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'
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