What a fabulous day for a run across a muddy park.
The weather forecast the night before had towns and villages drowned in the downpour with more rain forecast. There was a chance that the whole event would be washed out as well. But the only weather left by the morning were strong gusts of wind and clear blue sunny skies. So, of to Woburn Abbey to run two laps around a course that was bound to be sodden from all this rain.
I collected my flashing red nose, antlers and T-shirt. Obviously I wore all three items as long as I could in high winds. So did loads of other runners. It was a glorious sight, especially during the warm up. Red clad dancing runners with antlers and flashing red noses. Pity I didn't take a picture.
The fun run started on time at 10:00am. We headed out and downhill towards the lake at the front of the abbey. My feet were soaked by the time we reached edge of the lake and that was the dry part! We carried on towards the edge of the park before eventually turning left and back up the hill we'd just run down. Half of this was across very sodden and slippy ground that was covered with leaves which hid even more water below. Running through a shallow stream is close to what this felt like. At last we reached one of the roads but that didn't bring any relief at all, it was a long up hill stretch that on the previous two attempts at this hill during events held at the abbey I'd ended up walking part of it. Here's where my stubborn streak kicked in. I was downright determined to get up this hill once and for all. It was not going to defeat me this time. So I shortened my stride, kept my pace even and kept my sight firmly locked onto the ground in front of me instead of the top of the hill. It was tough to begin with and then all of a sudden I fell into a running grove. Breath, step/step, breath, step/step, breath, step/step..... In no time at all I'm at the top of the hill wondering why I'd made such a fuss of hill climbing. We followed the road that looped back to the start line but just before we could get to run down a lovely hill to finish the first lap we were directed out into the parkland again. Down a very slippy, sodden hill. A few slippy scary moments later and the track looped back uphill towards the the path I'd just left. Then a quick run downhill toward the start/finish line to do the whole thing again.
On the second lap I felt strong. The confidence boost given by getting up the hill at Woburn not once but twice was energising. Instead of slipping into a slow easy pace I kept pushing myself to just under uncomfortable. It was awesome. The feeling of getting the better of a course that's defeated me in the past. Woohoo!!
A respectable 1 hour time for 10k 50% mud and water 50% road in my Innovates. Loved every minute of it and was very proud to wear my nose and antlers at the end of the run.
Thank you Woburn Abbey and Thank you RNLI. I've finally conquered that hill and next time I'm going to get below an hour. Oh yes I am!
Sunday 25 November 2012
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Dirt Half Marathon - Leighton Buzzard
After last week I was determined to do better in this half marathon. I had made sure I had worked out Monday, Tuesday, Wendesday and Thursday leaving Friday as a rest day before the race. I knew there was a big hill in this race but once you're up a hill it's easy running downhill too. Bring it on!
The morning was gloriously sunny but very chilly. Knowing how the town centre can get on Saturdays I’d decided to walk from Vandyke Road to Tiddenfoot, 2 miles, no problem. I got there nice and early and spotted a couple LBAC members. Leighton Fun Runners were out in force again too. A quick change into my running shoes and tucking away my lovely warm hoody I headed out to the start.
The path was damp and I knew at some point I was going to get utterly muddy. I just didn’t know when! The start took us around Tiddenfoot Lake, a nice quick gentle uphill to get you warmed up and spread out before we all got to the tow path along the Grand Union Canal. We stayed on this lovely flat non muddy path past the The Globe and past the Three Locks until we got to the bridge at the end of Bragenham Side road. I knew the “HILL” was coming up and I was not looking forward to it. The hill starts gently at first but it get more difficult the closer you get to Great Brickhill and Stoke Lane. At this point my legs were starting to turn to jelly after the long easy bit along the canal. Oh the relief at the top when it was time to head down Cuff Lane. A nice long jog downhill before heading into Oakwood and the woodland trail. Tricky downhill bits with tree roots ready to catch my foot, big muddy patches to slow me down and make sure my trainers looked like I’d worked on this run. I’d lost all track of time in the woods – concentrating on staying upright! I reached Linslade Road feeling good that I’d survived the root obstacle to then follow the trail in the woods on the other side of the road. Hidden roots under leaf litter. Much more fun! The trail then headed out over a farm field, I saw the two wooden bridges in the distance and realised that this was the muddy part of the course. My feet were hot, the water and mud were cool. After 200 runners the field was slippy and the mud looked like the type of mud you get at a spa. There was no avoiding it so I went for it. Straight through the middle of it all and up to my knees. No loss of trainer thankfully and at the final wooden bridge I decided to jump in like a big kid into the last of the mud. Then it was back along the canal, past Tesco’s and up to Tiddenfoot Lake to the finish. Last weekend I felt like a wreck near the end of the race. This week I had been on my cross trainer every day making sure my lungs and legs were going to work when I needed them. It worked. I got to the lake and gently started to increase my pace. Overtaking quite a few people I’d been following for the majority of the race. Finishing with a time of 2 hours 25 minutes. Not my best time but an improvement on last weekend.
Just to make the ending more gruelling. I had a 2 mile walk home. Dang. Thankfully I’d packed a change of socks and shoes, I got my lovely warm cosy hoodie back on and decided to walk/jog home. Yes, after 13.1 miles I willingly jogged some more. I must be getting used to the half marathon distance. Time to increase the mileage me thinks.
How did everyone else from Leighton Buzzard get on? Well done guys n gals
Leighton Buzzard Athletics Club
Gary Stratford 1:35
Helen Crossland 2:25
Leighton Fun Runners
Neil Warby 1:34
Jim Buttleman 1:38
Gordon Hill 2:03
Angela Kerr 2:06
Paul Thomas 2:09
Deena Bland 2:12
Phil Harpin 2:15
Pete Bolton 2:16
Sunday 11 November 2012
Grand Union Canal Half Marathon 2012 - Purple Patch
Today was going to be tough.
I had chickened out of a half marathon last week due to the weather and hadn't been out running since the zombie invasion run. To make things even more difficult I had not been taking my asthma meds for the last two weeks either. Basically I've been a complete lazy dog for two weeks.
So how did it go?
Weather was very cold but very sunny. The car was parked as Cassiobury Park in Watford and I had paid for coach transport to the start in Uxbridge. At least I was warm for a little while whilst the coach took me to the start with lots of other runners. What to wear on that type of run? Arm warmers, calf compression, T-shirt and camalback - that's what I chose. Yup, I was shivering like crazy until the race started.
It was TOUGH! I've not felt like that running for a while. My lungs felt tight, my legs were stiff from the cold (or not running) and my feet were killing me by mile 5. Argh!
The runners started in two waves after we held a minute silence for Remembrance Day. I knew we were travelling down the canal path but I naively thought that the canal path was going to be wider from Uxbridge to Watford for some reason. Nope, it wasn't. It was a standard canal path that had sections of completely slippy slidey mud to make things interesting, plus lots of holes, lots of branches trying to catch you unawares, lots of tree roots, lots of parked canal boats with tether lines to jump and finally - a few bridges to swap sides of the canal and a few locks to remind those legs what a hill is all about. This all made passing other runners very, very interesting and risky. So most of the time I didn't which probably didn't help my time. We did get a reminder that the canal was only 4 foot deep so no one would need to swim if they fell in.
In summary, I made it to the finish in one piece. I didn't trip or fall or slip, very pleased with that score. However, my lungs were useless, my legs were blocks of lead that just would respond to being pushed for extra effort and I'd had to stop several times to recover. Back to my usual old running self that made running frustrating.
Never underestimate the need for consistent training. Over this year I had been very good at going out regularly on short runs to keep my legs fresh, keep my lungs free and to remind myself to look after myself. Being a lazy dog and resting when I should have been getting out into this cold dark wintry time had made today far more difficult than it should have been. I consider myself told and will endeavour to get of my comfy comfy sofa to go out into the cold dark nights to run!
On a good note. I now know how far I can push myself through sheer determination. At mile 5 my legs/lungs were just not responding to anything I was asking of them. It was thoroughly frustrating but I didn't give in. I kept on pushing. I kept my legs moving even though I wanted to just sit down and stop. I pushed myself through 8 miles of pain and still managed to keep myself going and run up the hill at Cassiobury Park!!!!! Utter, utter, down right determination can work wonders. Even when I hadn't trained at all for this event.
Now all I have to do is put that sheer determination into getting me through 26 miles in December! Eek
I had chickened out of a half marathon last week due to the weather and hadn't been out running since the zombie invasion run. To make things even more difficult I had not been taking my asthma meds for the last two weeks either. Basically I've been a complete lazy dog for two weeks.
So how did it go?
Weather was very cold but very sunny. The car was parked as Cassiobury Park in Watford and I had paid for coach transport to the start in Uxbridge. At least I was warm for a little while whilst the coach took me to the start with lots of other runners. What to wear on that type of run? Arm warmers, calf compression, T-shirt and camalback - that's what I chose. Yup, I was shivering like crazy until the race started.
It was TOUGH! I've not felt like that running for a while. My lungs felt tight, my legs were stiff from the cold (or not running) and my feet were killing me by mile 5. Argh!
The runners started in two waves after we held a minute silence for Remembrance Day. I knew we were travelling down the canal path but I naively thought that the canal path was going to be wider from Uxbridge to Watford for some reason. Nope, it wasn't. It was a standard canal path that had sections of completely slippy slidey mud to make things interesting, plus lots of holes, lots of branches trying to catch you unawares, lots of tree roots, lots of parked canal boats with tether lines to jump and finally - a few bridges to swap sides of the canal and a few locks to remind those legs what a hill is all about. This all made passing other runners very, very interesting and risky. So most of the time I didn't which probably didn't help my time. We did get a reminder that the canal was only 4 foot deep so no one would need to swim if they fell in.
In summary, I made it to the finish in one piece. I didn't trip or fall or slip, very pleased with that score. However, my lungs were useless, my legs were blocks of lead that just would respond to being pushed for extra effort and I'd had to stop several times to recover. Back to my usual old running self that made running frustrating.
Never underestimate the need for consistent training. Over this year I had been very good at going out regularly on short runs to keep my legs fresh, keep my lungs free and to remind myself to look after myself. Being a lazy dog and resting when I should have been getting out into this cold dark wintry time had made today far more difficult than it should have been. I consider myself told and will endeavour to get of my comfy comfy sofa to go out into the cold dark nights to run!
On a good note. I now know how far I can push myself through sheer determination. At mile 5 my legs/lungs were just not responding to anything I was asking of them. It was thoroughly frustrating but I didn't give in. I kept on pushing. I kept my legs moving even though I wanted to just sit down and stop. I pushed myself through 8 miles of pain and still managed to keep myself going and run up the hill at Cassiobury Park!!!!! Utter, utter, down right determination can work wonders. Even when I hadn't trained at all for this event.
Now all I have to do is put that sheer determination into getting me through 26 miles in December! Eek
Sunday 28 October 2012
Zombie Evacuation 5k - Must Train Harder
What possessed me to pay someone to scare me stupid whilst trying to run 5 kilometers?
Saturday 27th October 2012 was bitterly cold. The place was Bassingbourn, Royston. The Zombies had taken over Bassingbourn barracks and I was one the many who thought we could run an easy cross country 5k through zombie infested woodland with ease.
All you had to do was dodge them right?
Sounds so simple!
I was covered head to foot - cross country through woodland, I was not going to avoid getting stung by nettles when there's zombies around! I had my trail shoes on for extra grip in case I needed to get a sprint on in muddy conditions. I had two pairs of gloves on - running through woodland, you don't want to be fussing over a splinter with zombies after your brains, do you?
I was nervous. I was ready to dodge zombies (so I thought!). The army personnel gathered us runners for a quick briefing about what to expect and what would happen if we took on a zombie, if we lost our lives to the zombies and to keep away from the zombies at all costs or we would be eaten alive or shot! Best pre race briefing ever!
The gates open and they tell us to run. Then I hear screaming up ahead. The first ambush zombie has already caught a few lives. It's like watching a nature program with the graceful antelope dancing away from the jaws and claws of death. Only this time it was a zombie and runners. I was laughing then squealing and jumping out of the way just like the runners before me.
It wasn't over. A brief jog along the edge of a field brought us to the first wooded section. As we're all approaching you can hear the screams of the runners ahead. This time we're all in single file and have little option but to run headlong at the zombie and dodge at the last minute. My heart is racing before it even gets to my turn. I'm looking around for a different route and just before the zombie reaches for me I run headlong into the brush and come out onto another path and straight into the path of another zombie!!!! Scream, duck, dodge, sprint...... did I lose a life? Phew, no I didn't. Wow! I know they're fake but the adrenaline has taken over all sense of self control and it's hilariously scary now.
That was the first zombie ambush. The rest of the zombie infested parts of the race will have to be experienced yourself. I could write a book on the 5k a ran but it would be far more fun if you tried it yourself next year.
So how fast did I cover 5k of zombie infested countryside? 50 minutes!!
Did I survive? Yes, with one life left and it was well earnt.
The scariest part of the race was the zombie clown! Yes, there was a zombie clown and it scared the hell out of me. I squealed when I got to this guy. I squealed like a girl!!!
I would recommend this race to anyone who's willing to have a go at an interesting 5k as long as they don't have a heart condition and they're not scared of clowns!
Roll on next weekend for a peaceful 13.1 miles without being scared silly whilst running it.
Enjoy
Helen
Saturday 27th October 2012 was bitterly cold. The place was Bassingbourn, Royston. The Zombies had taken over Bassingbourn barracks and I was one the many who thought we could run an easy cross country 5k through zombie infested woodland with ease.
All you had to do was dodge them right?
Sounds so simple!
I was covered head to foot - cross country through woodland, I was not going to avoid getting stung by nettles when there's zombies around! I had my trail shoes on for extra grip in case I needed to get a sprint on in muddy conditions. I had two pairs of gloves on - running through woodland, you don't want to be fussing over a splinter with zombies after your brains, do you?
I was nervous. I was ready to dodge zombies (so I thought!). The army personnel gathered us runners for a quick briefing about what to expect and what would happen if we took on a zombie, if we lost our lives to the zombies and to keep away from the zombies at all costs or we would be eaten alive or shot! Best pre race briefing ever!
The gates open and they tell us to run. Then I hear screaming up ahead. The first ambush zombie has already caught a few lives. It's like watching a nature program with the graceful antelope dancing away from the jaws and claws of death. Only this time it was a zombie and runners. I was laughing then squealing and jumping out of the way just like the runners before me.
It wasn't over. A brief jog along the edge of a field brought us to the first wooded section. As we're all approaching you can hear the screams of the runners ahead. This time we're all in single file and have little option but to run headlong at the zombie and dodge at the last minute. My heart is racing before it even gets to my turn. I'm looking around for a different route and just before the zombie reaches for me I run headlong into the brush and come out onto another path and straight into the path of another zombie!!!! Scream, duck, dodge, sprint...... did I lose a life? Phew, no I didn't. Wow! I know they're fake but the adrenaline has taken over all sense of self control and it's hilariously scary now.
That was the first zombie ambush. The rest of the zombie infested parts of the race will have to be experienced yourself. I could write a book on the 5k a ran but it would be far more fun if you tried it yourself next year.
So how fast did I cover 5k of zombie infested countryside? 50 minutes!!
Did I survive? Yes, with one life left and it was well earnt.
The scariest part of the race was the zombie clown! Yes, there was a zombie clown and it scared the hell out of me. I squealed when I got to this guy. I squealed like a girl!!!
I would recommend this race to anyone who's willing to have a go at an interesting 5k as long as they don't have a heart condition and they're not scared of clowns!
Roll on next weekend for a peaceful 13.1 miles without being scared silly whilst running it.
Enjoy
Helen
Tuesday 16 October 2012
Oxford Half Marathon
Wow what a morning.
My day started at 5am. Still very dark and outside was cold freezing fog. Brrr. The drive to Oxford was traffic free thankfully - no surprise at that time in the morning. I managed to find the Mini Plant in Oxford with ease. I then sat and chilled out for an hour munching away on a Millies cookie watching the marshals set up their post and get buses ready for when the crowds get in.
By the time I had my kit ready and checked the mist had cleared and there was a cloudless blue sky. The temperature, however, was still near zero and being in my running shorts and t-shirt it was not going to be a pleasant wait for the start at 9:30am.
I hopped onto one of the buses to take me to the start. Watching all the other runners in similar kit and looking just as cold. You could tell instantly who was running and who was supporting. The supporters looked warm and cosy in their jumpers, hats and gloves. Did I mention it was cold?
Kassam stadium was looking busy by the time I turned up at 8:30am. I was glad I'd given myself so much time to be here and have everything ready. I dropped my bag of at the bag storage. At 8:30am there was no cue and a few people milling around. By 9am it was a completely different scene. A very long cue that snaked around the car park and lots of anxious cold people trying to get their bag stored before the race started at 9:30am.
9:30am is getting close. All 4,000 plus runners are ready and waiting for the starting horn. Rubbing arms, dancing on the spot and basically looking like we're going to freeze in the next 5 minutes. Relief surges through the crowd as the horn sounds. We're all looking towards the start. Waiting our turn to step over the chip plate and get into the running groove.
What felt like an incredibly cold start to the morning was really rather nice once you got running. I saw my targets in the distance and set my pace to a nice easy rate. Easy to breath, easy to run, easy movement with my water pack and enough thought left to search the crowds for my target.
Did I mention there were pacers in this race? Each wearing a red t-shirt with expected finish times on them. What a incentive! I spotted my first target within the first mile. 2:30 finish time. Passed with ease. I then started looking for people wearing red t-shirts, no longer targeting the next person in front of me. I wanted to pass the 2:25 pacer, this was looking like it was going to be fun. I spotted them in the distance, I didn't want to increase my pace to much and end up exhausted by the end of the race so I kept my eye on where they were. Each step bringing me closer..... Passed. Not so easy this time. This went on until I passed the 2:15 pacer, I was staggered I'd managed to catch up with this one. Their pace was very even and even more difficult to pass. This was my pace for this distance and if I wanted to get past this pacer I was going to have to push a little past my comfort zone. Could I do it? Could I still finish if I pushed this hard? Oh what the hell, it's only a race and it's not like I'm coming first is it? Weeeee, past the 2:15 pacer.
Passing the 2:15 pacer took it's toll. I was running at a pace I was not comfortable with for at least 4 miles. By the time I got close to the finish nausea swept over me and robbed me of at least a minute. Thankfully it passed and I was able to carry on running through to the finish line. The clock read 2:14 for the gun finish time. What did that mean for my actual running time? I checked my trusty running watch and saw the time was 2:10 - No, it cant be. I stopped because of the nausea. I must of lost loads of time for that. But yes, that was my time. 2 hours 10 minutes. A whole 3 minutes faster than my previous best time for a half marathon. I was amazed. I was running with a hip and ankle injury that was affecting the whole dynamics of my running and yet I managed a personal best.
So for all those peeps out there that think they cant or shouldn't try. Get out there and have a game of chase. Apart from the last mile I found the Oxford Half Marathon very entertaining. The course was flat. The marshals were excellent and the live bands along the route were a welcome break to the running. Thank you Oxford for a lovely day. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
My day started at 5am. Still very dark and outside was cold freezing fog. Brrr. The drive to Oxford was traffic free thankfully - no surprise at that time in the morning. I managed to find the Mini Plant in Oxford with ease. I then sat and chilled out for an hour munching away on a Millies cookie watching the marshals set up their post and get buses ready for when the crowds get in.
By the time I had my kit ready and checked the mist had cleared and there was a cloudless blue sky. The temperature, however, was still near zero and being in my running shorts and t-shirt it was not going to be a pleasant wait for the start at 9:30am.
I hopped onto one of the buses to take me to the start. Watching all the other runners in similar kit and looking just as cold. You could tell instantly who was running and who was supporting. The supporters looked warm and cosy in their jumpers, hats and gloves. Did I mention it was cold?
Kassam stadium was looking busy by the time I turned up at 8:30am. I was glad I'd given myself so much time to be here and have everything ready. I dropped my bag of at the bag storage. At 8:30am there was no cue and a few people milling around. By 9am it was a completely different scene. A very long cue that snaked around the car park and lots of anxious cold people trying to get their bag stored before the race started at 9:30am.
9:30am is getting close. All 4,000 plus runners are ready and waiting for the starting horn. Rubbing arms, dancing on the spot and basically looking like we're going to freeze in the next 5 minutes. Relief surges through the crowd as the horn sounds. We're all looking towards the start. Waiting our turn to step over the chip plate and get into the running groove.
What felt like an incredibly cold start to the morning was really rather nice once you got running. I saw my targets in the distance and set my pace to a nice easy rate. Easy to breath, easy to run, easy movement with my water pack and enough thought left to search the crowds for my target.
Did I mention there were pacers in this race? Each wearing a red t-shirt with expected finish times on them. What a incentive! I spotted my first target within the first mile. 2:30 finish time. Passed with ease. I then started looking for people wearing red t-shirts, no longer targeting the next person in front of me. I wanted to pass the 2:25 pacer, this was looking like it was going to be fun. I spotted them in the distance, I didn't want to increase my pace to much and end up exhausted by the end of the race so I kept my eye on where they were. Each step bringing me closer..... Passed. Not so easy this time. This went on until I passed the 2:15 pacer, I was staggered I'd managed to catch up with this one. Their pace was very even and even more difficult to pass. This was my pace for this distance and if I wanted to get past this pacer I was going to have to push a little past my comfort zone. Could I do it? Could I still finish if I pushed this hard? Oh what the hell, it's only a race and it's not like I'm coming first is it? Weeeee, past the 2:15 pacer.
Passing the 2:15 pacer took it's toll. I was running at a pace I was not comfortable with for at least 4 miles. By the time I got close to the finish nausea swept over me and robbed me of at least a minute. Thankfully it passed and I was able to carry on running through to the finish line. The clock read 2:14 for the gun finish time. What did that mean for my actual running time? I checked my trusty running watch and saw the time was 2:10 - No, it cant be. I stopped because of the nausea. I must of lost loads of time for that. But yes, that was my time. 2 hours 10 minutes. A whole 3 minutes faster than my previous best time for a half marathon. I was amazed. I was running with a hip and ankle injury that was affecting the whole dynamics of my running and yet I managed a personal best.
So for all those peeps out there that think they cant or shouldn't try. Get out there and have a game of chase. Apart from the last mile I found the Oxford Half Marathon very entertaining. The course was flat. The marshals were excellent and the live bands along the route were a welcome break to the running. Thank you Oxford for a lovely day. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Thursday 4 October 2012
Recovering Slowly - so far so good
It's been nearly 7 weeks since I fell and gave myself a badly sprained ankle and without knowing it until later, pelvic dysfunction syndrome.
I thought I'd only given myself a bad sprain at the time. I did stop and check when it happened, I kept my pace slow and even afterwards but what I didn't notice was the hidden shock I'd given my hip. Not the femur head joint in my hip. The big thing. Plus, it was weeks later that the injury was finally found. I had been having pain in my knee, pain in my back, pain in the but! and lastly the clue to it all - pain at the very front of the hip called the pubis symphasis.
The worst bit, is that I've had so many different exercises suggested to help the pain without any of them working. I now have a few exercises that have me tied up in knots on the floor but WOW what a difference.
I still have pain on one side of my hip and it feels like I'm walking at a funny angle but as soon as I start to jog or run everything works perfectly and there's no pain at all. I've been for a short quick run and no pain. I've been for a good long 10 mile run and I felt tired but still no pain whilst running.
One unfortunate casualty to all of this is cycling. It's more than a pain in the ass to sit on the saddle of my bicycles and I'm searching for a solution to that one. Until then, running is back on the cards for me and after having a forced 7 week rest from running I'm more than eager to get back into it.
Notes to remember when you take a tumble whilst running -
STOP - Always stop and check to see what damage has been done. You wont always feel immediate pain from a severe injury. Sometimes it takes up to 20 minutes for the pain to kick in. If you see something out of place or feel something out of place. Stop and call for help. Running with an injury will only delay any healing time. Says the very person who did exactly that!!
REST - If you've taken a tumble, checked yourself over for injuries and you find yourself feeling really hyped or jittery or nervous. Rest. Sit down, take a look at the scenery and chill out for a little while. Have a snack, take a sip on that water you've been carrying. Give yourself the time to analyse your tumble and come to terms with it. In the meantime you'll give your body time to recover from the shock and you'll feel so much better when you get back on your feet and carry on running.
STRETCH - After your rest, give yourself a few stretches to test for any injuries you didn't notice when you stopped. This is when you'll find that hidden injury. Be careful with these stretches, they're only supposed to remind your body of how tight your ligaments are after resting. You're not trying to stretch those ligaments so you can do ballet or the splits in the next few seconds. Remember that your body is already warm and ready to run, reminding you body that you have tight muscles that need relaxing is a great idea.
IF INJURED - STOP AND CALL FOR HELP - This is when that mobile phone will come in handy. Give your husband/wife/friend a call and give them a good story to listen to on the journey home. Plus if you tell a good tale and they're laughing at your misfortune then they're more likely to turn up at your next rescue call for more entertainment.
So here I am. Thanking the universe for my husband who came to my rescue and laughed at my misfortune but I know if I call on him at any time of day to come rescue me, he will always be there for me.
I thought I'd only given myself a bad sprain at the time. I did stop and check when it happened, I kept my pace slow and even afterwards but what I didn't notice was the hidden shock I'd given my hip. Not the femur head joint in my hip. The big thing. Plus, it was weeks later that the injury was finally found. I had been having pain in my knee, pain in my back, pain in the but! and lastly the clue to it all - pain at the very front of the hip called the pubis symphasis.
The worst bit, is that I've had so many different exercises suggested to help the pain without any of them working. I now have a few exercises that have me tied up in knots on the floor but WOW what a difference.
I still have pain on one side of my hip and it feels like I'm walking at a funny angle but as soon as I start to jog or run everything works perfectly and there's no pain at all. I've been for a short quick run and no pain. I've been for a good long 10 mile run and I felt tired but still no pain whilst running.
One unfortunate casualty to all of this is cycling. It's more than a pain in the ass to sit on the saddle of my bicycles and I'm searching for a solution to that one. Until then, running is back on the cards for me and after having a forced 7 week rest from running I'm more than eager to get back into it.
Notes to remember when you take a tumble whilst running -
STOP - Always stop and check to see what damage has been done. You wont always feel immediate pain from a severe injury. Sometimes it takes up to 20 minutes for the pain to kick in. If you see something out of place or feel something out of place. Stop and call for help. Running with an injury will only delay any healing time. Says the very person who did exactly that!!
REST - If you've taken a tumble, checked yourself over for injuries and you find yourself feeling really hyped or jittery or nervous. Rest. Sit down, take a look at the scenery and chill out for a little while. Have a snack, take a sip on that water you've been carrying. Give yourself the time to analyse your tumble and come to terms with it. In the meantime you'll give your body time to recover from the shock and you'll feel so much better when you get back on your feet and carry on running.
STRETCH - After your rest, give yourself a few stretches to test for any injuries you didn't notice when you stopped. This is when you'll find that hidden injury. Be careful with these stretches, they're only supposed to remind your body of how tight your ligaments are after resting. You're not trying to stretch those ligaments so you can do ballet or the splits in the next few seconds. Remember that your body is already warm and ready to run, reminding you body that you have tight muscles that need relaxing is a great idea.
IF INJURED - STOP AND CALL FOR HELP - This is when that mobile phone will come in handy. Give your husband/wife/friend a call and give them a good story to listen to on the journey home. Plus if you tell a good tale and they're laughing at your misfortune then they're more likely to turn up at your next rescue call for more entertainment.
So here I am. Thanking the universe for my husband who came to my rescue and laughed at my misfortune but I know if I call on him at any time of day to come rescue me, he will always be there for me.
Saturday 22 September 2012
Injury Frustration
What happens when you're booked into a good race and you're on the brink of recovering from a stupidly painful injury?
Sigh! You notify the race organisers and give someone fit to run the number. B'ah humbug. It feels devastating, feels down right unfair.
But! Instead of prolonging the recovery another runner now gets the chance to shine. Putting it into that perspective makes it feel a little better but by golly, when will this injury just heal already so I can feel alive again?
At some point I WILL be up & running again. A bit wiser, far to eager and most definitely far more appreciative of my fitness/stability levels.
Signed by grumpy injured runner
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Note to self!
Being over prepared as always I was reviewing the route for the dunstable marathon and dang well injured myself good n propper!
Not only did I badly sprain my ankle, I've wrenched my hip out of alignment too!
So, not only did I miss out on the marathon, I've still not been able to run more than a couple miles before I'm crippled by pain!
What have I learnt?
You may feel as fit as ox but some injuries really need good rest to heal properly. Plus all the doctors want to do is chuck painkillers at me!?!?!
6 weeks & 4 missed races later I'm finally seeing some improvement! Ugh!
Hopefully in a couple weeks I'll be back to my long distance target and I'll run the marathon route just because it was so much fun figuring out the route instructions, Hahahaha!
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Whipsnade Zoo 10k & Kids 2k
Saturday 26th May - the day before the 10k race at the zoo. It's hot hot hot! (27-30c) A few jobs completed around the house and lots of carbs scoffed for the following day. I really wanted to get out and run and was feeling moody because of it. Seeing people out there in their running kit, jogging along. I want to be out there with them. Sigh. Is this what an addict feels like? Come on, I want it to be Sunday already....
Saturday 27th May - I'm awake long before the alarm. Kids and husband snoozing away whilst I scoff breakfast and head out the door with all my kit and number to Whipsnade Zoo. It's already hot (28c) and it's 8am. I start worrying about heat stroke and how hard it's going to be running in this heat. In all my worrying I forget to warm up properly and start the race feeling stiff. The one race I want to do really well in and I forget my warm up. One lap completed and I feel okay. Not feeling to hot and the hills I dreaded last year are feeling rather easy. Lap two, the heat is starting to feel uncomfortable and the fatigue in my legs is increasing so I concentrate on my running form to keep my mind of the ache in the muscles, it works, lap two flies by. Lap three, the heat has really kicked in now, the hills still feel easy but coming up to the finish I don't feel right. Instead of pushing myself I ease of. I still did a fantastic time compared to last year - 58 mins compared to 1 hour 12 mins. As the chip was being taken of the dizziness kicked in - to much heat, to much effort, not enough sweat to cool me down. If I don't do something fast heat stroke will be next. A quick collection of the medal, goodie bag and a jog to some shade. I get the water bottle and drown myself, covering as much bare skin with water as possible. Thankfully there's a cool breeze and the cooling effect works. Phew! I really did not want another sit down in an ambulance again.
Lesson of the day..... if you have you're own drinks on a hot day, take the water on offer and use it as extra cooling for your skin.
Then, to add a little cool down session to the day I helped my son around the 2k kids fun run. For a 5 year old who doesn't run competitively he did very well completing the course in 15 minutes. My daughter at 11 years old raced of and completed the course in 13 minutes. Athletes in training, haha. The medals and goodie bags afterwards were of course a great incentive for them.
A few lessons learnt today. I'm hoping that the rest of the races for the year will not be as hot as that one.
Next weekend has no race booked so it may be a training run for the half marathon the following week.
119.6k of races completed so far - another 200k to go. I'm also making my personal challenge of 200 miles of races a fund raiser for various charities. virginmoneygiving.com/hels205
TTFN
Hels
Saturday 27th May - I'm awake long before the alarm. Kids and husband snoozing away whilst I scoff breakfast and head out the door with all my kit and number to Whipsnade Zoo. It's already hot (28c) and it's 8am. I start worrying about heat stroke and how hard it's going to be running in this heat. In all my worrying I forget to warm up properly and start the race feeling stiff. The one race I want to do really well in and I forget my warm up. One lap completed and I feel okay. Not feeling to hot and the hills I dreaded last year are feeling rather easy. Lap two, the heat is starting to feel uncomfortable and the fatigue in my legs is increasing so I concentrate on my running form to keep my mind of the ache in the muscles, it works, lap two flies by. Lap three, the heat has really kicked in now, the hills still feel easy but coming up to the finish I don't feel right. Instead of pushing myself I ease of. I still did a fantastic time compared to last year - 58 mins compared to 1 hour 12 mins. As the chip was being taken of the dizziness kicked in - to much heat, to much effort, not enough sweat to cool me down. If I don't do something fast heat stroke will be next. A quick collection of the medal, goodie bag and a jog to some shade. I get the water bottle and drown myself, covering as much bare skin with water as possible. Thankfully there's a cool breeze and the cooling effect works. Phew! I really did not want another sit down in an ambulance again.
Lesson of the day..... if you have you're own drinks on a hot day, take the water on offer and use it as extra cooling for your skin.
Then, to add a little cool down session to the day I helped my son around the 2k kids fun run. For a 5 year old who doesn't run competitively he did very well completing the course in 15 minutes. My daughter at 11 years old raced of and completed the course in 13 minutes. Athletes in training, haha. The medals and goodie bags afterwards were of course a great incentive for them.
A few lessons learnt today. I'm hoping that the rest of the races for the year will not be as hot as that one.
Next weekend has no race booked so it may be a training run for the half marathon the following week.
119.6k of races completed so far - another 200k to go. I'm also making my personal challenge of 200 miles of races a fund raiser for various charities. virginmoneygiving.com/hels205
TTFN
Hels
Thursday 24 May 2012
Too busy to post on my blog!
I start a blog about keeping motivated to keep running and improving. I then loose track of my progress because I'm suddenly improving. Not just by a little but LOTS! Where has this energy, this superhuman effort come from?
An example of the change since March this year. Leighton 10k was completed in 1 hour 10 minutes. A similar 10k run with what I would consider more difficult terrain and more hills was the Milton Keynes Race for Life on 19th May which I completed in 56 minutes. Now if someone had said to me in March that I would not only beat my personal best time but also smash it by a whole 3 minutes I would have been rolling around on the flooring laughing like crazy. Call me amazed!
How did I get to this crazy increase in timings for 10k?
Getting to the doctors and assessing my health. Once I did that I knew what my limits were and either got medication to help it or changed my diet to improve my overall health.
Hills - yes hills!! I find hills amazingly difficult. A few steps up a steep hill and I'm gasping for air, my legs are screaming for oxygen and my stamina is sitting at the bottom of the hill tutting at me for even thinking I could attempt such an obstacle! So instead of avoiding them I make sure I include a good hill or two. So far I've had no choice for training runs, it's been all races in May!
Warm up Warm up Warm up! Sounds utterly wrong to make sure you are warmed up, flexed up and fighting fit before you start a long run doesn't it? I'm completely converted. Get yourself warmed up, jog until your breathing is even and you feel warmed through. Dynamic stretching - no standing still for this one - get a good dance routine going, move your arms, your legs. Look like a spider having a fit and get all you limbs ready to rock and roll. First few times I did this the race felt more difficult. But now..... 56 minutes! Improved 10k time by 14 minutes. That's got to be good news. No stitches, no aching, no cramp, no pulled muscles - I felt good, strong and FIT FIT FIT!
Lastly - Core muscles. I've made a conscious effort to get my core muscles strong this year. No ignoring those boring plank exercises. Yoga or a good physio can point anyone in the right direction for what type of training you need. Everyone's different so I'm not even going to bother posting what I do here. Find out whats right for you. Bad back, sore shoulders, bad knees - they're all a knock on effect of bad core muscles. The exercises take determination to keep up but the benefits are amazing.
So what was my last race? Bedford 6 - 6 miles of fairly flat pathways around a country lake park. A lovely evening with fellow runners yet again. How did I do? Well not more than 10 meters from the start point I fell and gave my knees and hands a good gravel rash. Did I stop? Hell no! A quick joke about how I didn't need to demonstrate how to fall over to veteran runners and I was back on my feet and targeting person after person in front of me to get another personal best time. 56 minutes for 6 miles. A little short of 10k but I'm proud of that time considering how I looked by the end of it. Thank you to St John Ambulance who helped plaster me up afterwards.
Next race - Whipsnade Zoo 10k with the kids running 2k after the main race. Rock on! Even with bruised knees I'm ready for another run.
TTFN
Helen.
An example of the change since March this year. Leighton 10k was completed in 1 hour 10 minutes. A similar 10k run with what I would consider more difficult terrain and more hills was the Milton Keynes Race for Life on 19th May which I completed in 56 minutes. Now if someone had said to me in March that I would not only beat my personal best time but also smash it by a whole 3 minutes I would have been rolling around on the flooring laughing like crazy. Call me amazed!
How did I get to this crazy increase in timings for 10k?
Getting to the doctors and assessing my health. Once I did that I knew what my limits were and either got medication to help it or changed my diet to improve my overall health.
Hills - yes hills!! I find hills amazingly difficult. A few steps up a steep hill and I'm gasping for air, my legs are screaming for oxygen and my stamina is sitting at the bottom of the hill tutting at me for even thinking I could attempt such an obstacle! So instead of avoiding them I make sure I include a good hill or two. So far I've had no choice for training runs, it's been all races in May!
Warm up Warm up Warm up! Sounds utterly wrong to make sure you are warmed up, flexed up and fighting fit before you start a long run doesn't it? I'm completely converted. Get yourself warmed up, jog until your breathing is even and you feel warmed through. Dynamic stretching - no standing still for this one - get a good dance routine going, move your arms, your legs. Look like a spider having a fit and get all you limbs ready to rock and roll. First few times I did this the race felt more difficult. But now..... 56 minutes! Improved 10k time by 14 minutes. That's got to be good news. No stitches, no aching, no cramp, no pulled muscles - I felt good, strong and FIT FIT FIT!
Lastly - Core muscles. I've made a conscious effort to get my core muscles strong this year. No ignoring those boring plank exercises. Yoga or a good physio can point anyone in the right direction for what type of training you need. Everyone's different so I'm not even going to bother posting what I do here. Find out whats right for you. Bad back, sore shoulders, bad knees - they're all a knock on effect of bad core muscles. The exercises take determination to keep up but the benefits are amazing.
So what was my last race? Bedford 6 - 6 miles of fairly flat pathways around a country lake park. A lovely evening with fellow runners yet again. How did I do? Well not more than 10 meters from the start point I fell and gave my knees and hands a good gravel rash. Did I stop? Hell no! A quick joke about how I didn't need to demonstrate how to fall over to veteran runners and I was back on my feet and targeting person after person in front of me to get another personal best time. 56 minutes for 6 miles. A little short of 10k but I'm proud of that time considering how I looked by the end of it. Thank you to St John Ambulance who helped plaster me up afterwards.
Next race - Whipsnade Zoo 10k with the kids running 2k after the main race. Rock on! Even with bruised knees I'm ready for another run.
TTFN
Helen.
Thursday 12 April 2012
Longer route version 2
After the rather successful long run Tuesday I thought I would plot a slightly longer run today. Plus I was kitted out for heavy rain which never appeared??
This route is a keeper, a nice 1k warm up on a slight downhill followed by 2k constant uphill, some bits quite steep. The hills don't stop there though, after you reach the top it's then up and down for another 2k then you get a gradual downhill for 3k. To finish of a rather flat 4-5k with a couple little hills to climb. 12.5k in 1hr 33mins. I felt very good too. No sore knees, my feet felt good and even now, ready for bed I feel good about the run.
I'm amazed I've kicked out this much mileage this week. Even with the drenching I got last week! Even better is my pace, it seems to be improving each time I'm out running. Struggling to get below 8mins per kilometre just a month ago, I'm now 7.2 mins per kilometre.
The core muscle workouts every morning seem to be helping much more than I expected. They're only 30 mins worth but the benefits I'm reaping from them are awesome. No knee pain, no back pain, easier breathing - rather surprising what's happening.
Next run will be the Flitwick 10k. Fingers crossed my time will be much better than last year!
TTFN
Hels
This route is a keeper, a nice 1k warm up on a slight downhill followed by 2k constant uphill, some bits quite steep. The hills don't stop there though, after you reach the top it's then up and down for another 2k then you get a gradual downhill for 3k. To finish of a rather flat 4-5k with a couple little hills to climb. 12.5k in 1hr 33mins. I felt very good too. No sore knees, my feet felt good and even now, ready for bed I feel good about the run.
I'm amazed I've kicked out this much mileage this week. Even with the drenching I got last week! Even better is my pace, it seems to be improving each time I'm out running. Struggling to get below 8mins per kilometre just a month ago, I'm now 7.2 mins per kilometre.
The core muscle workouts every morning seem to be helping much more than I expected. They're only 30 mins worth but the benefits I'm reaping from them are awesome. No knee pain, no back pain, easier breathing - rather surprising what's happening.
Next run will be the Flitwick 10k. Fingers crossed my time will be much better than last year!
TTFN
Hels
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Trying out a long route
You know how far you want to run but you're not sure how long it's going to take you - so what do you do?
I wanted to manage a longer than 10k route to help with half marathon training. So I thought a good run thats over 12k should do it. I took my average pace over my last few training runs and worked out long it would take to run 12k. It was about one hour twenty minutes.
How did it go?
So there I was again, last week I was unprepared for the rain, this week I was kitted up for it. Just before leaving work the weather was appalling! Heavy rain, high winds and one very dark sky. But, as I left the car and headed out on my selected route the sun came out and it was lovely all the way up to 1k left to run, that's when the heavens opened and tried to drench me yet again!
The route I took was mainly uphill from the start for at least 5k then headed back towards where I started from with occasional downhill & uphill sessions. By 10k I was feeling very chuffed with myself. My feet were a little sore, my left knee was only just starting to niggle but otherwise I felt like I could carry on for another loop. Good thing the kids needed picking up and deffo good thing I got rained on at the finish or I would have been very tempted!
So how did I do? 11.6k in 1hr 26mins. Not to shabby for a relaxed run, I wasn't pushing for speed, just the hills and mileage was important to me and I was very close to my estimate for 12k.
Rest day tomorrow, although...... This is one of those - don't push yourself to hard to soon moments, isn't it?
TTFN
Hels
I wanted to manage a longer than 10k route to help with half marathon training. So I thought a good run thats over 12k should do it. I took my average pace over my last few training runs and worked out long it would take to run 12k. It was about one hour twenty minutes.
How did it go?
So there I was again, last week I was unprepared for the rain, this week I was kitted up for it. Just before leaving work the weather was appalling! Heavy rain, high winds and one very dark sky. But, as I left the car and headed out on my selected route the sun came out and it was lovely all the way up to 1k left to run, that's when the heavens opened and tried to drench me yet again!
The route I took was mainly uphill from the start for at least 5k then headed back towards where I started from with occasional downhill & uphill sessions. By 10k I was feeling very chuffed with myself. My feet were a little sore, my left knee was only just starting to niggle but otherwise I felt like I could carry on for another loop. Good thing the kids needed picking up and deffo good thing I got rained on at the finish or I would have been very tempted!
So how did I do? 11.6k in 1hr 26mins. Not to shabby for a relaxed run, I wasn't pushing for speed, just the hills and mileage was important to me and I was very close to my estimate for 12k.
Rest day tomorrow, although...... This is one of those - don't push yourself to hard to soon moments, isn't it?
TTFN
Hels
Sunday 8 April 2012
Delapre Abbey 10k - so far so good!
After no run Friday or Saturday I was itching for a run today. I had kept up the core muscle exercises but no runs. A part of me really missed the regular run. The other part of me gave me a good slap to say I need some rest days! Ha ha!
Today was the Delapre Abbey 10k by Ultra Go Beyond events. The last time I went to one of their events I was running through parts of Irchester Forest I had never seen before and I've been there a number of times with the family. As the last event with them was so thoroughly entertaining and utterly tough I was looking forward to today knowing it wouldn't be a road race but a mixture of path's and field. So how did it go?
The morning started with drizzle. Driving to Northampton, the windscreen wipers were on all the way. I had towels and a complete change of clothes. After the soaking I had this week I was determined not to repeat the mistake of being unprepared.
I arrived in good time to pick up my T-shirt and chip. Topped up on High5 Zero then did a quick warm up jog to the start line. It was good to see Shon there. The last race I saw him at it was a 5k at Woburn Abbey and
We all started in stages, 10k first followed by half marathon then marathon.
I found the first lap fairly easy, I kept my pace even and not to fast knowing that I'd have to repeat this lap another 2 times. Repeating the lap felt pretty tough, its been a while since I ran in mud and soft grass and even though my legs and lungs felt good my ankles were feeling a bit rough. Lap 1 was a loop around the lake and back to the house, a shorter lap than the following 2 laps. Lap 2 went around the lake like the first lap and then out into the field in front of the main house. Lap 3, a repeat of lap 2, was thankfully helped along by a very friendly and entertaining fella. We had a very similar pace and we kept each other going for most of the first part of lap 3. In the second half of lap 3 this guy kept the encouragement coming that I pushed myself much harder than I would have done if I was running by myself. A huge thank you to this guy, I beat my last 10k PB this year by a whopping whole 3 minutes!!
After spending so much time running this week and getting such a good result this weekend I am planning to make sure I get lots of good runs in this week for the Ampthill Flitwick Flyers 10k next weekend. It will be the third time going round this course and I am totally looking forward to it.
TTFN
Hels
Today was the Delapre Abbey 10k by Ultra Go Beyond events. The last time I went to one of their events I was running through parts of Irchester Forest I had never seen before and I've been there a number of times with the family. As the last event with them was so thoroughly entertaining and utterly tough I was looking forward to today knowing it wouldn't be a road race but a mixture of path's and field. So how did it go?
The morning started with drizzle. Driving to Northampton, the windscreen wipers were on all the way. I had towels and a complete change of clothes. After the soaking I had this week I was determined not to repeat the mistake of being unprepared.
I arrived in good time to pick up my T-shirt and chip. Topped up on High5 Zero then did a quick warm up jog to the start line. It was good to see Shon there. The last race I saw him at it was a 5k at Woburn Abbey and
We all started in stages, 10k first followed by half marathon then marathon.
I found the first lap fairly easy, I kept my pace even and not to fast knowing that I'd have to repeat this lap another 2 times. Repeating the lap felt pretty tough, its been a while since I ran in mud and soft grass and even though my legs and lungs felt good my ankles were feeling a bit rough. Lap 1 was a loop around the lake and back to the house, a shorter lap than the following 2 laps. Lap 2 went around the lake like the first lap and then out into the field in front of the main house. Lap 3, a repeat of lap 2, was thankfully helped along by a very friendly and entertaining fella. We had a very similar pace and we kept each other going for most of the first part of lap 3. In the second half of lap 3 this guy kept the encouragement coming that I pushed myself much harder than I would have done if I was running by myself. A huge thank you to this guy, I beat my last 10k PB this year by a whopping whole 3 minutes!!
After spending so much time running this week and getting such a good result this weekend I am planning to make sure I get lots of good runs in this week for the Ampthill Flitwick Flyers 10k next weekend. It will be the third time going round this course and I am totally looking forward to it.
TTFN
Hels
Thursday 5 April 2012
3 Days in a Row
Was it a good idea?
I went for a good run Tuesday (in the rain!). The club handicap Wednesday night and now this afternoon. A even paced 5k.
I should have felt rough but no, I didn't. I felt good. In the groove. My feet felt a little sore but this was no hard run so it was easy for them. When 5k came up I must admit I was a little shocked. That's it? I was expecting further.
After booking the half marathon events this morning and thinking I'm just throwing money away, I am now starting to think maybe I can do it. My body is obviously getting what it needs (finally) to get me from a to b. Plus downloading my fears, excuses, rants to this blog I can clearly see for myself how much I have been holding myself back. More mental than physical hang ups.
I never thought a running diary would help me run further but when you're making excuses for your body and it's not a physical thing that's holding you back a running diary is the perfect friend to rant to. Plus other peeps can read this and probably see, they're not alone, we may be different in our own right but sometime we suffer the same problems and it's nice to know someone else out there is working through that same problem.
TTFN
Hels
I went for a good run Tuesday (in the rain!). The club handicap Wednesday night and now this afternoon. A even paced 5k.
I should have felt rough but no, I didn't. I felt good. In the groove. My feet felt a little sore but this was no hard run so it was easy for them. When 5k came up I must admit I was a little shocked. That's it? I was expecting further.
After booking the half marathon events this morning and thinking I'm just throwing money away, I am now starting to think maybe I can do it. My body is obviously getting what it needs (finally) to get me from a to b. Plus downloading my fears, excuses, rants to this blog I can clearly see for myself how much I have been holding myself back. More mental than physical hang ups.
I never thought a running diary would help me run further but when you're making excuses for your body and it's not a physical thing that's holding you back a running diary is the perfect friend to rant to. Plus other peeps can read this and probably see, they're not alone, we may be different in our own right but sometime we suffer the same problems and it's nice to know someone else out there is working through that same problem.
TTFN
Hels
Wednesday 4 April 2012
To much to soon - overdoing it!
I've been out and run again this evening. Tonight it was my clubs handicap race, came in 2nd from last but boy did I feel good pushing myself.
Afterwards I felt so good I took a gentle jog home the long way round. My feet feel a little punished for the extra mileage this week and then it hits me. I've gone from hardly any mileage each week to over 20k from Sunday, no wonder my feet are feeling a little over used.
So do I pull back a little and let the recovery take hold or is that another excuse not to run? My running mojo is working well this week and I'm even contemplating signing up for a half marathon in June. A couple weeks ago that would have been a total nono!
What's happening here? What am I scared of?
Overdoing it
Injury
Stress
Home/kids/husband balance
Am I making excuses to fail yet again before my body has even hinted that it can't cope?
Questions, questions....
Well. I'm not a fast runner. I'm not even in the middle pack when I enter these races. So what if I get the chance to do lots of runs this week. I feel good.
Okay so after hashing it out on this blog it's a fear thing, an excuse thing that's saying I will fail if I push to hard. So what do I do about it?
Plan 1 - ease back a little. Sign up for a half marathon and make sure I keep my core muscles in check to prevent injury.
Plan 2 - ease back a little. Don't sign up for the marathon yet!
Plan 3 - keep going while I can, it's not going to last so get those miles in now now now..... Hmmm a bit over the top eh!
Plan 1 to begin with. I don't have to run the half marathon if I'm not up to it at the time of the race. Yeah, that feels good.
TTFN
Hels
Afterwards I felt so good I took a gentle jog home the long way round. My feet feel a little punished for the extra mileage this week and then it hits me. I've gone from hardly any mileage each week to over 20k from Sunday, no wonder my feet are feeling a little over used.
So do I pull back a little and let the recovery take hold or is that another excuse not to run? My running mojo is working well this week and I'm even contemplating signing up for a half marathon in June. A couple weeks ago that would have been a total nono!
What's happening here? What am I scared of?
Overdoing it
Injury
Stress
Home/kids/husband balance
Am I making excuses to fail yet again before my body has even hinted that it can't cope?
Questions, questions....
Well. I'm not a fast runner. I'm not even in the middle pack when I enter these races. So what if I get the chance to do lots of runs this week. I feel good.
Okay so after hashing it out on this blog it's a fear thing, an excuse thing that's saying I will fail if I push to hard. So what do I do about it?
Plan 1 - ease back a little. Sign up for a half marathon and make sure I keep my core muscles in check to prevent injury.
Plan 2 - ease back a little. Don't sign up for the marathon yet!
Plan 3 - keep going while I can, it's not going to last so get those miles in now now now..... Hmmm a bit over the top eh!
Plan 1 to begin with. I don't have to run the half marathon if I'm not up to it at the time of the race. Yeah, that feels good.
TTFN
Hels
Tuesday 3 April 2012
Weather - should it stop me?
So there I was this morning. Do I, don't I. I want to but it's going to rain. Yuck!! I pack my running kit anyway and head of to work in the slim hope that it doesn't rain.
All through the morning, lovely weather. Up to 4pm, lovely weather. I get changed into my running gear at 4pm to go for a run before picking up my son, it rains!!!! Argh!
Do I wus out and keep warm? No! This time I'm going to brave the weather. It's not a good enough excuse and I'm full of excuses on why I can't do things. It took a good five minutes arguing with myself in the car why I should just get if my but and run! Run so fast I stay warm!
Well I did it. 6.2k in 43 mins. Not a bad pace either. Rain, p'ah! It's no excuse. Brrrrrrrr - must get a waterproof running coat tho, hahahaha!
TTFN
Hels
All through the morning, lovely weather. Up to 4pm, lovely weather. I get changed into my running gear at 4pm to go for a run before picking up my son, it rains!!!! Argh!
Do I wus out and keep warm? No! This time I'm going to brave the weather. It's not a good enough excuse and I'm full of excuses on why I can't do things. It took a good five minutes arguing with myself in the car why I should just get if my but and run! Run so fast I stay warm!
Well I did it. 6.2k in 43 mins. Not a bad pace either. Rain, p'ah! It's no excuse. Brrrrrrrr - must get a waterproof running coat tho, hahahaha!
TTFN
Hels
Monday 2 April 2012
Brill Hilly 10k
A gloriously sunny but cool day, perfect running weather - for me at least. I felt good, I was eager to run and nerves about failure or the hills that I hate hadn't dampened my spirits at all.
The shock of the starting pistol was funny. The jump of adrenalin made me lose my pace at first along with the incredibly steep downhill start. 6k later and I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself. I managed a good easy pace. The first of the hill climbs start and I take them in my stride. The last hill just after 8k is the same steep hill at the start. I gave up jogging for a good strong deep stride uphill. At the top the course flattened out for the last 1k to the finish at 69.3 minutes. I was shocked as my last hilly race at Dunstable downs took 80+ minutes!! I was one of the few at the back of the race to finish but that's still a personal best for me.
No run tonight, no cycling tonight. I still did my core muscle workout this morning though. tomorrow - appointment booked!! I run around a lake, rain or shine. I must be harder on myself if I want to improve more, but I've got to keep it manageable because I'll lose interest again and distract myself with other jobs.
TTFN
Hels
The shock of the starting pistol was funny. The jump of adrenalin made me lose my pace at first along with the incredibly steep downhill start. 6k later and I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself. I managed a good easy pace. The first of the hill climbs start and I take them in my stride. The last hill just after 8k is the same steep hill at the start. I gave up jogging for a good strong deep stride uphill. At the top the course flattened out for the last 1k to the finish at 69.3 minutes. I was shocked as my last hilly race at Dunstable downs took 80+ minutes!! I was one of the few at the back of the race to finish but that's still a personal best for me.
No run tonight, no cycling tonight. I still did my core muscle workout this morning though. tomorrow - appointment booked!! I run around a lake, rain or shine. I must be harder on myself if I want to improve more, but I've got to keep it manageable because I'll lose interest again and distract myself with other jobs.
TTFN
Hels
Saturday 31 March 2012
When you want to run but shouldn't
Tough call isn't it. You want to get out there. Just a mild jog, it'll be fine. But sometimes you need to give those poor knees and feet a rest. What do you do?
Two suggestions I've been given are swimming and cycling.
Swimming - okay if you live near a pool. If you do it's great for improving stamina and balancing out your muscles. It's a full body workout (if you do it right!) and there's no shock or stress to your knees, feet, back. Cheap stress relief too. All you'll need is basic swimming gear and a sensible swimming style. If your style is rusty it's a good idea to get some lessons.
Cycling - an expensive sport compared to running I hear you say. So get an old bike, one that fits and works. It's there for a workout not necessarily road racing (yet!). Find a few hills and have a go at getting that bicycle up them. Tough to begin with. Although there's no shock to the knees they're still getting a tough workout. Same with you feet and back. Better yet the cardiovascular workout is just as good as a good run if you're able to push yourself enough.
So, there I was. I'm itching for a run. Husband is saying "go for it, we'll be fine" but I have a tough 10k run tomorrow. Dang it!! I want to go but I know it will affect me for tomorrow. Argh! Aha! Bike!
Yes, I did. An easy paced bicycle ride for 12k up a few tough hills but not to much effort. Extra iron twice a week is definitely being felt.
Now I'm happily chilled enough to wait for tomorrow.
Roll on Brill Hill 10k. Hills, hmmm, I'll get there one day, I still don't like them at the moment.
TTFN
Hels
Two suggestions I've been given are swimming and cycling.
Swimming - okay if you live near a pool. If you do it's great for improving stamina and balancing out your muscles. It's a full body workout (if you do it right!) and there's no shock or stress to your knees, feet, back. Cheap stress relief too. All you'll need is basic swimming gear and a sensible swimming style. If your style is rusty it's a good idea to get some lessons.
Cycling - an expensive sport compared to running I hear you say. So get an old bike, one that fits and works. It's there for a workout not necessarily road racing (yet!). Find a few hills and have a go at getting that bicycle up them. Tough to begin with. Although there's no shock to the knees they're still getting a tough workout. Same with you feet and back. Better yet the cardiovascular workout is just as good as a good run if you're able to push yourself enough.
So, there I was. I'm itching for a run. Husband is saying "go for it, we'll be fine" but I have a tough 10k run tomorrow. Dang it!! I want to go but I know it will affect me for tomorrow. Argh! Aha! Bike!
Yes, I did. An easy paced bicycle ride for 12k up a few tough hills but not to much effort. Extra iron twice a week is definitely being felt.
Now I'm happily chilled enough to wait for tomorrow.
Roll on Brill Hill 10k. Hills, hmmm, I'll get there one day, I still don't like them at the moment.
TTFN
Hels
Friday 30 March 2012
Low motivation days
What do you do when you want to run but you can think of more excuses why you can not?
Tough day at work
I've already walked 5k why should I run more
Dinner needs sorting
My legs feel tired
I've just had a huge meal
It's to late in the evening!
Sigh! I know it's time management but how do I make appointments with myself?
It's back to lists isn't it?
Friends would be better but unfortunately getting together is difficult and requires more time management. Sheesh!
The good thing about this weekend is that I'm booked into a 10k race - Brill Hilly 10k. At least I will get a good long run in with some stupid sized hills added on the side.
So, here's me getting out my diary and booking appointments with myself that I NEED to keep. Ugh!
TTFN
Hels
Tough day at work
I've already walked 5k why should I run more
Dinner needs sorting
My legs feel tired
I've just had a huge meal
It's to late in the evening!
Sigh! I know it's time management but how do I make appointments with myself?
It's back to lists isn't it?
Friends would be better but unfortunately getting together is difficult and requires more time management. Sheesh!
The good thing about this weekend is that I'm booked into a 10k race - Brill Hilly 10k. At least I will get a good long run in with some stupid sized hills added on the side.
So, here's me getting out my diary and booking appointments with myself that I NEED to keep. Ugh!
TTFN
Hels
Thursday 29 March 2012
Intro - March 2012
So here goes. I'm at it again. Trying out something new to keep me motivated.
A bit of history to begin with I think.
I used to run/cycle everywhere at around 15 up to 21 years of age. After years of sitting on my arse, looking at those people in there ever increasing skimpiness outfits, I finally decided to join the middle age road running peeps in 2009. After a few set backs (gal bladder, asthma, back pain, incorrect running style injuries and finally anaemia) I've not given up. I feel fitter every time I enter a race and even tho I'm still at the back with the newbies and stubborn determined folk, I believe I will get faster. One day!!
So. Why the blog?
If I have to update this thing. Keep it alive by recording my progress. Then at least my poor, poor husband will have a break from me planning, plotting or devising some other way to get me training better whilst juggling life, the universe and feeding the animals!
Why is it so hard to keep motivated?
My kids - I love spending time with them. I don't want to miss moments with them. Playing in the garden. Going for walks. General stuff that when they're older will be very very sweet memories.
My husband - He's lovely, snuggly and wants to spend time with me. Lucky? Oh hell yes!! I really don't want to leave him with the kids and miss out on that general stuff that usually happens. It's not a control thing. It's a feeling missed out thing.
Pets n housework - Well. I don't have the tidiest of houses. My husband will undoubtedly agree! So lets just say that gets in the way as well.
So. When should I go out and run? Is paying a babysitter £30 a time for a run worth it? Sigh! I should go back to school and book myself into a "Time Management" course!
Well. Thanks for reading. Hope someone out there in the world wide wilderness enjoys this blog.
TTFN
Hels
A bit of history to begin with I think.
I used to run/cycle everywhere at around 15 up to 21 years of age. After years of sitting on my arse, looking at those people in there ever increasing skimpiness outfits, I finally decided to join the middle age road running peeps in 2009. After a few set backs (gal bladder, asthma, back pain, incorrect running style injuries and finally anaemia) I've not given up. I feel fitter every time I enter a race and even tho I'm still at the back with the newbies and stubborn determined folk, I believe I will get faster. One day!!
So. Why the blog?
If I have to update this thing. Keep it alive by recording my progress. Then at least my poor, poor husband will have a break from me planning, plotting or devising some other way to get me training better whilst juggling life, the universe and feeding the animals!
Why is it so hard to keep motivated?
My kids - I love spending time with them. I don't want to miss moments with them. Playing in the garden. Going for walks. General stuff that when they're older will be very very sweet memories.
My husband - He's lovely, snuggly and wants to spend time with me. Lucky? Oh hell yes!! I really don't want to leave him with the kids and miss out on that general stuff that usually happens. It's not a control thing. It's a feeling missed out thing.
Pets n housework - Well. I don't have the tidiest of houses. My husband will undoubtedly agree! So lets just say that gets in the way as well.
So. When should I go out and run? Is paying a babysitter £30 a time for a run worth it? Sigh! I should go back to school and book myself into a "Time Management" course!
Well. Thanks for reading. Hope someone out there in the world wide wilderness enjoys this blog.
TTFN
Hels
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