We went on holiday at the end of September for 2 weeks. However, the 2 weeks straight after were half term so I decided a while ago to take a complete month off from 'training'. This gave my brain space to enjoy the holiday and mentally relieved the pressure to train which I sometimes put upon myself during holidays. It also gave my body a nice rest....the neglected and often forgotten discipline in sport.
Florida was wonderful. We were treated to brilliant weather, amazing food, courteous people, no road rage, cheap shopping, empty supermarkets, and excellent customer service, everything which is lacking in the UK. Don't get me wrong, I'm patriotic and very proud to be British, but I hate what is happening to the country which I love so much. Sadly, everything which is great about Florida, is bad in Britain.
Although I wanted a full 4 weeks rest, half way through the third week I caved and had to go for a run. The weather was lovely and it would've been rude not to. An easy run to the beach turned out to be a bit harder than I'd hoped, but not exactly unexpected after such a lay off.
Fast forward a week and a half - I think Scotland has cancelled Autumn this year and skipped straight to Winter. It's cold, it's wet, and it's windy. Very windy. I'm no stranger to running in adverse conditions but sometimes you just get that gut feeling where you know it would be unsafe to venture out.
Into the gym it was then.
My first interval session in eons hurt. The session was 5 x 3mins with 2mins rec jog. That'll do for this week. I might try and add a rep next week.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Reflections....
This is what I posted a few days after my first marathon....
Not a lot to report on the training front, in fact absolutely nothing to report as my legs are in no fit state to do anything and I'm enjoying a few days of complete rest.
I've been reflecting on the whole experience leading up to the marathon and trying to analyse certain things about Sundays run.
The last 22 weeks (I've just counted them) have been such an eye opener and such a steep learning curve for me. To start off with I entered the marathon on a whim just to see if I'd get accepted - I do these daft things from time to time and more often than not they backfire. Well it did backfire as I did get accepted and immediately thought 'oh bugger'.
Once it had penetrated my stupid brain that I was going to have to run 26.2 miles, I thought that I'd better get fit, and PDQ if I wasn't going to look like a complete idiot on the day. Hubs was away for most of last year in the Falklands so I didn't train much and I classed 6miles as a long run and only occasionally did I ever venture beyond around 4M.
And so my journey began. To say that I didn't follow a proper schedule is an understatement. If I'm being brutally honest, most of my training was done on a 'I'll see how I feel today' basis with hardly any structure. The only thing going for me was that it was consistent. I originally got hold of a 20 week schedule which didn't suit me so I started an 18 week one and then a 12 week one....I took bits which appealed to me and the other bits which I didn't like the look of, I ignored The old head in the sand trick
The bulk of my training has been through the horrible winter where we had gales and rain for most of it. The dark nights proved to be a challenge as I had to abandon my favourite trail runs in favour of laps around the village where it was well lit. Doing 7x2M laps is certainly mentally challenging especially when I was passing the end of my street every 20mins or so and sometimes so cold and wet that I couldn't feel my fingers or toes, and my cheeks were stinging with the hail - the temptation to just end those runs and go home was unbearable at times but I'm glad that I persevered.
Then only 7 weeks before the marathon I injured my knee. I thought all my hard work and hopes were going to be shattered on that particular run as I could barely walk home and thought from the amount of pain I was in that I'd done something quite drastic. A visit to the GP diagnosed arthritis and the physio confirmed that my knee was wonky...he actually used the word wonky. The arthritis has been a bit of a pain (pardon the pun) because the cold plays havoc with my joints and as we haven't seen any sun or warmth for months, I have had days where I've had trouble just walking, but so far have decided against taking the prescribed painkillers - it's something I rarely do anyway even for headaches. However, once I get myself going on the runs the pain eases so I've got no excuses. The knee healed with a bit of tlc and a great knee support which I used right up to, and during the marathon.
Onto race day - I was quite pleased that I actually got myself onto the starting line having avoided any illnesses during the training apart from a couple of sniffles and the obligatory tiredness which I'm sure I'll have forever. I was also in the best possible shape that I could've been in on that day. I could use the knee, or the lack of sleep as excuses but what's the point as you're only fooling yourself. I knew that I'd done the best I could in training and now had to convert that into the race and if I turned in a poor performance then I was only letting myself down.
I've decided that running a marathon is like having a baby - hours of pain, grunting, pushing your body to the limit, sweating buckets, and feeling like shouting abuse at people who repeatedly try to encourage you by saying 'you can do it', or 'you're nearly there'. Then it's all over and you say 'never again' and spend the next week walking like John Wayne....10 mins after the finish and you're asking 'when's the next one?'.
So, I've learned what training it takes to complete a marathon; that I'm physically and mentally stronger than I ever imagined I was or ever could be; that marathons strip you bare and reveal all, and I mean all of your weaknesses whether they be physical or mental; that you can actually hit the depths of despair and have to search very deep within yourself to keep going when your legs, lungs, brain are telling you otherwise; that wearing the correct trainers is the difference between success and disaster; that lucozade sport makes a mark like bird poo when it dries if you spill it on your shorts; that no amount of mind over matter can make your 6th gel taste like a tuna sarnie; that it's bloody fantastic when you cross that finish line and if you could bottle that feeling and sell it you'd be a millionaire
2 days on and the high is starting to disappear - you realise that something which has dominated your life every day for the last 5-6 months is no longer there, like losing a mate You realise that life still goes on regardless and 'normal' people aren't really interested in what mile 17 felt like, or how you ran even splits...they basically don't care and it's only then you realise that you're just a very little part of a very big world....
But you know what 'there were days when I didn't think I could run a marathon, but there's a lifetime of confidence knowing that I have'
Not a lot to report on the training front, in fact absolutely nothing to report as my legs are in no fit state to do anything and I'm enjoying a few days of complete rest.
I've been reflecting on the whole experience leading up to the marathon and trying to analyse certain things about Sundays run.
The last 22 weeks (I've just counted them) have been such an eye opener and such a steep learning curve for me. To start off with I entered the marathon on a whim just to see if I'd get accepted - I do these daft things from time to time and more often than not they backfire. Well it did backfire as I did get accepted and immediately thought 'oh bugger'.
Once it had penetrated my stupid brain that I was going to have to run 26.2 miles, I thought that I'd better get fit, and PDQ if I wasn't going to look like a complete idiot on the day. Hubs was away for most of last year in the Falklands so I didn't train much and I classed 6miles as a long run and only occasionally did I ever venture beyond around 4M.
And so my journey began. To say that I didn't follow a proper schedule is an understatement. If I'm being brutally honest, most of my training was done on a 'I'll see how I feel today' basis with hardly any structure. The only thing going for me was that it was consistent. I originally got hold of a 20 week schedule which didn't suit me so I started an 18 week one and then a 12 week one....I took bits which appealed to me and the other bits which I didn't like the look of, I ignored
The bulk of my training has been through the horrible winter where we had gales and rain for most of it. The dark nights proved to be a challenge as I had to abandon my favourite trail runs in favour of laps around the village where it was well lit. Doing 7x2M laps is certainly mentally challenging especially when I was passing the end of my street every 20mins or so and sometimes so cold and wet that I couldn't feel my fingers or toes, and my cheeks were stinging with the hail - the temptation to just end those runs and go home was unbearable at times but I'm glad that I persevered.
Then only 7 weeks before the marathon I injured my knee. I thought all my hard work and hopes were going to be shattered on that particular run as I could barely walk home and thought from the amount of pain I was in that I'd done something quite drastic. A visit to the GP diagnosed arthritis and the physio confirmed that my knee was wonky...he actually used the word wonky.
Onto race day - I was quite pleased that I actually got myself onto the starting line having avoided any illnesses during the training apart from a couple of sniffles and the obligatory tiredness which I'm sure I'll have forever. I was also in the best possible shape that I could've been in on that day. I could use the knee, or the lack of sleep as excuses but what's the point as you're only fooling yourself. I knew that I'd done the best I could in training and now had to convert that into the race and if I turned in a poor performance then I was only letting myself down.
I've decided that running a marathon is like having a baby - hours of pain, grunting, pushing your body to the limit, sweating buckets, and feeling like shouting abuse at people who repeatedly try to encourage you by saying 'you can do it', or 'you're nearly there'. Then it's all over and you say 'never again' and spend the next week walking like John Wayne....10 mins after the finish and you're asking 'when's the next one?'.
So, I've learned what training it takes to complete a marathon; that I'm physically and mentally stronger than I ever imagined I was or ever could be; that marathons strip you bare and reveal all, and I mean all of your weaknesses whether they be physical or mental; that you can actually hit the depths of despair and have to search very deep within yourself to keep going when your legs, lungs, brain are telling you otherwise; that wearing the correct trainers is the difference between success and disaster; that lucozade sport makes a mark like bird poo when it dries if you spill it on your shorts; that no amount of mind over matter can make your 6th gel taste like a tuna sarnie; that it's bloody fantastic when you cross that finish line and if you could bottle that feeling and sell it you'd be a millionaire
2 days on and the high is starting to disappear - you realise that something which has dominated your life every day for the last 5-6 months is no longer there, like losing a mate
But you know what 'there were days when I didn't think I could run a marathon, but there's a lifetime of confidence knowing that I have'
3rd Best Day...
My friend Ty ran her first marathon at the weekend. I followed her progress along with Jeff (our mutual friend) on twitter. She did an amazing job. It brought back so many memories of my first marathon. And even though it was over 4 years ago, I remember everything as vividly as if it was yesterday. After my burn out last year, I seriously didn't think I'd ever run another marathon. I think I was probably scared to even think about it in case I wasn't capable.
I've also been following Jeff's blog where he details his training for this Autumn's Philly marathon. Both Jeff and Ty have inspired me to think 'hell, maybe I can do this again'
Below is my report from my first marathon - dedicated to my 2 friends who have got me out of the funk with their sheer enthusiasm and love of running....thank you both! We also share another passion - reading. But that's a whole different blog.
...of my life - bettered only by getting married and having the kids !
WOW! - what a day.
5 hours sleep for me interrupted by 3 visits to the loo. Around 10pm last night the adrenalin started to kick in and the enormity of what I was about to do weighed heavily on my mind. OK, I realise that 1000's of people compete in, and finish marathons every weekend. To some it's no big deal, but for me this was actually one of the biggest things that I've undertaken in recent years. To commit to something and to actually see it through is an even bigger thing for me as I've got a very low boredom threshold and start off all enthusiastic about stuff, go right over the top (the disadvantage of having a compulsive and addictive personality) and then move onto another thing just as quickly - the pattern has repeated itself all my life and is something which is difficult at times to live with and to control, and doubly difficult for those around me to live with too - something I frequently feel very guilty about.
Anyway, back to the race. The journey there was spot on and no delays on the bridge this morning thank goodness - who else would be up at that time anyway in that weather apart from us daft runners??
Managed to find the car park with loads of spaces so next stop was the loo's! Just as we stepped out of the car, the heavens opened and it felt as though someone had just thrown a bucket of water all over us - we were soaked! We'd also parked at the wrong end of the road to where the start was and so were faced with a long walk down it. Half way down we located the loo's. They were crowded with typical straight laced, tight faced, not a person out of line, queues - very British! The only queue jumping was unfortunately by some foreigners but in true typical Brit style, the other cheek was turned and they got away with it. A lot of upbeat banter went on and helped pass the time - 40mins later, resembling drowned rats, the remainder of the loo queue which didn't seem to be moving, heard the announcers voice come over the loudspeaker telling us that the countdown was 4 mins to the start.....arghhh!!!! I was still in all my gear, and still had about 400m to get to the start. I hadn't actually been to the loo yet either.
Hubby and kids gave me a good luck kiss each - cue lots of tears. It honestly felt like I was kissing them goodbye forever - I really didn't know what I was letting myself in for, or what to expect.
10 seconds countdown....3,2,1, and we were off!! More tears - god I was such an emotional wreck this morning!
It took me about 10mins to get through the start as I was right off the back having been late from the loo's. No problem as the chip would sort out the timing so I just walked and took in the atmosphere. Managed to start jogging but spent the first 2 miles behind a man resembling a 7 foot beanpole who was flanked by 2 horizontally challenged ladies, so there was no way I could get around them. Never mind, it probably did me a favour by slowing me down.
I was feeling really good and the HR was really low. We went right onto the sea front and for the next 7 or 8 miles we had a really strong and cold headwind. I ended up running most of this stretch holding onto my cap as the wind threatened to nick it a few times and send it on a one-way ticket to Norway. Wouldn't have normally been a problem but the kids had written their good luck messages on it and I didn't want to lose it.
I was expecting to see the family at 7 miles and was looking forward to it but they weren't there Unknown to me they'd had trouble getting out of Edinburgh and so went straight to the agreed 15 mile point. It was a little disappointing as everyone around me seemed to know at least someone in the crowd and I just wanted to see a familiar face, or feel the warmth of a loved ones hug...a high five would've done. The general support was amazing though and despite the weather, people were out of their houses offering warm cups of tea, cakes and sweets.
At halfway we came off the seafront onto a bit of a sheltered road....ah bliss!! Got to 13.1M in a very comfy 2:02 even with the headwind. I was beginning to think at this point that I maybe had a very outside chance of cracking 4hours which would've been beyond all expectations of myself. I did need to pick up the pace though in order to do a negative split which I thought at this point I was capable of.....
Got to 15M and saw the family...yippeee. Had to fight really hard with myself to control my emotions at seeing them. They actually stayed at that point as we went off up the road and doubled back so I saw them again at 19M too. The wind was pushing us along now and the rain had stopped - the sun even came out for a brief moment and it began to warm up.
I got cramp in my right calf just before 20M and was thinking this could be the beginning of hitting the wall but I took one last gel (I'd been taking them every 3M and couldn't face any more so took the decision to run the last 10k on water alone) and some lucozade and it went pretty quickly.
Now this is the hurtbox time.....
I've got about 4 or 5 books on marathon running and 3 of them recommend that you only need to train up to 18 miles. Apparently if you can get to 18M then you'll finish the marathon.....well, this maybe so, but they don't tell you in what state you'll finish the marathon. I am so gad that I ignored their advice and put in a few 22 and 23 milers - if I hadn't, I would've been in BIG trouble. And if I ever do another marathon, I'll be doing a lot more longer runs, beyond 20 miles.
From 21M I was counting down the miles very slowly and my quads were screaming for me to stop. I knew if I did that I'd never get going again so pushed on and the last 4 miles really hurt in the legs dept. The fact that I have done a few longer runs, I think, prepared me for the last 3-4M. Lots of people were giving up at this point and it was a mental battle as well as physical one to actually pass them instead of taking the easy option of stopping to walk with them.
The last 2M were fantastic - the crowds were lined along the route and it just gives you a lift when all you want to do is lie down and sleep.
Saw the family again with about 200m to go with their banners and managed not to grimace too much - over the finish, arms aloft....YES - I'VE DONE IT!!!! Actually, that's a lie - I got over the line, head down, and shouted 'thank god for that!'
If I never see another gel or Lucozade Sport for the rest of my life it will be too soon!
Ok some boring stats -
1M - 9.27
2M - 9.38 (19.06)
3M - 9.23 (28.30)
4,5,& 6M - 28.11 (56.41)
7M - 11.31 (1.08.12) - some Neds had moved the mile marker
8M - 7.13 (1.15.25) - see above!
9M - 9.18 (1.24.44)
10M - 9.21 (1.34.06)
11M - 9.35 (1.43.42)
12M - 9.25 (1.53.07)
13M - 9.31 (2.02.3
14M - 9.45 (2.12.24)
15M - 8.52 (2.21.16)
16M - 9.06 (2.30.23)
17M - 9.27 (2.39.51)
18M - 9.08 (2.48.59)
19M - 8.54 (2.57.54)
20M - 9.09 (3.07.03)
21M - 9.12 (3.16.16)
22M - 9.11 (3.25.27)
23M - 9.39 (3.35.06)
24M - 9.23 (3.44.30)
25M - 10.03 (3.54.34)
26M - 9.37 (4.04.11)
0.2 - 1.55
4.06.07 - unofficial time
Was really happy with the time for about 10mins afterwards then got really pee'd off because it was so close to the 4hour mark - I did my best though and 'to start a race and finish in a good time is OK; to start a race and finish in a below par time is still OK; the failure comes when you don't start the race at all'
I've also been following Jeff's blog where he details his training for this Autumn's Philly marathon. Both Jeff and Ty have inspired me to think 'hell, maybe I can do this again'
Below is my report from my first marathon - dedicated to my 2 friends who have got me out of the funk with their sheer enthusiasm and love of running....thank you both! We also share another passion - reading. But that's a whole different blog.
...of my life - bettered only by getting married and having the kids
WOW! - what a day.
5 hours sleep for me interrupted by 3 visits to the loo. Around 10pm last night the adrenalin started to kick in and the enormity of what I was about to do weighed heavily on my mind. OK, I realise that 1000's of people compete in, and finish marathons every weekend. To some it's no big deal, but for me this was actually one of the biggest things that I've undertaken in recent years. To commit to something and to actually see it through is an even bigger thing for me as I've got a very low boredom threshold and start off all enthusiastic about stuff, go right over the top (the disadvantage of having a compulsive and addictive personality) and then move onto another thing just as quickly - the pattern has repeated itself all my life and is something which is difficult at times to live with and to control, and doubly difficult for those around me to live with too - something I frequently feel very guilty about.
Anyway, back to the race. The journey there was spot on and no delays on the bridge this morning thank goodness - who else would be up at that time anyway in that weather apart from us daft runners??
Managed to find the car park with loads of spaces so next stop was the loo's!
Hubby and kids gave me a good luck kiss each - cue lots of tears. It honestly felt like I was kissing them goodbye forever - I really didn't know what I was letting myself in for, or what to expect.
10 seconds countdown....3,2,1, and we were off!! More tears - god I was such an emotional wreck this morning!
It took me about 10mins to get through the start as I was right off the back having been late from the loo's. No problem as the chip would sort out the timing so I just walked and took in the atmosphere. Managed to start jogging but spent the first 2 miles behind a man resembling a 7 foot beanpole who was flanked by 2 horizontally challenged ladies, so there was no way I could get around them. Never mind, it probably did me a favour by slowing me down.
I was feeling really good and the HR was really low. We went right onto the sea front and for the next 7 or 8 miles we had a really strong and cold headwind. I ended up running most of this stretch holding onto my cap as the wind threatened to nick it a few times and send it on a one-way ticket to Norway.
I was expecting to see the family at 7 miles and was looking forward to it but they weren't there
At halfway we came off the seafront onto a bit of a sheltered road....ah bliss!! Got to 13.1M in a very comfy 2:02 even with the headwind. I was beginning to think at this point that I maybe had a very outside chance of cracking 4hours which would've been beyond all expectations of myself. I did need to pick up the pace though in order to do a negative split which I thought at this point I was capable of.....
Got to 15M and saw the family...yippeee. Had to fight really hard with myself to control my emotions at seeing them. They actually stayed at that point as we went off up the road and doubled back so I saw them again at 19M too. The wind was pushing us along now and the rain had stopped - the sun even came out for a brief moment and it began to warm up.
I got cramp in my right calf just before 20M and was thinking this could be the beginning of hitting the wall but I took one last gel (I'd been taking them every 3M and couldn't face any more so took the decision to run the last 10k on water alone) and some lucozade and it went pretty quickly.
Now this is the hurtbox time.....
I've got about 4 or 5 books on marathon running and 3 of them recommend that you only need to train up to 18 miles. Apparently if you can get to 18M then you'll finish the marathon.....well, this maybe so, but they don't tell you in what state you'll finish the marathon.
From 21M I was counting down the miles very slowly and my quads were screaming for me to stop. I knew if I did that I'd never get going again so pushed on and the last 4 miles really hurt in the legs dept. The fact that I have done a few longer runs, I think, prepared me for the last 3-4M. Lots of people were giving up at this point and it was a mental battle as well as physical one to actually pass them instead of taking the easy option of stopping to walk with them.
The last 2M were fantastic - the crowds were lined along the route and it just gives you a lift when all you want to do is lie down and sleep.
Saw the family again with about 200m to go with their banners and managed not to grimace too much - over the finish, arms aloft....YES - I'VE DONE IT!!!! Actually, that's a lie - I got over the line, head down, and shouted 'thank god for that!'
If I never see another gel or Lucozade Sport for the rest of my life it will be too soon!
Ok some boring stats -
1M - 9.27
2M - 9.38 (19.06)
3M - 9.23 (28.30)
4,5,& 6M - 28.11 (56.41)
7M - 11.31 (1.08.12) - some Neds had moved the mile marker
8M - 7.13 (1.15.25) - see above!
9M - 9.18 (1.24.44)
10M - 9.21 (1.34.06)
11M - 9.35 (1.43.42)
12M - 9.25 (1.53.07)
13M - 9.31 (2.02.3
14M - 9.45 (2.12.24)
15M - 8.52 (2.21.16)
16M - 9.06 (2.30.23)
17M - 9.27 (2.39.51)
18M - 9.08 (2.48.59)
19M - 8.54 (2.57.54)
20M - 9.09 (3.07.03)
21M - 9.12 (3.16.16)
22M - 9.11 (3.25.27)
23M - 9.39 (3.35.06)
24M - 9.23 (3.44.30)
25M - 10.03 (3.54.34)
26M - 9.37 (4.04.11)
0.2 - 1.55
4.06.07 - unofficial time
Was really happy with the time for about 10mins afterwards then got really pee'd off because it was so close to the 4hour mark - I did my best though and 'to start a race and finish in a good time is OK; to start a race and finish in a below par time is still OK; the failure comes when you don't start the race at all'
Friday, 12 August 2011
Dancing With Strangers
For a while now, well, a whole year to be exact, I’ve been doing as I please. I ditched my training diary last October and for the first time in 4 years, I have no record of what I’ve been doing. I’ve tried out different things, a bit of FFS, a bit of barefoot running, HR training, a daft cycling challenge, even a bit of swimming (which resembled an albatross trying to land on water)......all very enjoyable and I’ve been able to take positive things from all of them.
I’m nowhere near as fit as I was last Summer, am carrying extra weight, but I’m the healthiest I’ve been for ..well...since I began running again in ’07 after a few years lay off. It feels great. I can’t describe how fantastic it feels but ‘training’ is no longer a chore. If I don’t fancy it one day, I don’t. However, I’m disciplined and experienced enough to know that ‘not doing’ can become a habit and therefore make sure I exercise for at least 30mins every day just to raise the HR a bit.
If someone had told me last year that in 12 months I’d be truly happy with just 30mins exercise a day, I would’ve laughed in their face and told them it wouldn’t be worth the effort of changing into running kit for. It’s a relative thing though and one important thing I’ve learnt from my time out is to keep things in perspective and not to compare the me of now with the me of last year, because that would be daft.
I’ve also learned that there’s a world of difference between being fit, and being healthy. Two words which are often lumped together and which are often mistaken for having the same meaning. I’ve been fit, I’ve been healthy, I’ve also been fit and healthy. With hindsight, if I had to choose only one, I’d take healthy every time. Saying that, I’m striving to be ‘fit and healthy’ again – why settle for chips when you can have fried egg with it too? :wink:
I’d love to be able to go out for 20 mile runs again, not because I love the pain of the ‘death march’, or because I’m some sort of masochist (is that the right word?), but because I just love the pure act of running. I always have. It’s what’s defined me for the last 30 years. It’s what I hope will define me for the next 30.
I can only run 40mins comfortably slow at the moment, but it doesn’t matter. I can’t help but smile through most of my runs and I think for the first time in a long time, I get what it means to enjoy the here and now (Zen) of running rather than what it produces, or might produce next week, next month, next year. That’s not to say in future I’ll become more structured again, but personally at the moment, it’s nice not having to have a purpose to each session other than sheer enjoyment. I don’t have to justify (to myself) why I did a fast mile in the middle of a run or why I threw in a tempo run one day, other than because I could, because I did, and because I wanted to.
I ran last night in torrential rain. The wind was howling and the trails were flooded making running up the hills in the mud and against the current of the temporary river (which the rain water had caused) quite a challenge. I saw 2 dog walkers. Both were dressed from head to toe in full waterproofs and the only visible part of their bodies were their faces. Both were bent double into the rain/wind. Both called me mad. Both looked miserable until I laughed out loud, agreed with them and did a dance in the ‘river’ as I ran by to confirm their suspicions. Couldn’t help myself. I saw them again on the way back. Once again they called me mad, but were smiling this time, and once again I laughed and danced.
Then I came face to face with another runner. We exchanged knowing grins and when we met in the middle of the massive puddle which had flooded our path, we linked arms and did a bit of a jig. We didn’t speak, just guffawed at the silliness of ourselves and the situation.
The rain was running in a constant stream off my cap, my legs were covered in mud, my jacket was soaked right through and weighed twice as much as it usually does, and my shoes might’ve been drier had I waded out to sea. But it was the best run I’ve had in months :D I felt free and alive, and at one with the elements.
Running is such a simple pleasure, yet it successfully managed to bond 4 strangers in a tiny village in a sleepy hollow of Scotland to ensure that despite the misery which the UK has found itself in over the last week, we could still smile, dance, and share a brief twinkling of joy in the pouring rain.
That’s why I love running, more so in the rain....not to chase times, and not to win races, but to share the magic moments which unite people who wouldn’t ordinarily converse.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Tour de France Challenge
The crazy plan - to cycle (indoors, or in the garden) a minimum of 100K (in one painful sitting) per day for the duration of TdF.
JULY
Sat 2nd – 100K
Sun 3rd – 128K QC 7M run
Mon 4th – 102K incl 10M TT
Tue 5th – 105K QC 4M run
Wed 6th – 108K - 20min skipping
Thurs 7th – 6M run followed by 127K
Fri 8th – 100K
Sat 9th - 113K hills
Sun 10th - 108K QC 3.5M run
Mon 11th - 4M run Z2
Tues 12th - 132K ave cad 95 QC 30min Z2 run
Wed 13th - 107K inc 2x10M TT QC 35min Z2 run
Thurs 14th - AM 110K QC 37min Z2 run / PM 38min Z2 run
Fri 15th - 101K QC 35min Z2 run
Sat 16th - 180K QC 35min Z4 run (OUCH :omfg: )
Sun 17th - 100K / 37min run
Mon 18th - 35min Z2 run
Tues 19th - 105K
Wed 20th - 121K
JULY
Sat 2nd – 100K
Sun 3rd – 128K QC 7M run
Mon 4th – 102K incl 10M TT
Tue 5th – 105K QC 4M run
Wed 6th – 108K - 20min skipping
Thurs 7th – 6M run followed by 127K
Fri 8th – 100K
Sat 9th - 113K hills
Sun 10th - 108K QC 3.5M run
Mon 11th - 4M run Z2
Tues 12th - 132K ave cad 95 QC 30min Z2 run
Wed 13th - 107K inc 2x10M TT QC 35min Z2 run
Thurs 14th - AM 110K QC 37min Z2 run / PM 38min Z2 run
Fri 15th - 101K QC 35min Z2 run
Sat 16th - 180K QC 35min Z4 run (OUCH :omfg: )
Sun 17th - 100K / 37min run
Mon 18th - 35min Z2 run
Tues 19th - 105K
Wed 20th - 121K
Monday, 20 June 2011
Double Race For Life
as the title says, I did 2 x Race for Life races on Sunday, back to back, inspired by all the endurance people, who've all managed amazing things recently. Let's face it, it's the closest I'll ever get to doing a 'double' anything.....
The 10K was first at 9.30am. Weather at first glance seemed perfect (for the spectators), a little bit of sun but with some cloud cover - I later found out that it was extremely hot and suffocating, especially as most of the course was through woods. I usually prefer wet and windy.
I wasn't confident going into this race. I've struggled recently and have found myself plodding my way through 4 mile runs at 11min/miling.
The start was staggered..sort of. Elites, and proper runners were called to the front, whilst the fairies in drag, sorry I mean in tutus, were asked to fall in behind. This didn't really happen - this frustrates me, not just with these races, but with all races. The people who start at the front, then walk after 100m causing a pile up between the runners who are stuck behind. I've nothing against slower runners, or walkers. I'm one of them. However, if you know you're slower, you don't stand at the front with the Paula Radcliffes. Just frustrates me!
I managed to get a clear run and was in about 10th place after the first little grassy loop of about 500m. I felt comfortable but made the mistake of looking at my watch...it told me I was averaging 7.15min/miling...eek, hell's teeth! That was it. I immediately went into oxygen debt, panicked, thought I was going to die, and just acted like a total drama queen. I backed off the pace straight away to the point of nearly stopping dead (probably frustrating faster runners behind me) and having a concerned Bobby shout to ask me what was wrong - he thought I'd injured myself. I decided not to look at my watch again until near the finish. I knew I was nowhere near fit enough to maintain that speed over 10k let alone a hilly 10K. And boy was it hilly. It went up and up with one 200m downhill at the finish...thanks for that, I really appreciated it *sarcastic face*
The first mile hadn't even been completed and I'd already switched off, just wasn't interested. The hills were brutal, the heat was overwhelming, and I was furious at myself for being swept along too fast in the first half mile instead of sticking to my 'plan'. That was the plan I didn't have, the plan I never have but always talk about because it suggests I'm not just another 'all the gear, no idea' type of runner when in reality, that's all I am.
I walked loads, and then some more. I insulted pushchair pushing path hoggers under my breath, scowled at the bunnies, and nearly rammed a cup of water where the sun don't shine when a young marshal told me to 'smile' because 'it's for a good cause'. Yes, I know that - it's why I'm dressed in god awful pink (actually a washed out lilac) and have spent an obscene amount of money entering your event...*seriously, I was very honoured to be part of the event, just not amused at that moment in time*
Around 2 miles I got a blinding headache but shook it off pretty quickly - I was sweating more than I should've been and just put it down to dehydration even though I'm meticulous about that now and was fully hydrated before the start.
By this point, I was running with about 4 or 5 others. We came to a part of the course which naturally went around to the left. We followed the path and only realised after about 200m we'd gone the wrong way. This added another quarter of a mile or so to an already horrible race for me. I'd lost my sense of humour long before that happened so it had no effect on me at all - water off a ducks back. Like I said, mentally I'd switched off in the first mile and was just going through the motions.
Soon enough I saw 800m to go sign. However, I glanced at my watch and saw something like 45mins. I was a bit confused. I expected to see 50mins+ at this point. I just assumed we were going to run through the finish and do the small loop again, the one we'd done at the start. So I ran through the finish line (my old coach would be so proud) expecting to carry on and got a pink goodie bag thrust at me...oh ok, all done then. 31st out of 750. 6.45miles on my garmin and a time of 48:51. If I hadn't gone the wrong way it would've been a pb by about a minute. It's 3 minutes faster than my flat 10K from 5 weeks ago.
Why don't I feel happy then? Well I guess it's because I didn't give it my all. I gave up before I'd even done the first mile. It's hard to explain but I've been brought up to do my best and I just didn't. I'd rather have done it in an hour but known that I left it all out on the course. Bobby said to me 'just imagine what time you would've done if you'd put some effort in'. I don't want to imagine that - it would be an insult to the people who did do their best and I reckon 749 of them did just that. I feel like I cheated and don't want to acknowledge it - it was probably a freak fluke anyway!
So, moving on - half an hour after finishing, I lined up with my youngest (oldest refused point blank to do it - she has Bobby's 'I don't like sport but I will support you' gene) for the 5K. As I hobbled over to the start with her she tentatively asked me if she could run on her own since I didn't look capable of keeping up with her and she didn't want to slow down and 'blow my chances'..charming. Blow her chances of what, I'm not quite sure but it amused me all the same.
Actually, she was right about my potential to hold her up. It took me 1.7M to catch her and only then because she got a stitch. We walked and chatted for a bit about how she was saving herself for a big sprint finish, and soaking up the atmosphere with the other ladies (my sense of humour had returned by now but unfortunately my legs hadn't). Then she took a deep breath, stated that her stitch had gone and that she'd see me at the finish, which she did cos I couldn't catch her and she took about 2 minutes out of me in the last mile.... think it's the slowest 5K I've ever done but one of the most enjoyable.
Things learned
1. if you know a race is going to be hilly, then train on hills
2. we put limiters on ourselves - by looking at my watch and shocking myself at my pace, I put doubts into my head - race over!
3. flukes happen
4. I really hate 10K's, no seriously, I REALLY hate them.
5. I'm not comfortable with success if it doesn't come from hard work
6. I need to lighten up and remember this is a hobby...and it was for a good cause.
The 10K was first at 9.30am. Weather at first glance seemed perfect (for the spectators), a little bit of sun but with some cloud cover - I later found out that it was extremely hot and suffocating, especially as most of the course was through woods. I usually prefer wet and windy.
I wasn't confident going into this race. I've struggled recently and have found myself plodding my way through 4 mile runs at 11min/miling.
The start was staggered..sort of. Elites, and proper runners were called to the front, whilst the fairies in drag, sorry I mean in tutus, were asked to fall in behind. This didn't really happen - this frustrates me, not just with these races, but with all races. The people who start at the front, then walk after 100m causing a pile up between the runners who are stuck behind. I've nothing against slower runners, or walkers. I'm one of them. However, if you know you're slower, you don't stand at the front with the Paula Radcliffes. Just frustrates me!
The first mile hadn't even been completed and I'd already switched off, just wasn't interested. The hills were brutal, the heat was overwhelming, and I was furious at myself for being swept along too fast in the first half mile instead of sticking to my 'plan'. That was the plan I didn't have, the plan I never have but always talk about because it suggests I'm not just another 'all the gear, no idea' type of runner when in reality, that's all I am.
I walked loads, and then some more. I insulted pushchair pushing path hoggers under my breath, scowled at the bunnies, and nearly rammed a cup of water where the sun don't shine when a young marshal told me to 'smile' because 'it's for a good cause'. Yes, I know that - it's why I'm dressed in god awful pink (actually a washed out lilac) and have spent an obscene amount of money entering your event...*seriously, I was very honoured to be part of the event, just not amused at that moment in time*
Around 2 miles I got a blinding headache but shook it off pretty quickly - I was sweating more than I should've been and just put it down to dehydration even though I'm meticulous about that now and was fully hydrated before the start.
By this point, I was running with about 4 or 5 others. We came to a part of the course which naturally went around to the left. We followed the path and only realised after about 200m we'd gone the wrong way. This added another quarter of a mile or so to an already horrible race for me. I'd lost my sense of humour long before that happened so it had no effect on me at all - water off a ducks back. Like I said, mentally I'd switched off in the first mile and was just going through the motions.
Soon enough I saw 800m to go sign. However, I glanced at my watch and saw something like 45mins. I was a bit confused. I expected to see 50mins+ at this point. I just assumed we were going to run through the finish and do the small loop again, the one we'd done at the start. So I ran through the finish line (my old coach would be so proud) expecting to carry on and got a pink goodie bag thrust at me...oh ok, all done then. 31st out of 750. 6.45miles on my garmin and a time of 48:51. If I hadn't gone the wrong way it would've been a pb by about a minute. It's 3 minutes faster than my flat 10K from 5 weeks ago.
Why don't I feel happy then? Well I guess it's because I didn't give it my all. I gave up before I'd even done the first mile. It's hard to explain but I've been brought up to do my best and I just didn't. I'd rather have done it in an hour but known that I left it all out on the course. Bobby said to me 'just imagine what time you would've done if you'd put some effort in'. I don't want to imagine that - it would be an insult to the people who did do their best and I reckon 749 of them did just that. I feel like I cheated and don't want to acknowledge it - it was probably a freak fluke anyway!So, moving on - half an hour after finishing, I lined up with my youngest (oldest refused point blank to do it - she has Bobby's 'I don't like sport but I will support you' gene) for the 5K. As I hobbled over to the start with her she tentatively asked me if she could run on her own since I didn't look capable of keeping up with her and she didn't want to slow down and 'blow my chances'..charming. Blow her chances of what, I'm not quite sure but it amused me all the same.
Actually, she was right about my potential to hold her up. It took me 1.7M to catch her and only then because she got a stitch. We walked and chatted for a bit about how she was saving herself for a big sprint finish, and soaking up the atmosphere with the other ladies (my sense of humour had returned by now but unfortunately my legs hadn't). Then she took a deep breath, stated that her stitch had gone and that she'd see me at the finish, which she did cos I couldn't catch her and she took about 2 minutes out of me in the last mile.... think it's the slowest 5K I've ever done but one of the most enjoyable.
Things learned
1. if you know a race is going to be hilly, then train on hills
2. we put limiters on ourselves - by looking at my watch and shocking myself at my pace, I put doubts into my head - race over!
3. flukes happen
4. I really hate 10K's, no seriously, I REALLY hate them.
5. I'm not comfortable with success if it doesn't come from hard work
6. I need to lighten up and remember this is a hobby...and it was for a good cause.
Sunday, 19 June 2011
The Plan
I have been wondering lately about doing some self supported events. Time constraints, family, travel logistics, and not forgetting the ever increasing entry fees have made me think. There's always my health too. I can't rely on it and it would really irk me if I trained for months for a big event only to be let down by my body come race day. Ok, so this can happen to 'healthy' people as well, but there's more chance of it happening to me.
I mentioned earlier on in my blog that big events, or even small events, don't motivate me. Considering how many times I've ended up the week before race day, totally unprepared mainly because I haven't been bothered to put in the work, or I've put off starting a schedule, just confirms this. Targeting a self supported event would probably motivate me more. It would definitely fit in with my hap hazard way of training for things, doing as and when I want.
For someone who is meticulous in the rest of my life, making lists, being totally prepared for things, having a daily diary and running my life as a regimented military process, the fact that I can't get my arse in gear for something I love (sport), just frustrates me.
So the events??
I have things bubbling and simmering in the back of my mind. But nothing definite. Obviously, in honour of my blog name I think it only right that I should do an ironman at some point. I'm not a confident cyclist on the roads, actually that's not true, I'm fairly confident in my own ability just not in the ability of others not to hit me. My dad always used to say, treat everyone else on the roads as idiots so at least you'll be unsurprised and prepared when they do the unexpected. I just keep seeing a lot of people getting knocked off, some walk away, many do not. I'm not prepared to leave my kids motherless just for the sake of one of my whims. Harsh maybe, but that's the way I feel.
So, this points towards maybe an indoor ironman. Not the same as a 'proper' one but I'm sure it'll be a challenge.
Another thing I've been toying with is running a marathon in every city of Scotland. Doesn't sound like much of a challenge either since we only have 6 cities, until I explain that it would be done continuously. So, one marathon in Dundee, hop on train and do another one in Aberdeen, another train to Inverness...and so on...
A self supported 100 mile ultra run appeals to me. Need I say any more?
Perhaps the most immediate challenge which I have on my mind, is doing the distance of the TdF for the duration of the tour, indoors on rollers. However, I worked out the ave I would need to ride over 21 days (no rest days) and I would have to cycle around 100 miles per day. I think 100k per day for 21 days is more realistic for me epsecially since I haven't ridden my bike for yonky donks.
I mentioned earlier on in my blog that big events, or even small events, don't motivate me. Considering how many times I've ended up the week before race day, totally unprepared mainly because I haven't been bothered to put in the work, or I've put off starting a schedule, just confirms this. Targeting a self supported event would probably motivate me more. It would definitely fit in with my hap hazard way of training for things, doing as and when I want.
For someone who is meticulous in the rest of my life, making lists, being totally prepared for things, having a daily diary and running my life as a regimented military process, the fact that I can't get my arse in gear for something I love (sport), just frustrates me.
So the events??
I have things bubbling and simmering in the back of my mind. But nothing definite. Obviously, in honour of my blog name I think it only right that I should do an ironman at some point. I'm not a confident cyclist on the roads, actually that's not true, I'm fairly confident in my own ability just not in the ability of others not to hit me. My dad always used to say, treat everyone else on the roads as idiots so at least you'll be unsurprised and prepared when they do the unexpected. I just keep seeing a lot of people getting knocked off, some walk away, many do not. I'm not prepared to leave my kids motherless just for the sake of one of my whims. Harsh maybe, but that's the way I feel.
So, this points towards maybe an indoor ironman. Not the same as a 'proper' one but I'm sure it'll be a challenge.
Another thing I've been toying with is running a marathon in every city of Scotland. Doesn't sound like much of a challenge either since we only have 6 cities, until I explain that it would be done continuously. So, one marathon in Dundee, hop on train and do another one in Aberdeen, another train to Inverness...and so on...
A self supported 100 mile ultra run appeals to me. Need I say any more?
Perhaps the most immediate challenge which I have on my mind, is doing the distance of the TdF for the duration of the tour, indoors on rollers. However, I worked out the ave I would need to ride over 21 days (no rest days) and I would have to cycle around 100 miles per day. I think 100k per day for 21 days is more realistic for me epsecially since I haven't ridden my bike for yonky donks.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Monikie 10K Race
The alarm woke me up shortly before 8am. I lay there tired after a night of broken sleep. The wind and rain were rattling the windows again - seems to be a regular Sunday occurrence. Bobby was snoring lightly beside me and there was no sound or movement coming from the girls rooms. It was still dark despite sunrise being 3 hours ago and I realised upon swallowing that my throat was sore and raw.
I seriously considered pulling the covers back over my head and going back to sleep - I was tired enough. I knew if I did this, it would ruin my day. I rarely DNS an event I've entered, and never DNF if I can help it.
I dragged myself out of bed and padded to the bathroom, to inspect my throat in the mirror. Then I realised my nose was not so much dripping, but running...a lot!
I didn't feel bad as I would imagine I would if it was cold, so decided to cuff it off and blame hayfever, even though I don't usually suffer from it.
Waiting for my toast to pop, I sneezed. Then sneezed again. My 4th sneeze sent my neck into a painful spasm which travelled down my shoulder blade into the small of my back. So painful that it temporarily winded me. When it settled i tried to stretch it out - it crunched and became more painful. Damn! Ibuprofens to the rescue. I usually try to avoid taking any medication especially ibuprofens on race day - they tend to give me serious 'Paula issues' mid race. However, my neck and back were so painful i decided to take my chances.
Race
Went to sign on at the race venue and found there was a problem with my number. I ended up with a doctored number which was supposed to be 43, but ended up looking like 443. This was to cause confusion later on at the finish.
I found a place mid pack on the start line and found that unlike last year, I had a good amount of space to run into. Last year, I started at the back and got trapped in the first mile, panicked, and used up a lot of energy to get back on pace. This led to a very grim race with me hanging on for dear life.
I think because I wasn't bothered about times this year, a huge pressure was lifted, and like all things when you relax you enjoy it more and things go well.
I quickly settled into a good rhythm and found myself counting in my head which helped my cadence. I've been listening to a lot of Audiofuel's music on my training runs and could silently hear 1,2,3,4...1,2,3,4. It really helped.
Although I doubt if I could've increased the pace at all, I was running very comfortably. It got quite difficult at 4 miles which is understandable as my regular training is only over 3.5 miles. I was expecting this and dug in for the 4th mile. Although I thought I'd carried the pace through, my 5th mile was a really random slow one, about 20secs slower than the rest. I didn't feel any worse and can only think that because that particular mile was through the trees, that the gps went haywire and recorded a long mile.
Into the last mile, I tried to pick it up and go for it. It felt as though I was running quickly but the stats suggest otherwise. The last half mile was into a headwind - and for the first time, I really began to feel it. I felt a bit sick in the last 400m especially since it was a long straight - you could see the finish but it wasn't getting any closer. I continued to push through to the end, which eventually arrived and I was very grateful for the opportunity to stop and have a sit down.
Because the event was non chipped, I had to confirm with 3 separate marshalls what my number was but judging by their responses, I wasn't confident they'd recorded my number correctly. I was right. The provisional results came out and I'm down as a DNS...bleurgh!! Ironic really since I felt like DNS'ing this morning but dragged myself out of bed out of, well, pride or duty(?)
Despite the DNS, I'm so happy. My training indicated that on a good day I could slip just under 60 mins. It wasn't a perfectly prepped day considering weather, throat, neck etc but....I smashed 60 mins and came in at......
Garmin stats
Distance - 6.30M
Time - 51:53
Splits - 8:10, 8:12, 8:03, 8:13, 8:40, 8:19, 2:13
Ave pace - 8:15 min/miling
I'm VERY happy!
I seriously considered pulling the covers back over my head and going back to sleep - I was tired enough. I knew if I did this, it would ruin my day. I rarely DNS an event I've entered, and never DNF if I can help it.
I dragged myself out of bed and padded to the bathroom, to inspect my throat in the mirror. Then I realised my nose was not so much dripping, but running...a lot!
I didn't feel bad as I would imagine I would if it was cold, so decided to cuff it off and blame hayfever, even though I don't usually suffer from it.
Waiting for my toast to pop, I sneezed. Then sneezed again. My 4th sneeze sent my neck into a painful spasm which travelled down my shoulder blade into the small of my back. So painful that it temporarily winded me. When it settled i tried to stretch it out - it crunched and became more painful. Damn! Ibuprofens to the rescue. I usually try to avoid taking any medication especially ibuprofens on race day - they tend to give me serious 'Paula issues' mid race. However, my neck and back were so painful i decided to take my chances.
Race
Went to sign on at the race venue and found there was a problem with my number. I ended up with a doctored number which was supposed to be 43, but ended up looking like 443. This was to cause confusion later on at the finish.
I found a place mid pack on the start line and found that unlike last year, I had a good amount of space to run into. Last year, I started at the back and got trapped in the first mile, panicked, and used up a lot of energy to get back on pace. This led to a very grim race with me hanging on for dear life.
I think because I wasn't bothered about times this year, a huge pressure was lifted, and like all things when you relax you enjoy it more and things go well.
I quickly settled into a good rhythm and found myself counting in my head which helped my cadence. I've been listening to a lot of Audiofuel's music on my training runs and could silently hear 1,2,3,4...1,2,3,4. It really helped.
Although I doubt if I could've increased the pace at all, I was running very comfortably. It got quite difficult at 4 miles which is understandable as my regular training is only over 3.5 miles. I was expecting this and dug in for the 4th mile. Although I thought I'd carried the pace through, my 5th mile was a really random slow one, about 20secs slower than the rest. I didn't feel any worse and can only think that because that particular mile was through the trees, that the gps went haywire and recorded a long mile.
Into the last mile, I tried to pick it up and go for it. It felt as though I was running quickly but the stats suggest otherwise. The last half mile was into a headwind - and for the first time, I really began to feel it. I felt a bit sick in the last 400m especially since it was a long straight - you could see the finish but it wasn't getting any closer. I continued to push through to the end, which eventually arrived and I was very grateful for the opportunity to stop and have a sit down.
Because the event was non chipped, I had to confirm with 3 separate marshalls what my number was but judging by their responses, I wasn't confident they'd recorded my number correctly. I was right. The provisional results came out and I'm down as a DNS...bleurgh!! Ironic really since I felt like DNS'ing this morning but dragged myself out of bed out of, well, pride or duty(?)
Despite the DNS, I'm so happy. My training indicated that on a good day I could slip just under 60 mins. It wasn't a perfectly prepped day considering weather, throat, neck etc but....I smashed 60 mins and came in at......
Garmin stats
Distance - 6.30M
Time - 51:53
Splits - 8:10, 8:12, 8:03, 8:13, 8:40, 8:19, 2:13
Ave pace - 8:15 min/miling
I'm VERY happy!
Race Day Eve
I had a complete rest day yesterday as I felt a wee bit weary. Bobby has been on nights this past week and with him coming in at 3am, and me being a light dozer, it's led to a lot of broken sleep. I'm not a great sleeper at the best of times either - it accumulated to make me one tired bunny.
I also took a rest day today too. I woke up with a few tender points - my hips, glutes, and neck. Lack of sleep is a big trigger, so is stress. Not that I'm stressed at the moment but I think subconsciously, I'm a little apprehensive about tomorrow's 10K race.
It'll be my first race in 7 months since burning out. I know I haven't prepared for it as well as I should, or could have. I can just about run 10K now so I'm confident I'll manage the distance. But, considering it's my 'long' run these days, I will suffer if I try to increase the pace from what I'm used to at the moment.
I ran a road 10K with Bobby 2 weeks ago in around 62-63 minutes. Tomorrow's race is flat in that it has little elevation, however it's mostly trail/grass/uneven surface. The route takes us twice around a figure of 8 loop - along a lake. The path is only suitable for the width of one runner, and if you want to overtake, you have to run on a camber. It's not the easiest of routes, even though on paper it looks perfect for fast times. I found this out last year when wearing my racing flats. I had a hell of a job keeping my feet in places, and ignoring the pebbles and jagged stones which I could feel on the soles of my shoes. I won't be making that mistake tomorrow and will be wearing my trail shoes. They may be heavier, but lets face it, even if I borrowed Paula Radcliffe's legs, I still wouldn't go any faster.
The course is also mentally challenging too. You pass the middle of the figure of 8 loop 4 times. There's a lot of opportunity to think that you want to stop. It's great for the spectators, not so for the (mentally weak) runners.
Saying all this, I have butterflies in my stomach. I am feeling excited about what the race will bring, and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in. Before a lot of my earlier races last year (pre burnout), I was apathetic. Obviously looking back now, I can see that this was a warning sign.....
Back to the race - I'm going to go out on a limb and state that I want to break 60 minutes. Although much slower than the 10K I did 8 months ago by about 12 mins, I can't live in the past. I have to go with now, and now I'm hoping I'm capable of dipping under 60. I don't think I'm in any shape to go faster although you always hope and pray for that dream race. The weather doesn't look good for tomorrow either, but if I'm honest, I've run some of my best times in rainy/windy conditions.
Of course, race day eve isn't complete without the fashion show to try out different combinations of race day wear. My kids and Bobby dread this. I disappear, only to reappear minutes later donning what I 'might' wear for the race and ask their opinion. Bobby asks me practical stuff like 'do you feel comfortable in it?' and I ask things like 'do I look fat in this'. Actually, that's the only question I ask and always get the same reply. I'm sure if I weighed 200lbs I'd get the same reply....
What usually happens is that I go through lots of changes of clothing, different combinations, tri shorts with red t-shirt; running shorts with vest, running shorts with black top etc. Usually, as is often the case when the fairer sex is shopping for clothes, the first outfit, in the first shop we visit, is the one we plump for in the end. Same with my race day wear -I end up wearing what I always wear - t-shirt and shorts.
However, the big question tonight was 'what colour buff should I wear and will it clash with the orange in my new trainers?'
I usually have short hair - wash and go, no fuss, that's me. I rarely look in the mirror and just run my fingers through it. However, I've grown it a bit lately. Having naturally curly hair with a mind of it's own, it's no wonder I've kept it short for so long. Now it's longer, and grows outwards and upwards instead of down, I have trouble keeping it out of my face during runs. It won't tie back - well, it will but won't stay there, so I've had to resort to buffs worn in a sort of bandana style to keep it out of harms way.....
I think I'll wear the purple one, or, maybe the orange and white one.
Whatever the weather, I'm going to give the race all I've got - I always do, but the difference this year is that I actually want to race tomorrow and am looking forward with excitement and anticipation. My stomach is filled with happy fluttering butterflies rather than the awful fear and trepidation which was so apparent last year.
I also took a rest day today too. I woke up with a few tender points - my hips, glutes, and neck. Lack of sleep is a big trigger, so is stress. Not that I'm stressed at the moment but I think subconsciously, I'm a little apprehensive about tomorrow's 10K race.
It'll be my first race in 7 months since burning out. I know I haven't prepared for it as well as I should, or could have. I can just about run 10K now so I'm confident I'll manage the distance. But, considering it's my 'long' run these days, I will suffer if I try to increase the pace from what I'm used to at the moment.
I ran a road 10K with Bobby 2 weeks ago in around 62-63 minutes. Tomorrow's race is flat in that it has little elevation, however it's mostly trail/grass/uneven surface. The route takes us twice around a figure of 8 loop - along a lake. The path is only suitable for the width of one runner, and if you want to overtake, you have to run on a camber. It's not the easiest of routes, even though on paper it looks perfect for fast times. I found this out last year when wearing my racing flats. I had a hell of a job keeping my feet in places, and ignoring the pebbles and jagged stones which I could feel on the soles of my shoes. I won't be making that mistake tomorrow and will be wearing my trail shoes. They may be heavier, but lets face it, even if I borrowed Paula Radcliffe's legs, I still wouldn't go any faster.
The course is also mentally challenging too. You pass the middle of the figure of 8 loop 4 times. There's a lot of opportunity to think that you want to stop. It's great for the spectators, not so for the (mentally weak) runners.
Saying all this, I have butterflies in my stomach. I am feeling excited about what the race will bring, and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in. Before a lot of my earlier races last year (pre burnout), I was apathetic. Obviously looking back now, I can see that this was a warning sign.....
Back to the race - I'm going to go out on a limb and state that I want to break 60 minutes. Although much slower than the 10K I did 8 months ago by about 12 mins, I can't live in the past. I have to go with now, and now I'm hoping I'm capable of dipping under 60. I don't think I'm in any shape to go faster although you always hope and pray for that dream race. The weather doesn't look good for tomorrow either, but if I'm honest, I've run some of my best times in rainy/windy conditions.
Of course, race day eve isn't complete without the fashion show to try out different combinations of race day wear. My kids and Bobby dread this. I disappear, only to reappear minutes later donning what I 'might' wear for the race and ask their opinion. Bobby asks me practical stuff like 'do you feel comfortable in it?' and I ask things like 'do I look fat in this'. Actually, that's the only question I ask and always get the same reply. I'm sure if I weighed 200lbs I'd get the same reply....
What usually happens is that I go through lots of changes of clothing, different combinations, tri shorts with red t-shirt; running shorts with vest, running shorts with black top etc. Usually, as is often the case when the fairer sex is shopping for clothes, the first outfit, in the first shop we visit, is the one we plump for in the end. Same with my race day wear -I end up wearing what I always wear - t-shirt and shorts.
However, the big question tonight was 'what colour buff should I wear and will it clash with the orange in my new trainers?'
I usually have short hair - wash and go, no fuss, that's me. I rarely look in the mirror and just run my fingers through it. However, I've grown it a bit lately. Having naturally curly hair with a mind of it's own, it's no wonder I've kept it short for so long. Now it's longer, and grows outwards and upwards instead of down, I have trouble keeping it out of my face during runs. It won't tie back - well, it will but won't stay there, so I've had to resort to buffs worn in a sort of bandana style to keep it out of harms way.....
I think I'll wear the purple one, or, maybe the orange and white one.
Whatever the weather, I'm going to give the race all I've got - I always do, but the difference this year is that I actually want to race tomorrow and am looking forward with excitement and anticipation. My stomach is filled with happy fluttering butterflies rather than the awful fear and trepidation which was so apparent last year.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Marathon Schedule
My 20 week training schedule started on Monday. Well, not really, but I am aware that it should have started. But as I pointed out in my analysing post, I'm not really one for following schedules to the letter. Maybe if I did, I'd see more success. However, success to one person, is another's failure. Success is a very personal thing - mine revolves around enjoyment first, then I worry about times.
I was back in the pool this morning. It was packed. There was a mixture of good swimmers, middle of the road swimmers, OAP's, and then me. To be honest, I wasn't as slow as some who seemed content just to float. One older lady decided to walk across me, then later on swim right towards me only to stop abruptly and do half lengths instead of full. It was frustrating to say the least especially since she seemed to do it deliberately not only to me, but to a couple of others in our 'lane'. Though it was a public swim, no lanes were roped off, and I fully understand that if people pay their money they have the right to essentially swim where they like, but a bit of common sense would've gone a long way to diffuse a heated situation. But as with life, there's always that one person who spoils it for everyone else.
After about 45 mins, the pool cleared a bit and I got into a good rhythm. I did 80 lengths in total. It took me 73 minutes which is sloooooow, but faster than last week.
I was back in the pool this morning. It was packed. There was a mixture of good swimmers, middle of the road swimmers, OAP's, and then me. To be honest, I wasn't as slow as some who seemed content just to float. One older lady decided to walk across me, then later on swim right towards me only to stop abruptly and do half lengths instead of full. It was frustrating to say the least especially since she seemed to do it deliberately not only to me, but to a couple of others in our 'lane'. Though it was a public swim, no lanes were roped off, and I fully understand that if people pay their money they have the right to essentially swim where they like, but a bit of common sense would've gone a long way to diffuse a heated situation. But as with life, there's always that one person who spoils it for everyone else.
After about 45 mins, the pool cleared a bit and I got into a good rhythm. I did 80 lengths in total. It took me 73 minutes which is sloooooow, but faster than last week.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Happy Birthday Nana 1918 - 2004
My girls did the heart cakes and I did the round one. Fun tea party had by all.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
I'm a Cowboy...
on a steel horse I ride....
Another bike session this afternoon. Was going to go swimming this morning but youngest had a dentist appointment, time was tight, and I didn't want to turn up with frizzy hair smelling of eau de chlorine.
I baked cakes instead. Some for the after School Christian Club I'm a leader at and some for my Nana's birthday which is tomorrow. Nana is no longer with us, but loved birthdays and a good old knees up, so in her honour, we have a tea party. Just me, Bobby, and our 2 girls...oh, and the dog. We've been doing it for the last 7 years since she died. She was fun loving and very wise, and wouldn't want us to be sad. Our 2 girls were very young when she died, but still remember her and the memories of their time with her. I think that's testament to what sort of person she was.
These are just a few cupcakes I made. I intend to do a 'proper' celebration cake tomorrow. Some people remember with flowers, we do it with cakes.
So, this afternoon I had a bit of spare time. I decided to do a bike session to 'test the water' so to speak. I set myself a session of warming up with about 20 mins of medium effort, with a higher cadence than I'm used to (I'm a gear grinder) of around 95. Then I was planning on doing a really hard 20 mins effort - sustainable but uncomfortable - finishing off with an easy 20 mins cool down.
The first part went ok although I got to the end of the 'warm up' blowing a lot more than I should have. I launched into the hard effort and immediately my quads started burning. They got no worse, but it was very uncomfortable and by the end of the 20 mins, I'd had it. Not cardiovascular wise, but legs wise - they were toast. My planned 20 min cool down consisted of lying across my tri bars for 5 mins before attempting to get off the bike- as soon as I did my legs buckled. Yep, I'm out of shape.
Although I didn't finish the session, I wasn't disappointed. Yes, I was tired, but it was a good tired, the tired you feel when you've worked hard, and I did. It wasn't the tired where you want to sleep for 2 weeks afterwards - that sort of tired isn't good and is exactly what I went through after most sessions last year.
The stats are pretty unimpressive. For the main 20 min set, I managed 7.52 miles at 22.5mph. I have to point out that this session was on rollers, well the back rollers at least as I put the front fork on a stand. There was no resistance other than my gears which I kept in the big ring. So, compared with a turbo session, this is probably far easier although it didn't feel like it at the time.
Enjoyable but I am suffering with very sore lady bits now -sorry TMI, I know.
Another bike session this afternoon. Was going to go swimming this morning but youngest had a dentist appointment, time was tight, and I didn't want to turn up with frizzy hair smelling of eau de chlorine.
I baked cakes instead. Some for the after School Christian Club I'm a leader at and some for my Nana's birthday which is tomorrow. Nana is no longer with us, but loved birthdays and a good old knees up, so in her honour, we have a tea party. Just me, Bobby, and our 2 girls...oh, and the dog. We've been doing it for the last 7 years since she died. She was fun loving and very wise, and wouldn't want us to be sad. Our 2 girls were very young when she died, but still remember her and the memories of their time with her. I think that's testament to what sort of person she was.
So, this afternoon I had a bit of spare time. I decided to do a bike session to 'test the water' so to speak. I set myself a session of warming up with about 20 mins of medium effort, with a higher cadence than I'm used to (I'm a gear grinder) of around 95. Then I was planning on doing a really hard 20 mins effort - sustainable but uncomfortable - finishing off with an easy 20 mins cool down.
The first part went ok although I got to the end of the 'warm up' blowing a lot more than I should have. I launched into the hard effort and immediately my quads started burning. They got no worse, but it was very uncomfortable and by the end of the 20 mins, I'd had it. Not cardiovascular wise, but legs wise - they were toast. My planned 20 min cool down consisted of lying across my tri bars for 5 mins before attempting to get off the bike- as soon as I did my legs buckled. Yep, I'm out of shape.
Although I didn't finish the session, I wasn't disappointed. Yes, I was tired, but it was a good tired, the tired you feel when you've worked hard, and I did. It wasn't the tired where you want to sleep for 2 weeks afterwards - that sort of tired isn't good and is exactly what I went through after most sessions last year.
The stats are pretty unimpressive. For the main 20 min set, I managed 7.52 miles at 22.5mph. I have to point out that this session was on rollers, well the back rollers at least as I put the front fork on a stand. There was no resistance other than my gears which I kept in the big ring. So, compared with a turbo session, this is probably far easier although it didn't feel like it at the time.
Enjoyable but I am suffering with very sore lady bits now -sorry TMI, I know.
Loving it...
My mojo is sky high. But, I'm keeping it in check. It's difficult.
Back to the pool this morning - there was a queue outside waiting for it to open. I was the youngest in the queue.
On entering the changing rooms I was treated to a wrinkly bottom. An old man in his 70's (maybe) decided the cubicles were for the more prudish among us and just stripped off at the lockers. It looked very liberating the way he was just chucking his clothes off and into the locker. Stark naked with his black nylon socks the last items to be kicked off.
Reminded me of very young kids, their innocence, and their ability to not really care what others think, or if their actions will offend. It highlights how we seem to come a full circle in our lives....the bit in between, the middle aged years, well, we could do worse than to take a leaf out of the people in the generations below and above us.
The pool was busy. Well, busier than usual. Oooh, get me, I've been there 3 times and already think I own the place...not.
I did 70 lengths off the bounce. It was (slightly) faster than last weeks effort but not much. I did 98% of it breaststroke with a few crawls thrown in. I'm determined to crack this fc lark though. I'll never be a great swimmer, but there is room for a bit of improvement, I think.
Back home for a run. Supposed to be easy but I stretched the old legs a wee bit. It felt good. Not great, but good enough and going in the right direction at long last.
4.2 windy miles in total. I tried out my new trail shoes. I've had Adidas Kanadias for the last 3 years - my new ones are NB 573's. Not much padding which suits me just fine as anything more hurts my hips and glutes. Pretty grippy too but I suspect not as good in mud as the Kanadias.
Back to the pool this morning - there was a queue outside waiting for it to open. I was the youngest in the queue.
On entering the changing rooms I was treated to a wrinkly bottom. An old man in his 70's (maybe) decided the cubicles were for the more prudish among us and just stripped off at the lockers. It looked very liberating the way he was just chucking his clothes off and into the locker. Stark naked with his black nylon socks the last items to be kicked off.
Reminded me of very young kids, their innocence, and their ability to not really care what others think, or if their actions will offend. It highlights how we seem to come a full circle in our lives....the bit in between, the middle aged years, well, we could do worse than to take a leaf out of the people in the generations below and above us.
The pool was busy. Well, busier than usual. Oooh, get me, I've been there 3 times and already think I own the place...not.
I did 70 lengths off the bounce. It was (slightly) faster than last weeks effort but not much. I did 98% of it breaststroke with a few crawls thrown in. I'm determined to crack this fc lark though. I'll never be a great swimmer, but there is room for a bit of improvement, I think.
Back home for a run. Supposed to be easy but I stretched the old legs a wee bit. It felt good. Not great, but good enough and going in the right direction at long last.
4.2 windy miles in total. I tried out my new trail shoes. I've had Adidas Kanadias for the last 3 years - my new ones are NB 573's. Not much padding which suits me just fine as anything more hurts my hips and glutes. Pretty grippy too but I suspect not as good in mud as the Kanadias.
Thinking and Analysing...
Love is what makes you smile when you're tired......
I'm not usually one for keeping to strict training schedules, usually starting off with good intentions only to get bored a couple of weeks in, chop and change my mind a bit, move to a different schedule, take nice bits from one and discard the horrible bits, then glue it together with a different one....basically, I'm terrible at following training plans.
Usually the plan comes first, then you follow it. With me the running usually comes first and then the training plan morphs around it - I can hear the sharp intake of every coaches breath in the land, and visualise them shaking their heads with despair.
In normal life, I'm really strict with myself. I have routines for everything, which I guess comes from being a busy Mum/wife. I like to think it's being organised, but really I'm just a borderline OCD'er. I also have a compulsive personality disorder - I think a lot of sports people do, they have to in order to succeed. Don't they?
Having a compulsive, addictive personality has it's drawbacks. We are generally difficult to live with, can never focus on one thing for very long, and our minds race at 100mph most of the time. We conduct several conversations at once because of our inability to concentrate for long periods of time. We live for the moment and rarely plan stuff. We are spontaneous, reckless even, and frequently thoughtless towards those close to us. And then there are times when we withdraw completely, avoid interaction with anyone other than our families, and prefer our own company.
For a long time I thought being like this was an inconvenience. However, being a generally positive person, I like to think of having this sort of personality as a blessing in disguise. If I'd been 'normal' I wouldn't have done some of the things I've done which I believe have shaped me into the person I am today
It's a pity I don't have the discipline to follow a strict training plan - I often wonder if I've got the potential to get any better and if I'm short changing myself by not committing to one, or a coach......then I think nah, do my own thing.
I do it because I love it, it's always been part of me, and there's a possibility I'd get too obsessed with hitting certain sessions, and depressed if I didn't. Actually, I've been guilty of just that in the past.
It's at times like these when I'm actually glad I'm fully aware of having a compulsive personality. After last years spectacular burnout, and the subsequent conditions I now have to live with because of my stupidity, Inow fully understand my triggers so I can take a step back and re-asses the situation rather than ploughing on with sessions regardless. I see it happen a lot, and I also see people over training, obsessing, and getting depressed because of it. It happened to me. It'd took the enjoyment out of it for me so for now, I'll do as I please. If that means I'm going to be a BOP'er for the rest of my running days, then so be it.
We never stop learning and it's good to challenge ourselves from time to time. If we did the same things, day in day out, we'd get the same results. It's interesting to see how minor changes to the daily routine can have major effects.
The lessons I learnt from last year aren't anything profound, they aren't going to set the world alight, they didn't need much research, and they were all common sense. But, sometimes we need to experience them just have that 'aaah' light bulb moment, and to prove that what we hear through the research of experts, or read in books which have been researched by these afore mentioned clever people, is usually, in a round about way, true.
We're like children though. Our parents tell us not to touch a hot stove but we do. Once we have, we know that's it's not bright to touch it again. This is where the learning curve comes in. I love learning, finding out things for myself, about myself, and discovering new things and new ways of approaching challenges and overcoming problems.
In brief I learnt that sleep, rest, recovery, and nutrition are paramount to delivering adequate results on the training ground. Sounds obvious but I think a lot of athletes mind sets are to push on regardless of how they feel. I did this last year when something was obviously wrong and which then led to complete exhaustion. It pays to listen to your body otherwise you end up injured and ill. However, I realised there is a fine line between feeling a bit sore and tired where you can run through it and sometimes record really satisfying sessions but choosing to bin it, and being completely lazy and negative and binning it anyway.
Recovery and rest is of the utmost importance. Sometimes it might feel like I can't contain my mojo, but learned it's better to reign it in and keep it simmering. I needed recovery and rest days during heavy training periods to absorb the workload I'd put my body through in previous days....unfortunately rest was a rude word for me last year.
Nutrition and hydration are a weakness of mine. I frequently go for long runs not bothering to hydrate beforehand, during, or after and rarely fuel up beforehand either. For certain things this is OK, for example if I want to train my system to use my fat stores for fuel during long runs. However, if I'm doing anything other than long slow running, I need to pay attention to eating and drinking enough.
As a point of interest, I read that the average person has fat reserves, enough to run 40 marathons without taking on any fuel. Sort of challenges the other research which suggests the only reason people hit the wall in marathons is because they only have enough fat stores to get them to 20 miles.
Wondering why I run. I decided that I'm intrinsically (is that a word?) motivated. I do it for the love of it; I do it because I get excited about trying out new ways to train and getting the same, or different results; I do it because it captures my attention; I love the feeling of challenging myself.
I believe that I'd run even if there was nothing at stake. I could go out and run 50 marathons in 50 days (theoretically of course as I have no intention of doing that whatsoever)) and it would satisfy me as long as I got out of it what I'd set out to get. I might do an 40x400m session, and would, just to see what will happen to my body, to my mind....
I'm not interested in trophies, or the medals, although I have got a secret t-shirt/goody bag affliction.
I wonder if there are more intrinsic or extrinsic people around? I presume there are more of the latter? Crowds cheering at events don't motivate me to go faster, and don't really inspire me. It's nice but I've ran many more races where there are no crowds cheering and have enjoyed them more. In fact, I actually get embarrassed in the last 200m or so of any race which has a large crowd cheering the competitors through the finish. For me, that's the worst part of the race. A lot of people I know love that part, throw their arms up, high five the crowd, wave, and engage in banter. For me it's head down and get it over with as quickly as possible.
I'm odd.
I'm not usually one for keeping to strict training schedules, usually starting off with good intentions only to get bored a couple of weeks in, chop and change my mind a bit, move to a different schedule, take nice bits from one and discard the horrible bits, then glue it together with a different one....basically, I'm terrible at following training plans.
Usually the plan comes first, then you follow it. With me the running usually comes first and then the training plan morphs around it - I can hear the sharp intake of every coaches breath in the land, and visualise them shaking their heads with despair.
In normal life, I'm really strict with myself. I have routines for everything, which I guess comes from being a busy Mum/wife. I like to think it's being organised, but really I'm just a borderline OCD'er. I also have a compulsive personality disorder - I think a lot of sports people do, they have to in order to succeed. Don't they?
Having a compulsive, addictive personality has it's drawbacks. We are generally difficult to live with, can never focus on one thing for very long, and our minds race at 100mph most of the time. We conduct several conversations at once because of our inability to concentrate for long periods of time. We live for the moment and rarely plan stuff. We are spontaneous, reckless even, and frequently thoughtless towards those close to us. And then there are times when we withdraw completely, avoid interaction with anyone other than our families, and prefer our own company.
For a long time I thought being like this was an inconvenience. However, being a generally positive person, I like to think of having this sort of personality as a blessing in disguise. If I'd been 'normal' I wouldn't have done some of the things I've done which I believe have shaped me into the person I am today
It's a pity I don't have the discipline to follow a strict training plan - I often wonder if I've got the potential to get any better and if I'm short changing myself by not committing to one, or a coach......then I think nah, do my own thing.
I do it because I love it, it's always been part of me, and there's a possibility I'd get too obsessed with hitting certain sessions, and depressed if I didn't. Actually, I've been guilty of just that in the past.
It's at times like these when I'm actually glad I'm fully aware of having a compulsive personality. After last years spectacular burnout, and the subsequent conditions I now have to live with because of my stupidity, Inow fully understand my triggers so I can take a step back and re-asses the situation rather than ploughing on with sessions regardless. I see it happen a lot, and I also see people over training, obsessing, and getting depressed because of it. It happened to me. It'd took the enjoyment out of it for me so for now, I'll do as I please. If that means I'm going to be a BOP'er for the rest of my running days, then so be it.
We never stop learning and it's good to challenge ourselves from time to time. If we did the same things, day in day out, we'd get the same results. It's interesting to see how minor changes to the daily routine can have major effects.
The lessons I learnt from last year aren't anything profound, they aren't going to set the world alight, they didn't need much research, and they were all common sense. But, sometimes we need to experience them just have that 'aaah' light bulb moment, and to prove that what we hear through the research of experts, or read in books which have been researched by these afore mentioned clever people, is usually, in a round about way, true.
We're like children though. Our parents tell us not to touch a hot stove but we do. Once we have, we know that's it's not bright to touch it again. This is where the learning curve comes in. I love learning, finding out things for myself, about myself, and discovering new things and new ways of approaching challenges and overcoming problems.
In brief I learnt that sleep, rest, recovery, and nutrition are paramount to delivering adequate results on the training ground. Sounds obvious but I think a lot of athletes mind sets are to push on regardless of how they feel. I did this last year when something was obviously wrong and which then led to complete exhaustion. It pays to listen to your body otherwise you end up injured and ill. However, I realised there is a fine line between feeling a bit sore and tired where you can run through it and sometimes record really satisfying sessions but choosing to bin it, and being completely lazy and negative and binning it anyway.
Recovery and rest is of the utmost importance. Sometimes it might feel like I can't contain my mojo, but learned it's better to reign it in and keep it simmering. I needed recovery and rest days during heavy training periods to absorb the workload I'd put my body through in previous days....unfortunately rest was a rude word for me last year.
Nutrition and hydration are a weakness of mine. I frequently go for long runs not bothering to hydrate beforehand, during, or after and rarely fuel up beforehand either. For certain things this is OK, for example if I want to train my system to use my fat stores for fuel during long runs. However, if I'm doing anything other than long slow running, I need to pay attention to eating and drinking enough.
As a point of interest, I read that the average person has fat reserves, enough to run 40 marathons without taking on any fuel. Sort of challenges the other research which suggests the only reason people hit the wall in marathons is because they only have enough fat stores to get them to 20 miles.
Wondering why I run. I decided that I'm intrinsically (is that a word?) motivated. I do it for the love of it; I do it because I get excited about trying out new ways to train and getting the same, or different results; I do it because it captures my attention; I love the feeling of challenging myself.
I believe that I'd run even if there was nothing at stake. I could go out and run 50 marathons in 50 days (theoretically of course as I have no intention of doing that whatsoever)) and it would satisfy me as long as I got out of it what I'd set out to get. I might do an 40x400m session, and would, just to see what will happen to my body, to my mind....
I'm not interested in trophies, or the medals, although I have got a secret t-shirt/goody bag affliction.
I wonder if there are more intrinsic or extrinsic people around? I presume there are more of the latter? Crowds cheering at events don't motivate me to go faster, and don't really inspire me. It's nice but I've ran many more races where there are no crowds cheering and have enjoyed them more. In fact, I actually get embarrassed in the last 200m or so of any race which has a large crowd cheering the competitors through the finish. For me, that's the worst part of the race. A lot of people I know love that part, throw their arms up, high five the crowd, wave, and engage in banter. For me it's head down and get it over with as quickly as possible.
I'm odd.
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Rain....
The rain woke me up pretty early this morning. I lay there dosing. Thoughts drifted through my mind of my many friends whom I knew would be getting up around then to tackle bike rides, and ironman training. I was glad I was doing neither as the rain lashed down, rattling the windows - we have triple glazing too.
I wondered if an ironman would be for me. I don't train well in the mornings and it's not for the lack of trying. I have at various stages of my life, dragged myself out of bed in the middle of the night, well ok, 5am, and gone for moonlit runs. It's never worked for me and I've never got used to it despite giving it a good go.
Apparently it takes just 21 days to make or break a habit - I've usually given myself 4-5 weeks of regular training and all that happens is that I end up very tired, grumpy, and snapping at everyone.
Ironman races tend to start very early too. Just not sure if I'm cut out for it. Anyway, those are things to ponder over the next few months, if not years. I'm in no rush.
The sun came out around lunchtime so I decided to try my luck at another 10k. This time I used a familiar out and back route, a trail run which was going to be a little testing considering the amount of rain which came down last night.
As suspected most of the route had big puddles, and lots of mud. The puddles which I couldn't run around, I just ran through and was surprised to find how deep they were, some coming up to my calf. It was good fun. It was warm and sunny though - just perfect.
I got to the turn around point comfortably enough but realised on turning that I'd been running into a headwind. I mentally prepared for a really nice calm run back and hoped for a negative split.
Best laid plans and all that.....
2 miles from home, the sky darkened, I heard a crash of distant thunder, and then the heavens opened. I've never ran in conditions like that for a very long time. The force of the rain was actually stinging every bare part of my body especially my face. My glasses steamed up, and I literally couldn't see a hand in front of me due to the fog which had rolled in. This lead to an embarrassing near collision with 2 dog walkers and their 4 dogs as they were walking rather fast with heads down, and I was running along doing the same. No hard feelings and despite the horrible conditions, we all saw the funny side.
At around 5 miles I turned off the trails onto the country lane which takes me home to find Bobby driving towards me. He'd seen the weather, got a bit worried, and came out to rescue me. He was rather surprised when, soaked to the skin and hair plastered to my head, I, grinning like mad, refused a lift home. I had to complete the run just for my own sanity (or lack of).
9 or 10 minutes later I turned into my street, big smile on my face, legs and arms red raw, but with the greatest satisfaction I've had from a run in some months.
I didn't get my negative split - missed it by 18 seconds but considering the weather on the return leg, I can't be too disappointed....can I?
I wondered if an ironman would be for me. I don't train well in the mornings and it's not for the lack of trying. I have at various stages of my life, dragged myself out of bed in the middle of the night, well ok, 5am, and gone for moonlit runs. It's never worked for me and I've never got used to it despite giving it a good go.
Apparently it takes just 21 days to make or break a habit - I've usually given myself 4-5 weeks of regular training and all that happens is that I end up very tired, grumpy, and snapping at everyone.
Ironman races tend to start very early too. Just not sure if I'm cut out for it. Anyway, those are things to ponder over the next few months, if not years. I'm in no rush.
The sun came out around lunchtime so I decided to try my luck at another 10k. This time I used a familiar out and back route, a trail run which was going to be a little testing considering the amount of rain which came down last night.
As suspected most of the route had big puddles, and lots of mud. The puddles which I couldn't run around, I just ran through and was surprised to find how deep they were, some coming up to my calf. It was good fun. It was warm and sunny though - just perfect.
I got to the turn around point comfortably enough but realised on turning that I'd been running into a headwind. I mentally prepared for a really nice calm run back and hoped for a negative split.
Best laid plans and all that.....
2 miles from home, the sky darkened, I heard a crash of distant thunder, and then the heavens opened. I've never ran in conditions like that for a very long time. The force of the rain was actually stinging every bare part of my body especially my face. My glasses steamed up, and I literally couldn't see a hand in front of me due to the fog which had rolled in. This lead to an embarrassing near collision with 2 dog walkers and their 4 dogs as they were walking rather fast with heads down, and I was running along doing the same. No hard feelings and despite the horrible conditions, we all saw the funny side.
At around 5 miles I turned off the trails onto the country lane which takes me home to find Bobby driving towards me. He'd seen the weather, got a bit worried, and came out to rescue me. He was rather surprised when, soaked to the skin and hair plastered to my head, I, grinning like mad, refused a lift home. I had to complete the run just for my own sanity (or lack of).
9 or 10 minutes later I turned into my street, big smile on my face, legs and arms red raw, but with the greatest satisfaction I've had from a run in some months.
I didn't get my negative split - missed it by 18 seconds but considering the weather on the return leg, I can't be too disappointed....can I?
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Back on the Bike
Boy oh boy, am I out of cycling shape.
10 miles in 31:43 and puffing and wheezing as if I smoke 90 a day. Lots of work to be done..
Oh, and yes I did cheat by taking my front wheel off - and I still couldn't break 30mins for 10 miles...doh!
10 miles in 31:43 and puffing and wheezing as if I smoke 90 a day. Lots of work to be done..
Oh, and yes I did cheat by taking my front wheel off - and I still couldn't break 30mins for 10 miles...doh!
Friday, 6 May 2011
Plodder or Slogger...
Thought I’d attempt a 10k down the trails, through the forest to the beach and back. I knew it would be a challenge mainly because of the distance, but also the heat. I don’t run well when it’s too warm and my asthma plays up. But, a mile into the run, England’s weather finally made it up here and I was treated to a lovely shower. It stirred the freshly cut grass and the smell was amazing. It’s at times like these I’m reminded why I love running so much.
The run went better than expected but I think I should be renamed slogger. One paced regardless of how much effort I put in...oh well. However, it did show that I might, if everything goes my way, have an outside chance of dipping under 60mins at next week’s race. We’ll see!
The run went better than expected but I think I should be renamed slogger. One paced regardless of how much effort I put in...oh well. However, it did show that I might, if everything goes my way, have an outside chance of dipping under 60mins at next week’s race. We’ll see!
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
And Again...
Did another solid hour hammering out lengths. Started getting to grips with front crawl. Couldn’t understand how I was going into serious oxygen debt and then had a light bulb moment – kick from the hips instead of the knees and stretch the arms out and pull(?). Anyway it was much easier so I’ll keep trying that and hopefully get better at it.
I was told on twitter today that only ‘proper’ swimmers kick so I guess I’ll have to kick that habit quickly (no pun intended).
Witnessed major pool rage but thankfully I wasn’t the cause of it, and it had nothing to do with me. Was entertaining enough though
Also saw a few hairy backs and shoulders – I think someone (me) should have a word with them soon
I still have no idea about lane etiquette but I’m sure if the other swimmers are anything like the pool raging woman today, they’ll tell me soon enough if I’m doing something wrong.
And to commit myself to doing these sessions, I’ve signed up for our county’s leisure scheme. £17.50 a month for unlimited swimming at most of the pools around here. The pool I use is about 8 miles from home so once I’m in better shape, I’ll either run or cycle it
I was told on twitter today that only ‘proper’ swimmers kick so I guess I’ll have to kick that habit quickly (no pun intended).
Witnessed major pool rage but thankfully I wasn’t the cause of it, and it had nothing to do with me. Was entertaining enough though
Also saw a few hairy backs and shoulders – I think someone (me) should have a word with them soon
I still have no idea about lane etiquette but I’m sure if the other swimmers are anything like the pool raging woman today, they’ll tell me soon enough if I’m doing something wrong.
And to commit myself to doing these sessions, I’ve signed up for our county’s leisure scheme. £17.50 a month for unlimited swimming at most of the pools around here. The pool I use is about 8 miles from home so once I’m in better shape, I’ll either run or cycle it
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