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Hi all

Sorry if this is a naive question, but just want a little advice.

Most weeks I manage to run three times - two evenings and then a longer run on a weekend.  I'd like to do more, but find it difficult to fit in around work and family.  

During my three runs I currently tend to run the following - one 5-8K, one 8-13k and then a longer 10-12 miler at weekends.

I'd like to start upping the distance and here is my question - am I best to try to gradually increase the distance of each of my runs or can I just increase the distance of my weekend run where time is less of an issue?

I don't currently follow a proper program as I run for the enjoyment and to keep fit.  However, on my shorter runs I tend to run harder and keep track of my pace more. I also vary my route to put in different challenges.  For instance, there is a long, main road not far from where I live and it is a long gradual slope (about 4k) Sometimes I'll leave this until the end of a long run, just to increase the challenge. I'll also vary the mix of road and off-road.

Thanks in advance.

Well, after some shopping around, I've taken the plunge and having found an Octane for only £12 more than I was originally expecting to pay for the classic, I've gone for this.  Order placed and dispatched so am looking forward to trying it out.  Unfortunately, it probably won't be until next weekend as I won't get a long one run in before then.  Looking at the weather, if this holds up, then I think I might be glad to have it

Thanks all.

I think the consensus is fairly resounding!  I think I'll get myself one.  I generally don't bother with anything while running up to 10 miles, but with the (hopefully) hotter weather coming in, I'm thinking it would be a good idea to have something to hydrate with while out and I can't be doing with bottle belts.

I started running as I realised that I had stopped doing sport having been very active in years gone by.  Running could fit in around work, kids etc and was a way of helping to get me fit and stop me putting on any extra weight.  I wasn't particularly overweight - I could have done with losing maybe half a stone, but nothing drastic.

When I started running I was doing fairly short distances and felt fitter, but no real weight loss.  I then got into the 5/2 fast diet with a friend from work - we had both looked into it and decided to give it a go for two days a week.

Having done this for a few months I lost one stone three pounds and have now dropped to fasting just once a week to maintain the weight loss and not lose more.

The upside has been that my running times have come down considerably and my distances have gone up.  I am now regularly running three times a week and clocking up between 18 and 25 miles - more when I am on holiday.  I am enjoying my running more and feel I am getting more out of it.

So, in short, the distances I was running (5k -8k) didn't do much for losing weight, but having lost weight my running benefitted - and in return, it is helping keep me in good nick - I'm managing my weight pretty easily, but have toned up considerably (to the great expense of needing new clothes)  and am feeling better than I have felt in years

Thanks Tel

What do you make of the need for a waist strap as Bambi suggests - do you have  a problem with bouncing?  I had been looking at the 2l Classic