WTG on the extra running, eadavenp! In response to your two questions:
1. Unfortunately, incontinence does trouble some women. I actually had the same thing happen to me at one of my runs. I now try to drink my last water before a run 30-45 minutes before so that I can take care of that problem. In a book I was reading they suggested those infamous Kegel? exercises.
2. Fortunately, I have not had the blood blisters. There was someone around here that was asking about blisters, and again, through my reading I learned that blisters are caused from sock/skin friction. Maybe try some different socks made for running that have more bottom cushion and wicking ability. Also, make sure that your shoes fit well and are not sliding around on your feet. Also suggested was a thin layer of petroleum jelly or similar in the areas prone to the blisters.

Hope that helps.

Hello everyone, glad to see everyone is doing well. How was the race Softballmom?

I had a slight problem with incontinence when I was fatter, but once I started losing weight it stopped. I tried a few pelvic floor exercises, but didn't keep them up. I found reducing my caffiene intake very helpful (even with drinking a lot more in general). If it is just slight spotting, as it was with me, you could try wearing panty liners. Also try to go to the bathroom just before you run to reduce the pressure when you are bouncing around while running.


I went out to do 4 miles today and completely tanked. I had to have a walk break before I even got to 2 miles, and had several more afterwards. I got to about 3.75 miles of this before I decided to call it quits. I was so disappointed. It was really hot, and I have been doing a lot of heavy manual work in the last week which has completely sapped me of energy so that I keep dropping off and having snoozes whenever I sit down! So there are good reasons for me not being able to run very far at all, but it is still very dispiriting.

What do you guys think - should I just forget it and carry on with my programme (of progressively longer runs) or should I keep trying to get in the 4 miler before I move on? I'm worried that if I try to get the 4 miles in again I will tire myself out for my next long run, and I have a pretty tight scedule to get up to 10k by 1st October. I'm leaning towards just keeping going, so that I do shorter speed sessions during the week and have an increasingly long run on the weekends.

Hello All,

Softballmom - Let's hear all of the exciting details. I keep checking in to see if you have posted. I hope you had a blast!

Pachy - Sorry your run didn't go as planned. Gosh, 10k .... you go girl!

I ran 5k outside today. It was 60 degrees and cloudy and probably my ideal weather. I think I'm going to enjoy the fall runs.

dude... slight spotting would be doable. this was full out soaked my pants incontinence. if i adh been outside, i wouldn't have cared less, but being around all those other people, boyfriend included was a bit mortifying. I'm sure no one else knew what had happened, but i was still mortified. i did a little research, and on friday (when i did my 30 minutes) I wore my "diva cup" (it is a reusable menstruation catcher) like a tampon. It worked, and i peed right before i ran, like i did the five minute warmup, went and peed, and then ran. Apparently the tampon is supposed to help your bladder stay in place instead of bouncing around. I hope this was a one time thing, but im going to continue to be careful of what i drink and going to the toilet before i go for a run.

Eadavenp:
It's funny that you mention the Diva Cup. I bought one about two months ago because I like the whole idea of not using all those tampons and napkins and not having to worry about leaks. I cannot seem to get the thing in! LOL I tried different folds but it always unfolds too soon and suctions to unmentionable parts. Talk about pain! Aghhhhhh! I decided to give up at that time. I know I read somewhere about adding KY-jelly or some other lubricant to the cup first to help insertion. I am just hesitant to try because the first attempts hurt like heck! Do you have any advice on how to insert the cup?

I usually lay on my back with my knees up to get it in properly. The good thing is that once it is in for the day, i don't have to take it out til i get home. I also have noticed i can sort of jiggle it into place if need be while sitting on the toilet by sort of backing it up and then moving forward. Now that im used to using it (i think i've been using mine for like 2.5 years) i don't like using tampons at all.

I'm here... I have been so busy and I hadn't got a chance to log on until now. The run was great! I finished in 33:55, which was a very good time for me as I normally do my 3miles in about 38! The first mile was basically all down hill and my timing was just over 9min; the other two miles which contained a couple of uphills averaged out at about 12min. I did have to walk for 30secs at the top of one of the larger hills, but then immediately went back into my paced run. I was def impressed with myself, and ready for my next race.

Softballmom, that sounds awesome. Im getting nervous for my race on the first saturday in october, but im getting more comfortable with my running. I did the first 7 or 8 minutes of my run with my half a unit of incline on the treadmill to try and acclimate myself to run outdoors. I need to actually do at least one or two runs outside before the race though, because i know it is different (i used to run outside)

Softballmom you've done brilliantly! well done on your race and for finished ahead of your training times!!!

I completed w5d1 yesterday, it was fine while doing it but my thighs are killing me today...mind you its more of an overall sluggishness so may be TOM. Oh well, persevere and get an early night tonight I guess :-)

Any more newbies lurking out there? Do join in, its easier when you have folks to share with!!!

Hello gang

Fantastic time Softballmom, the race atmosphere obviously helps.

Finn - well done on week 5, that's great, keep it up. Did you stretch well after your run? I'm always tired the day after a particularly hard run. Have a nice warm bath and an early night, and some ibuprofen if you feel you need it.

eadavenp - glad that you seem to have found a solution. I wanted to try using a cup but I haven't been able to find one.


Well I've had a good run this evening, much better than Sunday's debacle. I ran at a nice easy pace for 10 minutes, then ran fast for 6 minutes, then ran at an easy pace again for 10 minutes before walking home. It definately got the blood pumping. I was actually starting to groan at the end of my fast run as it was so hard work keeping going!!! Anyway I felt fantastic afterwards, like I had really worked hard and achieved something. Don't even want to think how I'll feel tomorrow!

Pachy, the UK version that seems to be easier to find is called a moon cup... I know a woman who sells them. PM me if you are interested (she is in the UK as well)

Nice to hear from everyone. Seems everyone is moving on and achieving their running goals.

I got in 3 miles again last night for my run. The first mile was a killer, but I realized that I was running too fast (9min/mile), and once I slowed my pace back down, mile 2 & 3 was wonderful. I actually finished with that feeling that I could do more . What's funny is some of the books that I've been reading say that that is how you should end a good run. I'm going to do an easy run of 2 miles tomorrow and then will try to run over 3miles on Saturday. I would like to see how far I can go so I will know how to gauge myself and train through the upcoming weeks for my 10k on Nov 4.

Did a planned 2.5miles last night. This run was suppose to be an easy paced "fun" run, instead it became a learning experience. Usually after the first 5-8 minutes my runs seem to flow naturally, and I find my groove. But last night was a struggle the first two miles with me having to put one foot in front of the other. By the last 1/2 mile I found from somewhere a burst of energy and did a small sprint before finishing up. WHEW! I'm just happy that I did it. My body felt good afterwards, no aches or pains, so what's up?

This morning I start analyzing and comparing my nutrition intake (I'm a calorie counter and I journal every morsel). This is what I stumbled upon: my calorie intake up to running was about the same for each day, but my percentages were drastically different. Tuesday's "3miler, I could go farther" percentages were 14%F/78%C/12%P, while yesterday's "we ain't goin' nowhere" 2.5miler began with a 41%F/30%C/30%P. And yesterday I had a ceasar salad, so I thought I was doing better (I did splurge on the dressing which was high in fat) than the frozen dinner I ate on the run Tuesday. Well, lesson learned. I will make sure that I have enough carbs in my diet prior to running. 78% seems a little high for my norm, but my carbs definitely need to be higher than 50%.

I just completed W5d3, a run of 20mins. OH MY GOD...this is the first time I actually felt like a runner. The sense of achievement was great...roll on next week!!!

I just started running. Is there a link to this c25k thing? I have been doing a walk/run program thus far but I think I need to build up to it. Any help would be much appreciated.