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October 13th Manchester Half Marathon

Alarm sounded at 6am, to be honest I was already awake and pottering about and had been for about half hour. Suzie woke shortly after me which helped to occupy my mind slightly whilst the time on the clock ticked away.

Breakfast was porridge, to be honest I had to force it down, if you’ve ever forced your self to eat porridge when you don’t really want it you’ll understand its an effort. It was a necessity today I knew I couldn’t go out there unless I was fuelled right. This was followed by a banana about an hour after.

As I watched the light come up over Salford Queys, the nerves began to grow I really had no idea what today would throw at me all I knew was I had trained for this and no matter what I would cross that line even if I had to walk.

I started to get ready taking my laid out items one by one, checking off my check list, making sure I had everything, and before I knew it it was time to Say good bye to Stu and Suzie.

It was raining out so I’d prepared myself with an old zip up hoody to throw on whilst I walked my way over to the start. The 1.2 mile walk to the starting area really didn’t feel that long. Yes thats me in the light grey hoody on the bridge.

I followed the quays along and really need ant have been nervous about finding my way to my designated pen area there was plenty of people to follow and our pen was the first I discovered right next to the rows of loos which I spent nearly an hour debating if I wanted to go and que to then discovering if you leave it till they start the first wave off there’s no que. Turns out I didn’t actually need to use them at all but worth noting for the full.

As I stood around you could feel the nervousness of others I think it was at this point I realised I wasn’t alone and started to relax. I spoke to a couple of lovely young ladies both first time and running alone, our joking about the sweeper trucks which were lined up behind haunting us seemed to make that 45 minute wait go quiet quick. Although stood in the rain was beginning to get cold and I have to be honest I was pleased when we were ushered forward to the start line, it was at this point I decided to pop a revies strip in my mouth to get me going. This is the point where every one began to strip off their top layers throwing on a nearby platform, which is where mine went. I really hope they go to a good cause and are not just thrown away, I felt quiet guilty throwing clothing away knowing the streets were lined with people who appreciate the items to keep warm, but with no one at the start with me I had no option. I would be interested if anyone knows what happens to them all do let me know.

We had a practice wave and I think this is when excitement started in my belly and then the countdown began before I knew it pink smoke was being dispersed from the start line and off we were going!

I don’t recall when it actually stopped raining but I’m pretty sure it was early on. Also the route is a little blurred as I was so engrossed in just soaking up the atmosphere and the surroundings that I really didn’t notice where I was in relation to the route map. I had set my self a pace now I was off I wanted to run it all no matter how slow I was determined I wasn’t stopping so I tried to stay between 7 and 7.30 as a pace, a pace I had trained with on longer runs towards the end.

For the first five / ten minutes there was so many of us that you really couldn’t have raced off if you wanted to which was a good thing because it gave me time to settle into m pace no one else’s. I remember seeing the board displaying Not everyone can be like Mo, just be you quick or slow which made me smile, that’s exactly what I was going to be , myself.

The one mile marker seemed to come so quick. I remember coming back past the start point after the first loop and they were already starting to dismantle the start line (nothing like being quick).

As we started to come round the corner to just before Mile 3 marker I could see a que for the porta loos, I had many conversations in my head in the 2 ½ hours I was going round but particularly remember telling myself that was about 10 people I had just passed and remember feeling very please with myself. As I passed the 3 mile marker I remember turning to the lady at the side of me (apologies to people along route who were blessed with my random conversations) and saying single figures left now yay! Not sure she got what I meant but hey ho.

I didn’t stop at the drinks station as I didn’t need to with my water bladder on my back I was able to sip as I went along helping me to be able to keep my pace.

I remember going past the large board announcing we were in Sale, about 4 .5 miles in, and chuckling to myself it was only a couple of weeks ago I was watching someone who had filmed their half marathon and who had made a bit of a joke about not being able to stop for the sales, its amazing how little things stick in our minds.

I remember it changing from the main roads into smaller back streets at some point but not entirely sure where that point was. Although there had been supporters all the way from the start cheering us on when we entered the smaller housing estates the support took on another level. Kids high fiving and handing out jelly babies ( I only had one but I am positive this caused me slight stitch around mile 7 mark, note to ones self for future reference to trail eating on route) tables of people with cake! Yes you read right cake. I have no idea how you eat cake and run and wasn’t about to find out so did pass on that one but thank you to that person for their kind offerings.

Mile 8 to 9 seemed to be a long one, not in the sense of I was struggling in fact I felt really strong, I wasn’t out of breath my pace was serving me well, don’t get me wrong I didn’t feel full of athletic energy but I felt good, it just felt like ages before we saw the mile 10 marker.

As I passed the Mile 10 marker I remember turning to whoever was around me and randomly saying that’s it now homeward stretch. There definitely was no way I was stopping or walking now. It was about this point I popped a Dextrose tablet in and then followed that with another Revies strip. I had contemplated taking a gel from one of the stations (I’d already come pre pared with one of my own as well) but didn’t feel like I needed it.

I remember seeing Mile 13 marker ahead and immediately behind it the finish line, I could feel the emotions start to rise and remember pointing forward and telling one of the marshal’s that there was no stopping me know the end was near. I seemed to suddenly find a new burst of energy, not convinced it was the dextrose table and revie I had taken earlier, I think it was pure adrenalin. I remember passing a couple of ladies towards the end, I could see they were struggling one of them was walking and shouting at them come on you can do it you’ve come this far. Then out of no where as I passed the mile 13 marker my legs grew a mind of their own they turned into sprinters legs, m face also grew a mind of its own, I could feel a huge smile across my face forming as I sprinted in through the finish line I had done it!!! I had gone from non runner to running a half marathon in just over 7 months.

     

I love this one with my flying feet

I look like I am on a mission here as I sprinted to the finish line

I do recall seeing a gentleman singing think he was playing a guitar, The rock star choir, a local radio station blasting out the tunes amongst the many other supporters and marshals ringing bells, shouting out my name, yes my name! Complete strangers were routing for me! How kind is that. I recall a gent about mile 9 ish shouting “that’s a fab pace your doing Laura, keep going you’ve got this (I did wonder if he’d been listening to me and my favorite saying in group lol) I couldn’t tell you where abouts on the course these people were but my thanks goes out to each and everyone of you. The atmosphere and support really did make such a difference to me as a first timer and I know it will have been the same for the others.

I collected my medal and I think that’s when jelly legs started to make an appearance as they realised what they had achieved, these legs had done me proud and I remember slapping them at the side and saying thank you legs. I followed the man-made walkway round for what felt like quiet a while not quiet sure where I was going or where Stu would be waiting but this was a one way only system so that was the way I was going. I picked up my free beer and then further down my bottle of water as I made my way round to the village area, filled with food stalls and proud people taking pictures. It was just out side the gates where I’d found Stu and Suzie in the buggy asleep.

Time for a stroll back to the apartment for a well earned bath before having dinner out.

Before I started I had given myself an idea of time I wanted to complete it in and had said if I completed it within the three hour mark I would be really happy so to complete m first one in 2 hours 37minutes I am happy with that!!

Now to think about the next training plan for the Full Marathon in April!

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22/9/19 – Global 10k Rothervalley

I have to be honest I’m really not feeling that pre race excitement this morning, but I know I need this one for the distance and to prove to myself I can do this.

It’s been awhile since I feel like I covered a great distance, never did I think I would be saying that, a great distance to me used to be 3 minutes running when I fist started. I know my training hasn’t been going to plan as much as I would have liked. I am missing some blogs so please don’t think I’ve completely abandoned my running commitments. I just haven’t been covering the distance I would have liked a few 5ks here and there.

My aim today is not to beat any record timings but to just get through the finish line.

Having not really fueled myself right food wise for several days I made sure last night was a pasta dish and woke with plenty of time to have porridge and then a pre race banana.

As I sat on the edge of the bed putting on my trainers I could hear the heavens open. It was going to be a wet one, on the plus side it meant I didn’t need to waist time drying my hair from my shower.

I decided to drive to Rothervalley and conserve my energy for the task at hand.

As I parked up the parking attendant came over and did inform me if I wanted to save my legs there were more spaces further down, why I chose to stay where I was and didn’t take his advice is beyond me as I didn’t realise the start was way past the entrance to the second lake. By this time I was already dripping wet. I stopped off for a pre race loo stop whilst I was passing the toilets, as I stood in the que I noticed a set of funky, matching my own, legs approaching me there was only one person they could belong to, Sharon. Great minds must think alike!

I can tell you pulling Lycra down when soaked is tough but pulling them back up really is no fun!

I did start to get a little concerned that I may need to shout for assistance! Could you imagine the headline, runner retrieved from portaloo, unable to pull up tikkis.

We huddled for a short while in the tent taking our compulsory pre run photos but wasn’t waiting long till we were directed to the start line which I was grateful for already starting to get cold from the wet clothes.

The horn sounded and we were off, I knew there was no way I would keep up with Sharon and het speedy legs today so went with a pace I was comfortable, I tried to not set off too quick knowing I would regret this later if I did.

We started on grass which was a first for me and I have to admit felt a bit wiered, but didn’t last long thank fully although it wasn’t long before we hit a detour from the path down to the waters edge and zig zaging back up to the path all on grass. I have to be honest I don’t think I am a grass runner, I was also a bit concerned to see several large holes big enough to get a foot stuck or sprain an ankle on the grass section. I’d dread to think of the damage that could be done if not paying attention.

At the 3K mark I have to be honest I felt like I could have sat on the grass and stayed there. I think an emotional draining week had finally caught up with me and being alone running with my thoughts was giving me way too much thinking time. If I am honest I also think I was going through a patch of dis belief in myself, not sure if this was cause my training hadn’t been going to plan or if it was just because the big day was getting closer.

I gave myself a bit of a telling off, I could do this I’d done 10ks before step at a time, one foot in front of the other it would all get me to that finish line. As I approached the half way point I could hear cheering and the gent on the microphone talking to the first gent to finish!! wow!!! He must have proper bombed it round, I was never going to be one of those runners but now past half way I knew I could do this and continued round.

I’d set my sights on a young lady just in front and gave myself a gaol of keeping pace with her, I wanted to come in just after her. This gave me something to focus on, as we hit the 7k ish mark the lady in front started to take walking breaks, I have nothing against walking breaks if you need to take them take them but this made me feel stronger as I felt comfortable now knowing the pace I was going would see me through the full course.

As I passed the cafe and my car parked up I knew I’d got this. I started running down the partitioned run way to the end and knew I had more to give so gave it my all and sprinted through the finish line. Today had been one of my most emotional runs and it showed as the tears started running down my face at the finish line, I’m not even sure why I was crying but quickly wiped them away and replaced them with a smile. I had completed the Global 10k my aim of the day and that’s all that mattered.

It wasn’t till later I realised this was a personal best at a 10k for me which was a surprise. So pleased I made that effort and stuck to my plan.

 

                                                           

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3 WEEKS!!!

Oh My, Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday I was signing up to this crazy idea having only just completed couch to 5k and then my first 10k run and now its so scary.

After an emotional week family wise this week the doubts are creeping in, Ive ran two 11 mile and and one 12 mile run over the past few months but that little voice in my head is saying am I really capable of doing this? Especially after my last few runs.

So it’s time to get my amazing quote board out from an inspirational member of mine and start using those quotes each day. I can and I will do this!!

 

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Holiday runs at Beekse Bergen, Holland September 2019

Day 4 of holiday and I’m yet to run any miles. I did set my alarm yesterday for 6am with every note tin of running before going off on a day of safaris however if I am honest waking up in pitch blackness completely put me off so I turned over for an hour extra sleep.
So I knew today would have to be the day. With a day in town planned there was no rush to get off for set busses etc the morning so I set the alarm for 7am knowing by the time I had a drink and a banana it would be plenty light.

With the endless trails and woodlands there really was noting preventing me running apart from me. Now some of you might be saying crazy lady your on holiday relax, I would have been one of those people at one point. I knew with only 6 weeks to go getting out for a run was so vital even if it was just a few 5k runs this week.

So looking at the pre run pictures taken from the veranda of our accommodation it looks like the start of a nice morning, however don’t be deceived it’s actually quite nippy out and I’m wishing I had packed my tech t shirt instead of vest tops, not sure why I didn’t but hey ho I am sure I will warm up once I get going. Maybe they are with the water bottle I was suppose to pack? Never mind one of Suzies juice bottles will have to do.

Not sure if it was lack of fuel (only a banana compared with usual porridge), lack of running over the last week, my Iron levels being low or poor diet since being on holiday (please don’t judge, I had tried to control my diet as I feel rubbish when I eat rubbish but lack of items in the on site shop led to poor choices or starve, I am not one for starving! It’s not a pretty picture when I am hungry) but today was tough going and I’m so mad at myself. With only 6 weeks to go and having covered 12 miles just over a week ago I should not be struggling with a pesky 5k run, but I was!

I set off from our accommodation and headed towards the trail. My plan was to run down to the main entrance barriers. I had no idea how far this would cover but if needed to extend it I’d just run the other way, So I left down the trail road. It was still early but people were starting to move around the site and the sun had really started to come through so I was now happy with my choice of vest after all.
I knew straight away this was going to be a push my body seemed to want to give in from the start, legs just did not want to move and I felt like all my energy had gone. I felt my arm buzz telling me that was my first 1k, how can I feel like I’d run so long and yet not even really started. I past the shop /club area and continued on following the canal and lake. One good point in this mornings run is the views were fantastic. I crossed a pretty little bridge and decide instead of going straight forward I was going to turn left and explore. Turns out there wasn’t much to explore it took through a little wooded area and around to the water sports dock where the boat that took you across to near our camp was docked. I’m positive it was further away than I’d run when you looked across the water from the other side.
I had come to a dead end, it would appear you can’t go all the way around the lakes which is a shame so I decided instead of returning to the patch and continuing to the gates I would turn around and go the way I had come back to camp. (It turns out when we later drove out of the site the entrance was just a few steps away)


As I turned back towards our row of vans I could see Stu sat enjoying his morning cuppa and have to admit he thought of pushing another 1k out of me was just not happening today.
As I pulled up a chair on the decking I was angry with my self only 4K covered today and that was an effort. I vowed I would venture out again in the morning determined to cover 5k.

5/8/19 second run of the week! I will not be defeated and run 5k today!

After yesterday’s testing and disappointing run I was determined today was going to be a better one. With no plans of going out today there was no rush to set the alarm and get up early, so I woke on my own and ensured I was fuelled better with a bowl of porridge over an hour before setting off.
Decided to go opposite way this morning I knew looking at the map it wasn’t as long as as yesterday’s route so had already planned to turn round and run yesterday’s route as well.
the first 1K was sluggish legs felt stiff but not as stiff as yesterday so I tried to slow pace with today’s intention being distance not speed related.
It wasn’t long before I came to a fork in the path one way went through double gates which were opened, but had some foreign writing on them so I decided maybe that wasn’t the way to go, so chose the other soon to be met with an underground subway. I did ponder going through to be nosy but unsure of where I would end up, maybe I’d be eaten my a tiger we were in the wood land after all, or maybe that was a slight over exaggeration. I decided against it. I’m now considering going that way on Saturday just out of interest.


Turning around I went back the way I had come and continued along the rail instead of turning off for the camp area.
There was more people out today mainly on bikes or catching the land train, why didn’t I think of that! Wheels!
I actually passed a bike and didn’t re pass me as I made my way towards the club and shop area, in fairness it probably turned off down one of the little camp turnings but that’s not the point I ran past it! So it’s a win for me, yay me! I was later passed by several other bikes, in fact so many I lost count but that’s not important.
Today I stopped just before the bridge turning around and heading back to camp, just as my arm buzzed informing me of my 5k victory.
Still not feeling as confident as I had been over a week ago but better than yesterday. We shall see what Saturday’s run shall bring, who knows I may even get a Sunday morning one in as well before having to pack up.

9/9/19 – last holiday run

Last day of the holiday today but determined to get in one last run today, before we head to the pool to spend spare time whilst we wait for the ferry.

Alarm was originally set for 6am, who was I kidding when I set it, when I woke the room was so dark, I turned over for a cheeky extra hour in bed. I really need to rethink these dark nights and mornings.
As much as I could have rolled over and settled on two runs this week I knew I needed to make my butt get its self out of bed. I remembered my commitment to my training plan and to my self for my goals, no one else was going to do it for me so out of bed I got and off I went after a quick glass of squash. (Unfortunately no time for breakfast this morning, that would just have to wait till post run)
I’m pleased I decided to get up as it was nice to see the lakes and surrounding areas one more time so peaceful and the run its self felt so much better. I even passed another runner out this morning, when I say pass they were going the opposite way to me.

I’ve enjoyed my surroundings this week, my distance may not have been loads but I kept my commitment to three runs to keep me going and I know that will have made a difference and kept my joints going.

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Sunday 25/08/2019 – Poolsbrook 12 Miler!!

LONG POST ALERT!! But it was a long run!

So today is the day I plan to not only run to Poolsbrook again but to run around Poolsbrook as well this time pushing that distance a little more. With a week in Holland coming up I really wanted to get the distance in today so alarm was set for 6am, breakfast of porridge and a cuppa ready for the off just after 7am.

You may or may not be asking what do I run with on longer runs. So here is a bit of kit advice, I’m no pro but these are what seem to be currently working for me.

My water ruck sack was off of amazon I think it cost me £14.99 if I remember rightly but it has been fantastic. So far no rubbing, easy to wear and not even that heavy when the water bladder is full. Holds a 1.5 Liter water bladder with pockets at front for all your nick nacs. I normally fill mine with my energy strips, dextrose tablets and phone so all easily accessible and the small zipper pocket is where I always keep an emergency note or two just in case. (I’ll post pictures next time ive got it out)

I did look at the waist ones but knew that I needed more water, how can you get through all those miles on 2 small bottles? I know there are water points on main race day but I didn’t want to waste time and energy filling up bottles and there are no re fill points apart from half way on my pre race run. Plus they would annoy me swinging round my waist whilst running. At the end of the day its personal preference but one thing I discovered is you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for some equipment. That’s not to say other equipment isn’t worth investing in. My best buy so far is my trusty running trainers which were fitted at a running store in shiregreen, definitely worth having gait analysis and spending an investment in this piece of kit. After all these are what are going to house your precious feet for all those training miles and most importantly the day its self. Mine were £120.00 but have never let my feet down once, I know they wont see me to my Marathon so already dropping pre Christmas hints lol. Another piece of kit I wouldn’t be with out is my Tikkaboos, they even come on holiday with now!

I’ve avoided using gels as I have a sensitive stomach and really don’t want to experience those moments so I’ve been using Revies strips. Normally one as I set off and then one half way but I am still playing around with things like this. Not sure if they actually make any difference or not as I am too busy just wanting to get through he miles to spend time and energy debating if my energy has increased or not, but I got through 12 miles so far today. I’ve also used Dextrose tablets on today’s run someone suggested them to me so Ill keep you posted on that one.

Suited and booted off I went heading out of the back gate across the car park and down onto the trail. I really am so lucky to live within distance of a trail and connections to two country parks without having to plan to take the car out or run endlessly around streets and houses.

At 7.15 the sun was already starting to feel warm, a fantastic change from the dull rainy weather we have been having but not ideal for longer run days so pleased I had stuck to my pan and set off early. Cyclists and dog walkers were already hitting the trail routes. One thing I’ve found with running is everyone seems to say good morning something I never found when I was a walker, which is strange. Maybe they think I need a hello or good morning to spur me on to my destination. Either way I think it’s nice.

My aim today was to pace myself, today was not about speed (although secretly I had an idea of how long I wanted to be out) it was about covering the distance and covering further than I had ever gone before by adding on the distance of running around the country park once getting their before returning.

I wanted to try and lower my pace today (you may be thinking no one ever said they wanted to go slower) last time I covered this run the first 5k I zoomed off strong then around 7k started to really feel it knowing I had gone too quick too soon. I don’t know if its the upbeat music in my ears when I run alone that sends me into a speedy pace or just me thinking the quicker I go the quicker i’ll be finished.

But I knew I defiantly couldn’t keep that pace all the way through the half marathon let alone the full one. So my aim was to go no faster than 6.30 but no slower than 7.00 per km.

It felt like ages before I felt the buzz of my watch on my arm indicating the firs 1k was gone, I had found a pace I was comfortable with so kept going at that over the next few k’s I did glimpse at my watch a few occasions o discover I was sitting around 6.15 even 6.05 at one point but told my self I needed to take it a step back and slow down as I knew there would come a harder point in my run when I would have wished wasting energy earlier going to fast. It wasn’t long before I hit the turning point directing Pools brook one way and chesterfield the other. I knew it would not be long before I would be tackling my 20 miler to chesterfield and back but not today, today was to tackle the country park, so that’s the way I went.

When I hit the main road I used this is a walk for 60 seconds opportunity. Up until now I had ran all the way at a steady pace and surprisingly never once felt out of breath, don’t get me wrong the legs knew they were covering distance today and were beginning to show show those ache signs but so far I felt good and knew it was just a little way down the track till I hit the half way point. I love a half way point, halfway points to me are a commitment and my motto is if I can get half way I’ll be dammed if I’m giving up at the half way point, whats the point when you’ve already done half the work!

The site of the country park was so pretty as I ran down the steep slope to the footpath that circled it, the sun shone off the waters and it looked so peaceful as it waited for all its day visitors. Apart from a few fishermen and a couple of cyclists the site was empty. I loved these times of day, no dodging other people required (you’d be amazed at how mentally and physically draining that can be when already tired.) I also liked the peace and quiet although that’s a bit of a strange one since my ear phones were blasting out 90’s music to keep me going, I really need to give this route a go with no ear phones one day, after all ear phones are apparently a nono on race day, although some allow bone conducting ones, maybe a google moment as what the hell are bone conducting ear phones? It sounds like some sort of torture device! Maybe I should read the entry info and find out! If not how will I keep myself occupied for well over 2 hours? The thought of listening to my own voice in my head is boring me already, i’ll put it on my to do list whilst on holiday. Any tips welcome!

 

Before I knew it I was at the foot of the steep slope back up to the exit, again I used this as a 60 second walking opportunity and a time to pop a dextrose tablet, not sure if I needed it but now well over half way I knew the return journey wasn’t going to be as comfortable as the inward one.

I’m not quiet sure if my brain had just switched off on the return down the track or if I was just fueled full of dextrose tablets but I don’t recall passing some of the markers I’ve used in the past that make me aware of how far I’ve covered and also how far I have left to go. As I just hit over the 9 mile marker I knew my muscles were starting to feel there mornings work, I was struck by tight bum! Know you may be laughing at this but it felt like my bum had suddenly developed cramp and tightened up. Ive heard of muscles tightening in the legs but cant say ive heard of it in the backside, it wasn’t painful just strange and did go off after about 5 minutes, unfortunately the tiredness starting in the legs did not follow.

I kept setting myself little goals to reach certain trees, bench’s (how good do benches look at these points in training? No time for sitting down though, that and if I sit now I may never get back up and then stu would have to send out the search party, wouldn’t be the first time) also I loved it when other runners or people in general were coming towards me cause I would tell myself I couldn’t possibly be seen taking a 60 second walking break by other people so would have to pass them and wait till no one was in front of me, once they were behind me I wasn’t bothered I couldn’t see them. All in all I think after the road crossing going and returning I only actually had 4 other 60 second walks and 2 of these were on hill sections.

All of a sudden the turn off of the trail appeared, where did that come from? I had been waiting for the gap in the hedge I normally use as a marker for knowing the trail end is near, something I’d used in my earlier couch to 5k days (They seem so long ago now) and it would appear I had completely bypassed it with my running games and was now at the exit!

I could do this, just along the horses field, out onto the main road and up the hill to go. There was a chair with my name on it the garden to bask in the glorious sunshine all day.

As I came out of the trail I knew my legs would not run up that hill (they actually probably would have, I think it was my brain that wouldn’t let them) so I speed walked up it, as I turned the corner to near the entrance of our back car park I glanced at my watch to discover I was currently on 11.94 miles, there was no way I wasn’t getting that 12 miles, not after all that effort! So off down into the neighboring culd e sac I went around their car park and back up into our car park, nope still not quiet there so a couple of laps of the car park and boom!! 12 miles completed, a little bit of a stretch then to find that chair!

As much as I wanted to stay in that chair in the garden all day I knew my muscles would become cold and start to cease quickly so after a glass of strawberry milk, yes you read right something else a leading nutritionist had advised me to do after a run. I made my way up to my hot bath with my epsom salts, non of this cold bath milarky for me, I’m not that daring. Before then settling down to a pasta lunch to pasta, onions, peppers, bacon and primula cheese, I was starving and knew I needed to refuel on the right sorts of food.

So things I’m really proud of on this run:

1) I never once felt out of breath (Maybe I didn’t push myself hard enough? Or maybe I really have just found that pace that’s right for me and will get me though my marathons? I am hoping its the latter one.

2) I did it, I ran not just to Pools Brook which I have done twice before but I ran around it which is what I had set out to do!

3) I ran 12 miles!! The most I have ever ran!

4) The thought of now completing 13.2 miles was feeling more achievable than it did a couple of weeks ago, this week was a moving forward week!

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Two Months to go!!! Where has the time gone?

 

   

So this popped up on my Facebook page today and I seem to have received a number of emails from both the British Lung Foundation and Wiggle Manachester announcing that there’s only 2 months to go!

Still feeling nervous already and if this had popped up two days ago I may have been seriously questioning my ability to run it however after yesterdays hill session I am feeling more positive and confident again (for now).

Rest day today, I have discovered not only is it OK to rest it’s a vital part of training, running will resume tomorrow:)

The Barkley Marathon also popped up on one of my many running groups I’m part of on Face book and seemed to be causing quiet a conversation, so with Stu out this evening and Suzie tucked up in bed I decided to look it up and give it a watch. I could only find snippets on U Tube but with only a map and compass allowed and no marked route, it’s no wonder not many ever finished the challenge!! I know for a fact I  would fail this one instantly as myself and directions do not go together, I need those fabulous marshal’s that volunteer their time and stand with markers.

I’ll not give things away but if you get chance it’s worth a watch and makes my goals look simple! (I know there is nothing simple about my goals, I am not disillusioned, the road ahead will be long and present it’s challenges but at least it will be flat, in daylight and well marshaled, oh and portaloos just in case of course!)

So the countdown is on, training needs to get serious, race day will be here before I know it!

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Tuesday 13/08/2019 – First Hilly session in awhile!

Legs still feeling tight and heavy today really not sure whats going on with them. As I sat doing some work in the afternoon I have to be honest I was debating do I don’t I send that text to my fellow runner that tonight is not going to happen. Yesterdays message saying I needed a hilly session as not had one in a few weeks, seems now like a stupid error.

I sat looking at my planner knowing this week had lack of running days I knew I had to do this, whats the worse that could happen, I could end up walking or cutting the run short.

It felt like it had been years since I’d been on my regular Tuesday hilly session with my fellow runners, a run I had grown to really enjoy.

We set off only two of us this evening Sharon and myself and as we started I did make a passing comment of I really don’t know how tonight will go, my tin man legs are present.

As we ran out along the main road and into the village I started to find a pace, it felt good to be running with someone again, I find the chatting and pacing together really helps take the mind away from wandering and those negative thoughts from creeping in. (Something I really need to work on for my main runs as no ear phones allowed and running alone! What will I do with mind? If anyone has any answers shout them my way) We reached the bottom of the Jo’s Ices hill this was the big one, I can do this I told myself, nice and steady it’s not a race. Off I plodded up the hill determined I would get to the top of this section and turning point, Not sure if it was one of Sharon’s many hidden training techniques but we waffled about something and before I knew it was at the top, it was at this point I felt strangely motivated, my legs were tired but seemed to have found a new motivation. Maybe all I needed all along was a good old hilly session to wake them up.

Last stretch up the last hilly bit I knew I was starting flag and tiredness was creeping in but I wasn’t stopping now and there it was my shiny silver car waiting at the finish line.

I’m so pleased my commitment and determination over took the voice in my head telling me to pass on this evenings run as I know it’s what my legs needed to stretch them out and what my mind needed to show me I can do this!

So Ready for my Nacho Style feast now!

 

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Monday 12/08/19 General Rothervalley Run, 5k

So last weeks training plan didn’t go to plan! I was warned there would be weeks like this. Only having covered one small run and a cross training session at the gym I was feeling like I was going backwards with training not forward, but physically could not fit another run in it was just one of those weeks.

Determined not to be another one of those weeks knowing I am away for the weekend and unsure if I’ll fit a run in whilst away I knew I had to make every day count.

My aim today was a 5k plod around my usual trail and Rothervalley route. As I set off I knew my legs were heavy and felt like I had already run miles, is this what tin man felt like before he was oiled?

As I ran along my route my mind was beginning to question how would I do 26.2 miles if I was struggling with just 5k? How was I going to cope with the extended mile runs and running alone? Maybe I was crazy to set myself such a huge goal? I terminated my run today when my arm buzzed at 5K just as I was turning the last corner on RotherValley before leaving onto the trail. Normally I would have continued to set smaller goals and kept pushing for at least another 1k but today my legs were just not feeling it. As I started walking the remainder of the route home I found myself being angry for lack of distance and feeling like I did on what surely should be an easy run for me now. I then stopped myself, 6 months ago I could not run for a minute let alone 5k, 7 months ago I would have laughed at anyone suggesting I do a 5k race let alone a 10k, half marathon and if they had suggested a full Marathon I would have keeled over laughing at them so much. So I need to re assess my training and maybe step it up a gear but all was not lost on one run, I still had just over 2 months till the half marathon.

Maybe I needed to forget about the full marathon as advised and deal with the Half first, then look at the full marathons training plan. Maybe the daunting thought of the Full Marathon is blocking my progress with the Half?

So I’ve made a commitment to myself and my plan whilst walking home, maybe I needed that walk more than I needed a run to clear my head and refocus.

My focus is on the Half Marathon, I’ll deal with the Full from 14th October 2019, and my training plan which is pinned on my board in the hall, taking each week a week at a time, a run at a time. These plans are designed to get people through these event so like the c25k I needed to put my trust in the plan.

 

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First HITT class! or maybe not! 08/08/19

Its 5.10am, yes am not pm and I am up. I’m up is all I am at the moment. I made a commitment to getting up for my first HITT class which starts at a lovely chirpee 6.30am! What is HITT you may e thinking? I wish I could tell you but unfortunately I am thinking the same. Having gone through the exercise class timetable this was one that fitted into an early morning when I could get up before Stu went to work. Whats the worse that can happen its only 30 minutes.

I have taken this little snippet of info off the gyms website just in case anyone is really interested : HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training that’s effective and functional! Get the most out of your workout, burn more calories and get fitter and faster than ever before! ( I like the sound of the effects!)

Who’s it for Everyone who is physically fit can benefit from HIIT. It is ideal if you are short of time and want to burn a large volume of calories quickly!

How it moves HIIT classes are designed so that you work at 100% for intense bursts of exercise with regular short breaks. Intense exercise will help burn more fat and calories than regular aerobic and steady-state workouts. (Not so sure I like the working at 100% idea, maybe this si why group cycling was booked up and this class had 38 spaces!)

Eyes barley open I stumbled down to the kitchen to put the kettle on. It’s times like these I really wish I was a coffee drinker, but just the thought off coffee makes me gag so cuppa tea to try and function it is. I’m not a lay in type of person, even on holidays I’m up before 9am and on everyday days I’m up around 7am but it feels like waking in the middle of the night this morning.

Today’s top of inspiration is stronger every damn day, not sure ill be feeling stronger in 30 minutes time, wish me luck I’ll be back!

Well not quiet the plan I had in mind, HITT never happened, apparently the class had been brought forward 15 minutes due to the changing rooms being refurbished?? What has the changing rooms got to do with the actual class, also no notices of this and nothing on the app so when I walked into the room and they were half way through you can imagine the stupidity |I felt, which quickly turned to a disgruntled first timer! I wasn’t allowed to participate as the warm up had completed, I understand this but was so annoyed having got up early.

So instead of wasting an early start I trundled into the gym are as a member for the first time and found the cross trainers. Setting a variety program, don’t ask me why this particular program, I think it just sounded good and knew if I just used the machine manually I wouldn’t test myself with inclines etc.

I hopped on and then realised it was an hour, oh well why not make the most of my membership this morning so off I went, I was surprised how fast I reached the 5K mark and how strong the legs felt after 30 minutes of going. The only down side was I hadn’t come prepared with phone and music so had a blank wall to look at whilst working out.

Before I knew it 1 hour had one and 9k covered when the cool down started. All before 8am, definitely breakfast time now! Moral of today’s post things may get in the way or stop plans out of your circumstances role with it and adapt.

So some of you may be thinking why I have I joined the gym when it’s running im training for? Or you may really not care at all, I know for the half my training with my miles will most likely be enough to get me by, however I know for a full marathon I need to strengthen and use a variety of exercise to build my body up to carry me those miles. I also though since my treadmill days are well and truly over cross training may help on those winter days when the ice may be on the ground.

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Embracing the rain 06/08/19

So I’m sat here determined tonight I will go out and stretch the legs having not run in a week and that was a pathetic attempt on the treadmill I so need to get back out there.

Waiting for stu to come home from work and s I look outside I can see the clouds getting darker overhead, I have made that commitment and a little rain isn’t going to stop me after all come October or April the weather could be just as bad and in fairness when I first started c25k there were some bad weather days and I didn’t even think twice about not going out then.

Five minutes later the thunder starts followed by a heavy down pour and Suzie stood at the door informing me ‘there’s a storm coming cheers for that Suzie, am I really mad going out in this!

Maybe it will pass in the next half hour I really hope so or I am getting in the car and off to the gym to use my membership for the first time since signing up on Monday.

I never thought I would be having exercise withdrawals! It’s strange how your mindset changes once you start running. I am also concerned I am m veering off my training track which is worrying as I know the weeks are getting nearer and if I don’t stick to my plan things are going to get harder.

After half an hour of watching the down pour from the dry inside there was a gap and a blazing session of sunshine. So running gear quickly pulled on as quick as you can pull running on that is, and off I went with the aim of a gentle 5k to get back into things after 6 days of no running.

I knew the trail and Rothervalley would be wet with puddles so instead of trying to dodge them I embraced them, took my usual rout off down the track and onto Rothervalley then turned right for a change, I like to mix it up sometimes.

Just as I turned onto the country park the heavens opened again, It actually felt so refreshing and didn’t slow my pace at all. About 3.5k I could feel my muscles in my legs and calf’s working and firming up and as much as I knew I would know about it this evening and in the morning I knew I needed to push through and keep my 5k commitment. It sounds strange to anyone who hasn’t run before but I knew this was a good ache, this meant I was strengthening my muscles again after they had rested all week. It’s scary to think it took me originally 9 weeks to build up my stamina and strength to run 5k and yet 1 week of not running and doing very little really can set you back, today’s lesson is consistency really is a key component of training. I just hope there is some where to run in Holland in a few weeks time as I know how much even a few shorter runs in France helped.

The rain didnt last too long, which is a shame really as it felt really good. I decided to do just the one lake today and veered off round past the park and ice cream van, surprisingly the ice cream van was open! Not sure who he was open for as apart from a couple of cyclists and a few mad runnes like myself the park was empty.

I ran around and decided to exit via where I had entered as I knew the wooded trail bit would be boggy underfoot. My wrist buzzed and I looked down I had hit my 5k, yay! My training voice kicked in at this point asking myself if I had anymore to give, my legs did ache but you know what I had to go home one way or another so why not plod back jogging it would also be great to go back with 6k now I’d started running past 5k, before I knew it I was up and under the bridge back o the trail and my wrist had buzzed again to tell me 6k had gone, I couldn’t stop now it was mainly flat to the railway bridge including a bit of a down hill I could do this! Up and over the bridge, I did walk up the stony hill bit to the horses fields wet and stones just looked a recipe for disaster and the last thing I need is an injury.

I always like the last bit of the trail along the horses field it feels like that last stretch when you know the finish line to a race is just round the corner, I did wimp out running up the hill today, I had set out to do 5k and so pleased I had pushed myself further and did over 7k it just shows sometimes asking your self if you have more to give really does work! I am now starving and looking forward to my beef Stroganough. (I have no idea if that’s spelt right)