My son has now decided to attend circus school in Wookey hole so Tuesdays hve officially became hill work day..... mean have you ever been to Wookey Hole? Its very hilly place. Tonights run was supposed to be a) recovery run after sundays trithlon and b) 6 miles but it ended up being a) extremely hard work b) 4 miles. Which ever direction I went there were just hills. I finished up the run with some hill sprints ( as if I hadnt done enough?!) I chose this lovely short STEEP hill and ran up it FIVE times going further up it each time.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39622501
On Wedensday I went on the exercise bike which hopefully I will be replacing with a turbo trainer very soon. I spend 10 minutes on setting 5 then 6 then 7. After 30 mins warm up I go on the highest resistance possible for 1 minute hardcore then 2 min or 3 minutes recovery for a further 20 mins. I would prefer to be out there on the bike but with childcare issues the front room and happy hardcore is just as good.
I am feeling a little stiff but am putting that down to all the tree swinging I did on Tuesday.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
crewkerne triathlon 2010
Well the day finally arrived and I was more than ready to get going. The alarm went off at 5, big bowl of porridge, quick dog walk and I was off. I put the bike on car, I was so glad had put rack on car the day before because that was an ordeal in itself.
We arrived ( Barry and I) about 6.45 just enough time to register, rack up the bikes and get the kit ready. I am glad that I went with Barry on my first one as he helped to arrange it all for a quick transition. Helmet and glasses on handle bars, number on race belt in the hat, shoes and socks laid out. I really noticed a big difference to running races as you seem to wait around for sometime but in a tri your checking everything is ready to go.
My swimming wave started at 7.35 so I had to be at the pool for 7.20. I put on my lovely yellow cap they gave me and tried to do a banana impression on the side of the pool. Everyone is so friendly and I didn't feel nervous at all, I just really wanted to get going. I was in the pool ready to go and I had to go on the second whistle. I was lucky as there was only 2 of us in my lane so didn't have to worry bout getting in anyones way. I started off really fast and after 2 lengths started to struggle with my breathing, so I did one length of breast stroke which gave me back some control. The rest of the lengths I did front crawl. I was the second to last to get out of the pool and it was quick difficult to get out my arms didn't want to work. I ran down to my bike and went to put shoes on. Oh boy did I lose it here, I felt totally dis-orientated and rather wobbly which is due to the influx of oxygen going back into your body so I was told. I think I did really well here and seemed to go quite smoothly I ran to the mounting area and jumped on the bike.
I overtook one women right at the start and then took off. The bike leg was quite hilly and I caught up and overtook 2 more people who were both on mountain bikes so I didn't feel pleased about overtaking them. I never saw anyone else on the bikes which was bit disappointing as I wanted to actually race someone. It was quite scary in places as the signs you follow said turn right and I was looking for a turning but they were warning you off a bad corner. I was back at the transition area in what seemed a really quick time.
I racked the bike up swapped shoes, lost my vision momentarily as I tried to tie up laces. As I ran off my legs didn't feel as bad as they have done in training when you make the switch and I was very glad that I had done the brick sessions. The first half mile was uphill and my breathing was very laboured but then it went down hill and I started to really enjoy the run. I ended up running through an industrial estate and actually thought I had taken a wrong turn. I saw no-one on the run either but was quite happy about that. The run seemed really really short but I guess 1.5 miles is. I was back in the field and heading towards the finish line where Barry was shouting " sprint finish Blackmore". How could I disappoint? sprint finish it was then. The high hit me then very different high to when you finish a running race......oh boy was I BUZZING. I had done it, I was officially a triathlete.
I cant wait until my next one which is a month and that will be double the distance so it will be a lot more tiring. I was blown away at the diversity of the people taking part, everyone was having soo much fun including the serious athletes. I loved it and I cant wait until my next one.
We arrived ( Barry and I) about 6.45 just enough time to register, rack up the bikes and get the kit ready. I am glad that I went with Barry on my first one as he helped to arrange it all for a quick transition. Helmet and glasses on handle bars, number on race belt in the hat, shoes and socks laid out. I really noticed a big difference to running races as you seem to wait around for sometime but in a tri your checking everything is ready to go.
My swimming wave started at 7.35 so I had to be at the pool for 7.20. I put on my lovely yellow cap they gave me and tried to do a banana impression on the side of the pool. Everyone is so friendly and I didn't feel nervous at all, I just really wanted to get going. I was in the pool ready to go and I had to go on the second whistle. I was lucky as there was only 2 of us in my lane so didn't have to worry bout getting in anyones way. I started off really fast and after 2 lengths started to struggle with my breathing, so I did one length of breast stroke which gave me back some control. The rest of the lengths I did front crawl. I was the second to last to get out of the pool and it was quick difficult to get out my arms didn't want to work. I ran down to my bike and went to put shoes on. Oh boy did I lose it here, I felt totally dis-orientated and rather wobbly which is due to the influx of oxygen going back into your body so I was told. I think I did really well here and seemed to go quite smoothly I ran to the mounting area and jumped on the bike.
I overtook one women right at the start and then took off. The bike leg was quite hilly and I caught up and overtook 2 more people who were both on mountain bikes so I didn't feel pleased about overtaking them. I never saw anyone else on the bikes which was bit disappointing as I wanted to actually race someone. It was quite scary in places as the signs you follow said turn right and I was looking for a turning but they were warning you off a bad corner. I was back at the transition area in what seemed a really quick time.
I racked the bike up swapped shoes, lost my vision momentarily as I tried to tie up laces. As I ran off my legs didn't feel as bad as they have done in training when you make the switch and I was very glad that I had done the brick sessions. The first half mile was uphill and my breathing was very laboured but then it went down hill and I started to really enjoy the run. I ended up running through an industrial estate and actually thought I had taken a wrong turn. I saw no-one on the run either but was quite happy about that. The run seemed really really short but I guess 1.5 miles is. I was back in the field and heading towards the finish line where Barry was shouting " sprint finish Blackmore". How could I disappoint? sprint finish it was then. The high hit me then very different high to when you finish a running race......oh boy was I BUZZING. I had done it, I was officially a triathlete.
I cant wait until my next one which is a month and that will be double the distance so it will be a lot more tiring. I was blown away at the diversity of the people taking part, everyone was having soo much fun including the serious athletes. I loved it and I cant wait until my next one.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Front crawl....think I've cracked it
Now let me explain, my swimming especially front crawl is not perfect. I really struggle with the breathing and its been just a matter of keep practising to see what works and what doesn't.
Tonight the only intention I had was to time myself doing 8 lengths. I was aiming to do one front crawl then one breast stroke. Normally at the end of a length of front crawl I am gasping for breath. I started and got it all wrong within the first length, by the time I got to the end I was out of breath but never the less tried to start a length of breast stroke. That length ended badly too with me stopping due to swallowing half the pool. I felt very sad and annoyed at myself. I decided not to time myself and practise one of the drills that the teacher said in one of the two lessons I actually had.
So I got that weird shaped floaty thing and put it in between by thighs and off I went......OH MY GOD!!!!!!! A light bulb moment. I am not sure what that float did, correct my position, keep me up straight I don't know but you know what I did..... no tell me I hear you scream....... I only went and swam a very fast length of front crawl with perfect breathing and when I got to the end, I felt bloody fantastic, no heavy breathing at all, so I kept going. I did about 6 lengths in total without stopping. Now armed with this magical knowledge tried a few lengths without it and yes I did swim a lot better and I wasn't out of breath. That was all the help that I needed..... 40 lengths some with float and some without.. I am definitely more aware of where my body should be and I think that my problem was using my legs far too much. I am very happy with that......now I have to work on the speed.
Tonight the only intention I had was to time myself doing 8 lengths. I was aiming to do one front crawl then one breast stroke. Normally at the end of a length of front crawl I am gasping for breath. I started and got it all wrong within the first length, by the time I got to the end I was out of breath but never the less tried to start a length of breast stroke. That length ended badly too with me stopping due to swallowing half the pool. I felt very sad and annoyed at myself. I decided not to time myself and practise one of the drills that the teacher said in one of the two lessons I actually had.
So I got that weird shaped floaty thing and put it in between by thighs and off I went......OH MY GOD!!!!!!! A light bulb moment. I am not sure what that float did, correct my position, keep me up straight I don't know but you know what I did..... no tell me I hear you scream....... I only went and swam a very fast length of front crawl with perfect breathing and when I got to the end, I felt bloody fantastic, no heavy breathing at all, so I kept going. I did about 6 lengths in total without stopping. Now armed with this magical knowledge tried a few lengths without it and yes I did swim a lot better and I wasn't out of breath. That was all the help that I needed..... 40 lengths some with float and some without.. I am definitely more aware of where my body should be and I think that my problem was using my legs far too much. I am very happy with that......now I have to work on the speed.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
speed training gone wrong!!
My lovely friend Lisa set me the following challenge...... 3 x 0.45 laps as fast as I can with a short recovery. I thought yep, I can do this.
So off I went to the little park down the road. When I actually measured the outside of the small cricket pitch it didn't even cover 0.45 miles but though as long as I have markers this will be fine. I started by doing a few warm up laps when the cricket team descended upon the pitch!!
This was going to make it nigh on impossible so I had to abandon that idea. I thought about going straight home my tired head saying , your on a taper, your tired.....GO HOME but my training head said YOU LAZY BITCH you have to do something at least.
So I did a mere 9 Min's of training hidden away at the top of the pitch where I hoped I wouldn't be in the way......the width of the pitch was a bout a tenth of a mile so i jogged slowly up and down until the fourth time when I hammered it as fast as I could, no recovery as such. I did this 5 times without stopping and that was me done. These were my lap times 1.48, 1.45, 1.48, 1.52, 1.51
I am feeling incredibly tired and I had a big meal at 2pm so it probably wasn't the best situation but I really must learn that recovery and rest is as good as a workout and I mustn't feel guilty about not training.
So swimming tomorrow then rest Friday and Saturday.
So off I went to the little park down the road. When I actually measured the outside of the small cricket pitch it didn't even cover 0.45 miles but though as long as I have markers this will be fine. I started by doing a few warm up laps when the cricket team descended upon the pitch!!
This was going to make it nigh on impossible so I had to abandon that idea. I thought about going straight home my tired head saying , your on a taper, your tired.....GO HOME but my training head said YOU LAZY BITCH you have to do something at least.
So I did a mere 9 Min's of training hidden away at the top of the pitch where I hoped I wouldn't be in the way......the width of the pitch was a bout a tenth of a mile so i jogged slowly up and down until the fourth time when I hammered it as fast as I could, no recovery as such. I did this 5 times without stopping and that was me done. These were my lap times 1.48, 1.45, 1.48, 1.52, 1.51
I am feeling incredibly tired and I had a big meal at 2pm so it probably wasn't the best situation but I really must learn that recovery and rest is as good as a workout and I mustn't feel guilty about not training.
So swimming tomorrow then rest Friday and Saturday.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
I am tapering honest.....
Well it's 5 days to my first tri and I am in taper week... Taper is so hard, plays with your mind. Well seeing it's 5 days that means technically if I rest Friday and Saturday, I'll be fine.....
Moderation is the key so a quick 6.5 miler on bike in 26.55 followed by a quick 8.36 mile run.. Gotta get my jelly legs used to the transition..
Bike ride incorporated a nice steep hill and then when I got to the top I wanted to see if I could beat my 27.3 mph so I hammered it down. I was doing very well 26.8 but had to stop suddenly due to country traffic. It's actually very scarey going that fast down hills and corners and I'm not sure I have the same nerve I'm used to.
Quick mile run straight after and that's it today's training.
Just off to do my push up challenge
Moderation is the key so a quick 6.5 miler on bike in 26.55 followed by a quick 8.36 mile run.. Gotta get my jelly legs used to the transition..
Bike ride incorporated a nice steep hill and then when I got to the top I wanted to see if I could beat my 27.3 mph so I hammered it down. I was doing very well 26.8 but had to stop suddenly due to country traffic. It's actually very scarey going that fast down hills and corners and I'm not sure I have the same nerve I'm used to.
Quick mile run straight after and that's it today's training.
Just off to do my push up challenge
Monday, June 28, 2010
The beginning of iron lady
So here it starts...... my journal of attempting some pretty mental stuff......
Let me bring you up to scratch.... after a rugby injury I needed an ACL reconstruction and on the first operation, my knee cap was broken and my hamstring severed. Finally they put it right and so began my road to recovery. I wont dwell on this, I am looking to the future.....
So my first challenge was a half marathon which lead to a marathon which I completed in April 2010. So what could I possibly do that could top that?? Well first it starts with a super sprint triathlon ( in less than a week now). I have had a few swimming lessons to get the breathing right but its been dog eared determination that's made me confident to attempt front crawl on my first triathlon. Ive bought a bike and have been cycling everywhere. I feel guilty that my running has taken a step back and I am only getting about 18 miles in a week. I must say I have found it incredibly difficult to find time to get these extra disciplines in.
Next month I have a sprint triathlon, I've entered an extreme x country race and entered Brighton marathon again, but there is a possibility that I will do 2 marathon's in 1 week. But my ultimate goal is HALF IRON MAN UK next Aug.......... That's a 1.2 mile swim followed by 56 miles on a bike followed by 13.1 miles running.
I have been feeling pretty despondent with my swimming, struggling to complete 1 length at a time, I crash and burn at 3/4 of a length. I did tell myself for a while that it was ok as it was a long pool 33.3 m but last Sat something clicked and for every length of breast stroke I matched it with a length of front crawl. One length of front crawl really makes me breathless and i have to have a small recovery even if I am going to do breast stroke next. This is something I really need to work on.
I have only had my new shiny bike for 3 weeks so have been trying to get as many miles in the saddle as possible.
This last week I have swam 72 lengths, ran 24 miles and biked 49.18 miles. This week I am supposed to be on a taper and I will have a few days rest as I feel I have done sooo much training lately. I feel silly having a rest and I feel I should keep pushing because ultimately that's what you will need to do during a triathlon.
Let me bring you up to scratch.... after a rugby injury I needed an ACL reconstruction and on the first operation, my knee cap was broken and my hamstring severed. Finally they put it right and so began my road to recovery. I wont dwell on this, I am looking to the future.....
So my first challenge was a half marathon which lead to a marathon which I completed in April 2010. So what could I possibly do that could top that?? Well first it starts with a super sprint triathlon ( in less than a week now). I have had a few swimming lessons to get the breathing right but its been dog eared determination that's made me confident to attempt front crawl on my first triathlon. Ive bought a bike and have been cycling everywhere. I feel guilty that my running has taken a step back and I am only getting about 18 miles in a week. I must say I have found it incredibly difficult to find time to get these extra disciplines in.
Next month I have a sprint triathlon, I've entered an extreme x country race and entered Brighton marathon again, but there is a possibility that I will do 2 marathon's in 1 week. But my ultimate goal is HALF IRON MAN UK next Aug.......... That's a 1.2 mile swim followed by 56 miles on a bike followed by 13.1 miles running.
I have been feeling pretty despondent with my swimming, struggling to complete 1 length at a time, I crash and burn at 3/4 of a length. I did tell myself for a while that it was ok as it was a long pool 33.3 m but last Sat something clicked and for every length of breast stroke I matched it with a length of front crawl. One length of front crawl really makes me breathless and i have to have a small recovery even if I am going to do breast stroke next. This is something I really need to work on.
I have only had my new shiny bike for 3 weeks so have been trying to get as many miles in the saddle as possible.
This last week I have swam 72 lengths, ran 24 miles and biked 49.18 miles. This week I am supposed to be on a taper and I will have a few days rest as I feel I have done sooo much training lately. I feel silly having a rest and I feel I should keep pushing because ultimately that's what you will need to do during a triathlon.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
why do i do it
Forgive me blog for I have sinned, I have not blogged for ages, there is no races to report. I have to say my fellow tweeters, or friends( I promoted them recently )have inspired me and engaged my mind. After reading about Rays ultra training run( 54 bloody hot miles, what a legend) and seeing the beautiful trio race their little hearts out in the blazing heat (you know who you are) made me think about why do we do it, why do I do it?
I am about to enter a very extreme 10 k multi terrain race, on which they test tanks!!( maybe they should test my head at the same time) I do my first triathlon next Sunday ( which I hasten to add that Ive entered 2 already and haven't even done one yet) and here I am browsing 100 mile local bike rides and I haven't even cycled more than 30. To top it all I have talked at least 3 of my triathlete friends into doing half ironman UK next August, only the hardest half iron man EVER!!!! Oh and I almost forgot that there is a possibility that I could run " marathons in one week next year.
So am i insane? What is going on? Did I just wake up one morning and say "OK bird lets go mental"or has it always been in me all along? I liked keeping fit before my knee injury and I had always said I would do a marathon before I'm 40 but I never entered races or competitions. Did something snap inside me when that stupid surgeon broke my kneecap and severed my hamstring or was it always lurking in my personality? Could I be like Eddie Izzard always looking for approval as I have no father figure in my life or am I a stubborn bitch who wants to constantly challenge myself. Am I addicted to the fitness buzz, always looking for the next adrenalin hit.
If I look back I've always tried to do things out of the ordinary, parachute jumps, ab sailing off buildings for charity, talking to dead people...... Could I be just a quirky Aquarian striving to be different? Or could it just be that I have a fear of failure and I am driven to succeed.
I could spend hours searching into the depth of my personality but you know what......... what ever drives me I don't care..........I like the training, I like the discipline. I like pushing myself and seeing what happens. I like to wake up and say "what crazy thing can I do today?" I also like to eat a lot of cake!!!!!
I read a quote once which said " there are people who sit on the sidewalk of life and clap and there people who run" I think they prob forgot that last bit " that there are people who run, jump skip and dance pulling stupid faces all the way" ...... which one are you?
I am about to enter a very extreme 10 k multi terrain race, on which they test tanks!!( maybe they should test my head at the same time) I do my first triathlon next Sunday ( which I hasten to add that Ive entered 2 already and haven't even done one yet) and here I am browsing 100 mile local bike rides and I haven't even cycled more than 30. To top it all I have talked at least 3 of my triathlete friends into doing half ironman UK next August, only the hardest half iron man EVER!!!! Oh and I almost forgot that there is a possibility that I could run " marathons in one week next year.
So am i insane? What is going on? Did I just wake up one morning and say "OK bird lets go mental"or has it always been in me all along? I liked keeping fit before my knee injury and I had always said I would do a marathon before I'm 40 but I never entered races or competitions. Did something snap inside me when that stupid surgeon broke my kneecap and severed my hamstring or was it always lurking in my personality? Could I be like Eddie Izzard always looking for approval as I have no father figure in my life or am I a stubborn bitch who wants to constantly challenge myself. Am I addicted to the fitness buzz, always looking for the next adrenalin hit.
If I look back I've always tried to do things out of the ordinary, parachute jumps, ab sailing off buildings for charity, talking to dead people...... Could I be just a quirky Aquarian striving to be different? Or could it just be that I have a fear of failure and I am driven to succeed.
I could spend hours searching into the depth of my personality but you know what......... what ever drives me I don't care..........I like the training, I like the discipline. I like pushing myself and seeing what happens. I like to wake up and say "what crazy thing can I do today?" I also like to eat a lot of cake!!!!!
I read a quote once which said " there are people who sit on the sidewalk of life and clap and there people who run" I think they prob forgot that last bit " that there are people who run, jump skip and dance pulling stupid faces all the way" ...... which one are you?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
run in the wild 10 k by meschee at Garmin Connect - Details
run in the wild 10 k by meschee at Garmin Connect - Details: "Share"
I was excited about this race, my first complete x country race. It was to be held in a local wildlife park within beautiful grounds. I had read the reviews, I knew it was going to be challenging but the views would be outtta this world. Barry had entered last minute and the race was on again esp after beating him last week. The start was a tiny little steep hill which immediatly went into a humdinger of a hill with some nasty twists and turns. Its hard to start a race with such a steep hill and you were gasping for breath before you even warmed up. When that first hill finished you were running downhill but the way the land lay meant you were running on a slant on very uneven ground. We then turned into a wood filled with massive puddles and deep ruts. I tried to keep in the middle of the path but then diaster struck. I think I hit a stump hidden by grass and over I went well crashing to a undignifed lump is probably closer to the truth. The only trouble being the track was quite narrow and people were up close behind me so I took down 3 people with me and sat there a bit dazed whilst people jumped over me and ran past. I remember a lady asking if I was ok but no one offered to help..... which i thought was a bit weird, normally runners are such helpful people, maybe I was being scorned for taking the others out to but hey hands up I didnt mean to fall over.
I got back up and started running again ( now if people ask this is where I lost the 4 minutes that Barry beat me by ok!!) my legs felt bit battered, knee bit scrapped but I was ok. I had been really worried about damaging my knees but they were good. It wasnt until a few minutes later that I realised my big toe was throbbing, the uneven ground was making me whince. I thought theres no way I'm walking so just kept going. More hills appeared one that was sooo steep and long that I didnt see anyone at all running up it, it was hard enough to walk up it. I just kept going admiring the views, walking up the really steep hills, well it was my toe you see it bloody hurt. It was a challenge running down the hills, ground uneven, sliding around on sheep poo. My running gait changed dramatically couldnt put weight down on front of foot. Up and down, up and down we went, you could see the people in the distance struggling up( did I mention all the ups and downs?).
At one point after a very very steep hill I tried to start running again but the field was on a rightward lean so to speak and this killed my foot, I actually was close to tears and even thought of grabbing some more marshall ( I'm an injured runner GET ME OUTTA HERE).
The next mile was downhill, we had done 4 miles and sudddenly I gained something, divine intervention, alien abduction, hell knows or maybe I just warmed up but it was downhill and I got a major sprint on. I went rushing through a cold river that numbed my foot ... 5.5 miles nearly there......... there was a few little cheeky steep hills thrown in and as you came out of the woodland again, I could see the finish. The finish was were we started so it was a steep little hill sprint to the line. There was Barry waiting to see me across the finish line where he greeted me 'LOSER'. Ill let him have this one..... just remember I lost those four minutes whilst I was in a coma somewhere in a bottomless pitt with crocodiles.........oh and the giant man eating meerkats!!
Wedy came in soon after that, well done Wendy running across the line with Al.
I took my shoe off half expecting a toe nail to come off and thats when it really started hurting, the adrenlian was gone and shock set in. After people commenting on how my toe was a funny colour I went into the ambulance and as I walked in had a little tearful outburst, but dont tell anyone. Armed with an icepack it went numb and everything was ok.
Again big shout out to all the wonderful, beautiful people on twitter offering their support. I thought off you all cheering me on in my darkest minutes.
So to sum it all up, if you want a challenging but beautiful race then go for it...remember its the moments that challenge us that define us!!
Thank you and good night!
I was excited about this race, my first complete x country race. It was to be held in a local wildlife park within beautiful grounds. I had read the reviews, I knew it was going to be challenging but the views would be outtta this world. Barry had entered last minute and the race was on again esp after beating him last week. The start was a tiny little steep hill which immediatly went into a humdinger of a hill with some nasty twists and turns. Its hard to start a race with such a steep hill and you were gasping for breath before you even warmed up. When that first hill finished you were running downhill but the way the land lay meant you were running on a slant on very uneven ground. We then turned into a wood filled with massive puddles and deep ruts. I tried to keep in the middle of the path but then diaster struck. I think I hit a stump hidden by grass and over I went well crashing to a undignifed lump is probably closer to the truth. The only trouble being the track was quite narrow and people were up close behind me so I took down 3 people with me and sat there a bit dazed whilst people jumped over me and ran past. I remember a lady asking if I was ok but no one offered to help..... which i thought was a bit weird, normally runners are such helpful people, maybe I was being scorned for taking the others out to but hey hands up I didnt mean to fall over.
I got back up and started running again ( now if people ask this is where I lost the 4 minutes that Barry beat me by ok!!) my legs felt bit battered, knee bit scrapped but I was ok. I had been really worried about damaging my knees but they were good. It wasnt until a few minutes later that I realised my big toe was throbbing, the uneven ground was making me whince. I thought theres no way I'm walking so just kept going. More hills appeared one that was sooo steep and long that I didnt see anyone at all running up it, it was hard enough to walk up it. I just kept going admiring the views, walking up the really steep hills, well it was my toe you see it bloody hurt. It was a challenge running down the hills, ground uneven, sliding around on sheep poo. My running gait changed dramatically couldnt put weight down on front of foot. Up and down, up and down we went, you could see the people in the distance struggling up( did I mention all the ups and downs?).
At one point after a very very steep hill I tried to start running again but the field was on a rightward lean so to speak and this killed my foot, I actually was close to tears and even thought of grabbing some more marshall ( I'm an injured runner GET ME OUTTA HERE).
The next mile was downhill, we had done 4 miles and sudddenly I gained something, divine intervention, alien abduction, hell knows or maybe I just warmed up but it was downhill and I got a major sprint on. I went rushing through a cold river that numbed my foot ... 5.5 miles nearly there......... there was a few little cheeky steep hills thrown in and as you came out of the woodland again, I could see the finish. The finish was were we started so it was a steep little hill sprint to the line. There was Barry waiting to see me across the finish line where he greeted me 'LOSER'. Ill let him have this one..... just remember I lost those four minutes whilst I was in a coma somewhere in a bottomless pitt with crocodiles.........oh and the giant man eating meerkats!!
Wedy came in soon after that, well done Wendy running across the line with Al.
I took my shoe off half expecting a toe nail to come off and thats when it really started hurting, the adrenlian was gone and shock set in. After people commenting on how my toe was a funny colour I went into the ambulance and as I walked in had a little tearful outburst, but dont tell anyone. Armed with an icepack it went numb and everything was ok.
Again big shout out to all the wonderful, beautiful people on twitter offering their support. I thought off you all cheering me on in my darkest minutes.
So to sum it all up, if you want a challenging but beautiful race then go for it...remember its the moments that challenge us that define us!!
Thank you and good night!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
hill sprint at Garmin Connect - Details
Untitled by meschee at Garmin Connect - Details: "Share"
Well today Ihad good intentions, there was some really steep x country routes that I wanted to check out in preparation for my hilly 10 k cross country race on sunday. I parked in the nature reserve so I knew I had a good mile to warm up before I went to find the hills I had chosen. I am always running past lots public footpaths that look like they could be quite challenging so today I would explore. Its just typical isn't that today there were animals in, well horses to be exact. Ahhh I thought, I know horses they will be fine, they wont even notice me...........It wasnt until I got half way up the hill that I noticed lots foals in the field and then a very pregnant mare. They had seen me and started running towards me and I do know that mares can be very protective of their young so I wasnt going to stay around to find out. This was a chance to do some speed work with vaulting a gate at the end...... now where? Oooo I know just down the road theres another steep public footpath, lets check that one out. I was up the road and over the next gate, there were cows in the field with calves but the path was protected by an electric fence.....yes up the hill I went then again stopped. The path turned into a sea of stinging nettles unpassable, arent they supposed to keep the paths free? so again back down the hill. I wanted to do at least 5 miles so I ran back the way I came up to what is now know as "boobie hill". I ran up it once and back down, now last time I ran up this hill I did it 3 times creating a rather nice picture of boobies on the elevation chart. I wanted to do something bit more intense what could I do. Tthe words of Kate entered my head " go on you know you want to hill sprint" Damn you Baker.
So I stayed on the steep bit and started at a telegraph pole and then I sprinted up to the next pole giving it everything i had. Now you might think that telegraph poles are quite close together but here in Meare they aint not when you giving it your all up a steep hill, let me tell you. I then walked back down and started again. I did this 5 times ( on the elevation chart it looks sooo tiny). It just so happened that as I was walking down one of the locals drove past shouting " come on you should be running up not walking down" that really really annoyed me had he not seen me sprinting up with my heart poking out of my chest?? So with an angry head I turned back round and jogged right to the very top of the hill. There I had done it, maybe I didnt sprint far enough but it was a start and next time I would do it more timesw or for a longer distance. I love hills
Well today Ihad good intentions, there was some really steep x country routes that I wanted to check out in preparation for my hilly 10 k cross country race on sunday. I parked in the nature reserve so I knew I had a good mile to warm up before I went to find the hills I had chosen. I am always running past lots public footpaths that look like they could be quite challenging so today I would explore. Its just typical isn't that today there were animals in, well horses to be exact. Ahhh I thought, I know horses they will be fine, they wont even notice me...........It wasnt until I got half way up the hill that I noticed lots foals in the field and then a very pregnant mare. They had seen me and started running towards me and I do know that mares can be very protective of their young so I wasnt going to stay around to find out. This was a chance to do some speed work with vaulting a gate at the end...... now where? Oooo I know just down the road theres another steep public footpath, lets check that one out. I was up the road and over the next gate, there were cows in the field with calves but the path was protected by an electric fence.....yes up the hill I went then again stopped. The path turned into a sea of stinging nettles unpassable, arent they supposed to keep the paths free? so again back down the hill. I wanted to do at least 5 miles so I ran back the way I came up to what is now know as "boobie hill". I ran up it once and back down, now last time I ran up this hill I did it 3 times creating a rather nice picture of boobies on the elevation chart. I wanted to do something bit more intense what could I do. Tthe words of Kate entered my head " go on you know you want to hill sprint" Damn you Baker.
So I stayed on the steep bit and started at a telegraph pole and then I sprinted up to the next pole giving it everything i had. Now you might think that telegraph poles are quite close together but here in Meare they aint not when you giving it your all up a steep hill, let me tell you. I then walked back down and started again. I did this 5 times ( on the elevation chart it looks sooo tiny). It just so happened that as I was walking down one of the locals drove past shouting " come on you should be running up not walking down" that really really annoyed me had he not seen me sprinting up with my heart poking out of my chest?? So with an angry head I turned back round and jogged right to the very top of the hill. There I had done it, maybe I didnt sprint far enough but it was a start and next time I would do it more timesw or for a longer distance. I love hills
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wells 10k
We arrived in Wells in the kitcar so was feeling a little windswept but ready to go. I was running with Barry and we had our own little race within a race but I never seriously thought that I would beat him. The plan was to run with him as he tends to make me run faster and then we would fight to the finish.
We started off pretty fast the first mile in7.54 and after the first mile I couldnt keep up with Barry and I dropped back a bit. The course took us along a main road hot and sticky but then we diverted onto a lovely cool track through a wood. The track became pretty narrow and it was quite hard to pass people and I could see Barry getting further away. The track ended and thats when I encountered it............THE DEVIL HILL. I had know there was a hill but no one had warned me how steep and long it was. But hey I've done my hill training, I have to admit that on the steepest bit of the hill I did walk just a little way but in my defense I was still running at 8 min miles and I just needed to get my breath back. Now the best thing about hills is the top and on this one I wasn't disappointed the views were spectacular, rolling countryside and Wells cathedral. I ran along taking in this fantastic view and then an added bonus was a nice downwards hill. I saw Barry and by the time I got to the bottom of the hill I had overtaken Barry. The course was 2 laps so I was back on the main road. Now I dont normally like laps on races but today I did, I knew that I would be back in the shade of the wood again before long and that bloody hill AGAIN!! I hit the hill again deteremined to run all the way up this time but I just couldnt.......I had been constantly running at about 8 min miles and it was starting to take its toll so I walked a very short distance again. I am sure that I walked faster than I could have ran, you know when the hills are really steep and you start taking tiny little steps to get you up. I took a few large strides, caught my breath and then started running again. I didnt enjoy the view this time round I was concentrating on getting my breath back, fighting of stitch and feeling quite sick. But again there was the downhill. I never used to like running downhill it would hurt my knees but now after lots training my knees must be much stronger because I can really go downhill quite fast. By the time I got down the hill I was feeling slightly better. I felt even better when I saw the 10 k marker. The last stretch was past a beautiful old castle and down through an avenue of trees. This was where my hubsand was standing waiting to take some photographs but he wasnt expecting me to come through so quick and was waiting for Barry to come through first, they both under estimated me!! I crossed the line and thought I was going to be sick, the last mile at 7.47 ( go me!!) The feeling of sickness passed really quickly and I checked garmin, 52.21 OH MY GOD ........result smashed my pb of 57.09. I was aiming for 55 so I was well chuffed with that. The official chip time was 52.34 still a fantastic time. I was 12th postion in my age category and 27th lady in overall. My overall postion 164th out of 342. That was definatly my best race to date and it makes me wonder what I could have done if that hill wasnt there could I possibly break sub 50. I have "battle of sedgemoor" 10 k soon and that is a fantastic course so watch this space. I would just like to add that after astounding race I went off and cycled 17.24 miles as part of my triathlon training.
We started off pretty fast the first mile in7.54 and after the first mile I couldnt keep up with Barry and I dropped back a bit. The course took us along a main road hot and sticky but then we diverted onto a lovely cool track through a wood. The track became pretty narrow and it was quite hard to pass people and I could see Barry getting further away. The track ended and thats when I encountered it............THE DEVIL HILL. I had know there was a hill but no one had warned me how steep and long it was. But hey I've done my hill training, I have to admit that on the steepest bit of the hill I did walk just a little way but in my defense I was still running at 8 min miles and I just needed to get my breath back. Now the best thing about hills is the top and on this one I wasn't disappointed the views were spectacular, rolling countryside and Wells cathedral. I ran along taking in this fantastic view and then an added bonus was a nice downwards hill. I saw Barry and by the time I got to the bottom of the hill I had overtaken Barry. The course was 2 laps so I was back on the main road. Now I dont normally like laps on races but today I did, I knew that I would be back in the shade of the wood again before long and that bloody hill AGAIN!! I hit the hill again deteremined to run all the way up this time but I just couldnt.......I had been constantly running at about 8 min miles and it was starting to take its toll so I walked a very short distance again. I am sure that I walked faster than I could have ran, you know when the hills are really steep and you start taking tiny little steps to get you up. I took a few large strides, caught my breath and then started running again. I didnt enjoy the view this time round I was concentrating on getting my breath back, fighting of stitch and feeling quite sick. But again there was the downhill. I never used to like running downhill it would hurt my knees but now after lots training my knees must be much stronger because I can really go downhill quite fast. By the time I got down the hill I was feeling slightly better. I felt even better when I saw the 10 k marker. The last stretch was past a beautiful old castle and down through an avenue of trees. This was where my hubsand was standing waiting to take some photographs but he wasnt expecting me to come through so quick and was waiting for Barry to come through first, they both under estimated me!! I crossed the line and thought I was going to be sick, the last mile at 7.47 ( go me!!) The feeling of sickness passed really quickly and I checked garmin, 52.21 OH MY GOD ........result smashed my pb of 57.09. I was aiming for 55 so I was well chuffed with that. The official chip time was 52.34 still a fantastic time. I was 12th postion in my age category and 27th lady in overall. My overall postion 164th out of 342. That was definatly my best race to date and it makes me wonder what I could have done if that hill wasnt there could I possibly break sub 50. I have "battle of sedgemoor" 10 k soon and that is a fantastic course so watch this space. I would just like to add that after astounding race I went off and cycled 17.24 miles as part of my triathlon training.
Friday, May 14, 2010
hilly 5.5 training
I met up with Barry for a short training run, completely unaware of the fate that awaited me. We are running the Wells 10 k at the end of the month and he wanted to get some miles under his belt. He didnt tell me that there was lots hills in store.
The first 3 miles, my lungs were on fire, lots of doubts started to creep in..... why did I drink a bottle of wine last night, my body is full of booze, I must be soooo unfit. Booze strips me of iron which doesnt help my anemia which buggers up my breathing Its strange what thoughts run through our head....... I even began to think that I had lost my fitness level now I wasnt marathon training. In fact I had forgotten that my speed had increased recently, forgot everything postive and went down that negative spiral.
Three miles gone and finally my lungs forgave me, good job too as we were at the bottom of a long steep hill. ( hill sprints came to mind after reading Kate's blog but that only lasted a milli second) The best thing about running hills is getting to the top and knowing that its downhill but the added bonus running around Glastonbury is the views............
We were on the way back when Barry gave me the choice up or down.........and before I had chance to stop myself, I shouted up???? WHY ???
As we ran back down the hill I told him about Kate's hill sprints and he replied " oh I know a great place to do that"..........NO NO that wasnt the plan, I wasnt suggesting it. Quick Michelle shut up.
Finally the end..........at last........I checked ole trusty ( garmin for those who don know who trusty is) 5.57 miles in 49 mins.
I thought that run was a bad run and then after looking at the stats, I thought actually thats not. I looked back on my week, Tuesday I had done 10 minute speed intervals on bike then treadmill running 8 min miles for an hour. Weds I had ran twice in the day and Thursday I swam 24 lengths. I havent even considered the fact that I have taken on extra training and how that is affecting my body. I have noticed that my breathing whilst running has changed since I have mastered breathing properly whilst swimming breast stroke.
I feel tonights run has been a little route along self discovery of training!
The first 3 miles, my lungs were on fire, lots of doubts started to creep in..... why did I drink a bottle of wine last night, my body is full of booze, I must be soooo unfit. Booze strips me of iron which doesnt help my anemia which buggers up my breathing Its strange what thoughts run through our head....... I even began to think that I had lost my fitness level now I wasnt marathon training. In fact I had forgotten that my speed had increased recently, forgot everything postive and went down that negative spiral.
Three miles gone and finally my lungs forgave me, good job too as we were at the bottom of a long steep hill. ( hill sprints came to mind after reading Kate's blog but that only lasted a milli second) The best thing about running hills is getting to the top and knowing that its downhill but the added bonus running around Glastonbury is the views............
We were on the way back when Barry gave me the choice up or down.........and before I had chance to stop myself, I shouted up???? WHY ???
As we ran back down the hill I told him about Kate's hill sprints and he replied " oh I know a great place to do that"..........NO NO that wasnt the plan, I wasnt suggesting it. Quick Michelle shut up.
Finally the end..........at last........I checked ole trusty ( garmin for those who don know who trusty is) 5.57 miles in 49 mins.
I thought that run was a bad run and then after looking at the stats, I thought actually thats not. I looked back on my week, Tuesday I had done 10 minute speed intervals on bike then treadmill running 8 min miles for an hour. Weds I had ran twice in the day and Thursday I swam 24 lengths. I havent even considered the fact that I have taken on extra training and how that is affecting my body. I have noticed that my breathing whilst running has changed since I have mastered breathing properly whilst swimming breast stroke.
I feel tonights run has been a little route along self discovery of training!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Great West run 2010
I had entered this race a long time ago just after I had completed my first ever half marathon at Bristol, it didnt even occur to me that it would end up being 2 weeks after Brighton marathon. Today was a lot of firsts for me.......the first being ( lol get it) that I would travel and complete in this race all on my lonesome. I got there incredibly early despite getting lost and taking all the wrong turnings!!
I spent the next hour sitting in the car, watching the rain come down, thinking Ho Hum..........
I queued up at the starting line and as I was waiting the lady in front kept asking this bloke the time and he totally blanked her as actually he was deaf..... I realised this quite quickly and started signing to him. It was brill, I dont get the chance to sign very often ( I have Level 2 she says smugly) and there we were signing away having a whale of the time when the hooter HOOTED and off we went. ( that was another first)
Within 5 miles I was actually thinking " oh my god i could so just start walking and pull out of this race " ( yet another first) and then I remebered I was this fantastic marathon runner and that nothing EVER would stop me running so I kept going.
The course consisted of 2 loops, 2 bloody hilly loops I hasten to add and it made me ponder.......is it better to know that the bloody hills were coming so you knew what to expect or would it have just been better for them to appear as if by magic and you conquer them and thats that. ( answers on a postcard).
Now you might all be reading this thinking " I love hills, whats up with that mentalist woman?" but actually I do like hills....... today I wasnt loving them THAT much due to the fact that I 1)hadnt known about them and 2) I was still recovering from a marathon but needless to say I STILL RAN THEM.
The weather wasnt ideal, rain and a blusterly breeze but hey we run in all weathers and I am pretty waterproof. I would like to shout out at this point to the supporters standing outside the local pub with the band playing at 10am with their pints of larger and their fags!!! Yes you, you are sooo inspirational and yes look I am wearing lycra...........!?
It really shouldnt have surprised me that the last 800m would be a nasty little hill but it did, in fact it completley took my breath away but before I knew it, there I was back on that proper running track heading towards the finish. Here I was fab, I ran in amongst the finishers overtaking them all, so desperate to finish due to the fact I couldnt feel my hands. There was just one bloke , he knew I was coming, and his pace picked up, so did mine, I could hear the crowd screaming so I well and truly went for it.......Knees up and gave it the best sprint to the finish that I have ever done and I mean a real full on sprint
( another first), not quite sure where that came from and crossed the line before him ( looking forward to seeing the finishing pics).
Within seconds of finishing the race, I recieved a text telling my gun time and chip time ( how bloody cool is that seeing my garmin didnt start until after a mile of the race, ok it was my fault I didnt press the start button hard enough)
Gun time 02.02.45
Chip time 02.01.24
Not enough to beat my pb, but considering everything and by that I mean those bloody hills, I am very pleased with that time and I have made a mental note to do more hill training.
All in all another race, aother medal and another t shirt, well 2 in fact but thats another story!!!
I spent the next hour sitting in the car, watching the rain come down, thinking Ho Hum..........
I queued up at the starting line and as I was waiting the lady in front kept asking this bloke the time and he totally blanked her as actually he was deaf..... I realised this quite quickly and started signing to him. It was brill, I dont get the chance to sign very often ( I have Level 2 she says smugly) and there we were signing away having a whale of the time when the hooter HOOTED and off we went. ( that was another first)
Within 5 miles I was actually thinking " oh my god i could so just start walking and pull out of this race " ( yet another first) and then I remebered I was this fantastic marathon runner and that nothing EVER would stop me running so I kept going.
The course consisted of 2 loops, 2 bloody hilly loops I hasten to add and it made me ponder.......is it better to know that the bloody hills were coming so you knew what to expect or would it have just been better for them to appear as if by magic and you conquer them and thats that. ( answers on a postcard).
Now you might all be reading this thinking " I love hills, whats up with that mentalist woman?" but actually I do like hills....... today I wasnt loving them THAT much due to the fact that I 1)hadnt known about them and 2) I was still recovering from a marathon but needless to say I STILL RAN THEM.
The weather wasnt ideal, rain and a blusterly breeze but hey we run in all weathers and I am pretty waterproof. I would like to shout out at this point to the supporters standing outside the local pub with the band playing at 10am with their pints of larger and their fags!!! Yes you, you are sooo inspirational and yes look I am wearing lycra...........!?
It really shouldnt have surprised me that the last 800m would be a nasty little hill but it did, in fact it completley took my breath away but before I knew it, there I was back on that proper running track heading towards the finish. Here I was fab, I ran in amongst the finishers overtaking them all, so desperate to finish due to the fact I couldnt feel my hands. There was just one bloke , he knew I was coming, and his pace picked up, so did mine, I could hear the crowd screaming so I well and truly went for it.......Knees up and gave it the best sprint to the finish that I have ever done and I mean a real full on sprint
( another first), not quite sure where that came from and crossed the line before him ( looking forward to seeing the finishing pics).
Within seconds of finishing the race, I recieved a text telling my gun time and chip time ( how bloody cool is that seeing my garmin didnt start until after a mile of the race, ok it was my fault I didnt press the start button hard enough)
Gun time 02.02.45
Chip time 02.01.24
Not enough to beat my pb, but considering everything and by that I mean those bloody hills, I am very pleased with that time and I have made a mental note to do more hill training.
All in all another race, aother medal and another t shirt, well 2 in fact but thats another story!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Brighton Marathon
My alarm was set for 6 but I had been awake really since 3.40am. I forced myself to stay in bed and conserve that vital energy. I got up and tried to eat a bowl full of porridge but it was like eating a bowl of dry sand. I knew I had to eat so I forced it down. I was ready and began the 30 min walk to Preston Park. There were lots of people around already and I followed the steady stream of runners. Everyone seemed in high spirits.
The next challenge was to find the fellow twitters, we had arranged to meet to the entrance of the charity village but unknown to me there was actually 2 entrances. I was glad I had Lisa’s number because finally we found each other. Soon as we met I was gone in the toilet queue for 45 mins!!!!! Simon eventually found us and we posed for a few photographs.
The time had come, we wished Simon good luck and we got into the starting queue. The start was delayed and everyone was gagging to get started, the sun was bearing down and it started to feel quite hot. The starting time came finally, 20 min delay but we were off, it took us about 10 mins to get to the starting line but the time had come…….WE WERE OFF!!!!
The first couple of miles we ran quite fast, I felt like I was running really slow especially around all these other runners. It’s very difficult to try and slow your pace down when you feel like you are running slowly already. We hovered between 9 and 10 min miles and in the end we thought sod it we won’t keep this up and decided to let our pace slow down naturally.
After 4 miles I felt like I had warmed up and felt really strong, the taper had worked, I felt good and powerful. I wasn’t sure what mileage we were at when Lisa told me she had to walk between 8 or 10, I started walking with her but she urged me to continue. I didn’t know what to do, this wasn’t going to plan and I had seen us finishing together. In a cloud of guilt and despair I kept running. The course became quite bleak and hot and hilly. I tried to focus and just kept going. I ran up a very cheeky steep little hill and when I got to the top everyone was shouting my name, this was great I shouted back oggie oggie oggieeeeee and the crowd screamed back. This just spurned me on and off I went. I did see Lisa on two seperate occasions after that and we had shared a high five, so I was happier knowing she was ok.
I had been wanting the toilet for quite a few miles but the queues at the toilets were so long I just kept going but it was always there this thought can I keep running without wanting to go. At last I saw a cubicle no queue………..just had to wait for person to come out. I still lost 10 mins during this quick break but I could enjoy running again.
I ran through the halfway mark, I did check my time but I can’t remember what it said but I do remember thinking I am well on target and I am running a whole min faster than my training time.
Then it hit me, I am not sure what but I wanted to cry, I had a lump in my throat as big as a football and my eyes were stinging. I had hoped that I would have seen my husband by now and I hadn’t. It’s very hard trying to run and cry at the same time so I gained composure. I knew that James would be at mile 17, so I started scanning the crowd. There he was, banner held up nice and high. I shouted big cheers all around. I have to say at this point that you don’t realise how wonderful it is to see a friendly face encouraging you in the crowd. Its nice that people shout your name but when its someone you know it makes all the difference. This really spurred me on (when I checked stats my min mileage soared up to 8 min mile). I saw quite a few fellow fetchies during the race and it was nice to have a quick chat and there was quite a few fetchie supporters along the way armed with jelly babies. I had managed to tweet a few times during the race, it helped to distract me when it got tough, it was a good feeling knowing that there was people who were right behind you. ( Thank you guys )
Miles 18 to 22 were really hard, it was a long road with little crowd support, it was very very hot and the water they gave out was warm. I checked my time at 21 miles, 20 mins faster than in training. Its here I wanted to cry again and in fact I think I came quite close to breaking down. As if by magic by husband phoned me and gave me those words of encouragement I needed (crying just writing this now). The bleak soul destroying road ended and I was back on the sea front. The crowds were fantastic. There were soooooo many people walking and it was hard to wade your way through. During the whole run when people had shouting my name I had acknowledged them with a smile or a wave but I was really starting to flag but they kept shouting and screaming not long now. I have to say those last 3 miles I was carried along on the sound waves of all the encouragement.
There it was the finish, standing there so proud on the horizion, I could almost taste it. Oh my god I am really going to do this....... there it is, thats the bloody finish line, IM NEARLY THERE and with a sudden spurt I raced to the finish raising my arms in the air and did a marvelous impression of a screaming banshee and thumbs up to those photographers. I passed the finish line with such a lump in my throat I could hardley breathe, my chest was so tight. For a small moment I felt very alone, I had trained alone, finished the race alone and for a short while I was really sad that I had no one there at that very moment.........where was my hubsand? I wanted to collapse into a whimpering blubbering mess but they kept me moving. I was trying frantically to phone my hubsand but I had no phone reception. I kept walking in a complete daze, people giving me water, bananas and goodie bags. I didnt think that I was going to hold it together for much longer and then I saw him waving frantically, I collapsed into his arms letting out that emotional monster that had been biting at the bit for the last 2 hours. God it was so good to see him after scanning the crowds for the last 26 miles.
I struggled to the beach, my legs felt numb and theres just one thing that I wanted to do, jump into that freezing cold sea. I stumbled into the sea, the stones cutting into my tender feet and boy was that cold. I raised my hands in the sea and shouted in a very loud voice much to the amazment of the onlookers " I DID IT, I DID IT AND IM HARDCORE WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
My time was 4 hours, 41 mins and 36 seconds. I was well pleased with that.
A big thank you to John, all my family and my internet "family" for believing in me, supporting me, encouraging me. I did it for you and I wouldnt have been able to do it wihout you.
Then there is that question, will you do it again .....hell yer!!! Watch this space.....................
The next challenge was to find the fellow twitters, we had arranged to meet to the entrance of the charity village but unknown to me there was actually 2 entrances. I was glad I had Lisa’s number because finally we found each other. Soon as we met I was gone in the toilet queue for 45 mins!!!!! Simon eventually found us and we posed for a few photographs.
The time had come, we wished Simon good luck and we got into the starting queue. The start was delayed and everyone was gagging to get started, the sun was bearing down and it started to feel quite hot. The starting time came finally, 20 min delay but we were off, it took us about 10 mins to get to the starting line but the time had come…….WE WERE OFF!!!!
The first couple of miles we ran quite fast, I felt like I was running really slow especially around all these other runners. It’s very difficult to try and slow your pace down when you feel like you are running slowly already. We hovered between 9 and 10 min miles and in the end we thought sod it we won’t keep this up and decided to let our pace slow down naturally.
After 4 miles I felt like I had warmed up and felt really strong, the taper had worked, I felt good and powerful. I wasn’t sure what mileage we were at when Lisa told me she had to walk between 8 or 10, I started walking with her but she urged me to continue. I didn’t know what to do, this wasn’t going to plan and I had seen us finishing together. In a cloud of guilt and despair I kept running. The course became quite bleak and hot and hilly. I tried to focus and just kept going. I ran up a very cheeky steep little hill and when I got to the top everyone was shouting my name, this was great I shouted back oggie oggie oggieeeeee and the crowd screamed back. This just spurned me on and off I went. I did see Lisa on two seperate occasions after that and we had shared a high five, so I was happier knowing she was ok.
I had been wanting the toilet for quite a few miles but the queues at the toilets were so long I just kept going but it was always there this thought can I keep running without wanting to go. At last I saw a cubicle no queue………..just had to wait for person to come out. I still lost 10 mins during this quick break but I could enjoy running again.
I ran through the halfway mark, I did check my time but I can’t remember what it said but I do remember thinking I am well on target and I am running a whole min faster than my training time.
Then it hit me, I am not sure what but I wanted to cry, I had a lump in my throat as big as a football and my eyes were stinging. I had hoped that I would have seen my husband by now and I hadn’t. It’s very hard trying to run and cry at the same time so I gained composure. I knew that James would be at mile 17, so I started scanning the crowd. There he was, banner held up nice and high. I shouted big cheers all around. I have to say at this point that you don’t realise how wonderful it is to see a friendly face encouraging you in the crowd. Its nice that people shout your name but when its someone you know it makes all the difference. This really spurred me on (when I checked stats my min mileage soared up to 8 min mile). I saw quite a few fellow fetchies during the race and it was nice to have a quick chat and there was quite a few fetchie supporters along the way armed with jelly babies. I had managed to tweet a few times during the race, it helped to distract me when it got tough, it was a good feeling knowing that there was people who were right behind you. ( Thank you guys )
Miles 18 to 22 were really hard, it was a long road with little crowd support, it was very very hot and the water they gave out was warm. I checked my time at 21 miles, 20 mins faster than in training. Its here I wanted to cry again and in fact I think I came quite close to breaking down. As if by magic by husband phoned me and gave me those words of encouragement I needed (crying just writing this now). The bleak soul destroying road ended and I was back on the sea front. The crowds were fantastic. There were soooooo many people walking and it was hard to wade your way through. During the whole run when people had shouting my name I had acknowledged them with a smile or a wave but I was really starting to flag but they kept shouting and screaming not long now. I have to say those last 3 miles I was carried along on the sound waves of all the encouragement.
There it was the finish, standing there so proud on the horizion, I could almost taste it. Oh my god I am really going to do this....... there it is, thats the bloody finish line, IM NEARLY THERE and with a sudden spurt I raced to the finish raising my arms in the air and did a marvelous impression of a screaming banshee and thumbs up to those photographers. I passed the finish line with such a lump in my throat I could hardley breathe, my chest was so tight. For a small moment I felt very alone, I had trained alone, finished the race alone and for a short while I was really sad that I had no one there at that very moment.........where was my hubsand? I wanted to collapse into a whimpering blubbering mess but they kept me moving. I was trying frantically to phone my hubsand but I had no phone reception. I kept walking in a complete daze, people giving me water, bananas and goodie bags. I didnt think that I was going to hold it together for much longer and then I saw him waving frantically, I collapsed into his arms letting out that emotional monster that had been biting at the bit for the last 2 hours. God it was so good to see him after scanning the crowds for the last 26 miles.
I struggled to the beach, my legs felt numb and theres just one thing that I wanted to do, jump into that freezing cold sea. I stumbled into the sea, the stones cutting into my tender feet and boy was that cold. I raised my hands in the sea and shouted in a very loud voice much to the amazment of the onlookers " I DID IT, I DID IT AND IM HARDCORE WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
My time was 4 hours, 41 mins and 36 seconds. I was well pleased with that.
A big thank you to John, all my family and my internet "family" for believing in me, supporting me, encouraging me. I did it for you and I wouldnt have been able to do it wihout you.
Then there is that question, will you do it again .....hell yer!!! Watch this space.....................
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Last 10 miles before Brighton marathon
There once was a very wise barlady and as I stood croaking at the bar after a long night of dancing ( no booze in sight) she said what you need is a brandy and port, that will cure anything!! So a brandy and port I had. I slept really well that night and when I woke up he following morning (10 am) I felt has if a weight had been lifted off my chest. I am sure it has had nothing to do with holding my head over a bowl of hot water of vicks and the lemsips and the vit c that I had been taking over 2 days.
So a 10 miler was within sight. Hubby decided he would come with me on the pushbike so that was even better and the sun was shining, triple bonus. I started off nice and steady, ran quite freely no problems at all. I think running loosened my chest even more. At 6 miles John abandoned the bike and ran with me. The last 4 miles was at a steady 9.30 min miles. My chest did start to hurt a little at the end but I felt that if I could run 10 miles when I wasnt feeling 100 % then I would be fine for the marathon. Todays run was more for my mental state.
I thought I would try another new thing..........ICE BATH!!! I had bought the ice cubes a couple of days ago and as nike says "just do it"
I ran a bath of cold water and hubby put in two bags of ice............JESUS CHRIST what in the world was I thinking?? I have never know time to go soooooo slowly!! I like to think that I am pretty hardcore so I stuck it out. Slowly my legs became numb it was just my feet screamimg in complete denial. Deep breaths, come on you can do it, COME ON JUST ONE MORE MINUTE.
I think 10 mins is long enough for my first ice bath and I felt really good for it afterwards.......in fact quite hypo.......
all in all a good day and a good run!!!
So a 10 miler was within sight. Hubby decided he would come with me on the pushbike so that was even better and the sun was shining, triple bonus. I started off nice and steady, ran quite freely no problems at all. I think running loosened my chest even more. At 6 miles John abandoned the bike and ran with me. The last 4 miles was at a steady 9.30 min miles. My chest did start to hurt a little at the end but I felt that if I could run 10 miles when I wasnt feeling 100 % then I would be fine for the marathon. Todays run was more for my mental state.
I thought I would try another new thing..........ICE BATH!!! I had bought the ice cubes a couple of days ago and as nike says "just do it"
I ran a bath of cold water and hubby put in two bags of ice............JESUS CHRIST what in the world was I thinking?? I have never know time to go soooooo slowly!! I like to think that I am pretty hardcore so I stuck it out. Slowly my legs became numb it was just my feet screamimg in complete denial. Deep breaths, come on you can do it, COME ON JUST ONE MORE MINUTE.
I think 10 mins is long enough for my first ice bath and I felt really good for it afterwards.......in fact quite hypo.......
all in all a good day and a good run!!!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Ups and downs of a pre marathon week
I have to say I am not liking this taper lark!! I have got into a routine of training hard, eating what I wanted when I wanted. I like training hard it gives me self discipline makes me feel good and gets me out of the house.
I looked at my schedule..........mmmmm 3 miles, is that it. Ok so its only 3 miles so I'm gonna hit it hard, I am going to run so hard that I will make myself sick. So thats what I did, first 2 miles were 7 minutes each then once I realise that I am actually running that fast I jinx myself and slow down but hey who am I kidding I cant sustain a pace that fast for long. Jinx my arse!!!! So 3 miles in 25.32. Good result feeling pretty smug!!! Bring on the marathon......................
Bad throat, sleepless night, feeling bit yuck??? I know I'll be fine Ive felt like this during training before. I just keep on running and it disappears. So I go again, easy 3 miles.........Bad move. I slowly get worse during the remainder of the day. My chest is on fire and I have a niggling dry cough. I sat on the sofa, vick smeared all over my chest, my nose running, lemsip in one hand and I start to cry. Cry in despair that after everything I have fought through in the last year, all the training, will be to no avail. Its here I have to mention the support of my hubsand and my new internet family, the tweat to the beat gang. Their words of support helped me through a moment of self doubt.
I managed to get a good nights sleep (valarian tea-bags are the bizz) and after sitting with my head in a bowl of hot water and vicks my chest has started to loosen. As I sit here, I think there is nothing on this earth that is going to stop me running that marathon and so what if I am a little run down, pain is only temporary but achievement will stay with you forever. Armed with manuka honey, echinacea, covonia, my chest is started to loosen, no more tight chest..............and a more postive attitude. I cant say its helped with the whole crying marlarky...........the slightest remark about the marathon brings tears to my eyes. My sons told me proudly that they would make me a banner and to their amazement I started crying. I am not sure why I am crying, its not sadness, what is that all about??
So tomorrow is Sunday, just 7 days to go....... and you know what I will be out doing my run, 10 miles. You might think noooooooo Michelle dont do it.......... but I have to, this taper lark is playing havoc on my mind and I need to run. Now I have loosened my chest, running will help me get rid of it.
There is one thing that I am very determined about and that is staying postive. I have come a really long way and nothing is going to stop me. I might be crying at the 'M' word but I am going to run it and I am not allowing any negative thoughts to worm their way into my head!!!
I looked at my schedule..........mmmmm 3 miles, is that it. Ok so its only 3 miles so I'm gonna hit it hard, I am going to run so hard that I will make myself sick. So thats what I did, first 2 miles were 7 minutes each then once I realise that I am actually running that fast I jinx myself and slow down but hey who am I kidding I cant sustain a pace that fast for long. Jinx my arse!!!! So 3 miles in 25.32. Good result feeling pretty smug!!! Bring on the marathon......................
Bad throat, sleepless night, feeling bit yuck??? I know I'll be fine Ive felt like this during training before. I just keep on running and it disappears. So I go again, easy 3 miles.........Bad move. I slowly get worse during the remainder of the day. My chest is on fire and I have a niggling dry cough. I sat on the sofa, vick smeared all over my chest, my nose running, lemsip in one hand and I start to cry. Cry in despair that after everything I have fought through in the last year, all the training, will be to no avail. Its here I have to mention the support of my hubsand and my new internet family, the tweat to the beat gang. Their words of support helped me through a moment of self doubt.
I managed to get a good nights sleep (valarian tea-bags are the bizz) and after sitting with my head in a bowl of hot water and vicks my chest has started to loosen. As I sit here, I think there is nothing on this earth that is going to stop me running that marathon and so what if I am a little run down, pain is only temporary but achievement will stay with you forever. Armed with manuka honey, echinacea, covonia, my chest is started to loosen, no more tight chest..............and a more postive attitude. I cant say its helped with the whole crying marlarky...........the slightest remark about the marathon brings tears to my eyes. My sons told me proudly that they would make me a banner and to their amazement I started crying. I am not sure why I am crying, its not sadness, what is that all about??
So tomorrow is Sunday, just 7 days to go....... and you know what I will be out doing my run, 10 miles. You might think noooooooo Michelle dont do it.......... but I have to, this taper lark is playing havoc on my mind and I need to run. Now I have loosened my chest, running will help me get rid of it.
There is one thing that I am very determined about and that is staying postive. I have come a really long way and nothing is going to stop me. I might be crying at the 'M' word but I am going to run it and I am not allowing any negative thoughts to worm their way into my head!!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
shapwick bunny hop 2010
I had only heard about this race on Wedensday and turned up to be greeted by 30 very friendly runners. I had worn my Brighton marathon training shirt and within minutes I had met 3 ladies who were running to. We set of to the starting line and before I knew it we were off. Sheep scattered everywhere as we set off and within a minute we had stopped again.......there was queue of people trying to get over the gates. This carried on for the first mile, stop, start, stop, start. It was really muddy and wet and slipperly and I had to laugh at the women pussy footing around the puddles, me, I just bulldozed my way through and took on the mission of getting everyone else muddy too!! Once we got going I checked my garmin, 8.30 minute miles!! Wow that was impressive especially considering the ground we were on, I was on fire. I thought to myself, I have special gin powers, ( I gave in and had a gin and tonic last night) and made a mental note to drink more gin!
I kept the pace up and soon we were running down the long 2 mile stretch of Shapwick nature reserve. This stretch is very bleak, no shelter and the driving wind catches you unaware and that when the downpour started it cut into the very being of your soul. But then I remembered I had special gin powers and I kept going. The sun started to shine and then I saw the most weirdest, beautiful rainbow. Instead of curving over it was lying parallel to the field, mental note number 2, go dig some holes in the field and look for pots of gold.
At the end of the nature reserve there stood a lonesome marshall and he had a massive tub of wait for it.......chocolate mini eggs!!! In my hurry to grab some I missed and as I went back the young lady I had kept at bay overtook me. I took off after her and realised that you really shouldnt try and eat mini chocolate eggs whilst running especially at race pace. We were directed off road again in a really muddy lane, each marshall was warning of how bad it was getting. Now I've never been in a race where I have thought that "geez my training is really paying off " until that point. I felt strong, we were coming up to 5 miles, thats how long it normally takes me to settle doen into a good rythmn and then it happened it just clicked. I overtook so called young lady who had overtaken me and quite a few others. I was aware I was coming up to the 10k mark, checked the time and it was 55 mins, thats 2 mins faster than my PB and it was x country.
The last mile was horrendeous, deep ruts, hilly, puddles you could swim in and I have to say I quite fancied throwing myself into one of those puddles. The marshall was impressed with my puddle running and took lots of pictures as I ran through screaming I love getting dirty ( oooo errr missus). The guys in front were walking but I didnt, up the slipperly hill I went. "you look too fresh " shouted a marshall " you must have walked" to which I responded "no way, not like those 2 guys up front" who then suddenly miraclously started running again. They were a friendly bunch and as I overtook them they were shouting " go Brighton, go, go, go". I could still hear them shouting as I crossed the finish line.
The guys I had overtaken invited me to their running club, that was 3 different invites from 3 different running clubs in one day, not bad.
My time was 1.10.20 thats 7.55 miles, thats not the official time, but my garmin auto pauses especially when queuing to get over gates, so expect my official time to be more.
The club had laid on a fantastic buffet of cake, hot cross buns and sandwhiches, what a glorious touch. I throughly enjoyed this race and the whole community spirit and only came in 3 mins behind the leading lady. I am converted, I will do more cross country, the muddier the better.
I kept the pace up and soon we were running down the long 2 mile stretch of Shapwick nature reserve. This stretch is very bleak, no shelter and the driving wind catches you unaware and that when the downpour started it cut into the very being of your soul. But then I remembered I had special gin powers and I kept going. The sun started to shine and then I saw the most weirdest, beautiful rainbow. Instead of curving over it was lying parallel to the field, mental note number 2, go dig some holes in the field and look for pots of gold.
At the end of the nature reserve there stood a lonesome marshall and he had a massive tub of wait for it.......chocolate mini eggs!!! In my hurry to grab some I missed and as I went back the young lady I had kept at bay overtook me. I took off after her and realised that you really shouldnt try and eat mini chocolate eggs whilst running especially at race pace. We were directed off road again in a really muddy lane, each marshall was warning of how bad it was getting. Now I've never been in a race where I have thought that "geez my training is really paying off " until that point. I felt strong, we were coming up to 5 miles, thats how long it normally takes me to settle doen into a good rythmn and then it happened it just clicked. I overtook so called young lady who had overtaken me and quite a few others. I was aware I was coming up to the 10k mark, checked the time and it was 55 mins, thats 2 mins faster than my PB and it was x country.
The last mile was horrendeous, deep ruts, hilly, puddles you could swim in and I have to say I quite fancied throwing myself into one of those puddles. The marshall was impressed with my puddle running and took lots of pictures as I ran through screaming I love getting dirty ( oooo errr missus). The guys in front were walking but I didnt, up the slipperly hill I went. "you look too fresh " shouted a marshall " you must have walked" to which I responded "no way, not like those 2 guys up front" who then suddenly miraclously started running again. They were a friendly bunch and as I overtook them they were shouting " go Brighton, go, go, go". I could still hear them shouting as I crossed the finish line.
The guys I had overtaken invited me to their running club, that was 3 different invites from 3 different running clubs in one day, not bad.
My time was 1.10.20 thats 7.55 miles, thats not the official time, but my garmin auto pauses especially when queuing to get over gates, so expect my official time to be more.
The club had laid on a fantastic buffet of cake, hot cross buns and sandwhiches, what a glorious touch. I throughly enjoyed this race and the whole community spirit and only came in 3 mins behind the leading lady. I am converted, I will do more cross country, the muddier the better.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
21 miles the last long run
wow 21 miles today...........I kept weeks mileage pretty low this week 30 instead of 40 so I wouldnt get too tired. I find it very hard to rest and sat, John and I went for a 10 mile bike ride ( we really just wanted to cycle to the burger van and have a greasy breakfast) and then ended up on a 2 hour dog walk. I spent the rest of the day carb loading and promptly fell asleep by 8pm on the sofa!! This must have done the trick as I felt pretty good when I started out on 21 miler. Its a long hard slog when your out on your own so after 90 mins and I had reached 10 miles, I started to listen to a podcast called marathon talk. They had done a special 90 min show to get you home so to speak. They interviewed a lady who was this 'motivator' and gave me ideas of what to do when you were struggling mentally. I met a group of runners coming the opposite way, and wondered if I should have turned around and ran a little with them, they looked very friendly. Mental note to myself I must join a running club. I admire my motivation and determination for doing this marathon training alone but GOD its so boring at times!!
I've started to run the half the distance I want to cover and then double back on myself instead of loops. This is helping as I can divide the run into bitesize chunks and helps me to remain focused. I started to get a niggle in my foot about 16 miles but kept going.
John phoned me and came out on the push bike to meet me when I was at about 17 miles. What a god send that was and before I knew it I was very close to home and at 20 miles. I was very tired and wanted to go home but John pushed me and persuaded me to do that extra mile, after all thats what I had set out to do. I'm so glad he did that because at 20 miles I felt awful but at 21 I felt very tired but very happy I had achieved what I had set out to do. 22 days to go, I am getting very emotional when I think about running this marathon, I know it will change my life in such a positive way.
When I look back on where I was and where I am now its a truely remarkable feat.
I have always thought I am a pretty stubborn and headstrong character but I am impressed with my sheer determination and self discipline.
I've started to run the half the distance I want to cover and then double back on myself instead of loops. This is helping as I can divide the run into bitesize chunks and helps me to remain focused. I started to get a niggle in my foot about 16 miles but kept going.
John phoned me and came out on the push bike to meet me when I was at about 17 miles. What a god send that was and before I knew it I was very close to home and at 20 miles. I was very tired and wanted to go home but John pushed me and persuaded me to do that extra mile, after all thats what I had set out to do. I'm so glad he did that because at 20 miles I felt awful but at 21 I felt very tired but very happy I had achieved what I had set out to do. 22 days to go, I am getting very emotional when I think about running this marathon, I know it will change my life in such a positive way.
When I look back on where I was and where I am now its a truely remarkable feat.
I have always thought I am a pretty stubborn and headstrong character but I am impressed with my sheer determination and self discipline.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Bath half 7th march
I had talked 10 people at work to enter the bath half as a team in the corporate challenge!! Some were experienced runners some had never run before!
Day started early and we all piled on the minibus! We got tho Bath early and were waiting in the runners village for an eternity and it was horribly cold!!
Finally we were on the start line, Wendy and I sneaked in with the green numbers even though we were orange and off we went!!
I ran with Barry who with his bad archilles problem for first 5 miles and then abandoned him again just like i did in hestercombe
The first 10 k was extremely fast 55 mins and at about 6 miles my foot started to hurt! Almost felt like shoe laces were too tight!
I kept going running through the pain and there at last was the finish line. My garmin time was 1.59.07 but the official chip time was 1.59.18 think I'll stick with garmin!!
It took a lot time to get from finish line to runners village and it was freezing!! Foil blankets should have been given out lot earlier!
We finished the day with a team burger!
Our team came 6th out of over 46 teams and we raised over £2000 for our 3 nominated charities included make a wish!!
Well done team!!! I did push myself hard through that race and hurt my foot and 2 days later I have a bruise all the wAy down outside of my thigh!!! Strange!!!
Day started early and we all piled on the minibus! We got tho Bath early and were waiting in the runners village for an eternity and it was horribly cold!!
Finally we were on the start line, Wendy and I sneaked in with the green numbers even though we were orange and off we went!!
I ran with Barry who with his bad archilles problem for first 5 miles and then abandoned him again just like i did in hestercombe
The first 10 k was extremely fast 55 mins and at about 6 miles my foot started to hurt! Almost felt like shoe laces were too tight!
I kept going running through the pain and there at last was the finish line. My garmin time was 1.59.07 but the official chip time was 1.59.18 think I'll stick with garmin!!
It took a lot time to get from finish line to runners village and it was freezing!! Foil blankets should have been given out lot earlier!
We finished the day with a team burger!
Our team came 6th out of over 46 teams and we raised over £2000 for our 3 nominated charities included make a wish!!
Well done team!!! I did push myself hard through that race and hurt my foot and 2 days later I have a bruise all the wAy down outside of my thigh!!! Strange!!!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
18 miler
I was so determined to achieve 18 miles this time!! I had no motivation to run, I hadn't even planned a route, in fact it was the last thing I wanted to do but out of bed I got, walked the dogs and then off I went!!! I decided to just run in any direction up to 9 miles and then just turn around! I got to 7 was hating the road I was on and kept pushing to 8. I couldn't do that last mile on that road mentally it was doing my head in so I turned around knowing I could make up 2 miles down the lane at home!!
Whey a difference that made turning round and heading home put a spring in my step I felt happier in fact so much better I took a detour up and back a random lane to gain an extra mile!! Finally that long stretch home up ashcott road was a long bleak road that is!!! I hot close to home and was on 16 miles so down the lane I went!! Those last 2 miles were hard but I had to reach 17.35 which was the longest run I had ever achieved!!! I did it I reached 18 I did it!! I felt great much better after my first attempt I could still walk lol!!
This time I felt a lot stronger more mentally equipped! I had actually reduced my mileage down to 25 that week so not sure if that helped and my long run on the previous Sunday was a 9.5 mile race!! It could actually be that all the training is finally paying off!
I am a marathoner runner!!!!
Whey a difference that made turning round and heading home put a spring in my step I felt happier in fact so much better I took a detour up and back a random lane to gain an extra mile!! Finally that long stretch home up ashcott road was a long bleak road that is!!! I hot close to home and was on 16 miles so down the lane I went!! Those last 2 miles were hard but I had to reach 17.35 which was the longest run I had ever achieved!!! I did it I reached 18 I did it!! I felt great much better after my first attempt I could still walk lol!!
This time I felt a lot stronger more mentally equipped! I had actually reduced my mileage down to 25 that week so not sure if that helped and my long run on the previous Sunday was a 9.5 mile race!! It could actually be that all the training is finally paying off!
I am a marathoner runner!!!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Hestercombe humdinger
Hestercombe humdinger!!! 9 and half miles of hills!!
I talked half of the corporate challenge team into running this race!!! I mean if you can run that you can run anything!!!
Started off really fast 7.30 minute miles but I soon slowed down on first hill!! You could actually walk up that steep hill faster than you could run so walked I did!! First race I have ever walked!! I caught up with Barry who was having some tendon problems and then abandoned him..... Seems harsh but I had to just keep on going!!
There was a few down hills afterall what goes up must come down!!!
I got to the last hill wasn't as steep as the first but when you have already ran a hilly 8 miles it was s nightmare!!! I walked again only to start running again when I saw the photography perched on the brow of the hill!! The final mile came and boy was it all downhill!! The hill was so steep that I had to flap my arms like a rabid swan to help me keep my balance!! " it's all downhill from here" shout the marshals to which I gave a resounding cheer and I ran down the hill with the marshals laughter ringing in my ears!!!!
I have to say running downhill can really hurt your knees!!!
It was the final straight 400 m to go.... There was a runner beside me and my competitive ego kicked in and I sprinted to the finish!! I crossed the line and immediatly felt really sick but managed to keep it down!!
I collected my groovy shirt and goodie bag and scoffed my face full of chocolate!! 1.30.47 well happy with that seeing my 10 mile runs normally take a lot longer!!
I talked half of the corporate challenge team into running this race!!! I mean if you can run that you can run anything!!!
Started off really fast 7.30 minute miles but I soon slowed down on first hill!! You could actually walk up that steep hill faster than you could run so walked I did!! First race I have ever walked!! I caught up with Barry who was having some tendon problems and then abandoned him..... Seems harsh but I had to just keep on going!!
There was a few down hills afterall what goes up must come down!!!
I got to the last hill wasn't as steep as the first but when you have already ran a hilly 8 miles it was s nightmare!!! I walked again only to start running again when I saw the photography perched on the brow of the hill!! The final mile came and boy was it all downhill!! The hill was so steep that I had to flap my arms like a rabid swan to help me keep my balance!! " it's all downhill from here" shout the marshals to which I gave a resounding cheer and I ran down the hill with the marshals laughter ringing in my ears!!!!
I have to say running downhill can really hurt your knees!!!
It was the final straight 400 m to go.... There was a runner beside me and my competitive ego kicked in and I sprinted to the finish!! I crossed the line and immediatly felt really sick but managed to keep it down!!
I collected my groovy shirt and goodie bag and scoffed my face full of chocolate!! 1.30.47 well happy with that seeing my 10 mile runs normally take a lot longer!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
18 miles
I woke up with no motivation to run, no energy!! But I got ready, had my route all planned and off I went!!
It was a bitterly cold day even with hat, buff and gloves and 3 layers I still felt the cold!! I choose a route with areas I hadn't run before hoping it would help keep me focused on the way!
I hit 7 miles and even then it felt hard work!! I kept going fighting that mental battle and somehow I got to 12 miles!! I was on the homeward straight!! All I had to do was 10 k home.......
I can see what they mean when they say that when you hit the 20 mile mark you feel your only halfwAy! That 10 k home such a small distance really seemed like a massive feat!!
I kept running, I couldn't stop, I was far too cold and had to keep moving!
John had phoned me and I felt like crying!!!
At last I was a mile from home, I had missed a little detour but I didn't care I'd had enough! I got near the house at 17.35 miles and I stopped!! That wad such hard work! I felt like I couldn't walk for quite a few hours!!
I initally felt disappointed that I hadn't hit 18 but bugger me I had ran 17.35, the furthest I have ever ran !!!!! And in 3 hours 8 mins with quite a few hills chucked in for good measure!! I then realised I had won that mental battle I had kept going when all I wAnted to do was stop!! I made that last 10k against the odds and I know I will use that winning attitude in the last miles of the marathon!!
Pat in the back!!! Also the fact it was sooo cold and the elements were against me!! If it had been warmer and I hadn't felt so much discomfort through the cold I recon I could hAve achieved a further distance!! How hardcore am I running that far in the cold!!??
It was a bitterly cold day even with hat, buff and gloves and 3 layers I still felt the cold!! I choose a route with areas I hadn't run before hoping it would help keep me focused on the way!
I hit 7 miles and even then it felt hard work!! I kept going fighting that mental battle and somehow I got to 12 miles!! I was on the homeward straight!! All I had to do was 10 k home.......
I can see what they mean when they say that when you hit the 20 mile mark you feel your only halfwAy! That 10 k home such a small distance really seemed like a massive feat!!
I kept running, I couldn't stop, I was far too cold and had to keep moving!
John had phoned me and I felt like crying!!!
At last I was a mile from home, I had missed a little detour but I didn't care I'd had enough! I got near the house at 17.35 miles and I stopped!! That wad such hard work! I felt like I couldn't walk for quite a few hours!!
I initally felt disappointed that I hadn't hit 18 but bugger me I had ran 17.35, the furthest I have ever ran !!!!! And in 3 hours 8 mins with quite a few hills chucked in for good measure!! I then realised I had won that mental battle I had kept going when all I wAnted to do was stop!! I made that last 10k against the odds and I know I will use that winning attitude in the last miles of the marathon!!
Pat in the back!!! Also the fact it was sooo cold and the elements were against me!! If it had been warmer and I hadn't felt so much discomfort through the cold I recon I could hAve achieved a further distance!! How hardcore am I running that far in the cold!!??
Friday, January 29, 2010
16 miles
Last Sunday I ran 16 miles in just under 3 hours!! As usual the last 2 miles were the hardest but then it was another 2 miles on top of the longest run I had ever done!! I did actually plan some pretty steep hills as well. My mind was trying to give up long before my body!! Mentally my brain was trying all sorts of reasons to talk me out of those last 2 miles!! But I fought and I did it, I felt shattered for a while.
As I sit and write this blog I am
thinking 16 miles = 3 hours and my 10 miles usually 1 hour 20 so that's about 4 and half hours for the full 26.2.
I have felt with the dark nights, moving to a rural place and all the snow had really put a dampner on my training! I was working hard on the treadmill but didn't quite feel the same!! But now I feel I'm on the right track! I'm getting out on the road at least 3 times a week and cutting down treadmill to once or twice a week!
My long runs are hard but I'm getting the miles in, this week I will attempt 18!
When I first started running I lost weight then kinda stablised but suddenly again now I've dropped down again, maybe it's the booze ban or all the extra miles I'm not sure!! My legs are really starting to take on a runners shape, my arms looking much thinner! My moods are fantastic, feel calmer more patient!! Well most of the time!
I was Reading about a marathon that included the great wall of china!!! Imagine that!!
Let's hope my 18 miler on Sunday goes well!! So far all niggles I had to start with have gone!!
As I sit and write this blog I am
thinking 16 miles = 3 hours and my 10 miles usually 1 hour 20 so that's about 4 and half hours for the full 26.2.
I have felt with the dark nights, moving to a rural place and all the snow had really put a dampner on my training! I was working hard on the treadmill but didn't quite feel the same!! But now I feel I'm on the right track! I'm getting out on the road at least 3 times a week and cutting down treadmill to once or twice a week!
My long runs are hard but I'm getting the miles in, this week I will attempt 18!
When I first started running I lost weight then kinda stablised but suddenly again now I've dropped down again, maybe it's the booze ban or all the extra miles I'm not sure!! My legs are really starting to take on a runners shape, my arms looking much thinner! My moods are fantastic, feel calmer more patient!! Well most of the time!
I was Reading about a marathon that included the great wall of china!!! Imagine that!!
Let's hope my 18 miler on Sunday goes well!! So far all niggles I had to start with have gone!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
14 miles
Today I ran 14 miles, the furthest I have actually ran!! Instead of running in loops I've started running in one direction hitting the halfway mark and then turning back! Today I explored all the restricted by lanes, very uneven and muddy but fun!!
I misjudged it slightly and hit the 13 mile mark far to close to home so basically ran up and down the street until I hit that 14!! That was hard to keep going knowing I was so close to home!! I felt a bit sore but after a couple hours I was flying high, feeling great and hypo!! ( maybe I will feel sore tomorrow)
I really feel my training has got back on track this week, managed to get out now snow has gone, had a good hilly run with Barry last Thursday! I've feel like I've really upped the stakes thus week really pushing myself and when not running been doing hour long sessions on the exercise bike!!
I am def feeling the benefit of not drinking.... Lots more energy, feeling lot more motivated although I'm not losing weight as quickly as I thought I would!! Still carrying those few extra pounds from Christmas which I can't seem to shift even with all this extra training! Maybe my body is getting used to it or I'm getting lots more muscles!
I now Twitter which is great, I have found lots of supportive and inspirational friends who I can constantly talk about running with and give johns ears a rest!
Until next time ........
I misjudged it slightly and hit the 13 mile mark far to close to home so basically ran up and down the street until I hit that 14!! That was hard to keep going knowing I was so close to home!! I felt a bit sore but after a couple hours I was flying high, feeling great and hypo!! ( maybe I will feel sore tomorrow)
I really feel my training has got back on track this week, managed to get out now snow has gone, had a good hilly run with Barry last Thursday! I've feel like I've really upped the stakes thus week really pushing myself and when not running been doing hour long sessions on the exercise bike!!
I am def feeling the benefit of not drinking.... Lots more energy, feeling lot more motivated although I'm not losing weight as quickly as I thought I would!! Still carrying those few extra pounds from Christmas which I can't seem to shift even with all this extra training! Maybe my body is getting used to it or I'm getting lots more muscles!
I now Twitter which is great, I have found lots of supportive and inspirational friends who I can constantly talk about running with and give johns ears a rest!
Until next time ........
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Sports massage
Last night I had a mild sports massage! I say mild as in the fact she justs massaged me! She was getting to know my legs, my sore bits!! I know that with progress, I will be at her mercy when she gets those pesky knots out of my calf!!
My tight calf is the only injury I'm getting through marathon training! It might be lack of warming up and all the snow and ice we have! Britians coldest winter, yep thanks do you not know I have training to do!
So anyway my legs feel bit heavy but good!
My tight calf is the only injury I'm getting through marathon training! It might be lack of warming up and all the snow and ice we have! Britians coldest winter, yep thanks do you not know I have training to do!
So anyway my legs feel bit heavy but good!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Marathon training begins
Well it's the new year! I'm on day 5 of my booze ban!! New year brings a serious amount of marathon training!! I ran a race on boxing day with a cold!!! Doh!!! How stupid can you get!! I spent the next : days nursing a tight chest!!!
Sunday I ran 12 miles, slow avoiding the ice but I was prepared! I wore my new thermal leggings and tops which led to extreme chafing in the boob department!
But this is it...... I've read the books for inspiration, I've written the training plan do let's go!!
Sunday I ran 12 miles, slow avoiding the ice but I was prepared! I wore my new thermal leggings and tops which led to extreme chafing in the boob department!
But this is it...... I've read the books for inspiration, I've written the training plan do let's go!!
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