Hi Ladies
I've not posted on minimins for ages because I've moved my focus from "dieting/maintaining" to training for the Paris Marathon, which is also 7 April. I am new to running and have been building up my distance since completing C25K in February. I started following a 22 week training plan on 22 October and today completed my longest run ever - 10.6 miles (was meant to be 10 but had to detour around flood water!). I've been trying to do my long runs at no faster than 11 min/mile but today I invited friends along and followed their pace - averaged 9.17 min/mile. I'm not sure how my body will cope in the days to come!
I've been trying out sports drinks, Beet It shots and recovery shakes, but not yet tried out the gels. I'm waiting for a longer run (I've read you only need them when you're running more than 2 hours - that should be soon). It was interesting reading your posts about gels - I'll make a note of your findings in my training journal so I will know which ones to avoid!
I've signed up for some races in December - a 10k and a 5k, and I am meant to enter a half marathon as part of my plan in January, but can't find one locally so think I'll find some friends to run 13 miles with me and give me a medal at the end!!
I've been doing loads of reading - have subscribed to Running World and Women's Running mags, borrowed all the marathon books I could find in the library and have just won my own copy of the Women's Running Marathon Training guide. I'm learning loads and trying to put everything into practice. I also listen to Mojo for Running podcasts when I run and she has a lot of interesting things to say. On her advice I've just bought a clip on metronome on ebay (£5) so that I can train myself to run at 180 steps per minute. Also good are the NHS C25K+ podcasts.
I've been running 3 times a week, gym twice and yoga once. I've joined a running club and go when I can, but I usually find it more convenient to run when it suits me. I should make more of an effort though as it is a good opportunity to meet more experienced runners and push myself.
I've bought the new Garmin Forerunner 10 and track everything on Garmin Connect and Runkeeper. I find this really motivational. All the gear and hopefully some idea!!