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Week Commencing 07/09/2020 update!

This week was all about trying to get back into some sort of running routine ready for my 30 week Jeffing Marathon plan start next Monday. 30 Weeks! I know to some of you that might seem like ages but in running / training weeks I know how quick those weeks can start to fly by and how much each and everyone of those weeks count.
It’s not been an easy week and even just running a couple of mile on two occasions down the trail, has felt like I’ve never run before. I really do not remember it being this hard at the very beginning.  In fact I kid you not the second run I did I felt like my lungs was going to explode and I am running the slowest I have ever ran! I think this is partly due to shoving my chest in a now too small sports bra 😂 so I’ve decided comfort is key and until those extra lbs start disappearing I’ve invested in a larger one, being delivered on Monday and i’m investing in a slightly larger pair of bottoms. I want to enjoy my runs. Main thing is, I got out, I started to take those steps and focused on being proud of what I had done this week rather than what I could do this time last year.
Tuesday saw me starting beginners Pilates. Using an UTube class with Adriana as quiet a few people had recommended her. I felt it really helped stretch my joints out and is something I plan to keep rotated in every week along side my other stretches daily.
There still some joint pain and occasional it feels like someone is twanging an elastic band down certain parts of my legs but it’s not stopping me moving forward, I won’t let it.
The Physio helped by reassuring me my running won’t damage my back or legs anymore it may be uncomfortable at times but it will help with my recovery.
My training plan is all done and I’ve started looking at some events that have started back up. Thinking some 5k and 10k ones to get me started, I’m a lot slower than I used to be and have never Jeffed at an official event but I know with time my confidence will come back and I know I’ve got to start getting back out there. At the end of the day if people want to judge my run / walk method then that is there problem not mine. I’ve also looked at some half’s and if I can fit them in with my training plan. I’m particularly looking forward to running with the Grim up North lot, they seem really friendly and welcoming.
I then came across this crazy idea of joining the 100th half Marathon Club! 😳. I knew the Marathon one existed but had never heard of the half challenge. I can’t exactly remember how I came across it, maybe it was fate? Who knows. I’ve always enjoyed the half marathon distance when I was training before so I’ve decided this is the one for me 😁. I know it’s no overnight challenge and to complete it by my 50th I’d need to do 10 Half Marathons a year on average, bit scary when put like that 😳. Something just draws me to this challenge, taking on different half’s feels exciting and like a journey, for me the races are not about PB’s it’s about getting out there, going different places.
If your thinking I like that idea check out there Facebook and Web page. You can’t register till you have 25 official ones but you can join the chats etc.
I have my spreadsheet already in place 2 down 98 to go 😁.
Today (Sunday) should have been the Great North Run 🙁. As sad as I am not to be doing it I know how much I’m going to enjoy it next year and how much stronger I’ll be by then. Unfortunately I never completed the GNR Solo, it just wasn’t meant to be and I am not going to beat myself up over it, but I am working my way through the legend challenge still of Lands End to John O groats, got some catching up but I’ve started moving along again this week that’s the main point.
With my 30 week training plan starting next week I’m going to flip back to blogging in my Jeffing Section feel free to follow. I’d love to hear from other jeffing members following same or similar plans as well so shout out if your plan is starting soon 😁.
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Returning back to getting out

I’m back off my jollies and feeling so much more motivated. Had plenty of time to think about my steps forward and reading lots of motivational things in my current read your pace or mine has really helped me view my running in a different light.

I did get Jealous of the gent I saw running past our window each morning off for a run along the sea front, last year that would have been have been me and Prestatyn sea front would have made a great place to run with its flat concrete walk way and amazing views. It really did make me want to put on my gear, shame I hadn’t packed it.

Returning home after 4 days of no medication, only slight twinges has given me the confidence I needed to get my butt back out. I do not think it’s the fear of getting out that has been stopping me (after the pain of course) but more like the fear of failing and being set back again. What I have realised is I’ll never know if I don’t try and sometimes its more about the journey to the finish line more than the race it’s self.

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Bloody Sciatica / damaged nerve endings :(

Meant to post this post pre holiday, last week, I have been keeping my thoughts on my phone with the intention of getting back into my blogging.
After 4 days on strong painkillers I’m feeling so much better, I can walk and bend without any sharp pains, there is still some discomfort but not enough to stop me getting back out and re strengthening my muscles.
So went just for a short and very steady 30:30 Jeff. I felt like someone was booting me in each butt cheek every time my foot struck the floor but I did it and felt so much better for getting out. Only a couple of miles but slow and steady will get me back out longer. Returned home and completed my stretches Sian from my sports massage had given me which also seemed to help. I plan to keep these going and hoping to progress to starting Yoga online, I have even treated myself to a Yoga mat.
Few days later I made the mistake of thinking I could cope without pain relief or the Amitriptalyne, within two days I was back to being in agony, I’ve never felt pain like it and plan to do everything possible to prevent it from returning.
So after a lengthy phone appointment with the physio, an exercise regime, a stern word to myself over taking my tablets including the amitriptalyn as it will aid recovery and relax my nerves. I’m doing as I’m told as frustrating as it is and a week later I can walk about, get out of bed and turn over with very little pain. I still have twinges and some burning sensations and walking up the stairs feels like I’ve ran my first long run 😭 ever, I had forgot how that felt lol.
My muscles really have gone to sleep on me. I know if I stop the medication I’ll be back in pain, I hate taking them but will continue for now. I’m trying to look forward not back. I have a long way to go to be back up and running the lengths I was and I think I’ve now accepted I need to start small again, I have to refocus on what I am doing not what I was doing. I’ve 2 months to get my fitness back till my marathon training plan starts. We’re away for the week next week so I’m going to try to do more walking whilst away and then when I return the plan is to get back out there, continue stretching and start those darn yoga classes I was going to start.
To re start my motivation I bought myself my diary inserts for next year so I could start planning my goals, bought the Great North Run leggings from Lucy Locket 🥰 another race I will get to the start line! I would share pictures but they wont load at moment so will try again later but can guarantee you will see me in them in September :).
I’ve loaded my kindle with motivational running books for my jollies and I’m even going to sit this evening and plan my training plan for my board 😁. I may have been down recently but it’s time to get back up and start putting that one foot in front of the other 💪.
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General update

I’m back again!
It’s been a tough several weeks since I last posted and the virtual challenges don’t seem to have done anything to re motivate me, but hoping they will do in the coming weeks.
I’ve struggled to get out with a twingy back, although it’s more in the buttocks than back but every time I stand up or sit down I feel like my backs going to snap, I finally caved yesterday and contacted the GPS after waking and hardly been able to walk, so currently on strong painkillers which will hopefully take the pain away enabling me to build back strength in my muscles. It’s a little hard to exercise when even putting one foot in front of the other hurts and its frustrating I cant exercise as I know doing nothing is only making my muscles weaker.
I’ve also struggled with me personally,  if I’m honest. So much has changed these last few months and I’ve not adapted to it as well as I’ve probably let on to people. I’ve gone from being such a routine person, on the go all the time, focused and goal driven to completely the opposite. Not all the changes have been bad ones and new paths have been created I just need to adapt to the differences.
I’ve not been very nice to myself recently, I’ve pulled myself down and apart, I’ve blamed myself for things out of my control, I’ve stopped planning because my plans have been squashed so many times this year and the saddest part is I’ve stopped believing in myself.
So it’s time to be nice to myself and to start taking back those steps to recovery and getting back to what I like most, Jeffing 😁.
It’s not a quick fix overnight and I know it will be awhile before I’m back running 5 plus miles but if I don’t start somewhere I’m never going to. I have until November to start my training plan again for my Marathon, so plenty of time to build back up.
I also know the next few weeks are going to feel like that first day did but with a little extra weight (something else I’m working on) but with Perseverance and self believe I know I can achieve my goal of that Marathon finish line next year. What better way to spend my last day of 39 than running my first Marathon 😁.
So it’s time for new routines, eating healthier, putting goals into perspective, being kind to myself and taking sometime back for me to get back to my happy place.
So what are my goals,
  1. To complete my virtual End to End run,  Lands End to John O Groates challenge, All 874 miles with a mixture of running and walking (so something I can focus on even at present time)
  2. To attempt to complete Great North Run Solo (I’m only on run 4 out of 40 and currently not running so we will see how that goes time and back issues depending)
  3. To complete 2021 Manchester Marathon 💪 on the last day of being 39!! This is one goal that there is no compromise on.
  4. To run 2021 Great North Run in September
But most importantly to get back to enjoying just getting out and moving more.
Took some time out to look at my  motivation board today, something I have not done in a while  but needed to see these quotes 🙂
    
I will continue to blog but for now will focus on posting maybe only once a week, unless something exciting happens! Once training commences i’ll re start Jeffs training plan and blog more frequently but it’s time to take that step back out even if it is just short walks or runs for now.
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No idea what week of plan I should be on!

You may have been wondering where I have been for June and the start of July? Or maybe you’ve not even noticed the lack of posting, or even don’t care.

I’ve been a little lost the last 8 weeks, and as much as I have tried to motivate myself with some new virtual goals and getting out on the odd Jeff or walk my training just hasn’t felt like it has in the past and to be honest I’m not really training for anything at the moment, even though I know I should be. So much has changed the last few months and I have no routines any more which I think is a major factor and something I really need to look at re introducing. Getting up in the morning and getting our early just doesn’t seem to work this year for me like it did last summer, I have no idea why as I use to love getting up and out. Maybe its the fact I wake wheezing most mornings and by the time I come around my enthusiasm has worn off, maybe I  am thinking about all things I could be getting done in that hour or two. Either way I know I need to make new routines and time for myself.

I have 7 days till the decision regarding Manchester Marathon is made, I think this is hanging over me more than I realise and the constant will it wont it has made my training seem pointless at the moment and repetitive around the same routes and lonely on my own. I know it’s not pointless because it’s all adding up but things have just been dragged out so long now that I can’t picture myself at that start line, getting all excited, like I could a year ago.

So I have decided to make those next 7 days just about getting out back in the fresh air and starting to enjoy running again without the pressure of a plan and miles to be covered. 17th will determine what I am doing plan wise moving forward  if it goes ahead then I will return to my plan and maybe tweak it slightly if not I’m going to consider an alternative Marathon or deferral, dates dependable as we are no longer going away next April now. In which case I shall go back to running with no training plan until nearer the dates.

I do have two current virtual challenges’ since I last wrote to keep me going for now.

  1. Great North Run Solo – 40 runs by September, so far i’m on run 2 so a little behind but it’s never too late to start!
  2. John O Groats to Lands End which is 874 miles in 6 months I’ve some serious catching up to do on this one and I am including walks as well as runs but only activity recorded ones not just general every day steps as I am trying to move myself more than I have been doing.

  My aim is to get out today for a short Jeff about teatime even if it’s just a short one down the trail with no pressure but I know how easy it is to undo all those hours in the past training and how hard it is to build them up again, i’m not letting that happen, I will go out!

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Week 10 Jeffing Marathon Training Plan week commencing 8/6/20

Monday 8/6/20 – Run 1

Determined this morning to get out today even if it was just a shorter run. I’ve seen posts of people starting day 1 of training, I suppose the added bonus I have is I started 10 weeks ago to follow a longer training plan so I have still got time yet and a little set back doesn’t have to be the finish of my training.

It’s hard to explain but I feel like i’m scared i’ll forget how to run. A bonus this morning my healthier eating has paid off, 3lb off! Got to keep that going now for the week ahead.

Usual pre run breakfast today of porridge, the weather has changed again and is much cooler today it may even be long sleeve weather.  Such a big difference to a couple of weeks ago but the bonus is I do not need to rush to get out too much as it’s not getting any hotter anytime soon.

I ran my usual route down the road to the entrance and along the trail, hip felt a little sore around half way point so I decided to stick to just the main lake today not wanting to push it too much, less people out today again which was nice and it was good to be back out but I would be lying if I didn’t say it took some effort today, that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy getting out it just felt like a bit of a slog for such as small steady Jeff.

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Week 9 Jeffing Marathon Training Plan week commencing 1/6/2020

Run 1 – Monday 1/6/20
Determined this week will not be like last week was, so up and out this morning despite still feeling wheezy, I found this started to clear quicker this morning than last week.
Changed my pre run breakfast today as finding the change in weather is making porridge less appealing so tried a toasted bagel thin with laughing cow light on with a banana and of course a cup of tea, can’t start any day without at least one cuppa 😂😂.
I decided today’s run wasn’t about speed or distance it was just about getting back out moving after a week of not running and enjoying it, so I headed down to Rothervalley.
I was surprised how quiet it seemed after previous weeks, maybe more people had started return to work or maybe I was just a tad earlier than I’d been getting up. Either way it was nicer not having to battle round groups of people like on my last run.
I decided to just run round the larger lake this morning. covering 4.5 miles. The first mile was a bit draggy but I often find it takes me a mile or two to get the feel of a run. It was good to just to have a steady one.
Sunday – 7/6/20
Much better food choices this week and feeling better in that department but I’ve not been as productive in the running plan area as I would have liked. I just don’t know where the week has gone again. With the weeks of training getting less an the hopefully, big date getting nearer I really need to find that commitment I seem to have lost to ramping up my training and following my plan.
The weather is miserable, my arms ache and fingers feel three times the size they actually are, nothing is motivating me to get out the door this morning.
Maybe seeing constant posts on facebook that it’s not going to happen is not helping. I know how much I enjoy getting out but just don’t seem to be able to get out the door again this week. I know this is going to have a set back on my training plan and may need to re asses the next couple of weeks whilst I get back into things.
My aim was to get up at 7am and be out the door no later than 8.30am, since at  11.30am and I was still sat on the sofa you can guess that didn’t go to plan. The day didn’t get any more productive either, after nipping out the house for ten minutes to collect something from a friend I returned and crashed. My joints ached so much and I felt so tired that I ended up going to bed. I didn’t actually sleep but when it came to trying to get up I felt like i’d not enough energy to pull my body into sitting position never mind going for a run.
Feel like this week has been another right off training plan wise.
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Week 8 Jeffing Marathon Training Plan week commencing 25/5/2020

Week 8
No idea what’s going on with me this week.
The week seems to have gone out of the window training plan wise, not sure if it’s the heat and just not being able to move my backside out of bed early enough or if it’s cause we’ve been really busy with the new business.
I’ve woken wheezy and achy every day a sign in the past my iron levels are dropping. I really should try and book in for a blood test since it was due back in April. I’m used to feeling like this some days but it’s taken me so long to come round in the morning all week, much longer than normal.
Poor eating habits haven’t helped this week either, I’ve picked at all the wrong things and turned to takeaways! We’ve had more takeaways this week than we’ve had in last 6 months! (2 to be exact and they weren’t even that nice) Despite my meals been planned out and shopping in the house.
I know this week was suppose to be a drop down week, dropping down to 4 miles for long run, but pretty sure it wasn’t meant to be a do nothing week😡 so angry with myself as those 26.2 miles are not going to run them self however, I know that’s not going to get me refocused. I was hoping to get out today but way I’m feeling it I’m not holding out much hope.
Week 9 starts tomorrow I will have a better week!
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Week 7 Jeffing Marathon Training Plan week commencing 18/5/2020

It’s been a funny hideley piddle week this week.
I’ve been busy with the new business getting started and building summer house’s but my training plan seems to have gone a little out of the window and as the week has gone on I’ve felt quiet tired. Getting up too late to get out in the morning and not really wanting to run at tea time.
Tuesday Run 1- 19/5/20
Tonight’s run was only suppose to be a short one and since I was falling asleep literally 10 minutes before I made my backside leave the house I’m surprised it turned into being my long run for the week.
I was so demotivated and tired that I almost passed on going out the door, not sure what it was, maybe it was the fact that i’d dressed for a run earlier and didn’t want to waste the attire I do not know but in the end I was glad i’d got out.
I decided to just to go for a plod telling myself anything was better than nothing. It was still really warm but bearable. With the longer light in the evening I knew I could head down to Rothervalley with plenty of time.
I’m not quiet sure at what point I had talked myself into doing a second lap but as I finished my first lap I continued along past my usual exit and round. It was  when I was on the second lake of my second lap that I started to calculate the mileage in my head  estimating I would cover about 8 miles doing both lakes and the trail home, I would be happy with that.
Surprised how easy this run felt with how I felt when I left the house, maybe it’s just what I needed.
Sometimes with Jeffing I do feel like I am dordling, maybe I don’t push myself enough and should be speeding up my walking sections etc I don’t know but what rings in my ears is Jeffs saying along the lines of you should always finish feeling like you have more to give. In one respect this gives me the confidence that I do have more to give, and its a good job cause I have 26 miles to reach!
Sunday Run 2 – 24/5/2020
So missed a run and Pilates session this week 👎not going to stress over it though as it’s still very early days in training.
I had planned to go out for a run yesterday however, was left feeling really lethargic and just not wanting to go out. Plus the battering winds (maybe a slight over exaggeration) and really dark clouds weren’t doing anything to motivate me either.
So on Saturday,  I told my self I’d go out tomorrow. I had no choice as I was suppose to be doing a leg of the Handsworth RoadHogs relay race, so making that commitment helped kick my butt out the door.
Woke up later than planned this morning. I really can’t get into getting up early at the moment, something I found so easy last year during my summer runs, not sure whats changed?
So after my usual pre run breakfast routine I made myself put on my running kit and told myself I’d just go and see how I felt. I’d already ran my 8 miles earlier on in the week so today was just about getting out.
It was overcast and much cooler this morning perfect for being out running so I headed off to Rothervalley. I’d got an aim of 6 miles in mind for the relay dependant upon how I felt, as it turned out after I’d ran one loop of the country park I started discussing with myself in my head how I felt about doing another 8 miler. With this being my relay run I felt like I had to run a decent stretch so decided to give doing another 8 mile a go. Maybe I should enter a relay every week it seemed to give me the motivation and determination today.
The park was already starting to fill up and people were congregating around the entrance / exit I really felt like shouting come on just move over there and chat so we can all come and go. I also felt like I spent more time on the first lap avoiding others and zigzagging around larger groups who were all together but taking up the whole path 😡 which got very annoying. The second lap seemed quieter not sure if people had just spaced out more or if I’d just got into routine of people dodging.
As I crossed the half way point on my second trip round the park I started to calculate how much more I could do if I added on the extra stretch to the furthest exit and then turned back on myself down the trail home, I reckoned it would it take me to the 9 mile mark. I seem to be getting good at setting little goals to take me further once I am out running.
My legs felt strong, that’s something I’ve noticed about Jeffing once I get going I feel like I can plod for hours without much thought process, my little gym boss keeps me in check, although sometimes I do think I could put more speed into my walking sections but then 26.2 miles is a long way and I know if I go to fast to start I’ll struggle so what I’m doing at the moment seems to be working.
As I started back up the trail the thought of ending on 9 miles just didn’t feel right 😂😂 it was an odd number after all so instead of leaving I carried on down the track till the opening that I then turned round and ran back along the bottom track before leaving and heading home via the horse field.
The stretch of trail down past the horse field always feels like that stretch to the finish line and I always feel myself get excited and pushing that little bit more, providing I don’t have to stop to let anyone past, today it was a straight clear stretch. I came out and up the hill checking my watch for millage. Just short of 10 miles, there was only one thing for it and that was to run around the culdesac and next row of houses down to make up the short fall. The neighbours really will think I’ve lost the plot running round their car spaces but I don’t care I’ve ran this far no way was I stopping short of 10 miles today! Just over two hours, my mind started ticking away is it wrong of me to start getting excited thinking that I could finish the full 26.2 miles in 5 hours 30 minutes range? I would be ecstatic.
Not the best plan following week but happy with the two longer runs i’ve done this week.
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Week 6 Jeffing Marathon Training Plan week commencing 11/5/2020

Apologies it’s taken me ages to publish the last few weeks of blogs, some of the weeks have not been the most productive training plan wise. I have been blogging on my phone just not found the time to sit and then put these blogs onto my site due to new business and lots of exciting things going on.
So catching up this morning with my posts, maybe this will re motivate me to get off my butt.
Not the most exciting week to report on this week.
This week is a drop down week, so much smaller millage, so I’ve decided to still keep myself moving and get some steps in to try and fit in some smaller walks in the evenings as well.
Jaffa (our lazy beagle) will love me for that 😂.
Monday 11/5/20- Rest Day
Today was suppose to be a rest day but I felt like getting out and getting some fresh air this evening so took the dog for a walk down the trail. I did consider a quick evening walk round Rothervalley however was trying to determine if I would get round and back down the trail home before the sun started go in. So played it safe and just went for a wander on the trail.
Tuesday 12/5/20 – Run 1
A nice steady one down to my second home today. Decided to do just the main lake and back up the trail.
Wednesday 13/5/20 – Pilates day
Pilates session this morning. Made sure I was up early so I could steal the living room for half and hour. Did the beginners session again and felt alright , maybe it’s time to try a longer beginners session. My hips are definitely feeling better since starting to do these classes already.
Thursday 14/5/20 – Run 2
Another steady run today down to my usual route. Again decided to just run the one lake at a steady pace.
Friday 15/5/20 – Walk Day
Rest day from running today so decided to go for our weekly walk to Rothervalley with Suzie. It is nice to get out for a stroll and today she managed to walk round both lakes, I cant wait till we can get off camping out in the countryside and enjoy the wider outdoors, I really think she’s going to be an outdoorsy person.
Sunday Run 3 – Long Run – 17/5/20
Today’s plan was 6 miles and 6 miles is what I did 🙂 Later than I normally like to get out but the sun was hot this morning and I really just cant seem to get out of bet and out of the house early this year so when it started to cool I headed off down to, you guessed it Rothervalley.
I’d already planned to run both lakes then back up to the furthest exit and back down the trail knowing this would cover me bang on 6 miles and it did. A nice steady one today. That is the beauty of Jeffing all my runs seem nice and steady.