Training Partner around Stoke-on-Trent?

[Mike90]

Hi all First off I'll give a quick introduction, don't want to be rude do we?
My names Mike, I'm 17 and I'm at college studying business. I'm not at all interested in business but I thought I would try and keep my options open, although I've now decided to follow my literally lifelong dream and join the military after realising the only thing in my way was me thinking that it was just a dream and nothing more!
Anyway, I know there is pretty much feck all chance of any response but what have I got to lose? I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Porthill to be more precise, and I'm looking for someone to train with in the hope that the company and my pride will push me further than going solo, plus it's always nice to meet someone with similar goals as yourself isn't it? Extras may also be included if you 'tickle my fancy'... Of course I'm joking!

[Wholley]

Mike,
it seems your the only living soul in SOT.
So you will get the blame for all the stabbing's,shooting's and drug dealings.
If I were you I'd get my sneakers on and just keep running(south)

[Mike90]

Flighty got in touch via a PM on Military Forums and I had a chat with her and Artist over the phone. Maybe I've just been surrounded by miserable shites all my life but they were the most friendly and helpful people I have spoke to in a LONG time They recommended getting in touch with Stokey so I had a chat with him over MSN and he's more than happy to let me tag along. The offer still stands to anybody else to come along as well though. Cheers, Mike.

[Wholley]

If Flighty got in touch then you should be running even faster

[Mike90]

Haha well she did say the extra motivation would do me good! They were seriously a great help in recommending contacting Stokey though and they do seem like great people. Flighty even invited me around!
The only problem is I run like an 80 year old chain smoker at the moment so I'll probably pass out after going around the block with Stokey! Like Artist said at least it gives me something to work up to. I was thinking of sodding college off, getting a part time job and getting my arse to the gym again because time and money are a bit of a bitch at the moment with me studying business full time. (the joy! )
Speaking of Artist I'm meeting him tomorrow morningl I'll be the short arse panting like a dog from jogging to McDonalds if you happen to read this

[flighty]

If Flighty got in touch then you should be running even faster

Nice to know I've got a mate like you, Paullie!!

Mike ..... good to hear that Artist and me have been of some help.

Jayne x

[Stokey_14]

Sorry folks, missed this section completely

As I’ve said to Mike and Artist defiantly up for a sessions or two when ever really... need get me self a new pair of running shoes as mine are fooked and been giving me grief this past fortnight (should get a pair tomorrow)

Just in time for the new track session also, so the more running the better

As for this...

Mike,
it seems your the only living soul in SOT.
So you will get the blame for all the stabbing's,shooting's and drug dealings.
If I were you I'd get my sneakers on and just keep running(south)

We where only voted worst place to live in Britain once you know (2005-2006 I think ) and with a great (top of the league) football team like ours who cares if you have to barracked the doors every once in a while

We aren’t all bad people here in Stoke Honest!

Stokey

P.S.

They recommended getting in touch with Stokey so I had a chat with him over MSN and he's more than happy to let me tag along.

I'm expecting you to set the pace for me mate

[flighty]

Might even get meself new trainers. Me and the dog can come with you!

As long as we finish up at the pub!

Jayne x

[Mike90]

Might even get meself new trainers. Me and the dog can come with you!

You and Artist get yer trainers on then! I hope that dog you've got is a vicious little sh**e, I'm pretty certain that would have me keeping up with Stokey in no time at all!

As long as we finish up at the pub!

It would be a pleasure, I reckon it would have to be lemonades for me though with my charming boyish looks and all. Unless you fancy sneaking us a few quick'uns that is! Not long to go now mind, I'm legal come June, can't wait.
Stokey mate as Artist said to me today the best thing for us to do is to meet up somewhere and see exactly what our strengths and weaknesses are. As I said on MSN I'm in a pretty sh**e state especially with my running at the moment but it's nothing some hard work won't sort out relatively sharpish. At least I have a clear goal of something to work up towards and if anything we should manage to get a word in every now and then, in between my pants and loss of consciousness of course!
Artist has also offered to set out a training program for us, not just running and the like but map reading and other skills. I for one am more than happy to go for it if you are up for it, anybody who knows what I'm like with directions or a map knows I could do with 'a little' practice, plus it would do a decent job of giving us that something to spice the training up! It's not every day you get offered help like that, I reckon I'm going to be owing Artist and Flighty a few pints come my 18th!
Regarding running trainers, having never had a decent pair I must say I have always thought that trainers are trainers to be honest! Do they really make that much difference? If so that's something else I'll have to grind some pennies together for, along with a new gym membership. You know, getting a part time job in between gym visits and exercises instead of studying business is sounding increasingly tempting as my wallet continues to become ever thinner!

[Stokey_14]

Might even get myself new trainers. Me and the dog can come with you!

As long as we finish up at the pub!

Sounds like a plan to me, as I’m sure you know there’s plenty of nice ones to choose from in Stoke... you just have to know where to look (defintely not Hanley )

Regarding running trainers, having never had a decent pair I must say I have always thought that trainers are trainers to be honest! Do they really make that much difference?

Simple answer YES! they reduce impact and lower the risk of injury by a grate deal and I’d defiantly advise you getting a pair (get your self down Bourn Sports in Stoke and ask to see some of last seasons stuff, think there a sale on right now as well).

Most trainers (of the 'fashion kind') are flat footed and wont give your feet the correct arch support amongst other things.

Also I’m definitely game concerning the training plan, map reading etc. But as I said to Artist I do have a lot of commitments to other sports so aren’t always free... but I’m by no means busy all the time. Plus I’m getting myself a scooter (of the 50 cc kind ... proper Lambareta on it's way come my 17th mind! ) in May so getting about will be much easier then, save all the hassle of those damn PMT bus's.

I would also like to say thanks to Artist for taking his time to sort all this out Great stuff.

So I’ll meet you ASAP then mate and you can show us up

Stokey

[Mike90]

Looks like I'll have to find a few pennies hiding somewhere then! Can you recommend a certain make or pair or anything? I'm clueless when it comes to stuff like that...
I'll have a chat with you Stokey next time we are both on MSN regarding a couple of other things.

[Stokey_14]

Looks like I'll have to find a few pennies hiding somewhere then! Can you recommend a certain make or pair or anything? I'm clueless when it comes to stuff like that...
I'll have a chat with you Stokey next time we are both on MSN regarding a couple of other things.

I can't recommend a pair really as there are tons of good makes (mine where Saucony) all of them are different and it's all about finding the pair that best fit your feet and running style. What works for me wont necessarily work for you, get down to Bourns and try a few pairs on, you can also get your running style assessed there as well which will make it easier to find suitable shoes.

They aren’t overly expensive... like I say ask for last seasons stuff, ok you wont be wearing the same as the top notch pros you see on TV but running shoes haven’t come on in leaps and bounds over the last year to make it worth while shedding out 3-4 times the cash for the latest and greatest pair.

Buying running shoes will almost certainly save you a great deal of hassle in the long run!

Stokey

[Mike90]

I ended up getting myself a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7's or something like that. £67 bloody 'ell! Saying that the staff were good with assessing my running style and that and I tried out quite a few pairs on the treadmill before I settled on them so I think they will do me fine. Anyone got any opinions on Brooks from current or past experiences etc.?
I'm all set for going out on Thursday evening if your up for it Stokey. Keep in mind this is my first time out in a good year or two so don't be expecting any superman performances quite yet! I'll be flying soon enough though if I have it my way.
It took me 10 minutes to type that out on my iPhone and then it went and cancelled it! Anti-accidental touch my arse...

[_chris]

I currently run in Brooks (Vapor 7s) for road use and haven't had problems with them. I think most brands are much the same in terms of durabilty etc. in my experience. My current pair are performing fine, and I've never had anyone with any particular gripes with them. There also reasonably priced for what they are, a shoe with a similar level of technical difficulty in manufacture and design from asics would cost around £30 more

[Mike90]

Anyone else around Stoke looking for a training partner? As said there isn't a limit of two per session...
I'm doing an 8 weeks to 5k running programme but if anyone has any good recommendations for a training programme for a beginner then fire away. Artist is sorting me and Stokey something out but I could do with something to follow when we aren't doing that. At the moment I'm running one day, biking the next etc. and if I get the chance throw in a swim every now and then.
One thing I am a bit confused about is regarding effort. On the training programmes I have looked at they say to take it slow and easy but I thought you were supposed to be pushing yourself as hard as you can whenever you train, after all maximum effort reaps maximum rewards does it not? Another thing I was wondering is if it is a good idea to use a heart beat monitor to measure effort or are they a bit shite? My heart rate can vary a lot when resting so I don't know if that would be a reliable method for me anyway although that said I think it has been relatively stable recently. Cheers, Mike.