VLM 2012 first timers???

I do have a vague plan of action - a beginners plan for now (I'm run/walking to get me back up to running 30 mins) with an added swim and gym visit once a week, and loads of stretching. The main priority for me is to avoid injury! Then I'll move on to a 16 week plan, but hope to give myself 18 weeks to do it, to give room for ilness, injury and probably being buried under several feet of snow, if you believe the Daily mail .

It's a poor plan, but it's a plan!! I'm going to follow the one in the Non-Runners Marathon Training guide book. Seems as good as any, with handy advice thrown in too!

I'm already practising my positive attitude by adding "but it doesn't matter" to the end of any negative thoughts that pass me by. Like this morning and I woke up and heard the howling wind, and I groaned. And then thought "but it doesn't matter!" and got out of bed! 

Useful dates -

 Jan 1st is 16 weeks to April 22nd.

Dec 18th is 18 weeks..

What plan are you using Carol, is it one on the internet?  Someone has offered me the use of an inflated sumo wrestler suit to run in!   She swears it's light and airy and wasn't a problem when she wore it for a hockey match.  I have a 5k in December that we are getting dressed up for, so I may borrow it for that and see how it goes.  Not the most attractive of costumes, but at least people will be able to spot me!!

I like the 'but it doesn't matter' attitude Len, I think I may have to start using that myself

Len 2 wrote (see)

Useful dates -

 Jan 1st is 16 weeks to April 22nd.

Dec 18th is 18 weeks..

  That doesn't seem very far away at all does it ...........

Claire , I live in apperley bridge , near yeadon? I usually run along the canal  , I am out for a meal for my friends birthday in chapel allerton tonight !

Len- that made me laugh in the book , but if it works then we should all definatley adopt it as the VLM first timer slogan !!!!

You're all welcome to use "but it doesn't matter" - it's not mine, I nicked it from the Non-Runners guide. Works for all sorts of things from "I have got a headache coming on" to "it's raining" and "that sofa looks comfy" .

I run in the mornings before work, or else it just doesn't happen at all. Once I'm in and my shoes are off in the evenings, that's it! Besides which, my nearly-8 year old has a more active social life than I do, and I am required as a taxi service to karate/Beavers/whatever club she's signed herself up for.

And it's a well known fact (in my house) that the world will end if I don't get to watch Strictly, Holby, Glee and Downton Abbey. That's time consuming.....

caroluk wrote (see)

Ooh January 1st for a 16 week training start date - that's evil! I will no doubt have a hearty Scottish hogmanany hangover but my friend swears by running to run off a hangover so I might just have to put it to the test!

Your friend lies!!  Unless they've been running for years and frequently doing it with a hangover!  I've done it twice and both times I've nearly thrown up while out.  It's really not good for you; you don't focus properly so you could easily injure yourself and you're dehydrated before you even start which isn't good.  It's just not worth it  

Len 2 wrote (see)

Incidentally, a pre-race meet could be amusing, if it consists of a cow girl, a womble and a sumo wrestler .

  That made me laugh out loud!!  Would definitely make for a good photo opportunity!

I prefer to run in the mornings as otherwise it's easy to find reasons not to do it.  The only exception really to that is running club, which is in the evening but I find that a struggle especially when it's dark as I find running in the dark makes me depressed

TST - I am going to do one of Hal Higdon's, novice 1 or novice 2 as they have been recommended to me. It's 18 weeks and I think I will start it with 20 or 21 weeks to go to allow time for any colds or injuries.  His websitewith a number of training plans is http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/novice2.htm 

And Yes I am inclined to think she does indeed lie about running curing a hangover, I don't think I will be trying out that theory!  

Loving the dress up ideas, laughed at the idea of us all meeting up - can you imagine - Womble, I'll meet you under the clock tower, you'll recognise me as I'll be the one in a sumo suit! 

Went a 4 mile run tonight and felt good - onwards and upwards! 

Hi All! 

 I'm in for next year too and have never run a marathon or anything close!  The furthest I have run is 10 miles BUT that was a couple of years ago!. 

Slowly building up my running again, now up to about 30 mins at a time, so hopeful for next year and finally doing London which has been at the back of my mind for years! 

Great to find other people in the same boat to share ideas and progress etc with!

Thanks Carol, I'll have a look at those

Welcome aboard Greena P!  Think most of us have a lot of progression to do, so it will definitely be good to share our experiences!

I went for a little run at lunchtime (too cold to go out this morning!) and I'm starting to think I probably need new shoes   I changed my running style a while ago as I wasn't running properly and my shoes seem to have worn to my old, bad running style.  Didn't notice it much when I was changing the way I run - gradual process I suppose - but as I haven't really done any for a while I really noticed it today.  It seems to show up more when I run faster (which isn't that often ) as I didn't really notice it when I did my last LSR, but I had a lot of problems with muscle ache in my right leg today when I attempted a short, sharp run.  Off to the sports shop at the weekend to get my gait analysed and see what they recommend and then I'll hunt around and see if I can find something within my price range.  Going to be doing a lot of running the next six months so better make sure the shoes all fit correctly

Thanks TST and hello!

I hear you on the shoe front!  I've changed my running style too due to constant niggles and injuries and so far so good but now struggling to find the perfect shoe, I hope I find it soon as like you say there will be a lot of running in the next six months 

If anyone really wants to have some fun why not jog round with me. I am Supergirl and VLM will be my 148th Marathon/Ultra. I am looking for people who would be prepared to dress up in any costume and carry a bucket to raise money for my charity. Buckets will be emptied every 4 or 5 miles by my helpers.

My charity website is advanceinternational.org  We are building an orphage and boarding school in Uganda.

Contact me if you are interested.

They look nice Carol, especially the pink ones!!   Am hoping not to spend that much though, going to look for some that are last seasons colours or model or whatever as they'll be cheaper.

I generally run music free as you can't use anything during a triathlon, although I do run with music sometimes as a bit of a treat, mainly in the winter when it's bleak and I need cheering up!  Usually just run with the radio on though rather than picking actual tracks. 

That's a much better deal then, having the money off voucher!

Yes, know what you mean a bit about flagging, although I generally text Mr TST then and he sends some encouragement back to me!

Hey all! I'm a first timer too; two half marathons and nothing further, got my charity place and now reality is dawning. I am equal parts excited and terrified, I think! I hadn't thought about room bookings - better get on that I think. I'm in Leeds too, it seems there's a lot of novice northerners!

My main priority is - don't get injured, do finish.....! I'm sure we'll all be fine, one step at a time....