One Team In Keynsham

The piss boiling from the red part of Merseyside would be hilarious if they missed out on the title.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/jan/14/kudos-leaderboards-qoms-how-fitness-app-strava-became-a-religion

I have run big marathons (NYC, London, Chicago etc) and love being part of the crowd. First ever race was Chicago (hadn't even run an organised 5k before), and had trained pretty much solo: it didn't seem to make much difference to me.

Managed to struggle out for the first time in months. Basically all running fitness has evaporated and I am back at square 1. Onwards and upwards.

I presently can't run, but am itching to get back out. Soon come.

Good effort mind. The 5am start is surprisingly upbeat.

I have tried body glide before, and also simply tried putting plasters on. Neither proved 100% effective. Now I just oil up with Vaseline like a Turkish wrestler and that does the trick. The only downside is the stains on the running vests that make it look I have been lactating. I also have learned the hard way why it is good to lube up: getting in the shower with bleeding nipples is horrific.

Brilliant story, every credit.

Come on into Strava, the more the merrier.

I have been out of proper action for months. Basically starting from scratch. You have company at the back of the virtual pack.

That was Silvio putting us to shame.

NYC is a steep financial ask, but it really is a superb marathon. The logistics of getting 50,000 runners, plus organisers and volunteers to Staten Island is ridiculous.

If any of you are on Strava and are happy to share your profile/results, I have created a OTIB running group: send me a PM with your name and I'll invite. Kept it as a private group.

Exactly my normal 5 miles: Snug Harbour > Bypass > North Sound loop. Rinse and repeat until you want to kill yourself through monotony. When I was training with some friends we would do an out and back course and share water drops.

I have run that one 3 or 4 times, won't be on island for this year's running. I can't recall which year it was, but pretty sure my half marathon PB was there. The 5am start makes it a bit easier. Enjoy!

I did Dublin last year (my last marathon to date), very well organised race but a mix of scenery. The bits through Phoenix Park are lovely the last few miles down a dual carriageway less so.

I rarely listen to music when training and never when racing. Even on solo 20 miles in the dark I don't stick headphones on: makes for some fairly dour hours alone with your own thoughts.

Typo corrected to make it more meaningful.

Agree with all of this. I have settled upon Brooks after trying Saucony and Mizuno too. I keep to the same model. Each year they bring out a new style, but often I still but the prior year's version online with considerable savings. Worst experience I had was with a pair of Mizunos. Felt great in the store and on the treadmill. After a few years, and a long run (maybe 15 miles), I developed blisters covering large parts of both feet. They just didn't work. I also tend to have a couple of pairs in active rotation and a pair or two waiting to be used. I track my runs via Garmin/Strava and try and max out 250 miles or so per pair. And generally aim to toss a pair after a race. Once you have the basic running kit (decathlon.com being a good source with their Kalenji brand) and a GPS watch, shoes are your only major expense, and your feet will thank you for investing in them. By trial and error, I now favour running shorts with a cycle short insert over the Speedo style insert version. Much less crotch rubbing. Also, neglect your nipples at your peril....

After trying various brands, I have worn Brooks GTS for the past 4 or 5 years. They are a stability sole and compensate for my pronation. I tried a lighter neutral shoe some years back (also a Brooks) and knackered my shins. Definitely go for gait analysis at a store. IIRC there is a running store up near the top of the downs, run by a former competitive runner. They do analysis from what I recall. Name of the place escapes me, unfortunately. Edit: this might be it https://upandrunning.co.uk/bristol

At the Madrid marathon it was an open start, save for the elites in the front pen. I had managed to work my way to the front. After the starting pistol the elites were off like cheetahs, and out of sight in no time. It is not just their pace, the sheer economy of movement and stride is something to behold.

Hilly and cold. Temp was around zero which is fine if suitably dressed, but 40+mph winds and horizontal sleet made it tough.

As part of the 7 continents achievement it requires running one on Antarctica. I think there are at least 3 organised races there at present. Mine involved a 10 day cruise from Argentina. Really was trip of lifetime stuff.