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Jun 2012
4:46pm, 26 Jun 2012
First-time poster!!
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Mollsmum
Is anyone else in the Reading/tadley area training/taking part in GSR 2012?
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Jul 2012
7:33pm, 11 Jul 2012
310 posts
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Pinkliverbird
I'm not in the area but I've entered the race. Did it last year too as I have family in Portsmouth.
I see you're a first-time poster - Welcome to Fetch Mollsmum. Have you done the Great South before?
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Jul 2012
3:52pm, 19 Jul 2012
6 posts
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Mollsmum
Sorry for the delay in my reply! Until 16th may when I did a Charity 5km, I haven't done any running before and it is definitely showing! I don't want to breaking any records for the GSR, just not kill myself doing it, which is wny I have started training, including Newbury Parkrun. Still can't do the whole distance, but I am trying. Any hints or tips for a first time racer?
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Jul 2012
4:11pm, 19 Jul 2012
28 posts
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Demeer
It's a good race to do if it's first one as it's nice and flat.
The only thing that can catch you out is the last couple of miles along the seafront back to the finish as it can be in to a bit of a headwind.
Good luck and enjoy.
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Jul 2012
12:38am, 20 Jul 2012
329 posts
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Pinkliverbird
Hi Mollsmum. Park runs are always good for getting to know other runners, picking their brains, and a bit of moral support. If you're completely new to running there are plenty of run/walk programmes on-line which gets you out 3 or 4 times a week and aims to get you running around 3 miles non-stop.
Once you can run about 3 miles, choose the best day for your long slow run (LSR) and build this mileage up slowly week by week from 3 miles, maybe by half a mile a week with shorter runs on other days. One thing to remember though, don't go mad, concentrate on building a good solid base slowly but surely.
As far as the race goes, if you're just aiming to finish, start off at a warm up pace and then maintain a steady pace throughout. A pace that is comfortable and you feel you can keep up for a very long period of time. It's so easy to get caught up in all the adrenaline on the day and start off too fast then blow up before the finish line. Don't beat yourself up about it if you need to walk for a bit either.
If you're going to be using any sports drinks or gels (anything at all ingested really, inc breakfast) on the day, make sure you try these out on a training run. Some gels/foods have an unpleasant affect on some people, something you don't want to find out on race day.
There is so much info on running schedules and racing, e.g. what to do and what not to do with conflicting information. Get as much info from other runners as you can and learn from your own experiences, then choose the bits you want to keep. A large percentage is all trial and error, personal preference, and what you ultimately aim to achieve.
Main thing is, on your first race, go out and enjoy yourself and have a great time - no pressure 
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Jul 2012
11:41am, 23 Jul 2012
8 posts
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Mollsmum
Thanks so much for your help, I managed to complete my parkrun on Saturday running the whole distance for the first time - Yay! There is certainly lots of information out there - I keep hearing about Jelly Babies, but it could just be that I am drawn to them! I have also entered a 10km race on August Bank Holiday Sunday, both as a goal and as another "race" experience. I will let you know how I get on.
What sort of time are you aiming for in GSR?
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Jul 2012
12:14am, 24 Jul 2012
339 posts
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Pinkliverbird
My time for GSR last year was 1:32:32. I was hoping for a sub 1:30 this year but so far I've been plagued with illness and injuries since the beginning of the year (none of them related to running either) so my plan to improve my speed and mileage has suffered. I've also got a couple of half marathons then a couple of marathons all in September and October, so not sure what state my legs will be in by the end of October So time is difficult to predict at the moment but will probably have more of an idea later in the year.
Well done on the park run. It's such a good feeling when you're able to run a fair distance without stopping, and yes, jelly babies are good. Can usually be found in the outstretched hands of some spectators along the route during a race. Good luck with the 10k. Should give you a good idea of your predicted time for the GSR as well.
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Jul 2012
10:11am, 25 Jul 2012
9 posts
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Mollsmum
Wow! I am impressed - at the moment all I want is for the GSR not to kill me! Also, I am sticking at it, because I have committed to raising money in my father's memory, but I am not loving it yet?
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Jul 2012
12:54am, 26 Jul 2012
340 posts
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Pinkliverbird
Raising money in your father's memory is a good incentive to carry on, good luck with that. Hopefully you're at least enjoying some of it. Training can at times get tedious for one reason or another.
I'm not a fast runner and was really happy with my time last year. I still hope to improve overall, but I'm no spring chicken and have only been running for just over 2 years, so not sure how much I can improve by. I love running and love the long distance especially marathons. I'd never be able to do it if I didn't. I'll never be up there with the frontrunners, but setting my own targets in comparison to what I’ve already achieved, and what I see as a challenge for me, is ultimately what gives me that sense of achievement. Just hoping my legs will hold out this year, at the moment I think that's a challenge in itself
Happy running and hope it's all going well - you may get to love it yet
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Sep 2012
12:23pm, 18 Sep 2012
1,873 posts
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HermanBloom
Can anyone tell me what transport is like on the day for this? I am thinking of getting a train in on the day, just wondered if the start area was anywhere near the Portsmouth/Southsea stations. Going on the thought that train will be better than driving and trying to park somewhere!
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