The Fitness Thread

[Dire Wolf]

Hope Manchester went well today for those who were running it.

Anyone else use calf sleeves when running? I had a year of persistent niggles in both calves (at different times), and have taken to wearing them. Either psychologically or materially, they have really seemed to make a difference.

 

[Langers]

What a day that was - genuinely up there as one of the very best experiences of my life.

My ambitious 'A' Goal was 3 hours 40 minutes, so to come in 5 minutes quicker was way beyond my expectations.

A 2 minute negative split, avoiding the wall, no cramps and progressively quicker - that's the best race I've ever run, and probably ever likely to run.

In absolute bits this morning - not been in this much pain since I watched the Forest game earlier this season. But it was worth it.

Manchester is such a fantastic marathon. Organisation was spot on (especially considering how big the event is - Runthrough take note!!) and the support throughout gave me goosebumps.

Got a few days off work now to recuperate. What an experience!

 

[Dire Wolf]

Ahead of our big reveal on social media, I'm giving you lucky lot a sneak peek at the first rendering of the box art for our new marathon themed board game, thought it may interest some running enthusiasts:

 

[Dire Wolf]

Also, Gill now has this:

 

[Tredman]

7 now isn't it?

 

[Dire Wolf]

7 now isn't it?

You're a right buzkill now aren't ya...

 

[Elephant Pyjamas]

Also, Gill now has this:View attachment 16766

I did Boston in 2022 and it was my plan to get one of these in the long term, but for a multitude of reasons still only got Boston.

A fantastic (and expensive) achievement

 

[Dire Wolf]

I did Boston in 2022 and it was my plan to get one of these in the long term, but for a multitude of reasons still only got Boston.

A fantastic (and expensive) achievement

Boston has the reputation of being the toughest because of the Newton Hills. Gill said it was only when she got to the sign that said "You've made it to the top of Heartbreak Hill" that she realised she'd done the hilly section. Said they really weren't bad hills at all, more like gentle inclines!

 

[Tredman]

You're a right buzkill now aren't ya...

I can only dream of doing this, its an amazing achievement and the effort / planning must have been something else.

 

[Dire Wolf]

There's only around 2000 people from the UK done it, so it is pretty amazing. I'm unbelievably proud of her achievements. Planning wise, training is the hardest part really. It is so time consuming, especially when she's done 4 in just over 18 months so the training has not ever really stopped for long before it begins again.

Tokyo was the trip of a lifetime and wonderful, New York was a great trip because we visited friends in Buffalo as part of it and I got to see the Bills play . But I think Berlin might have been my favourite place. Incredible city.

The whole experience has really shaped the design of 26.2, the game. We've tried to make it as authentic a marathon experience as possible without actually having to run! It is a game not about Olympic athletes running, it's immersed in experiences that everyday runners will have when training for and running a marathon. We couldn't have created it without the experiences Gill has had en route to getting the 6 star medal.

 

[Langers]

That's an incredible achievement. I'm in awe!

I think I'm most jealous of Berlin - I love that city and I'd love to do that marathon one day. I'd rather do Berlin than London TBH.

How has she managed to get into all these majors? Qualifying?

Any plans to do Sydney..?

 

[Dire Wolf]

That's an incredible achievement. I'm in awe!

I think I'm most jealous of Berlin - I love that city and I'd love to do that marathon one day. I'd rather do Berlin than London TBH.

How has she managed to get into all these majors? Qualifying?

Any plans to do Sydney..?

She gets in based on a good for age time, so she doesn't have to go through the ballot process. She still has a good for age time from Chicago in October last year that is valid for another 18 months I think, so if she wanted to do any more she could still get in based on that time.

As for Sydney, she has said no, and we are still recovering financially from Tokyo! It's been an expensive undertaking, so unless we sell a fuck tonne of games (hint hint) we (she ) can't justify Sydney at this point.

 

[Alan]

Started tracking my calories (kilocalories, whatever) after noticing some extra “tub” on my waist, and honestly? Everybody should do it for a week or so. It’s so incredibly easy for me to snack my way into a massive surplus. It’s been super eye-opening. Tracking has also helped me be more judicious in the nutrients I’m getting per calorie, so to speak.

Down from 72.2kg to 70.8kg in two weeks!

 

[Dire Wolf]

I used My Fitness Pal to track my calorie intake for about a year or so. Combined with an increase in running I went from just under 15 stones to 12 stones in about 10-12 months. I didn’t stop eating things I liked, I just controlled the amount.

 

[Tredman]

I used the same to go from around 23/24 stone to 13 at my lightest.

 

[Dire Wolf]

I used the same to go from around 23/24 stone to 13 at my lightest.

That's incredible! I'm sure you feel better for it?

 

[darlowolf64]

So It's been a tough few months trying to prepare for the 10k run and thought I'd share an update.

I've found that not really exercising for almost 12 years isn't the greatest way to plan to run 10k!

Been doing 30 minute runs, improving the distance I cover but not by huge amounts. I've also picked up a LOT of injuries, aches and pains and just my body saying "what on earth are you thinking!" At nearly 62 I'm definitely not as fit as I used to be.

Decided that today I wouldn't just do my normal circuit and would push myself. Mapped out a route in my head that would include some minor/medium inclines and hills as I need to be able to go upward as well as flat! 6 minor/mediums in the route and I finished 8.6k in 1hr 15mins. A lot of that I did as a power walk to try to ensure I have the leg stamina and I finished with a run (jog) longer than the finish up the high street and could have gone further. That time can come down by adding more sections of jogging but I didn't want to blow-out on the first of my tougher "runs". I feel really good and happy with today.

The run is in 32 days, so now I start to really push myself as the Northallerton 10k is a bit grueling, to say the least. Onwards!

 

[Langers]

Definite progress there mate - keep going! Training on hills is a really good idea, it improves your form as well as strengthens your legs.

And don't be afraid to reduce the pace so you're running at a lower effort - get that endurance into your legs which is just as important as running hard and quick. Try to run at 'conversational pace' - i.e. you'd be able to chat to someone as you run. It doesn't matter how slow that is, it's all about perceived effort and that will be different for everyone. And if you have to walk some of it, it doesn't matter.

I always just used to run at threshold pace - basically going pretty quick and trying to hold on - and whilst it's good to have that in your routine, having more easy runs in your training helps so much.