Hi blog readers.
So, after a couple of days rest and relaxation (and lazyitus, today I just had to go for a run, no matter what! So after church I had every intention of going for an LSR today with naggy. But after I got back, I saw her laden with prezzies on her way to enjoy the company of 46 four year olds! But she did say that she would love to go for a run if I can hang on till 7:30 tonight. Of course I said yes!
So come 7:30 I was ready and looking forward to it. Although, my dinner had been insitu for a couple of hours by then, I was hoping it wouldn't come up to be 'enjoyed' again. Naggy had asked if I had eaten, I told her I had and how long ago, she said "Ahh that will be fine, now I know how far we are going run" I don't know about you, but that scared the jogging pants off me!
Obviously by this time it was very dark, but not cold, and the rain had stopped. I was thinking, the rain wouldn't have stopped naggy from going out running this evening, not after enjoying the company of all those wonderful children 'high' on the 'Golden Arches' finest foods and drink, complete with toys! She would really need to get out and run those stresses off. So really I was helping her!
As we were running along she asked me how long I run before I usually take my first walking break. Oh she knows me so well. I told just past the first mile marker and then a little further. "Oh good!" she says with this weird look about her face (or it could be just the trick of the night light) "So we can go pass that, turn right, and then think about your first stop by the school" I was trying to remember how far the school was, and then it came to me. Bloomin nora, this woman is a hard task master! All I could say was a pathetic "Yes ok"
Now that first mile I can do no problem, it's just that bit after I start thinking, "Whoo ho there old girl, remember you're a sweet old granny!" That first mile come and went, we crossed over the road and headed up towards the school. All the time naggy is talking to me, but by now, I am concentrating on keeping my lungs filled with oxygen and my lambchops spilling out those lovely calories into my body rather than on the road. "Your breathing is spot on" says naggy, "I think we can go further, up to the roundabout" I looked at her again, and there was that look about her again, did she cackle?, did she smile?, No, no, it must be the light this time of night.
On to the roundabout, naggy talking to me, encouraging me, telling me I'm doing well, the breathing is doing well, and we will walk for a few seconds come the roundabout. Now I know, if she wasn't with me, I would have stopped already for a quick walk. Naggy could tell I was thinking this (Can she read my mind, ooo spooky) as she said "I bet you wished you had gone out this afternoon now!" Oh boy was she right, and with the next exhale of breath I said, "The thought had crossed my mind!" And I looked at her again, just as a car drove passed, was those little horns on her head?
She got me as far as the round about, non stop, and a fairly reasonable time (22 minutes I think naggy said) and then my first walk. 1.7 miles it said on naggys gizmo, as soon as she told me, she said "Ok back to running" We didn't even walk for twenty seconds! But I did as she asked. She did say that I could walk again from the next round about AND THEN TURN LEFT TOWARDS THE PUB I think she was forgetting about the roundabout half way through this next section! As we approached it, she told me that I was doing well and to keep going. I was looking forward to walking now!
But I kept going on to the next roundabout. Even to the point of crossing over and heading up towards the pub before stopping, on naggys orders of course! And boy did I need that, And this time it was a real proper walk section, all the way to the pub, which I might add, looked very inviting! "Now, old girl" Says naggy "non stop now, all the way home" I was hoping the red look about her was a reflection from her red jacket! A quick shiver went down my back then. I must be cooling down!
I did try to run non stop all the way home. I didn't want to walk. "It's all in my head" says naggy "I wouldn't push you if I thought you can't do it" Going for a run this afternoon seemed like a good idea now. "Control the breathing again" Says naggy. So I concentrate on that again. I know that when I think about my breathing I can really control it, inhale two three, exhale two three four, inhale two three, exhale two three four. I was really concentrating hard. Three foot falls in and four foot falls out.
Just the last section now, and blow me if I have stopped again, an unofficial walking, but naggy does what naggy does well, and nagged! And I carried on running. Going down the first Oxhawth, nearly home!! Oh wow, nearly home. I really want to run the whole way now, but that darn hill gets to me and I walk! "Come on Old girl" calls out naggy as she runs off into the night, "I'm running, I'm running" I says "No you're not, I can hear you, you know" She has ears like a bat! Oooo very spooky!
But from here on end, its my road, its my running, its my rule, no stopping on this bit of road, no matter how far I have run, no matter how far naggy has pushed me, no matter how my legs hurt (well, actually they don't) this is the bit that I DO NOT WALK ON all the way home now. Running, I just want to finish now.
On the road, save energy rather than go up and down on those driveways, keep it focused. "Finishing in style?" enquires naggy, "Oh yes, always save a bit for finishing in style" and we both pick the pace up, naggy in front of me running straight pass my path and up to hers!! Of course I had to follow her. Done it.
Now walk round the green! Whats the time, how far, how much per mile? Those are the questions that I wanted to say, but it seems that naggy can understand dying grunting noises from her victims er, I mean mates. so here's the details
4.3 miles in 55.41 mins, avg about 12.58 mins per mile.
Not bad after a big dinner, and first night time run in the GMT time!
Sunday 31 October 2010
Thursday 28 October 2010
A Newbie Cyclist?!!
Hi blog lovers,
I expect your wondering about the title. Well let me tell you, I felt like it was the first time I was on the bike! My confidence as gone slightly with the traffic around, and the muscles in my legs have gone into hibernation for the winter! How long is it since I was last on my bike? Well whatever it is, its too long! I was thinking of going up to Downe Village but a quick look at the sky made me change my mind. I would just go to Green Street Green. A little further than Farnborough, but not as far as Downe!
Going up the A21 I really did feel like I have never tackled a hill before in my life. My heart rate was pounding, I was sweaty, my legs were hurting, and I was only a quarter of the way up! I had to get off and walk! Only a short way, just so I can see the top of the hill, and then I got back on my bike and carried on. It really is a very busy road, and the last thing you want to be doing is a wibble wobble ride on this road!
But after that initial hill, the rest seemed pretty do-able without too much effort. Soon enough I was cruising along and thinking about lunch, and the road, and anything but that darn hill, and my aching limbs. I will say this though, the running seems to hurt the back of my legs, and the cycling does the top of my legs. So all in all, combining the two my legs are getting a good work out! I wonder if those activities work on the bum too!!
Negotiating the roundabouts and the old confidence is coming back. As long as the drivers behind know what I am planing to do then they should give me plenty of room and take care when passing me. Yeah right, there are still those blooming drivers who for some reason decided to squeeze pass you on the 'pinch' zones!
Oh, now that is a lovely site, the pub for which my lunch will be served. I have become addicted to bacon and brie melts at this pub, and it seems now where ever I go I have to try out each pubs bacon and brie sarnies! I should make a list and points value for each place I visit! Hmmm that's an idea.
I had no idea what time I left my house but I am guess that I have been riding for no more than twenty minutes. When I sat down, waiting for my lunch it was 12:40. the place was very very quiet. Its a huge place, and I noticed only one other couple, tucked away in a little cubby hole when I was looking for members of staff to serve me!. Lunch arrived, eaten and enjoyed, and I was off out the door again for the next part, getting home!
I did make a note of the time, it was 13:22, and I headed off towards Opington, I was planning on attacking that Perry hall lane hill! On the way there my confidence was growing with each set of traffic lights and each roundabout I came to. As well as my frustration at the thoughtless motorists that still want to get close enough to whisper in my ear! Opington High street was soon in front of me, and just beyond that, the monster hill. If anyone knows that hill it really is a monster. There is a slight incline, quite a long one before you get to bottom of the main hill. A stupid, ridiculous tune came in my head which I had made up my own words to it, ok, its only four words 'Keep on peddling, keep on peddling, keep on peddling, peddling now' I couldn't do, I yelled at the stupid tune and got off my bike, and walked in disgust. Telling my legs off, even though they were threatening to collapse under me!
I decided to go down Crofton Lane as I wanted to pop into the local supermarket, and, more like the real reason, I didn't have to carry on walking up the hill. More time in the saddle! was my reasoning for doing so! But from here to the supermarket I stayed in the saddle, even up the very short steepish hills.
I popped into the supermarket, and then made my way home. It must have been about 14:30 ish, by the time I got home. Who cares about how fast I went today, who really is bothered by beating PB............ME But somehow, I don't think this will be a PB! I collapsed in my chair and thought about my ride. How my legs are aching. And then I thought about another friend of mine, who is bonkers about riding. Not only does he commute to work but he goes for extremely long rides during his relaxing times! In fact he is planning on an ultra ride in a couple of years, riding from London to Edinburgh and back to London! Crazy idea, I hear you saying, but here is the totally, 'get the white van and lock this man up' bit, He is planning on doing NON STOP! What on earth would he say to me now, collapsed on my seat, complaining about a measly 10 miles, broken up by a leisurely lunch!
Still, I enjoyed my ride, I enjoyed my lunch! And the rain stayed away, all totally great bonuses!! Where shall I go for my next ride?!
I expect your wondering about the title. Well let me tell you, I felt like it was the first time I was on the bike! My confidence as gone slightly with the traffic around, and the muscles in my legs have gone into hibernation for the winter! How long is it since I was last on my bike? Well whatever it is, its too long! I was thinking of going up to Downe Village but a quick look at the sky made me change my mind. I would just go to Green Street Green. A little further than Farnborough, but not as far as Downe!
Going up the A21 I really did feel like I have never tackled a hill before in my life. My heart rate was pounding, I was sweaty, my legs were hurting, and I was only a quarter of the way up! I had to get off and walk! Only a short way, just so I can see the top of the hill, and then I got back on my bike and carried on. It really is a very busy road, and the last thing you want to be doing is a wibble wobble ride on this road!
But after that initial hill, the rest seemed pretty do-able without too much effort. Soon enough I was cruising along and thinking about lunch, and the road, and anything but that darn hill, and my aching limbs. I will say this though, the running seems to hurt the back of my legs, and the cycling does the top of my legs. So all in all, combining the two my legs are getting a good work out! I wonder if those activities work on the bum too!!
Negotiating the roundabouts and the old confidence is coming back. As long as the drivers behind know what I am planing to do then they should give me plenty of room and take care when passing me. Yeah right, there are still those blooming drivers who for some reason decided to squeeze pass you on the 'pinch' zones!
Oh, now that is a lovely site, the pub for which my lunch will be served. I have become addicted to bacon and brie melts at this pub, and it seems now where ever I go I have to try out each pubs bacon and brie sarnies! I should make a list and points value for each place I visit! Hmmm that's an idea.
I had no idea what time I left my house but I am guess that I have been riding for no more than twenty minutes. When I sat down, waiting for my lunch it was 12:40. the place was very very quiet. Its a huge place, and I noticed only one other couple, tucked away in a little cubby hole when I was looking for members of staff to serve me!. Lunch arrived, eaten and enjoyed, and I was off out the door again for the next part, getting home!
I did make a note of the time, it was 13:22, and I headed off towards Opington, I was planning on attacking that Perry hall lane hill! On the way there my confidence was growing with each set of traffic lights and each roundabout I came to. As well as my frustration at the thoughtless motorists that still want to get close enough to whisper in my ear! Opington High street was soon in front of me, and just beyond that, the monster hill. If anyone knows that hill it really is a monster. There is a slight incline, quite a long one before you get to bottom of the main hill. A stupid, ridiculous tune came in my head which I had made up my own words to it, ok, its only four words 'Keep on peddling, keep on peddling, keep on peddling, peddling now' I couldn't do, I yelled at the stupid tune and got off my bike, and walked in disgust. Telling my legs off, even though they were threatening to collapse under me!
I decided to go down Crofton Lane as I wanted to pop into the local supermarket, and, more like the real reason, I didn't have to carry on walking up the hill. More time in the saddle! was my reasoning for doing so! But from here to the supermarket I stayed in the saddle, even up the very short steepish hills.
I popped into the supermarket, and then made my way home. It must have been about 14:30 ish, by the time I got home. Who cares about how fast I went today, who really is bothered by beating PB............ME But somehow, I don't think this will be a PB! I collapsed in my chair and thought about my ride. How my legs are aching. And then I thought about another friend of mine, who is bonkers about riding. Not only does he commute to work but he goes for extremely long rides during his relaxing times! In fact he is planning on an ultra ride in a couple of years, riding from London to Edinburgh and back to London! Crazy idea, I hear you saying, but here is the totally, 'get the white van and lock this man up' bit, He is planning on doing NON STOP! What on earth would he say to me now, collapsed on my seat, complaining about a measly 10 miles, broken up by a leisurely lunch!
Still, I enjoyed my ride, I enjoyed my lunch! And the rain stayed away, all totally great bonuses!! Where shall I go for my next ride?!
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Running At Last!
Hi Blog lovers.
This autumn running is so very difficult and enthusiasm zapping! But I am determined to beat it, no way can I let those months of hard sweat and tears go to waste. Talking of tears, there were a few of those again today towards the end of today's run, but if you read to the end you will see that.
I left the house after my work had left and I had got changed. Not in my 'skins' because they still in the wash! (lazy mare) but I had on nice warm Dunlap velour jog pants, very Essex Girl! and the old mans fleecy hoody! I did look a sight, but the darkness was coming, I don't think people would notice me. As I was setting my IPOD I noticed naggy coming home, maybe I should have asked her to come along, but thought, she just home from work! she wont want to come, but then again she is a runner! I wasn't sure what to do, but as I was psyched up I just waved and went.
I went quite fast for the first 200 metres, and had to say "Whoo there girlfriend, where's the fire?" and I pulled in the reigns a bit. Then I noticed I was blowing a bit. It was Nagging Sister that had set the fire. She had told me that she went out jogging today, (renewed her interest) and only managed 2 miles but in 24 minutes! Average of 12 minute miles! I'm sure that's faster than me. But I got to remember she is younger than me, by a couple of years, and she is skinnier than me, and she really is more fitter than me, what with her millions of badminton classes! I have to do my own pace, that's my rule for me to get fitter and faster.
I know I have to push myself hard, but I will have to do that at the weekends and on the days that I am not working or cycling. Today I just need to get out there and just keep doing what I'm doing, and keeping myself safe. So no running through parks this time of the day! All the way up to the first mile marker I was deciding which way I would go, I still wasn't certain. Do I run down the hill I hate and then up to the round about, or do I run up the hill and just do the usual route. Well, it was getting pretty dark, and I am again dressed in dark colours, so I decided that I am going to take the shortest route, which means running up the hill.
I really did feel good running today, all the way up to Turpington lane, of course I did stop, if naggy was here she would give me such a telling. This shouldn't be happening now! But I am too soft. Its really dark now, and my glasses are steaming up from the sweat on my face, making it even more difficult to see anything up ahead. So I decided to just focus on one tree or lamppost at a time, get to those then focus on another one.
Soon enough the hill was there, but it didn't matter, I couldn't see it! But I did feel it under foot. Have to lift my legs just a little higher, but I am still feeling very good. In fact I was feeling so good I went straight up and didn't turn right at Holbrook! Ok, I chickened out of going down there, too near the park! But it's a sensible thing to do. So I ran straight up to the main road again and turned right towards home. Got to the first mile (last mile) marker and this is where the old legs and stamina start to go. This is the hardest mile for me, I looked at my IPOD and saw that it was 27 and something, if I did this same mile as the first one then I could be back by 38 and something! Which would be my personal best!
DARN BLOOMING LAZYITUS COUCH POTATO WOMAN!! I just can't run this last mile like I run the first mile. Other people can! Why can't I?
I went down the second Oxhawth, I think, the easy option, but also to say to couch potato me that I need to run non stop now from the top of oxhawth to my door! As I was running down here though, a song came up on my IPOD, it was Madonnas 'Papa Don't Preach' and for some unknown reason, this stirred up some emotions in me, thinking of my kids and their needs, and my own mum and dad, and how much I miss them. I just started crying! Only for a very short while, but the tears ran down my already wet face. I soon pulled myself together and got on with the job in hand.
I had just a little bit left over for the finishing, not quite in style, but shall we say just looking good. I stopped the timer and made a mental note of the time, it was 41:40 minutes. I was ok with that time, of course I wanted it to be faster! but the fact that I got out today after work, was good enough for me today.
I was going to go straight in, and not walk out the 3 miles, but just as I went into the gate, Hearts 'Crazy On You' yelled in my ears. I love this song, so I took the walk around the green, not only that but I was singing along with the girls. Did you read that, let me write that again I was singing along with this song! I wasn't particularly out of breath, I wasn't puffing and blowing out my........whatever, I was singing along fairly in tune I might add, out loud! I am definitely getting fitter!
This autumn running is so very difficult and enthusiasm zapping! But I am determined to beat it, no way can I let those months of hard sweat and tears go to waste. Talking of tears, there were a few of those again today towards the end of today's run, but if you read to the end you will see that.
I left the house after my work had left and I had got changed. Not in my 'skins' because they still in the wash! (lazy mare) but I had on nice warm Dunlap velour jog pants, very Essex Girl! and the old mans fleecy hoody! I did look a sight, but the darkness was coming, I don't think people would notice me. As I was setting my IPOD I noticed naggy coming home, maybe I should have asked her to come along, but thought, she just home from work! she wont want to come, but then again she is a runner! I wasn't sure what to do, but as I was psyched up I just waved and went.
I went quite fast for the first 200 metres, and had to say "Whoo there girlfriend, where's the fire?" and I pulled in the reigns a bit. Then I noticed I was blowing a bit. It was Nagging Sister that had set the fire. She had told me that she went out jogging today, (renewed her interest) and only managed 2 miles but in 24 minutes! Average of 12 minute miles! I'm sure that's faster than me. But I got to remember she is younger than me, by a couple of years, and she is skinnier than me, and she really is more fitter than me, what with her millions of badminton classes! I have to do my own pace, that's my rule for me to get fitter and faster.
I know I have to push myself hard, but I will have to do that at the weekends and on the days that I am not working or cycling. Today I just need to get out there and just keep doing what I'm doing, and keeping myself safe. So no running through parks this time of the day! All the way up to the first mile marker I was deciding which way I would go, I still wasn't certain. Do I run down the hill I hate and then up to the round about, or do I run up the hill and just do the usual route. Well, it was getting pretty dark, and I am again dressed in dark colours, so I decided that I am going to take the shortest route, which means running up the hill.
I really did feel good running today, all the way up to Turpington lane, of course I did stop, if naggy was here she would give me such a telling. This shouldn't be happening now! But I am too soft. Its really dark now, and my glasses are steaming up from the sweat on my face, making it even more difficult to see anything up ahead. So I decided to just focus on one tree or lamppost at a time, get to those then focus on another one.
Soon enough the hill was there, but it didn't matter, I couldn't see it! But I did feel it under foot. Have to lift my legs just a little higher, but I am still feeling very good. In fact I was feeling so good I went straight up and didn't turn right at Holbrook! Ok, I chickened out of going down there, too near the park! But it's a sensible thing to do. So I ran straight up to the main road again and turned right towards home. Got to the first mile (last mile) marker and this is where the old legs and stamina start to go. This is the hardest mile for me, I looked at my IPOD and saw that it was 27 and something, if I did this same mile as the first one then I could be back by 38 and something! Which would be my personal best!
DARN BLOOMING LAZYITUS COUCH POTATO WOMAN!! I just can't run this last mile like I run the first mile. Other people can! Why can't I?
I went down the second Oxhawth, I think, the easy option, but also to say to couch potato me that I need to run non stop now from the top of oxhawth to my door! As I was running down here though, a song came up on my IPOD, it was Madonnas 'Papa Don't Preach' and for some unknown reason, this stirred up some emotions in me, thinking of my kids and their needs, and my own mum and dad, and how much I miss them. I just started crying! Only for a very short while, but the tears ran down my already wet face. I soon pulled myself together and got on with the job in hand.
I had just a little bit left over for the finishing, not quite in style, but shall we say just looking good. I stopped the timer and made a mental note of the time, it was 41:40 minutes. I was ok with that time, of course I wanted it to be faster! but the fact that I got out today after work, was good enough for me today.
I was going to go straight in, and not walk out the 3 miles, but just as I went into the gate, Hearts 'Crazy On You' yelled in my ears. I love this song, so I took the walk around the green, not only that but I was singing along with the girls. Did you read that, let me write that again I was singing along with this song! I wasn't particularly out of breath, I wasn't puffing and blowing out my........whatever, I was singing along fairly in tune I might add, out loud! I am definitely getting fitter!
Sunday 24 October 2010
A Sharing Day!
Hello blog readers.
What a weekend I have had. Yesterday I had the most laziest day ever for a person who is not even ill! I got up, had a shower and sat on my chair down stairs. The old boy cooked me breakfast, and dinner! I didn't move. The only energetic thing I did was dance around in the loo struggling to get my belt undone. That will teach me to leave it so late!
So today I thought after church I would go for a nice long run! Get back home, do the house work, cook dinner, write up me blog. But that didn't happen. Nope! I got to church and we were having a harvest day! Which included a lovely shared lunch after the service! And boy did I have my fair share. I had completely forgotten about it. And I got out of church at around 2 ish. So no long run for me today. But because I had such a lazy day yesterday I really needed to get out and run. It will be so easy to slip back into couch potato days.
So after I bunged on some washing, filled the dishwasher and got changed into my jog pants I headed for the door. I am only planning on doing the usual 3.34 miles, up to Turpington and down Greenway and home again. I started up the stopwatch and ran.
Oh boy! I could feel the shared lunch inside of me, chili and rice, cakes, tea, apple crumble and custard! I felt like a great pudding pounding the pavements! I was huffing and puffing like an old steam train. Looking up the first long road, all I could think about is I cant wait to start running back down here.
I had no music with me, I forgot to charge up my IPOD, so I think things. Here is a list of some of the things that pop into my mind.
1. What shall I think about?
2. I'm bloated!
3. Why did I tell Brian I was going to do 6 miles today? AS if!
4. I wonder what those people over there are having for the dinner.
5. Mmm that smells nice
6. What do I think about when I'm running
7. I wish I didn't share so much lunch
10. Oh, blimey I hope that wasn't anything nasty I stepped in.
11. Only 2 and half miles left!
12. Why are your walking woman!
My mind must be a psychiatrist dream or challenge to make heads or tails off.
Well as you can guess from my thoughts above, I did stop, but again I did run for the whole of the first mile, just got to push myself further next time. My belly was really complaining, and I was thinking if it had to come up then so be it. Its not as if need to keep those calories anyway. But of course I didn't actually want to chunder up my shared lunch, I want it to stay where it is. I'm sure it slows you down being full, even if there was a good hour and a half after lunch. I check my stopwatch to see how I was doing. I had noticed that it stopped on 19.20 minutes. Darn it. Now I know this watch has a splits thingy, and I was trying to remember which button to press to get it running again without it resetting. You guessed it, I pressed the wrong button and reset the whole thing. ARRRRGGGGGHHHH!!! Well, I'm guess I wasn't going to be breaking any personal records today, not with the weeks worth of shopping I was carrying in my stomach. But I started it again from this point, which was just before the 1st mile marker, ....... or last mile marker, which makes me a little happier.
I was really suffering from the slothful gluttonous weekend that I had had so far, and I was trying so hard not to complain to myself in my head. After all, being a sloth and a glut way back when, is what got me into this state in the first place! And it was a really great weekend, whats a little short run going to harm.
I decided to go down the first Oxhawth Crescent, only because the hill that I have to run up to get to the last long road is quite steep, and I felt I needed to push myself a little harder because of the weekend I have been having. Oh boy! did this hill hurt! I was puffing and huffing and pushing myself up this hill, I wanted to get to the top without stopping. I almost made it! Almost. I was so annoyed that I stopped! But as you know, from this point on I don't, I wont allow myself to walk anymore, not from here. I fixed a point way up ahead and just focused on it. And I ran all the way. When ever I took my eye of the point ahead I felt myself slowing down, so focused again on the spot ahead, watch it, look at it, focus on it. Don't stop, don't stop. Keep going. Turning now down my road, quickly focus on my car parked up ahead, keep looking at that, speeding up, finish in style, turn now up the path, focus on the lamppost. Run, run, ignore the kids, they are not looking at you old girl, just run. Stop the clock, 15.06 minutes, hmm. Plus the 19.20 minutes for the first part, and maybe another 5 or six minutes for the accidentally stopping of the stop watch, is..... I have no idea, I am guessing that my overall time is the same as it usually is, so round about 42 minutes. It definitely wont be any quicker than that!
What a weekend I have had. Yesterday I had the most laziest day ever for a person who is not even ill! I got up, had a shower and sat on my chair down stairs. The old boy cooked me breakfast, and dinner! I didn't move. The only energetic thing I did was dance around in the loo struggling to get my belt undone. That will teach me to leave it so late!
So today I thought after church I would go for a nice long run! Get back home, do the house work, cook dinner, write up me blog. But that didn't happen. Nope! I got to church and we were having a harvest day! Which included a lovely shared lunch after the service! And boy did I have my fair share. I had completely forgotten about it. And I got out of church at around 2 ish. So no long run for me today. But because I had such a lazy day yesterday I really needed to get out and run. It will be so easy to slip back into couch potato days.
So after I bunged on some washing, filled the dishwasher and got changed into my jog pants I headed for the door. I am only planning on doing the usual 3.34 miles, up to Turpington and down Greenway and home again. I started up the stopwatch and ran.
Oh boy! I could feel the shared lunch inside of me, chili and rice, cakes, tea, apple crumble and custard! I felt like a great pudding pounding the pavements! I was huffing and puffing like an old steam train. Looking up the first long road, all I could think about is I cant wait to start running back down here.
I had no music with me, I forgot to charge up my IPOD, so I think things. Here is a list of some of the things that pop into my mind.
1. What shall I think about?
2. I'm bloated!
3. Why did I tell Brian I was going to do 6 miles today? AS if!
4. I wonder what those people over there are having for the dinner.
5. Mmm that smells nice
6. What do I think about when I'm running
7. I wish I didn't share so much lunch
10. Oh, blimey I hope that wasn't anything nasty I stepped in.
11. Only 2 and half miles left!
12. Why are your walking woman!
My mind must be a psychiatrist dream or challenge to make heads or tails off.
Well as you can guess from my thoughts above, I did stop, but again I did run for the whole of the first mile, just got to push myself further next time. My belly was really complaining, and I was thinking if it had to come up then so be it. Its not as if need to keep those calories anyway. But of course I didn't actually want to chunder up my shared lunch, I want it to stay where it is. I'm sure it slows you down being full, even if there was a good hour and a half after lunch. I check my stopwatch to see how I was doing. I had noticed that it stopped on 19.20 minutes. Darn it. Now I know this watch has a splits thingy, and I was trying to remember which button to press to get it running again without it resetting. You guessed it, I pressed the wrong button and reset the whole thing. ARRRRGGGGGHHHH!!! Well, I'm guess I wasn't going to be breaking any personal records today, not with the weeks worth of shopping I was carrying in my stomach. But I started it again from this point, which was just before the 1st mile marker, ....... or last mile marker, which makes me a little happier.
I was really suffering from the slothful gluttonous weekend that I had had so far, and I was trying so hard not to complain to myself in my head. After all, being a sloth and a glut way back when, is what got me into this state in the first place! And it was a really great weekend, whats a little short run going to harm.
I decided to go down the first Oxhawth Crescent, only because the hill that I have to run up to get to the last long road is quite steep, and I felt I needed to push myself a little harder because of the weekend I have been having. Oh boy! did this hill hurt! I was puffing and huffing and pushing myself up this hill, I wanted to get to the top without stopping. I almost made it! Almost. I was so annoyed that I stopped! But as you know, from this point on I don't, I wont allow myself to walk anymore, not from here. I fixed a point way up ahead and just focused on it. And I ran all the way. When ever I took my eye of the point ahead I felt myself slowing down, so focused again on the spot ahead, watch it, look at it, focus on it. Don't stop, don't stop. Keep going. Turning now down my road, quickly focus on my car parked up ahead, keep looking at that, speeding up, finish in style, turn now up the path, focus on the lamppost. Run, run, ignore the kids, they are not looking at you old girl, just run. Stop the clock, 15.06 minutes, hmm. Plus the 19.20 minutes for the first part, and maybe another 5 or six minutes for the accidentally stopping of the stop watch, is..... I have no idea, I am guessing that my overall time is the same as it usually is, so round about 42 minutes. It definitely wont be any quicker than that!
Saturday 23 October 2010
On Yer Bike!
Hi bloggees,
Can you believe I forgot to write up a quick blog yesterday? How slack am I getting?!
Well, in actual fact there wasn't much exercising going on really. But I did get my bike out for a short ride up to the local supermarket. I did a bit of Internet shopping on Tursday and I was hoping that it would turn up the today, but after i checked emails then I realised probably not going to get here until Monday! I think I am getting quite good at excuses.
After a lovely morning enjoying my bed, and then checking emails, I did tell myself off for not going out for a run. But I had enough time to get the bike out and do the banking before the walk to school, (Which I might add, I don't write about, maybe I should do, what you think?) lol, so that's what I did.
After making sure that I had everything ready, i.e. money, paying in books and cards, then I set off. I wasn't dressed for a long ride, I was in my jeans, and I also forgot my cycle helmet!, having the wind blowing through my hair! Very romantic.
I decided to ride up Crescent Drive hill, as I haven't been on the bike for a while. And remembering the times when struggled getting up this hill, jelly legs, heart pounding, spots before the eyes and sweating like I was in a sauna! I was assuming I would probably have, maybe not so extreme reactions to riding up the hill, but just a little bit of trouble. Imagine my surprise when I rode up hill and hardly noticed the incline. Maybe just a little out of breath, but the legs were fine, no sweating and definitely no spots before the eyes!
I am getting fitter! Its working, the old boy is right! You don't actually 'feel' any different, but you do notice that you can do more, more easily!!
I have no idea of how long I took, due to the whole banking thing, but I'm guessing maybe no more than 15 minutes to get to and from Pettswood and back!
Can you believe I forgot to write up a quick blog yesterday? How slack am I getting?!
Well, in actual fact there wasn't much exercising going on really. But I did get my bike out for a short ride up to the local supermarket. I did a bit of Internet shopping on Tursday and I was hoping that it would turn up the today, but after i checked emails then I realised probably not going to get here until Monday! I think I am getting quite good at excuses.
After a lovely morning enjoying my bed, and then checking emails, I did tell myself off for not going out for a run. But I had enough time to get the bike out and do the banking before the walk to school, (Which I might add, I don't write about, maybe I should do, what you think?) lol, so that's what I did.
After making sure that I had everything ready, i.e. money, paying in books and cards, then I set off. I wasn't dressed for a long ride, I was in my jeans, and I also forgot my cycle helmet!, having the wind blowing through my hair! Very romantic.
I decided to ride up Crescent Drive hill, as I haven't been on the bike for a while. And remembering the times when struggled getting up this hill, jelly legs, heart pounding, spots before the eyes and sweating like I was in a sauna! I was assuming I would probably have, maybe not so extreme reactions to riding up the hill, but just a little bit of trouble. Imagine my surprise when I rode up hill and hardly noticed the incline. Maybe just a little out of breath, but the legs were fine, no sweating and definitely no spots before the eyes!
I am getting fitter! Its working, the old boy is right! You don't actually 'feel' any different, but you do notice that you can do more, more easily!!
I have no idea of how long I took, due to the whole banking thing, but I'm guessing maybe no more than 15 minutes to get to and from Pettswood and back!
Wednesday 20 October 2010
A Dark Short Jog.
Hi bloggees,
I wanted to go out for a jog yesterday, but shopping was top of the agenda for us instead, so I went out this evening. I have my eldest daughter coming here for the night, and I decided to cook a full scale roast dinner. So it was literally, fling in the fowl, pile in potatoes and scarper out the door.
I was thinking for going out for a 4 mile run, but I decided to just do the old usual route of 3.34 miles. I don't want my spuds to spoil, and I still had veg to prepare anyway. And besides, my eldest daughter was coming home for the night! There, excuses done. Now to get on with the jog.
I set off, the sun was just starting to go down, jogging down the first road guess who I see? Go go guess. That's right, Naggy Neighbour! And I was running this time. Probably just as well really, as I had just started. With naggy in my thoughts now, I just paced myself and made sure that I didn't stop all the way to the first mile marker. I was chasing the sun as I ran down the long road towards it, and by the time I got there the sky was dark behind me but a lovely golden colour just above the houses in front of me. And the thought of running down the quiet roads a little later in the dark, wasn't very appealing to me, so I decided to go in the opposite direction that I normally do, which of course means, running down Magpiehall Lane, Whoo hoo! I expect naggy will have something to say about that.
But I was enjoying it, I wasn't going particularly fast, I just wanted to get out and run! Just because its getting dark, and I'm working, it doesn't mean that I have to give up running, even a shorter 3 mile run is better than none.
So I turned off just pass the pub and headed down towards Holmcroft, but just down here is where I did my first walking stint. Tut, I was so annoyed. But I got back to running very quickly and managed to run all the way to Greenway! It felt good to run down my nemesis hill, but the darkness is coming now. I managed to jog the whole way to Greenway and just a little further up here before I stopped again. When I do stop jogging, it really is only for a very short while, but I still get so annoyed with myself for doing it. Heading up Southborough lane now, on the way home, and now looking into the night sky. The moon is up and the stars and twinkly around it. My first 'night time' jog of the year.
Heading for home now, and I am wondering if my daughter has got home yet, or if the old boy has prepared any veg for dinner. I try and try and try not to stop any more, but I am getting tired. Wednesdays are a very busy day for me, (more excuses) and I really just want to get in, and hopefully its all been done.
On the last long road now. Definitely no stopping from here till I get home. This is my promise to myself, no stopping, no walking on this bit of road! This is home territory, can't possible be seen walking here.
All the way home, just thinking about my dinner now, and hopefully things cooking on the stove, and I can just relax and eat it when its read.
Running now, down the middle of the road, thinking of nothing but running. Running all the way, maybe even speed up a little, just so that I look like a proper runner. Must get some reflective clothing or something if I am going to keep running in the dark!
Up my road, turn down my path, stop the timer, 41.08 mins. Not bad, Not particularly good, I so wanted to be 30 something minutes, but I wasn't doing a speed run (will I ever be that good that I can do a speed run?)
Oh by the way, veg was prepared, (tins opened that is) but he also prepared some leeks and asparagas as well, yum. Thanks old boy!
I wanted to go out for a jog yesterday, but shopping was top of the agenda for us instead, so I went out this evening. I have my eldest daughter coming here for the night, and I decided to cook a full scale roast dinner. So it was literally, fling in the fowl, pile in potatoes and scarper out the door.
I was thinking for going out for a 4 mile run, but I decided to just do the old usual route of 3.34 miles. I don't want my spuds to spoil, and I still had veg to prepare anyway. And besides, my eldest daughter was coming home for the night! There, excuses done. Now to get on with the jog.
I set off, the sun was just starting to go down, jogging down the first road guess who I see? Go go guess. That's right, Naggy Neighbour! And I was running this time. Probably just as well really, as I had just started. With naggy in my thoughts now, I just paced myself and made sure that I didn't stop all the way to the first mile marker. I was chasing the sun as I ran down the long road towards it, and by the time I got there the sky was dark behind me but a lovely golden colour just above the houses in front of me. And the thought of running down the quiet roads a little later in the dark, wasn't very appealing to me, so I decided to go in the opposite direction that I normally do, which of course means, running down Magpiehall Lane, Whoo hoo! I expect naggy will have something to say about that.
But I was enjoying it, I wasn't going particularly fast, I just wanted to get out and run! Just because its getting dark, and I'm working, it doesn't mean that I have to give up running, even a shorter 3 mile run is better than none.
So I turned off just pass the pub and headed down towards Holmcroft, but just down here is where I did my first walking stint. Tut, I was so annoyed. But I got back to running very quickly and managed to run all the way to Greenway! It felt good to run down my nemesis hill, but the darkness is coming now. I managed to jog the whole way to Greenway and just a little further up here before I stopped again. When I do stop jogging, it really is only for a very short while, but I still get so annoyed with myself for doing it. Heading up Southborough lane now, on the way home, and now looking into the night sky. The moon is up and the stars and twinkly around it. My first 'night time' jog of the year.
Heading for home now, and I am wondering if my daughter has got home yet, or if the old boy has prepared any veg for dinner. I try and try and try not to stop any more, but I am getting tired. Wednesdays are a very busy day for me, (more excuses) and I really just want to get in, and hopefully its all been done.
On the last long road now. Definitely no stopping from here till I get home. This is my promise to myself, no stopping, no walking on this bit of road! This is home territory, can't possible be seen walking here.
All the way home, just thinking about my dinner now, and hopefully things cooking on the stove, and I can just relax and eat it when its read.
Running now, down the middle of the road, thinking of nothing but running. Running all the way, maybe even speed up a little, just so that I look like a proper runner. Must get some reflective clothing or something if I am going to keep running in the dark!
Up my road, turn down my path, stop the timer, 41.08 mins. Not bad, Not particularly good, I so wanted to be 30 something minutes, but I wasn't doing a speed run (will I ever be that good that I can do a speed run?)
Oh by the way, veg was prepared, (tins opened that is) but he also prepared some leeks and asparagas as well, yum. Thanks old boy!
Sunday 17 October 2010
Naggys Route? No Contest!
Hi blog readers.
What a lovely morning and afternoon, of course I had to go for a run in this glorious sunshine. So after church, I bunged on a wash and got me old joggers out and got ready.
He has certainly given us a day today. Middle of October, the sun is warm, with just a very slight cool breeze. Perfect start for a LSR (long slow run)
I did have in mind to go further that me and naggy went last time, but read on and you will find the excuses I mean reasons why I didn't do that. I started off at a gentle pace, not like yesterday, blasting out of the gates like a greyhound, but something that is going to sustain me through the whole route. I tried to get the new timer working, but its just too many buttons, so my old faithful IPOD came into play again, and kept me morale up with some nice tunes to take my mind off my aching limbs. Jogging through the park now, and kids out playing with the bikes, so good to see, unlike my big son, at home no doubt on the computer playing 'Rune Scape' And he tells me he could jog this route faster than me?? I doubt it.
Anyway, through the park on up now to the A21, (you know that I do stop for a walk) I am not going to write each time I do, because........well, I'm not. But just up here I do, just as I turn towards Bromley, take a swig of my drink and back to jogging. That is pretty much how it goes from here on end. I tell myself off for stopping, I try and analyze why I am stopping, is it because I am tired, well, I am but no more that when I left the house, are my legs hurting, well just a tad, but nothing major. My breathing is fine, no chest pains, no knee pains, I did even have any alcohol last night, SO WHY AM I WALKING!! I can only come up with old couchie still has a hold of me somewhere, and is keeping me from continuous jogging.
I really wanted to turn right at the roundabout and just give up, but I perservered on over the roundabout and just kept on running/walking and thinking about the hill on Homesdale road! I am at least going to make naggy happy by running up the whole thing. At least I can tell her, "Yes Naggy, your hill didn't beat me today" All too soon though, the hill was there, a quick swig of my drink and attack the hill. I felt pretty good actually, because coming in the opposite direction was another jogging, and I was thinking (smugly) "Well, I am going run up that hill" I shouldn't be so smug really, that chap could quite easily have done 10 or 15 miles by then! But I managed to get up the hill in one go. Yup naggy will be pleased with that if nothing else.
Now as I was using this as a long slow run, just for endurance and what not, then I wasn't too bothered about the time, but then these thoughts started to pop into my head, "How you going to know if you improving if you don't at least do the same route as before, just to measure the times" well have just over 3 miles jogging/walking this seems a perfectly reasonable question. And one that I need to address. So from there on I was talking myself out of going up to Petts Wood, but instead going through the park again, like naggy lets us do the first time. Of course I was saying, "but this is supposed to be a least 6 miles today," and then old couchie would be saying "You know its good to have a yard stick, just to see"
By now my limbs were beginning to hurt a little more, and did I feel a twinge in my ankle, or is old couchie just grasping at straws to get me to cut my LSR shorter. Well, of course I have to know. I have to know if I have got faster, because I wasn't knocking my socks off, I don't think anyway, to get this far. And if I was going any slower, then I'm sure I would be going backwards! So yes, I am going through the park, just to see, then next time I will go all the way to Petts Wood.
My whole being seemed to changed again then, a little bit competitiveness, and a relief fell on me then as well! I looked at the clock just before I turned into the road that goes to the park. "WOW Yes I can beat the first time" I urged myself not to stop now, I didn't stop for naggy, so I should stop for me ....... darn it, a quick stop, "now move your bloomin ass old girl" as I told myself off.
Down the last road now, running in the middle of the road, saving precious energy rather than go up and down on each driveway, come on, this is it run, run.
All the way home I ran, thinking I can beat this but at least two minutes. I stopped the clock just as I got to the lamppost out side my house and looked. 1 hour and 10 minutes and 14 seconds! Oh my goodness. That's a whole 4 minutes off mine and naggys time. whoo hoo!
What a lovely morning and afternoon, of course I had to go for a run in this glorious sunshine. So after church, I bunged on a wash and got me old joggers out and got ready.
He has certainly given us a day today. Middle of October, the sun is warm, with just a very slight cool breeze. Perfect start for a LSR (long slow run)
I did have in mind to go further that me and naggy went last time, but read on and you will find the excuses I mean reasons why I didn't do that. I started off at a gentle pace, not like yesterday, blasting out of the gates like a greyhound, but something that is going to sustain me through the whole route. I tried to get the new timer working, but its just too many buttons, so my old faithful IPOD came into play again, and kept me morale up with some nice tunes to take my mind off my aching limbs. Jogging through the park now, and kids out playing with the bikes, so good to see, unlike my big son, at home no doubt on the computer playing 'Rune Scape' And he tells me he could jog this route faster than me?? I doubt it.
Anyway, through the park on up now to the A21, (you know that I do stop for a walk) I am not going to write each time I do, because........well, I'm not. But just up here I do, just as I turn towards Bromley, take a swig of my drink and back to jogging. That is pretty much how it goes from here on end. I tell myself off for stopping, I try and analyze why I am stopping, is it because I am tired, well, I am but no more that when I left the house, are my legs hurting, well just a tad, but nothing major. My breathing is fine, no chest pains, no knee pains, I did even have any alcohol last night, SO WHY AM I WALKING!! I can only come up with old couchie still has a hold of me somewhere, and is keeping me from continuous jogging.
I really wanted to turn right at the roundabout and just give up, but I perservered on over the roundabout and just kept on running/walking and thinking about the hill on Homesdale road! I am at least going to make naggy happy by running up the whole thing. At least I can tell her, "Yes Naggy, your hill didn't beat me today" All too soon though, the hill was there, a quick swig of my drink and attack the hill. I felt pretty good actually, because coming in the opposite direction was another jogging, and I was thinking (smugly) "Well, I am going run up that hill" I shouldn't be so smug really, that chap could quite easily have done 10 or 15 miles by then! But I managed to get up the hill in one go. Yup naggy will be pleased with that if nothing else.
Now as I was using this as a long slow run, just for endurance and what not, then I wasn't too bothered about the time, but then these thoughts started to pop into my head, "How you going to know if you improving if you don't at least do the same route as before, just to measure the times" well have just over 3 miles jogging/walking this seems a perfectly reasonable question. And one that I need to address. So from there on I was talking myself out of going up to Petts Wood, but instead going through the park again, like naggy lets us do the first time. Of course I was saying, "but this is supposed to be a least 6 miles today," and then old couchie would be saying "You know its good to have a yard stick, just to see"
By now my limbs were beginning to hurt a little more, and did I feel a twinge in my ankle, or is old couchie just grasping at straws to get me to cut my LSR shorter. Well, of course I have to know. I have to know if I have got faster, because I wasn't knocking my socks off, I don't think anyway, to get this far. And if I was going any slower, then I'm sure I would be going backwards! So yes, I am going through the park, just to see, then next time I will go all the way to Petts Wood.
My whole being seemed to changed again then, a little bit competitiveness, and a relief fell on me then as well! I looked at the clock just before I turned into the road that goes to the park. "WOW Yes I can beat the first time" I urged myself not to stop now, I didn't stop for naggy, so I should stop for me ....... darn it, a quick stop, "now move your bloomin ass old girl" as I told myself off.
Down the last road now, running in the middle of the road, saving precious energy rather than go up and down on each driveway, come on, this is it run, run.
All the way home I ran, thinking I can beat this but at least two minutes. I stopped the clock just as I got to the lamppost out side my house and looked. 1 hour and 10 minutes and 14 seconds! Oh my goodness. That's a whole 4 minutes off mine and naggys time. whoo hoo!
Saturday 16 October 2010
Blasting the Mile!
Hi blog lovers,
Its me. Its a glorious Saturday morning and I woke up wanting to run. As the old boy and me wanted to go out for the day a bit later, I decided to just do a very quick run back to old turnaround lamppost and back. I know naggy wants to go for a run too, but she is just going to have to do with out her pace maker today (erm, did you read that bit naggy?, just a little joke). I'm sure she will forgive me. I shall let you know next time we run together!
So, up to turn around lamppost. Now I have never really done speed work, so I'm not quite sure of the technique that is required to get there and back in a good time. Do you start off at a fast pace and the then ease yourself back into a relatively easy going pace, or do you build up to a fast pace. Or do you keep a fast pace from A to B?
I tried the first one, only cos I though at the time that is what you were supposed to do. So off a lightening speed I was, blink and you would have missed me, only to turn around and see me puffing at the end of the road. I don't think the first option is the right one for me! But I settled down to a faster pace than I would normally do, trying to catch my breath again, and what with the slight chill of the morning, it took a little longer than I hoped. All those thoughts of mine came back of the first time I did this run. How at first I couldn't even run to my mother in laws house without stopping to scoop up lungs from the pavement, and how each lamppost became 'mile stones' for me. And yet today I was running the same route, and feeling the same, yet knowing I AM going to run this faster. But what the margin is going to be I don't know.
The dog walkers are out this morning, little dogs, big dogs, and its nice to see they are all on leads so I didn't have to stop my running! My legs were feeling strong, and I was feeling good. Just before turn around lamppost, my breath escaped me. I stopped, just a lamppost before, I gave myself a right telling off and started running again. A quick touch of the lamppost press the splits timer on the new timer I have, (6.27) and head off home again.
I tried to keep the same pace all the way back, telling myself off for walking, walking some of the way back on this very short route! I must do more speed work, find out the right technique is for me to be able to run this short distance at speed without walking!
Anyway, to cut a short run, short, I got home to the lamppost outside my home in 13:27 minutes! For 1.14 miles! Now looking back at my times before this, way back in March 2008, and even March 2010, I think I have done blooming well!
Its me. Its a glorious Saturday morning and I woke up wanting to run. As the old boy and me wanted to go out for the day a bit later, I decided to just do a very quick run back to old turnaround lamppost and back. I know naggy wants to go for a run too, but she is just going to have to do with out her pace maker today (erm, did you read that bit naggy?, just a little joke). I'm sure she will forgive me. I shall let you know next time we run together!
So, up to turn around lamppost. Now I have never really done speed work, so I'm not quite sure of the technique that is required to get there and back in a good time. Do you start off at a fast pace and the then ease yourself back into a relatively easy going pace, or do you build up to a fast pace. Or do you keep a fast pace from A to B?
I tried the first one, only cos I though at the time that is what you were supposed to do. So off a lightening speed I was, blink and you would have missed me, only to turn around and see me puffing at the end of the road. I don't think the first option is the right one for me! But I settled down to a faster pace than I would normally do, trying to catch my breath again, and what with the slight chill of the morning, it took a little longer than I hoped. All those thoughts of mine came back of the first time I did this run. How at first I couldn't even run to my mother in laws house without stopping to scoop up lungs from the pavement, and how each lamppost became 'mile stones' for me. And yet today I was running the same route, and feeling the same, yet knowing I AM going to run this faster. But what the margin is going to be I don't know.
The dog walkers are out this morning, little dogs, big dogs, and its nice to see they are all on leads so I didn't have to stop my running! My legs were feeling strong, and I was feeling good. Just before turn around lamppost, my breath escaped me. I stopped, just a lamppost before, I gave myself a right telling off and started running again. A quick touch of the lamppost press the splits timer on the new timer I have, (6.27) and head off home again.
I tried to keep the same pace all the way back, telling myself off for walking, walking some of the way back on this very short route! I must do more speed work, find out the right technique is for me to be able to run this short distance at speed without walking!
Anyway, to cut a short run, short, I got home to the lamppost outside my home in 13:27 minutes! For 1.14 miles! Now looking back at my times before this, way back in March 2008, and even March 2010, I think I have done blooming well!
Thursday 14 October 2010
Back To Training!
Hi blog watchers,
I bet you thought I had giving up training after the race on Sunday! Well I haven't. How can I? Let all that training go to waste! I think not. I was just having a few days off, let my ankle heal properly, because I don't want to have any reason why I can't keep up with my running.
It was a solo jog for me today, I got up late, as it custom now on Thursdays and got straight into my running gear. As I was putting them all I was remembering the brilliant day that I had on Sunday. Smiling now from ear to ear. But that soon stopped when I stepped out side and felt the chill in the air, brrrrr!
I knew I would warm up fairly quickly so I didn't bring my shrunken hoody, I didn't even wear my pink cap today either! (Mainly because I can't find it at the mo. Straight up the path, with my IPOD playing some 'wicked toonz' again, and of course I started the timer. But this is just going to be a slow run, just to stretch out my muscles, I think they thought I had quit too!
I was soon back into my pace, only going to do 3 miles today, but what I really wanted to do was to blast out to turn around lamppost and back and see how fast I have got over these few months, but Naggy said just to do a slow run this week and maybe next week blast out a mile.
Its amazing what happens to my brain when the body takes a couple of days off! Old couchie starts yawning and waking up, and whispering to just do a real short slow run and turn down the very first turning on Southborough Lane! Its a good job I am not putting pressure on myself to blast out this route, because I was able to 'tell myself off' for even giving that thought the time for day!
This time of the day there is not many joggers about, I expect most people work, or even jog to and from work! But I did see one jogger, and I was glad I was jogging at the time.
Coming on to Greenway and the Hill popped into my mind. But I had a determined head on today, and I said to myself your running the whole way up this whether you like it or not! So after a little walk (on off several others I must add) I got back to jogging, turned the corner and looked up! "Bah! call that a hill! I have bigger pimples than that" as I remembered the hill in the PettsWood 10k, "Now there is a hill, Mr. Magpiehall Lane, and its not even paved"
Its weird the thoughts that come into my head! Maybe I should ask a psychiatrist to accompany me on one of my jogs and analyze me on the way round. Just to see if its safe for me to be out alone!
Well that hill was well conquered! I got to the top crossed over the road...........and walked! Well, I am old you know! But only walked for a few seconds and then back to running. Again, Naggy was 'with me' "Just run to the pub sign, now to the blue car then....." and so on. I did walk one more time down this bit of road, but turning into the second Oxhawth I start nagging myself then, "Come on now old girl, no stopping on these last three roads" I had some brilliant tunes to run to, keeping pace with the beat, Ozzy osboure, and some others, which I cant recall right now, because half way down this road the darn battery ran out of my IPOD! Oh well, take the ear phones off, and just go for it, run old girl run, run, run!
All the way home now, Darn it again! had to stop for a car! Get back into the zone, "come on old girl, do it, it, run!" I just never quite got back into the zone, and I struggled a little bit up the path, but I did it. I got back in the proverbial saddle and jogged again. I am not just a one race wonder or even two race wonder. I am a RUNNER
Oh yes, forgot, I did take a not of the time I got back to my house 11:27, and the IPOD said I started the timer at 10:45, which if my maths is still holding up, is 42 mins for 3.34 miles!
I bet you thought I had giving up training after the race on Sunday! Well I haven't. How can I? Let all that training go to waste! I think not. I was just having a few days off, let my ankle heal properly, because I don't want to have any reason why I can't keep up with my running.
It was a solo jog for me today, I got up late, as it custom now on Thursdays and got straight into my running gear. As I was putting them all I was remembering the brilliant day that I had on Sunday. Smiling now from ear to ear. But that soon stopped when I stepped out side and felt the chill in the air, brrrrr!
I knew I would warm up fairly quickly so I didn't bring my shrunken hoody, I didn't even wear my pink cap today either! (Mainly because I can't find it at the mo. Straight up the path, with my IPOD playing some 'wicked toonz' again, and of course I started the timer. But this is just going to be a slow run, just to stretch out my muscles, I think they thought I had quit too!
I was soon back into my pace, only going to do 3 miles today, but what I really wanted to do was to blast out to turn around lamppost and back and see how fast I have got over these few months, but Naggy said just to do a slow run this week and maybe next week blast out a mile.
Its amazing what happens to my brain when the body takes a couple of days off! Old couchie starts yawning and waking up, and whispering to just do a real short slow run and turn down the very first turning on Southborough Lane! Its a good job I am not putting pressure on myself to blast out this route, because I was able to 'tell myself off' for even giving that thought the time for day!
This time of the day there is not many joggers about, I expect most people work, or even jog to and from work! But I did see one jogger, and I was glad I was jogging at the time.
Coming on to Greenway and the Hill popped into my mind. But I had a determined head on today, and I said to myself your running the whole way up this whether you like it or not! So after a little walk (on off several others I must add) I got back to jogging, turned the corner and looked up! "Bah! call that a hill! I have bigger pimples than that" as I remembered the hill in the PettsWood 10k, "Now there is a hill, Mr. Magpiehall Lane, and its not even paved"
Its weird the thoughts that come into my head! Maybe I should ask a psychiatrist to accompany me on one of my jogs and analyze me on the way round. Just to see if its safe for me to be out alone!
Well that hill was well conquered! I got to the top crossed over the road...........and walked! Well, I am old you know! But only walked for a few seconds and then back to running. Again, Naggy was 'with me' "Just run to the pub sign, now to the blue car then....." and so on. I did walk one more time down this bit of road, but turning into the second Oxhawth I start nagging myself then, "Come on now old girl, no stopping on these last three roads" I had some brilliant tunes to run to, keeping pace with the beat, Ozzy osboure, and some others, which I cant recall right now, because half way down this road the darn battery ran out of my IPOD! Oh well, take the ear phones off, and just go for it, run old girl run, run, run!
All the way home now, Darn it again! had to stop for a car! Get back into the zone, "come on old girl, do it, it, run!" I just never quite got back into the zone, and I struggled a little bit up the path, but I did it. I got back in the proverbial saddle and jogged again. I am not just a one race wonder or even two race wonder. I am a RUNNER
Oh yes, forgot, I did take a not of the time I got back to my house 11:27, and the IPOD said I started the timer at 10:45, which if my maths is still holding up, is 42 mins for 3.34 miles!
Sunday 10 October 2010
Race Day Report Pettswood 10K
Hi blogges
Yeahhhh yeahhh yeahhhhhhhh yeaaaaaahhhhh!!!! What a fantastic wonderful, brilliant day. Yesterday I was just so excited, had trouble sleeping, had butterflies in my belly, I really was like a kid at Christmas. If I had really thought about it, I was going to be putting myself through a 10k multi terrain race, with hills! Maybe I still wouldn't have slept through nightmares then.
Today was a warm day. It was overcast to begin with, I was glad of my jacket, but I ditched that quite quickly to acclimatise myself with the weather. The man on the microphone said for us all to line up in the 'pens' according to our predicted finish times, and get ready to set off at 10.10 on the 10/10/10.
Me and naggy went our separate ways then, she went into the sub 60 mins and I went in 60+ mins. Waiting now, waiting for that all important cheer as 674 runners start that surge forward.
Waiting, waiting, waiting, now is our turn! I start to run just as I cross over the rubber mat, as the machine is in a constant 'beep' mode as the chips are read on our ankles. I'm right at the back of the pack. I don't want to be under any pressure to keep up with anyone, or start of at a high pace. Just do my own race. Last or (ha ha) first, it doesn't matter to me, this is my first 10k.
As we go around the field, the crowd thin down, each his own pace, out of the recreation ground with a 'Go Old girl, go on' Oh wow, my neighbours daughter was there, watching as her husband ran it as well.
Settling down now to a nice pace. I have to, its uphill for the first bit. A long steep hill! but I kept going. watching as the crowd in front of me start to get further ahead. I seem to be keeping pace with a couple of ladies in pink and one other chap. Ok we are at the back, but at least its no pressure.
Not long now before we were in the park, the sun was shining, the grey skies all but disappeared, a nice gentle breeze as we were all running. I had managed to overtake the pink shirted ladies, and still keeping pace with 'there's four more behind' man (this is all I heard him say as we passed marshals!) then we were faced with the bridge over the rail lines. I knew I was not running up these, so I just used that time to get my breathing under control and sorted. Down the other side and on through the park. As I came through the trees onto the open I see a family group, cheering, then a little character pop out saying 'Nanny nanny' they were my family, cheering me on, of course by then I was walking a little, so had to start running again.
I caught up with '4 more behind' man and we were chatting as we passed the hotel, where unfortunately a runner was walking back to a marshal limping 'at least you will finish' he said, 'I'm not' This made me more cautious actually. The grassy bits were still slippy and the muddy bits very muddy. I managed to over take '4 more behind man' as we again was running on roads. A drinks station was just at the top of this and I took the opportunity to grab a cup or two of H2O. (save my own water in bottle as the weather was getting even warmer) Just after this drinks station is a monster hill! I just looked at it, its all muddy and slippy (especially as hundreds of feet has pounded it) and it really does look likea vertical piece of sticky mud! Of course I walked. '4 more behind man' kept his pace going and ran up it!
All of naggys nagging couldn't get me to run up there, no way! I though of her just then. I thought of how far she would be, did she run up here, is she hot and sweaty and looking forward to the end? Such a lovely day, everybody should be out walking in these gorgeous woods today! At the top now, more marshals to make sure we all go the right way, and boy was I glad of that, now that I have lost '4 more behind man' I wouldn't have anyone to follow.
I can't remember what Km marker I am looking for now, the woods are lovely, I'm enjoying the whole event, and all I know is that I am going to finish.
More marshals to direct me, is this where the train lines are? And just down here is my family again! Oh joy of joys, what a great inspiration it is to keep on running ( because bye now I was walking again as they saw me) As I was running towards them, grandson was running towards me! a quick kiss for the little un, a top up of water from the old boy, bless him, and on to the next section.
I wasn't racing anybody, there was no one in front of me and no one behind. This is my race, get under that all important 1 hour 30 minutes, that's all I want. 5k marker, half way there, and looking ahead I see '4 more behind man' keep going, keep going, half way round. The marshal said I was 42.30 minutes from start, I am bang on target so far, even with all those hills and mud. On and on. Now was I at the memorial (the chap that sorted out the day light saving thing) at 6km? I remember looking to my right and seeing it. Its not far now. I remember looking at the 6km board and thinking "Its only less than Race for Life run, you can do it" And this spurred me on. Another drinks station, best to fill up, its a warm day now, I have no hat on to soak up all seat dripping into my eyes!
I can hear traffic now as we come out of the woods on to the roads again. A police man making sure that we don't go into the road, (its quite busy) and making sure we stay on the left. It feels good to have tarmac under my feet again, I am such a city girl! And heading for the homeward stretch. The 8km board! Wow! is that all that is left. I remember feeling slightly down when I saw the 2km marker, thinking I still have 8 to go! and now, here I am with only 2k to go. People now, as well as all the marshals are cheering me on! No let up yet, its hard work,my legs are aching and complaining, but I am thinking of that run up to the finish line, ok, so finishing in style might have to go by the wayside, but just hearing everyone cheering me on, (I'm so vain). Turning right now, or was it left, thank goodness this isn't orienteering!, heading for the last 1km. marshals directing me, runners who had finished and heading home, cheering me, people in their houses cheering and clapping, what a fantastic atmosphere!
The last 600 meters now, I just cant stop, and there just up ahead is my family again. "Nanny nanny" little grandson was cheering. My eldest daughters boyfriend keeping pace with me now, encouraging me, (nagging me!) "that's it, on your toes up the hill" I so hate hills! but then, the last 400m. It just seemed to go past in a whirl, more police men stopping cars as I have to cross the road, just down here is the entrance to the park, and the finish line. "Come on old girl" neighbours daughter again, shouting encouragement, and my family! how did they get there! In the park now, people cheering, I am heading for the finish flags, I am by myself, I heard naggy from the side, "Come on Old Girl, your 4 minutes ahead, go go go you can do this" I just dug deep inside of me and ran and ran, I sprinted to the flags, just at the corner of my eye i caught a glimpse of Pete, Dave and other members of the S.E.S crew cheering me on. I knew it was them, red bandanna, and somehow Pete knew it was me (we have never met, only 'chatted' over a runners forum site on the web) and they were cheering me on too, a photographer was up ahead as I crossed the line, I finished in style! with my hands up and my head up and a huge smile on my face.
My official time for running the Pettswood 10k is 1.25:25 a whole 4 and a half minutes under the 1 and half hour dead line I set myself
Whoo hoo, when is the next one!
Just in, pic from the finish line, me and naggy! (thanks to bandana man)
Yeahhhh yeahhh yeahhhhhhhh yeaaaaaahhhhh!!!! What a fantastic wonderful, brilliant day. Yesterday I was just so excited, had trouble sleeping, had butterflies in my belly, I really was like a kid at Christmas. If I had really thought about it, I was going to be putting myself through a 10k multi terrain race, with hills! Maybe I still wouldn't have slept through nightmares then.
Today was a warm day. It was overcast to begin with, I was glad of my jacket, but I ditched that quite quickly to acclimatise myself with the weather. The man on the microphone said for us all to line up in the 'pens' according to our predicted finish times, and get ready to set off at 10.10 on the 10/10/10.
Me and naggy went our separate ways then, she went into the sub 60 mins and I went in 60+ mins. Waiting now, waiting for that all important cheer as 674 runners start that surge forward.
Waiting, waiting, waiting, now is our turn! I start to run just as I cross over the rubber mat, as the machine is in a constant 'beep' mode as the chips are read on our ankles. I'm right at the back of the pack. I don't want to be under any pressure to keep up with anyone, or start of at a high pace. Just do my own race. Last or (ha ha) first, it doesn't matter to me, this is my first 10k.
As we go around the field, the crowd thin down, each his own pace, out of the recreation ground with a 'Go Old girl, go on' Oh wow, my neighbours daughter was there, watching as her husband ran it as well.
Settling down now to a nice pace. I have to, its uphill for the first bit. A long steep hill! but I kept going. watching as the crowd in front of me start to get further ahead. I seem to be keeping pace with a couple of ladies in pink and one other chap. Ok we are at the back, but at least its no pressure.
Not long now before we were in the park, the sun was shining, the grey skies all but disappeared, a nice gentle breeze as we were all running. I had managed to overtake the pink shirted ladies, and still keeping pace with 'there's four more behind' man (this is all I heard him say as we passed marshals!) then we were faced with the bridge over the rail lines. I knew I was not running up these, so I just used that time to get my breathing under control and sorted. Down the other side and on through the park. As I came through the trees onto the open I see a family group, cheering, then a little character pop out saying 'Nanny nanny' they were my family, cheering me on, of course by then I was walking a little, so had to start running again.
I caught up with '4 more behind' man and we were chatting as we passed the hotel, where unfortunately a runner was walking back to a marshal limping 'at least you will finish' he said, 'I'm not' This made me more cautious actually. The grassy bits were still slippy and the muddy bits very muddy. I managed to over take '4 more behind man' as we again was running on roads. A drinks station was just at the top of this and I took the opportunity to grab a cup or two of H2O. (save my own water in bottle as the weather was getting even warmer) Just after this drinks station is a monster hill! I just looked at it, its all muddy and slippy (especially as hundreds of feet has pounded it) and it really does look likea vertical piece of sticky mud! Of course I walked. '4 more behind man' kept his pace going and ran up it!
All of naggys nagging couldn't get me to run up there, no way! I though of her just then. I thought of how far she would be, did she run up here, is she hot and sweaty and looking forward to the end? Such a lovely day, everybody should be out walking in these gorgeous woods today! At the top now, more marshals to make sure we all go the right way, and boy was I glad of that, now that I have lost '4 more behind man' I wouldn't have anyone to follow.
I can't remember what Km marker I am looking for now, the woods are lovely, I'm enjoying the whole event, and all I know is that I am going to finish.
More marshals to direct me, is this where the train lines are? And just down here is my family again! Oh joy of joys, what a great inspiration it is to keep on running ( because bye now I was walking again as they saw me) As I was running towards them, grandson was running towards me! a quick kiss for the little un, a top up of water from the old boy, bless him, and on to the next section.
I wasn't racing anybody, there was no one in front of me and no one behind. This is my race, get under that all important 1 hour 30 minutes, that's all I want. 5k marker, half way there, and looking ahead I see '4 more behind man' keep going, keep going, half way round. The marshal said I was 42.30 minutes from start, I am bang on target so far, even with all those hills and mud. On and on. Now was I at the memorial (the chap that sorted out the day light saving thing) at 6km? I remember looking to my right and seeing it. Its not far now. I remember looking at the 6km board and thinking "Its only less than Race for Life run, you can do it" And this spurred me on. Another drinks station, best to fill up, its a warm day now, I have no hat on to soak up all seat dripping into my eyes!
I can hear traffic now as we come out of the woods on to the roads again. A police man making sure that we don't go into the road, (its quite busy) and making sure we stay on the left. It feels good to have tarmac under my feet again, I am such a city girl! And heading for the homeward stretch. The 8km board! Wow! is that all that is left. I remember feeling slightly down when I saw the 2km marker, thinking I still have 8 to go! and now, here I am with only 2k to go. People now, as well as all the marshals are cheering me on! No let up yet, its hard work,my legs are aching and complaining, but I am thinking of that run up to the finish line, ok, so finishing in style might have to go by the wayside, but just hearing everyone cheering me on, (I'm so vain). Turning right now, or was it left, thank goodness this isn't orienteering!, heading for the last 1km. marshals directing me, runners who had finished and heading home, cheering me, people in their houses cheering and clapping, what a fantastic atmosphere!
The last 600 meters now, I just cant stop, and there just up ahead is my family again. "Nanny nanny" little grandson was cheering. My eldest daughters boyfriend keeping pace with me now, encouraging me, (nagging me!) "that's it, on your toes up the hill" I so hate hills! but then, the last 400m. It just seemed to go past in a whirl, more police men stopping cars as I have to cross the road, just down here is the entrance to the park, and the finish line. "Come on old girl" neighbours daughter again, shouting encouragement, and my family! how did they get there! In the park now, people cheering, I am heading for the finish flags, I am by myself, I heard naggy from the side, "Come on Old Girl, your 4 minutes ahead, go go go you can do this" I just dug deep inside of me and ran and ran, I sprinted to the flags, just at the corner of my eye i caught a glimpse of Pete, Dave and other members of the S.E.S crew cheering me on. I knew it was them, red bandanna, and somehow Pete knew it was me (we have never met, only 'chatted' over a runners forum site on the web) and they were cheering me on too, a photographer was up ahead as I crossed the line, I finished in style! with my hands up and my head up and a huge smile on my face.
My official time for running the Pettswood 10k is 1.25:25 a whole 4 and a half minutes under the 1 and half hour dead line I set myself
Whoo hoo, when is the next one!
Just in, pic from the finish line, me and naggy! (thanks to bandana man)
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Last Run Before Big Race!
Hi blogees,
I was looking forward to today's run, knowing that I have 3 days now to recover and keep fresh legs for Sunday.
I don't know what it is, whether having a days grace between each run, but today i found it particularly hard. It was a lovely sunny evening, after the rain we had this morning, any sunshine is a blessing now. I set off with my IPOD (timer going) and my hat and shrunken hoody. The hoody I know will be coming off fairly soon, as it feels quite nice out.
I start off at the usual pace, sorting my breathing out, but just as I am half way up the first long road I am thinking "Oh wow, I have such a long way to go still" STILL?! I wasn't even two minutes into my run, and already I am thinking of running up my path, to my house!
Before I even got to the first pub, the first mile maker, I had already stopped for a short breather, but then I was back on track running. I even made it 11.30 minutes for the first mile, but just after that I stopped again. But here's the thing, just coming out of the turning up from the pub here, guess who was just driving out of it?? Naggy!! And guess what I wasn't doing? That's right, running! I had taken another walking break, and there she was, tooting her horn, and gestating, I just took it that meant "Run old girl, Run! What the heck are you doing running at this stage" So of course I got back to running.
But that was about the size of today's run, running with sporadic bouts of walking! But every time I saw another runner, if I was walking then I would run, and if I was running then I would run a little faster. By the time I got back to the first pub, I was sweating, the light was fading to this gorgeous pink glow, which I must say probably complimented my colour, I could blame the lovely pink light for my face looking so pink.
I run pass the first Oxhawth and on to the next. I think that this is an easier bit, rather than going down the first Oxhawth, because the hill running up to Farringdon seems steeper than the hill running up to the second Oxhawth! I could be mistaken.
But from the beginning of Oxhawth till I get home, I have it in my head now, that I will not stop running. There is some good music playing that is just a great rhythm to run to, and the last 400 yards its 'Mama' by Phil Collins. That heart beat drum seemed perfect running music for me.
Just up my path now, have to ignore the music and finish in style, the boys on the green and giving me a round of applause again as I put on the speed.
Done it! 3.34 miles in 42.30 (that's not a PB, but, I'm still not pushing for speed, (but I was hoping that I would be a little faster).
I was looking forward to today's run, knowing that I have 3 days now to recover and keep fresh legs for Sunday.
I don't know what it is, whether having a days grace between each run, but today i found it particularly hard. It was a lovely sunny evening, after the rain we had this morning, any sunshine is a blessing now. I set off with my IPOD (timer going) and my hat and shrunken hoody. The hoody I know will be coming off fairly soon, as it feels quite nice out.
I start off at the usual pace, sorting my breathing out, but just as I am half way up the first long road I am thinking "Oh wow, I have such a long way to go still" STILL?! I wasn't even two minutes into my run, and already I am thinking of running up my path, to my house!
Before I even got to the first pub, the first mile maker, I had already stopped for a short breather, but then I was back on track running. I even made it 11.30 minutes for the first mile, but just after that I stopped again. But here's the thing, just coming out of the turning up from the pub here, guess who was just driving out of it?? Naggy!! And guess what I wasn't doing? That's right, running! I had taken another walking break, and there she was, tooting her horn, and gestating, I just took it that meant "Run old girl, Run! What the heck are you doing running at this stage" So of course I got back to running.
But that was about the size of today's run, running with sporadic bouts of walking! But every time I saw another runner, if I was walking then I would run, and if I was running then I would run a little faster. By the time I got back to the first pub, I was sweating, the light was fading to this gorgeous pink glow, which I must say probably complimented my colour, I could blame the lovely pink light for my face looking so pink.
I run pass the first Oxhawth and on to the next. I think that this is an easier bit, rather than going down the first Oxhawth, because the hill running up to Farringdon seems steeper than the hill running up to the second Oxhawth! I could be mistaken.
But from the beginning of Oxhawth till I get home, I have it in my head now, that I will not stop running. There is some good music playing that is just a great rhythm to run to, and the last 400 yards its 'Mama' by Phil Collins. That heart beat drum seemed perfect running music for me.
Just up my path now, have to ignore the music and finish in style, the boys on the green and giving me a round of applause again as I put on the speed.
Done it! 3.34 miles in 42.30 (that's not a PB, but, I'm still not pushing for speed, (but I was hoping that I would be a little faster).
Tuesday 5 October 2010
A Short Run, Keeping Legs Loose!
Hi bloggers
Can you believe I forgot to go running yesterday! Because I am in the mind set of just not doing so much running, just keeping the legs from stiffening up! Well I do have the 10K on Sunday!
So today I made sure I had dinner prepared and left the old boy in charge of cooking! While I went out for a run. I am only going to do three miles today. My Goodness, listen to me. I remember when I said "Wow I have run 3 miles today!"
It was just me, on me own, I had my IPOD, I had remembered to charge the thing up, and I was just going to enjoy the run. Of course I took note of the time, in fact I put the stopwatch the IPOD, just to see, not that I'm going for speed here, just a little jog.
It was just after 6 when I left, I knew it would be getting darker but I was hoping to be well home before that happened. Now I am thinking, because I have run for 5.6 miles, then I must be well fit!! But to my dismay its still very hard!. I expect to run that first mile like Happy Neighbours little son did, when he came for a jog with me and his mum. There was him, running backwards, running ahead, running back to us old uns! Doing flipping star jumps! But I realise that actually, you just get used to running long runs! I still take a few minutes to get the old breathing sorted, and I am still having to say to myself, "Just to the next lamppost, tree, car" or whatever I see ahead of me. But I am finding that I am running further before I am even thinking of those things, before I am even thinking I shall walk from there, just for a bit.
I ran the first mile, the pub, and I carried on. To the next pub on the right, and I carried on. People were on my path, so of course I had the game to play, 'No walking till you pass them' game. I didn't quite make it all the way to Turpington Lane, but very nearly.
On the way down Greenway now, and that hill is already started to bother me. I walk another section down here, cursing that hill that will be rising up in front of me fairly soon. Turning the corner now and there it is. The light is beginning to fade a little but I am keeping my hat on, for one it helps keep the sweat from dripping in my eyes, and another is that I can't see the hill in front of me. Just got to get on an run it. I remember looking at my IPOD at the mile marker, 11mins 13sec, this second mile is going to be longer that's for sure!
Darn it, I stopped, only for a 5 sec breather, but still, so annoyed at myself. But on and on now, get to the pub, then that's the last mile till I'm home, and dinner! I tried to do what I did for Naggy, promise to run all the way home from here. I got as far as the first Oxhawth Crescent and then walked a little, and when I crossed over, heading for the second Oxhawth I stopped again for a 5 second breather. But after I got to the second Oxhawth I ran all the way from there.
All down Oxhawth, cross the road, and down Faringdon I ran, I couldn't stop here, no way. And I have to have some left for finishing in style. As I approach my road, I pick the speed up, I'm like a sprinter now, just running fast now, heading for the lamppost outside my house, stop the timer! Done. Walk around the green now, using my hat to dry my face, then I take a look at the time 41.41 minutes. Not sure if this is personal best or far from it. I shall add a foot note a bit later when I gone through my records.
So, 3.34 miles in 41.41 minutes.
Can you believe I forgot to go running yesterday! Because I am in the mind set of just not doing so much running, just keeping the legs from stiffening up! Well I do have the 10K on Sunday!
So today I made sure I had dinner prepared and left the old boy in charge of cooking! While I went out for a run. I am only going to do three miles today. My Goodness, listen to me. I remember when I said "Wow I have run 3 miles today!"
It was just me, on me own, I had my IPOD, I had remembered to charge the thing up, and I was just going to enjoy the run. Of course I took note of the time, in fact I put the stopwatch the IPOD, just to see, not that I'm going for speed here, just a little jog.
It was just after 6 when I left, I knew it would be getting darker but I was hoping to be well home before that happened. Now I am thinking, because I have run for 5.6 miles, then I must be well fit!! But to my dismay its still very hard!. I expect to run that first mile like Happy Neighbours little son did, when he came for a jog with me and his mum. There was him, running backwards, running ahead, running back to us old uns! Doing flipping star jumps! But I realise that actually, you just get used to running long runs! I still take a few minutes to get the old breathing sorted, and I am still having to say to myself, "Just to the next lamppost, tree, car" or whatever I see ahead of me. But I am finding that I am running further before I am even thinking of those things, before I am even thinking I shall walk from there, just for a bit.
I ran the first mile, the pub, and I carried on. To the next pub on the right, and I carried on. People were on my path, so of course I had the game to play, 'No walking till you pass them' game. I didn't quite make it all the way to Turpington Lane, but very nearly.
On the way down Greenway now, and that hill is already started to bother me. I walk another section down here, cursing that hill that will be rising up in front of me fairly soon. Turning the corner now and there it is. The light is beginning to fade a little but I am keeping my hat on, for one it helps keep the sweat from dripping in my eyes, and another is that I can't see the hill in front of me. Just got to get on an run it. I remember looking at my IPOD at the mile marker, 11mins 13sec, this second mile is going to be longer that's for sure!
Darn it, I stopped, only for a 5 sec breather, but still, so annoyed at myself. But on and on now, get to the pub, then that's the last mile till I'm home, and dinner! I tried to do what I did for Naggy, promise to run all the way home from here. I got as far as the first Oxhawth Crescent and then walked a little, and when I crossed over, heading for the second Oxhawth I stopped again for a 5 second breather. But after I got to the second Oxhawth I ran all the way from there.
All down Oxhawth, cross the road, and down Faringdon I ran, I couldn't stop here, no way. And I have to have some left for finishing in style. As I approach my road, I pick the speed up, I'm like a sprinter now, just running fast now, heading for the lamppost outside my house, stop the timer! Done. Walk around the green now, using my hat to dry my face, then I take a look at the time 41.41 minutes. Not sure if this is personal best or far from it. I shall add a foot note a bit later when I gone through my records.
So, 3.34 miles in 41.41 minutes.
Saturday 2 October 2010
Why Do I Keep On Doing It!
Hi blog readers.
Well I had a blinding night out last night, yet still naggy and me went for a run this morning.
The old boy said to me that I can't go on living a double life! Its either, going out and boozing or treating my body like a temple! I think I know what he means. My head hurts this morning after our girls night out. Naggys head doesn't! She is a designated driver! And she has no sympathy for us lager louts!
Naggy gave me an hours grace to get my woolly head together, I so needed that. I tried to re-hydrate myself with tea, put some energy inside me with a banana, and then try to put a smile on my face by looking out at the lovey sunshine that we will be running in.
"6 miles we are doing today" Naggy informs me. Now I was prepared for something like this, but still, .....6 miles with a beer head on! Not good. We head off in the direction of the park, at least I know I can do that bit, its familiar territory. By the time we get through the park and heading for the A21 my jacket is off. I am running in my old joggers, the ones with 'Athletic' written across the backside. I do not like running in this anymore, not after running in my proper joggers. These are uncomfortable and the legs are flapping around my ankles. I must invest in another proper pair of joggers! I am already finding 'reasons' why I am not going to do so well on this run! Anything, copious amounts of alcohol, wrong joggers, too early, too bright, too cold! I wish I was back in my bed!
As we got to the roundabout I was expecting to turn right and head on towards PettsWood, but Naggy crossed over and started heading towards Bromley! Now this is new territory for me! I am not liking the thought that we are heading further away from home. We have only jogged 2 1/2 miles so far, and yet I feel worn out, and my hangover is reminding me its still very much here for the day!
We pass loads of right turns that will take us on the homeward bound, and she is still heading up towards Bromley. Naggy has my water now, she knows that I have a little walk while I retrieve my water bottle from my bum bag! She has me sussed. So now I have to keep up with her just so that I can keep hydrated on the run. "How far are we going" I said in dismay after we passed yet another road, "I am not saying, just in case you stop running" she says.
Just a little further then she says "Ok, we are turning right here at the dripping tap" I could have kissed her if she was within reach. At least now I know that we should be on our way home. But then she said, "When we get passed Tescos, there is a short but steep hill, I WANT YOU TO RUN IT ALL" OH MY WORD, I now remember the hill. I had to ride up this on my bike once, but the thought of running up it after doing three miles already is just a tortuouse thought! Naggy did say that she will allow me an official stop at the top of it. Of course her stops are just about 5 seconds long, even after going up that hill.
All too long we got there, Tescos to my left, and that hill just around the corner. I am not looking forward to it. "Head up, arms up, use them to get up the hill, all the way to the top" This hill is a killer! I am crying out, gasps of my precious breath escaping, running all the way to the top. Did I stop? Did I stop? I don't know, Is this the top of the hill? I am leaning on the lamppost now, on the other side of the road. I can't even remember crossing the road! That's how intense this hill was. Yen naggy said "No stopping, walk yes, but NO STOPPING" She looked absolutely furious that I was leaning on this lamppost, trying to keep my stomach from spilling on the floor" So I walked, I walked at little bit more and a bit more after that, and then started running again. "At least that will keep her happy" I said, glaring at the back of her head.
I know I walked some more and ran quite a bit of it too, but when we got to Southborough lane, as we were nearing turnings that would take us to our homes, naggy said "Lets do a deal, No more stopping from now and we will go through the park, the shorter route" The shorter route!! I was hoping that was what was planned anyway, she obviously wanted to go up the road and go to Oxhawth Crescent, or maybe even into Pettswood itself! I would have agreed to anything she suggested at that time, just to get home real quick now is what I wanted. "Yes yes no problem" I just used this little bit of the road to get my breath under control again. My legs were hurting like mad now, my head is getting even more woolly, I just want to get home and shower, and sleep for a week!
As soon as the decision was made we started jogging again. We crossed the road and headed for the park. Parkfield Road was a blur, I can't remember jogging down here, and then we entered the park. The mantra running through my mind is 'I can run this, I can run this, I can run this' with each step keeping time, concentrating on nothing more than getting home. I knew there wasn't going to be any records time wise on this run, but just that fact that I did it should sit well with me.
Through the park now, just at the gate, I slow for a two step walk before I remembered my promise to naggy 'Run all the way' and I started running again. Turning now on to the last long road. My house is at the end of here somewhere, just down there. Just this last bit. Naggy is keeping the encouragement going, "You're doing well, keep this pace going" I even tried to speed up a little, just to get it over and done with. But there was nothing left. Only will power now keeping me moving, only the fact that my house is at the top of this road, around the corner, and it is not going to come to me! Only the fact that its just not a good idea to sit on the kerb and not go home, this is what is keeping me going.
My turning now, my road, my house, just up here! Oh my word, I ache. Naggy looks as glamorous as she did last night as we run up the path to her house. I look like a sweaty, wet, pink, puffing, blob as we get to the house.
1 hour and 14 minutes that, that, .......very good friend of mine had me running for. 5.6 miles was what we covered. An average of 13 minute miles. Not the fastest by any means, but boy am I glad its over.
Walking out those miles we spot our neighbour coming out of her house and she took one look at me and said "You don't look as if you are having fun" How so very true is that, but, but, I am so very glad I did it.
Well I had a blinding night out last night, yet still naggy and me went for a run this morning.
The old boy said to me that I can't go on living a double life! Its either, going out and boozing or treating my body like a temple! I think I know what he means. My head hurts this morning after our girls night out. Naggys head doesn't! She is a designated driver! And she has no sympathy for us lager louts!
Naggy gave me an hours grace to get my woolly head together, I so needed that. I tried to re-hydrate myself with tea, put some energy inside me with a banana, and then try to put a smile on my face by looking out at the lovey sunshine that we will be running in.
"6 miles we are doing today" Naggy informs me. Now I was prepared for something like this, but still, .....6 miles with a beer head on! Not good. We head off in the direction of the park, at least I know I can do that bit, its familiar territory. By the time we get through the park and heading for the A21 my jacket is off. I am running in my old joggers, the ones with 'Athletic' written across the backside. I do not like running in this anymore, not after running in my proper joggers. These are uncomfortable and the legs are flapping around my ankles. I must invest in another proper pair of joggers! I am already finding 'reasons' why I am not going to do so well on this run! Anything, copious amounts of alcohol, wrong joggers, too early, too bright, too cold! I wish I was back in my bed!
As we got to the roundabout I was expecting to turn right and head on towards PettsWood, but Naggy crossed over and started heading towards Bromley! Now this is new territory for me! I am not liking the thought that we are heading further away from home. We have only jogged 2 1/2 miles so far, and yet I feel worn out, and my hangover is reminding me its still very much here for the day!
We pass loads of right turns that will take us on the homeward bound, and she is still heading up towards Bromley. Naggy has my water now, she knows that I have a little walk while I retrieve my water bottle from my bum bag! She has me sussed. So now I have to keep up with her just so that I can keep hydrated on the run. "How far are we going" I said in dismay after we passed yet another road, "I am not saying, just in case you stop running" she says.
Just a little further then she says "Ok, we are turning right here at the dripping tap" I could have kissed her if she was within reach. At least now I know that we should be on our way home. But then she said, "When we get passed Tescos, there is a short but steep hill, I WANT YOU TO RUN IT ALL" OH MY WORD, I now remember the hill. I had to ride up this on my bike once, but the thought of running up it after doing three miles already is just a tortuouse thought! Naggy did say that she will allow me an official stop at the top of it. Of course her stops are just about 5 seconds long, even after going up that hill.
All too long we got there, Tescos to my left, and that hill just around the corner. I am not looking forward to it. "Head up, arms up, use them to get up the hill, all the way to the top" This hill is a killer! I am crying out, gasps of my precious breath escaping, running all the way to the top. Did I stop? Did I stop? I don't know, Is this the top of the hill? I am leaning on the lamppost now, on the other side of the road. I can't even remember crossing the road! That's how intense this hill was. Yen naggy said "No stopping, walk yes, but NO STOPPING" She looked absolutely furious that I was leaning on this lamppost, trying to keep my stomach from spilling on the floor" So I walked, I walked at little bit more and a bit more after that, and then started running again. "At least that will keep her happy" I said, glaring at the back of her head.
I know I walked some more and ran quite a bit of it too, but when we got to Southborough lane, as we were nearing turnings that would take us to our homes, naggy said "Lets do a deal, No more stopping from now and we will go through the park, the shorter route" The shorter route!! I was hoping that was what was planned anyway, she obviously wanted to go up the road and go to Oxhawth Crescent, or maybe even into Pettswood itself! I would have agreed to anything she suggested at that time, just to get home real quick now is what I wanted. "Yes yes no problem" I just used this little bit of the road to get my breath under control again. My legs were hurting like mad now, my head is getting even more woolly, I just want to get home and shower, and sleep for a week!
As soon as the decision was made we started jogging again. We crossed the road and headed for the park. Parkfield Road was a blur, I can't remember jogging down here, and then we entered the park. The mantra running through my mind is 'I can run this, I can run this, I can run this' with each step keeping time, concentrating on nothing more than getting home. I knew there wasn't going to be any records time wise on this run, but just that fact that I did it should sit well with me.
Through the park now, just at the gate, I slow for a two step walk before I remembered my promise to naggy 'Run all the way' and I started running again. Turning now on to the last long road. My house is at the end of here somewhere, just down there. Just this last bit. Naggy is keeping the encouragement going, "You're doing well, keep this pace going" I even tried to speed up a little, just to get it over and done with. But there was nothing left. Only will power now keeping me moving, only the fact that my house is at the top of this road, around the corner, and it is not going to come to me! Only the fact that its just not a good idea to sit on the kerb and not go home, this is what is keeping me going.
My turning now, my road, my house, just up here! Oh my word, I ache. Naggy looks as glamorous as she did last night as we run up the path to her house. I look like a sweaty, wet, pink, puffing, blob as we get to the house.
1 hour and 14 minutes that, that, .......very good friend of mine had me running for. 5.6 miles was what we covered. An average of 13 minute miles. Not the fastest by any means, but boy am I glad its over.
Walking out those miles we spot our neighbour coming out of her house and she took one look at me and said "You don't look as if you are having fun" How so very true is that, but, but, I am so very glad I did it.
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