lose the endurance you gained from training for 26.2 any time soon and the last thing you want to do is run yourself into an injury by over doing it.
Thanks Bermuda! Warmer weather will limit me as well, I get dehydrated enough just playing golf.
@kigelia I have looked at that, that route looks really tough. Are you properly hill training or focussing on the mileage? I miiight end up doing it.
Plenty of hilly stuff in the training and specifically doing a number of runs off road as well. Gradually upping the mileage, last long run was just under 7 miles adding around a mile a week (running to time really but that is how it is working out).
it’s a long time since I have done a decent amount of mileage but it is going well so far.
Thanks Bermuda! Warmer weather will limit me as well, I get dehydrated enough just playing golf.
@kigelia I have looked at that, that route looks really tough. Are you properly hill training or focussing on the mileage? I miiight end up doing it.
Plenty of hilly stuff in the training and specifically doing a number of runs off road as well. Gradually upping the mileage, last long run was just under 7 miles adding around a mile a week (running to time really but that is how it is working out).
it’s a long time since I have done a decent amount of mileage but it is going well so far.
Good work! I've signed up now, are you planning
on using a water backpack, bladder or whatever they’re called? I’ll probably
take some proper water stops, doubt I’ll be able to run 3 hours straight on
those hills.
Thanks Bermuda! Warmer weather will limit me as well, I get dehydrated enough just playing golf.
@kigelia I have looked at that, that route looks really tough. Are you properly hill training or focussing on the mileage? I miiight end up doing it.
Plenty of hilly stuff in the training and specifically doing a number of runs off road as well. Gradually upping the mileage, last long run was just under 7 miles adding around a mile a week (running to time really but that is how it is working out).
it’s a long time since I have done a decent amount of mileage but it is going well so far.
Good work! I've signed up now, are you planning
on using a water backpack, bladder or whatever they’re called? I’ll probably
take some proper water stops, doubt I’ll be able to run 3 hours straight on
those hills.
When I was running, I was using a salomon water belt instead of a bladder/backpack. It used to have 2 shallow triangular bottles which held between 2 x 750ml, which laid across the small of your back. More than enough for a marathon at mid 20s celcius. I used to drink a lot and my club running mates would just use the drink stations and thought I was mad but its what you get comfortable with.
Thanks Bermuda! Warmer weather will limit me as well, I get dehydrated enough just playing golf.
@kigelia I have looked at that, that route looks really tough. Are you properly hill training or focussing on the mileage? I miiight end up doing it.
Plenty of hilly stuff in the training and specifically doing a number of runs off road as well. Gradually upping the mileage, last long run was just under 7 miles adding around a mile a week (running to time really but that is how it is working out).
it’s a long time since I have done a decent amount of mileage but it is going well so far.
Good work! I've signed up now, are you planning
on using a water backpack, bladder or whatever they’re called? I’ll probably
take some proper water stops, doubt I’ll be able to run 3 hours straight on
those hills.
When I was running, I was using a salomon water belt instead of a bladder/backpack. It used to have 2 shallow triangular bottles which held between 2 x 750ml, which laid across the small of your back. More than enough for a marathon at mid 20s celcius. I used to drink a lot and my club running mates would just use the drink stations and thought I was mad but its what you get comfortable with.
Yeah I tend to only use water stations, belt sometimes has gels, but you even get those at events now.
Thanks Bermuda! Warmer weather will limit me as well, I get dehydrated enough just playing golf.
@kigelia I have looked at that, that route looks really tough. Are you properly hill training or focussing on the mileage? I miiight end up doing it.
Plenty of hilly stuff in the training and specifically doing a number of runs off road as well. Gradually upping the mileage, last long run was just under 7 miles adding around a mile a week (running to time really but that is how it is working out).
it’s a long time since I have done a decent amount of mileage but it is going well so far.
Good work! I've signed up now, are you planning
on using a water backpack, bladder or whatever they’re called? I’ll probably
take some proper water stops, doubt I’ll be able to run 3 hours straight on
those hills.
I've also signed up for this one having taken a look at it even if the elevation gain looks a bit disgusting!
I've only ever really done road running but I'm guessing it will be over pretty solid ground given the time of year. For those more experienced with this type of event would road running trainers be ok?
Great to know a few others doing it. My plan is to use their water stations and will have energy gels in my pockets.
I have some Skechers trail running shoes I have been using for my off road sessions (I like their road shoes so went with them). Not done anything off road since my teenage cross country days so this is new to me but am really looking forward to it.
Finally trying to get back running,.didn't happen a lot over lockdown and now signed myself up for a 5k race in the summer. Managed a few parkruns, and did first 10k in two years today (1.05 🤣🤣🤣). Got no speed whatsoever,. hopefully I can get some back in the next couple of months
hoping to push the distance up again this week. Ran 12.5k on Thursday (including past my daughter's school while she was out doing a cycling proficiency course, that embarrassed her!). Hoping for 15-16k as I edge towards a half marathon... no races lined up, just want to do it for my own sense of achievement.
Do long runs help with getting faster in say parkrun? Or do I need to put in some interval or (God help) strength training to do that?
Hit the ten mile mark on my long run today. So north downs run training going well. How are others doing?
I tend to do at least 10 miles on a weekend but average around 21 miles a week at the moment. Doing the Vitality 10k next Monday so something a bit different then a half in Battersea Park on the 14th. After that I need to try and switch my running to get some more hills into my training as well as getting off the roads as I've never really done that. Any good recommendations for some hilly trails? I'm in Bexleyheath but happy to go further afield
Got back to 5k which feels like a miracle with the hip pain, week off to let the pain then go again, and back out again tomorrow morning to see if it'll go horribly wrong again
Hit the ten mile mark on my long run today. So north downs run training going well. How are others doing?
I tend to do at least 10 miles on a weekend but average around 21 miles a week at the moment. Doing the Vitality 10k next Monday so something a bit different then a half in Battersea Park on the 14th. After that I need to try and switch my running to get some more hills into my training as well as getting off the roads as I've never really done that. Any good recommendations for some hilly trails? I'm in Bexleyheath but happy to go further afield
Lullingstone is the best place I can think of around here, and has a Park Run so you could double up. A mate jogs around High Elms but I've not ventured further than its golf course.
I did my first ever Park Run on Saturday at Shorne, it's pretty silly I've not done one before but I've finally got the Mrs interested. Came 13th which really surprised me. Should be at Dartford this Saturday then will try a few in SE London.
Do long runs help with getting faster in say parkrun? Or do I need to put in some interval or (God help) strength training to do that?
I would use intervals (shorter/faster/hills etc) and long runs as building blocks for most races. Get used to running faster using intervals and then your long runs will then increase your ability to run faster for longer. Strength/core training will help with all running - running on its own will lead to imbalances and potential injury.
I'm trying to finally break into bigger distances, picked up the runkeeper app and am following a programme - hoping the knee will stand up to it, its dropped me down to 3k initially, then some bursting and a 10k, but I assume there is some science behind that.
Im up to week 8 now since being able to run with this poxy broken toe. I started doing kettles bells though which has helped me keep losing weight and in theory will help me run quicker/further due to developing my core. I'm up to 4 x80 swings with a 16kg kettle now. Every 3rd day I have a day off and then add 5 more swings.
Hit the ten mile mark on my long run today. So north downs run training going well. How are others doing?
I tend to do at least 10 miles on a weekend but average around 21 miles a week at the moment. Doing the Vitality 10k next Monday so something a bit different then a half in Battersea Park on the 14th. After that I need to try and switch my running to get some more hills into my training as well as getting off the roads as I've never really done that. Any good recommendations for some hilly trails? I'm in Bexleyheath but happy to go further afield
Darenth country park is essentially a park on the side of a hill. Good for a few miles off road. That’s not far from you. Shore country park also has some hilly bits in it.
Comments
I'd like a sub 1hr50 but that might be pushing it for me with that elevation gain. Mainly trying a new route in an organised event so I'm looking forward to it. Any particular times you're aiming for?
The Barkley Marathons is going on at the moment, for anyone who saw the Netflix documentary (now on Youtube, worth paying for) or the Gary Robbins doc on Youtube. Rain, freezing rain and fog makes it sound like no-one will finish again, the last time someone did was 2017.
Don’t ever think you can’t guys and gals.
It may take you a while to get there but you will.
💚
Here comes Cork's answer to Mo Farrah !
Have properly got the running bug now, planning out what halfs I can do through early summer. Victoria Park on 7/5 is my next booked one.
May as well keep striking whilst the iron is hot as it's a lot easier maintaining long distance stamina than it is building up to it.
Before signing up for any other races, do a bit of research on recovery times etc. I was told a day per mile raced before attempting more than just a gentle run - obviously for non elites! Everybody is different though. You won't lose the endurance you gained from training for 26.2 any time soon and the last thing you want to do is run yourself into an injury by over doing it.
@kigelia I have looked at that, that route looks really tough. Are you properly hill training or focussing on the mileage? I miiight end up doing it.
it’s a long time since I have done a decent amount of mileage but it is going well so far.
Good work! I've signed up now, are you planning on using a water backpack, bladder or whatever they’re called? I’ll probably take some proper water stops, doubt I’ll be able to run 3 hours straight on those hills.
I've only ever really done road running but I'm guessing it will be over pretty solid ground given the time of year. For those more experienced with this type of event would road running trainers be ok?
Do long runs help with getting faster in say parkrun? Or do I need to put in some interval or (God help) strength training to do that?
I did my first ever Park Run on Saturday at Shorne, it's pretty silly I've not done one before but I've finally got the Mrs interested. Came 13th which really surprised me. Should be at Dartford this Saturday then will try a few in SE London.
road. That’s not far from you. Shore country park also has some hilly bits in it.
6.20 start on Wednesdays at London Bridge. Up towards Tower Bridge then across back down to Blackfriars before back to LB. It’s about 6km.
Very chilled. First lap usually 5.45kms with plenty of chatting and then a bit of up in pace for people who want to carry on and do another lap.
Shout if you want to join the WA group.