Random Running Questions

Any suggestions for a nice run around Spanish Point (Clare)?. Out there for a wedding and will be staying at the Armada for a few days.

R.F. wrote: »

New to this section, and reading through last couple of pages was surprised to see that headphones are not allowed in some races. Is this a common thing or very rare?

It is becoming more common. Runners wearing headphones often can't hear traffic, which is dangerous on open roads. They can't hear instructions from marshalls. They can't hear wheelchairs, ambulances, motorbikes coming behind them. They can't hear other runners overtaking and so veer out in front of them.

(Everyone says they are aware of their surroundings when listening to music, but still all of the above happen regularly)

People often think they need music when they are starting running. Nobody needs music to run. Try a few runs without headphones and you'll see.

I'm probably going explain this badly but wondering if anyone has experienced the same thing. For the last 10 days or so I've been finding most of my runs a massive struggle compared to normal. Supposedly "easy" runs in particular - effort much higher, heart rate way up, pace way slower. I feel fine the rest of the time so not sick or anything, just knackered when it comes to running. Also tired muscles in my legs after sessions and long runs, which I never get normally. It feels like just being way less fit all of a sudden, but I didn't think fitness could just randomly drop like that. Sleep and diet both same as normal so no major changes there that would explain it.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? I can't imagine going to my GP with my only symptom being "I'm worse at running than I should be..."

Could be low iron levels.

Thanks, I was wondering about iron myself as I've had major issues with this in the past and am definitely prone to it. It felt different previously as I had a lot of dizziness too which I'm not having now, but it might be that all the same. Going to start taking it again and see if that helps. Thanks

ReeReeG wrote: »

As I've been a couple of running books recently, the only other thing that springs to mind (if diet / sleep etc is ok as you say) is "overtraining" which seems to have some of those symptoms. But I wouldn't have thought you were guilty of that, going by Strava...?

Oooh whatcha readin? Anything you'd recommend?

Good point actually although I wouldn't be worried about overtaining in my case, I've been taking the training fairly easy.

Thepoet85 wrote: »

Morning all. I'm getting married in September and hoping to run/jog the Derry Half Marathon at the start of said month.

I can run 5k in around 30-35 mins and do 1-2 fitness classes per week.

I'm wondering how to approach this, I'm not worried about time and just want to finish it. I've no doubt it will be a jog/walk day.

Any advice would be much welcome. Do I simply do 3-4 runs per week and have one run where I go longer and slowly increase my long run distance?

Thanks in advance.

3-4 runs a week is the right approach with one of these being a longer run at the weekend or whenever suits your schedule.

I think if I were you I would find a 10K plan online and build up to that for time being and then follow a half marathon plan

Here is a novice plan but you will find plenty other ones online too https://www.halhigdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Novice-2-Half-Marathon-Printable.pdf

Spirogyra wrote: »

Any suggestions for a safe way to store cards at race? Assuming your travelling alone across the country and by public transport. There would be a baggage area, but not sure about leaving essential cards, train tickets etc there. Any suggestions appreciated ��

Just get a flip Belt? I don’t even feel mine and I carry my phone and keys in it for every run I do. Perfect for cards if you get the zipped one.

Spirogyra wrote: »

Thanks Kelly girl, are they very secure? And how much would one cost? Thinking of doing the Mini Marathon in June, but I'm from Limerick so security of vital bits would be paramount, S��

I find them really secure. Mine doesn’t budge and they are stretchy so very comfortable. I keep money and my parkrun barcode in the zipped pocket all the time and there’s a little key ring to attach your key to and then you tuck it into the belt. My iPhone in an Otterbox Defender (so big) cover fits into it too and I;ve carried gels etc too for marathons. Not sure what shops in Limerick would have them to try on but you’d get them online from the flipbelt webste for about €35 I think. As I said, I wear mine for every single run no matter how short so the price per wear is negligible.

Kellygirl wrote:

I find them really secure. Mine doesn’t budge and they are stretchy so very comfortable. I keep money and my parkrun barcode in the zipped pocket all the time and there’s a little key ring to attach your key to and then you tuck it into the belt. My iPhone in an Otterbox Defender (so big) cover fits into it too and I;ve carried gels etc too for marathons. Not sure what shops in Limerick would have them to try on but you’d get them online from the flipbelt webste for about €35 I think. As I said, I wear mine for every single run no matter how short so the price per wear is negligible.

i picked up a v similar addidas version. great product

Spirogyra wrote: »

Got off the bus early, near a sports store after Parkrun. And they have 2 'belts' that would probably do the job. They both cost e20. Didn't really have a spare e20 today but will do next week. So will get one then, thank you ��

Spiro, was that you getting off a bus earlier?

If you are racing the race, race it and don't worry about the rest of the milage. Sure if you run it all out you won't be in the mood for running for a while

Otherwise, splitting up a long run into two negates a lot of the benefits of a long run, but doubles the washing, showering etc. It's better than not running, but not really a replacement. You could try doing the 17k run a few days before or after the 10k race, but you're probably messing around the the plan a bit more then. It's probably easiest to give the 10k a good go (maybe with a km or two warmup and cooldown) and not bother with the long run.

Spirogyra wrote: »

Thanks, 'Kelly' Will enquire

Any running belt will do - don’t see the appeal of the expensive flip belts myself

Can anyone recommend any good marathons in Ireland in August/September/October? Dingle sold out, Galway bay seems to get dodgy reviews. Longford looks promising but a bit worried about heat.