New to running, finding it a bit hard

[Miss-G-]

Hi everyone,

I was really happy to find this newsgroup - there really is one for everything. Anyway, I've decided
to start running after feeling (and being) unfit and not very strong at all. I had a bowel
obstruction a year and a half ago, and after the surgery and no food for a week (which made me lose
any muscle I had), I never really got back into the small amount of exercise I'd been doing. So I'm
very very new to this, this week is my third week of improving my fitness, and I've been doing this
by walking/running, or swimming if it's too hot. I really love running, in the short, not very fast
bursts I do it in! It gives me a good endorphin rush previously unencountered with other exercise,
and it really does clear my head. Usually I walk for about 10 minutes to warm up, and from there set
myself small goals, like, 'run for the next 3 trees'. It's the third week now, and while I feel
markedly stronger, I've been getting really bad stitch pain. It's so demoralising that today I had
to stop, and I didn't even go very far, maybe a mile (usually I go for 2). Sometimes it comes on
during the warm up! I'm not walking that fast, just briskly. I read the running faq and today tried
exhaling on my left foot - it worked insofar as it shifted the pain to my left side. I've tried to
walk through it but I really have to stop. Does anyone have any good ideas or breathing exercises?
I've been doing situps after each run for the past two weeks also to build up some abdominal
strength. Today was so bad though that I just had to post because I felt like an absolute failure
and I don't want to feel like that.. It was very hot today too though, around 32c/90f this morning.
I'm 158cm (5'2), and weigh 56 kilos (125 pounds) and my BMI is 22. I also have mild asthma, only
recently diagnosed (although it does explain my poor performance in high school!), and before
running I take two puffs on my asthma inhaler. My ultimate goal isn't really weight loss, although I
will happily accept it as a byproduct, I just want to feel fit, energetic, and strong! My eating
habits are pretty good, I eat multigrain bread, fruit, salad and meat sandwiches, pasta and rice.
I'm not averse to ice cream and burgers although they're pretty occasional. Thanks so much for any
advice you have,

Katy M

[Drlith]

"Miss-G-" <astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote in message
news:7L3Pb.19556$Wa.11489@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> It's the third week now, and while I feel markedly stronger, I've been getting really bad stitch
> pain. It's so demoralising that today I had to stop, and I didn't even go very far, maybe a mile
> (usually I go for 2). Sometimes it comes on during the warm up! I'm not walking that fast, just
> briskly. I read the running faq and today tried exhaling on my left foot - it worked insofar as it
> shifted the pain to my left side. I've tried to walk through it but I really have to stop. Does
> anyone have any good ideas or breathing exercises?

Try a breathing pattern that contains an odd number of steps per cycle, rather than an even number--
for example: in-in-in-out-out, in-in-in-out-out.

Also, the question you didn't ask: you might try alternating running days with swimming/strength
training days as a matter of course. It's a common error to think that you'll see faster
improvement if you run every day (and it appeals to our sense of routine and discipline). But your
body needs time to repair itself and get stronger, so you may actually see fast improvement if you
run only every other day for the time being. (BTW, I recently read that "bicycles" are much better
than situps for strengthening your abs--the ones where you lie on your back and with your legs bent
and in the air, and alternated crossing elbows to knees, right elbow to left knee, left elbow to
right knee).

[Gentolm]

rtry flutter kicks plodzilla

Miss-G- wrote:
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I was really happy to find this newsgroup - there really is one for everything. Anyway, I've
> decided to start running after feeling (and being) unfit and not very strong at all. I had a bowel
> obstruction a year and a half ago, and after the surgery and no food for a week (which made me
> lose any muscle I had), I never really got back into the small amount of exercise I'd been doing.
> So I'm very very new to this, this week is my third week of improving my fitness, and I've been
> doing this by walking/running, or swimming if it's too hot. I really love running, in the short,
> not very fast bursts I do it in! It gives me a good endorphin rush previously unencountered with
> other exercise, and it really does clear my head. Usually I walk for about 10 minutes to warm up,
> and from there set myself small goals, like, 'run for the next 3 trees'. It's the third week now,
> and while I feel markedly stronger, I've been getting really bad stitch pain. It's so demoralising
> that today I had to stop, and I didn't even go very far, maybe a mile (usually I go for 2).
> Sometimes it comes on during the warm up! I'm not walking that fast, just briskly. I read the
> running faq and today tried exhaling on my left foot - it worked insofar as it shifted the pain to
> my left side. I've tried to walk through it but I really have to stop. Does anyone have any good
> ideas or breathing exercises? I've been doing situps after each run for the past two weeks also to
> build up some abdominal strength. Today was so bad though that I just had to post because I felt
> like an absolute failure and I don't want to feel like that.. It was very hot today too though,
> around 32c/90f this morning. I'm 158cm (5'2), and weigh 56 kilos (125 pounds) and my BMI is 22. I
> also have mild asthma, only recently diagnosed (although it does explain my poor performance in
> high school!), and before running I take two puffs on my asthma inhaler. My ultimate goal isn't
> really weight loss, although I will happily accept it as a byproduct, I just want to feel fit,
> energetic, and strong! My eating habits are pretty good, I eat multigrain bread, fruit, salad and
> meat sandwiches, pasta and rice. I'm not averse to ice cream and burgers although they're pretty
> occasional. Thanks so much for any advice you have,
>
> Katy M

[Miss-G-]

Thankyou so much. I've been running four days in a row for 20 minutes at a time then stopping for 3
and so on, but it is getting harder so doing it on alternating days makes sense! I'll try the
bicycles too. Thanks again,

Katy M

"DrLith" <drlith@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:buiilp$o1m$1@ngspool-d02.news.aol.com...
>
> "Miss-G-" <astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote in message news:7L3Pb.19556$Wa.11489@news-
> server.bigpond.net.au...
> > It's the third week now, and while I feel markedly stronger, I've been getting really bad stitch
pain.
> > It's so demoralising that today I had to stop, and I didn't even go very far, maybe a mile
> > (usually I go for 2). Sometimes it comes on during
the
> > warm up! I'm not walking that fast, just briskly. I read the running
faq
> > and today tried exhaling on my left foot - it worked insofar as it
shifted
> > the pain to my left side. I've tried to walk through it but I really
have
> > to stop. Does anyone have any good ideas or breathing exercises?
>
> Try a breathing pattern that contains an odd number of steps per cycle, rather than an even number--
> for example: in-in-in-out-out,
in-in-in-out-out.
>
> Also, the question you didn't ask: you might try alternating running days with swimming/strength
> training days as a matter of course. It's a common error to think that you'll see faster
> improvement if you run every day
(and
> it appeals to our sense of routine and discipline). But your body needs
time
> to repair itself and get stronger, so you may actually see fast
improvement
> if you run only every other day for the time being. (BTW, I recently read that "bicycles" are much
> better than situps for strengthening your
abs--the
> ones where you lie on your back and with your legs bent and in the air,
and
> alternated crossing elbows to knees, right elbow to left knee, left elbow
to
> right knee).

[Johnny Bravo]

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 01:45:53 -0500, "DrLith" <drlith@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>
>"Miss-G-" <astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote in message news:7L3Pb.19556$Wa.11489@news-
>server.bigpond.net.au...
>> It's the third week now, and while I feel markedly stronger, I've been getting really bad stitch
>> pain. It's so demoralising that today I had to stop, and I didn't even go very far, maybe a mile
>> (usually I go for 2). Sometimes it comes on during the warm up! I'm not walking that fast, just
>> briskly. I read the running faq and today tried exhaling on my left foot - it worked insofar as
>> it shifted the pain to my left side. I've tried to walk through it but I really have to stop.
>> Does anyone have any good ideas or breathing exercises?
>
>Try a breathing pattern that contains an odd number of steps per cycle, rather than an even number--
>for example: in-in-in-out-out, in-in-in-out-out.

I started trying to breathe in a rythm like that when I first started running but quickly
developed a side stitch every time I ran. It took some attention for about a weeks but I broke the
habit and breathed independantly of my running. The problem stopped immediately as soon as I
stopped trying to force a pattern.

From what I've seen here since then I suspect that my cycle was too short, I was doing in-in-in-
out, forcing the exhale which couldn't have been a good thing to make my diaphram do for 30
minutes at a time.

My gf was running with me for a while when our scheduled permitted and she had a real hard time
with her breathing, she couldn't disconnect it from her pace without serious concentration, which
took all the fun out of the run.

--
"The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all
its contents." - H.P. Lovecraft

[I Could Be Lyin]

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 06:18:43 GMT, "Miss-G-"
<astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote:

>Hi everyone,

Hi, astrogirl.

>I was really happy to find this newsgroup - there really is one for everything.

How true. It's amazing what people get up to in the privacy of their squalid little homes.

Anyway, I've decided to start running after feeling (and being)
>unfit and not very strong at all. I had a bowel obstruction a year and a half ago, and after the
>surgery and no food for a week (which made me lose any muscle I had),

Muscle wastage after one week? You have an over-active imagination, my dear.

I never really got back into the small amount of exercise
>I'd been doing. So I'm very very new to this, this week is my third week of improving my fitness,
>and I've been doing this by walking/running, or swimming if it's too hot.

Ah, a new 2004 runner! Let's hope your enthusiasm exceeds the norm for new-year resolutions.

I really love running, in the short, not very
>fast bursts I do it in!

Stick with it. It gets worse.

It gives me a good endorphin rush previously
>unencountered with other exercise, and it really does clear my head.

Silly girl! That's the steroids kicking in. You *are* on steroids, aren't you?.

>Usually I walk for about 10 minutes to warm up, and from there set myself small goals, like, 'run
>for the next 3 trees'. It's the third week now, and while I feel markedly stronger, I've been
>getting really bad stitch pain.

Don't run for *at least* two hours after a meal. Changing your breathing pattern can help with a
stitch. Try breathing out through pursed lips. It looks silly, but can often effect a recovery from
a stitch within a couple of minutes

I read the running faq
>and today

Noooooooo! The faq was written by an idiot for the education of the brain dead. Running - at all
levels - is about self discovery; of finding out what works for you, you unique little person.
There are few 'must do's' in running. I have listed them below fo your perusal. All else is heresay
and nonsense.

1. God likes us to run in shorts and t-shirts in summer, and in Goretex top and tights in winter.
Do not upset him by deviating from this plan.

2. Not all running shoes are equal. Find out what makes them different, and apply this knowledge to
your personal choice. It helps to have someone with a modicum of biomechanical knowledge
evaluate your running gait.

3. God likes us to use heart-rate monitors, he simply didn't have access to the technology to
incorporate an lcd panel into our forearm. The beastly Finns have the market cornered, so pop
down to your 'Polar' dealer and make the best investment of your running career.

4. The world is full of homicidal idiots. They WILL attempt to end your running days by
cycling/driving/walking into you as you run. Be aware of this and act acordingly.

5. Do one long run, one short but fast run, and one medium length, medium paced run per week. Swim
or cycle on the other days. On this regieme you will run, and live, forever.

6. Don't eat meat. Don't ask why - it's just *wrong*.

7. Stretch before and after your run, especially as you get older. Failure to observe this ritual
will make your local sports medicine specialist extremely wealthy.

8. Never forget, running is meant to be fun. The moment is ceases to be fun, stop and ask yourself
'Why?'. Never spend time on any activity that doesn't make you smile when you think about it in
bed that evening.

I'm 158cm (5'2),
>and weigh 56 kilos (125 pounds) and my BMI is 22.

You are slightly tubby. Lose 4-5 kilos, astrogirl.

I also have mild asthma,
>only recently diagnosed (although it does explain my poor performance in high school!), and before
>running I take two puffs on my asthma inhaler.

You do carry a 'reliever' inhaler with you on your runs? Be a damn silly way to die if you don't.

My
>ultimate goal isn't really weight loss,

It wouldn't hurt - see above.

although I will happily accept it as
>a byproduct, I just want to feel fit, energetic, and strong!

Ha! Don't we all!

I suspect that *that* feeling is reserved for healthy six-year-olds. The rest of us shuffle along
in varying degrees of decrepitude.

My eating
>habits are pretty good, I eat multigrain bread, fruit, salad and meat sandwiches, pasta and rice.
>I'm not averse to ice cream and burgers although they're pretty occasional.

Substitude cheese for meat and you'll maintain bone strength AND be able to look cows, sheep and
pigs in the eye without guilt.

>Thanks so much for any advice you have,

Glad I could be of assistance.

[Miss-G-]

I almost took you seriously before deciding to read your other posts.

Thanks Miss-G-

"I could be lying" <kisskiss@angrydumpling.net> wrote in message
news:0i2v00pgmq9lbtebovh8asr53fe24dvd0b@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 06:18:43 GMT, "Miss-G-" <astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote:
>
> >Hi everyone,
>
> Hi, astrogirl.
>
> >I was really happy to find this newsgroup - there really is one for everything.
>
> How true. It's amazing what people get up to in the privacy of their squalid little homes.
>
> Anyway, I've decided to start running after feeling (and being)
> >unfit and not very strong at all. I had a bowel obstruction a year and a half ago, and after the
> >surgery and no food for a week (which made me
lose
> >any muscle I had),
>
> Muscle wastage after one week? You have an over-active imagination, my dear.
>
> I never really got back into the small amount of exercise
> >I'd been doing. So I'm very very new to this, this week is my third week
of
> >improving my fitness, and I've been doing this by walking/running, or swimming if it's too hot.
>
> Ah, a new 2004 runner! Let's hope your enthusiasm exceeds the norm for new-year resolutions.
>
> I really love running, in the short, not very
> >fast bursts I do it in!
>
> Stick with it. It gets worse.
>
> It gives me a good endorphin rush previously
> >unencountered with other exercise, and it really does clear my head.
>
> Silly girl! That's the steroids kicking in. You *are* on steroids, aren't you?.
>
> >Usually I walk for about 10 minutes to warm up, and from there set myself small goals, like, 'run
> >for the next 3 trees'. It's the third week now,
and
> >while I feel markedly stronger, I've been getting really bad stitch pain.
>
> Don't run for *at least* two hours after a meal. Changing your breathing pattern can help with a
> stitch. Try breathing out through pursed lips. It looks silly, but can often effect a recovery
> from a stitch within a couple of minutes
>
> I read the running faq
> >and today
>
> Noooooooo! The faq was written by an idiot for the education of the brain dead. Running - at all
> levels - is about self discovery; of finding out what works for you, you unique little person.
> There are few 'must do's' in running. I have listed them below fo your perusal. All else is
> heresay and nonsense.
>
> 1. God likes us to run in shorts and t-shirts in summer, and in Goretex top and tights in winter.
> Do not upset him by deviating from this plan.
>
> 2. Not all running shoes are equal. Find out what makes them different, and apply this knowledge
> to your personal choice. It helps to have someone with a modicum of biomechanical knowledge
> evaluate your running gait.
>
> 3. God likes us to use heart-rate monitors, he simply didn't have access to the technology to
> incorporate an lcd panel into our forearm. The beastly Finns have the market cornered, so pop
> down to your 'Polar' dealer and make the best investment of your running career.
>
> 4. The world is full of homicidal idiots. They WILL attempt to end your running days by
> cycling/driving/walking into you as you run. Be aware of this and act acordingly.
>
> 5. Do one long run, one short but fast run, and one medium length, medium paced run per week.
> Swim or cycle on the other days. On this regieme you will run, and live, forever.
>
> 6. Don't eat meat. Don't ask why - it's just *wrong*.
>
> 7. Stretch before and after your run, especially as you get older. Failure to observe this ritual
> will make your local sports medicine specialist extremely wealthy.
>
> 8. Never forget, running is meant to be fun. The moment is ceases to be fun, stop and ask
> yourself 'Why?'. Never spend time on any activity that doesn't make you smile when you think
> about it in bed that evening.
>
> I'm 158cm (5'2),
> >and weigh 56 kilos (125 pounds) and my BMI is 22.
>
> You are slightly tubby. Lose 4-5 kilos, astrogirl.
>
> I also have mild asthma,
> >only recently diagnosed (although it does explain my poor performance in high school!), and
> >before running I take two puffs on my asthma inhaler.
>
> You do carry a 'reliever' inhaler with you on your runs? Be a damn silly way to die if you don't.
>
> My
> >ultimate goal isn't really weight loss,
>
> It wouldn't hurt - see above.
>
> although I will happily accept it as
> >a byproduct, I just want to feel fit, energetic, and strong!
>
> Ha! Don't we all!
>
> I suspect that *that* feeling is reserved for healthy six-year-olds. The rest of us shuffle along
> in varying degrees of decrepitude.
>
> My eating
> >habits are pretty good, I eat multigrain bread, fruit, salad and meat sandwiches, pasta and rice.
> >I'm not averse to ice cream and burgers although they're pretty occasional.
>
> Substitude cheese for meat and you'll maintain bone strength AND be able to look cows, sheep and
> pigs in the eye without guilt.
>
> >Thanks so much for any advice you have,
>
> Glad I could be of assistance.

[Henry B Morgens]

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 02:50:22 GMT, "Miss-G-"
<astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote:

>I almost took you seriously before deciding to read your other posts.

I've visited your site and - as you're tolerably cute - I shall forgive that rather hurtful
remark :-).

Much as I suspected, you do need to lose the 4 kilos, then you'll take a giant leap into the
'immensely cute' category. Therefore, both in the interests of expanding your social circle of
dashing young men, and in improving relations between our two lands, I've decided to offer to take
you under my wing and be your running guide.

I know you're a little grumpy with PMS at the moment, so take a deep breath before you dismiss my
kind offer. It has several advantages, vis,

1. I know - in running terms - of what I speak. Few on this sad excuse for a newsgroup can
say the same.

2. We both appreciate the importance of young-looking skin.

3. You need to be weaned off red meat.

4. We are located half a world apart.

5. You write nicely. If I have to converse with someone, I'd rather it was someone who
makes me laugh.

6 I cried when Jen died in 'Dawon's Creek'.

6. Er...that's it.

I see our joint venture as being based on a 'coaching by email' programme with a regular post - by
yourself - to this newsgroup to advise the miserable rec.runners of your progress in the increased
fitness and desirability stakes.

If you see this as the opportunity of a lifetime, Just Say "Yes" and I'll send you a valid email
address. If it strikes you as the Offer From Hell, then spare my feelings and say "I already have a
coach, thank you".

[Miss-G-]

You need to learn from some real trolls.

Thanks Miss-G-

"henry b morgenstern" <you're-all-I-need@togetby.com > wrote in message
news:g4f410pc6ese6cg1376dafqkup0gbruc5a@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 02:50:22 GMT, "Miss-G-" <astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote:
>
> >I almost took you seriously before deciding to read your other posts.
>
> I've visited your site and - as you're tolerably cute - I shall forgive that rather hurtful
> remark :-).
>
> Much as I suspected, you do need to lose the 4 kilos, then you'll take a giant leap into the
> 'immensely cute' category. Therefore, both in the interests of expanding your social circle of
> dashing young men, and in improving relations between our two lands, I've decided to offer to take
> you under my wing and be your running guide.
>
> I know you're a little grumpy with PMS at the moment, so take a deep breath before you dismiss my
> kind offer. It has several advantages, vis,
>
> 1. I know - in running terms - of what I speak. Few on this sad excuse for a newsgroup can say
> the same.
>
> 2. We both appreciate the importance of young-looking skin.
>
> 3. You need to be weaned off red meat.
>
> 4. We are located half a world apart.
>
> 5. You write nicely. If I have to converse with someone, I'd rather it was someone who makes me
> laugh.
>
> 6 I cried when Jen died in 'Dawon's Creek'.
>
> 7. Er...that's it.
>
> I see our joint venture as being based on a 'coaching by email' programme with a regular post - by
> yourself - to this newsgroup to advise the miserable rec.runners of your progress in the increased
> fitness and desirability stakes.
>
> If you see this as the opportunity of a lifetime, Just Say "Yes" and I'll send you a valid email
> address. If it strikes you as the Offer From Hell, then spare my feelings and say "I already have
> a coach, thank you".

[Henry B Morgens]

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 12:25:37 GMT, "Miss-G-"
<astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote:

>You need to learn from some real trolls.

That, my dear, was a once-only, time-limited offer, never made before on Usenet. It would have led -
well, who knows where? I certainly don't. But it might have been fun.

Miss G, one day you'll kick yourself for being so unadventurous.

[Tim Downie]

henry b morgenstern wrote:
> On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 12:25:37 GMT, "Miss-G-" <astrogirl@NOSPAMcyberchiq.com> wrote:
>
>> You need to learn from some real trolls.
>
> That, my dear, was a once-only, time-limited offer, never made before on Usenet.

The sincerity of which may be judged by the speed with which it was retracted.

Tim

--
Remove the obvious to reply by email. Please support rheumatoid arthritis research! Visit
http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/speyside or http://www,justgiving.com/speyside if you're a UK
tax payer.

[Henry B Morgens]

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 21:15:46 -0000, "Tim Downie"
<timdownie2003@obvious.yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

>The sincerity of which may be judged by the speed with which it was retracted.

Timmy, I was sincere. The girl said "No". I was only trying to save face.

Anyway, what are you so grumpy about? Your running's going well, you have an 'interesting' time
ahead in April, and you appear to have overcome your Usenet obsession. Or is this another of your
'late Saturday evening' rants, fueled by the product of some French vineyard? Shame on you, Downie!
You could at least stick with the local stuff.

[Tim Downie]

henry b morgenstern wrote:
> On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 21:15:46 -0000, "Tim Downie" <timdownie2003@obvious.yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> The sincerity of which may be judged by the speed with which it was retracted.
>
> Timmy, I was sincere.

<shameless plug> I would be more convinced if you were the first rec.runner to open his/her wallet
and support my fundraising for RA research. (It's clear that I'm no salesman but I have to say I'm
more than a little disappointed in the response from this running "community". No doubt unrealistic
expectations on my part.) </shameless plug>

> The girl said "No". I was only trying to save face.

Still seems unlike you to give up on a woman so quickly. As you say, it could have been interesting
for both of you. I'm sure a silver tongued confabulator like yourself could have wooed her back
without too much difficulty.

Tim

--
Remove the obvious to reply by email. Please support rheumatoid arthritis research! Visit
http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/speyside or http://www,justgiving.com/speyside if you're a UK
tax payer.

[Henry B Morgens]

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 22:23:46 -0000, "Tim Downie"
<timdownie2003@obvious.yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

>I would be more convinced if you were the first rec.runner to open his/her wallet and support my
>fundraising for RA research. (It's clear that I'm no salesman but I have to say I'm more than a
>little disappointed in the response from this running "community". No doubt unrealistic
>expectations on my part.)

I am part of the 'donation from salary' scheme that exists for charity donations in the UK, thus
ensuring my chosen charity claim back the tax. I have a sincere and long-held objection to the use
of running events as a source of charity income. Nevertheless, I fully intend to donate to your
appeal, for no reason other than I like Teresa. You'll have to wait until I'm paid at the end of
this month though, I seem to have spent a little too freely of late.

>Still seems unlike you to give up on a woman so quickly.

Yeah, I know. I'm still trying to work that one out. I think I *actually* like her, so being an
unremitting pain in her ass doesn't figure in my plan.

> As you say, it could have been interesting for both of you.

'Twould appear the lady thought differently.

> I'm sure a silver tongued confabulator like yourself could have wooed her back without too much
> difficulty.

Nope, I think she's one of those girls where either you click or you don't. I did, she didn't. Ah
well, life sucks.

What sort of training are you doing for your 50kTim?

[Tim Downie]

henry b morgenstern wrote:
> On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 22:23:46 -0000, "Tim Downie" <timdownie2003@obvious.yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> I would be more convinced if you were the first rec.runner to open his/her wallet and support my
>> fundraising for RA research. (It's clear that I'm no salesman but I have to say I'm more than a
>> little disappointed in the response from this running "community". No doubt unrealistic
>> expectations on my part.)
>
> I am part of the 'donation from salary' scheme that exists for charity donations in the UK, thus
> ensuring my chosen charity claim back the tax. I have a sincere and long-held objection to the use
> of running events as a source of charity income.

Up till now, I've avoided using running for fundraising. I take far too much selfish pleasure in my
running to want to harrass folk for sponsorship. For Teresa, I thought it was about time to try and
use my running to help folk in a similar plight to hers. I don't think I'll be doing it too often.

> Nevertheless, I fully intend to donate to your appeal, for no reason other than I like Teresa.
> You'll have to wait until I'm paid at the end of this month though, I seem to have spent a little
> too freely of late.

Many thanks. I really appreciate it.

<snip>

> What sort of training are you doing for your 50kTim?

Oh my usual haphazard bumbling along. Most guides to ultra training for this distance suggest that
standard marathon training (with a few extended runs) will do the job.

I don't think it's the sort of distance where I need to consider back-to-back long runs on
consecutive days but I'm planning some long runs off-road to prepare me for the Speyside way.
Weather permitting, I've a Milngavie to Drymen (& back) planned for next weekend on the West
Highland Way.

If you, Doug or any other long distance runners here have any useful advice to offer, I'm all ears.

Cheers.

Tim

--
Remove the obvious to reply by email. Please support rheumatoid arthritis research! Visit
http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/speyside or http://www,justgiving.com/speyside if you're a UK
tax payer.

[Doug Freese]

Tim Downie wrote:

> Up till now, I've avoided using running for fundraising. I take far too much selfish pleasure in
> my running to want to harrass folk for sponsorship. For Teresa, I thought it was about time to
> try and use my running to help folk in a similar plight to hers. I don't think I'll be doing it
> too often.

Please send donation address in privare Email. You don't your address posted on any forum.

> I don't think it's the sort of distance where I need to consider back-to-back long runs on
> consecutive days

It's not necessary for back to back runs for a 50k. I may do a semi-hard bike ride the day after
a long run.

> but I'm planning some long runs off-road to prepare me for the Speyside way.

If the course is hilly which demands walking/hiking because running is too inefficient, add some
power hiking. They're different muscles and need pre-race abuse. And how frequent do you anticipate
long runs? How much of a taper?

You should have a schedule made out starting bakwards from the taper with long runs every N weeks. A
nice slow buildup. How long will your long runs be? Part of the answer lies with what you anticipate
for race time even if it's just to finish standing up.

> If you, Doug or any other long distance runners here have any useful advice to offer, I'm
> all ears.

Advice(only one, ok two and I'll give it below) nah, discussion for things that you need to
consider and incorporate fine. I recommend reviewing http://www.ultrunr.com/ Not that is has any
answers but more of the things that you need to think about. For format he likes to give runners
replies to topics rather then pontificating. This will show there is variety of ways to train
although there are ways not to do them. (Without mentioning names ignore the individual that says
you can do ultras on 15 miles a week. He often fails to mention his heavy cross training and Enron
style accounting of miles.)

Pick a topic(s) you want to cover. There are four or five of us on
r.r that have enjoyed some longer runs that will hopefully offer their ideas.

From the advice column:
- hills, hills and more hills. Even if the race is relatively flat the hills will build strength to
get you to the finish without begging for the pistol.
- Race day pace, assuming you have tapered properly, "find a pace that feels comfortable and then
run SLOWER." My quote. Most people do not understand the validity of this until they go out too
hard because they feel good.

--
Doug Freese "Caveat Lector" dfreeseS@NOBShvc.rr.com

[Henry B Morgens]

On Sun, 25 Jan 2004 14:48:34 GMT, Doug Freese <dfreese@NOBShvc.rr.com>
wrote:

>Please send donation address in privare Email. You don't your address posted on any forum.

I too would appreciate a postal address to which I could send a cash donation. For obvious reasons,
I wouldn't care to give you access to my real name. I believe you may still harbour some ill-feeling
towards me for my past misdemeanours :-) Some folk would make a substantial donation to your fund in
exchange for my real name.

If you'd care to contact me with an address - perhaps a business address if you're
uncomfortable handing out your home details? - then apusapus@clara.co.uk will be working for
the next couple of days.

[Ken A Whore]

>New to running, finding it a bit hard

Perfectly normal for new runners. It's just an increased blood flow to your nether-regions that
awakens the "wee man". Look on the bright

it'll pass and you'll be as impotent as every other runner, even with

[Tim Downie]

henry b morgenstern wrote:
> On Sun, 25 Jan 2004 14:48:34 GMT, Doug Freese <dfreese@NOBShvc.rr.com> wrote:
>
>> Please send donation address in privare Email. You don't your address posted on any forum.
>
> I too would appreciate a postal address to which I could send a cash donation. For obvious
> reasons, I wouldn't care to give you access to my real name. I believe you may still harbour some
> ill-feeling towards me for my past misdemeanours :-)

True enough but a donation will go long way towards earning my forgiveness. It's certainly possible
to make an anonymous donation on the site and I'm sure that the credit card holders details are keep
private but if you're still not happy, I'll send you a work address.

Tim

--
Remove the obvious to reply by email. Please support rheumatoid arthritis research! Visit
http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/speyside or http://www,justgiving.com/speyside if you're a UK
tax payer.

[Tim Downie]

Doug Freese wrote:
> Tim Downie wrote:
>
>
>> Up till now, I've avoided using running for fundraising. I take far too much selfish pleasure in
>> my running to want to harrass folk for sponsorship. For Teresa, I thought it was about time to
>> try and use my running to help folk in a similar plight to hers. I don't think I'll be doing it
>> too often.
>
> Please send donation address in privare Email. You don't your address posted on any forum.

I'm sure in some language or other, that makes perfect sense. ;-) I get your drift however and I'll
e-mail you my address. Any particular reason you want to avoid the credit card route?
>
>
>> I don't think it's the sort of distance where I need to consider back-to-back long runs on
>> consecutive days
>
> It's not necessary for back to back runs for a 50k.

B*gg*r. I was looking forward to a couple of consecutive long runs. New challenge and all that sort
of thing etc....

> I may do a semi-hard bike ride the day after a long run.

There's a thought. Not dug my bike out of the garage for months now.

>
>> but I'm planning some long runs off-road to prepare me for the Speyside way.
>
> If the course is hilly which demands walking/hiking because running is too inefficient, add some
> power hiking. They're different muscles and need pre-race abuse. And how frequent do you
> anticipate long runs? How much of a taper?

For my marathons, I usually build up my long runs in a ratchet fashion, extending the distance every
2 weeks but dropping back to a shorter run in-between. Three week taper is my norm.

Having said the above, I'm a bit ahead of schedule with a 19.5 miler today for no good reason (other
than just for the hell of it). To compound that, a group of my friends are planning an off road 24
miler (well really a 12 + tea & cakes + 12) next weekend which isn't in my plan but I'm damned if
I'm going to miss it.

>
> You should have a schedule made out starting bakwards from the taper with long runs every N weeks.
> A nice slow buildup.

That sounds terribly sensible. Just wish I could stick to a schedule.

> How long will your long runs be?

I was hoping you'd tell me. Probably up to 26 to 28 miles unless anyone thinks that there's any
value in more.

> Part of the answer lies with what you anticipate for race time even if it's just to finish
> standing up.

Definitely want to finish standing. ;-)

I'm not going to agonise too much over my time for my first 50k although I'll be happy with anything
under 4:30.

>> If you, Doug or any other long distance runners here have any useful advice to offer, I'm
>> all ears.
>
> Advice(only one, ok two and I'll give it below) nah, discussion for things that you need to
> consider and incorporate fine. I recommend reviewing http://www.ultrunr.com/ Not that is has any
> answers but more of the things that you need to think about. For format he likes to give runners
> replies to topics rather then pontificating. This will show there is variety of ways to train
> although there are ways not to do them. (Without mentioning names ignore the individual that says
> you can do ultras on 15 miles a week. He often fails to mention his heavy cross training and Enron
> style accounting of miles.)
>
> Pick a topic(s) you want to cover. There are four or five of us on
> r.r that have enjoyed some longer runs that will hopefully offer their ideas.
>
> From the advice column:
> - hills, hills and more hills. Even if the race is relatively flat the hills will build strength
> to get you to the finish without begging for the pistol.
> - Race day pace, assuming you have tapered properly, "find a pace that feels comfortable and then
> run SLOWER." My quote. Most people do not understand the validity of this until they go out too
> hard because they feel good.

Cheers Doug. I'll check the weblink and remind myself on the day to *slow down*.

Tim

--
Remove the obvious to reply by email. Please support rheumatoid arthritis research! Visit
http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/speyside or http://www,justgiving.com/speyside if you're a UK
tax payer.