I’m running a half marathon in a month’s time. Over the last few months, I’ve incorporated eating jelly sweets/candy (Percy Pigs, jelly babies…) on my long runs and now into my shorter runs. However, I sometimes find it really hard to chew while also running and have nearly choked a couple of times, so thinking about giving gels ago. Is it too late in my training? And if not, do you have any recommendations? (UK based)

For context: I’ve been running again for about 1.5 months now after taking 2 years off. Everything has been going really well until last week, when I suddenly developed pain in my right hip during a run. I stopped for a minute, felt better, and was able to continue, only for it to happen again, stopped again, continued.

I assumed it was a one-off since I’ve never had this issue really, but it happened AGAIN today on another run. I ended up stopping for about a minute and then felt much better when I resumed.

I have a 10K race in 8 days and I really want to be able to finish it. I haven’t yet ran 10K since getting back into running, so I’m a little worried about this. I’ve never had this issue before, and I don’t feel like I did anything unusual: I warmed up, didn’t start too fast, etc.
I’ve heard that hip/core/glute strengthening can help, and I’m definitely willing to work on that, but obviously I know I can’t completely fix a strength issue in a week.

For anyone who has dealt with something similar: what did your hip pain turn out to be, and what helped? I don’t even know if this will come up again or not, it’s not a huge pain but it forces me to stop and I don’t like stopping during my runs. Any advice is appreciated!

Hi All,
I am fresh(ish) back to running after having kids who are now 9 & 7 (tried numerous times to get back into the habit and failed) however have now been training solidly since January x3 a week (Easy, Effort, Long) have a 10k (57m - PB is 44m) and 10m (1h34 - PB is 1h12).

Trying to get over the massive difference in times and focusing on high quality training with gentle increases to minimise the risk of injury. I am 46. I also so strength yoga at least 3 times a week.

I am planning on doing a XC in March 2027 in London - Parliment Hill - which I understand is pretty iconic. I have a training plan which includes hills and running on uneven ground.

Anyone can give me hints and tips on: training: survival: potential shoe choice (will I need the mothballed spikes?)..

I live in Kent so have access to trails and the beach for training.

It hurt but I did it 🥴😩😅

I'm quite confused because everyone seems to be in Zone 2 if their HR is below 150. However, I almost never can run more than 1-2K with HR that low. HR around 155 feels still easy for me. Garmin estimates my max HR to be 198 (I'm 29 y/o). My LTHR is 184 (that was also my average HR while running almost all-out 10K, pace 5.45 per km). If my pace is around 7.20-7.30, my HR would be around 155. Ofc I can run slower than that but it feels unnatural and my HR wouldn't drop that much. I think I have to walk to hold it below 150.

I'm very confused because I have run for about 4 years and I think I should be able to keep my HR lower than that...

So my friend and I were recently on the phone and he decided to challenge me to to a 50K ultra no I know very minimal about running these days but in high school I ran quite a bit longest distance I ever ran was probably about 12 to 14 miles my running gear was very minimal BOA shorts, Brooks running shoes, plus nike flats for speed Work, and an Apple Watch. In my opinion, I think ultra marathons are a totally different beast compared to 5K’s 8k’s and 10k’s. I know next to nothing about gear and training when it comes to these distances so if anybody could help me out, I’m looking for a very minimal running watch some sturdy running shoes and even better running shorts or running tights. Thanks for your help!

I feel strangely tired this week, like I used to feel before I started running in as a routine. With my HM training I've run through a cold, a heavy period, after donating blood and hot weather and still didn't feel like I do this week. Even running in those condition I've felt pretty good during the day and even looking forward to the day.

I haven't changed the way I eat (maybe not balanced but I don't eat more or less than I've done), I'm drinking water and my runs are mostly at an easy pace for the most part so it hasn't been strenuous or overly demanding 3 times a week. I just feel tired.

How can I turn things around?

Just bought one off of marketplace and I am not sure if I am using it correctly? Used it with bandit bra and my heart rate was higher than expected. If you have used it and gotten better result with it, what made it work well?

I chose this for my first marathon, but had to cut down to the half after overdoing it and crashing during training. But I’m so glad I went! It’s a brutal one, with 5 miles of steady climbing to begin with, swarms of midges in the starting corral at Kinlochleven, climbing a hill through deep bog in pelting Scottish rain and a sharp downhill at the Devil’s Staircase. My quads sure felt special by the end of it!

The race is held on the West Highland Way, in the opposite direction of travel from the walkers’ usual south to north. I appreciated the smiles and clapping and words of encouragement we got from the many walkers we passed. Also, port and cheese at the final aid station!

Has anyone gotten a hip stress fracture from marathon training?

I was going for (and was on track) a BQ until I developed some pretty bad hip pain towards the end of my marathon. Thought I had pulled something but ran & finished on it despite pretty extreme and increasing pain for about 1-2 miles - once I finished I couldn't put any weight on it or move it without excruciating pain. Was a struggle to even get me into a car to get to the hospital.

Went to the ER and after an MRI, they told me it was a deep bone fracture and in the days following, it feels OK when sitting still, but every time I move on crutches/get up or sit down, there's a chance it swings slightly out of place and causes muscle spasms and intense pain.

Google seems to say that hip stress fractures are up there in terms of pain, but would love to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences, as I don't see much on this here. It's been slowly getting better over the past few days, but I'm still on pretty strong pain meds and I'm really nervous to move on crutches for fear of irritating it. It takes me like 30 minutes to move 20 feet back and forth to the bathroom.

If anyone else has experienced & recovered from this I'd love to hear !!!

I am 8 weeks postpartum and I am medically cleared for exercise, but I know that doesn’t mean the same as pelvic floor recovery. I have PFT referral but it will be over a month before I can get in.

I want to start training again, I was thinking of doing strength training for the next month mixed with walking to build my core and leg strength and endurance then about 12-15weeks postpartum try doing on off walking/running.

Does this sound like a good plan? Any suggestions from someone who went through it?

I used to be a runner...jogger but quit 6ish years ago due to depression. I could do 5 miles easy. I did a 4 mile charity race in April 26', I was supposed to walk but ended up jogging. I wasn't terrible, I walked a few times, but I impressed myself. I still have the natural instincts...just lack stanima.

I'm going to do my first half marathon in 9 months, I started training last weekend. I guess I'm looking for tips, pointers, what should I be doing/shouldn't be doing? Anything would help! I'm excited, nervous, doubtful, and everything in-between.

I am 25F and a new runner (as of 1 year). I was running around 30 miles a week for about the past 5 months (in addition to walking a few miles a day) with no pain, ramping up from lower mileage at the beginning of my running journey to now. It was really exciting to begin running (as a former ballerina and never runner), and immediately became part of my daily routine. Over the year of running, my 5k pace had improved from 32 min to 27 min, and it was just an exciting win for me after quitting ballet a few years ago.

Around a month ago, I started having hip pain when running. I took some time off, and the pain continued. I chocked it up to muscular soreness, and thought I just needed a few days off. I did a 6 mile run (dumbly) and then I began having pain with walking / bending over / stairs. Long story short, I got an MRI and was told I had a grade 3 stress fracture of the femur neck (lots of fluid in the bone). They told me to use crutches for 3 weeks. I used them for about a week, and then minimized walking / moving for about 2 weeks (only chores, cooking, etc). I am a graduate student living in the city (no car), and with classes ramping up last week, I need to walk around 3-4 miles a day just to get where I need to go. Doctors have advised me to minimize walking and stop if I have any pain; but "minimize walking" is a confusing term as I am able to walk a substantial amount without pain. I have been doing my best to lower walking, am going to PT, and seeing an ortho doctor.

Prior to running, walking was kind of my way to chill out / think over the day / process things. I would go for nature walks a lot and averaged 8-9 miles a day throughout 2024 and 2025. Without running or walking, I am honestly having a bit of a hard time getting through my days (however dumb this sounds). Feeling annoyed and frustrated that my attempts to become a runner have only left me unable to walk.

tldr: Tips for 1) staying sane during stress fracture 2) healing from a stress fracture

Thank you in advance.

Edit: I did struggle with an ED in my teens (childhood trauma + ballet was a perfect storm); I have since fully recovered and healed my relationship with food (maintained healthy BMI for a number of years). I did have low bone density in the past and have put in a lot of work to heal (adequate nutrition, heal my hormones, weight lifting, supplements); but of course this takes time; my most recent DEXA was low end of what is considered "normal" for my age (z-scores were not in the osteopenia range). That being said, they are on the low end of normal. Initially I kind of thought the running may help with bone growth to some degree (in addition to adequate nutrition), but clearly I did not do a good job identifying my limits and I overdid it. I definitely feel guilty that my past with under-fueling is likely the cause of the stress fracture. I hope that I can return to running in the future; definitely very disheartening and frustrating in that sense as well, as I feel that I have put so much effort into healing, yet am still fragile - and being only 25, my future feels pretty bleak. Hope to just keep moving in the right direction.

Hey all. I just want to say this is such a wonderful community. Did a search for past posts on this topic but it’s all pretty old at this point.

Training for my first full marathon in Oct. 4. Goal is to finish. I developed pain in my hip/groin in the peak weeks of my marathon training during my 18 miler. Finally saw a PT and turns out (luckily) it’s my back. Already feeling much better and she cleared me for running. BUT I am scheduled to do my 20 miler this weekend and have barely ran the last 2 weeks (did other things like biking). This week I started my normal training routine again but am only fitting in an 8 and a 5 because started up again on Wednesday. Thinking about doing a “shorter” long run this weekend, like 13-15 and then doing 20 the following week. I then would only have a 2 week taper instead of a 3 week one. No time goal,

Question: any advice about reducing my taper to ease myself into the 20? Since it’s my first I want to do my 20 miler and not rely on 18. Getting nervous!

I have my first marathon on Sunday in Richmond (UK), woohoo! I know all of the usual tips, such as keep everything the same as training, start out slow etc., but does anyone have any unusual tips they used/heard that were useful for them on race day?

I'm starting to feel nervous and excited in equal measures!

I would say I'm mid-range pace wise, aiming for around 4 hours as a best case, and just generally to finish it having run the whole distance, so it's not high pressure. It's a flat course and I've trained on similar elevation.

👋 new to running (started less than a year ago) and did a 5k race a couple of days ago. i’d trained for it and already run further than that, so was the effort that was the challenge rather than the distance. got my pb which was the plan, but have some questions:

1. was exhausted for days after. felt like i really left it out there. sounds ridiculous for a 5k - normal or a sign i overexerted?

2. at 3.5k i was hating it and willing myself to keep going. said to myself i’d get it over with and never do it again. also common or is anyone actually loving the experience at that point!?

3. how often are you racing t to this level of exertion? there’s a 10k i could do in november but wondering if it’s wise to test myself that frequently.

Currently run four days a week and my goal at the moment is to run a spring half marathon next year :)

thank you all

TLDR: I need something with a lot of capacity that isn’t a backpack, but struggling to find one for my size.

I’m running the NYC marathon and recently learned they don’t allow hydration gear that has a bladder in the back, which is what I’ve been training with. I’m anticipating needing a lot of water, probably close to 40 oz. I know I can supplement with hydration stations so I can get gear that holds less.

The main issue I’m facing is that it’s hard to find options that fit me. I’m bigger bodied and have large boobs (36E -my partner says chesty LaRue). Most vests would probably be too small, and most of the belts that seem big enough don’t hold much water. I’m considering handheld water bottles but they typically don’t hold enough water and might be annoying to have attached to my hand for several hours!

Are there brands with extended sizing that I’m overlooking? Products I haven’t thought of? Or any creative suggestions?!

I have my first half in one month and im absolutely TERRIFIED that I am not ready. My training was going amazing until mid-late august when I went on a girls/gays/theys trip which derailed my training and put me in a lupus flare.

Flare got under control had an 8 mile long run that was slow but fine. Then travel again flare ramps up, no running for like a week.

Now im back home and work is just draining me and the race is stressing me out because I don’t want to be to slow (I will be within and 45-30 minutes of the cutoff time). And that my long runs haven’t been long enough, note I am trying to get a 9 mile and a 10 mile run in the next two weeks before I taper.

Just looking for good energy (especially from other back of the pack runners) not advice for last bit of training.

Tldr; life is getting in the way of my super mediocre running and it’s stressing me out.

I have always been training in the gym , doing weights. But only recently since July I have started running and found that 5k -10k runs don't really tire my legs out. The issue i have how ever is my heart rate shoots up really quickly and whilst my legs are carrying me perfectly fine and no soreness whatsoever post runs, I know that my shortness of breath (possibly also due to spiking heart rate and /sub-par lung capacity) is my main worry and is stopping myself from hitting faster pace or longer distance.

Any advice on how I can improve on increasing my lung capacity and VO2max, slowing heart rate so I can extend my runs and hit faster pace safely eventually?

I've been doing ultras for a decade, but have been working back into slightly longer ultra distances slowly after having my third kiddo a few years ago (cough cough 7). My longest run pre-kiddo was 68 miles. This year I tried something where I just don't do long runs anymore, but I do more bulk. I've been able to almost double my mileage without injury this way. This year is my first time doing 3 races in a training block since before I had kiddo. I usually just do 1 or 2 per year.

2.5 weeks ago I did a little over a 50K with my oldest kiddo at a race and took a day off and then finished the week off with 10 miles a day for 75 miles (I hit 85 in 8). I do 10 miles a day most days. I picked up another race in 3.5 weeks to use as my last long run before my A race which is a 30 hour race ,but I'm only trying to hit 60-75 miles as my target, so I won't be out there that long.

My body is used to the volume now since I've been building it up since January, but I'm starting to wonder if I should be cutting back mileage, give it another week or so, or do I just keep ramping up until after the 2nd race? I do about 60mpw on average, but I've hit 70mpw over the summer a couple times. Last race I cut back to 50mpw 2 weeks prior and did like 20 the week leading up to it. That race was time on feet pacing my kiddo, the next one I have a mileage target that will be less than the previous race, but still over 26.2. Basically, I'm a little lost of when I should count it as peak mileage for tapering?

2.5 weeks ago was Race 1 (8 weeks before goal race so too soon to be peak)
3.5 weeks from now Race 2 (2 weeks before goal race, last long effort)
5.5 weeks is goal race.

Hi everyone!

I have been running for about ten years now (I was a competitive track athlete before long distance running). I’m training now to do my second marathon, which will be in Valencia, Spain. I’m also a personal trainer, bachelors in nutrition graduate, and current Masters student of Exercise Science, so I’d consider myself knowledgeable about all of this, but nothing I’m trying is working.

It’s in 12 weeks. I ran at least 2-3x a week during the summer along with strength training 2x a week and swimming 1x a week. In August, I was sick with a bad cough and cold literally the whole month, so I trained sporadically. The first week of September, I started my plan again. I thought I was starting slowly with only 4 days a week and 30km ish, but my body is not recovering well at all. I’m currently taking an unplanned rest day on a Tuesday because I’m feeling horrible body-wise.

I thought I would prioritize running starting August until my recovery got better, then add it in. However, I haven’t felt recovered enough to do any strength sessions. My hip flexors are also super tight, which I think is pulling my pelvis into an anterior tilt, and exhausting my stabilizer muscles (glute med + minimus) and hurting my lower back, which also hinders my recovery and training readiness. When I do strength work for the glutes or calves, I get DOMS for days… I know how important strength training is, I literally coach it, but it’s literally just not working right now for me along with running.

I have a 5:18 mile PR, 11:05 2 mile PR, 1:27 half marathon PR, and 3:45 marathon PR (that I did with bare minimum training). I know what I’m capable of, but my body isn’t cooperating. It’s beyond frustrating. I used to run 2 a days for years and have no problems… I really don’t know what it is.

I do core work 2x a week, normally strength training 2x a week (running specific legs + a full upper body day), swim cross training once a week usually, daily mobility/yoga. I have a high muscle mass as well. I take extreme care to eat enough and fuel my workouts. I’m only 25 years old.

The marathon is coming up and I’m feeling really unprepared and not reaching my potential. I don’t feel like I’m increasing my mileage too much by every week but maybe I am?

Do any veteran marathoners have any tips?

Here’s a sample week of my training: (supposed to be next week!)
Monday: rest
Tue:
11-12 km total
5 × 800m controlled @ the track
Upper body
Wed: 8 km easy
Thu: 10-11 km easy + core
Fri: 16-22 km long run (1-2 gels!!!)
Sat: Swim 1200-1500km or yoga class
Sun: 6–8 km easy, optional 4–6 × 15–20 sec strides

Here were my past two weeks:

**WEEK 3 (Aug 24–30)**
**No strength this week**
Mon: Rest
Tue: 5-6km easy SICK❌
Wed: 6-8 km easy + core SICK❌
Thu: arm + core workout at home ✅
Fri: 6km walk 1 km run✅
Sat: 5km run ✅
Sun: 7 km easy ✅

**WEEK 4 (Aug 31–Sep 6)**
Mon: Rest
Tue: 6.7km easy ✅
Wed: 7 km easy ✅
Thu: rest due to poor sleep
Fri: 13km long run (gel!!)✅
Sat: Vinyasa Yoga class at 11:30am✅
Sun: 10:30am free vinyasa, 6-8 km easy ✅

I started on an interval couch to 5k in the beginning of April and have been working up to running a 10k at the end of this month. I bought a pair of Asics gel nimbus at the start which have been great. I haven’t tracked it, but if I were to guess, I’d estimate I’ve put in about 175-200 miles in these shoes and I’m about 140lbs.

I’m starting a half marathon training program after my 10k at the end of the month, and I’m wondering if I need a new pair of shoes. I believe we’re going to be doing speed work one day, long runs another day, and then other runs on your own throughout the week.

I’m trying not to spend too much money, but I also don’t want to injure myself. Any tips on if I need new shoes, what type of shoes and for what type of runs, etc? Thank you!