FAO JoggerJayne!

[milly143]

I have been advised you are the best person to advise me about sports bras?

Also, have you got any tips for me training wise for a half marathon in March? (I haven't done much exercise in years!)

[joggerjayne]

Hey, Milly.

I'm in and out at the mo, but if you watch this space, I'll reply in detail this evening.

The bras I use are from a Nell McAndrew range, actually designed for dance/aerobics.

Whereabouts do you live (roughly!!). You ought to look for a shop like this ...

http://www.jogshop.co.uk/html/home.php

Chat later.

J x

[milly143]

Oh thanks Jayne! Would be so grateful for any advice you could give on some training tips. I live in Oxfordshire but right on the Bucks border so fairly close to a few towns.

I'll have a look for Nells range in the meantime. I'm not on the net most evenings so if it takes me a while to reply, please don't think I'm being rude.

Thanks!! x

[campbellking]

milly
The terribly badly named 'sportsjock' bra is what I've used in my recent half marathons and the London Marathon and gives the level of support I need.
What suits you best may well depend on how big you are (I'm only a 34b).
The Runners World website always has loads of free information and training plans for all levels, from elite to 'get rounders'. It also has reviews of some sports bras.
Good luck in your half, are you doing Silverstone?
runnersworld.co.uk is the site for you

[Sue222]

Nike rebel Sportsbra is the most comfortable and multifunctional sports bra I've used and I've used many!

http://www.nike.com/n...&ll=en_GB&ct=GB&p=PWP

[joggerjayne]

Well, you’ve got some advice about bras. The only thing I’d say is ... get one fitted. Don’t be shy of “getting them out” in the sports shop. Sadly, the bigger you are, the harder it is to get a comfy sports bra, and the more important it is to be fitted.

Next ... if you’re planning a half marathon ... get some shoes fitted to your feet. That doesn’t mean anything fancy, and you don’t have to pay extra. BUT ... your shoes must be right for your feet. When you run, depending on the part of the foot on which you land, roll, and push off, your running movement will be either “pronating” or “neutral” or “supinating”. Different running shoes have support in different parts of the sole. You MUST get shoes that match your gait. DO NOT try a pair on, think they feel comfy, and hand over your cash.

So, how do you find out which pair are right for you? Simply, you fo to a shop where they do “gait analysis”. In your area, for instance ...

Up and Running, in Oxford, Aylesbury, and Buckingham
Sweatshop, in Nottingham

Try Googling “running shoes gait analysis” plus your own postcode, and see if there is anywhere local to you.

As I say, you don’t pay any more, but you get the RIGHT shoes for you.

Trust me ... it will be a “Eureka” moment. The first time you run in gait fitted shoes, you will think ... “Oh, my God ... these shoes were MADE for my feet!”

So, next, how to train? What can I suggest that you can’t just find on Google? Okay ... here’s my tip. Running is a repetitive motion. It’s not like playing Tennis or Netball, where you move in different directions. So, there are 2 things you have to deal with.

(continued)

[joggerjayne]

(continued)

1. How do you maintain a rhythm?
2. How do you deal with the boredom?

The answer to both questions is ... the iPod.

As you run, listen to the tunes on your iPod. Try to find tracks that are EXACTLY in time with your comfortable running pace. For me, that’s 160 beats per minute. Listen to Rachel Stevens’ “I Said Never Again (But Here We Are)”. That is exactly my running pace. If I go faster or slower, I still take the same number of paces per minute. I just alter my stride length. Big, powerful strides at the start of my run, and pathetic little steps at the end ... but always at 160 bpm.

In fact, as a starting point, put “I Said Never Again” on your iPod, and go for a run. See how that works as a running pace. Run to the music, and do not let yourself get out of time.

When you find songs that work for your running pace, listen to those songs with a watch, and count out your ideal running pace. Then, Google more songs with the same beat, and put them all into a “playlist” on your iPod. When you run, from now on, you must ONLY listen to that playlist. Why?

1. The pace of the songs will keep you going at your comfortable pace.
2. Psychologically, you will stop thinking in terms of running a particular distance, or for a particular length of time, and you will start telling yourself ... “I’ll just do one more song before I take a rest”. The time, and distance, will pass more quickly. A mile is just 2 or 3 songs. A half marathon is just 3 times round your playlist.

And drink lots. You can get hand held water bottles, but they take a part of your focus off your running, and onto “water holding”. I have a Nike one that fits into a neoprene pouch round my waist.

Oh, and when you get fitted for running shoes, get some running socks, too. They really do make a difference

[milly143]

Wow, thanks so much for your answers, particularly campbellking about the bras and runners world and Jayne of course for the advice about trainers.

I went out for my fist session last night and used my old Nike running shoes which are comfortable but no longer waterproof as I found out to my dismay, so it is definately time for a new pair. The running shop in Aylesbury looks like it is just down the road from where I work so I will pop in and see if they can help me out.
Great advice about the music too. I did take my ipod with me last night and had loaded up a playlist of dance music but I did find alot of it wasn't really a good tempo and didn't really give me any beat to run with. I will definitely give your Rachel Stevens song a go tonight.

I downloaded the Runkeeper app and according to that I managed 2.6 miles although it felt like a lot more and I certainly didn't manage to run all of that but of course I hope if I stick to it religiously I will improve in time. I'm going to need to if I want to do a half marathon in March!

I'm doing the Marlow (Bisham Abbey) half marathon for a water aid charity and now it's in my head and I'm all signed up, I'm so determined to be able to do it. Especially as a few people I have told about it in the last couple of days have laughed at me so it would be love to stick a finger up to them at the finish line.

Thanks again everyone for all the advice. I'm off to find someone who wants to look at my boobs! :o)

Wish me luck! x

[joggerjayne]

Good luck, Milly.

We're really proud of you.

J x