Anyone reading some of my previous blogs (I think I'm being optimistic to think that anyone has actually been reading this!) could be forgiven for wondering at times why I appear to have been putting myself through this torture and that I don't actually enjoy running. This is not true. I love running but I have been pushing myself to my absolute limits, long before I started this training diary. I have done this whilst suffering from anorexia, a very serious and potential fatal illness. This blog is just a snapshot of a pretty gruelling regime that has seen me and my husband Alex tackle many a dark, punishing, hilly run in some very unforgiving weather conditions. However, it's all been worth it because for all the tough times and the times I've felt like giving up, I remember how much pleasure it gives me. The feeling of being outdoors with the wind or the rain or the sunshine on my face. The glow I feel when I finish. The rush I get when I sprint for home at the end of a race with crowds of people cheering me on and the sense of pride I feel when I beat my personal best. The feeling of being at peace with myself and having respite from the battle I face in my head every day, even if it's just for a little while.
I have taken part in quite a few half marathons etc and like to think of myself as a fairly accomplished runner, but the dedication, commitment and hard work it takes to train (and train you must) for a full marathon (unless of course your name is Katie Price!) should not be underestimated. This is not for the faint hearted, it is not a fun run, it is a serious endurance event that requires not only physical strength but mental strength, determination and self belief.
So here's how it went............
The alarm goes off at 6.30am but I think I was already awake. I get up and have a shower (seems ridiculous but it helps me wake up). The race doesn't start till 10.00 but I need a few hours for my breakfast to digest. The dining room is empty apart from one other couple. He is wearing shorts so I assume that he is running today. There is no question in my mind about what I am going to have for breakfast because it's what I have every day: banana porridge. I am a bit worried that as we are in Scotland it will be laced with cream but it's not, although it does have semi-skimmed milk in it which worries me because I'm not use to it. Oh well I gots to eat!!
It transpires that the gentleman in the dining room is indeed running the marathon today and is getting the bus to the start. Problem solved for me and Alex then. The dining room then starts to fill up with other marathon runners. One woman looks so terrified that she is on the verge of tears and won't engage in conversation with anyone....oh dear!
Back in our room I put on the rest of my kit on and do my hair in the least mithersome (that's not a word!) style possible. Jelly babies, mustn't forget the jelly babies which unfortunately are a bit sparse because I ate all of them (bar 9) yesterday...whoops!!
We jump on a bus and sit down next to an Irish guy, he has done a few marathons in the past. His last one in 3:07 which draws a gasp from the other passengers (Alex and I included). He follows this up by saying that he did his first one in 5 hrs which pleases me for some reason? As we all pile off the bus, there are people everywhere but the baggage area is easy enough to find. It's cold and I'm wearing shorts.....
We stand by the baggage trucks and I decide that it is sensible to put my new Sport Billy tracky bottoms on (if only you knew the trouble I had finding these) and another jumper. As we move up towards the start the sun comes out and lulls us all into a false sense of security as it's not long before the torrential rain starts!
After a couple of toilet stops (turns out I could have done with a couple more!) we make our way to the starting pens. It's nothing like the London Marathon where spectators aren't allowed anywhere near the start. Alex stands right next to me the whole time. I adjust my laces about 400 times and still can't seem to get the tension right. They are playing a CD containing some terrible tunes on repeat but we have a little jig to keep warm. Then we're called. I hug Alex and we say our goodbyes, for now. As I walk towards the start line, I turn round and give him a little wave and feel a pang of loneliness.
The countdown from 10 begins, the klaxon sounds and we're off. Well I say off, it takes a good few minutes for everyone to filter through and cross the start line, I start my watch. As I've said on several ocassions there are the people who go out hell for leather and I smile a smug smile to myself because I know I will be seeing a lot of them at the half way point, struggling! This is my race (well it's not even a race) and I'm going to run it at my pace. Slow and steady to start (about 9.30 minute miles) and if I have anything left at the end (yeah right) I can speed up a bit. This is my first marathon and I have no idea what to expect. Alot of people who run their first marathon seem to want to do it sub 4 hours. Of course I want my time to be respectable but my main focus is to get round as comfortably as possible.
A few minutes in we pass a block of flats and a woman is standing at the window pumping out Queens "Don't Stop Me Now" (terrible song but befitting of the circumstances I think) on her stereo and shouting words of encouragement as we pass. I get the feeling it's going to be a good day! I need a wee!! I seem to have got my pacing right and decide that it's worth losing a couple of minutes to go now because feeling uncomfortable will only slow me down. I miss the first two opportunities because of the queues. At mile 4, I am joined by a young girl (God that makes me sound old!) who is also running for the same charity as me (beat) and has been in recovery since September. We have a brief chat (I struggle to know what to say to her for some reason, I hope she doesn't think I'm being rude?) and exchange some words of encouragement before she pushes on ahead of me.
The weather is changeable and when we reach the seafront it's drizzly and windy. I spot some girls veering off the path and into the public loos so I decide to follow. I even stop to wash my hands - force of habit! It's at this point that I get a bad stitch (that pesky semi skimmed milk I reckon) it stays for a good few miles and then (fortunately) goes away. The locals have braved the weather and line the course to cheer us all on. At the 6 mile mark I am very surprised (and a bit annoyed because they weren't injured) to see people walking. If they're walking now they obviously haven't put in the training and the next 20 miles will be absolute torture......hhmmm not my problem I suppose. I tuck in close to the edge of the road, alone with my thoughts, soaking up the atmosphere and fosusing on the sound of my footsteps and breathing.
I completet 10 miles and feel absolutely fine. At this point I have to stop myself from kicking for home as I would normally be doing if I were running a half marathon (in fact I'd be almost done by now). This pace is not something I'm use to, but this is not a half marathon it's twice the distance and unknown territory for me.
When I reach the sign for the town of Prestonpans, I know it won't be long before I see Alex for the first time. I spot the rather imposing pub that he has decided to spectate from and my heart sinks when he's not there. My eyes are frantically searching, but he's not there. I tell myself that he wasn't able to make it on time and that I will see him later on, but I can't ignore the disapointment I feel in the pit of my stomach. On reflection I can't believe I ever thought he wouldn't be there because I know he would have done anything, even run the 11.5 miles just to have been there for me! Then I see a big crowd of people in the distance and it occurs to me that the pub doesn't open till 12.30 (it's only 11.45) and that he has decided to move along a little bit where there is more atmosphere. Again I frantically search for him, "Oh God what side will he be standing on?" Then I hear someone screaming my name at the top of their voice and there he is! I run over and stop briefly to give him a hug and tell him that I am feeling so good that I reckon I could run another 15 miles!!
I'm not very good at memorising routes (must pay more attention) but from about 12 miles we started to see the elite runners passing us on their way to the finish! In fact the winner had nearly finished! I remember thinking "blimey we can't be that far behind them" but I was (very) wrong because then started what seemed like an everlasting drag through the grounds of Gosforth House. I think this is where the wheels fell off for alot of people as they crashed headlong into 'the wall'. And if 'the wall 'didn't get them, then the weather did. Welcome to Scotland people............
The gale force head wind whilst running around those exposed grounds was something else. Throw in some torrential sideways rain and a hale storm and it makes things pretty tough. My little arms were frozen solid and mottled purple and the prospect of having hair like Rod Stewart by the end was looking more and more likely! I couldn't help but laugh to myself when I thought about all the hellish holidays in Scotland we had been subjected to as kids!! I tried to convince the man running alongside me that just round the next corner we would turn round and be on our way home (a tactic Alex use to employ when I got disheartened!) Unfortunately round every corner there was another corner and a sea of runners making there way to that elusive turning point. Eventually the corner came and I was still running. There was lots of support and people were shouting my name! I did start to feel a bit delirious at this point (about 18 miles I think) and thought to myself "I need sugar NOW!" Miraculously a few yards ahead was a woman holding out a tub of Haribo - HALLELUJAH!! I grabbed a huge handful and enjoyed every single sugary one 'em!!
All the literature tells you that most runners (even the elite) are likely to hit 'the wall' at 20 miles, so my plan was to try and make it to 20 without stopping and then walk for a while if I needed to. As I approach mile 20 (having passed some chickens and a man standing in the garden of his farmhouse playing "When the Saints Go Marching In" on his trumpet) I smash straight through the wall! So I change tack and decide that I will run to 22 and then walk if I feel I need to. There are lots of casualties at this stage and I spot a couple who have stopped at the side of the path. He is obviously in some trouble and is crying, she is trying to comfort and encourage him - breaks my heart a little bit. There are also lots of people climbing up the hill in the opposite direction who have a long way to go, it's tough to watch but I'm glad it's not me! I go through mile 22 and yes my legs are heavy and I'm running slowly but I keep going. I am on autopilot (disengage legs from body) and instead of focusing on how far I've got to go, I think about how far I've come. At mile 23 and a bit I have to stop for a quick stretch and a walk. A group of us are passed by a guy who tells us that we've got less than 3 miles to go and it's just a jog from here. He's got a point, so I start to run again........
As I see the 24 mile marker I know that the pub Alex will be standing at is coming up soon. It seems to take forever to get there. As I approach it I spot him straight away standing on the base of a lampost and give him a big wave. As I get level with him, he jumps down and starts to run alongside me, clutching a massive golf umbrella and handing me a well needed bag of jelly babies. The head wind at this point is battering us making it nigh on impossible to run. He runs with me for nearly a mile without being challenged by any marshalls and then lets me go to run the last mile on my own.
I ran that last mile in 7.30 minutes and start my sprint finish when I see the 26 mile marker, which is probably a bit early as there's still 385 yards to go! I am surprised at how big the crowd is when I turn the corner into the home straight (about ten deep in some places). I lift my knees and dodge my way threw the finishers (not easy when you're running flat out). Usain who? I cross the finish line in 4:12:18. I don't throw up, I don't collapse, I don't lose control of any bodily functions. In fact I feel miraculously well!
As I make my way to collect my medal, the sun is out and the wind has dropped (typical!) All the hard work is over. Those long, hilly, West Yorkshire miles (sometimes in sub-zero temperatures) the bruises (bloomin' lamposts) the sweat, the tears. The aches, the pains, the ice baths. The running attire mistakes and the manky toenails were all worth it when I crossed that finishing line and became part of a very special club.
There is no doubt in my mind that I will run another marathon, just next time I'll run it faster! I enjoyed every single mile of it and at no point did I think "I can't do this".
Today was not just about the marathon for me but about the journey I started 18 months ago to recover from an illness that has destroyed so many things over the past 15 years of my life and stopped me from reaching my full potential. I couldn't have done it without the unconditional love and support of my long suffering husband Alex, who believes in me and gives me the strength and determination to keep fighting. It could quite easily have been my undoing (I'm still walking a fine line) but I believe running has saved my life. I have for the first time ever found something that I'm truly good at, but I can only be great if I take care of my body and mind.
The road to recovery is a long and painful one (a bit like some of my training runs) but I intend to run it in shorts and long socks....................
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Friday, 27 May 2011
Saturday 21st May - The day before the big event........
I have been getting my kit ready for the past week now (much to the amusement of Alex) and have ironed my rather impressive homemade tartan letters onto my charity vest . Inevitably there is some sort of last minute panic about what to pack (mostly what to wear for the post run celebrations!) Apart from a couple of wobbles in the week I have remained very calm about the whole thing (quite out of character really!) I had expected to feel terrified and be full of self doubt but I am excited and feel confident. I have been visualising my sprint finish, which at this stage I feel may be a little optimistic!
I am slightly on edge as I have been unable to access and print my final race instructions for the last two days, because the file won't not open. But decide that there is nothing I can do about it as we're on our way to Edinburgh! Alex has his spectator route planned and has researched (using The Good Beer Guide) a suitable place to stand and cheer me on. He will be able to see me at 11.5 miles and then again at mile 24, which is when I envisage I will have well and truly hit the wall, my bottom lip will be going and I'll need some encouragement (maybe in the form of a slap round the face!!)
Today I must eat properly (lots of carbs) and despite the fact that I know I will be running 26.2 miles tomorrow and putting my body under severe physical exertion I still need encouragement and reassurance to do so. Just because I am running a marathon doesn't mean that all of a sudden my eating disorder disappears, it is with me always, but I want to do this and do it well so I have to fight the voices. I settle for a steak and onion baguette at a service station on the M6. It was edible and that's all I'm saying!!!
Once we arrive at the hotel I am anxious to make it to the Marathon Expo in Holyrood Park because I don't want to miss anything. When we eventually find it (there are absolutely no signposts) we wish we hadn't bothered. Maybe we have been spoilt by what we saw at the London Marathon but a few sweaty tents selling overpriced tat was not exactly what I had in mind. Never mind eh? I do have a little panic about how I'm going to get to the start on time etc but Alex reassures me that he'll drop me off and all will be fine.
Back at the hotel, I pack my kit bag. Tracky bottoms: check, spare socks and trainers: check, jumper: check: hairbrush (!) check, chocolate milk: check.......... Shorts, vest, socks, trainers all ready.
I have been making frequent updates on Facebook but it's Alex that has been campaigning tirelessly for me by encouraging people to support my chosen charity beat. It worked because the donations and the messages of support starting flooding in. It was like bloomin' Comic Relief!! It's times like these when you appreciate who your true friends are and the people who really care about you, want you to get better and admire you for taking on such a big challenge.
The plan for tea was to have pasta but naively we thought we could get a table at a restaurant in Edinburgh on a Saturday night without booking. We settle for the pub and I top up my carb stores!
Time for bed, big day tomorrow..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I am slightly on edge as I have been unable to access and print my final race instructions for the last two days, because the file won't not open. But decide that there is nothing I can do about it as we're on our way to Edinburgh! Alex has his spectator route planned and has researched (using The Good Beer Guide) a suitable place to stand and cheer me on. He will be able to see me at 11.5 miles and then again at mile 24, which is when I envisage I will have well and truly hit the wall, my bottom lip will be going and I'll need some encouragement (maybe in the form of a slap round the face!!)
Today I must eat properly (lots of carbs) and despite the fact that I know I will be running 26.2 miles tomorrow and putting my body under severe physical exertion I still need encouragement and reassurance to do so. Just because I am running a marathon doesn't mean that all of a sudden my eating disorder disappears, it is with me always, but I want to do this and do it well so I have to fight the voices. I settle for a steak and onion baguette at a service station on the M6. It was edible and that's all I'm saying!!!
Once we arrive at the hotel I am anxious to make it to the Marathon Expo in Holyrood Park because I don't want to miss anything. When we eventually find it (there are absolutely no signposts) we wish we hadn't bothered. Maybe we have been spoilt by what we saw at the London Marathon but a few sweaty tents selling overpriced tat was not exactly what I had in mind. Never mind eh? I do have a little panic about how I'm going to get to the start on time etc but Alex reassures me that he'll drop me off and all will be fine.
Back at the hotel, I pack my kit bag. Tracky bottoms: check, spare socks and trainers: check, jumper: check: hairbrush (!) check, chocolate milk: check.......... Shorts, vest, socks, trainers all ready.
I have been making frequent updates on Facebook but it's Alex that has been campaigning tirelessly for me by encouraging people to support my chosen charity beat. It worked because the donations and the messages of support starting flooding in. It was like bloomin' Comic Relief!! It's times like these when you appreciate who your true friends are and the people who really care about you, want you to get better and admire you for taking on such a big challenge.
The plan for tea was to have pasta but naively we thought we could get a table at a restaurant in Edinburgh on a Saturday night without booking. We settle for the pub and I top up my carb stores!
Time for bed, big day tomorrow..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sunday 8th May, Spen Valley Greenway, 10 miles..
With exactly two weeks to go, I have completed my last long run and now start what the professionals call a taper. I have been sticking to my training plan and today it says I should be doing a steady 90 min run (about 10 miles). The sun is shining, Alex is going to come out with me and I'm feeling relaxed. Oh and the shorts have made an appearance!!
Today I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I think it's because I know that I have done everything I can to train for the big day, I've done all my long runs and I can now rest and enjoy some shorter ones.
I take it steady and Alex and I have a little chat on the way out. The shorts and long socks seem to attract some strange (maybe they were admiring) looks but I feel comfortable and carry on regardless. I reach the top of the Greenway and do the habitual loop round the roundabout and turn back. I am suppose to be running easy but I feel so good that I pick up the pace a bit and besides Alex needs to get home for the match! As I am not listening to my Ipod today I try and be mindful about my running and listen carefully to my breathing and the sound of my footsteps. It has been reported that people who run mindfully i.e. don't distract themselves by listening to music are more efficient runners because they focus more on things like technique. It also helps with injury prevention and energy efficiency which means that you can run faster and farther with less effort. Which makes it a more pleasurable experience. This technique worked for me today because I felt great and I reckon I could have easily have run a sub 1:40 half marathon!
Anyway, I digress. I finish the run, don't bother with an ice bath because I wasn't running for long enough to need one. Two weeks to go............
P.s. I think the shorts and long socks are a winning combo...!!
Today I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I think it's because I know that I have done everything I can to train for the big day, I've done all my long runs and I can now rest and enjoy some shorter ones.
I take it steady and Alex and I have a little chat on the way out. The shorts and long socks seem to attract some strange (maybe they were admiring) looks but I feel comfortable and carry on regardless. I reach the top of the Greenway and do the habitual loop round the roundabout and turn back. I am suppose to be running easy but I feel so good that I pick up the pace a bit and besides Alex needs to get home for the match! As I am not listening to my Ipod today I try and be mindful about my running and listen carefully to my breathing and the sound of my footsteps. It has been reported that people who run mindfully i.e. don't distract themselves by listening to music are more efficient runners because they focus more on things like technique. It also helps with injury prevention and energy efficiency which means that you can run faster and farther with less effort. Which makes it a more pleasurable experience. This technique worked for me today because I felt great and I reckon I could have easily have run a sub 1:40 half marathon!
Anyway, I digress. I finish the run, don't bother with an ice bath because I wasn't running for long enough to need one. Two weeks to go............
P.s. I think the shorts and long socks are a winning combo...!!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Tuesday 3rd May, Leeds to Liverpool canal (22 miles), last long run......
Ok, I've been a bit rubbish at keeping my diary up to date so I am writing this retrospectively, but I can remember it in fine detail!!
Today will be my final long run before the big day. This will be the longest I have run in training. I have decided to give the Greenway a miss because to cover enough distance I would need to run up and down it at least 3 times, which I can't face, especially on my own. I plan to run for 3 hours (about 20 miles).......
Having been given pinpoint instructions by my friend Sally and her work colleague (even down to what colour the fence is next to the car park) I find the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath without that much drama. As I am on my own today I have no choice but to wear my camelbak to stay hydrated. The weather is warm, sunny and quite humid as I set off.
My plan is to run 10 miles in one direction and then turn round and run back again. I have the camelbak strap tied in a knot around my chest to keep it flush to my back which seems to be working, although the water tastes of plastic. I start running and wonder why I haven't discovered this route before, it's great! I get into my stride fairly quickly, I have decided to wear my Ipod for company and run in time with the music (big mistake!) At one stage I start thinking about why I'm doing all this, what a tough time it has been for me and Alex and how far I've come. I actually start welling up and feel very alone on that towpath (must have been the Grohl that did it!) When I decide it's time to turn round, having been on the go for 1hr 30mins I realise I've gone a mile too far. No big deal, I'll just neck a few Lucozade tablets and head back. On the way I am stopped by some weirdo (I'm sorry but he was a weirdo) asking me if I have seen somebody hiding in the bushes because he has just seen the ghost of a jogger! Thankfully I am running in the opposite direction and he didn't look like he was capable of running for a bus let alone run after me!
At about the 18 mile mark I start to fantasise about the Bounty and the bottle of chocolate milk that are in the boot of my car. By mile 20 I feel absolutely starving and my legs give up. This is where my poor preparation and planning (and Ipod listening) become my undoing. Not only have I just run 20 miles, I've run out of water, I've got no food and I've still got 2 miles to walk (no running left in the legs) back to my car. I phone Alex for some moral support but because my blood sugar is so low I just end up being an irrational, jibbering idiot! He's in Wales so there wasn't alot he could do to help anyway! I am convinced that I have taken a wrong turn (it is not unusual for me to do this) somewhere because I don't recognise any of the landmarks. This is a ridiculous notion because the towpath is straight and all I have done is run one way up it, turned round and come back again! Then it starts raining and every bridge and bloody corner looks the chuffin' same. At one point I consider telling the man mowing the grass that I'm lost and delirious and asking him if he can spare me any change for some food and a taxi!
It takes me 3 hours to run 20 miles and another hour to walk the additional 2 miles that I overshot by! But I make it back to the car park and eat that Bounty without any hesitation........aaaahhhh a "ATaste of Paradise" All I have to do is drive home.........
When I get there, I subject myself to an ice bath (I'll regret it if I don't!)
The pressure's off, just the big 26.2 miler to contend with now.........bring it on!
Today will be my final long run before the big day. This will be the longest I have run in training. I have decided to give the Greenway a miss because to cover enough distance I would need to run up and down it at least 3 times, which I can't face, especially on my own. I plan to run for 3 hours (about 20 miles).......
Having been given pinpoint instructions by my friend Sally and her work colleague (even down to what colour the fence is next to the car park) I find the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath without that much drama. As I am on my own today I have no choice but to wear my camelbak to stay hydrated. The weather is warm, sunny and quite humid as I set off.
My plan is to run 10 miles in one direction and then turn round and run back again. I have the camelbak strap tied in a knot around my chest to keep it flush to my back which seems to be working, although the water tastes of plastic. I start running and wonder why I haven't discovered this route before, it's great! I get into my stride fairly quickly, I have decided to wear my Ipod for company and run in time with the music (big mistake!) At one stage I start thinking about why I'm doing all this, what a tough time it has been for me and Alex and how far I've come. I actually start welling up and feel very alone on that towpath (must have been the Grohl that did it!) When I decide it's time to turn round, having been on the go for 1hr 30mins I realise I've gone a mile too far. No big deal, I'll just neck a few Lucozade tablets and head back. On the way I am stopped by some weirdo (I'm sorry but he was a weirdo) asking me if I have seen somebody hiding in the bushes because he has just seen the ghost of a jogger! Thankfully I am running in the opposite direction and he didn't look like he was capable of running for a bus let alone run after me!
At about the 18 mile mark I start to fantasise about the Bounty and the bottle of chocolate milk that are in the boot of my car. By mile 20 I feel absolutely starving and my legs give up. This is where my poor preparation and planning (and Ipod listening) become my undoing. Not only have I just run 20 miles, I've run out of water, I've got no food and I've still got 2 miles to walk (no running left in the legs) back to my car. I phone Alex for some moral support but because my blood sugar is so low I just end up being an irrational, jibbering idiot! He's in Wales so there wasn't alot he could do to help anyway! I am convinced that I have taken a wrong turn (it is not unusual for me to do this) somewhere because I don't recognise any of the landmarks. This is a ridiculous notion because the towpath is straight and all I have done is run one way up it, turned round and come back again! Then it starts raining and every bridge and bloody corner looks the chuffin' same. At one point I consider telling the man mowing the grass that I'm lost and delirious and asking him if he can spare me any change for some food and a taxi!
It takes me 3 hours to run 20 miles and another hour to walk the additional 2 miles that I overshot by! But I make it back to the car park and eat that Bounty without any hesitation........aaaahhhh a "ATaste of Paradise" All I have to do is drive home.........
When I get there, I subject myself to an ice bath (I'll regret it if I don't!)
The pressure's off, just the big 26.2 miler to contend with now.........bring it on!
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Easter Sunday Long run (16 miles) - 24th April, Spen Valley Greenway.......again!
Today I am running with my fabulous friend (and neighbour) Sally Salter who has noticed my head drop in the past few weeks and has selflessly given up her Easter Sunday to go for a 2.5hr run (God I even made her drive!) I would never have gone out and done a very impromptu flying 3 miler during the week (which I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed and helped to get my eye back in) without Sally coming with me and neither would I be stood on the Greenway in very hot conditions (yes I'm wearing the leggings and socks) had she not enthusiastically suggested it!
Off we go, uphill to start and man it's hot! On the way we meet some lovely ladies also training for the Edinburgh Marathon and exchange some words of encouragement and mutual respect. As expected it's fairly busy but most people are very accommodating and let us pass. Unless they are on a horse, in which case they go out of their way to ignore you (I bet they're not even their own horses!)
I stop at the van, half way for a drink.......jeez this heat slows you down! Yes it is tough but my head is telling me that I can do it as I push on towards my 2.5hr target. I make it and feel elated (and relieved) that I have chalked up another 16 miles.
When we've both had a bit of a post run sweat (is it just me or does anyone else seem to sweat more when they stop?) we jump in the A Team van and head home. I am very kindly offered one of Sal's homemade hot cross buns, I take the biggest one mmmmm!
Back in the mother freakin' game people....................!!!
Off we go, uphill to start and man it's hot! On the way we meet some lovely ladies also training for the Edinburgh Marathon and exchange some words of encouragement and mutual respect. As expected it's fairly busy but most people are very accommodating and let us pass. Unless they are on a horse, in which case they go out of their way to ignore you (I bet they're not even their own horses!)
I stop at the van, half way for a drink.......jeez this heat slows you down! Yes it is tough but my head is telling me that I can do it as I push on towards my 2.5hr target. I make it and feel elated (and relieved) that I have chalked up another 16 miles.
When we've both had a bit of a post run sweat (is it just me or does anyone else seem to sweat more when they stop?) we jump in the A Team van and head home. I am very kindly offered one of Sal's homemade hot cross buns, I take the biggest one mmmmm!
Back in the mother freakin' game people....................!!!
Long run - Tuesday 19th April, Spen Valley Greenway......
Have got a bit behind with the running updates so I am trying to remember as much as I can from the past few weeks. Ok so it's Tuesday 19th April (well it's not really but bear with me) and I am back from London having witnessed the tremendous efforts of those who ran the London Marathon at the weekend. Special big ups to my little fighting whippet Alex, who despite sustaining a groin injury completed the 26.2 miles in a fantastic time of 4hrs 34mins - so proud. Unfortunately I had to make do with spectating on this occasion but the atmosphere and the support from the crowd was phenomenal.
Buoyed by the event, I decided to see if I could get my running eye back in and improve on last weeks debacle. Despite having put his body through a gruelling 26.2 miles just two days before, Alex got on his bike to accompany me on my run. So off we went to the Greenway..............
I had planned to run for 2.5hrs today but soon into it, I wasn't sure that I was going to make it. It was very hot out there, which wasn't helped by the fact that I was wearing long leggings, with two pairs of socks because of my refusal to wear shorts. I was also trying out my new camelbak because I gots to drink! I Reached about half way (just over an hour) and my bottom lip started going (there were tears) and the negative thoughts were flooding my head, I just felt exhausted (again). Thankfully, I had Alex by my side all the way giving me words of encouragement and carrying the new camelbak (which I abandoned after three miles).
Anyway, I manage to keeo going and on the advice of my temporary trainer (Alex) I called it a day at 14 miles and felt very disappointed and annoyed with myself. Aaaaagggghhh what's wrong with me???!!
So that's it; home, ice bath and out to the pub with Aunt Sally and Our Graham, to celebrate marathon success!!
P.s. I am happy to report that omitting the nuts and raisins has worked........
Buoyed by the event, I decided to see if I could get my running eye back in and improve on last weeks debacle. Despite having put his body through a gruelling 26.2 miles just two days before, Alex got on his bike to accompany me on my run. So off we went to the Greenway..............
I had planned to run for 2.5hrs today but soon into it, I wasn't sure that I was going to make it. It was very hot out there, which wasn't helped by the fact that I was wearing long leggings, with two pairs of socks because of my refusal to wear shorts. I was also trying out my new camelbak because I gots to drink! I Reached about half way (just over an hour) and my bottom lip started going (there were tears) and the negative thoughts were flooding my head, I just felt exhausted (again). Thankfully, I had Alex by my side all the way giving me words of encouragement and carrying the new camelbak (which I abandoned after three miles).
Anyway, I manage to keeo going and on the advice of my temporary trainer (Alex) I called it a day at 14 miles and felt very disappointed and annoyed with myself. Aaaaagggghhh what's wrong with me???!!
So that's it; home, ice bath and out to the pub with Aunt Sally and Our Graham, to celebrate marathon success!!
P.s. I am happy to report that omitting the nuts and raisins has worked........
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
4th April 2011 - Monday long run......
Had to delay this weeks long run to Monday, on account of the fact that I did some strength training (which I am not use to) that left me with some muscle soreness! I have also been following my training plan which includes some more frequent, higher intensity/interval runs.
So, it's back to the Spen Valley Greenway on my own again! I decide to take a drink with me today as I have decided that running for 2 hours without one is idiotic! My only feasible option is to carry one of those bottles with a hole in the middle which I soon regret!
I knew this run would be tough psychologically because I started in a different place to normal and will need to pass my eventual finishing point twice en route. Anyway I set off with a bit of Foo Fighters to keep me company. Unfortunately my iPod seems to have gone bananas recently and as much as I like a bit of the Grohl, listening to the same album 4 times on the bounce is a bit much!
I decide I'm going to make sure that I take a sip of water every 20 minutes but seem to be constantly drinking and the bottle with the hole in makes my shoulders ache and is knocking me off balance. By the time I finish my fingers have turned white and I have lost the feeling in them from clutching the sodding thing!
I get to about 11 miles before I experience a strong headwind and sideways rain, but I push on regardless!
When I complete my 2 hrs of running, I make a sprint for the car and narrowly avoid a £50 parking fine! I have promised my dietitian that I will eat more calories after a long run and in the two days after, so when I get home I have one of those protein shakes. These things are a total rip off, I decide that next time I will stick to my tried and tested post run chocolate milk regime!
Speaking of regimes, I have my ice bath whilst sipping a MASSIVE brew. My fingers are still white and numb even after a hot shower. I have to climb into bed for a while because I am shivering and doubled over with stomach cramps (which I have now attributed to recently adding nuts and raisins to my porridge before going out) and google hypothermia symptoms!! I have to admit I feel pretty ropey for the rest of the day. Fortunately it wasn't hypothermia but more likely the combination of fatigue, dehydration and diet.
I'm not making this running lark sound that appealing I am? Don't listen to me, it's just a phase.............
So, it's back to the Spen Valley Greenway on my own again! I decide to take a drink with me today as I have decided that running for 2 hours without one is idiotic! My only feasible option is to carry one of those bottles with a hole in the middle which I soon regret!
I knew this run would be tough psychologically because I started in a different place to normal and will need to pass my eventual finishing point twice en route. Anyway I set off with a bit of Foo Fighters to keep me company. Unfortunately my iPod seems to have gone bananas recently and as much as I like a bit of the Grohl, listening to the same album 4 times on the bounce is a bit much!
I decide I'm going to make sure that I take a sip of water every 20 minutes but seem to be constantly drinking and the bottle with the hole in makes my shoulders ache and is knocking me off balance. By the time I finish my fingers have turned white and I have lost the feeling in them from clutching the sodding thing!
I get to about 11 miles before I experience a strong headwind and sideways rain, but I push on regardless!
When I complete my 2 hrs of running, I make a sprint for the car and narrowly avoid a £50 parking fine! I have promised my dietitian that I will eat more calories after a long run and in the two days after, so when I get home I have one of those protein shakes. These things are a total rip off, I decide that next time I will stick to my tried and tested post run chocolate milk regime!
Speaking of regimes, I have my ice bath whilst sipping a MASSIVE brew. My fingers are still white and numb even after a hot shower. I have to climb into bed for a while because I am shivering and doubled over with stomach cramps (which I have now attributed to recently adding nuts and raisins to my porridge before going out) and google hypothermia symptoms!! I have to admit I feel pretty ropey for the rest of the day. Fortunately it wasn't hypothermia but more likely the combination of fatigue, dehydration and diet.
I'm not making this running lark sound that appealing I am? Don't listen to me, it's just a phase.............
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
27th March 2011 - Long Sunday run
Have decided that with 7 weeks to go that I should start following a proper marathon training plan, rather than just freestyling and potentially burning myself out with loads of ridiculously long runs before the event itself. So as my long weekly run (according to the plan I should be doing a 1hr 45min steady run) I decided to run to the end of the (mostly flat) Spen Valley Greenway and back (14 miles).
Unfortunately I was on my own today, because Alex has sustained a groin injury and decided that with 3 weeks to go before the London Marathon it would be sensible to rest.
It's a bit parky outside and I do what I always do and get trussed up in leggings, compression socks, extra pair of socks and long sleeve top. Then 10 mins into running and I get hot, mithered and dehydrated. When will I ever learn eh?! This year could be the year where I break my 'no shorts in the UK, even if there is a heatwave' rule. In fact after years of pointing and laughing at those runners you see in their short shorts and long socks and commenting on how unnecessary they are, I am quite looking forward to becoming one of them and embracing my increasing list of running rituals!!
Anyway back to the run.............Not very eventful really, sun was out, as were lots of people with very well behaved dogs and lots of people with not so well behaved children!
I usually find the first 6 miles or so tough and then find my rhythm and settle down. I just wasn't feeling it today, kept looking at my watch every 5 minutes and couldn't wait to get home. I'm use to having Alex there for a chat and the sound of his constant spitting! Oh well, we all have our off days but at least I got those miles under my belt!
When I got home, I did one of my new running rituals and got in an ice bath with a nice big brew! Works an absolute treat, I tell thee!!
Unfortunately I was on my own today, because Alex has sustained a groin injury and decided that with 3 weeks to go before the London Marathon it would be sensible to rest.
It's a bit parky outside and I do what I always do and get trussed up in leggings, compression socks, extra pair of socks and long sleeve top. Then 10 mins into running and I get hot, mithered and dehydrated. When will I ever learn eh?! This year could be the year where I break my 'no shorts in the UK, even if there is a heatwave' rule. In fact after years of pointing and laughing at those runners you see in their short shorts and long socks and commenting on how unnecessary they are, I am quite looking forward to becoming one of them and embracing my increasing list of running rituals!!
Anyway back to the run.............Not very eventful really, sun was out, as were lots of people with very well behaved dogs and lots of people with not so well behaved children!
I usually find the first 6 miles or so tough and then find my rhythm and settle down. I just wasn't feeling it today, kept looking at my watch every 5 minutes and couldn't wait to get home. I'm use to having Alex there for a chat and the sound of his constant spitting! Oh well, we all have our off days but at least I got those miles under my belt!
When I got home, I did one of my new running rituals and got in an ice bath with a nice big brew! Works an absolute treat, I tell thee!!
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Bradford 10k - Sunday 20th March 2011
Decided that after last weekends big 20 miler, it would be advisable to do a shorter race.........
The literature says that the Bradford 10k is a fast, flat course, with good PB potential. So I decided to take advantage of this and run it flat out all the way (well that was the plan anyway!)
The race started at 9.00 which is earlier than normal and meant we had to be up at 6.45 for pre race porridge. We were out the night before, being mesmerised by Elbow at Sheffield Arena. Great gig but it meant we weren't in bed till midnight and didn't sleep well. The whole morning was a bit of a rush really. Does it sound like I'm making excuses?!!
Got to Bradford in plenty of time, with our fellow runner Sal and supporters Graham and Rachael. Hmmm what can I say about the city of Bradford..................hhhhmmmm...........eeeerrrrrr................Let's just leave it at that shall we?!
It was bloomin' cold and I was nervous, because in my mind I wanted to go under 45 mins. The start was a bit of a mess and there were lots of people to dodge. We (me and Alex) set off at what felt like a sprint and seemed to be getting carried along with the crowd. We worked out that we needed to do 4.5 min kms to be in with a chance of going sub 45.
This race is flat (for Yorkshire) but there are a few uphill drags, which slowed us down a little. We don't really do much speed training and tend to run longer distances (which makes sense when you're training for a marathon!) I'm a slow starter (!) and like to bide my time for about 6 miles ( the length of this race), then speed up. Which is probably why after a couple of kms, I got a stitch and felt a little out of breath.
We get through the first few kms without any drama and very little conversation! We can see the half way point in the distance as the leader passes us on his way back, running flat out! At this stage, we're still on for about 45 mins and agree to hold back a bit on the short incline as we double back on ourselves. We didn't stick to this and ran at the same pace uphill (nothing compared to what we're use to running up!)
At the 6km mark (where I ignore the water station cos it's sodding cups again!) I decide to push on a bit and start picking off people ahead of me that I need to catch up and hopefully pass! Go through 7 and 8kms with some excellent encouragement from the Marshalls. I actually feel like crap at this point (just not comfortable) and start negging myself out about going to bed too late, starting too fast, eating the wrong thing for breakfast etc.
Get to 9 and decide to kick for home. Having a little game of cat and mouse with a woman in an athletics club vest and short shorts at this point. I can see the town hall where the finish is, but it doesn't seem to be getting any closer and feel like I'm about to blow chunks!
I reach the finishing straight (I think it was ever so slightly uphill?) and look at my watch. If I get a move on I could just duck under 45 mins (whether I could do it without projectile vomiting all over the crowd is another matter!) I am running flat out to reach the line but not with the normal spring in my step (maybe the 20 miles last weekend has taken it's toll) and cross it in 45:07. This is 1:27 faster than my previous PB but I'm still disappointed that I didn't go under 45.
Alex comes in not far behind (having stopped for a strategic chunder!) We collect our t-shirts and go to the finish to cheer the others on. Our mate Sal (pretty in pink) appears in the finishing straight and takes a while to realise that we are screaming at her to do a sprint finish. She obliges and picks up the pace to cross the line in style!!
Feel fine afterwards, get home, shower, eat, feel like death, console myself by buying a new pair of asics, go to bed. If only I'd run 8 secs faster...........................................
The literature says that the Bradford 10k is a fast, flat course, with good PB potential. So I decided to take advantage of this and run it flat out all the way (well that was the plan anyway!)
The race started at 9.00 which is earlier than normal and meant we had to be up at 6.45 for pre race porridge. We were out the night before, being mesmerised by Elbow at Sheffield Arena. Great gig but it meant we weren't in bed till midnight and didn't sleep well. The whole morning was a bit of a rush really. Does it sound like I'm making excuses?!!
Got to Bradford in plenty of time, with our fellow runner Sal and supporters Graham and Rachael. Hmmm what can I say about the city of Bradford..................hhhhmmmm...........eeeerrrrrr................Let's just leave it at that shall we?!
It was bloomin' cold and I was nervous, because in my mind I wanted to go under 45 mins. The start was a bit of a mess and there were lots of people to dodge. We (me and Alex) set off at what felt like a sprint and seemed to be getting carried along with the crowd. We worked out that we needed to do 4.5 min kms to be in with a chance of going sub 45.
This race is flat (for Yorkshire) but there are a few uphill drags, which slowed us down a little. We don't really do much speed training and tend to run longer distances (which makes sense when you're training for a marathon!) I'm a slow starter (!) and like to bide my time for about 6 miles ( the length of this race), then speed up. Which is probably why after a couple of kms, I got a stitch and felt a little out of breath.
We get through the first few kms without any drama and very little conversation! We can see the half way point in the distance as the leader passes us on his way back, running flat out! At this stage, we're still on for about 45 mins and agree to hold back a bit on the short incline as we double back on ourselves. We didn't stick to this and ran at the same pace uphill (nothing compared to what we're use to running up!)
At the 6km mark (where I ignore the water station cos it's sodding cups again!) I decide to push on a bit and start picking off people ahead of me that I need to catch up and hopefully pass! Go through 7 and 8kms with some excellent encouragement from the Marshalls. I actually feel like crap at this point (just not comfortable) and start negging myself out about going to bed too late, starting too fast, eating the wrong thing for breakfast etc.
Get to 9 and decide to kick for home. Having a little game of cat and mouse with a woman in an athletics club vest and short shorts at this point. I can see the town hall where the finish is, but it doesn't seem to be getting any closer and feel like I'm about to blow chunks!
I reach the finishing straight (I think it was ever so slightly uphill?) and look at my watch. If I get a move on I could just duck under 45 mins (whether I could do it without projectile vomiting all over the crowd is another matter!) I am running flat out to reach the line but not with the normal spring in my step (maybe the 20 miles last weekend has taken it's toll) and cross it in 45:07. This is 1:27 faster than my previous PB but I'm still disappointed that I didn't go under 45.
Alex comes in not far behind (having stopped for a strategic chunder!) We collect our t-shirts and go to the finish to cheer the others on. Our mate Sal (pretty in pink) appears in the finishing straight and takes a while to realise that we are screaming at her to do a sprint finish. She obliges and picks up the pace to cross the line in style!!
Feel fine afterwards, get home, shower, eat, feel like death, console myself by buying a new pair of asics, go to bed. If only I'd run 8 secs faster...........................................
Monday, 21 March 2011
Spen 20 mile road race - 13th March 2011
This was my second road race in West Yorkshire this year, having completed the Liversedge Half Marathon on 13th February. The Spen 20 race is a 20 mile road race organised by Spenborough Athletics Club. It starts at St Mary's Athletics Stadium in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire.
I was very apprehensive about running this race, apart from the fact that it is the furthest I have ever run and has an elevation of 1150ft, it is also part of the Yorkshire Trials and many of the entrants are club/veteran runners who do the race every year. Although I have done many a hilly training run and half marathons, my most recent longer runs (16/17 miles) have been relatively flat (for Yorkshire!) Anyway we (me and Alex) decided that as this is the longest distance we've ever run and we have no previous time to go on, that we would just aim 'to get round'.
The race started at 10.00, so we were up at 7.30 to allow our traditional pre run porridge to digest. It was pissing it down with rain and blowing a gale outside, which was not ideal! Anyway we get togged up and in the car. The rain is really coming down now and it's so freezing I could cry! Thankfully when we got to the stadium we could stand inside for a bit and there was a very small queue for the ladies toilets (in fact there didn't seem to be that many ladies there!)
The race starts with a lap round the athletics track and we have agreed that we will start off slow and try and stick to round about 9 minute mile pace (slow then!) There are as always the people that go out hell for leather. They are either elite or you pass them (breathing out of their arses) after a couple of miles! We ignore them.
First few miles we stick to the plan and then there is some variation in our times. We have a couple of quick downhill sections (there weren't many of them!) and a couple of slow uphill sections (loads of them!) The first water stop is at mile 7 and it's sodding cups! Complete waste of time and I end up throwing most of it over my face! At the 10 mile mark I'm just starting to get into my rythmn and start to speed up. Thankfully Alex is there to keep me in check by reminding me that we're only half way!!
I remember getting to mile 14 and thinking that I felt remarkably well for saying I'd run just over half marathon distance. Unfortunately this was short lived and by mile 16 I was struggling. The hills just kept on coming! At this point I employed my tactic of pretending that my legs no longer belonged to my body. I knew I had to stay focused mentally and not let my head drop or I wouldn't make it. Having Alex by my side all the way round really helped with that (even though he did most of the talking and I just grunted because I was 'in the zone' - sorry Alex!)
By mile 18, I started to feel a bit wobbly Bob! I was hungry, I was thirsty, it was hot, my legs ached, my shoulders ached and I still had two miles to go. I almost screamed when I saw the hill at mile 18. We were passed at this point by another participant who was shouting words of encouragement. I'm sure it wasn't supposed to sound smug and patronising, but it did!
Anyway after necking a handful of Lucozade tablets we pushed on to the end. I reckon the last half a mile was flat and thankfully I saw the finish sooner than I had expected to. I should mention at this point that Alex and I had made an agreement that we would cross the line together. However when we entered the Athletics Stadium and were greeted by the best neighbours in the world (Aunt Sally and Our Graham) and that spongey track, I couldn't help a sprint finish. I'm a competitive little bastard.............!!
Felt ok as soon as I'd crossed the line, could have gone round again.............er not!! Was impressed by the massive table of pick n mix and free brew afterwards, both of which I got involved in. Not so impressed with the 'quality' souvenir, which looked like something yer Nana won down the binga!!
Crossed the line in 2:58:10, not bad for a first time..............will be aiming for a quicker one next year, might even wear some long socks and short shorts!!
Got home, had an ice (yes that's ice, not nice) bath, ate, felt like I was going to die, then got on the ale!
I was very apprehensive about running this race, apart from the fact that it is the furthest I have ever run and has an elevation of 1150ft, it is also part of the Yorkshire Trials and many of the entrants are club/veteran runners who do the race every year. Although I have done many a hilly training run and half marathons, my most recent longer runs (16/17 miles) have been relatively flat (for Yorkshire!) Anyway we (me and Alex) decided that as this is the longest distance we've ever run and we have no previous time to go on, that we would just aim 'to get round'.
The race started at 10.00, so we were up at 7.30 to allow our traditional pre run porridge to digest. It was pissing it down with rain and blowing a gale outside, which was not ideal! Anyway we get togged up and in the car. The rain is really coming down now and it's so freezing I could cry! Thankfully when we got to the stadium we could stand inside for a bit and there was a very small queue for the ladies toilets (in fact there didn't seem to be that many ladies there!)
The race starts with a lap round the athletics track and we have agreed that we will start off slow and try and stick to round about 9 minute mile pace (slow then!) There are as always the people that go out hell for leather. They are either elite or you pass them (breathing out of their arses) after a couple of miles! We ignore them.
First few miles we stick to the plan and then there is some variation in our times. We have a couple of quick downhill sections (there weren't many of them!) and a couple of slow uphill sections (loads of them!) The first water stop is at mile 7 and it's sodding cups! Complete waste of time and I end up throwing most of it over my face! At the 10 mile mark I'm just starting to get into my rythmn and start to speed up. Thankfully Alex is there to keep me in check by reminding me that we're only half way!!
I remember getting to mile 14 and thinking that I felt remarkably well for saying I'd run just over half marathon distance. Unfortunately this was short lived and by mile 16 I was struggling. The hills just kept on coming! At this point I employed my tactic of pretending that my legs no longer belonged to my body. I knew I had to stay focused mentally and not let my head drop or I wouldn't make it. Having Alex by my side all the way round really helped with that (even though he did most of the talking and I just grunted because I was 'in the zone' - sorry Alex!)
By mile 18, I started to feel a bit wobbly Bob! I was hungry, I was thirsty, it was hot, my legs ached, my shoulders ached and I still had two miles to go. I almost screamed when I saw the hill at mile 18. We were passed at this point by another participant who was shouting words of encouragement. I'm sure it wasn't supposed to sound smug and patronising, but it did!
Anyway after necking a handful of Lucozade tablets we pushed on to the end. I reckon the last half a mile was flat and thankfully I saw the finish sooner than I had expected to. I should mention at this point that Alex and I had made an agreement that we would cross the line together. However when we entered the Athletics Stadium and were greeted by the best neighbours in the world (Aunt Sally and Our Graham) and that spongey track, I couldn't help a sprint finish. I'm a competitive little bastard.............!!
Felt ok as soon as I'd crossed the line, could have gone round again.............er not!! Was impressed by the massive table of pick n mix and free brew afterwards, both of which I got involved in. Not so impressed with the 'quality' souvenir, which looked like something yer Nana won down the binga!!
Crossed the line in 2:58:10, not bad for a first time..............will be aiming for a quicker one next year, might even wear some long socks and short shorts!!
Got home, had an ice (yes that's ice, not nice) bath, ate, felt like I was going to die, then got on the ale!
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