Running

[Kezzer]

Applying for a half marathon for next sunday. It's a bit short notice for me since i haven't actually done 13 miles before. I'm sure i can do it but i was wondering if anyone had any pointers.

Few things,

For some reason, with my new shoes i get a blister in the 'arch' of my left foot. It's only a problem here, could this be due to me not having running socks?

Is there anything i should do to prepare for the run? An energy drink before i start or something?

Cheers

[RVF500]

Firstly you shouldn't wear new shoes for a 1/2 marathon. You should be wearing worn in comfortable ones. Next Sunday is too close to really wear a pair of shoes in. Try putting some zinc oxide tape on your feet if you don't have any older shoes to wear.

I used to get blisters on the arches of my feet with new shoes and often changed the insoles for sorbathane ones. Especially if I was road running. Though if you decide to do that I suggest you take your shoes with you and try them out in the shop as there are several different types of sorbathane insoles and if they are too thick then you won't be able to get your shoes to fit properly.

The best way to prepare for a distance run is to run frequently and increase the distance you run over a period of time (time which you don't have). Despite what the advertisers would have us think. Their products won't turn us into athletes at the guzzle of one of their pricey drinks. Best thing is water, plenty of it. Carbo drinks take time to get through your system and begin to work and should be used sparingly. Isotonic drinks or electrolyte replacement do just that. Replace what you have expended so use them after to help stave off any cramps maybe.

13 miles isn't so bad if you are reasonably fit. Just take it steady.

I'm assuming from your post that you don't run a lot of distance so if I have got that wrong and am preaching to the choir....apologies.

[Kezzer]

Hehe, looks like a lot of useful info there.

The last time i did a run was 8 miles but the only thing that stopped me was a blister. I could've carried on for quite a while.

I don't have any other shoes which i could wear so i'm going to spend all next week running them in (literally). I'll have a look for that zinc oxide tape. What actually is it? Do you just wrap it around the foot?

[Angus]

Half marathon shouldn't be too bad.

In the past I've had problems with blisters on my arch but only with older trainers. I find that sometimes the insole comes away from the sole of the shoe.

Maybe it's worth having a look inside your trainer see if theire's anything you can do to improve it. (I think sorbethanes are in the £20 region).

[Kezzer]

Well i'm going into town tomorrow to see if i can get some of that tape. Are there such thing as running socks? Are they helpful?

I'll definitely be training for the next week

[Angus]

I've just got thick white cotton (iirc) sports socks.

TK Maxx aren't too bad if I remember correctly - I don't know if there's any specialist stuff out there; I'm sure there is but not all of it will work.

I was a bit miffed after I spent £7 on a pair of 1000 mile walking socks only to get blisters after the first 10 miles (I'd been doing ok with just plain woolen socks before)

[shiato storm]

actually the best things for padding shoes - panty liners...absorb sweat and stay 'padded'...you just have to live with the slight shame of buying panty liners and face the girl at the checkout in boots giving you that 'knowing' look...

[Kezzer]

Went to town and got some running socks and a one of those water bottles you can hold in your hand. I'm going to do a test run tomorrow to see how far i can actually mile. I'll try 14 miles. I hope i don't get a blister before that

[RVF500]

14 miles is a long way mate. I'd start off with a lot less. How far do you run normally? If it's considerably less going all out for a long distance is risking an injury.

Either way, let us know how you get on.

[Kezzer]

Cheers dude.

Usually i run 8 miles everytime i run. I'm still taking into consideration of doing a half marathon the next time one is on just to make sure i'm prepared. The good thing is, everytime i've run my 8 miles i've found it easier each time. The only problem i've had is the blister that pops up but i'm going to try out some running socks today and see how i get on.

[RVF500]

Ahhh....(picture becoming clearer now) well if you normally run that sort of distance I wouldn't have thought a half marathon would trouble you that much. That's the kind of distance I used to train at, occasionally a bit longer. Though I used to do a lot of hill work too. Not so much now. Getting old I guess and tend to do most of my running on the hamster wheel in the gym. However, I have had experience of doing endurance over some very long distances. The longest being 40 miles as part of a competition while I was in the army. That was also carrying equipment weighing 40 lbs (never do things teh easy way in the army). Took me 12 hours 18 minutes (some things stick in your mind) and I came in 52nd The zinc oxide tape does work though.

Good luck with your event mate

[Kezzer]

Well i did a run today on the treadmill. 11 miles (i think, not sure what the lifefitness machines measuer in), 1 hour 10 minutes, 700 calories. I could've gone further.

The running socks did help a lot.

Felt great afterwards.

[RVF500]

That's not a bad pace. Even though the treadmill helps you along it's still a pretty good pace. Also the treadmill is kinder to your body especially your knees. That's just under 6 1/2 minute miles. Nice and steady.

[Kezzer]

Heh, do remember i'm 5`6 and have very short legs

What's a good pace?

[scottyman]

as fast as you can sustain! for a nice jog, I work on 15 mins per mile, and that's something I like to think I can sustain all day! Was 18 mins per mile just last month.
also, went to footlocker a couple of years ago, and used their running mat as I've got collapsed arches - got some running shoes which are superb! doing about 6 miles per day now, and increasing speed by approx 4 mins per day.... still prefer cycling - is easier on the legs!

[Kezzer]

I find running easier on the legs. I haven't got any arches in my feet either. I had to spend a couple of years doing physio 'cause i'd ignored the problem until i eventually literally couldn't move my knees lol. It's ok(ish) now though.

I do a run three or four times a week. I'm going to do the same everytime, 11 miles and see how i improve. I'm still young and healthy