It’s a while since I first opened up the floor to take questions. And as I’ve got a bit of spare time on my hands while tapering ready for Bournemouth marathon, I thought I’d do it again.
So, just like last time: ask whatever you like. Stuff about running, stuff that’s not about running.
Questions you have about training (yours or mine).
Maybe you want to know about triathlon, or swimming or cycling.
Do you want to know how to get into coaching? Ask about that.
I know a bit about writing and blogging too.
Or you can ask something completely random. It’s up to you.
You can leave a question in the comment box below, or tweet it to me or leave it on my Facebook page, and I’ll answer them all when I get back from a week away. Yes, I’m going on holiday!
love your blog!
Tips for first time marathons? i’m running my first in november
do you ever run with music?
🙂 thanks!
How do you get into coaching and how do you start a group? Have you ever considered doing the marathon des sables?
I really enjoy your blog! I’m looking forward to the “How to Start Running” plan. After a baby (and 2 years) I am ready to get moving!
Any quick tips you can share prior to the plan being ready? Also, any favorite snacks or quick meal ideas? I seem to always fix the same things and could use some variety.
Enjoy your holiday!!!
Hey Chelsea
Good news – the plan is pretty much ready for launch, I’m just holding off releasing it until I get back from holiday in case there’s any technical problems i need to respond to.
Good questions – will put some points together.
Laura.
Great news, Laura! Thank you for the update.
Hi Laura
I’d like to know how you work out what is training hard, and what is over training?
Thanks.
Jane
amilerun.wordpress.com/
Hi Laura
Love your blog – been reading it for couple of years – love the books too.
I’m running my first marathon in five weeks time. Training going OK but I will definitely not be running it quickly. I guess I’ll be somewhere between 5 and 5.5 hours. I’m worried about nutrition, I don’t think I can do it all on gels, think my stomach would rebel. Do you have any tips that I could try out?
Hope you have a lovely holiday
Elspeth
Hello
I’ll reply more fully next week, but as you’ve only got a few weeks lfet, you could try this… http://www.lazygirlrunning.com/2015/03/my-energy-balls.html
Hi Laura, my question to you is: when training for a marathon, do you still have really really bad runs, where everything hurts, you feel like crap and can’t get the pace right? And, more importantly, how do you deal with them?
I’m doing my first half iron on Sunday, so a bit of taper madness over here too!
Triathlon questions: Do you apply sunscreen before the swim or during T1? Cream style or aerosol? Ditto for anti-chafe cream in the saddle zone?
Hi Laura
I’m a 51 year old completely unfit, couch potato. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia few months ago. I don’t really enjoy the gym but I really want to get fitter. I’ve always fancied running but don’t feel that it’s possible for me. Have you ever met anyone in later years with fibro who has taken up running successfully?
Sian
This is to Sian: I am a 41-year-old amputee with arthritis in pretty much every joint in my body. I’ve lost 30 pounds over the last year and gotten into my best shape since high school. I only have two secrets: one, walk. That’s it. I started out walking a lap around the building during my lunch break at work. Then a lap around my apartment complex. Then two laps. I did my first-ever 5K about two weeks ago. Finished dead last with a time of 54:02, but I finished, and it’s one of my proudest accomplishments.
In addition to walking, I embarked on that radical diet called “burn more calories than you take in.” The only thing I gave up wholesale was soda. I still eat pizza. I still treat myself to candy (from time to time). I just looked for places to trim things down. Only eat two slices of pizza instead of three, and go with a thin crust. Go to Starbucks and ask for your drink with nonfat milk. You’ll never know the difference. Stock protein bars in your desk at work instead of chips from the vending machine. Eat a salad – just mix some meat (in my case, turkey kielbasa, since I’m Polish) into it for some body and flavor. Google “healthy recipes” and find ones that appeal to you. Most important, however: monitor your intake and adjust accordingly. If I want a donut for breakfast, I have a donut for breakfast. I just know that it’s 310 calories and I have to commit myself to some time on the treadmill in exchange.
I recommend a FitBit. It was an absolute godsend for me. It monitored my daily activity, challenged me to increase my daily activity, and it has a food log that calculates your calories for you.
I’m new to running and have really tight hips. Do you recommend any specific stretches that would help? What about cross training? I’ve also heard it is important for runners to cross train to prevent repetitive injuries; is there anything you recommend specifically for that purpose?
Have you ever had any injuries that have taken you out of running for a while? If so, how did you deal with this?
Do you ever go through non running periods or struggle to muster up the mojo for it? Recently been through a total lull, and still taking me a while to find the enjoyment!
Hi!
How do you cope with feeling unmotivated or increase your motivation?
Love your blog!
Sarah
HI,
LOVE, love your blog and it was a real inspiration for when I started running. I have just completed my first 10k very hilly race after following a three month plan. I am now wondering what to do next. Now that I can run I don’t want to stop but I also need a challenge. Would you recommend following a half marathon plan now? Or should I focus on trying to get faster?
Thanks
Em
Hi would love to know how long it took you to learn to swim and how you went about it.
Hello
It was about 8 weeks until I could do two lengths of the pool swimming crawl properly. Then another 8 before I could do a few lengths without stopping. Probably 9 months before I swam 750m in open water. This post might help… http://www.lazygirlrunning.com/2013/08/what-i-think-about-when-i-think-about-swimming.html