Saturday, 23 May 2009
Hiking And Running
Since my last post ive been to Malham to do 23m hike and a MWL.
It was quite weird doing a MWL as i haven't really run fast (ish) for ages! It does feel quite frustrating as i know im not running as quick as i was. And the pace i was running at - which was 7.30 - 8.00 felt so tough! But i suppose that is to be expected when i haven't done any kind of speed work since Oct 2008 due to my achilles. Im so wary of not doing anything to agrivate it and am so aware of what it feels like when im running. I didn't feel anything during the 10k mwl and nothing the next morning either, which is a good sign. I did have very tight calves (both) , which is quite normal for me, hence why i always suffer with lower leg injuries.
I wasn't really sure what to expect for my first proper hike and i felt pretty unprepared really as i didn't have all the correct gear, except the shoes.
I managed to borrow a coat from Jon and then just used the stuff i already had for running really. I made a list (as i always do, of all the bits and bobs i needed to take). When i picked up my ruck sack, i thought "crikey, how on earth will i drag that around with me, best i eat all my stuff early to make it lighter!!".
Malham is a lovely little place and when we arrived the first place i wanted to visit was the youth hostel!! I knew it would be basic, but i didn't expect to have to make up my own bed !!
We started walking and all was going well for the first few hours and i was quite enjoying it. But then disaster.....heavy rain and gale force winds!! For around an hour and half. So this kind of spoilt it all! Ive never been so cold and wet in all my life, but all we could do was keep walking!
I started to feel quite ill and i needed help to get an extra jumper out of my bag as i couldnt really move very well!! And Jon made me have some of his (luke warm) tea!! And chocolate raisins. Apparently my lips had gone blue and Jon keeps reminding me he saved my life up there!!
It took around 9 and half hours altogether.....oh my god!! I think if id have known it would take that long i wouldnt have done it!! Another time i will stick to shorter walks of around 3 or 4 hours. If it hadn't of been for the rain i feel i would have enjoyed it far more, but i guess thats part of the "joys" of hiking!
It was quite weird doing a MWL as i haven't really run fast (ish) for ages! It does feel quite frustrating as i know im not running as quick as i was. And the pace i was running at - which was 7.30 - 8.00 felt so tough! But i suppose that is to be expected when i haven't done any kind of speed work since Oct 2008 due to my achilles. Im so wary of not doing anything to agrivate it and am so aware of what it feels like when im running. I didn't feel anything during the 10k mwl and nothing the next morning either, which is a good sign. I did have very tight calves (both) , which is quite normal for me, hence why i always suffer with lower leg injuries.
I wasn't really sure what to expect for my first proper hike and i felt pretty unprepared really as i didn't have all the correct gear, except the shoes.
I managed to borrow a coat from Jon and then just used the stuff i already had for running really. I made a list (as i always do, of all the bits and bobs i needed to take). When i picked up my ruck sack, i thought "crikey, how on earth will i drag that around with me, best i eat all my stuff early to make it lighter!!".
Malham is a lovely little place and when we arrived the first place i wanted to visit was the youth hostel!! I knew it would be basic, but i didn't expect to have to make up my own bed !!
We started walking and all was going well for the first few hours and i was quite enjoying it. But then disaster.....heavy rain and gale force winds!! For around an hour and half. So this kind of spoilt it all! Ive never been so cold and wet in all my life, but all we could do was keep walking!
I started to feel quite ill and i needed help to get an extra jumper out of my bag as i couldnt really move very well!! And Jon made me have some of his (luke warm) tea!! And chocolate raisins. Apparently my lips had gone blue and Jon keeps reminding me he saved my life up there!!
It took around 9 and half hours altogether.....oh my god!! I think if id have known it would take that long i wouldnt have done it!! Another time i will stick to shorter walks of around 3 or 4 hours. If it hadn't of been for the rain i feel i would have enjoyed it far more, but i guess thats part of the "joys" of hiking!
Monday, 6 April 2009
Feels Good To Be Back!
Well, its been quite while since my last blog. Had quite a lot going on in my life since then.
In my last blog (Nov 2008), i said i have to stop running. I had a little chat with myself and accepted that and had mentally accepted that i wouldn't be doing my planned marathons of Rome and London for 2009. I was all prepared to do just gym work and non-impact excercise.
However, i wasn't prepared for redundancy on 3rd Dec. So, what with the stress of losing my job , i also couldn't run!! So the 2 things in my life that take up a lot of my time and 2 things that i really love in my life had been taken from me within a matter of a week or so.
When i went to see Keith (physio), i was in a pretty bad state of mind, what with having no job and feeling pretty useless and on top of that, not being able to run. So, he allowed me to do 20 mins outside running - very slow and on grass. My achilles was feeling better and he thought that it would help my mental state and help me to feel more positive. But if there was any reaction to the 20 mins, once or twice a week, i would have to stop.
So, lucky for me, i didn't have any bad reaction to the 20 mins and i was continuing to make progress with repair of my injury. I was religiously doing the exercises in the gym he was giving me and trying to keep up the cardio doing other things in the gym.
After 5 weeks, i managed to find a new job..... in a gym!! And at around the same i was told by Keith that i could start doing a little more than 20 mins as i was making good progress.
So week by week, i was able to add a little more. But im trying so hard not to make the mistake i made the last time i had time off and thats to "come back" too quickly. I upped my mileage too much too soon last time and i think that contributed to the injury returning - or maybe it just wasn't properly repaired at all. I took a month off after London 2008 (Keith told me then i should have 3 months off and i said NO WAY, i will do a month) On reflection, i know now, if i had have taken 3 months off , i would have been doing my marathons this year, 2009 - but, hey, you learn from your mistakes!
So, ive been gradually increasing my time, not worrying about the mileage, just trying to get used to running again. I remember that before, an hours run was quite a short one - "a quick hour" i used to think!! An hour recently has felt like AGES!!!!! - That was now my long run. Its amazing how your perception changes.
So, i was all booked up and had paid for Rome, but obviously cannot run 26.2 miles! I had decided that i would still go and support and see a marathon from "the other side". As the time came nearer, i was able to run 10m, so i thought i would do 10, then drop out. I thought id be fine with that, but when it came to the day, i was soooooooooooooooo gutted that i wasn't doing it all. I did drop out at 10m, having run with Jo S and i really enjoyed it. Ive never dropped out of a race, so it felt quite weird. As i walked back to the start/finish area (thanks to Jo S and Jons excellent directions) - i got lots of "oh dear, poor you, you've had to drop out" looks from the spectators!! I wanted to say, "actually, this is exactly my race plan!!"
I have been pleased that i dont seem to have lots too much speed. Im having to work harder, but it does still seem to be there. Just need to start introducing speed gradually. Ive been more concearned with getting some endurance back, before i worry about speed.
So, far i haven't had any reaction from my running - Keith always says if i get any reaction immediately after a run or the next morning i have to stop - "touch wood", im not getting any............ i just need to keep it that way!!
Ive realised a key part to keeping my injury under control is only running a max of every other day. So far ive been doing 3 times a week but i want to up that to 4. My problem is the more i do, the more i want to do. So, i need to keep a check on it.
London is in a couple of weeks and i was meant to be doing it. I have deferred my place. I am going to go and spectate, but i know im going to feel a bit weird as i was meant to be running it and have done for the last 3 years. But ive told myself, that this will be the only time i will ever get to watch it as every year, from next year, i will be in it!!
I would like to go back to Rome next year though, to be able to complete it, and Rome was such an AMAZING place....... but i do love running London. But we'll see. I just need to get back to full fitness first and keep injury free!!!
It feels good to be back folks!!
In my last blog (Nov 2008), i said i have to stop running. I had a little chat with myself and accepted that and had mentally accepted that i wouldn't be doing my planned marathons of Rome and London for 2009. I was all prepared to do just gym work and non-impact excercise.
However, i wasn't prepared for redundancy on 3rd Dec. So, what with the stress of losing my job , i also couldn't run!! So the 2 things in my life that take up a lot of my time and 2 things that i really love in my life had been taken from me within a matter of a week or so.
When i went to see Keith (physio), i was in a pretty bad state of mind, what with having no job and feeling pretty useless and on top of that, not being able to run. So, he allowed me to do 20 mins outside running - very slow and on grass. My achilles was feeling better and he thought that it would help my mental state and help me to feel more positive. But if there was any reaction to the 20 mins, once or twice a week, i would have to stop.
So, lucky for me, i didn't have any bad reaction to the 20 mins and i was continuing to make progress with repair of my injury. I was religiously doing the exercises in the gym he was giving me and trying to keep up the cardio doing other things in the gym.
After 5 weeks, i managed to find a new job..... in a gym!! And at around the same i was told by Keith that i could start doing a little more than 20 mins as i was making good progress.
So week by week, i was able to add a little more. But im trying so hard not to make the mistake i made the last time i had time off and thats to "come back" too quickly. I upped my mileage too much too soon last time and i think that contributed to the injury returning - or maybe it just wasn't properly repaired at all. I took a month off after London 2008 (Keith told me then i should have 3 months off and i said NO WAY, i will do a month) On reflection, i know now, if i had have taken 3 months off , i would have been doing my marathons this year, 2009 - but, hey, you learn from your mistakes!
So, ive been gradually increasing my time, not worrying about the mileage, just trying to get used to running again. I remember that before, an hours run was quite a short one - "a quick hour" i used to think!! An hour recently has felt like AGES!!!!! - That was now my long run. Its amazing how your perception changes.
So, i was all booked up and had paid for Rome, but obviously cannot run 26.2 miles! I had decided that i would still go and support and see a marathon from "the other side". As the time came nearer, i was able to run 10m, so i thought i would do 10, then drop out. I thought id be fine with that, but when it came to the day, i was soooooooooooooooo gutted that i wasn't doing it all. I did drop out at 10m, having run with Jo S and i really enjoyed it. Ive never dropped out of a race, so it felt quite weird. As i walked back to the start/finish area (thanks to Jo S and Jons excellent directions) - i got lots of "oh dear, poor you, you've had to drop out" looks from the spectators!! I wanted to say, "actually, this is exactly my race plan!!"
I have been pleased that i dont seem to have lots too much speed. Im having to work harder, but it does still seem to be there. Just need to start introducing speed gradually. Ive been more concearned with getting some endurance back, before i worry about speed.
So, far i haven't had any reaction from my running - Keith always says if i get any reaction immediately after a run or the next morning i have to stop - "touch wood", im not getting any............ i just need to keep it that way!!
Ive realised a key part to keeping my injury under control is only running a max of every other day. So far ive been doing 3 times a week but i want to up that to 4. My problem is the more i do, the more i want to do. So, i need to keep a check on it.
London is in a couple of weeks and i was meant to be doing it. I have deferred my place. I am going to go and spectate, but i know im going to feel a bit weird as i was meant to be running it and have done for the last 3 years. But ive told myself, that this will be the only time i will ever get to watch it as every year, from next year, i will be in it!!
I would like to go back to Rome next year though, to be able to complete it, and Rome was such an AMAZING place....... but i do love running London. But we'll see. I just need to get back to full fitness first and keep injury free!!!
It feels good to be back folks!!
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Has To Be Done!
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.
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.
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!
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