Category: General Training

Its 5.10am, yes am not pm and I am up. I’m up is all I am at the moment. I made a commitment to getting up for my first HITT class which starts at a lovely chirpee 6.30am! What is HITT you may e thinking? I wish I could tell you but unfortunately I am thinking the same. Having gone through the exercise class timetable this was one that fitted into an early morning when I could get up before Stu went to work. Whats the worse that can happen its only 30 minutes.

I have taken this little snippet of info off the gyms website just in case anyone is really interested : HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training that’s effective and functional! Get the most out of your workout, burn more calories and get fitter and faster than ever before! ( I like the sound of the effects!)

Who’s it for Everyone who is physically fit can benefit from HIIT. It is ideal if you are short of time and want to burn a large volume of calories quickly!

How it moves HIIT classes are designed so that you work at 100% for intense bursts of exercise with regular short breaks. Intense exercise will help burn more fat and calories than regular aerobic and steady-state workouts. (Not so sure I like the working at 100% idea, maybe this si why group cycling was booked up and this class had 38 spaces!)

Eyes barley open I stumbled down to the kitchen to put the kettle on. It’s times like these I really wish I was a coffee drinker, but just the thought off coffee makes me gag so cuppa tea to try and function it is. I’m not a lay in type of person, even on holidays I’m up before 9am and on everyday days I’m up around 7am but it feels like waking in the middle of the night this morning.

Today’s top of inspiration is stronger every damn day, not sure ill be feeling stronger in 30 minutes time, wish me luck I’ll be back!

Well not quiet the plan I had in mind, HITT never happened, apparently the class had been brought forward 15 minutes due to the changing rooms being refurbished?? What has the changing rooms got to do with the actual class, also no notices of this and nothing on the app so when I walked into the room and they were half way through you can imagine the stupidity |I felt, which quickly turned to a disgruntled first timer! I wasn’t allowed to participate as the warm up had completed, I understand this but was so annoyed having got up early.

So instead of wasting an early start I trundled into the gym are as a member for the first time and found the cross trainers. Setting a variety program, don’t ask me why this particular program, I think it just sounded good and knew if I just used the machine manually I wouldn’t test myself with inclines etc.

I hopped on and then realised it was an hour, oh well why not make the most of my membership this morning so off I went, I was surprised how fast I reached the 5K mark and how strong the legs felt after 30 minutes of going. The only down side was I hadn’t come prepared with phone and music so had a blank wall to look at whilst working out.

Before I knew it 1 hour had one and 9k covered when the cool down started. All before 8am, definitely breakfast time now! Moral of today’s post things may get in the way or stop plans out of your circumstances role with it and adapt.

So some of you may be thinking why I have I joined the gym when it’s running im training for? Or you may really not care at all, I know for the half my training with my miles will most likely be enough to get me by, however I know for a full marathon I need to strengthen and use a variety of exercise to build my body up to carry me those miles. I also though since my treadmill days are well and truly over cross training may help on those winter days when the ice may be on the ground.

So I’m sat here determined tonight I will go out and stretch the legs having not run in a week and that was a pathetic attempt on the treadmill I so need to get back out there.

Waiting for stu to come home from work and s I look outside I can see the clouds getting darker overhead, I have made that commitment and a little rain isn’t going to stop me after all come October or April the weather could be just as bad and in fairness when I first started c25k there were some bad weather days and I didn’t even think twice about not going out then.

Five minutes later the thunder starts followed by a heavy down pour and Suzie stood at the door informing me ‘there’s a storm coming cheers for that Suzie, am I really mad going out in this!

Maybe it will pass in the next half hour I really hope so or I am getting in the car and off to the gym to use my membership for the first time since signing up on Monday.

I never thought I would be having exercise withdrawals! It’s strange how your mindset changes once you start running. I am also concerned I am m veering off my training track which is worrying as I know the weeks are getting nearer and if I don’t stick to my plan things are going to get harder.

After half an hour of watching the down pour from the dry inside there was a gap and a blazing session of sunshine. So running gear quickly pulled on as quick as you can pull running on that is, and off I went with the aim of a gentle 5k to get back into things after 6 days of no running.

I knew the trail and Rothervalley would be wet with puddles so instead of trying to dodge them I embraced them, took my usual rout off down the track and onto Rothervalley then turned right for a change, I like to mix it up sometimes.

Just as I turned onto the country park the heavens opened again, It actually felt so refreshing and didn’t slow my pace at all. About 3.5k I could feel my muscles in my legs and calf’s working and firming up and as much as I knew I would know about it this evening and in the morning I knew I needed to push through and keep my 5k commitment. It sounds strange to anyone who hasn’t run before but I knew this was a good ache, this meant I was strengthening my muscles again after they had rested all week. It’s scary to think it took me originally 9 weeks to build up my stamina and strength to run 5k and yet 1 week of not running and doing very little really can set you back, today’s lesson is consistency really is a key component of training. I just hope there is some where to run in Holland in a few weeks time as I know how much even a few shorter runs in France helped.

The rain didnt last too long, which is a shame really as it felt really good. I decided to do just the one lake today and veered off round past the park and ice cream van, surprisingly the ice cream van was open! Not sure who he was open for as apart from a couple of cyclists and a few mad runnes like myself the park was empty.

I ran around and decided to exit via where I had entered as I knew the wooded trail bit would be boggy underfoot. My wrist buzzed and I looked down I had hit my 5k, yay! My training voice kicked in at this point asking myself if I had anymore to give, my legs did ache but you know what I had to go home one way or another so why not plod back jogging it would also be great to go back with 6k now I’d started running past 5k, before I knew it I was up and under the bridge back o the trail and my wrist had buzzed again to tell me 6k had gone, I couldn’t stop now it was mainly flat to the railway bridge including a bit of a down hill I could do this! Up and over the bridge, I did walk up the stony hill bit to the horses fields wet and stones just looked a recipe for disaster and the last thing I need is an injury.

I always like the last bit of the trail along the horses field it feels like that last stretch when you know the finish line to a race is just round the corner, I did wimp out running up the hill today, I had set out to do 5k and so pleased I had pushed myself further and did over 7k it just shows sometimes asking your self if you have more to give really does work! I am now starving and looking forward to my beef Stroganough. (I have no idea if that’s spelt right)

   

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!

 

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.

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!

 

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.

 

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.