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!
Thursday, 15 September 2011
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
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