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Second Attempt at a Treadmill Run 31/07/19

Unable to run yesterday on my normal running day due to work commitments has really thrown my week out so I knew today I had to get a run of some sorts in. With heavy rain and more forcasted, I didn’t want to chance waiting till 6pm when Stu was home so decided to give the treadmill another whirl.

So I pulled it out of it’s dust collecting position in the hallway to where I could also see Suzie playing in the living room. I started slow trying to get into a pace, turning up the speed as I went until I got to the 8 mark. I don’t know if its my imagination or what but running on a treadmill always seems like I am going way much quicker than out doors but I’m actually going snails pace! How does that work? It took me the first 2k to find a stride I was comfortable with and one that I would not kick the plate in front or fall off the belt behind. I’d just started to feel like I was making progress when Suzie decided to find a pen and daddy’s books! So hopping off the treadmill (I did this safely) to rescue the said books from being drawn on majorly interrupted my pace. Maybe treadmill wasn’t the best option when house bound with a toddler.

I got back on and was amused for five minutes when suzie came up to the baby gate, yes I’m not daft enough to run on the treadmill with toddler access she would have been trying to join me or swinging off the bars if she had a choice. I think she was impersonating me running stood in front of me waving my arms around running on the spot. She seemed to find this hilarious before proceeding to going back to taking advantage of a free for all in the living room and emptying all the toy boxes.

I now know why I love running out doors so much, it really is my head space and my time away from tipped up toy boxes.

I have to be honest I also find running on the spot so boring that when I hit 4k my brain had already told my legs they could stop at 5k and we’d make this a small run today, not because my legs were tired but because my brain was bored and I was dripping wet through! (I’ll never moan about fresh air again)

When I hit 5k I began to slow the treadmill down to a walk and walked for a couple of minutes before getting off, I felt quiet disorientated hen I got off and even a bit dizzy having to steady myself, something I’ve not experienced yet whilst running.

I think its safe to say I am not a treadmill runner and shall be avoiding the use of it at all costs.I’m even considering putting it up for sale as I just don’tthink it’s for me. I’m dissapointed at the shocking time and pace of today’s run, that has to be worse 5k ever! However I’m glad I at least did something which is better than nothing.

I am just hoping we don’t get hit with major snow this winter whilst training for the full marathon as I have no idea how I would do more than around 5k in doors. If anyone has any suggestions, hints or tips to help they would be greatly appreciated. I’m looking forward to getting back out on the paths!

 

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Sunday 28th July 19 General Run

I woke this morning with heavy legs and could have quiet easily turned over and gone back to sleep but I knew if I didn’t keep that commitment in place I wouldn’t want to run this afternoon and then I would be a run down. Besides I also knew that after a cuppa and a bit of time to come round I’d be ready to go.

So on went the Red Camo Tikkis, omg! I haven’t work full length ones in ages, lets just say my thighs have definitely bulked out, my weight is averaging the same as what ive been for awhile so it’s definitely the muscles at work from running.

If you could see me pulling them on it would have kept you entertained for hours, once on no problems but I think the getting dressed part probably took more effort than the running! Which top to wear big decision, opted for my Marathon Training one, not only does it go great with cameos but maybe the more I say and see it the more it will seem real as its still in the distance but know once the half is out of the way the full one will take priority.

The weather was dark, cloudy with rain in the air and after the constant downpour yesterday I knew there was going to be some puddles and sludgy bits. What I hadn’t considered when choosing to run down and along the main road to the entrance to the trail was the road to be flooded and very busy with cars. There was another runner on the opposite end to the flooded area also waiting for a clear spot to dart through the puddles so we wouldn’t be drowned by the cars passing.

I jogged onto the grass area not realising that too had many boggy parts and hoped for the best staying as far away from the road side as possible, phew I’d made it feet a little damp but I was dry!I had beaten the drivers, Yay!!

I headed up the trail towards the entrance and decided to mix things up a bit for a change I entered Rothervalley at the first entrance instead of continuing down the trail and went right were I would normally go left. As I ran round and approached the cafe are I started having the whole do I do one lake or two conversation, sometimes I wish the brain would shut off and allow the legs to do the decision making.

Determined to get more distance in today than I had been doing recently and with the weather much cooler, I set my goal of both lakes and up to the entrance of the trail home, so past the turn off I kept going around the smaller lake. Instead of turning off up the slope and joining the trail I decided to continue around the lakes to back to where I had entered, under the bridge and back onto the trail.

Originally my brain had told me once back on the trail I could stop and walk back but I was determined I wanted to see more distance this time, with the weeks going by I knew I had to start thinking about challenging myself a little more and pushing myself, I know my legs can do it I need to stop the brain from taking over, maybe music isn’t enough and its time to think of trying out some pod casts to side track me, note ones self when I get home check out some pod casts.

Determined to complete the distance all way hope I headed off down the track, over the railway bridge and along trail coming out on the hill, I could have easily used the hill as a cool down walk but that inner training voice seemed to rise saying I really needed to get building up my stamina more and I shouldn’t stop if I had more to give. So I slowed my pace and plodded up the hill but didn’t stop once! I’d covered 8.3K happy with that and not a bad pace either.

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Waverley Dash 10k 14th July 2019 in Aid of Prostate Cancer

I arrived at the Winter Green ready to register about 9.40am, there were already lots of clubs In their club kits and runners milling around. Some very athletic looking runners among them.

I was so excited when it came to registering to find that my club t shirt had arrived, so pleased I had choosen the blue Cameo’s this morning a perfect match, my first Grand Pix race and a race our club had organised in  the Handsworth Roadhogs kit. I know it sounds really silly but it made me feel like I was a part of something and a sense of belonging. I was no longer a lone runner. (not that I ever was with my fab running buddies by my side)

We set off at 10.35 on our walk to the starting point, little did we know the start was 1 mile away from where we had registered! Good job we strolled across when we did, climbing up a steep hill to where the starting banner was sat. So pleased the banner was at the top and not the bottom.

With Sharon marshaling this one she went on ahead to get positioned in her post and it wasn’t too long before her daughter who’d decided to run this one was pre warning me to pace it as shed been informed this was a hilly one with some steep areas early on. Cheers for that one, got to love those uphill flat bits!

This was the first real race event I had ran alone, I knew I wasn’t really alone Sharon’s daughter was there and I was surrounded with a good few hundred other runners, but I was missing my pacing team and had decided to not run with ear phones on this one. I’m not entirely sure ear phones were allowed to be honest.

Looking around I could see some proper athletic type runners and knew these would be off and away before I even got to the first K mark, so I positioned myself just behind them but before the 5K lot as they were setting off a few minutes behind.

The horn was sounded and off we went down a trail type path with high grass on either side. I could see all the power runners sprinting off ahead and knew if I allowed myself to get caught up in their speed it would not be long before I would struggle. So I paced it down a bit and told myself it did not matter where I came number wise, running for me has never been about speed its been about completing runs and increasing distances, knowing that every time I ran a race I was improving personally and it was all adding to the training.

About 3.5K in one of the fellow Roadhog ladies ran alongside me when I asked if she was ok her reply was I will be I 1.5K, this got me thinking whats coming up in 1.5k, what do I need to prepare myself for I was hoping all the hills were over with. Then I realised as we came to a marshall holding up a marker and she ran back past me as I was directed to the left, she was doing the 5K. As she past I remember feeling why wasn’t I do the 5K and did ask her if I could go her way lol.

I knew I was starting to feel tired and I started getting a bit angry with myself last weekend I had done 11 miles and not felt this tired until the last couple of miles so how was it that at the 5k mark it felt such an effort? It was warn but no warmer than I had ran in before.

I ran into a woodland area where I was faced with a steep but small incline with Sharon stood directing people, (thanks for the photo Sharon) for a split second I was expecting her to say to carry on up the even steeper incline behind her with small wooden steps so was delighted when she pointed to the left and I heard those words of I think the hard parts over all flattish now.  There were several marshals with cameras and I did try to smile as I passed just in case one good picture was snapped.

I carried on determined and telling myself I could do this and to stop being a whimp. When I arrived at a bridge with steps up I used it as an opportunity to take a breather walking up the steps, slow jog along the bridge and then walking back down the other side I knew if I had ran down the steps it would have turned into more of tumble with disastrous outcomes doing a loop and returning back over the bridge again using it as another 60 second walk. At the bottom stood a fellow Roadhog marshaling, who cheered me on asking me who I was as and commenting on the blue cameo tikkis, I had yet to meet most of them with only running on the ladies night yet but already everyone who I had seen on route had been friendly and welcoming. Following the route back along the way I’d come until reaching the corner of the lake where a Marshal directed me to the left up a field, I knew looking ahead it wasn’t so much as steep but my word it was a long, gradual incline that seemed to go on and on, this was going to be a tough last stretch to the end. I could see the marshall at the end of the hilly bit so focused all my energy on getting to him, I had come this far this was not going to be the race I didn’t finish. About halfway I knew my legs were giving up so took it a step back again and took it as an opportunity to walk quick whist taking a drink before starting to run again and before I knew it I was at the top, last 800meters to go as I went out onto the road and round a corner. As I turned I could see the end and out of no where came a sudden adrenaline rush I wasn’t crawling through the finish line I wanted to sprint through. I seemed to have found a new pair of legs as I pushed along quickening pace down the path way to the end!! Yay another one in the bag!!

I stood on the side line to cheer in the remaining runners not sure how many more were left but I knew Rebekka wasn’t far behind.

I was so relieved to hear even some of the more athletic runners saying it was a tough one, as they waited for others to come in, it made me feel so much better about how tough I had found it.

Shortly after I had finished, Suzie and Stu turned the corner after having spent ages round the housing looking for the finish line and it wasn’t much longer before Rebekka came up the finishing stretch. Suzie managed to claim a medal for her cheering skills 🙂

Slow walk back to the pub through the houses for a victory glass of wine, it has to be done at every race! Many of the Roadhogs came over and introduced themselves to me, whilst Suzie played on the park area some even asking about my running plans for the future which really made me feel part of the group.

Once the crowds had gone and tables started emptying we decided to stay at the winter green for carvery. Well what can I say, the surprise I got when I went to the counter and discovered Stu had ordered giant Yorkshire puddings!! I was definitely podged when done! Definitely flexible syns being used today. To be honest I didn’t manage it all but gave it a good go!

 

 

 

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7th July 2019 Home to Pools brook Country Park and back

After a week prior to holiday feeling unwell and chesty so minimum mileage covered and then 2 weeks of holidaying in France with a lot of wine and cheese I know I have to get back on the serious training and building up those miles again so back into routines this week.

I’ve decided Sunday is the best day for me for longer runs as I can get up and out and still enjoy my family time. So today I have decided I am going to try and aim for at least 10k but really want to push further if possible, within reason. My goal is to run to Poolsbrook country park, the same route the ladies and I had taken prior to going away, and if need be I would walk back.

With it being a fairly flat and straight forward route, I woke feeling confident. After all I had already done this route once not that long ago.

I set off water bladder pack on my back, after throwing half of it down me prior to leaving the house by pulling the hose off the pipe. Note to ones self don’t pull the mouth piece when trying to open the lid. It creates a waterfall effect.

Off down the track and onto the trail I went, It was going to be a warm one so I wanted to get there and back before the heat really started.

Pace was good all the way up till about 8K then I’m not sure if it was my brain telling me once I reached Poolsbrook it was ok to stop or if my legs were getting tired. I think it was my brain, having ran with the ladies last time, chatting as we went along didn’t allow me the time to have these thoughts in my head and question my ability I had just kept up with them. They had also kept me at a steady pace. Pacing myself when I run alone is not my strong point and something I definitely need to work on.

I gave my head a good talking to and told it to shut up with the negative thoughts, I could do this and before long I was hitting Poolsbrook.

I was half way! Just had to return home now one way or another. Now here I told myself since I had to go back anyway I might as well take a slow jog back and keep going, again I left going round the actual country park for another day maybe in a couple of weeks time after I’d built back up it would be my next goal. So after a quick text to hubby to tell him I had made it and was on the way back off I went returning the way I had come, down the trail. The trail is a great flat run and I shall be using it a lot in my training but I have to admit when running on own it is a little boring looking at the same scenery over and over, making the paths look long and endless.

About 15k I really began to flag in energy so decided to take a 60 second walk, a rule I picked up from reading the too fat to run marathon guide and took this as an opportunity to pop in an energy strip.

Having taken one at the start knowing it was a longer run I’m not overly sure what effect they have to be honest. There was no major rush of energy rushing through once I’d had them. so who knows if they were doing anything or not! I was opting for the strips as they have been recommended for being kinder on the stomach, the last thing I needed was an upset stomach whilst out running. I really need to trial stuff over the next couple of months to see what works best.

60 seconds later I kicked my butt back into gear plodding along I knew my pace was slowing but it didn’t matter it wasn’t about speed it was about distance today. I’d told myself when I got to the exit of the trail I could stop and walk the remainder of the short trip along the field and up the hill home as a cool down walk. I could see the exit in sight it just seemed to pop up out of nowhere and after a little talk with my head I told my self I’d come this far why stop now.

So I carried on nice and steady along past the horse field and to the hill, last stretch the hill was slow and to be honest almost a walk but when I reached the back gate I had done It again, on my own this time, 11 whole miles!!

As I walked through the garden I spied a deckchair with my name on it and flopped into it, dropping hubby who was sat in the lounge a text to say I was just going to sit here awhile.I knew I had pushed my self today but also knew I needed to push my self.  I could have given up half way had I have listened to my head which seemed to want me to stop, but I didn’t, something deeper believed in me and kept me going. I Just need to work on making this distance stronger now, I now it won’t always be easy and the training ahead is going to be trying but I’m making that commitment to not giving up and keeping going.

No interesting pictures today as I was too busy keeping myself going, but look at those calories burned!

 

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First run on French ground in Argeles Plage June 2019

After 2 long days of traveling and hotel stays we have arrived at our accommodation for the next 10 days.

I woke early on the first day, something I was hoping I would do so I could get a run in before Stu and Suzie woke and the day began. I had already planned to go out on a run down to the front, which I’d pre checked the night before whilst going for something to eat. I needed to stretch my legs and wake them up after sat in the car, I had been way too lazy the past few days.

The sun was already starting to rise and I could feel it was going to be a hot one so wanted to get out before it was too hot. So quick fruit and yogurt and cup of tea, creeping around and catching the kettle before it whistled so I didn’t wake anyone, before pulling on the Tikkis.

I ran down to the entrance of the camp, passing the que at the just opened bakery doors, the smell of fresh pastries and bread was amazing and I could feel my belly rumbling already. I told myself if I wanted to indulge I definitely needed to have run!

I turned right out of the camp the way we had walked last night and headed along the shops, past the early market traders setting up stalls for the day and through the restaurants onto the sea front. It was so much prettier than it looked last night now I could see it in the day light. With the beach freshly plowed (not sure if that’s the right term) and the sea so calm twinkling int he sun light.

I ran along the path of the well kept sea front taking in the views of the sea and the fresh air. There were several other runners out this morning which was nice to see. I did stop for a few cheeky pictures but who could resist with views like these!

 

I ran up and down the front leaving the way I had come, I am a bit of a whimp at exploring places that are unfamiliar especially when alone but knew as the week went on I would find other entrances and exits out onto the main roads.

Back to the camp past the amazing smelling bakery again, I knew Stu had already said he wanted to take Suzie to choose pastries when she woke so I refrained from stopping off, knowing it wouldn’t be too long before I would have a treat I could enjoy on the decking whilst starting my new read. Really looking forward to reading this book as I had read reviews and heard it was inspirational, also hoping it may give me a few helpful hints and tips in recuperation for what is coming over the next months.

Not the furthest distance Ive ran but my aim over the holidays was just to keep up the exercise so my legs didn’t lose what I’d built up and so I could enjoy some delights with out pilling on too much pounds!

Just in case you were wondering Suzie did make that trip to the bakery! 🙂

 

My aim was to run three times a week but as we got into second week the days started getting hotter and I got up later so it turned out twice a week (4 times over the 10 day stay) Bit annoyed at myself but its better than nothing and I would never have dreamed I would be packing running gear in my holiday bags, now it is an essential. It really is amazing how it becomes an addiction.

 

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Folkeston – First holiday run June 2019

After a week of very little running due to a chesty cough and cold and the start of a two week holiday I knew my running gear had to come with me even if I didn’t run as much I knew no running would make it harder to get back into things when I returned home.

So first morning of our holiday was a bright sunny day in Folkestone with a two day stop off here before boarding the Euro Tunnel and spending two whole days sat in the car traveling I used this as the perfect opportunity to stretch my legs.

Situated on the sea front with gorgeous views I had taken some time out the evening prior to look at where I could run.

I turned left out of the hotel and along the cliff tops, it wasn’t long before I hit a steep slope going down, my thoughts at this point were if I am going down I am going to have to come back up at some point

I noticed markers were being put out along the roads and realised there was some sort of event running event going on, later found out it was their Race for Life, had I have known I would have pre entered as an incentive and joined in.

I hit the bottom of the slope and carried on forward hitting he car park before the light house, looking out to the sea was so pretty and calming but I could not quiet work out how to get to the light house bit so did a tour of the car park and ran back along the bottom part of the cliffs. I soon entered a woodland area designed with walkways and flower beds so well kept it really was pretty. It also had several little park areas which I made a mental note we would visit for a walk later with Suzie.

I ran along through the forest area till hitting an exit back up the cliffs it was zig zaggy but steep so I knew this was going to be a tough bit especially after not running for awhile. Off I plodded up one foot at a time but reaching the top was so breath taking seeing the views out over the sea.

Last little stretch back to the hotel in time for breakfast. Not my fastest are farthest this morning and certainly not the easiest run but I knew if I didn’t start to get back into it it would be so hard to pick back up, it was good to get back out.

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Clumber Park Race For Life June 2019

Today wasn’t about breaking PB’s or dashing around it was all about supporting a fellow running member finish her first race and enjoying a fun day for a fab cause with great friends. This should have been my first official race when first booked but with the earlier races creeping in first this was now my third race.Still my first %k though!

Supported by Stu and Suzie and with a picnic planned after today was going to be a good day.

It was a warm one but luckily not as warm as the day before. So all sun creamed up and ready to go off to Clumber Park we headed. Having just returned from 2 weeks in France I wasn’t the most prepared attire wise so off to the merchandise tent I strutted for a vest to wear with my little miss princess Tikkis. If you ever feel like investing in a pair feel free to use my recommendation link https://prz.io/RrnalaTj getting you 10% off! I could not resist in the pink tutu and also picking up a t-shirt for Suzie ( Maybe next year she can participate).

We lined up at the start for the obligatory warm up dance before getting into sections based on running, jogging or walking.  Hundreds of runners some in some amazing fancy dress costumes, all stood raring to go. I always find this an emotional race (walked in past years not run) with all the remembrance notices pinned to runners and listening to stories before the start. We stopped to take the pre run photo of course!

We were off onto the trails of Clumber Park. with the amount of runners it would have been hard to go at a speedy pace even if we had wanted to with quiet a few narrow walkways it wasn’t easy to overtake other runners and  it was soon easy to spot the mistake at this year event,  as both the 5K and 10K had started together and soon the 10K runners were overlapping and struggling to get through the hustle and bustle of the 5K lot.  This must have been frustrating for them especially the faster runners.

As we came up and over the brow of the hill turning on to the last stretch you could hear the music and commentary at the finish line. So we prepared to finish running in together holding hands just as the ladies had done with me last year, all together leaving no one behind and we did just that with a cracking comment from the gent on the mike over my leggings deserving a ring of the bell!

Yay Jackie had run her first 5K! and it was a privilege to run at her side and she was so deserving of that medal.

This is my favorite picture as I don’t do pictures very well

Then they made me do a more serious one!

Race for Life Clumber Park June 2019

 

 

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What I’ve been up to latley

Well where do I begin? Firstly apologies it seems like ages since I last blogged,  so this is going to be a long one. So grab a cuppa and pull up a chair or simply flick through and jog on (I promise I won’t be offended if you just check out the pictures)

It seems so long ago I was starting the couch to 5K and the though of running even just 5 minutes seemed so daunting and like it wouldn’t happen and yet here I am coming up 2 months after finishing it having achieved so much already and learning to be proud of my achievements.

So my first official 5K race actually turned into a 10K!

After an impromptu entry into Wellbeck 10k with my running buddies. it seemed pointless entering the 5k Nuro Care at Rothervalley the week after so I swapped for the 10K.

How did the crazy idea of running 10k come around on, May 12th at Wellbeck estate? Well that will be my friend Sharon’s idea. who messaged our group chat at 10pm that she’d found a run that looked interesting but the catch was it was the next morning. So when invited it took me all of seconds to say why not! Being a fun run / walk I knew that even if I only made 6k (the furthest I’d run so far) I could walk the remainder and meet them at the end and it would still be an achievement.

There  was only one outfit for today’s run and that was the cookie monster.

We set off nice and steady feeling strong, the scenery was so spectacularly pretty it was breath taking and made the run seem so pleasant that the odd hill didn’t feel too bad and when we hit the 7k mark I was surprised I still felt so good and did a little victory punch in the air as I passed the marker, this was the furthest I’d ever ran!! 7K gone 3K to go I now knew I could do this, I wasn’t stopping now, I wanted that medal! And I wanted to say I’d ran it all. Crossing that line was amazing and I really felt like I could have given more on the day. I think this was the day that I started to realise my crazy Marathon entries may not be all that crazy.

Thank you to my crazy friends for believing I was ready to take on this challenge otherwise I would never have enrolled for a 10k so soon.

So what followed after, let me think. I feel like I have done so much!

There was the 10k neuro race at Rothervalley a fairly flat route and a route I knew so well having done most of my couch to 5k training around there. On May 19th I woke raring to go and excited at the thought of completing another 10k. After a breakfast of overnight oats and a couple of cups of tea I headed down to the registration area. This was my first chip timed event so I was starting to feel like a runner now. There was a variety of runners this morning from club athletes to fun runners. I thought lining up next to the athletic runners would be off putting but it wasn’t I know I am never going to be number one over the line and that really dose not matter what matters is I finish the events I sign up for no matter how long it takes and I take pride in each medal and goal I achieve.

So I set off with my running buddies nice and steady, lap one of the lakes went well and I still felt strong as we passed the finish point to do a final lap around the smaller lake before finishing, Sharon began to pass in front of me picking up pace. I didn’t know at the time but her though was I would either drop back if too fast and finish at my own pace or I would keep up and it would motivate me to push my self that little more. I knew I would never hit her pace but was determined to not get left too far behind so picked up my speed, I could feel the muscles in my legs being used but pushed on through. As I passed the ice cream van I could see that finish line and knew I had a little left to give so set off for the sprint finish!(It has to be done at every race no matter how tired I feel) Yay another 10k medal to hang on my board!

P.S If anyone finds the top I was wearing today can you point me in the right direction I haven’t seen it since it went in the wash after this event! and es my whole wardrobe has been emptied.

26th May 2019 was my next biggy I had started running with the girls on a Tuesday evening doing some hill work and kept my mileage up running three times a week. When they told me they were planning an 11 miler to help with their marathon training. After some thought knowing the route was mainly flat and that if I didn’t manage it all I could walk it, So I decided why not, if I wasn’t going to challenge myself who would it was all great for training.

We set off early with the sun already shinning down on us, today was going to be a warm one. When I was first invite on group runs I was a bit nervous I would hold people up or might fail at running the distances but I have to be honest I’m glad I said yes and took that step, running alongside friends having a chin way (a great way to know the pace is right when you can run and still talk) and having them to pace me really has helped me build up my distance.

Fairly flat route heading from my doorstep, down onto the trail and along to poolsbrook country park. Quick toilet stop before returning back along the trail and up. Note to ones self must master pulling up sweaty tikki’s quicker for Marathon. Didn’t go round the lake saving that extra mileage for another training day.

Heading up the last stretch of hill towards home was a tough one, legs were now tired and my muscles were definitely feeling the mileage but I couldn’t stop now not when I was so close so I plodded up to the top to be greeted with Sharon saying we were so close to a round number of 11 miles and couldn’t stop now so off around the small estate we went and into our car park circling the car park a few times. I think that was the toughest part of the morning I could see my back garden gate but knew it would annoy me not rounding off the miles and I would regret not staggering that little bit.

17.73km in the bag!!! Check out those calories burned!! I must remember this is not an excuse to over indulge.

So happy with this one. I would never have done it if it was not for the help and support of my running buddies Sharon and Marie.

So I think im all caught up apart from The race for life and training runs which I will blog separately. Hope your still with me at this point? Don’t forget to keep following I know it’s going to get tough and I have so much more to learn. I love to read others blogs too so if you blog please do share with me.