Well, as i expected.......no running for me.
Im now having to do what im told and take 12 weeks off. Keith (physio) keeps telling me that for an achilles injury to be fixed you need 12 weeks without running. I only took a month off after the marathon in April this year and the injury has returned now, so clearly a month was not long enough.
Its strange because ive been running so well all summer and have been getting quite speedy (for me).
But, i started to feel the classic achilles injury syndrome about a month ago (very tight heel upon getting out of bed) - so i knew something was occuring.
I have my orthotics back now, but am not running. Im just doing eveything but! Im cycling, rowing, cross trainer - ing !! And then weights. Im going to try to get into swimming, but i find it soooooooooooooo boring. Im starting with a managable 20 lengths then try to build up. I can swim more than that, but my boredom kicks in at around 3 lengths and i just want to get out!! So 20 is a target i will start with. I usually just by-pass the pool completely. I just do my work out in the gym then i walk past the pool to get to the sauna!!
I have accepted that i have to take 12 weeks off, otherwise i will have this injury for the rest of life. I wont be doing London in April as i wont be starting to run again til around end Jan/Feb. Then i can just build up slowly without any pressure of marathon training. So i will, for once, see London marathon from the "other side" - a spectators side! Not where i want to be , obvioulsy - but ive got to this time and just get rid of it.......once and for all.
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Monday, 24 November 2008
An Achilles Situation - Again
After putting in such a good performance at the St Neots half on 16th Nov getting a PB, ive been suffering for it ever since.
My achilles has been playing up a bit lately and both calves were very tight after St Neots. So I took the sensible decision of taking the week off running and then i ran the LB XC on Sunday as things were feeling ok.
I have woke up this morning with a tender achilles and have made an appoitmet to see Keith (physio). I thought my days of seeing the physio were over, hence why i spent £350 on orthotics!
Well, i think the orthotics could be part of the problem (well, lack of them).
When i first had them, i noticed that the left one was very uncomfortable - it pushed into the tendon across the bottom of my foot (plantar fascia i think). Graham (letchwth Podiatry) told me this is quite common for the initial stages of "breaking in" orthotics and to just go with for now. If it didnt improve in 2 weeks, to call him back. So, i stuck with it. I was only able to wear them in my shoes for 3 days in a row at a time as it became too painful. So, after 2 weeks of wearing them then not, i called him and said there was no improvement.
I then had to take the left orthotic back and it was sent away to be re shaped. So all in all, ive been without my orthotics for nearly 3 weeks. And its the last 3 weeks ive begun to notice my achilles again.
So, the only thing i can put it down to is that.
I did run hard at St Neots (without orthotics at that point still as they were still beig altered) so, i guess that has contributed. I do now have them back, but have not run in them yet, as im not running. I was hoping to get back into this week, but i will see what Keith says and take it from there.
I think i know what he'll say...........
I really dont want to go through all my marathon training again with this problem - exactly what i had to do last year.
My achilles has been playing up a bit lately and both calves were very tight after St Neots. So I took the sensible decision of taking the week off running and then i ran the LB XC on Sunday as things were feeling ok.
I have woke up this morning with a tender achilles and have made an appoitmet to see Keith (physio). I thought my days of seeing the physio were over, hence why i spent £350 on orthotics!
Well, i think the orthotics could be part of the problem (well, lack of them).
When i first had them, i noticed that the left one was very uncomfortable - it pushed into the tendon across the bottom of my foot (plantar fascia i think). Graham (letchwth Podiatry) told me this is quite common for the initial stages of "breaking in" orthotics and to just go with for now. If it didnt improve in 2 weeks, to call him back. So, i stuck with it. I was only able to wear them in my shoes for 3 days in a row at a time as it became too painful. So, after 2 weeks of wearing them then not, i called him and said there was no improvement.
I then had to take the left orthotic back and it was sent away to be re shaped. So all in all, ive been without my orthotics for nearly 3 weeks. And its the last 3 weeks ive begun to notice my achilles again.
So, the only thing i can put it down to is that.
I did run hard at St Neots (without orthotics at that point still as they were still beig altered) so, i guess that has contributed. I do now have them back, but have not run in them yet, as im not running. I was hoping to get back into this week, but i will see what Keith says and take it from there.
I think i know what he'll say...........
I really dont want to go through all my marathon training again with this problem - exactly what i had to do last year.
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Quality not Quantity!
Let me just explain the photos you see here!
I asked Chris Holt at Cannons (he's a trainer there) if he was up for being entered into the Heat magazine "Torso of the Year" competition. He said yes!! So last Saturday, after his spinning class i smothered him in fake tan, (tough job!!) then took some pics of him without his top on!! (even tougher!!)
I sent them into Heat and i got an email on Friday to say he has made it through to the voting stages!! So, each day, next week, on http://www.heatworld.com/ there will be all the other torso photos that made it through for the public to vote on their favourite, So please log on and vote for Chris. Could be any day next week, so just keep checking! If he gets through to next round, he gets photo shoot in London and i get to go too!! Yay!!!
Anyhow, back to running!! I really do have to keep an eye on my mileage.......im doing too much!! Im guilty of thinking "more is better" and know this is not true! But im just in the habit, and its a hard to one to break. Ive really tried hard this week to do less and only will have run 4 times. My calves felt tight after Hitchin Hills on Thurs, so didnt run for 2 days - only 2 days i hear some of you cry - but thats good for me. Very often i will just go and do a "short one", even if my calves are tight! Which they are most of the time to be fair!! But im trying to stop those "just go for a short one" as they are doing more damage than good i think.
I need to remember "Quality not Quantity" .
Cant believe that marathon season is almost upon us once again - it soon comes around! I do enjoy marathon training, but i also like not having a particular goal and just enjoying my running without any pressure!
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Too much mud!!
Ive come to realise that running for me is as much "in my head" as it is "physical fitness".
I had quite a lot on my mind last week, had to make a decision regarding work and it was using up a lot of time in my head! Ive read that lots of people can find running, a good way to de-stress their mind and thoughts, i find its the opposite!
I find i really didnt run well last week, whilst i was making up my mind of what to do. Some days i just couldnt run at all. Once id made my decision, i felt relaxed again and my running came back to normal. Quite strange!.
Other than the days that i was pre-occupied, i have ran quite well, especially the XC today at Dunstable. I amazed myself in fact! Ive not beem looking forward to XC since Thursday really, i could quite easily not go! But when it became apparent there would not be many women there, i thought that reallty i should go. Jo S kept assuring me that i will be better at it this year as we have done lots of XC runs (no mud though!!) and have completed lots of big hills during these runs as well.
After almost missing the start and having to sprint to the start, - not a good way to start a race!
Anyhow, it was VERY muddy, and i did do my best to avoid the muddy bits, but this soon became impossible. Sometimes losing your feet in a mud puddle, that ended up past your ankles! I knew i was getting muddy, but i decided to not look until id finished as i knew this would stress me out! And consequently, i would run badly for the rest of the way!
My heart rate reached 194 on one of the hills! Blimey, that cant be healthy! Once, id finished, i decided i had enjoyed it. Always the way though, i enjoy it once its over - Never during!
I was very pleased that i had such a good run on a XC course, as im not good on grass or mud!! So, i guess i must be getting used to it and improving. It was nice to score for the club, never happens usually, as the super fast women are always way, way ahead of me!!
Thanks to Gary Cook for telling me to sprint at the end to catch the Bedford Harriers lady ahead. I wasnt going to bother, as i thought id never catch her, but i could hear Gary shout and i managed to go up a gear and caught her! Such a good feeling!
Got my best placing of 13th lady, usually im around 28th, so pleased with that.
I had quite a lot on my mind last week, had to make a decision regarding work and it was using up a lot of time in my head! Ive read that lots of people can find running, a good way to de-stress their mind and thoughts, i find its the opposite!
I find i really didnt run well last week, whilst i was making up my mind of what to do. Some days i just couldnt run at all. Once id made my decision, i felt relaxed again and my running came back to normal. Quite strange!.
Other than the days that i was pre-occupied, i have ran quite well, especially the XC today at Dunstable. I amazed myself in fact! Ive not beem looking forward to XC since Thursday really, i could quite easily not go! But when it became apparent there would not be many women there, i thought that reallty i should go. Jo S kept assuring me that i will be better at it this year as we have done lots of XC runs (no mud though!!) and have completed lots of big hills during these runs as well.
After almost missing the start and having to sprint to the start, - not a good way to start a race!
Anyhow, it was VERY muddy, and i did do my best to avoid the muddy bits, but this soon became impossible. Sometimes losing your feet in a mud puddle, that ended up past your ankles! I knew i was getting muddy, but i decided to not look until id finished as i knew this would stress me out! And consequently, i would run badly for the rest of the way!
My heart rate reached 194 on one of the hills! Blimey, that cant be healthy! Once, id finished, i decided i had enjoyed it. Always the way though, i enjoy it once its over - Never during!
I was very pleased that i had such a good run on a XC course, as im not good on grass or mud!! So, i guess i must be getting used to it and improving. It was nice to score for the club, never happens usually, as the super fast women are always way, way ahead of me!!
Thanks to Gary Cook for telling me to sprint at the end to catch the Bedford Harriers lady ahead. I wasnt going to bother, as i thought id never catch her, but i could hear Gary shout and i managed to go up a gear and caught her! Such a good feeling!
Got my best placing of 13th lady, usually im around 28th, so pleased with that.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
A good running week!
Well, this has been a good running week.
Had 2 really good runs, both with Jo S! My first was the Letchworth 7m loop in my last blog, the second was a 9m loop into Graveley and Weston.
Again, we completed this in the fastest time ever we have done that route. Its quite challenging ( i would put a link in here to show you the route, like Lindsay and Gary do, but i have no idea how to!!). There are a few climbs - the biggest being the one in Graveley. I used to have to stop at the top for a breather when i first came back from injury, but now i dont - so a good sign im heading the right direction!!
Our average pace was 7.45 for the 9m. Our best previous to that was around 8.00, so its quite a lot quicker!
I do like that route - you dont see many cars and it out in the lovely country lanes and its challenging enough to enjoy doing over and over.
The countdown had begun for the ball!! The biggest social event of the year for NHRR. This event takes a lot of planning and it all started way back in May!! We lost our original venue - The Blakemore, due to being taken over by Travel lodge, so i had a panic to find a new venue at short notice!
So, with a bit of negotiating it ended up as Letchworth Hall Hotel. Which i hope will be fantastic.
Had 2 really good runs, both with Jo S! My first was the Letchworth 7m loop in my last blog, the second was a 9m loop into Graveley and Weston.
Again, we completed this in the fastest time ever we have done that route. Its quite challenging ( i would put a link in here to show you the route, like Lindsay and Gary do, but i have no idea how to!!). There are a few climbs - the biggest being the one in Graveley. I used to have to stop at the top for a breather when i first came back from injury, but now i dont - so a good sign im heading the right direction!!
Our average pace was 7.45 for the 9m. Our best previous to that was around 8.00, so its quite a lot quicker!
I do like that route - you dont see many cars and it out in the lovely country lanes and its challenging enough to enjoy doing over and over.
The countdown had begun for the ball!! The biggest social event of the year for NHRR. This event takes a lot of planning and it all started way back in May!! We lost our original venue - The Blakemore, due to being taken over by Travel lodge, so i had a panic to find a new venue at short notice!
So, with a bit of negotiating it ended up as Letchworth Hall Hotel. Which i hope will be fantastic.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Getting better!
I had fantastic run yesterday (Tues) with Jo S. We said we'd just do a nice,comfotable pace, but as usual when we run together it ended up quite tough!
Did the 7m loop around Letchworth and we completed it the fastest time we ever have!
At 5m our average pace was 7.37. We knew by the time we got back to Cannons though it would have slowed a bit, as it was nearly all climbing.
By the time we got back, out average was still a very speedy (for us) 7.47 average. So we were both very pleased with that.
Its amazing the difference running with someone else can make. When i do that route alone, i may be lucky if i do it in an average pace of 8.30 ish. But when we run togther, Jo and I seem to run quite well.
Enjoyed Standalone at the weekend. Was dreading getting abuse from im-patient drivers, but my bit road to marshall was ok. I was soooooooo wet and cold by the time i got home, i sat on the sofa all afternoon, heating on and wrapped in a blanket!!
I would really like to run it one year, but im just not quick enough!! But, hey, im still happy with the pace im running right now!!
Did the 7m loop around Letchworth and we completed it the fastest time we ever have!
At 5m our average pace was 7.37. We knew by the time we got back to Cannons though it would have slowed a bit, as it was nearly all climbing.
By the time we got back, out average was still a very speedy (for us) 7.47 average. So we were both very pleased with that.
Its amazing the difference running with someone else can make. When i do that route alone, i may be lucky if i do it in an average pace of 8.30 ish. But when we run togther, Jo and I seem to run quite well.
Enjoyed Standalone at the weekend. Was dreading getting abuse from im-patient drivers, but my bit road to marshall was ok. I was soooooooo wet and cold by the time i got home, i sat on the sofa all afternoon, heating on and wrapped in a blanket!!
I would really like to run it one year, but im just not quick enough!! But, hey, im still happy with the pace im running right now!!
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Up and Running !!
Well, its been an awful long timr since my last blog! Im now finally up and running again! Yay! I feel i can now do speed work again and have been running pretty much how i used to be.
My injury seems to be pretty much sorted now. Ive just got myself some custom made orthotics (£315 - EEKK!!). Im hoping that these will now keep me injury free. It turns out my right leg is longer than my left, hence why i always get injured on my right side. I have thought about orthotics before, but have it off due to the cost. But i thought, that if they will keep me injury free, they will be worth it.
Im running pretty well right now and am up to the speed that i was before i had my time off /recover time. It surprised me how much speed i lost from having time off. Then it takes soooooooo long to get it back.
Ive decided to do Rome and London next year. I will either race Rome or used it as a training run. If i race it i will just trot round London as i really enjoy the course.
I have a new regime in the gym at the moment to increase strength and endurance, its quite tough, but after 3 weeks of doing it, im starting to find it a bit easier, so i will change it again in the next couple weeks.
So, feel quite positive again about my running!
My injury seems to be pretty much sorted now. Ive just got myself some custom made orthotics (£315 - EEKK!!). Im hoping that these will now keep me injury free. It turns out my right leg is longer than my left, hence why i always get injured on my right side. I have thought about orthotics before, but have it off due to the cost. But i thought, that if they will keep me injury free, they will be worth it.
Im running pretty well right now and am up to the speed that i was before i had my time off /recover time. It surprised me how much speed i lost from having time off. Then it takes soooooooo long to get it back.
Ive decided to do Rome and London next year. I will either race Rome or used it as a training run. If i race it i will just trot round London as i really enjoy the course.
I have a new regime in the gym at the moment to increase strength and endurance, its quite tough, but after 3 weeks of doing it, im starting to find it a bit easier, so i will change it again in the next couple weeks.
So, feel quite positive again about my running!
Saturday, 7 June 2008
A long process!
Its been a while since i last blogged. Well, there's not a lot to say really. Im still doing 30/40mins running, its jogging more than running really. I have to keep the pace on the easy mark.
I feel there is some inprovement, but its very slow. To be honest, its really getting me down. I just want to be normal again!! And do whatever i want. I keep reading about all the training going on at the club, on the track and the balke tests and i want to be part of it. Also the MWL, i love doing them, but this year, i wont be.
I go through stages of really being motivated with trying to get my injury sorted, then other days, i just feel, sod it, i cant be bothered with it anymore.
Im not able to get myself to the club, when i not away at work, purely because i would find it would make me feel worse!! Silly maybe, but i would feel really depressed, just coming to notices, then having to go home again, whilst everyone else went off to train. I know some people do that and even come to encourage at the training sessions when they are injured, but im afraid ,im not one of those people. Im finding this time difficult enough already.
Ive accepted as well, i may not be able to do Berlin marathon either. Its all booked and paid for. The plan was to run it and train with Sharon. I would need to start training for it in the next month or so. I will just have to see how things are going. Im not going for a time at Berlin, so i may be able to get away with less training. I will still go though, whether i run it or not, to support Sharon.
I feel there is some inprovement, but its very slow. To be honest, its really getting me down. I just want to be normal again!! And do whatever i want. I keep reading about all the training going on at the club, on the track and the balke tests and i want to be part of it. Also the MWL, i love doing them, but this year, i wont be.
I go through stages of really being motivated with trying to get my injury sorted, then other days, i just feel, sod it, i cant be bothered with it anymore.
Im not able to get myself to the club, when i not away at work, purely because i would find it would make me feel worse!! Silly maybe, but i would feel really depressed, just coming to notices, then having to go home again, whilst everyone else went off to train. I know some people do that and even come to encourage at the training sessions when they are injured, but im afraid ,im not one of those people. Im finding this time difficult enough already.
Ive accepted as well, i may not be able to do Berlin marathon either. Its all booked and paid for. The plan was to run it and train with Sharon. I would need to start training for it in the next month or so. I will just have to see how things are going. Im not going for a time at Berlin, so i may be able to get away with less training. I will still go though, whether i run it or not, to support Sharon.
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Learning to run again!
Well......so far so good, my first couple of runs have been quite succesful!
I ran on Sunday for 20 mins and then again on Tuesday for 30 mins, i should have only done 25mins, but i did more!!
It feels very strange that my last run was 26.2 at race pace and i got a PB and now im doing 20/30mins at a very slow pace. It feels like im learning to run again.
I felt good on the runs i have done, i thought i would really struggle, become breathless, everything hurting, but none of that happened. I have kept up my gym work and cardio whilst ive not been running, so i guess thats helped - none of it feels the same as running though!
Its made me realise how much i take "just going out for a run" for granted. Its always the way though, like with most things in life - you dont really appreciate what you have or what you can do until its taken away from you.
At the moment, im running, well, jogging, every other day for 30 mins. I have to be aware how my heel feels first thing in the morning, as thats a key part of how an achilles injury is repairing.
Im going to get myslef some compression socks or tights - have heard positive things about them, so it cant hurt to try them and they look quite funky !!
I ran on Sunday for 20 mins and then again on Tuesday for 30 mins, i should have only done 25mins, but i did more!!
It feels very strange that my last run was 26.2 at race pace and i got a PB and now im doing 20/30mins at a very slow pace. It feels like im learning to run again.
I felt good on the runs i have done, i thought i would really struggle, become breathless, everything hurting, but none of that happened. I have kept up my gym work and cardio whilst ive not been running, so i guess thats helped - none of it feels the same as running though!
Its made me realise how much i take "just going out for a run" for granted. Its always the way though, like with most things in life - you dont really appreciate what you have or what you can do until its taken away from you.
At the moment, im running, well, jogging, every other day for 30 mins. I have to be aware how my heel feels first thing in the morning, as thats a key part of how an achilles injury is repairing.
Im going to get myslef some compression socks or tights - have heard positive things about them, so it cant hurt to try them and they look quite funky !!
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Emotional Times!!
Well, im still not running, not just yet anyway, but i know my achilles has improved during my month off. I saw my physio on Tues and he said there is improvment but cant go rushing in. There's me thinking "oh, yes my first run will be a nice easy 6 miler" - Oh No!! Keith said my first run is 20 minutes!! Oh good grief, i thought! Its like im learning to run again. Then if it feels ok when i wake up the next morning i can then run 48 hours later for 22 minutes!! A whole 2 mins more!
The best guage for knowing if there is improvment on an achilles injury is by how it feels first thing in the morning and how it affects the way you walk. The last month ive been walking normally first thing and not even feeling it (running really is quite bad for your body!!, as soon as ive stopped running, its soooooooo much better!!).
So, if i wake up the next morning after my 20 minutes (whoohoo) i can go again 48 hours later.
If i can feel it, - no go - and we are back to non impact exercise again.
Im finding that not running is affect my whole life and how i feel about everything. For example - My exercise in the gym, my work life, social life , food and motivation in general. Im quite a motivated person with most things in my life, but the last 2 weeks especially while ive not been running, ive noticed my mood has been very low.
When im down i tend to eat more, but i need to be aware of my food as im not running - as im not running i want to comfort eat and my comfort food of choice is chocolate, but i need to eat less chocolate, but im actaully eating more and so it goes on.
Its very interesting just how much running affects my mood and well being in all areas of my life.
So, my first day back is this sunday (11th May), 4 weeks from the marathon. I will do my 20 minutes and it must be slow pace and on grass and then wait for Monday morning to get the verdict - well, see how my heel reacts to it. What with all the other worries and emotional insecuritites ive got, im also thinking - will i even know how to run!!
So, will report back with the outcome!!
The best guage for knowing if there is improvment on an achilles injury is by how it feels first thing in the morning and how it affects the way you walk. The last month ive been walking normally first thing and not even feeling it (running really is quite bad for your body!!, as soon as ive stopped running, its soooooooo much better!!).
So, if i wake up the next morning after my 20 minutes (whoohoo) i can go again 48 hours later.
If i can feel it, - no go - and we are back to non impact exercise again.
Im finding that not running is affect my whole life and how i feel about everything. For example - My exercise in the gym, my work life, social life , food and motivation in general. Im quite a motivated person with most things in my life, but the last 2 weeks especially while ive not been running, ive noticed my mood has been very low.
When im down i tend to eat more, but i need to be aware of my food as im not running - as im not running i want to comfort eat and my comfort food of choice is chocolate, but i need to eat less chocolate, but im actaully eating more and so it goes on.
Its very interesting just how much running affects my mood and well being in all areas of my life.
So, my first day back is this sunday (11th May), 4 weeks from the marathon. I will do my 20 minutes and it must be slow pace and on grass and then wait for Monday morning to get the verdict - well, see how my heel reacts to it. What with all the other worries and emotional insecuritites ive got, im also thinking - will i even know how to run!!
So, will report back with the outcome!!
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Running Drought!
A week has gone by and i havnt run. Ive been quite active, walking, biking and a bit of gym, but no running.
Do i want to? OH YES!! But i cant...im under strict orders from my pyhsio not to. Its all to give my achilles a chance to get itself well and truly sorted. I did all my marathon training with an achilles that didnt work as it should and i dont want to be plagued with it any more!!
So im listening to my sensible voice and sticking to my committment of not running for a month from the marathon. So that means come 14th May, i will be running again!
Im trying to plan in head what i will do instead. Ive got a few long bike rides planned, as oppose to long runs. Not the same though, but hey, im on a mission of recovery!!
I keep thinking this is best for the long term, rather than just "i want to go for a run today".
Im also having to keep a closer eye on my diet. Not burning quite so many calories so will have to watch the chocolate in take!
Do i want to? OH YES!! But i cant...im under strict orders from my pyhsio not to. Its all to give my achilles a chance to get itself well and truly sorted. I did all my marathon training with an achilles that didnt work as it should and i dont want to be plagued with it any more!!
So im listening to my sensible voice and sticking to my committment of not running for a month from the marathon. So that means come 14th May, i will be running again!
Im trying to plan in head what i will do instead. Ive got a few long bike rides planned, as oppose to long runs. Not the same though, but hey, im on a mission of recovery!!
I keep thinking this is best for the long term, rather than just "i want to go for a run today".
Im also having to keep a closer eye on my diet. Not burning quite so many calories so will have to watch the chocolate in take!
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
The Aftermath!!
Well, its all over............. for now anyway!!
I really enjoyed this years marathon, more than any ive done so far. I have come to a few conclusions why this is:
1. I did more long runs this time 20/22/23/20/23. I feel this made me more physically and mentally prepared for the later miles that are always so hard. I did find the last 6 tough, but bearably tough. I felt i was in a good place mentally, was overtaking people - which helps with the mental side, i could smile at the crowd and my fastest miles of the whole run were the last 3!!
2. I did more mid week meduim long runs at marathon pace (8-10m). I feel this renforced the pace i needed to run at and got me "used" to how it feels.
3. Hills - did 4 or 5 hard hill sessions - gradually increasing the reps over each week. I guess this would mean increased leg strength.
4. Stretching. I made a concious effort to spend time on stretching, after every run and more time on it after a long run. I find this makes my legs feel less tight again, during those last miles when things wont move quite so freely!!
I find to calm my nerves at the start - i take advantage of being at the green start by going on "Celebrity Watch".
This year was very successful. Last year i got a photo with Nell Mcandrew, this year i excelled myself and got one with the most gorgeuos James Cracknell!! I also saw Ronan Keating who is a midget! Also Floella Benjamin, Sue Barker, The Massai warriors (not really celebs, but they were for that day!!) Ben Fogle, Amanda Holden to name but a few!
So, another marathon under my belt. And i now have been told to take a month off running by my physio. Basically to get my achilles well and truly sorted. I dont want to be plagued with it any longer, so am going to do as im told and not run. So i shall be doing long bike rides as oppose ot long runs, also gym work, weights etc. I feel it will probaly do me the world of good not just for my achilles but for all my body.
I really enjoyed this years marathon, more than any ive done so far. I have come to a few conclusions why this is:
1. I did more long runs this time 20/22/23/20/23. I feel this made me more physically and mentally prepared for the later miles that are always so hard. I did find the last 6 tough, but bearably tough. I felt i was in a good place mentally, was overtaking people - which helps with the mental side, i could smile at the crowd and my fastest miles of the whole run were the last 3!!
2. I did more mid week meduim long runs at marathon pace (8-10m). I feel this renforced the pace i needed to run at and got me "used" to how it feels.
3. Hills - did 4 or 5 hard hill sessions - gradually increasing the reps over each week. I guess this would mean increased leg strength.
4. Stretching. I made a concious effort to spend time on stretching, after every run and more time on it after a long run. I find this makes my legs feel less tight again, during those last miles when things wont move quite so freely!!
I find to calm my nerves at the start - i take advantage of being at the green start by going on "Celebrity Watch".
This year was very successful. Last year i got a photo with Nell Mcandrew, this year i excelled myself and got one with the most gorgeuos James Cracknell!! I also saw Ronan Keating who is a midget! Also Floella Benjamin, Sue Barker, The Massai warriors (not really celebs, but they were for that day!!) Ben Fogle, Amanda Holden to name but a few!
So, another marathon under my belt. And i now have been told to take a month off running by my physio. Basically to get my achilles well and truly sorted. I dont want to be plagued with it any longer, so am going to do as im told and not run. So i shall be doing long bike rides as oppose ot long runs, also gym work, weights etc. I feel it will probaly do me the world of good not just for my achilles but for all my body.
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Carbs Carbs Everywhere!
Ive been food shopping today and as i look over into my kitchen, i am thinking..... maybe ive bought a bit too much!!
Ive got sooooooooooo many carbs i cant fit them all in the cupboard space i have!! Theres a huuuuuge bag of brown pasta, white pasta, brown rice, 4 bottles of 1.5l water, crumpets, muffins, potatoes, rice pudding, bananas!!
I look at it and think how on earth am i going to fit all that in my body!!
I am really quite scared, nervous and excited now. Even though i have done it twice before. I think that can actually make it worse, as i know what im in for!! I wasnt this nervous on my first marathon.
To reassure Lindsay, i dont think there will be snow, the forecasts ive seen say around 10 degress, possibly some light showers. It keeps changing though! Yesterday it said showers, today it says clear skies, but definatley no snow!
Looking forward to the Expo on Thurs, i love it there! I spend hours just wandering around listening to the talks and browsing all the stands and i do tend to spend a fair bit! Ive intentionally not spent my christmas money, so i have more to take with me! You can get some real bargains. Shall be making a visit to the Garmin stand to see the new 405 in action and shall enter the competition they have running where you can win one - as i certainly wont be buying one, well, not for at least a year until the price has come down!
Ive got sooooooooooo many carbs i cant fit them all in the cupboard space i have!! Theres a huuuuuge bag of brown pasta, white pasta, brown rice, 4 bottles of 1.5l water, crumpets, muffins, potatoes, rice pudding, bananas!!
I look at it and think how on earth am i going to fit all that in my body!!
I am really quite scared, nervous and excited now. Even though i have done it twice before. I think that can actually make it worse, as i know what im in for!! I wasnt this nervous on my first marathon.
To reassure Lindsay, i dont think there will be snow, the forecasts ive seen say around 10 degress, possibly some light showers. It keeps changing though! Yesterday it said showers, today it says clear skies, but definatley no snow!
Looking forward to the Expo on Thurs, i love it there! I spend hours just wandering around listening to the talks and browsing all the stands and i do tend to spend a fair bit! Ive intentionally not spent my christmas money, so i have more to take with me! You can get some real bargains. Shall be making a visit to the Garmin stand to see the new 405 in action and shall enter the competition they have running where you can win one - as i certainly wont be buying one, well, not for at least a year until the price has come down!
Monday, 31 March 2008
Zurich Running
This is where i spend my time when im in Zurich - either in the hotel or out and about in the woods nearby the hotel, running!
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Paranoia!
Well, its taper time, so that means its Paranoia time!!
I find every worry possible starts creeping into your head - have i done enough training, have i done too much training, have i done enough long runs, did i do them too fast/too slow etc etc !!
I feel that at the end of the day, over my 16 weeks training, i have done my best and thats all anyone can do. It really is trial and error i find, getting the training/nutrition/rest/ ratio right. As each marathon comes and goes i do learn how my body reacts to situations, what works, what doesnt, but it still hard to get it just right, as you continually push yourself that bit more to achieve your own personal targets and goals.
I have been resting more recently, well, by rest i mean, not running, ive still been cross training in the gym, to still get in some cardio. I have been advised by my physio that to keep my achilles functioning reasonably well, i should run every other day, not consecutive. To be honest, i have found that my energy levels have then been better on the next run, having that day "off" in between.
Did my final long run today - 18m, i was expecting it be dreadful, but was pleasantly surprised and pleased that it was quite successful. Felt strong the whole way and my achilles behaved.
So the countdown is now on, not much more can be done now i feel training wise, ive done all i can do now, im going to focus on stretching and 4 runs next week, one of those being 12m.
Shall be working on my "head" too, trying to get into the "zone" and keep telling myself i can do it and that i will achieve my goal and generally trying to keep positive about it all!!
Try to push away the dreaded paranoia!
I find every worry possible starts creeping into your head - have i done enough training, have i done too much training, have i done enough long runs, did i do them too fast/too slow etc etc !!
I feel that at the end of the day, over my 16 weeks training, i have done my best and thats all anyone can do. It really is trial and error i find, getting the training/nutrition/rest/ ratio right. As each marathon comes and goes i do learn how my body reacts to situations, what works, what doesnt, but it still hard to get it just right, as you continually push yourself that bit more to achieve your own personal targets and goals.
I have been resting more recently, well, by rest i mean, not running, ive still been cross training in the gym, to still get in some cardio. I have been advised by my physio that to keep my achilles functioning reasonably well, i should run every other day, not consecutive. To be honest, i have found that my energy levels have then been better on the next run, having that day "off" in between.
Did my final long run today - 18m, i was expecting it be dreadful, but was pleasantly surprised and pleased that it was quite successful. Felt strong the whole way and my achilles behaved.
So the countdown is now on, not much more can be done now i feel training wise, ive done all i can do now, im going to focus on stretching and 4 runs next week, one of those being 12m.
Shall be working on my "head" too, trying to get into the "zone" and keep telling myself i can do it and that i will achieve my goal and generally trying to keep positive about it all!!
Try to push away the dreaded paranoia!
Friday, 14 March 2008
Forced Rest!!
Well, it has happened again, like the past 2 years marathon training - Ive been forced to rest.
Ive been "managing" an achilies situation, i have been able to train throughout. Ive been having physio and doing loads of re-hab exercises. Which for an achillies is all about doing eccentric movements. Its the lowering part of the move that apparently help to reform the fibres in the tendon. So i have to do what my physio calls "drop offs". Which is calf raises but rather than going up on both toes, i go up on my good leg, swap over to my bad still sqeezing out through the toes, then lower the ankle down on the bad, then continue. So the bad leg only ever lowers down off the step, never raises up.
Anyhow, i saw him on Monday and he told me i should not run for the rest of the week! When someone says that you, it feels like an eternity - A WEEK!!!! He said to give myself a fighting chance for the marathon i need to rest now.
So, like all previous years, when ive got an injury during marathon training and ended up having to take time off from running - im now convincing myself that all my fitness has gone and i need surgery. My state of mind goes into very negative, doom and gloom mode. I do try to over rule this voice with the "sensible voice" in my head, but i think like most of us, the negative one seems to win!
So, im not running and trying to still keep active, as im away this week in Zurich, ive not got access to my usual gym and i have to use the gym in the hotel, which isnt that great. So it doesnt fill me with enthusiasm to go there.
Im seeing Keith (physio) on Sunday evening when i get back from work and hoping things would have settled down a bit. I want it to be fixed in one week of rest!! I know this is not the case and hopefully a week of not running will have given things a chance to settle down.
Ive been "managing" an achilies situation, i have been able to train throughout. Ive been having physio and doing loads of re-hab exercises. Which for an achillies is all about doing eccentric movements. Its the lowering part of the move that apparently help to reform the fibres in the tendon. So i have to do what my physio calls "drop offs". Which is calf raises but rather than going up on both toes, i go up on my good leg, swap over to my bad still sqeezing out through the toes, then lower the ankle down on the bad, then continue. So the bad leg only ever lowers down off the step, never raises up.
Anyhow, i saw him on Monday and he told me i should not run for the rest of the week! When someone says that you, it feels like an eternity - A WEEK!!!! He said to give myself a fighting chance for the marathon i need to rest now.
So, like all previous years, when ive got an injury during marathon training and ended up having to take time off from running - im now convincing myself that all my fitness has gone and i need surgery. My state of mind goes into very negative, doom and gloom mode. I do try to over rule this voice with the "sensible voice" in my head, but i think like most of us, the negative one seems to win!
So, im not running and trying to still keep active, as im away this week in Zurich, ive not got access to my usual gym and i have to use the gym in the hotel, which isnt that great. So it doesnt fill me with enthusiasm to go there.
Im seeing Keith (physio) on Sunday evening when i get back from work and hoping things would have settled down a bit. I want it to be fixed in one week of rest!! I know this is not the case and hopefully a week of not running will have given things a chance to settle down.
Sunday, 9 March 2008
Another long one done!
Today i was meant to be running at Silverstone. I didnt though! My reasons were that its quite a long way, meaning not getting back til late, it doesnt start til 12, i could have done a long run by then and my plan says 3 hours for today. Note to self: do not enter so many races, i end up not doing them, in favour of running locally!!
I do try to not be a "slave to the training plan" but i do find i feel far more in control and feel my training is going well, if i stick to the plan as much as i can. I am using a Runners World plan and have done so since my first marathon, so am used to their format. Im still doing my weights sessions as well at the moment and am not feeling massivley tired from doing those and the running , so will continue doing so for another 2/3 weeks. Shall start reducing it in the last couple weeks.
So, back to today, was aiming for 3 hours running. I ended up with 3.18 and 23 miles. This is all down to my new, absolutley super sexy Kayano 14's !! They are the sexiest, most amazing trainers ive ever had! Very sad i know to get sooooo excited over trainers - but i do. The new 14's have more cushoining in them and are 50g - yes a whole 50g lighter! And surprisingly i did notice they weighed less. I usually feel my balls getting a bit tender by around 18 ish miles (balls of my feet that is!!) But oh no, not in the new Kayano's. But not only do they do their job extremely well, they look the business as well! I have a "thing" about trainers and just love new ones. They are all sparkly clean and smell just soooooooo good!!
So today was another successful run , made an extra effort to run a bit slower, after reading Lindsays advice in her last blog. Even though i enjoy a long run, it always feels good to finish. Especially when you see the totals on your Garmin and you see you've burnt 2400 calories. Ahhhhhh extra chocolate for me today then!!! Ive earnt it and ive already burnt it off!
I do try to not be a "slave to the training plan" but i do find i feel far more in control and feel my training is going well, if i stick to the plan as much as i can. I am using a Runners World plan and have done so since my first marathon, so am used to their format. Im still doing my weights sessions as well at the moment and am not feeling massivley tired from doing those and the running , so will continue doing so for another 2/3 weeks. Shall start reducing it in the last couple weeks.
So, back to today, was aiming for 3 hours running. I ended up with 3.18 and 23 miles. This is all down to my new, absolutley super sexy Kayano 14's !! They are the sexiest, most amazing trainers ive ever had! Very sad i know to get sooooo excited over trainers - but i do. The new 14's have more cushoining in them and are 50g - yes a whole 50g lighter! And surprisingly i did notice they weighed less. I usually feel my balls getting a bit tender by around 18 ish miles (balls of my feet that is!!) But oh no, not in the new Kayano's. But not only do they do their job extremely well, they look the business as well! I have a "thing" about trainers and just love new ones. They are all sparkly clean and smell just soooooooo good!!
So today was another successful run , made an extra effort to run a bit slower, after reading Lindsays advice in her last blog. Even though i enjoy a long run, it always feels good to finish. Especially when you see the totals on your Garmin and you see you've burnt 2400 calories. Ahhhhhh extra chocolate for me today then!!! Ive earnt it and ive already burnt it off!
Monday, 3 March 2008
Faffing about!!
After speaking to Catherine in the gym this week and reading Lindsays blog, ive realised that im not only one that faffs!!
By this, i mean faffing about before my long run, silly things for me, like tidying up, putting things in order, watching MTV dance!! Things that really dont need to be done RIGHT then, but i seem to have to!
Then during the run, i faff!! I fiddle with my tights, pulling them up, moving them over a bit, moving them back, re adjusting my sports bra, then deciding that my trainers are too tight, stopping to sort them out, etc etc. Its just faffing, that doesnt need to be done!! But i do!! And so it seems, do other people!!
Anyhow, did my "not so long run" this week, which was good , but felt a bit tired towards end. Was a bit of a shorter long run this week as ive done 3 weeks of long long runs, then the next 3 weeks long runs are a 20/20/23 ! Phew!! then taper.
Im sure this faffing during runs must use up a lot of energy, so i really must try to stop it!! A 3 hour run is not a 3 hour run, its a 3 hr 20 min run, as faffing time needs be built in !!
By this, i mean faffing about before my long run, silly things for me, like tidying up, putting things in order, watching MTV dance!! Things that really dont need to be done RIGHT then, but i seem to have to!
Then during the run, i faff!! I fiddle with my tights, pulling them up, moving them over a bit, moving them back, re adjusting my sports bra, then deciding that my trainers are too tight, stopping to sort them out, etc etc. Its just faffing, that doesnt need to be done!! But i do!! And so it seems, do other people!!
Anyhow, did my "not so long run" this week, which was good , but felt a bit tired towards end. Was a bit of a shorter long run this week as ive done 3 weeks of long long runs, then the next 3 weeks long runs are a 20/20/23 ! Phew!! then taper.
Im sure this faffing during runs must use up a lot of energy, so i really must try to stop it!! A 3 hour run is not a 3 hour run, its a 3 hr 20 min run, as faffing time needs be built in !!
Friday, 29 February 2008
Rest days - i find them so hard!!
As Lindsay has said ive been enjoying reading the other blogs too. Its good to know that other people feel the same way, especially the guilt feeling that we get if we dont run. This leads me nicely onto rest days.
Now, i totally understand the purpose of rest days - gives your body and mind a chance to recover and repair. I know that its during rest and not training, that the body gets stronger, i know all the info, so why do i feel bad when i have them!! I feel that, well, maybe just a little run will be ok!! Or i go to the gym, saying that i will just do an active recovery day, nice and gentle - but oh no!! - the endorphins start to kick in and it ends up as a monster weight sesh! I know i have gone before quite regularly 9 or 10 days without a rest day, which i know is bad. But i find the more i do, the more i WANT to do.
I have been making myself have at least one rest day a week whilst ive been marathon training. But i find i still have to remind myself that its good for me!!
I realise this make me sound a bit nuts, rest days should be the easiest session there is during the training week, but for me, its not!!
Now, i totally understand the purpose of rest days - gives your body and mind a chance to recover and repair. I know that its during rest and not training, that the body gets stronger, i know all the info, so why do i feel bad when i have them!! I feel that, well, maybe just a little run will be ok!! Or i go to the gym, saying that i will just do an active recovery day, nice and gentle - but oh no!! - the endorphins start to kick in and it ends up as a monster weight sesh! I know i have gone before quite regularly 9 or 10 days without a rest day, which i know is bad. But i find the more i do, the more i WANT to do.
I have been making myself have at least one rest day a week whilst ive been marathon training. But i find i still have to remind myself that its good for me!!
I realise this make me sound a bit nuts, rest days should be the easiest session there is during the training week, but for me, its not!!
Sunday, 24 February 2008
3 hours of running!!
There's no doubt about it, 3 hours of running is hard!!
Thats what we achieved today. Decided not to do Bury 20 as couldnt be arsed with the driving and getting back so late in the day! These long runs take up so much of the day anyway, without a drive of over an hour there and back.
Felt pretty good the whole way today, obviously tired towards the end.Once we hit 18m i said to Jo S that this is really where the training kicks in. These are the miles that are getting you ready for running the 26.2. Shame its not posssible to get that stage a lot quicker!
Went on a bit of adventure run today, myself, Lysa and Jo S, as we didnt entirely know where we were going! Jo was chief navigator, as she know everywhere! Went to Halls Green (had to as my new fave place to go!), heading to Cromer/walkern, lopped back round to HG, then Weston, Baldock, Willian, home. Was 3.02 in the end. Had a cold bath after which is horrid to get in, but once you are there, its not too bad. I have a ritual of having Girls Aloud playing, whilst texting people, while in the cold bath, it takes my mind of it!! An odd kind of combination, i know.
Next week is meant to be a "drop week" so a bit less mileage and a long run of 13m. So, that means most of the long run day wont be taken up with either running, stretching or recovering on the sofa! Saying that i feel an afternoon nap coming on!
All this running really makes me sleep! Im finding, if i can get to bed early enough, i can sleep for 9 or 10 hours! Sleeping is one of favourite things though! But i do sometimes feel a bit sad when i look at the clock and it says 9.15pm - and im in bed!!
Thats what we achieved today. Decided not to do Bury 20 as couldnt be arsed with the driving and getting back so late in the day! These long runs take up so much of the day anyway, without a drive of over an hour there and back.
Felt pretty good the whole way today, obviously tired towards the end.Once we hit 18m i said to Jo S that this is really where the training kicks in. These are the miles that are getting you ready for running the 26.2. Shame its not posssible to get that stage a lot quicker!
Went on a bit of adventure run today, myself, Lysa and Jo S, as we didnt entirely know where we were going! Jo was chief navigator, as she know everywhere! Went to Halls Green (had to as my new fave place to go!), heading to Cromer/walkern, lopped back round to HG, then Weston, Baldock, Willian, home. Was 3.02 in the end. Had a cold bath after which is horrid to get in, but once you are there, its not too bad. I have a ritual of having Girls Aloud playing, whilst texting people, while in the cold bath, it takes my mind of it!! An odd kind of combination, i know.
Next week is meant to be a "drop week" so a bit less mileage and a long run of 13m. So, that means most of the long run day wont be taken up with either running, stretching or recovering on the sofa! Saying that i feel an afternoon nap coming on!
All this running really makes me sleep! Im finding, if i can get to bed early enough, i can sleep for 9 or 10 hours! Sleeping is one of favourite things though! But i do sometimes feel a bit sad when i look at the clock and it says 9.15pm - and im in bed!!
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
2008 Marathon training Mond 19th Feb
Had a good training week last week. Was in Zurich for most of it and there is a huge woodland nearby the hotel we stay in - with a running track. So there's lost of people about, running, hiking, walking their dogs etc. Its very hilly in the area and this was perfect for me as i had a hill session to complete on Friday and managed to find a huge one to do my hill reps on!
Couldnt do my long run on Sunday like everyone else as i was flying all day then coming home. So had to do it on Monday morning, which feels very strange. Even though your body doesnt know its Monday and it doesnt care, its still training, but in your head it just feels weird!!
Did another super long one, an 18miler. Felt good all the way, was concious of not going too fast, but did an average of 8.22 per mile over the whole run. Im aiming for 8.00 on the day. My new favourite place to head out to is Halls Green, you dont see anyone for miles, just the countryside and silence, well, except for me chatting to myself to pass the time!!
Am due to do Bury 20 this sunday (24th Feb), but am debating as it takes just so much of the day. I think if i just do a 20 at home i can be done by 12 and stretched, sauna-ed, showered and back on the sofa by 1.30pm !! Whereas if i do Bury i wont be home til 3pm.
Couldnt do my long run on Sunday like everyone else as i was flying all day then coming home. So had to do it on Monday morning, which feels very strange. Even though your body doesnt know its Monday and it doesnt care, its still training, but in your head it just feels weird!!
Did another super long one, an 18miler. Felt good all the way, was concious of not going too fast, but did an average of 8.22 per mile over the whole run. Im aiming for 8.00 on the day. My new favourite place to head out to is Halls Green, you dont see anyone for miles, just the countryside and silence, well, except for me chatting to myself to pass the time!!
Am due to do Bury 20 this sunday (24th Feb), but am debating as it takes just so much of the day. I think if i just do a 20 at home i can be done by 12 and stretched, sauna-ed, showered and back on the sofa by 1.30pm !! Whereas if i do Bury i wont be home til 3pm.
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Sunday 10th February 1500
So, I have completed my first20 miler of the training, feels good to get that out the way! I can still run that far, after all my nerves this morning, thinking I wont be able to do it. Was a lovely day, sunshine all the way. Had some company as well, so the miles and minutes flew by. Didn’t really start to notice the tiredness setting in until around 17 miles, so am very pleased with how good I felt at the end and throughout the run. Gives me confidence for my next biggy
Sunday 10th February 0800
I’m now coming to the end of week 6 of 16 of my marathon training. Im really loving my new super – duper Garmin. Ive never ran with a HR monitor before so its quite interesting. I have found though that my pace can be quite even, but my hr is still all up and down, not sure why to be honest.
Training seems to be going quite well, I think, so far! Off for a super long run this morning. Aiming for the big 2 – 0. Therse’s something about a run with a “2” in the front rather than a “1” that fills me with fear!!
Ive been getting nervous since yesterday about it! I always start to think that I wont be able to do it. One of the things with super long runs, I find, is to sort a route out! Im not so keen on “out and backs” when doing such a long run. But they are far easier to work out a route. Anyhow, I think I have a come up with a route, may have to add on some bits to get the mileage up. This “adding on” has to be done though when im no where near home, as if i leave it til I get near home, its unlikey I will add on!! The temptation of just finishing is too great. It’s a nice feeling to just turn off down my road when I get there, then that’s it, its over. Just the cold bath to look forward too!
These super long ones, really do take up a lot of the day! By the time the run is done, cold bath, stretched, showered, eaten, its 2pm!! Marathon training really does take commitment in every aspect of your life.
Still having to sit eating my breakfast with a hot water bottle strapped around my Achilles! The physio has said to me to do this to fully warm it up before I stretch it, then run on it!! The things we do for running. Im still finding it’s a wee but uncomfortable at the beginning of a run, but eases off after 10/15 mins. Ive still been able to run very well, so I guess im “managing” the problem. Have lots if re hab excercises to do daily, which I feel are making my calves/lower legs stronger, which has always been my problem area. It all just takes up so much time again!
Fitting all the training in around everyday life is a challenge in itself. I find I have to re-jig a lot of the training days as I can be away and its impossible to do a run of more than say 7/8M, due to only knowing a limited amount of the area im staying in. Im scared of getting lost! Ive not worked out the navigation function yet of my Garmin!. I have the most sophisicated piece of GPS you can get in a watch, but I still have to leave sticks and stones to remind me im going the right way!
Training seems to be going quite well, I think, so far! Off for a super long run this morning. Aiming for the big 2 – 0. Therse’s something about a run with a “2” in the front rather than a “1” that fills me with fear!!
Ive been getting nervous since yesterday about it! I always start to think that I wont be able to do it. One of the things with super long runs, I find, is to sort a route out! Im not so keen on “out and backs” when doing such a long run. But they are far easier to work out a route. Anyhow, I think I have a come up with a route, may have to add on some bits to get the mileage up. This “adding on” has to be done though when im no where near home, as if i leave it til I get near home, its unlikey I will add on!! The temptation of just finishing is too great. It’s a nice feeling to just turn off down my road when I get there, then that’s it, its over. Just the cold bath to look forward too!
These super long ones, really do take up a lot of the day! By the time the run is done, cold bath, stretched, showered, eaten, its 2pm!! Marathon training really does take commitment in every aspect of your life.
Still having to sit eating my breakfast with a hot water bottle strapped around my Achilles! The physio has said to me to do this to fully warm it up before I stretch it, then run on it!! The things we do for running. Im still finding it’s a wee but uncomfortable at the beginning of a run, but eases off after 10/15 mins. Ive still been able to run very well, so I guess im “managing” the problem. Have lots if re hab excercises to do daily, which I feel are making my calves/lower legs stronger, which has always been my problem area. It all just takes up so much time again!
Fitting all the training in around everyday life is a challenge in itself. I find I have to re-jig a lot of the training days as I can be away and its impossible to do a run of more than say 7/8M, due to only knowing a limited amount of the area im staying in. Im scared of getting lost! Ive not worked out the navigation function yet of my Garmin!. I have the most sophisicated piece of GPS you can get in a watch, but I still have to leave sticks and stones to remind me im going the right way!
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