Its been a while. But I am trying to get back into running now Bristol has been and gone. I have been fairly good, I run at the gym at least twice a week, Park run on Saturdays and long run sundays have been reinstated. And...my husband has started running. He is one of those annoying people who are just good at it. Hump! It's annoying but he is excited by it and it is nice to see. It reminds of those early days when I had run my first mile - the feeling you get is amazing.
Today was Leeds Abbey Dash. Me and T signed up for this together as it would be his first 10k ever. Training was going well and as its a flat course I was hoping to beat my best 10k of 1hr 9secs.
Sadly I got poorly with a chest/throat infection and was banned from running by my doctor. But as my husband has cheered me on at every run (minus Bristol, that was a girls weekend) I felt it only right that I went along today cheered him on.
We arrived early, got parked and then met our friends. There was originally 8 of us all meant to be doing it. But illness/lack of training for some meant there was only 3 left. I have been feeling certain I couldn't do it all week. I knew I was poorly and it was the best I didn't. But then I got there. Seeing everyone ready to go and the fact that I have been feeling better meant I was really jealous that I wasnt lining up with them.
I said bye to the runner, went and got a coffee and then headed to the finish line. Where I stood waiting. I wanted to be right by the line as this is where hubs waits for me. I saw the fastest people come back. They do it in like 29 minutes. INSANE! This is my best 5k time so the fact they would lap me amazes me.
Watching everyone come back was good. I love people watching so seeing people happy with their times was really lovely.
Then I spotted hubs. He came over kissed me and then showed me the running watching time - 51 minutes! Amazing, I felt so porud that I could have cried. He went off to get his timing chip removed and collect his t shirt while I waited. His friend went passed and then they both found me. I asked hubs all the questions you do 'did you enjoy it', 'how are your legs', do you want to another one' he said he enjoyed it, his legs were and yes he wants to another one.
As he started running bcos I was doing so well and he wanted to spend more time with me (although, he is much faster than me so leaves me behind haha) I feel very happy for him that its actually something he is good at.
Hopefully I'll be there beside him for his next 10k!
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Thursday, 15 September 2011
The break
My entire body has been aching since the half, therefore I haven't been able to run. I am missing it more than I thought I would.
Have signed up for a 10k in November though so as of Monday the running is back on.
Treated myself to a winter running top and some new trainers. They cost me 3 times as much as my old ones did and were fitted properly so I am hoping they are going to be good.
Have got hubs into running too, wonder how long it will before he is better than me!
Have signed up for a 10k in November though so as of Monday the running is back on.
Treated myself to a winter running top and some new trainers. They cost me 3 times as much as my old ones did and were fitted properly so I am hoping they are going to be good.
Have got hubs into running too, wonder how long it will before he is better than me!
Monday, 12 September 2011
The big one...
I really tried to keep this update but just got busy! Bad blogger!
Bristol Half Maraton = DONE!! Safe to say it was worth all the aches, pains, blisters, long runs, no weight losses and tantrums about not improving. I had a brilliant day.
I tried as I went along to make a mental note of highs and lows just so I would have something to remember it by.
First things first my stats by my watch:
Distance - 13.31 miles (very strange, its meant to be 13.1, I am putting this down to having to dodge people etc)
Time - 2.23 - 7 minutes less than I hoped for
Average speed - 9kmh
Max speed - 16.6kmh - more on this later!!
Calories - 1661
Ok so I'll start with race morning.
Woke up at 6.30am, had always planned to get up this early. I like to eat 2-3 hours before my long run and it takes me a couple of hours to wake up properly. Got up, showered and then had porridge and a banana and half a pint of water. My friend woke up, we chatted up the fact it was actually the day. Got ready, stressed about how I looked in my running clothes, that my number wasnt on straight, that I needed a wee and that I would finish last.
Once we arrive at the start point, I headed to the loo - for the 6th time since getting out bed. I think I was just nervous. I had a plan in my head and I didn't want to have to stop for the loo. After this though, I made S promise not to let me go again, it was all in my head. We did the warm up together - well she stood with me so I didnt feel silly doing it on my own. Then after they called us to go to the starting pens. Thats when I got even more stressed. What the hell was I doing, why did I think I could actually do it. It was boiling hot, everyone looked like proper runners compared to me (probably all in my head again) and that niggling feeling I would come last. I said bye to S, told her what side I planned to finish on so she could get a photo and be there to see me finish.
We were in the line waiting to start for what seemed like forever. Passed S who took some photos, looking at them now I look so nervous. Walking towards the start like, people started running, I was very confused by this as it wasnt the start line yet. I walked along wondering if I was doing the right thing, then decided I was bcos I knew that wasnt the start. Got ready to start my garmin as I crossed the mats and I was off.
The first mile was odd. There was a crowd cheer point just after we set off, this made me really emotional. Not 100% sure why, I just suddenly realised i was doing this, I had started so unless anything went seriously wrong I was going to complete a half marathon. As I passed someone, I felt something wet on my face, then realised I had tears rolling down my face. My first thought was 'jeez I dont think my mascara is waterproof', (yes I admit I put a little on to make myself look a little better despite my acne flare up!) then 'get a grip - its going to be a long way if you're crying all the time' so I sorted myself out. Then my watch beeped - annoying mile alert that I couldnt work out how to turn off. Quick time check - 8.42 - my fastest mile ever. I was annoyed at myself though, it was boiling hot (well very warm, felt worse ovbiously due to the running) and I had planned on 11.32 minute miles, I was aiming for 2.30 finish I didn't need to rush.
Miles 2-4.5
I think it was that far anyways, was a slow steady incline. Wasn't really focusing on the incline though I was enjoying the views. I have never been to Bristol before and this was a nice route, lots to look at. I saw the Clifton Suspension bridge - its feaky high! Enjoyed watching all the faster runners already on their way down. Passed Donkey and Shrek too - they looked like they were having a great time. Got my first water station too. As it was warm, I decided I would drink at every station, even though I might not feel like I needed it. I wanted to make sure I was well hydrated, last thing I wanted was to feel ill half way round. Took my water, slowed down enough to take proper sips too. Mile pace had settled down to beween 9.30 - 10.30 so I was happier. In all honesty I didnt really notice the incline until we got to the top, turned to come down the other side and thought 'they look to be running down hill', the last minute hill training paid off.
Miles 4.5 - 9
These went well. I had settled into my pace, I was still enjoying exploring Bristol. Have decided the best way to see a city you haven't before is to run around it. Then NERD Rockstar came on my Ipod. Now I only downloaded this the day before after it was recommended to me. But its so catchy. I was kind of running and dancing at the same time. Must have looked odd but I remember smiling and thinking to myself 'I am actually enjoying this'
Miles 10
After the high of the running/dancing and actually enjoying myself - then came mile 10. I really struggled during this mile. It had a hill in, I have no idea how I even made it passed 10! This is when I started to see alot of people who had stopped. It wasn't nice to see and it really made me remember how important it was to listen to your body, slow down, hydrate and train properly.
Miles 11 - 12
Another hill. But I took a walk break and got up it. Then there started to be more people cheering. So very close to the end and at one point I had no idea how my legs were still running. I looked down at them in amazment they just seemed to have a mind of their own. My entire body was aching by 12.5 miles and I was so looking forward to seeing the 13 mile marker.
Mile 13 - 400m to go
Seeing these was awesome. We'd seen them the night before when we were walking back to our hotel. I had planned to 'go for it' at the 400m marker. But when I got to it, I knew I wouldnt be able to. I ran quicker than I had been but it was no sprint finish. When I saw the finish line and i was on a big screen I had 'I actually did it' moment cue loads more crying. Crossed the line doing another little dance to myself. It was over, I had just completed my first ever half marathon - check of the watch - 2hrs 23mins. Lots of jumping around.
Made my way to the after run place, got my foil blanket, drink, good bag, medal and t shirt. I was kind of in a daze. I got my time chip removed, walked around trying to find S - this seemed to take forever. We hadn't agreed on a meet point, I had no phone, no money and no key for the hotel and I was dying to tell someone my time. Eventually I found, she ran over hugged me and said that she had been there since 10.25 watching all the pro's finish! She said she called out when I finished but I didnt hear her, she got photos though. Wish I had taken out my ear phones, I would have loved to have heard someone calling on me. But I am just glad she was there.
We walked back to the hotel, we chatted alot about the race and all the pros. I rung my husband and cried - again. I ran to raise money for the stroke association, hubs mum died after suffering a stroke so this is my way of keeping her memory alive, I sadly never got to meet her so I think this is why I was so emotional. Raised £231 in total - so pleased.
Feeling very proud of myself! Aching all over but enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Already planning challenge 2012.
Things that made me laugh/smile along the way:
Shrek and Donkey
Seeing the Soldiers - have huge respect for them
Seeing a man keep his wife going at 11 miles - I even turned my ipod down to hear their conversation (I am nosey!) and he said 'come on love, we're nearly done. I love you and I did promise you a new handbag for this remeber'
My running/dancing - to everyone else I looked mad, but to me I was having fun
I took some lucozade tablets with me - not thinking they are chalky - had one, really struggled to swallow it, coughed and chalk came flying out my mouth - looked to my right and there a lady laughing at me, I laughed too cue more chalk! Maybe you had to be there but it was sooo funny at the time!
Finishing to S telling me she had text one of our friends to say she saw the fastest person finish, she replied say 'so will Cheryl be about half an hour from now then?!' hahahaha if only....
Highs of the day:
Seeing the finish line
My time
Watching how happy people were to be finishing
Rasing lots of money for a special charity
Lows of the day
Mile 10
my aching body
seeing people who have collapsed/struggling
the 10 new blisters on my feet
Bristol Half Maraton = DONE!! Safe to say it was worth all the aches, pains, blisters, long runs, no weight losses and tantrums about not improving. I had a brilliant day.
I tried as I went along to make a mental note of highs and lows just so I would have something to remember it by.
First things first my stats by my watch:
Distance - 13.31 miles (very strange, its meant to be 13.1, I am putting this down to having to dodge people etc)
Time - 2.23 - 7 minutes less than I hoped for
Average speed - 9kmh
Max speed - 16.6kmh - more on this later!!
Calories - 1661
Ok so I'll start with race morning.
Woke up at 6.30am, had always planned to get up this early. I like to eat 2-3 hours before my long run and it takes me a couple of hours to wake up properly. Got up, showered and then had porridge and a banana and half a pint of water. My friend woke up, we chatted up the fact it was actually the day. Got ready, stressed about how I looked in my running clothes, that my number wasnt on straight, that I needed a wee and that I would finish last.
Once we arrive at the start point, I headed to the loo - for the 6th time since getting out bed. I think I was just nervous. I had a plan in my head and I didn't want to have to stop for the loo. After this though, I made S promise not to let me go again, it was all in my head. We did the warm up together - well she stood with me so I didnt feel silly doing it on my own. Then after they called us to go to the starting pens. Thats when I got even more stressed. What the hell was I doing, why did I think I could actually do it. It was boiling hot, everyone looked like proper runners compared to me (probably all in my head again) and that niggling feeling I would come last. I said bye to S, told her what side I planned to finish on so she could get a photo and be there to see me finish.
We were in the line waiting to start for what seemed like forever. Passed S who took some photos, looking at them now I look so nervous. Walking towards the start like, people started running, I was very confused by this as it wasnt the start line yet. I walked along wondering if I was doing the right thing, then decided I was bcos I knew that wasnt the start. Got ready to start my garmin as I crossed the mats and I was off.
The first mile was odd. There was a crowd cheer point just after we set off, this made me really emotional. Not 100% sure why, I just suddenly realised i was doing this, I had started so unless anything went seriously wrong I was going to complete a half marathon. As I passed someone, I felt something wet on my face, then realised I had tears rolling down my face. My first thought was 'jeez I dont think my mascara is waterproof', (yes I admit I put a little on to make myself look a little better despite my acne flare up!) then 'get a grip - its going to be a long way if you're crying all the time' so I sorted myself out. Then my watch beeped - annoying mile alert that I couldnt work out how to turn off. Quick time check - 8.42 - my fastest mile ever. I was annoyed at myself though, it was boiling hot (well very warm, felt worse ovbiously due to the running) and I had planned on 11.32 minute miles, I was aiming for 2.30 finish I didn't need to rush.
Miles 2-4.5
I think it was that far anyways, was a slow steady incline. Wasn't really focusing on the incline though I was enjoying the views. I have never been to Bristol before and this was a nice route, lots to look at. I saw the Clifton Suspension bridge - its feaky high! Enjoyed watching all the faster runners already on their way down. Passed Donkey and Shrek too - they looked like they were having a great time. Got my first water station too. As it was warm, I decided I would drink at every station, even though I might not feel like I needed it. I wanted to make sure I was well hydrated, last thing I wanted was to feel ill half way round. Took my water, slowed down enough to take proper sips too. Mile pace had settled down to beween 9.30 - 10.30 so I was happier. In all honesty I didnt really notice the incline until we got to the top, turned to come down the other side and thought 'they look to be running down hill', the last minute hill training paid off.
Miles 4.5 - 9
These went well. I had settled into my pace, I was still enjoying exploring Bristol. Have decided the best way to see a city you haven't before is to run around it. Then NERD Rockstar came on my Ipod. Now I only downloaded this the day before after it was recommended to me. But its so catchy. I was kind of running and dancing at the same time. Must have looked odd but I remember smiling and thinking to myself 'I am actually enjoying this'
Miles 10
After the high of the running/dancing and actually enjoying myself - then came mile 10. I really struggled during this mile. It had a hill in, I have no idea how I even made it passed 10! This is when I started to see alot of people who had stopped. It wasn't nice to see and it really made me remember how important it was to listen to your body, slow down, hydrate and train properly.
Miles 11 - 12
Another hill. But I took a walk break and got up it. Then there started to be more people cheering. So very close to the end and at one point I had no idea how my legs were still running. I looked down at them in amazment they just seemed to have a mind of their own. My entire body was aching by 12.5 miles and I was so looking forward to seeing the 13 mile marker.
Mile 13 - 400m to go
Seeing these was awesome. We'd seen them the night before when we were walking back to our hotel. I had planned to 'go for it' at the 400m marker. But when I got to it, I knew I wouldnt be able to. I ran quicker than I had been but it was no sprint finish. When I saw the finish line and i was on a big screen I had 'I actually did it' moment cue loads more crying. Crossed the line doing another little dance to myself. It was over, I had just completed my first ever half marathon - check of the watch - 2hrs 23mins. Lots of jumping around.
Made my way to the after run place, got my foil blanket, drink, good bag, medal and t shirt. I was kind of in a daze. I got my time chip removed, walked around trying to find S - this seemed to take forever. We hadn't agreed on a meet point, I had no phone, no money and no key for the hotel and I was dying to tell someone my time. Eventually I found, she ran over hugged me and said that she had been there since 10.25 watching all the pro's finish! She said she called out when I finished but I didnt hear her, she got photos though. Wish I had taken out my ear phones, I would have loved to have heard someone calling on me. But I am just glad she was there.
We walked back to the hotel, we chatted alot about the race and all the pros. I rung my husband and cried - again. I ran to raise money for the stroke association, hubs mum died after suffering a stroke so this is my way of keeping her memory alive, I sadly never got to meet her so I think this is why I was so emotional. Raised £231 in total - so pleased.
Feeling very proud of myself! Aching all over but enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Already planning challenge 2012.
Things that made me laugh/smile along the way:
Shrek and Donkey
Seeing the Soldiers - have huge respect for them
Seeing a man keep his wife going at 11 miles - I even turned my ipod down to hear their conversation (I am nosey!) and he said 'come on love, we're nearly done. I love you and I did promise you a new handbag for this remeber'
My running/dancing - to everyone else I looked mad, but to me I was having fun
I took some lucozade tablets with me - not thinking they are chalky - had one, really struggled to swallow it, coughed and chalk came flying out my mouth - looked to my right and there a lady laughing at me, I laughed too cue more chalk! Maybe you had to be there but it was sooo funny at the time!
Finishing to S telling me she had text one of our friends to say she saw the fastest person finish, she replied say 'so will Cheryl be about half an hour from now then?!' hahahaha if only....
Highs of the day:
Seeing the finish line
My time
Watching how happy people were to be finishing
Rasing lots of money for a special charity
Lows of the day
Mile 10
my aching body
seeing people who have collapsed/struggling
the 10 new blisters on my feet
Saturday, 6 August 2011
The Saturday Run, aka Park Run
So I have managed to go two weeks in a row and 2 weeks in a row I have forgotten my bar code.
I never ever go running though without my garmin - maybe a little bit geekish but hey ho.
Stats:
Distance - 3 miles
Time - 30:37.04
Average speed - 9.9km/h
Maximum speed - 12.7km/h
Calories - 389
I actually enjoy park run these days. Since my victory over the hill I felt confident that I would be ok again today. I was right, I ran the first lap with my friend Hannah and then we seperated on the first hill. (also met a WI lady for the first time - Annie, who I met before the run strta and then I saw her on the hill 'keep going Annie' I smiled, she was lovely!)
There a girl I use to pace myself. She normally wears a blue top, we kind of switch between beating each other. Some weeks I finish ahead of her, others she is before me. Last week I was 2 minutes fast than her.
Today I worried a bit when I couldn't see her. Then I realised she had a yellow top on. She was ahead of me all the way today and finished 30 seconds ahead of me. I don't mind so much, I know she can get round with no walking and in around 30-31 minutes so I am happy to follow. A few weeks back I was struggling on the hill and as she was passing me she said 'please don't stop - I need to keep pace with you' so I carried on and we both finished within a few seconds of each other. I never thought anything of it at first until I realised we're always behind/infront of each other in the results queue. I quite like having someone to pace myself against. Wonder if she wants to come to Bristol?!
Long run tomorrow - feeling ok about it. I didn't feel like I struggled today - even with the hills so tomorrow will be fine.
My mate did park run in 22 minutes today, firstly how is that even possible and secondly I am jealous haha.
Thoughts on Bristol (I like doing these but they may get annoying!) - I need to find someone to keep pace with!!
I never ever go running though without my garmin - maybe a little bit geekish but hey ho.
Stats:
Distance - 3 miles
Time - 30:37.04
Average speed - 9.9km/h
Maximum speed - 12.7km/h
Calories - 389
I actually enjoy park run these days. Since my victory over the hill I felt confident that I would be ok again today. I was right, I ran the first lap with my friend Hannah and then we seperated on the first hill. (also met a WI lady for the first time - Annie, who I met before the run strta and then I saw her on the hill 'keep going Annie' I smiled, she was lovely!)
There a girl I use to pace myself. She normally wears a blue top, we kind of switch between beating each other. Some weeks I finish ahead of her, others she is before me. Last week I was 2 minutes fast than her.
Today I worried a bit when I couldn't see her. Then I realised she had a yellow top on. She was ahead of me all the way today and finished 30 seconds ahead of me. I don't mind so much, I know she can get round with no walking and in around 30-31 minutes so I am happy to follow. A few weeks back I was struggling on the hill and as she was passing me she said 'please don't stop - I need to keep pace with you' so I carried on and we both finished within a few seconds of each other. I never thought anything of it at first until I realised we're always behind/infront of each other in the results queue. I quite like having someone to pace myself against. Wonder if she wants to come to Bristol?!
Long run tomorrow - feeling ok about it. I didn't feel like I struggled today - even with the hills so tomorrow will be fine.
My mate did park run in 22 minutes today, firstly how is that even possible and secondly I am jealous haha.
Thoughts on Bristol (I like doing these but they may get annoying!) - I need to find someone to keep pace with!!
Thursday, 4 August 2011
The hard runs
AKA - the gym runs!
I am nearly all caught up so thought I'd do these together.
I hate running at the gym. It always too warm, its sweaty and there are mirrors everywhere. I hate looking at myself and I am not too keen on looking at other people either. Plus they have positioned the treadmills away from the tvs!! Why?!
First run - Wednesday
Distance - 4 miles
Time - 45:45
Speed - 8.7 - 9.5km/h
Calories - 410 (not 100% accurate I don't think)
Second run - Thursday
Distance - 3.5 miles
Time - 37:16
Speed - 8.7 - 9.5km/h
Calories - 379 (again I don't think it's accurate)
Hated both of these. I need things to keep my brain occupied. I like to day dream and I cannot day dream while looking at myself in the mirror. I go bright red and my hair sticks to my face. Gross.
Gym runs seems to take longer, the speed I run at needs to be slower too. For some reason if I run at the same speed I do outdoors seems like its too fast for me. My little legs feel like they can't keep up and I am always worried I am going to fall off.
But I managed them.
Thoughts on Bristol - positive - its outdoors!
I am nearly all caught up so thought I'd do these together.
I hate running at the gym. It always too warm, its sweaty and there are mirrors everywhere. I hate looking at myself and I am not too keen on looking at other people either. Plus they have positioned the treadmills away from the tvs!! Why?!
First run - Wednesday
Distance - 4 miles
Time - 45:45
Speed - 8.7 - 9.5km/h
Calories - 410 (not 100% accurate I don't think)
Second run - Thursday
Distance - 3.5 miles
Time - 37:16
Speed - 8.7 - 9.5km/h
Calories - 379 (again I don't think it's accurate)
Hated both of these. I need things to keep my brain occupied. I like to day dream and I cannot day dream while looking at myself in the mirror. I go bright red and my hair sticks to my face. Gross.
Gym runs seems to take longer, the speed I run at needs to be slower too. For some reason if I run at the same speed I do outdoors seems like its too fast for me. My little legs feel like they can't keep up and I am always worried I am going to fall off.
But I managed them.
Thoughts on Bristol - positive - its outdoors!
The I struggled run
Sunday run is long run day - well its meant to be. But I have missed a few. So according to my plan I should be on 7 miles. The last long run I did was 6 miles and that was 3 weeks ago.
The plan was for me to run at Ogden Water and attemped 7 miles. I even talked hubs into coming and reading a book while I ran as it was a nice day.
Nice day - this is where the problem started. But firstly run stats:
Distance - 6 miles (notice 6 not 7!)
Total time - 1:06:46.81 (my worst recorded time for a 6 mile run!)
Max speed - 12.1km/h
Average speed - 8.7km/h
Calories - 719
Secondly - 7 miles didn't quite happen. It was far too warm, there was no air and then I made the mistake of stopping properly for water after 3 miles. Stopping didn't help at all, I couldnt get my pace back and I just wanted to stop. My belly seemed full of water and at one point I thought I was to cry. That sounds silly now, but becuase I have been keeping up my short runs I am starting to find these ok. But when I felt like I couldn't run anymore it really got to me. Frustrated me more than anything. I just want to be good at this. On reflection being good at the longer distances will take as long as getting good at the shorter ones. Patience!
6 miles is still alot and I am still pleased I managed it.
Thoughts on Bristol after - jeeez I hope its cold!
The plan was for me to run at Ogden Water and attemped 7 miles. I even talked hubs into coming and reading a book while I ran as it was a nice day.
Nice day - this is where the problem started. But firstly run stats:
Distance - 6 miles (notice 6 not 7!)
Total time - 1:06:46.81 (my worst recorded time for a 6 mile run!)
Max speed - 12.1km/h
Average speed - 8.7km/h
Calories - 719
Secondly - 7 miles didn't quite happen. It was far too warm, there was no air and then I made the mistake of stopping properly for water after 3 miles. Stopping didn't help at all, I couldnt get my pace back and I just wanted to stop. My belly seemed full of water and at one point I thought I was to cry. That sounds silly now, but becuase I have been keeping up my short runs I am starting to find these ok. But when I felt like I couldn't run anymore it really got to me. Frustrated me more than anything. I just want to be good at this. On reflection being good at the longer distances will take as long as getting good at the shorter ones. Patience!
6 miles is still alot and I am still pleased I managed it.
Thoughts on Bristol after - jeeez I hope its cold!
Park Run
I am a little behind on this blogging!
Park run is where I aim to spend every Saturday until the day before Bristol.
Run stats:
Distance - 3miles
Time - 30:30.32
Max speed - 12.8km/h
Average speed - 9.8km/h
Calories - 385
There is a horrible hill in this run which my trusted watch tells me is .37 of a mile. Its one of those annoying ones that makes you believe its going to be easy and then all of a sudden gets awful. Have to do this hill 3 times. I make a deal with myself to do it without a walk break at least once. Just the once and on the next lap I can walk for 5 seconds.
Saturday was the first time that I have managed to do it all 3 times without a walk break. I managed all of the run without a walk break. I haven't really notice but lately I haven't been having walk breaks. Didn't really even realise this until I noticed I hadn't had one.
Progress!
Thoughts on Bristol today....will there be hills?
Park run is where I aim to spend every Saturday until the day before Bristol.
Run stats:
Distance - 3miles
Time - 30:30.32
Max speed - 12.8km/h
Average speed - 9.8km/h
Calories - 385
There is a horrible hill in this run which my trusted watch tells me is .37 of a mile. Its one of those annoying ones that makes you believe its going to be easy and then all of a sudden gets awful. Have to do this hill 3 times. I make a deal with myself to do it without a walk break at least once. Just the once and on the next lap I can walk for 5 seconds.
Saturday was the first time that I have managed to do it all 3 times without a walk break. I managed all of the run without a walk break. I haven't really notice but lately I haven't been having walk breaks. Didn't really even realise this until I noticed I hadn't had one.
Progress!
Thoughts on Bristol today....will there be hills?
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
The 'can't be bothered run'
I have at least one of these every week, when I am sat and my desk and the last thing I want to do is going running after work. Then I look at my training plans, see the weeks ticked off and see how the number of weeks is getting less and less. So I get changed at 5pm and I go. I don't think there will ever be a time when I am looking forward to all my runs. I am doing better though, they all used to be 'can't be bothered runs' - now its only 1 or 2/4.
Run stats:
Distance - 6.44km (4 miles)
Time - 43:08.11
Avg speed - 9.0km/h
Max speed - 11.5km/h
Calories - 492
I actually enjoyed this run, I went with a friend who I haven't seen for a couple of weeks. We chatted all the way there and walked the warm up and then set off seperately. She is a very funny lady so most of the my time was spent laughing (embarrassingly) out loud to some of the conversations we'd had on the way, trying to resist the urge to belt out Rhianna at the top of my lungs while also trying to fight off the midgys. It went fairly quickly really.
I always seem to find the first mile the hardest, even my on longer runs. I put this down to it taking a while for me to find my pace, once I find that I seem to be ok. It never feels easy, I just don't feel like I am going to die.
Plan ticked off for today, so I am happy!
Thoughts on Bristol today - what state are my feet going to be in when I am done?! I had a fish pedicure last week which made a massive difference, now they are a bit gross again and I've only run 6 miles since.
Run stats:
Distance - 6.44km (4 miles)
Time - 43:08.11
Avg speed - 9.0km/h
Max speed - 11.5km/h
Calories - 492
I actually enjoyed this run, I went with a friend who I haven't seen for a couple of weeks. We chatted all the way there and walked the warm up and then set off seperately. She is a very funny lady so most of the my time was spent laughing (embarrassingly) out loud to some of the conversations we'd had on the way, trying to resist the urge to belt out Rhianna at the top of my lungs while also trying to fight off the midgys. It went fairly quickly really.
I always seem to find the first mile the hardest, even my on longer runs. I put this down to it taking a while for me to find my pace, once I find that I seem to be ok. It never feels easy, I just don't feel like I am going to die.
Plan ticked off for today, so I am happy!
Thoughts on Bristol today - what state are my feet going to be in when I am done?! I had a fish pedicure last week which made a massive difference, now they are a bit gross again and I've only run 6 miles since.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Sunday run...Race For Life
This is the first year that Race for Life has been in Halifax, probably the reason it was the 2nd fastest one to 'sell out'. 2140 people in total took part and my number was 143, my friend was number 6! I didn't actually see numbers 1-5.
Ok so I'll get my official stats out of the way first (thanks to my lovely garmin which is finally being put to good use)
Total distance - 5km (pleased with this as sometimes they can be too short/too long)
Total time - 30:00 (whooop!!)
Avg speed - 9.6kh/h
Max speed - 14.4km/h (my little legs - who knew they could move so fast?!)
Total calories - 369
I was really nervous about this race today. Not 100% sure why, I run the distance reguarly so I knew I would be able to run it. I think the problem is something which I have started to notice which surprised me... I am quite competitive. Not so much with my friends, more myself and people I don't know. For example, I run around Ogden Water every Wednesday with 2 of my friends. Before my training started properly for Bristol Half I would only go round twice (2.2 miles) but then one day we were actually having fun, so we just carried on. In the end we did 4 miles. So when we go now I have to do this distance. It's now on my training plan so it has to be done and I planned the other runs around it. I can't go over otherwise it will mess it up and I won't allow myself to do less. I will allow myself walk breaks if needed though. So the thought of 'sharing' my run today with so many people made me feel nervous. Would I get moody if people got in my way? Would I be able to do it in 30 minutes like I really wanted? Could I cope with a run that's meant to be fun or would I take it too seriously? And would I look stupid since I forgot to get a pink top to wear?
I shouldn't have worried so much. When I got there I had a laugh doing the warm with my friends and then was in tears as some lady told us the story of how she was running it every year until she couldn't in memory of her daughter who died of cancer aged 8, really made me realise that we were there for a serious reason and how important it is. When they called for the runners to go at the front, I headed with them. I was only 3 rows back. Off we went, it started down hill and I set off at a pace which I knew was too fast, but a quick check behind me and I didnt dare slow down just yet. Far too many people and I didn't want to be the person getting in the way after 2 minutes. So I carried on, thankfully (well I thought so anyway) we started to change direction which invloved a slight hill. This hill was to be the first of 3.
The first 3km seemed to go really quickly, I remember thinking 'as if I am over half way already' Then I looked ahead and saw the 2nd hill. I know this hill, its by the place we went for our wedding photos. So to get me up the hill I passed the time by remembering where we stood for photos and remembering walking up the hill with my husband laughing as we didn't know what we were supposed to be talking out.
The last km was all up hill. Horrible. But somehow I managed it. I am putting this down to the fact I was too stubborn to walk so close to the end. The crowd were cheering, the lined the whole way to the finish so I just carried on. I crossed the line just as my watched beeped for the 30 minute indicator I had set. I was very happy...for a few moments anyways, until the person infront of me was sick. Not nice at all. Felt a bit sorry for her.
One of my friends finished in 34 minutes and the other 2 finished it in 42 minutes. Was lovely seeing everyone crossing the line and hugging each other. Next year when I am not training for anything I will do it more as a fun run I think. Then I'll have someone to hug when I finish.
Thoughts on Bristol today - I need to remember to smile when I cross the finish line. Hubs told me I looked very serious today haha.
Ok so I'll get my official stats out of the way first (thanks to my lovely garmin which is finally being put to good use)
Total distance - 5km (pleased with this as sometimes they can be too short/too long)
Total time - 30:00 (whooop!!)
Avg speed - 9.6kh/h
Max speed - 14.4km/h (my little legs - who knew they could move so fast?!)
Total calories - 369
I was really nervous about this race today. Not 100% sure why, I run the distance reguarly so I knew I would be able to run it. I think the problem is something which I have started to notice which surprised me... I am quite competitive. Not so much with my friends, more myself and people I don't know. For example, I run around Ogden Water every Wednesday with 2 of my friends. Before my training started properly for Bristol Half I would only go round twice (2.2 miles) but then one day we were actually having fun, so we just carried on. In the end we did 4 miles. So when we go now I have to do this distance. It's now on my training plan so it has to be done and I planned the other runs around it. I can't go over otherwise it will mess it up and I won't allow myself to do less. I will allow myself walk breaks if needed though. So the thought of 'sharing' my run today with so many people made me feel nervous. Would I get moody if people got in my way? Would I be able to do it in 30 minutes like I really wanted? Could I cope with a run that's meant to be fun or would I take it too seriously? And would I look stupid since I forgot to get a pink top to wear?
I shouldn't have worried so much. When I got there I had a laugh doing the warm with my friends and then was in tears as some lady told us the story of how she was running it every year until she couldn't in memory of her daughter who died of cancer aged 8, really made me realise that we were there for a serious reason and how important it is. When they called for the runners to go at the front, I headed with them. I was only 3 rows back. Off we went, it started down hill and I set off at a pace which I knew was too fast, but a quick check behind me and I didnt dare slow down just yet. Far too many people and I didn't want to be the person getting in the way after 2 minutes. So I carried on, thankfully (well I thought so anyway) we started to change direction which invloved a slight hill. This hill was to be the first of 3.
The first 3km seemed to go really quickly, I remember thinking 'as if I am over half way already' Then I looked ahead and saw the 2nd hill. I know this hill, its by the place we went for our wedding photos. So to get me up the hill I passed the time by remembering where we stood for photos and remembering walking up the hill with my husband laughing as we didn't know what we were supposed to be talking out.
The last km was all up hill. Horrible. But somehow I managed it. I am putting this down to the fact I was too stubborn to walk so close to the end. The crowd were cheering, the lined the whole way to the finish so I just carried on. I crossed the line just as my watched beeped for the 30 minute indicator I had set. I was very happy...for a few moments anyways, until the person infront of me was sick. Not nice at all. Felt a bit sorry for her.
One of my friends finished in 34 minutes and the other 2 finished it in 42 minutes. Was lovely seeing everyone crossing the line and hugging each other. Next year when I am not training for anything I will do it more as a fun run I think. Then I'll have someone to hug when I finish.
Thoughts on Bristol today - I need to remember to smile when I cross the finish line. Hubs told me I looked very serious today haha.
Friday, 22 July 2011
Forth the golden bird?
So after 3 unsussesful attempts at blogging I am back trying again with a forth one. The main reason is Bristol Half Marathon which is 7 weeks on Satuday. (Holy moly me, that has come around quick) I need a running diary, where I can record each run so on bad days I can remember how far I've come.
I have been following my plan - well minus one or two missed sessions. So I feel the training is going well. But and its a big butt, my weight is still going on. I could fool myself with the 'muscle weighs more' etc etc but I won't. Its possible that this is what is happening but its unlikely. So as of Monday I will be a slimming world member again. Dreading it, mostly because I am slight embarrassed that this time last year I was nearly at target weight.
I will have to try and not let this bother when I step on the scales on Monday. Will put it to the back of my mind and just concentrate on getting ready for Bristol. If I know I am eating the right things, this should help the with very negative body image I have allowed myself to get. When I weight this on my way to goal I was over the moon. Happy that my clothes were getting smaller. Turn that round and the weight is going up and the clothes getting bigger and it feels awful. All of my excess weight has gone back on to my arms and my stomach. The places I worked so hard to shift it from. Disappointing.
Anyways, I will stop feeling sorry for myself and get back to the point. Armed with this:
which was a birthday present from my friend, I am getting back on track properly. Its actually more useful than I thought it would be. When I saw it originally I wanted it as it has a section on running whilst pregnant. This was my aim for the year. But it hasn't turned out as planned so I'll go with training for this, losing weight and anything else is a bonus.
I have been following my plan - well minus one or two missed sessions. So I feel the training is going well. But and its a big butt, my weight is still going on. I could fool myself with the 'muscle weighs more' etc etc but I won't. Its possible that this is what is happening but its unlikely. So as of Monday I will be a slimming world member again. Dreading it, mostly because I am slight embarrassed that this time last year I was nearly at target weight.
I will have to try and not let this bother when I step on the scales on Monday. Will put it to the back of my mind and just concentrate on getting ready for Bristol. If I know I am eating the right things, this should help the with very negative body image I have allowed myself to get. When I weight this on my way to goal I was over the moon. Happy that my clothes were getting smaller. Turn that round and the weight is going up and the clothes getting bigger and it feels awful. All of my excess weight has gone back on to my arms and my stomach. The places I worked so hard to shift it from. Disappointing.
Anyways, I will stop feeling sorry for myself and get back to the point. Armed with this:
which was a birthday present from my friend, I am getting back on track properly. Its actually more useful than I thought it would be. When I saw it originally I wanted it as it has a section on running whilst pregnant. This was my aim for the year. But it hasn't turned out as planned so I'll go with training for this, losing weight and anything else is a bonus.
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