Hello blog lovers.
Well, my last run didn't totally 'do me in' as I am here to tell the tale of yet another jog spot! Ok, it was touch and go whether my legs divorced me, but after I promised them I shall not be running that distance again they decided to not to hurt so much today. (We shall deal with the marathon matter after!)
Todays little run was just to get my muscles working again, get them moving, stop them from seizing up altogether. So what I used to think of as quite a distance when I first started jogging, 3 miles was going to be my little run. The usual route, and a promise of doing another little run on Saturday, Park Run with Smarty Pants.
Although it is a work day for me, the fact that I have the Old Boy home suffering with 'Housemaids Knee' has given me an opportunity to get out for a nice sunny run. I left my grandson with his 'chicken pops' and the Old Man with his gammy knee and went out into the chilly afternoon.
The tunes playing in my ears, was a nice distraction from my very tight ankles. My legs seemed to have forgotten they ran 13.1 miles on Sunday. But I kept it just nice and gentle. No need to race around, that will be on Saturday, when I am going to be chasing my next PB.
I must say, it did feel good knowing that this is just a very short run compared to Sunday. I even felt a little sad. Maybe I will add on a mile, rather than my 'other' thinking of doing less because I am old! We sahll see.
Up the road to Southborough and then along towards any one of the roads that could make my run shorter or longer than what I had planned for when I left. Parkfield Road was the first one. I could run down there and get home. Less than 2 miles, would it really have been worth tying my shoelaces for that distance? No. On up to the road. The legs still feeling good, my ankles, however seem to be taking an age to loosen up. there is always the next couple of roads that I could turn left at, keep it to a short recovery run.
Yet still, I ran on passed them. The pub came to my right. "Well thats it Old Girl, Turpington is the next road you can go down" I smiled to myself. This Old Girl is a tough Old Girl. I can do this. Running to Turp, and then Greenway. Listening to my music. It's good being out. Another smile came to my face as I began remembering my last run. The last 3 miles in particular. (the pictures captured by the official photographers of that day, if anyone wants to look at them, can be found on the Tunbridgewells Harriers web site, heading Half Marathon, and click on the link there for photos from the event, then look up my number, which is 2581) I looked in pain. But now todays little 3 miler I was smiling. I was very proud of myself though! Mighty Moosh!! Done it.
Running up Magpie hall lane. again with some shortcuts to take me home for an early shower (and then make biscuits with grandson) went by the by! I'm not quitting. If I have my running gear on, then my shortest ever run will always be 5k, unless of course I am helping out beginners, or friends that want me to jog along with them.
3.26 miles. No, it was not my fastest ever on this route, but that wasn't about todays run. It was just to loosen up the legs, keep the interest up, and train for the marathon (shhhhh, don't tell my legs though)
Geeky stats.
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Sunday 24 February 2013
Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon
6:30 am.
The alarm goes off, and I snooze it, it goes off again! I snooze it. The third time I am up and getting ready for Singstar Jo to pick me up for our Half Marathon!
7:40
Jo is outside, bang on time, in fact a little early, you just know that the goal she has for herself will be achieved! With change!
8:10(ish)
We arrive at H.Q. We picked up our tee shirts, used the facilities and then bagged a chair to wait. It's always good to arrive early, and besides which, we were all in a hall! Nice and warm. And waited for other PW's to show up. Which of course they did. We all chatted for a while, 'Good lucked' everybody and then used the facilities again.
09:45
We were all told to make our way to the start line. Walking down and getting very excited. We were just behind the race mascot, Bagpuss, Singstar Jo, wanted to have her picture take with him, so of course I obliged with the camera. Now the race begins!
We heard the drums, we heard the countdown, we saw the hoards of runners slowly moving forward, then it was our time, as the line of runners started to filter over the timing mats, the line stretching out, the buzz of the runners quietens down.
I was running next to Singstar Jo and Sherry. We didn't run off fast, and try to get to the front, we were all just going to do our own race/run. And do our best!
It was quite chilly, there had been weather reports from the race organises for the past few days, but thankfully the snow stayed away, although we did keep getting just a slight dusting. "It's just the hydration system" I had said to the girls. We were all wondering if we had put enough layers or, or too many for that matter! But I know that I love being warm. Running while cold was not going to be an option for me.
At mile two Kitman mike was there with lovely cheerleader and my fellow model, Sian, Kitman Mike had his camera going. (Video footage at the end of the blog, I come in at 1.32 and then right at the end! Hobbling!) this is also where all the PW's off loaded there extra layers, gloves or gear that they felt unnecessary now. I kept hold of all my layers! Just me and Sherry were running side by side now as Singstar Jo had started her race!
The route is a very hilly route. It started off just after we left the start line! And it continued that way, but I know soon that it will soon be heading down hill, and besides, the hills so far were not that long. Not that long compared to That Hill! I was managing to keep on running. I felt good, the training so far has paid off! The first water station was around about 3 miles in. I took this opportunity to grab a cup and also to eat some dextrose. I have never tried these before, well not as an aid to give a boost, only had them as 'sweeties'.
Back to jogging again. The short walk/water break done. It was that short, thankfully, I didn't cool down at all. I know the next drink station the Old Boy will be waiting, to hand me my running cap! I had left it this morning! (Not that organised!) Still Sherry stayed by my side. Encouraging me, keeping me on target. We were chatting away, keeping red shirt man in our sights. He was going to be our race for now.
About 5 and half miles in there was the Old Boy, just as he said he would be, with my cap! Now I feel like a proper runner! Lets hope I wont call for the .......drop out bus! Even the sound of it just makes me a little bit stronger. There is no way I am going to the finish line in that! I can't believe that I was still running! With only those two drinking/eating stops. This really is the most I have run on a 6 mile route! I will have to investigate my geeky stats to see if the 10k time as been beat! I love geeky stats!
Now just after the little bridge there is 'baby bump' Starts Hill its called. I think it's called that, because that is just the start of the torturous climb ahead of us. Sherry encouraged me to keep on jogging up this. ''Look there is Red shirt man, we are gaining on him" she said. I did as much of the hill as I could, I walked a bit of it and then jogged a bit more. "Is that the hill we have to run up" Sherry said, as she looked ahead. "Don't look" I said, and tried to change the subject!
All to soon though that we came to the bottom of the hill. It climbed up, looking like a sheer drop to me. Taunting me, trying to intimidate me! I knew at the top of this hill the Old boy would be there again, I saw him drive past me, after dropping off my hat he had to drive around to try and get to the top of the hill. I so wanted to be running as I got to the top, but my legs were complaining. I shoved some more Dextrose into my mouth and tried to power up the hill.
We started the hill together, but I knew that I wouldn't be able to make it all the way "Go Sherry" I said, I think I have kept Sherry long enough from her own race. And I watched as she powered on up the hill and disappear. I kept on going, trying to overtake some of the walkers on this part. but I couldn't even do that!
Nearing the top I could hear the drummers again. Encouraging everyone to keep on going! I wanted to run to the top, I really wanted to, my legs refused to go any faster. Then I saw the Old boy, camera in hand "Come on then, run, just to here" Well, I just had to, he had the camera out! So I jogged on! The drummers were sounding brilliant, I kept my pace with their beat as I ran across the now flat road.
It was good to be able to run along the flat, I am alone now, thanking all the marshals as they enthusiastically cheer these Old girl on. I must just say, these guys have done a fantastic job. From the very beginning to the very end, their enthusiasm did not waiver! In fact the whole event was truly a well organised event, from the text messages to tell about the weather, to the fantastic staff in the halls and the marshaling on the route! Not only that but the neighbours all out and cheering us all on! A great time.
But right at this moment, I was alone, the occasional car going in the opposite direction. I thought about the end of the race. What will it feel like, who will be left to watch this Old Girl come across the finish line, will I make the finish line. The dreaded 'drop out bus' crept into my thoughts again. "No way, Old Girl, now way will you turn up to the finish in that!" More determination again now, I just plodded along doing my own thing.
Mile 8 and 9 seemed to come and go, Mile 10 I began to struggle. I started to get a slight ache in my left hip, a cramp like ache. I stopped running and just walked for a bit, but that only made it feel worse! It seemed if I wanted to be slightly pain free then I am going to have to keep on jogging!
Mile 1 and 2 seemed like I ran yesterday! I really did seem such a long time ago that I left the start line! Could I really have been running and jogging and walking for over two hours now! This is new territory for me now. My furthest run was the train run I did last month, when I had ran for 9.5 miles, and now the 10 mile poster was way in the back now as I was looking forward to mile 11. Just a park run left now. Thats all I have to do, as I remembered what some of the other PWR's had said to me before we left the hall. My hip kept letting me know that I have done something new!
Mile 11 now, the cheering people are keeping my spirits high, the marshals still with smiles after standing around for the last 2+ hours. "Two miles left Old girl, come on, keep going" I have now taken to talking out loud now. My walk/jog/hobble is causing me to yelp out, and my breathing is gone to pieces. But I am not going to stop! I am going all the way, on my own two feet! The Old Boy will be there waiting for me, and maybe some other PWR's if they haven't got to cold now.
I seemed to have missed the board for the 12 mile mark. Maybe that was a good thing. I knew it couldn't be far now, I was in town! I was window shopping, just anything to take my mind of what I was doing. The people around were cheering, I saw finished runners with their medals. I took a look at my Garmin! My goodness, thats it keep going, it really isn't that far now!
I was really hobbling, I tried my best to look cool, look like a Pettswood Runner, but the grimace on my face was telling a whole different story, the cries of pain adding sound effects. All the while the people were telling me "Not far now, keep going" I saw finished runners walking in the opposite direction with their goody bags and their medals. They joined in the with cheering.
The marshals were lining the road now, helping to keep the runners away from the traffic as we ran along the road. runners who I had overtaken before were now over taking me. "400 m now, I was clutching my leg, and yelping. A paramedic asked if I was ok, and if I wanted to stop for a while "No, I'm keeping going" I said and started back to running. The army guys were all telling me to keep going! The pain in my hip was not letting up. I am just going to have to go for it.
200 m now. I stopped! "Get going" I told myself. I wasn't sure if that was out loud or in my head, but it seemed to have done the trick. I could hear the man on the microphone, "Here's another running" as each running came past him. Hopping along, I could hear the announcer getting louder, then I heard "Come on Donna! You can do it!" It was Kitman Mike, he had his camera aimed at me, "Oh wow, he is still here, but I must the be last PWR to come in" was my first thought, and then "Oh blimey, I am glad I am running!"
Just turned the last corner I could see the finish tunnel us up ahead, and then some more cheering "Well done Donna, come here, give us a hug" And there was DiscoRich! Oh wow, more PWR's, they waited! I went over to the barrier and gave him a hug! "I'm proud of you" he said. And then I hobbled over to the finish line, and grabbed hold of the barrier, just as my leg decided that I had actually done enough standing on it, and it wanted to rest!
Another paramedic came over and asked if I was ok, "Just cramp, I think" I told her, and she pushed to where I was pointing. "Oooouch" yes, that's it, just there" But I shall walk it off" I said. In the mean time the Old Boy was saying "Smile" he said pointing a camera at me! Well, all photos and vid are at the bottom of the page, you can see just the sort of smile I had by then!
Video link to the race. Thanks to Mike for supporting us and taking the the video, and for Sian, and apparately Moy's chocholate brownies! Also thanks to my hubby, for being there for me, love you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC1ckoD8g7U
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| Singstar Jo and Bagpus |
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| Top of Spring Hill |
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| just chekcing Garmin |
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| Smile! :-) |
Geeky stats
Tuesday 19 February 2013
Love My Club Jogs.
I just love jogging along with my fellow club members and also the possible new members from the beginners group.
The beginners group this evening were walking for 2 mins and then jogging for 8. In just a few weeks some of these beginners have gone from no jogging to being able to jog for nearly 30 minutes! That is a huge achievement! Well done to you all, and to Kitman Mike who does an excellent job of coaching them and keeping them jogging along.
There was only one hill for the beginners to do really, and the was Birchwood, but they all managed to do that no problem at all, and then the first of the 2 mins walk 8 mins jog finished just up the top of this hill! Perfect timing I thought! The group that me and Illustrious Leader were taking split into two. As I was in the front I took the faster of this group and Illustrious Leader took the others. What a complete turnaround for me to be in the front pack, leading!
After we got back to the beginning we had to go straight away to the rec to begin our group runs! Singstar Jo was leading todays run. She explained the route, and tried to disguise Cardiac Hill as "with just one little hill" It was when we got assembled together waiting for the off that she mentioned Cardiac Hill! Still, it's good practise for me and Singstar as we have the TW Half on Sunday!
It was a very nice conversational pace run this evening, the group stayed together very well indeed. the first mile we all arrived together at the Off License, and all still being able to chat and enjoy what we have just done! Exactly what running is all about!
The next section is a little tougher, however, but to these group 1'er's it's a piece of cake! We were going to go up Lynwood, this is a little undulating road, which I used to dread doing. But I wasn't that worried about it, of course, Cardiac Hill is yet to come, and that is worrying!
It was a very good group 1 run today, nice pace for 'the week before' jog sessions thanks Singstar, just what we both need! I shall be doing one more jogging session and then I shall be resting up till the first of my big challenges this year.
Sunday 17 February 2013
Taper Down Now!
Hello blog lovers.
What a stunning gorgeous morning it was! It was just crying out for a long run! But I had other commitments first. I had my grandson and church to do first! So my run would have to wait. I just hope the great weather would still be perfect.
After I got back from church, handed back my grandson to my daughter, then it was a quick text to the two girls that I had asked to come along with me, Naggy Neighbour and Smarty Pants. But it seems the call of the silver screen was too much for Naggy Neighbour and she shied off from a 6 miler today.
I got myself ready, as quick as I could, just in case Smarty Pants changed her mind too and wants to watch some western or something on the telly. I walked, jogged and skipped to her house, trying to work my muscles loose, which seem to be quite tight in my calfs and heels. I knocked on the door and then waited. Hmmm, is she coming! I knocked on the door again, maybe she didn't hear me. But then she came out, in her yellow running top, ready for a tapering down (for me) and an 'upping' the mileage for her jog.
I was going to take a fairly easy route, not to many steep hills, although of course there will be hills, we live in a hilly area! So the posh house route is where I shall take her. I don't think she has been this way before, so a very good route for Smarty Pants to do, as there will be no mile markers that she can focus on, in fact the same for me as well. I am starting off my Garmin from her house, and also we shall be nipping down Turnpington lane, so the mileage and the mile marks will be completely different.
We set off, me with my tight calfs and sore Achilles and Smarty Pants with her tight Achilles as well. And I thought that all this jogging and keeping fit was supposed to be good for you! But I soon loosened up, and heading on towards Southborough Lane.
We both were very comfortable jogging along chatting away, letting our breathing settle down. It feels just so right to be out in this glorious sunshine, it almost feels like a summers morning, perfect, He sure has made a great day today, and I am really enjoying being out in it.
It was while I was running along towards Turp, that I realised why I was actually aching today, and yesterday, and quite stiff legged on Friday! It's because I had not stretched out after my 'valentine' mud run with the OB on Thursday! On that day I had forgotten to take my Garmin, and I didn't even write up my blog! Such a slacker! It was a very slow run though, due to trying to run through woods, ended up trying to run up summer hill, and then back down to run through Botony Bay! It was a hard, sticky, slippery, night time 'fun' run of about 4 miles!
Any way, we ran up Turpington lane, and it is a run 'up' here, just ever so slightly though. Just to get us used to what will be a little hill! Coming out on to the A21 now, and then looking forward to the gasps from Smarty Pants, as she realises where I am heading for! "Oh my goodness" I think SP had said, when she saw the hill, and then after realising where that leads to she said "Are we going to Crofton"
"Yes, thats it, and then down by the school" I confirmed to her "But we will be running through those lovely posh houses" I said, as if that will make it any more pleasant for her!
I kept up the running to just before the start hill. "I just want to take a quick breather here, just while I gather some much needed energy to get up here" I said to her. I felt sure she could go on and on, if she was by herself. Just a few minutes walking, and then it was off again. "Get to the top Old Girl, get to the top in one go" I was thinking to myself. I was concentrating hard, and trying not to remember the last time I tried this hill, with Naggy Neighbour, and that time I had ran even less miles than I have done now. I failed then, but I am not going to fail now. No, I was going to get to the top, just to where we turn into the posh houses. I did it! I felt good, bloomin knackered, but I did it.
I had another little walking spell here, as both me and S.P. just looked at all the houses and talked for a bit, and then we were off running the rest of the way through the estate, still chatting! "Is there a down hill section now" asked S.P. "Yes.....and no..... it's undulating" I said, a favourite word for our Pettswood Runners leaders! "But as soon as we get to the roundabout at the top, then it really is all downhill from there." I assured her.
We were both running quite strongly, and faster than my usual 12 mi/m which I was quite pleased with! Maybe I can get faster over distances! But we shall see, next Sunday! The run down from Crofton was a very comfortable run indeed. I just stayed focused, and also I wanted to remember what I was feeling at that particular moment, at this particular mileage on this run. I want to remind myself next week that I can do it, at this same mileage, I can do some quality running, even with a few walking stops.
Next weeks course is going to be very challenging. I don't do things the easy way when I decide to challenge myself. "You can do a marathon Old Girl, so go sign up" was one thing I told myself, and look where that got me. "You need to do a half marathon" everybody else tells me, so what do I do, I choose a very hilly, challenging route! And why not!
Coming pass Shepperton and Smarty Pants was wanting to go down that way, "Didn't we go down there last time?" she said to me "We did, but that was when we were coming from a different direction" I said, "but we are going a little further into Pettswood, and then turning down Lakeside"
From here we seemed to have got a bit of second wind, well, I think we did stop once more (or I did at least) and then it was none stop all the way back to her house. From the top of Hollingworth S.P. seemed to go into 'I must run really really fast now' mode as she took off for her house. I followed on behind, trying to keep up, but of course she is younger than me!
So our geeky stats, I am quite pleased with this run today
What a stunning gorgeous morning it was! It was just crying out for a long run! But I had other commitments first. I had my grandson and church to do first! So my run would have to wait. I just hope the great weather would still be perfect.
After I got back from church, handed back my grandson to my daughter, then it was a quick text to the two girls that I had asked to come along with me, Naggy Neighbour and Smarty Pants. But it seems the call of the silver screen was too much for Naggy Neighbour and she shied off from a 6 miler today.
I got myself ready, as quick as I could, just in case Smarty Pants changed her mind too and wants to watch some western or something on the telly. I walked, jogged and skipped to her house, trying to work my muscles loose, which seem to be quite tight in my calfs and heels. I knocked on the door and then waited. Hmmm, is she coming! I knocked on the door again, maybe she didn't hear me. But then she came out, in her yellow running top, ready for a tapering down (for me) and an 'upping' the mileage for her jog.
I was going to take a fairly easy route, not to many steep hills, although of course there will be hills, we live in a hilly area! So the posh house route is where I shall take her. I don't think she has been this way before, so a very good route for Smarty Pants to do, as there will be no mile markers that she can focus on, in fact the same for me as well. I am starting off my Garmin from her house, and also we shall be nipping down Turnpington lane, so the mileage and the mile marks will be completely different.
We set off, me with my tight calfs and sore Achilles and Smarty Pants with her tight Achilles as well. And I thought that all this jogging and keeping fit was supposed to be good for you! But I soon loosened up, and heading on towards Southborough Lane.
We both were very comfortable jogging along chatting away, letting our breathing settle down. It feels just so right to be out in this glorious sunshine, it almost feels like a summers morning, perfect, He sure has made a great day today, and I am really enjoying being out in it.
It was while I was running along towards Turp, that I realised why I was actually aching today, and yesterday, and quite stiff legged on Friday! It's because I had not stretched out after my 'valentine' mud run with the OB on Thursday! On that day I had forgotten to take my Garmin, and I didn't even write up my blog! Such a slacker! It was a very slow run though, due to trying to run through woods, ended up trying to run up summer hill, and then back down to run through Botony Bay! It was a hard, sticky, slippery, night time 'fun' run of about 4 miles!
Any way, we ran up Turpington lane, and it is a run 'up' here, just ever so slightly though. Just to get us used to what will be a little hill! Coming out on to the A21 now, and then looking forward to the gasps from Smarty Pants, as she realises where I am heading for! "Oh my goodness" I think SP had said, when she saw the hill, and then after realising where that leads to she said "Are we going to Crofton"
"Yes, thats it, and then down by the school" I confirmed to her "But we will be running through those lovely posh houses" I said, as if that will make it any more pleasant for her!
I kept up the running to just before the start hill. "I just want to take a quick breather here, just while I gather some much needed energy to get up here" I said to her. I felt sure she could go on and on, if she was by herself. Just a few minutes walking, and then it was off again. "Get to the top Old Girl, get to the top in one go" I was thinking to myself. I was concentrating hard, and trying not to remember the last time I tried this hill, with Naggy Neighbour, and that time I had ran even less miles than I have done now. I failed then, but I am not going to fail now. No, I was going to get to the top, just to where we turn into the posh houses. I did it! I felt good, bloomin knackered, but I did it.
I had another little walking spell here, as both me and S.P. just looked at all the houses and talked for a bit, and then we were off running the rest of the way through the estate, still chatting! "Is there a down hill section now" asked S.P. "Yes.....and no..... it's undulating" I said, a favourite word for our Pettswood Runners leaders! "But as soon as we get to the roundabout at the top, then it really is all downhill from there." I assured her.
We were both running quite strongly, and faster than my usual 12 mi/m which I was quite pleased with! Maybe I can get faster over distances! But we shall see, next Sunday! The run down from Crofton was a very comfortable run indeed. I just stayed focused, and also I wanted to remember what I was feeling at that particular moment, at this particular mileage on this run. I want to remind myself next week that I can do it, at this same mileage, I can do some quality running, even with a few walking stops.
Next weeks course is going to be very challenging. I don't do things the easy way when I decide to challenge myself. "You can do a marathon Old Girl, so go sign up" was one thing I told myself, and look where that got me. "You need to do a half marathon" everybody else tells me, so what do I do, I choose a very hilly, challenging route! And why not!
Coming pass Shepperton and Smarty Pants was wanting to go down that way, "Didn't we go down there last time?" she said to me "We did, but that was when we were coming from a different direction" I said, "but we are going a little further into Pettswood, and then turning down Lakeside"
From here we seemed to have got a bit of second wind, well, I think we did stop once more (or I did at least) and then it was none stop all the way back to her house. From the top of Hollingworth S.P. seemed to go into 'I must run really really fast now' mode as she took off for her house. I followed on behind, trying to keep up, but of course she is younger than me!
So our geeky stats, I am quite pleased with this run today
Thursday 14 February 2013
A Taste Of Summer?
Hello blog lovers.
It's Thursday, and I am kid free all day! Very unusual these days, but a nice welcome break! So again I was able to help out with the Thursday improvers group. These Thursdays sessions came about because some of the group 1 runners wanted extra help to get faster and stronger. And it is so much more motivating to be running in a group. Although I sometimes do enjoy my solo runs (because I am more inclined to be lenient on myself when I'm alone!)
Kay did a solo run last Sunday, and I was very impressed and surprised that she chose Summer Hill as part of her route. It has taken me, what...... four years to incorporate that particular nasty little nemesis into one of my routes! The thing that impressed me most is that she said the shorter way up (heading towards Bickely) wasn't as bad because it was shorter! To me, way back in my beginning days, that would have been equivalent to Mount Everest! I wouldn't even contemplate even thinking about doing it! And she was tackling it head on. Go Kay!
I still find that hill a struggle, but now that I have run up it twice it will no long hold me in dread! Blimey, I have gone on awol, writing about todays run! So, our route was what we did a couple of weeks ago, through Jubilee park and then up Blackbrook and along Southborough Lane. But our Illustrious Leader, suggested to DiscoRich, (her hubby) that actually do the route in reverse is much more pleasant, as its down hill. Kay immediately backed up IL and so the direction of the run was changed.
Illustrious Leader and I will be going with the slower group, at group 1 pace while DiscoRich will be taking the faster ones out, and also going a slightly different route to what we would be doing! And then we we off. Over the NewShopper bridge on to Southborough Lane. It really is a more pleasant way to run on this road! Everybody was chatting away, and enjoying the sun that was trying to peak out. Just a little taste of what summer will bring us!
Going up Blackbrook Lane all still running along nicely, no one had stopped yet, but then the faster group had caught us up. Two girls went flying past us and then DiscoRich with two others were trailing. Now these two usually run with us in group 1, and they usually do really well, keeping ahead of the pack, but running at D.R. pace and over a slightly longer route was challenging for them and they decided to finish the rest of the run with us. D.R. had to run fast now to catch up with the faster ladies!
We went across the first of the three bridges, (not that we were planning to go over the other three) into Little Thrift and then turned right and then right again!.Even I thought that we were going to running straight towards Crossways, but our I.L. had other ideas, and that was to head up to Pettswood again, and then run up Crossways from the other end!
All in all, a very pleasant run. The sun did come out for a short period, and made everyone feel really good! Summer time can't come quick enough!
Geeky stats.
It's Thursday, and I am kid free all day! Very unusual these days, but a nice welcome break! So again I was able to help out with the Thursday improvers group. These Thursdays sessions came about because some of the group 1 runners wanted extra help to get faster and stronger. And it is so much more motivating to be running in a group. Although I sometimes do enjoy my solo runs (because I am more inclined to be lenient on myself when I'm alone!)
Kay did a solo run last Sunday, and I was very impressed and surprised that she chose Summer Hill as part of her route. It has taken me, what...... four years to incorporate that particular nasty little nemesis into one of my routes! The thing that impressed me most is that she said the shorter way up (heading towards Bickely) wasn't as bad because it was shorter! To me, way back in my beginning days, that would have been equivalent to Mount Everest! I wouldn't even contemplate even thinking about doing it! And she was tackling it head on. Go Kay!
I still find that hill a struggle, but now that I have run up it twice it will no long hold me in dread! Blimey, I have gone on awol, writing about todays run! So, our route was what we did a couple of weeks ago, through Jubilee park and then up Blackbrook and along Southborough Lane. But our Illustrious Leader, suggested to DiscoRich, (her hubby) that actually do the route in reverse is much more pleasant, as its down hill. Kay immediately backed up IL and so the direction of the run was changed.
Illustrious Leader and I will be going with the slower group, at group 1 pace while DiscoRich will be taking the faster ones out, and also going a slightly different route to what we would be doing! And then we we off. Over the NewShopper bridge on to Southborough Lane. It really is a more pleasant way to run on this road! Everybody was chatting away, and enjoying the sun that was trying to peak out. Just a little taste of what summer will bring us!
Going up Blackbrook Lane all still running along nicely, no one had stopped yet, but then the faster group had caught us up. Two girls went flying past us and then DiscoRich with two others were trailing. Now these two usually run with us in group 1, and they usually do really well, keeping ahead of the pack, but running at D.R. pace and over a slightly longer route was challenging for them and they decided to finish the rest of the run with us. D.R. had to run fast now to catch up with the faster ladies!
We went across the first of the three bridges, (not that we were planning to go over the other three) into Little Thrift and then turned right and then right again!.Even I thought that we were going to running straight towards Crossways, but our I.L. had other ideas, and that was to head up to Pettswood again, and then run up Crossways from the other end!
All in all, a very pleasant run. The sun did come out for a short period, and made everyone feel really good! Summer time can't come quick enough!
Geeky stats.
Tuesday 12 February 2013
Shhhh! It's Not Raining
Hello Blog lovers.
Can you believe it! No rain, no snow, in fact it feels pretty good outside, apart from a bit chilly, but it is winter time! I offered to help out with the beginners again, and why not. I love giving something back to my club, I love giving encouragement to all the new joggers and runners, and a huge bonus, is that it's extra training for me on a Tuesday. But I have told you all that before.
The beginners are already at week 5 and the routine for this session was 2 minutes walk and then 6 minutes run. "What happened to the 5 minute jog, have we skipped that week" I heard someone say. But Kitman Mike assured them they were all capable of doing this weeks session.
Mike took group 1, the faster paced beginners, and then the other members were 'shared' between me Singstar Jo and Sherry, who were also helping out with the beginners again. The ladies that I were with were definitely ready for a 6 minute jog, already warmed up with the warm up walking lap before hand they were power walking up the hill, where as I was straight out of my car, so not even thought about warming up! I was glad of the 2 minute power walk!
Four sets of 2 min walk/6 min jog, they ladies did brilliantly, every one kept up the jogging bits, and a couple of the ladies were always in front keeping the pace. Well done to all the beginners today! After it was straight to do my group 1 run, meeting at the rec.
First geeky stats for beginners run.
Our Illustrious leader was leading the group today, me and Singstar Jo were sweeping at the back. There were a few missing faces, Kay had parents evening and poor J.J. has pulled a muscle! I hope you get better J.J. Our route today was a nice easy route, with just one hill at the beginning, and that is Birchwood! "For those who get to the top quicker then double back to the first lamppost to wait for the rest" said I.L. But we all got to the top of the hill at the same time, but to 'lead by example' our Illustrious Leader took a couple of the others to the lamppost and then back to those who just wanted a breather after the hill.
Janet was doing brilliantly! She kept up with the group and there wasn't much of a split in the pack as there has been before. It just goes to show that she is improving all the time, and she did get a PB at the local ParkRun on Saturday!
I can truly say that todays jogging sessions were just so much more pleasant than they have been for a while. I think everybody has been fed up with the rain and the snow, and the awful running conditions of late and this evening people have just gone out and just really enjoyed being outside without getting wet, and frozen.
I really did enjoy my two sessions as a Pettswood Runner member!
Geeky stats for my group 1 session
Can you believe it! No rain, no snow, in fact it feels pretty good outside, apart from a bit chilly, but it is winter time! I offered to help out with the beginners again, and why not. I love giving something back to my club, I love giving encouragement to all the new joggers and runners, and a huge bonus, is that it's extra training for me on a Tuesday. But I have told you all that before.
The beginners are already at week 5 and the routine for this session was 2 minutes walk and then 6 minutes run. "What happened to the 5 minute jog, have we skipped that week" I heard someone say. But Kitman Mike assured them they were all capable of doing this weeks session.
Mike took group 1, the faster paced beginners, and then the other members were 'shared' between me Singstar Jo and Sherry, who were also helping out with the beginners again. The ladies that I were with were definitely ready for a 6 minute jog, already warmed up with the warm up walking lap before hand they were power walking up the hill, where as I was straight out of my car, so not even thought about warming up! I was glad of the 2 minute power walk!
Four sets of 2 min walk/6 min jog, they ladies did brilliantly, every one kept up the jogging bits, and a couple of the ladies were always in front keeping the pace. Well done to all the beginners today! After it was straight to do my group 1 run, meeting at the rec.
First geeky stats for beginners run.
Our Illustrious leader was leading the group today, me and Singstar Jo were sweeping at the back. There were a few missing faces, Kay had parents evening and poor J.J. has pulled a muscle! I hope you get better J.J. Our route today was a nice easy route, with just one hill at the beginning, and that is Birchwood! "For those who get to the top quicker then double back to the first lamppost to wait for the rest" said I.L. But we all got to the top of the hill at the same time, but to 'lead by example' our Illustrious Leader took a couple of the others to the lamppost and then back to those who just wanted a breather after the hill.
Janet was doing brilliantly! She kept up with the group and there wasn't much of a split in the pack as there has been before. It just goes to show that she is improving all the time, and she did get a PB at the local ParkRun on Saturday!
I can truly say that todays jogging sessions were just so much more pleasant than they have been for a while. I think everybody has been fed up with the rain and the snow, and the awful running conditions of late and this evening people have just gone out and just really enjoyed being outside without getting wet, and frozen.
I really did enjoy my two sessions as a Pettswood Runner member!
Geeky stats for my group 1 session
Sunday 10 February 2013
ARGGGGHH RAIN AGAIN!
Hello blog lovers.
Remember my mantra, remember my mantra!
You couldn't write this stuff if you were thinking about the worst scenario for a 'first time marathoners training plans', even if you were J.K. Rawlings herself! Rain, cold, wet, ex-couch potato! The whole of the fictional story is there! But its happening to this Old Girl!
The half marathon is coming up, I am training for that (obviously the half marathon is training for the full). I really wanted to do do about 10 to 11 miles today. But after I came back from a rather fantastic morning at church, the weather was telling the 'old couch potato' to stay in doors and eat huge amounts of buttered toast!
But as the Old Boy has said for quite a while now, due to this continuing wet weather, if you don't go out now then you never will do! It seems as if I am going to have to get used to being cold, wet and jogging!
Naggy Neighbour has joined me today, for my long slow run. She has only ran about twice this year, so I am expecting her to be at my pace now, and (if I'm lucky) a tad slower! ......Yeah right! This is Naggy Neighbour, her resolve is as strong as iron, her body may complain, but she ignores that and just gets on with the job!
Our route (originally) was planned for about 10 miles. But this is me, I still have tiny remnants of couch potato roots inside, so to make things psychologically better I decided to run through the ally, pass by turn around lamppost and then on up the A21. I needed that little extra boost, and I feel sure that Naggy Neighbour will appreciate it at some point on this run!
The rain continued down. When we got on to the A21 we saw another jogger "Oh, so we are not the only crazy people out jogging" said Naggy. We continued up the A21. I felt sure Naggy would start to slow down now, as we approach the hill. "Yeah, this is where she will appreciate those lost couple of miles!.....any minutue now, she will be stopping for a quick 'Old Girl' breather! Just half way up this hill, you'll see! I checked my Garmin, to make sure that I wasn't blasted this hill, I didn't want to wear Naggy Neighbour out! (?) That's when I realised that I hadn't actually started my Garmin! "Oh blast" I shouted out "I haven't started my Garmin" "We have just done 1 mile" called back Naggy. Only one mile! It feels like so much more! It must be this weather that is getting to me! Any minute now, Naggy is going to stop for a breather! Just a little further, and then she is going to feel it!
She never did! In fact she turned around to check up on me, to make sure that I was running! I don't think she realised that I had already had a 5 second walk! I had to make my self get going again. Ok, so she is younger than me! and.... It's raining (no excuse really as she is also running in the rain) But....she ....is ....younger than me!
I started my Garmin, as soon as I realised my silly mistake, (although it don't matter this run as Naggy has her Garmin running) but at least now I can keep an eye on my pace! We ran through the posh houses, side by side now. She has obviously slowed down a bit, or.....I have caught up! She said she has never been through here. And we decided that we will each buy a house here! It's good to dream, it passes the time!
There is no stopping N.N. she is all out for a constant non-stop run! Two runs only this year and she is pacemaker! I took another little walk just up Crofton, "Come on, don't stop!" Ahhh, There's the N.N. that I know and love! Can you believe it! She is nagging me to keep going! Well, we still have at least another 7 miles to do, lets see if I can turn the tables!
I felt as if I was stuggling, and N.N. kept me informed of how many miles we had done. I was looking forward to getting on to the 'second route' the one through Pettswood and Chislehurst, because then I know we are at least half way through!
N.N. kept going though, there was no stopping her. "You're running at lot stronger than the last time we ran together" said N.N. "Oh thanks" I said. I was so glad she said that, because it has been quite a while, if there was no improvement then I would just through in my trainers now!
Going through Chislehurst now, and up 'Cardiac Hill' My legs were hurting! Right at the top, in the unmentionable area! Maybe I need to do some sort of hip flexing/groin strengthening type of ....stuff.... I'm sure our club physio will be able to give me some exercises to do, or even 'Stretch Leader' from the track sessions, mind you, judging from last weeks stretches, I wouldn't do any of them by myself, I will need someone to untangle me if I did his!
I didn't quite manage to run up Cardiac all in one go! I was annoyed at myself, but I tried not to let it get into my head. But the avalanche of 'stopping' had begun! I made sure though that I kept to my 10 second breather! And then back to running!
I kept telling myself "It's not that far now" Running pass the 'Tigers Head' I know that there is only about 3 miles to go. I kept a regular check on my pace, and a few times I was running at a faster pace, but I felt comfortable. I just need to see how this is going to affect me, (although my groin is going to tell me exactly how it is going to affect me!) Naggy Neighbour is just looking so strong! Either that or she just wants to stay ahead of me so that I can't see the pain etched on her face!
Getting to Summer Hill was a huge welcome relief. Running down there really did feel like a walk in the park. Me and Naggy were even running side by side now! "My legs are so cold" she said to me, "So are mine." I said "I have an itch at the top of my leg, but when I scratch it my legs are too numb to realise it" All too soon though, the down hill of Summer Hill had finished. N.N. went straight back into trainer mode, "No stopping on this hill, slow down your pace, do what ever, but no stopping. You can stop at the top" After all the miles we have done so far getting up this particular hill, at this point, in one go, seems impossible!
I had managed my breathing pretty well on the down hill section, I was well recovered (?) from the miles so far, and in my mind I was planning on getting to the top of this hill! That's all you need, apparently, a determination! I put my head down, metaphorically speaking, and got stuck into to hill. A nice steady pace so far, the rest before hand has done me good, I was breathing just perfectly, the hill was being eaten up by my shoes, I felt strong! Half way up though, I started to feel it, my breathing started to labour a bit more, but I push hard, I kept it going, I passed the direction sign, the round about just ahead now, and I will be able to take a quick breather! YES, YESSSS YESSS!!! Done it!
A quick walk, I think maybe longer that my 10 second rule, as I watched in awe as N.N. carried on running up the road. Again I caught up with her/she slowed down, and we chatted a bit as we ran along Blackbrook. Towards the end of the road N.N. asked if we were going through the park "No, turn left and up Southborough" I said "Not through the park!?" she said, totally gobsmacked! "I don't think I can face another hill" and so with that I said "Ok, through the park I said" secretly pleased! The weather hadn't let off at all, even had snow fall on us, so I think we have both done well. Besides it will only be an extra quarter of a mile if we went up Southborough!
N.N. seemed to have found a little extra as she pushed her self through the park. I was feeling rather tired now, but I kept going until the play park! Then took another walking spot "Only to the road" I said to myself, "Then its non stop all the way home" N.N. was way up the road by the time I popped out of the park! "I bet she is hurting now" I thought to myself, "She is that far from me so that I can't hear her groaning" These are the things that I think of! Anything to keep my ass from stopping on the roads of my estate!
Just a few minutes more and I was home! Straight into N.N.'s house for a drink of squash and then for a walk around the block! In the freezing cold! We really did cool down very quickly, and while we were walking decided that we both earned a pint and a packet of crisps!
Geeky stats, with N.N.'s geeky stats at the bottom, Oh, and one other thing, Naggy Neighbough checked her geeky stats and realised that her last run was on the 30th Decemember, so she hasn't ran at all this year!
And Naggy Neighbours geeky stats
Remember my mantra, remember my mantra!
You couldn't write this stuff if you were thinking about the worst scenario for a 'first time marathoners training plans', even if you were J.K. Rawlings herself! Rain, cold, wet, ex-couch potato! The whole of the fictional story is there! But its happening to this Old Girl!
The half marathon is coming up, I am training for that (obviously the half marathon is training for the full). I really wanted to do do about 10 to 11 miles today. But after I came back from a rather fantastic morning at church, the weather was telling the 'old couch potato' to stay in doors and eat huge amounts of buttered toast!
But as the Old Boy has said for quite a while now, due to this continuing wet weather, if you don't go out now then you never will do! It seems as if I am going to have to get used to being cold, wet and jogging!
Naggy Neighbour has joined me today, for my long slow run. She has only ran about twice this year, so I am expecting her to be at my pace now, and (if I'm lucky) a tad slower! ......Yeah right! This is Naggy Neighbour, her resolve is as strong as iron, her body may complain, but she ignores that and just gets on with the job!
Our route (originally) was planned for about 10 miles. But this is me, I still have tiny remnants of couch potato roots inside, so to make things psychologically better I decided to run through the ally, pass by turn around lamppost and then on up the A21. I needed that little extra boost, and I feel sure that Naggy Neighbour will appreciate it at some point on this run!
The rain continued down. When we got on to the A21 we saw another jogger "Oh, so we are not the only crazy people out jogging" said Naggy. We continued up the A21. I felt sure Naggy would start to slow down now, as we approach the hill. "Yeah, this is where she will appreciate those lost couple of miles!.....any minutue now, she will be stopping for a quick 'Old Girl' breather! Just half way up this hill, you'll see! I checked my Garmin, to make sure that I wasn't blasted this hill, I didn't want to wear Naggy Neighbour out! (?) That's when I realised that I hadn't actually started my Garmin! "Oh blast" I shouted out "I haven't started my Garmin" "We have just done 1 mile" called back Naggy. Only one mile! It feels like so much more! It must be this weather that is getting to me! Any minute now, Naggy is going to stop for a breather! Just a little further, and then she is going to feel it!
She never did! In fact she turned around to check up on me, to make sure that I was running! I don't think she realised that I had already had a 5 second walk! I had to make my self get going again. Ok, so she is younger than me! and.... It's raining (no excuse really as she is also running in the rain) But....she ....is ....younger than me!
I started my Garmin, as soon as I realised my silly mistake, (although it don't matter this run as Naggy has her Garmin running) but at least now I can keep an eye on my pace! We ran through the posh houses, side by side now. She has obviously slowed down a bit, or.....I have caught up! She said she has never been through here. And we decided that we will each buy a house here! It's good to dream, it passes the time!
There is no stopping N.N. she is all out for a constant non-stop run! Two runs only this year and she is pacemaker! I took another little walk just up Crofton, "Come on, don't stop!" Ahhh, There's the N.N. that I know and love! Can you believe it! She is nagging me to keep going! Well, we still have at least another 7 miles to do, lets see if I can turn the tables!
I felt as if I was stuggling, and N.N. kept me informed of how many miles we had done. I was looking forward to getting on to the 'second route' the one through Pettswood and Chislehurst, because then I know we are at least half way through!
N.N. kept going though, there was no stopping her. "You're running at lot stronger than the last time we ran together" said N.N. "Oh thanks" I said. I was so glad she said that, because it has been quite a while, if there was no improvement then I would just through in my trainers now!
Going through Chislehurst now, and up 'Cardiac Hill' My legs were hurting! Right at the top, in the unmentionable area! Maybe I need to do some sort of hip flexing/groin strengthening type of ....stuff.... I'm sure our club physio will be able to give me some exercises to do, or even 'Stretch Leader' from the track sessions, mind you, judging from last weeks stretches, I wouldn't do any of them by myself, I will need someone to untangle me if I did his!
I didn't quite manage to run up Cardiac all in one go! I was annoyed at myself, but I tried not to let it get into my head. But the avalanche of 'stopping' had begun! I made sure though that I kept to my 10 second breather! And then back to running!
I kept telling myself "It's not that far now" Running pass the 'Tigers Head' I know that there is only about 3 miles to go. I kept a regular check on my pace, and a few times I was running at a faster pace, but I felt comfortable. I just need to see how this is going to affect me, (although my groin is going to tell me exactly how it is going to affect me!) Naggy Neighbour is just looking so strong! Either that or she just wants to stay ahead of me so that I can't see the pain etched on her face!
Getting to Summer Hill was a huge welcome relief. Running down there really did feel like a walk in the park. Me and Naggy were even running side by side now! "My legs are so cold" she said to me, "So are mine." I said "I have an itch at the top of my leg, but when I scratch it my legs are too numb to realise it" All too soon though, the down hill of Summer Hill had finished. N.N. went straight back into trainer mode, "No stopping on this hill, slow down your pace, do what ever, but no stopping. You can stop at the top" After all the miles we have done so far getting up this particular hill, at this point, in one go, seems impossible!
I had managed my breathing pretty well on the down hill section, I was well recovered (?) from the miles so far, and in my mind I was planning on getting to the top of this hill! That's all you need, apparently, a determination! I put my head down, metaphorically speaking, and got stuck into to hill. A nice steady pace so far, the rest before hand has done me good, I was breathing just perfectly, the hill was being eaten up by my shoes, I felt strong! Half way up though, I started to feel it, my breathing started to labour a bit more, but I push hard, I kept it going, I passed the direction sign, the round about just ahead now, and I will be able to take a quick breather! YES, YESSSS YESSS!!! Done it!
A quick walk, I think maybe longer that my 10 second rule, as I watched in awe as N.N. carried on running up the road. Again I caught up with her/she slowed down, and we chatted a bit as we ran along Blackbrook. Towards the end of the road N.N. asked if we were going through the park "No, turn left and up Southborough" I said "Not through the park!?" she said, totally gobsmacked! "I don't think I can face another hill" and so with that I said "Ok, through the park I said" secretly pleased! The weather hadn't let off at all, even had snow fall on us, so I think we have both done well. Besides it will only be an extra quarter of a mile if we went up Southborough!
N.N. seemed to have found a little extra as she pushed her self through the park. I was feeling rather tired now, but I kept going until the play park! Then took another walking spot "Only to the road" I said to myself, "Then its non stop all the way home" N.N. was way up the road by the time I popped out of the park! "I bet she is hurting now" I thought to myself, "She is that far from me so that I can't hear her groaning" These are the things that I think of! Anything to keep my ass from stopping on the roads of my estate!
Just a few minutes more and I was home! Straight into N.N.'s house for a drink of squash and then for a walk around the block! In the freezing cold! We really did cool down very quickly, and while we were walking decided that we both earned a pint and a packet of crisps!
Geeky stats, with N.N.'s geeky stats at the bottom, Oh, and one other thing, Naggy Neighbough checked her geeky stats and realised that her last run was on the 30th Decemember, so she hasn't ran at all this year!
And Naggy Neighbours geeky stats
Thursday 7 February 2013
Running Snowmen and Contortionists!
Hello Blog lovers.
SOME ONE, PLEASE, TAKE ME AWAY FROM ALL THIS! Can you believe that this one time, large, lazy couch potato could possibly be contemplating leaving her nice warm, cosy, empty peacefully quiet home, to go out in the dark, cold raining evening, to run around a 400 meter track, several times (supposedly getting faster for the last 4 laps!)
It doesn't compute, does it! And quite frankly, if the Old Boy had decided that he is actually going to stay home, instead of going for his bike ride, then I would have stayed home!
Still, as my mantra seems to be at the moment, 'You don't melt if you get rained on!' What a difference from this afternoon, though. I am so glad that I went running during the day, just to remind me, that running is actually enjoyable!
So, track session, 2x1200 with 2 minutes rest/walk/jog that is 3 times around the track, then walk to the 100 meter mark turn around and back again. Even I can count up to three and not get confused. Thats what you would think, wouldn't you. But, added to the dark, the cold, the rain, there seems to be snow flakes floating down. I looked up at the sky. Yup, definite snow flakes. I blame Sigrid myself, she said that one time during track session the snow fell and settled on the track. She said it was so nice and peaceful! Sigrid, I believed you, you didn't have to order the snow, honest! Then, after that, it should be 4x800, easy peasy, at least those laps I only have to count up to two!
As I plodded out my (it seems) endless laps around the track the rain stopped Yeah! The snow didn't! In fact the snow came down even heavier! I just looked up at the sky, it seemed like the whole of the constellations were gently falling on to us. I'm not sure if I was smiling or grimacing at this point, but it really did look so very pretty. Hang on! What am I thinking! Pretty, snowflakes, me running in the cold! Total madness! I was running that slowly (due the cold conditions) the snow actually started to settled on me! If it gets any heavier I will end up looking like a snowman!
But, and this is even more worrying, I kind of enjoyed it! I don't think I did all of my 'allotted' laps (again, as usual, lazy Old Girl) After everybody had finished running around the track, and I know that some of them didn't do all the allotted laps either, we had to do the stretches. We used the shelter to do our stretches where the 'Stretch leader' decided that as it was dry we would sit down and do some glute stretching! Yeah right! I don't think I could get down on the floor without asking for two volunteers to get me up again! Not the way I was feeling anyway. I chose to try do do them sat on the bench. But after looking at the other PWR's and the way they had the arms, legs and grimaced looks, I don't think I was doing so well on the butt stretch.
And then there was another stretch, a leg kind of gets bent, the other one goes over it, you twist your body, grab you left elbow with tongue and say goodbye to your hip bones! I don't think I have ever been that flexible even when the midwife slapped my backside! Most of them seem to be contorting their body, there was just a couple of others that decided actually, sitting and writhing on a cold damp floor was just to much for anybody!
But a good session, glad I went out(?) My therapy sessions will start after my marathon!
Geeky stats!
Still, as my mantra seems to be at the moment, 'You don't melt if you get rained on!' What a difference from this afternoon, though. I am so glad that I went running during the day, just to remind me, that running is actually enjoyable!
So, track session, 2x1200 with 2 minutes rest/walk/jog that is 3 times around the track, then walk to the 100 meter mark turn around and back again. Even I can count up to three and not get confused. Thats what you would think, wouldn't you. But, added to the dark, the cold, the rain, there seems to be snow flakes floating down. I looked up at the sky. Yup, definite snow flakes. I blame Sigrid myself, she said that one time during track session the snow fell and settled on the track. She said it was so nice and peaceful! Sigrid, I believed you, you didn't have to order the snow, honest! Then, after that, it should be 4x800, easy peasy, at least those laps I only have to count up to two!
As I plodded out my (it seems) endless laps around the track the rain stopped Yeah! The snow didn't! In fact the snow came down even heavier! I just looked up at the sky, it seemed like the whole of the constellations were gently falling on to us. I'm not sure if I was smiling or grimacing at this point, but it really did look so very pretty. Hang on! What am I thinking! Pretty, snowflakes, me running in the cold! Total madness! I was running that slowly (due the cold conditions) the snow actually started to settled on me! If it gets any heavier I will end up looking like a snowman!
But, and this is even more worrying, I kind of enjoyed it! I don't think I did all of my 'allotted' laps (again, as usual, lazy Old Girl) After everybody had finished running around the track, and I know that some of them didn't do all the allotted laps either, we had to do the stretches. We used the shelter to do our stretches where the 'Stretch leader' decided that as it was dry we would sit down and do some glute stretching! Yeah right! I don't think I could get down on the floor without asking for two volunteers to get me up again! Not the way I was feeling anyway. I chose to try do do them sat on the bench. But after looking at the other PWR's and the way they had the arms, legs and grimaced looks, I don't think I was doing so well on the butt stretch.
And then there was another stretch, a leg kind of gets bent, the other one goes over it, you twist your body, grab you left elbow with tongue and say goodbye to your hip bones! I don't think I have ever been that flexible even when the midwife slapped my backside! Most of them seem to be contorting their body, there was just a couple of others that decided actually, sitting and writhing on a cold damp floor was just to much for anybody!
But a good session, glad I went out(?) My therapy sessions will start after my marathon!
Geeky stats!
A Run Off Yesterdays Stodgy Grub!
Yesterday I had that horrible nasty little affliction veticula-aversion syndrome, or the street name of can't-be-arsed-itus. The horrible outside conditions just didn't do it me, unless it was getting into the car and driving to the local proveyor of all things spicey! Which is what won the day!
But the day today looks very inviting! The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and I just feel more positive about getting out there. Oh, I can't wait for the summer to be here! It's just so much more inviting to be out in the woods, parks and forests running through them! But today, I will settle for a run through the park and then back up the pavements.
Smarty Pants is coming along as well. She is really getting into her running, even thinking about her attire! She has been running in these trousers type of thing, with the hem flapping open around her ankles. All well and good if you want to stand around and look good, but she is realising that streamlined is better, as I said in one of my earlier blogs, she will soon be walking around the LSS with an arm full of lycra and tech tops, clearing out one drawer for all the running gear she will be accumalating, (or is that just me?)
Anyway, we were only going to be running for about 3 miles today, as I have track session later, and Smarty (streamlined) Pants ankle is a little achy, but as its such a gorgeous afternoon it's good to go through the parks. So it was going to be a shortened version of our run that we last done together. Up to Crestview, in through Tentpeg Lane and then through the park. But then we will be turning left onto Blackbrook lane to jog on home from there.
We were chatting as we left and I didn't start my garmin until we were almost a half mile into our run, but that's nothing new with this Old Girl. We were jogging along and I felt sure we were going much faster than my marathon pace, but when I looked it said something like 15.03! What how can that be? I chose not to divulge that little piece of information to S.P. but just keep plodding along, maybe my Garmin was having another hissy fit!
But when we got up to Tentpeg she S.P. asked "Are we going faster than last time?" I looked again at my Garmin, this time it read 13.01 pace, "Erm, no, according to my Garmin we are going slower!" S.P. couldn't believe it. "It's amazing how sometimes a run seems harder to do even though its the same route" And she is right! I think maybe it's the type of 'fuel' you put into your body. Yesterday, I had porridge, and then some bread, and maybe some more cereal in the afternoon, but then had lazy evening, didn't cook anything and went out for a curry, a quite oily greasy curry really, but I still ate it! And today I am feeling the benefits (or not in this case) of that. S.P. also said that she had an eating day yesterday. Hmmm, I think there maybe something in that!
We were just passing the mile mark (from when I started the Garmin that is) and I informed S.P. of this, "Is that all?" she said. But we kept on plodding away. We were running down Blackbrook Lane and I looked at my Garmin just as we were approaching Southborough lane, it said 10.22 pace! Flipping nora! How long had we been running at that pace! I felt as if I hadn't changed my pace at all, but wow! I need to just pull it back at bit....or do I? I am only doing 3 miles, lets just see where this can go.
We were both running side by side, both with our own thoughts, as we ran down Southborough. It's a slight incline to get to the turning that we need. We are on the other side of the road as well, so there is none the added distractions of the familiar land marks, houses, school gates etc to make us, or I should say me, slow or stop running. We ran up to the zebra crossing, that was the only time we had to stop, but we didn't let that get to us as soon as we were on the other side we began running again.
At the roundabout S.P. went one way to her home, and I carried on straight down to mine, I kept the same pace, I was feeling pretty good. I couldn't wait to see what the geeky stats say about this little three miler.
So geeky stats
After just this minute downloading my geeky stats I have come to the conclusion that it really did have some kind of hissy fit! It shows me and S.P. running up elevations more that 119 thousand feet!! Hmmm, I know we found it tough but it wasn't that tough!
Here for amusement only
Tuesday 5 February 2013
Club Run!
Hello blog lovers.
Club run today. And I volunteered to help with the beginners before the usual group runs at 8. I was glad I did, because the weather was just ...... yuck...!! It was cold, and some people even mentioned snow! But just at the time I needed to go out it was raining. Usually the Old Boy goes out and does his thing on his bike, but the warmth of the blankets and the central heating was just too much of a temptation for him today. He bid me fare-thee-well, with a huge smile on his face as he snuggled back under the comfy blanket!
I must be crazy! But I promised I would be there, and I had no messages that the beginners group was cancelled, and why should I? It's only rain after all, we don't melt down drain holes if it touches us, we may be crazy people but this is not the Land Of Oz! So I drove my car to Little Thrift. I parked my car just opposite the turning where they all meet up and waited. It was just slightly passed seven when I got there, and I could see no sign of people. I thought maybe they must be already on their walk out to warm up. so I carried on sitting in my car, well it was raining! Then I saw some people go down the close, and then a couple more. Then about a minute later Kitman Mike jogged out of the close closely followed by about 15 to 20 other people! "Ah, so they was there after all" thought to myself. I quickly got out of my car, and joined in the throng of eager joggers.
It was then that Mike told me there were two people waiting in in the close for me to turn up. Ooops! Sorry ladies, I hope you didn't get to cold waiting for me. The exercises today was 4 minutes jog with 2 minutes walk, times 5. It seems a hug step up from last week, but I feel sure the group that I was leading out would have no problem with that. They all done very well indeed. One of them said "Wow, is the four minutes up already?" and another one asked for a time check. When I told her we still had about 30 seconds to go, she was happily surprised at that. Everybody in the group I had today was doing brilliantly and they all felt pretty good.
When Kay learnt of the route, and realised it was one of the hills that she really didn't like, I told her not to think about. When we got to the bit that she disliked we just kept plodding away. Looking up to the end of the road. Shepperton Road, then on to Crescent Drive. This is the bit of the route that Kay don't like. We got to the other end of Shepperton and we stopped for a quick breather while we waited for the others. Then we saw Janet running up behind us! While JJ and IL came in just after. Janet was pleased that she got to the top and we all were. Now for the nasty little sneaky upward climb of Crescent drive.
We all just jogged along, sometimes chatting, sometimes just concentrating on the job! Then I head the voice of IL. I didn't quite catch what she said as she was a little further back from us, but Kay heard "I think that message was for you" she said.
"Oh really, I didn't quite hear, what did she say"
"She said that when we get to the top of this road then to spin round and run back to them"
"Ok" I said to her "That will be good"
"Yes but I don't think I will be doing that, I shall just wait at the top" she said laughing. But then she did say that she felt stronger, more able to get up that hill. "I bet it was that breakfast I had today" she said. "I don't feel so guilty now" "When we run we can treat ourselves occasionally to little treats, and why not?" I said "We run so we can eat" I said jokingly.
I did try to get her to just gently jog back to them when we got to the top, but she wanted to wait. It was not that far now to get back to the rec. Just up Frankswood, over the rail bridge and then straight on till Crossways. "Are you going to put in a bit of a sprint" I asked the ladies, but only Kay was up for it. So as soon as we got onto crossways, we both picked up our pace. "Gently does it, slowly build it up" I said to her, and then I noticed that she was pushing a little hard, she was making all the moves to go for it. "Oh good girl" I said and then we both just sprinted on to the sign, to the finish of our group 1
A fantastic run today. In spite of the chill, in spite of the rain, I really felt good. My knees were complaining a little, but I feel sure its because I am trying to run correctly, not 'put the breaks on' by running heel first! At least I hope that is the case!
Geeky stats for Group 1 run
Beginners
Club run today. And I volunteered to help with the beginners before the usual group runs at 8. I was glad I did, because the weather was just ...... yuck...!! It was cold, and some people even mentioned snow! But just at the time I needed to go out it was raining. Usually the Old Boy goes out and does his thing on his bike, but the warmth of the blankets and the central heating was just too much of a temptation for him today. He bid me fare-thee-well, with a huge smile on his face as he snuggled back under the comfy blanket!
I must be crazy! But I promised I would be there, and I had no messages that the beginners group was cancelled, and why should I? It's only rain after all, we don't melt down drain holes if it touches us, we may be crazy people but this is not the Land Of Oz! So I drove my car to Little Thrift. I parked my car just opposite the turning where they all meet up and waited. It was just slightly passed seven when I got there, and I could see no sign of people. I thought maybe they must be already on their walk out to warm up. so I carried on sitting in my car, well it was raining! Then I saw some people go down the close, and then a couple more. Then about a minute later Kitman Mike jogged out of the close closely followed by about 15 to 20 other people! "Ah, so they was there after all" thought to myself. I quickly got out of my car, and joined in the throng of eager joggers.
It was then that Mike told me there were two people waiting in in the close for me to turn up. Ooops! Sorry ladies, I hope you didn't get to cold waiting for me. The exercises today was 4 minutes jog with 2 minutes walk, times 5. It seems a hug step up from last week, but I feel sure the group that I was leading out would have no problem with that. They all done very well indeed. One of them said "Wow, is the four minutes up already?" and another one asked for a time check. When I told her we still had about 30 seconds to go, she was happily surprised at that. Everybody in the group I had today was doing brilliantly and they all felt pretty good.
Group 1 Run
As soon as we had finished the beginners group me and the other helpers, Illustrious Leader, Singstar Jo and Jane, went to the rec to get ready for our club runs. Singstar Jo will be leading group 1 today, and Illustrious Leader will be sweeping. It was to be a nice gentle, slightly undulating route today. I was looking forward to it. I was going to be at the back of group 1, help sweep along. Usually the group splits into two and of the back group I know that again it will have two differing paces going on. So Illustrious leader ran along at the back of this group with JJ and Janet while I ran ahead with Kay. (My goodness it sounds like a role call for the Men In Black, doesn't it?)When Kay learnt of the route, and realised it was one of the hills that she really didn't like, I told her not to think about. When we got to the bit that she disliked we just kept plodding away. Looking up to the end of the road. Shepperton Road, then on to Crescent Drive. This is the bit of the route that Kay don't like. We got to the other end of Shepperton and we stopped for a quick breather while we waited for the others. Then we saw Janet running up behind us! While JJ and IL came in just after. Janet was pleased that she got to the top and we all were. Now for the nasty little sneaky upward climb of Crescent drive.
We all just jogged along, sometimes chatting, sometimes just concentrating on the job! Then I head the voice of IL. I didn't quite catch what she said as she was a little further back from us, but Kay heard "I think that message was for you" she said.
"Oh really, I didn't quite hear, what did she say"
"She said that when we get to the top of this road then to spin round and run back to them"
"Ok" I said to her "That will be good"
"Yes but I don't think I will be doing that, I shall just wait at the top" she said laughing. But then she did say that she felt stronger, more able to get up that hill. "I bet it was that breakfast I had today" she said. "I don't feel so guilty now" "When we run we can treat ourselves occasionally to little treats, and why not?" I said "We run so we can eat" I said jokingly.
I did try to get her to just gently jog back to them when we got to the top, but she wanted to wait. It was not that far now to get back to the rec. Just up Frankswood, over the rail bridge and then straight on till Crossways. "Are you going to put in a bit of a sprint" I asked the ladies, but only Kay was up for it. So as soon as we got onto crossways, we both picked up our pace. "Gently does it, slowly build it up" I said to her, and then I noticed that she was pushing a little hard, she was making all the moves to go for it. "Oh good girl" I said and then we both just sprinted on to the sign, to the finish of our group 1
A fantastic run today. In spite of the chill, in spite of the rain, I really felt good. My knees were complaining a little, but I feel sure its because I am trying to run correctly, not 'put the breaks on' by running heel first! At least I hope that is the case!
Geeky stats for Group 1 run
Monday 4 February 2013
Is This The Beginning Of A Proper Runner!
This evening I thought a nice steady 3 miler would be sufficient. Again, as yesterday, going for a quality run, rather than go for quantity of miles. I shall be looking at my Garmin regularly to make sure that I was keeping to a fairly consistent pace, of 12 m/mi.
Well that was my plan. I told that to the Old Boy, and he said "That's ok, then" So we got ourselves ready and then went for it. It was a bit chilly out, but I know I will warm up as we plod along, and besides, its only a short run after all. I started the Garmin, a nice warm up jog along, me and the Old Boy playfully bumping into each other as we compete for the space on the pavement.
As we were jogging up Farringdon I took a look at my Garmin, a little too soon I know, but just to check on the pacing, and I noticed that we were a bit slower than I wanted to go, yet I felt as if I was actually jogging quicker than I was yesterday! Strange. But I thought I would check further into the first mile before I altered my pacing.
I checked it again as we were running less that 12 m/mi, well this is good, I can ease up a bit. But I didn't! I just kept plodding along, maybe a tad slower, but not a lot. I felt good, I felt comfortable. And I felt as if I was focused! All the psychological spots on this route were not going to affect me. The first mile marker will just quickly pass by as I look at the street lamps.
The pub next. This is a good psychological spot as its where I make myself keep running passed all those smokers standing outside, freezing the asses off for their bit of weedy stuff. Then on to the next spot that always gets to me. The last roundabout before Turp. I used to 'allow' myself a quick breather there. But in doing so it always avalanched into more and more stops.
Each lamppost I spotted came up quickly, and I had to change to another one. Keep my breathing in check, keep my pace a nice steady pace. Make sure everything is just going along tickety boo. Before I realised it we were heading up the 'hill'. This used to always have me stopping. I was always puffing out my ear holes just before I got here, and now look at me! Still plodding along, breathing steady, pace steady, legs not feeling tired, and I am feeling bloody good!
Southborough Lane! Look at this Old Girl go! Easy into the last mile. I allowed myself a smile. Not a big smile, just a quick 'that's it Old Girl' type smile! Another quick glance at my Garmin, I couldn't believe what it was still telling me! "How we doing?" the Old Boy said, "Shhhhh" I replied. I just didn't want to talk, I didn't want to say it out loud, I just needed to stay focused on what I was doing.
Turning down Top Oxhawth, and just a little further. I stopped! Shit! I was annoyed with myself, even when the Old Boy said "Well done, now lets get moving again" I didn't stopped long, just a few walking steps, and the I went off again, after all, I was on the 'Road That I Dare Not Stop', well, virtually anyway!
The Old Boy took off from me down this road, just to give himself a bit of a speed work out. I kept at my pace. I didn't even bother looking at my Garmin now, no point, I'm nearly home.
It felt as if it was a PB, but I'm not sure. This was a steady paced jog, other runs have been faster miles with longer frequent walking spots. But this was one of my best jogs for this route! This one felt good. Will I allow myself another smile, I think so!
Geeky stats
Sunday 3 February 2013
Quality or Quantity?!
Hello blog lovers.
I know I was planning on a long run today, but I also had my family coming for dinner. Still, there is no excuse for that because the Old Boy was going to be cooking it. So what excuse can I use now for not doing a long run? Hmmmm. Well there is none. I must have caught a bit of couldn't-be-arsed-itus as I was out running this afternoon.
But I did have company with me on the 6 miles I did actually run. Smarty Pants came with me. In fact she stayed with me for all of the way until we got back on to our estate! That is her furthest run for a couple of years at least!
I am trying this new discipline for myself. It's to run consistantly at my marathon (over more than 3 miles) and not on a track! I wanted to incorporate a couple of hills. The Old Boy took me for a nice drive,yesterday, to have a look at the route for the TW half that I will be doing this month! Well, the hills there are......I just can't talk about it!
But I think if I can discipline myself to run steadily at 12 m/mi then I am in for a good chance of doing ok ish. I explained to Smarty Pants that I will be doing Summer Hill, and that she could come along and then at any point on the return to Southborough Lane she could return home while I carried on to see how far I get this time! But I am going to be trying to run at 12 m/mi, no faster and (hopefully) no slower, well maybe on the hills!
She was looking forward to it. I estimated that to get back to Southborough lane it would be about 4 miles. I knew Smarty Pants was quite capable of doing this, especially at the pace that we would be doing. She normally runs quite fast, so a nice easy longer run, I think it will do her good as well. I just said to her that it is about three miles!
Anyway, to the running! We set off from Smarty Pants home, and headed for the first time up Southborough Lane, just a small hill, nothing to worry about, and hopefully still keep it to my chosen pace. We already had to slow down though, as we started off a little to fast! I don't want to burn out before we start!
Our route went through Jubilee Park. I just love running through parks and woods, away from noisy, pollution spewing cars. But it wont be for long, through the park and then back on to the roads. Coming out in the middle of Summer hill. Now for a real test for me. Can I run up to the roundabout from here. I haven't done it so far. So maybe today will be the day.
We tippy toed through the unmade road, avoiding the muddy puddles and potholes, till we got to the road. Smarty Pants looked up. "And I thought this was going to be easy" she said. We started up the hill. Nice and getnely, slowly, easy paced, nothing that is going to tire us out. I want to get to the top of this hill. Smarty pants was getting into the groove. She was pulling away, I just kept plodding away, I don't want to give up! The hill seems to be growing steeper before my eyes, my legs muscles hurt, they are complaining like mad, but I am determined. this run today is all about quality, no walking, no moaning, just constant paced jogging, keep on moving!
I was just so pleased to see the sign for the roundabout, just passed there is the top of the hill! I did it! I ran to the top of the hill!, Ok so it was the smaller of the Summer Hills, but still a nemesis of mine! From here it was a fairly straight forward jog, down Blackbrook Lane and then up Southborough Lane, and then say bye to Smarty Pants as I carry back on up till Pettswood!
But Smarty Pants didn't want to go home just then! She wanted to carry on with me! This could be her longest run so far, for a long time. No time for stopping then, just straight up into Pettswood. And still, on the flatter bits of the route we were still having to slow our pace down, and keep it in check! Maybe I should just have kept going at the faster pace, but as this is a discipline run, I felt as if I should stick to my plan.
We ran over the bridge then along the high street and then back under the railway lines to head on home. Smarty Pants thought we were going to go down the first turning, I think maybe she was starting to feel a little tired now. But we kept on going up to Shepperton, and then home from there.
The last bit of tiny hill work, minute compared to Summer Hill, and then the incline up to Pettswood. Not far to go, back to where we started. Smarty Pants had found a last bit of energy as she picked up a bit of speed down the very last road. She finished her run in 1:08 for 5.69 miles, I wanted to carry on to make the 6 miles, so I just took another couple of little roads back to my house.
Here is my geeky stats
I know I was planning on a long run today, but I also had my family coming for dinner. Still, there is no excuse for that because the Old Boy was going to be cooking it. So what excuse can I use now for not doing a long run? Hmmmm. Well there is none. I must have caught a bit of couldn't-be-arsed-itus as I was out running this afternoon.
But I did have company with me on the 6 miles I did actually run. Smarty Pants came with me. In fact she stayed with me for all of the way until we got back on to our estate! That is her furthest run for a couple of years at least!
I am trying this new discipline for myself. It's to run consistantly at my marathon (over more than 3 miles) and not on a track! I wanted to incorporate a couple of hills. The Old Boy took me for a nice drive,yesterday, to have a look at the route for the TW half that I will be doing this month! Well, the hills there are......I just can't talk about it!
But I think if I can discipline myself to run steadily at 12 m/mi then I am in for a good chance of doing ok ish. I explained to Smarty Pants that I will be doing Summer Hill, and that she could come along and then at any point on the return to Southborough Lane she could return home while I carried on to see how far I get this time! But I am going to be trying to run at 12 m/mi, no faster and (hopefully) no slower, well maybe on the hills!
She was looking forward to it. I estimated that to get back to Southborough lane it would be about 4 miles. I knew Smarty Pants was quite capable of doing this, especially at the pace that we would be doing. She normally runs quite fast, so a nice easy longer run, I think it will do her good as well. I just said to her that it is about three miles!
Anyway, to the running! We set off from Smarty Pants home, and headed for the first time up Southborough Lane, just a small hill, nothing to worry about, and hopefully still keep it to my chosen pace. We already had to slow down though, as we started off a little to fast! I don't want to burn out before we start!
Our route went through Jubilee Park. I just love running through parks and woods, away from noisy, pollution spewing cars. But it wont be for long, through the park and then back on to the roads. Coming out in the middle of Summer hill. Now for a real test for me. Can I run up to the roundabout from here. I haven't done it so far. So maybe today will be the day.
We tippy toed through the unmade road, avoiding the muddy puddles and potholes, till we got to the road. Smarty Pants looked up. "And I thought this was going to be easy" she said. We started up the hill. Nice and getnely, slowly, easy paced, nothing that is going to tire us out. I want to get to the top of this hill. Smarty pants was getting into the groove. She was pulling away, I just kept plodding away, I don't want to give up! The hill seems to be growing steeper before my eyes, my legs muscles hurt, they are complaining like mad, but I am determined. this run today is all about quality, no walking, no moaning, just constant paced jogging, keep on moving!
I was just so pleased to see the sign for the roundabout, just passed there is the top of the hill! I did it! I ran to the top of the hill!, Ok so it was the smaller of the Summer Hills, but still a nemesis of mine! From here it was a fairly straight forward jog, down Blackbrook Lane and then up Southborough Lane, and then say bye to Smarty Pants as I carry back on up till Pettswood!
But Smarty Pants didn't want to go home just then! She wanted to carry on with me! This could be her longest run so far, for a long time. No time for stopping then, just straight up into Pettswood. And still, on the flatter bits of the route we were still having to slow our pace down, and keep it in check! Maybe I should just have kept going at the faster pace, but as this is a discipline run, I felt as if I should stick to my plan.
We ran over the bridge then along the high street and then back under the railway lines to head on home. Smarty Pants thought we were going to go down the first turning, I think maybe she was starting to feel a little tired now. But we kept on going up to Shepperton, and then home from there.
The last bit of tiny hill work, minute compared to Summer Hill, and then the incline up to Pettswood. Not far to go, back to where we started. Smarty Pants had found a last bit of energy as she picked up a bit of speed down the very last road. She finished her run in 1:08 for 5.69 miles, I wanted to carry on to make the 6 miles, so I just took another couple of little roads back to my house.
Here is my geeky stats
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