Hello blog lovers,
I did have such a very good the weekend just gone, I didn't train at all! I know! But it doesn't mean that I am going to fail, bail out, quit or anything like that, it just means that I had a good weekend! Simples!
I helped out at our beginners group again yesterday (Tuesday), not only does it give me a sense of giving back, and to encourage all the next group of runners to come and join our running club, but it also helps me out immensely!
Having not run since last Thursday then and extra 2 or 3 miles is just what was needed! Kit man Mike asked me to do the warm up lap with beginners! I just did exactly what Mike did with them last week, a bit of jogging, side crabby thingys and some flailing our arms in a windmill like fashion soon got us all warmed up.
But the time I did the little warm up lap the other two ladies were there and ready and willing to take the beginners through to the 10 min jog, 1 min walk x3.
It was a good workout, and they all did so well. Here is the geeky stats for their route, there was a bit of a hill, which would have killed me a few years ago, but these guys and girls were doing really well!
When we got back Kitman Mike said that it was nearly time for our group runs, so it was straight in the car to get to the rec on time.
I saw Hitchy there and she was talking to a new member that has just joined. The new member is going to be doing the VLM as well next year, and decided that she needs the support of a club to help get her marathon fit! I am sure, once she has settled in she will think, "Why didn't I do thi ages ago?"
My legs were a bit tired after running up the hills today, but as we were going to be having a club draw to see who will get the 3 allocated club places for the VLM I though that we would be doing one of the shorter routes, "Staying local" as our illustrious Leader says.
And there were the words I needed to hear "We are staying local,......" her words kind of trailed of for me then, I was just pleased that we were not straying to far. I offered my services to be sweeper again, as I knew I would be in the back anyway, and then were were off.
I was chatting along with Paul, he has been away from running for a few months, but, I'm not sure what it is, the call of the running shoes pounding the pavements does bring us all back to it as some point. Ok, it took me a whole year after I stopped running, but I found my mojo again, and hasn't really left me. I know that some peoples mojo has to be looked for. Nagging sister found hers doing park runs, Even now, after hurting her foot, the call to work hard at getting fit is strong with her, she is missing her running! She has signed up for a month at a gym just so that she can participate in some form of exercise while her ankle recovers from the recent fall! Paul has come back to the club! Running. once its in there, it stays there! This is why we run!
Anyway, I have so digressed! The route we took was all a bit twisty turny, I hadn't a clue where we were! I was just hoping that I would stay up with them! I was quite pleased that Paul was there, he was running along at my pace, 4 months out will do that. but we wasn't stretched out, we were all quite evenly paced. The new runner admitted later that she was glad that she chose group 1 as this was her pace. She was thinking of going along with group 2 as they do a slightly longer route and slighter faster as well!
I had told her that group 1 was my pace. I am not going to be going any faster any time soon! That is obvious they way I plod along, and so there for I don't feel the need to 'move up' to the next group. My longer runs will be done at weekends and during the other days of the week with the Old Boy. The endurance I have to work on, my pace will stay the same I am sure.
We eventually came across the new railway bridge. It was only then that I realised where I was! So if I did get left behind, lost, then at least I knew how to get back to the rec. But we were all still virtually together. We had another quick little break here for our Illustrious Leader to tell us that we can now go as fast (or as slow) as we wanted, all the way back to the rec, and the she will take over as sweeper.
I like the down hill of Birchwood, as Hitchy said, you can shake out your shoulders, relax your arms, smile! and generally have a good time heading down. As I was no longer needed for sweeper duties, about 3 quarters of the way down I started to put a bit of a faster pace on, getting ready for the sprint on Crossways. I just picked it up a little, eased into the fast run, tried to stay focused. I was hoping I didn't start to early, coming from the other end of Crossways, I didn't want to burn out before I got to the gate!
I turned the corner, checked for the traffic and then started to sprint even faster, keeping my eyes on the sign to the rec! I did it. I didn't start to early, even though I didn't see my sprint road, I managed to keep up a steady faster pace. I must try pushing it a little harder now I think, start my faster running a little bit earlier, and then sprint only on Crossways!
So my geeky stats for group 1 run. And it turned out it was one of our longer runs! 3.89 miles!! So much for me thinking I was going to have it easy! After this some of us went to the wine bar to watch the draw, and to watch our club secretary hand over 'the Big Cheque' of £3,000 to Harris Hospice, the money raised from our Pettswood Runners 10k run held last month.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Almost To Plan!
Hello blog lovers.
Another 'challage day' and I think I did pretty well! Todays challenge was to jog for 35 minutes. I can do that! I am sure I can do that! Or at least have a darn good try at it! The Old Boy was coming along with me, I think secretly he is quite pleased that its only a 35 jog along!
Now a 35 minute run for me now day is about a 3 mile route. So it's up to Turpington lane, do the loop and then back again. Simples. I know I can do this route in about 37 minutes so whats an extra couple of minutes on the schedule.
I had it in mind to do really really well. I always do have good intentions when I set out. And going over the same route, when I am in the right frame of mind, is very good! Because I know all the places that I used to stop, well walk from. The Old Boy calls them stops, in fact he calls them stopping for tea and cakes! But I am walking really, obviously, there are no tea shops on this route! But this evening, I did jog along, to most of it. Only two walking sections! Two! The Old Boy calls them silly stops 'Why are you stopping, there is no need to stop" he said. But I knew I needed it. I only walked for 20 or thirty seconds each time.
From the second walking stop I really thought I would be having another one before I got back home. But I didn't stop again until I was at the lamppost outside my home! Very pleased with that. It wasn't the fast jog of all, but the pace was fairly consistent the OB said. Now lets see what the geeky stats say.
Geeky stats.
Another 'challage day' and I think I did pretty well! Todays challenge was to jog for 35 minutes. I can do that! I am sure I can do that! Or at least have a darn good try at it! The Old Boy was coming along with me, I think secretly he is quite pleased that its only a 35 jog along!
Now a 35 minute run for me now day is about a 3 mile route. So it's up to Turpington lane, do the loop and then back again. Simples. I know I can do this route in about 37 minutes so whats an extra couple of minutes on the schedule.
I had it in mind to do really really well. I always do have good intentions when I set out. And going over the same route, when I am in the right frame of mind, is very good! Because I know all the places that I used to stop, well walk from. The Old Boy calls them stops, in fact he calls them stopping for tea and cakes! But I am walking really, obviously, there are no tea shops on this route! But this evening, I did jog along, to most of it. Only two walking sections! Two! The Old Boy calls them silly stops 'Why are you stopping, there is no need to stop" he said. But I knew I needed it. I only walked for 20 or thirty seconds each time.
From the second walking stop I really thought I would be having another one before I got back home. But I didn't stop again until I was at the lamppost outside my home! Very pleased with that. It wasn't the fast jog of all, but the pace was fairly consistent the OB said. Now lets see what the geeky stats say.
Geeky stats.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Slow Interval Running!
Hello Blog lovers.
Still n track with my training, only, its my way of training. I have been following the training guide that I was sent, and today's training wanted me jogging for 5 minutes, running for 15, jogging for 20, run for 10, jog for 10, run for 5, jog for 20 minutes. Well, I think I did the first five minutes just right, the next section, the whole running for 15, well, put it this way, I have decided, I am not a runner, well, not yet! I have never really tried the whole running thing. I have tried on several occasions, and I just fade. I do my run faster when I do my sprints, but that's when I am in easy reach of my destinations. Running is something that is done at the very end of a run! Well that is how I percieve the whole running thing, as apposed to the jogging thing.
Trying to do interval running is very disciplined, something I don't like! I dig my heels in and stand and sulk, and get all stroppy where discipline is concerned. A challenge, I can do. So I am going to have to change my attitude. Think of everything as a challenge. A training plan? No, its a challenge plan! I shall tick off each challenge that I have accomplished! That's what I need to get into my head.
I didn't managed to stick to the plan today, I was even getting stroppy about going out in the first place. I was trying to persuade the Old Boy to go for BBQ spare ribs instead! But he has decided that his 'body is a temple', no more crap to be shoved in side, except on Friday, (I hope, I do like my Friday nights out) and so I had no choice really, but to get my backside into gear and get out jogging.
The weather wasn't too bad, and I thought I would trust my instincts and just run in my winter top, leaving the jacket at home. I was right! I soon warmed up, as I jogged the first 5 minutes, a nice leisurely pace, my pace, a pace that I could happily jog along for a whole 26.2 miles (well that's what it feels like when I am just starting out), its just those running moments that take it out of me. (and jogging for any longer than a mile!)
I know I have to get used to the hard training plans, the running, and it will help to build up the endurance, but I am not liking it! Still, I am sure the fitter I get the more I will be able to do. And hopefully I will be losing weight as well! Fingers crossed!
My geeky stats, and as you can see, I really didn't stick to the plan at all! Tut, tut, tut. Must try harder! But as I keep reminding myself, way back when I first started to think about running, I couldn't even run 300 yards without needing to spend a week in an oxygen tent! Rome wasn't built in a day, and when my temple of a body is fully fit, it will be a magnificent temple, for an Old Girl!
Still n track with my training, only, its my way of training. I have been following the training guide that I was sent, and today's training wanted me jogging for 5 minutes, running for 15, jogging for 20, run for 10, jog for 10, run for 5, jog for 20 minutes. Well, I think I did the first five minutes just right, the next section, the whole running for 15, well, put it this way, I have decided, I am not a runner, well, not yet! I have never really tried the whole running thing. I have tried on several occasions, and I just fade. I do my run faster when I do my sprints, but that's when I am in easy reach of my destinations. Running is something that is done at the very end of a run! Well that is how I percieve the whole running thing, as apposed to the jogging thing.
Trying to do interval running is very disciplined, something I don't like! I dig my heels in and stand and sulk, and get all stroppy where discipline is concerned. A challenge, I can do. So I am going to have to change my attitude. Think of everything as a challenge. A training plan? No, its a challenge plan! I shall tick off each challenge that I have accomplished! That's what I need to get into my head.
I didn't managed to stick to the plan today, I was even getting stroppy about going out in the first place. I was trying to persuade the Old Boy to go for BBQ spare ribs instead! But he has decided that his 'body is a temple', no more crap to be shoved in side, except on Friday, (I hope, I do like my Friday nights out) and so I had no choice really, but to get my backside into gear and get out jogging.
The weather wasn't too bad, and I thought I would trust my instincts and just run in my winter top, leaving the jacket at home. I was right! I soon warmed up, as I jogged the first 5 minutes, a nice leisurely pace, my pace, a pace that I could happily jog along for a whole 26.2 miles (well that's what it feels like when I am just starting out), its just those running moments that take it out of me. (and jogging for any longer than a mile!)
I know I have to get used to the hard training plans, the running, and it will help to build up the endurance, but I am not liking it! Still, I am sure the fitter I get the more I will be able to do. And hopefully I will be losing weight as well! Fingers crossed!
My geeky stats, and as you can see, I really didn't stick to the plan at all! Tut, tut, tut. Must try harder! But as I keep reminding myself, way back when I first started to think about running, I couldn't even run 300 yards without needing to spend a week in an oxygen tent! Rome wasn't built in a day, and when my temple of a body is fully fit, it will be a magnificent temple, for an Old Girl!
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Time To Give Back!
Hello blog lovers.
I had another rest day yesterday, well, it was firework night and we had a little firework party at our church. I could have gone for a run after but I thought a day rest is as good as exercise as well. My legs and my ankle and heels were still quite sore yesterday.
Today however I noticed on my running clubs facebook page that one of our coaches was in need of a couple of volunteers to help out with the beginners group. Just to help them jog for 8 minutes, walk for 1 and do that four times. It doesn't sound a lot does it. But when you actually do jog along to it, its quite something. For a beginner this is quite an achievement! After only 3 weeks to be able to jog along for four lots of 8 minutes intervals is brilliant.
I wanted to give something back to my club, who over these last two years have given me encouragement, support, friends and just a fantastic feeling of belonging to the best running group ever! I wanted to be able to help others achieve their goals. So I volunteered. Singstar Jo also volunteered to help out. All that was an hour before my normal club run!
I felt I could do it though. And if I really felt as though I couldn't make it then I would forgo my group 1 run today. Having run for 6 and half miles in the past few days though, I dudn't think I would be going for an early shower today!
I met up with Kit Man Mike and his beginners group. There were only 5 of them today. A nice select group. But one of the ladies had an injury. After we started jogging along she had to pull out of the interval jogging and Kit man Mike, who happens to be our physio as well, help her with her injury. That left me and Singstar Jo to carry on with the four other beginners, to complete a loop.
I was very impressed with the group, they were all doing so well, and only after 3 weeks with the beginners group! I know they are given 'homework' that they have to complete during the week, which will help with their fitness.
We completed the lap and got back to Kitman Mike, the Singstar Jo and me had to go along to our meeting place to start our group 1 run! Singstar Jo is in fact our leader today. I bet she is so pleased that Cardiac Hill was not n her plans today!
We got to our meeting point. Singstar Jo ran from Little Thrift, I drove my car, well, I would only have had to walk all that way back to pick it up otherwise! Our route today was down Southborough Lane, a little lollipop at the end near the Harvester, and then back up again.
We started of nice and steady. It was a very select group 1 today, only 5 of us in todays jog. It seems as if group 2's ranks has somewhat swollen as group 1 members merge into group 2. We were chatting away as we were jogging along, my legs seemed to feel a lot looser than they were earlier today. We didn't have a stop until we reached the Harvester. By this time though, I needed to 'go powder my nose' So I excused my self from doing the lollipop and let the others follow our leader Singstar Jo do continue to do the little loop.
By the time I came out I was beginning to cool down a bit, so I just jogged up to where they would be popping out just so that I can stay warm. We then continued our run back up Southborough. I think I had managed to do this quite well, considering that I had done the beginners group a little earlier! I ran up most of the hill. I did have a little walk, but I soon caught up with them again. Well, I think Singstar Jo was going very easy on the group as she was feeling it from the beginners as well.
I still had a little bit left over to do a sprint up Crossways, and not only that but some of group 2 merged into our group and I kept pace with them as well as overtook them towards the end of the run! I really had to push it extra hard to even catch up to Sherry mind! She must have been going some as well!
So there are two lots of geeky stats to look at today, the first one is me helping out at the beginners group, complete with the lap I took in the car to get to the meeting place, and the second is our group 1 run. And Jo, thanks so very much for not adding in hills today! I don't think I would have done so well if you had.
I had another rest day yesterday, well, it was firework night and we had a little firework party at our church. I could have gone for a run after but I thought a day rest is as good as exercise as well. My legs and my ankle and heels were still quite sore yesterday.
Today however I noticed on my running clubs facebook page that one of our coaches was in need of a couple of volunteers to help out with the beginners group. Just to help them jog for 8 minutes, walk for 1 and do that four times. It doesn't sound a lot does it. But when you actually do jog along to it, its quite something. For a beginner this is quite an achievement! After only 3 weeks to be able to jog along for four lots of 8 minutes intervals is brilliant.
I wanted to give something back to my club, who over these last two years have given me encouragement, support, friends and just a fantastic feeling of belonging to the best running group ever! I wanted to be able to help others achieve their goals. So I volunteered. Singstar Jo also volunteered to help out. All that was an hour before my normal club run!
I felt I could do it though. And if I really felt as though I couldn't make it then I would forgo my group 1 run today. Having run for 6 and half miles in the past few days though, I dudn't think I would be going for an early shower today!
I met up with Kit Man Mike and his beginners group. There were only 5 of them today. A nice select group. But one of the ladies had an injury. After we started jogging along she had to pull out of the interval jogging and Kit man Mike, who happens to be our physio as well, help her with her injury. That left me and Singstar Jo to carry on with the four other beginners, to complete a loop.
I was very impressed with the group, they were all doing so well, and only after 3 weeks with the beginners group! I know they are given 'homework' that they have to complete during the week, which will help with their fitness.
We completed the lap and got back to Kitman Mike, the Singstar Jo and me had to go along to our meeting place to start our group 1 run! Singstar Jo is in fact our leader today. I bet she is so pleased that Cardiac Hill was not n her plans today!
We got to our meeting point. Singstar Jo ran from Little Thrift, I drove my car, well, I would only have had to walk all that way back to pick it up otherwise! Our route today was down Southborough Lane, a little lollipop at the end near the Harvester, and then back up again.
We started of nice and steady. It was a very select group 1 today, only 5 of us in todays jog. It seems as if group 2's ranks has somewhat swollen as group 1 members merge into group 2. We were chatting away as we were jogging along, my legs seemed to feel a lot looser than they were earlier today. We didn't have a stop until we reached the Harvester. By this time though, I needed to 'go powder my nose' So I excused my self from doing the lollipop and let the others follow our leader Singstar Jo do continue to do the little loop.
By the time I came out I was beginning to cool down a bit, so I just jogged up to where they would be popping out just so that I can stay warm. We then continued our run back up Southborough. I think I had managed to do this quite well, considering that I had done the beginners group a little earlier! I ran up most of the hill. I did have a little walk, but I soon caught up with them again. Well, I think Singstar Jo was going very easy on the group as she was feeling it from the beginners as well.
I still had a little bit left over to do a sprint up Crossways, and not only that but some of group 2 merged into our group and I kept pace with them as well as overtook them towards the end of the run! I really had to push it extra hard to even catch up to Sherry mind! She must have been going some as well!
So there are two lots of geeky stats to look at today, the first one is me helping out at the beginners group, complete with the lap I took in the car to get to the meeting place, and the second is our group 1 run. And Jo, thanks so very much for not adding in hills today! I don't think I would have done so well if you had.
Beginners Geeky Stats
Group 1 Run Geeky Stats.
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Pressure Cooker Run!
Hello Blog lovers,
What an absolutely awful morning it was! The rain came down in bucket loads. It stopped the Old Boy from going on a bike ride. He is like me, enjoys riding the bikes but not in the rain! It meant that the Old Boy came along with me for a long run instead.
My training plan for today said to run for 70 mins. Well that for me is just about 10k. But we had a dilemma! As OB was off on this Sunday, (he usually works), he really fancied a nice Sunday roast. Now the piece of beef we have said that it would take one hour 25 minutes to cook! It should be just about perfect timing if we like it well done. But we like our beef medium rare. We had a bit of pressure to get back home before it became well done!
I don't like pressure! I like a challenge, which is different in my books. My challenge in 2008 was to do a Race for life, I did it, along with 20 family members, and we walked it! In 2010 I wanted to RUN a race for life, so I did it, with about a couple of other ladies. Also in 2010 I wanted to run a 10k. All of which I achieved, at my own pace, my own style. This year I again did a 10k race, (even though I didn't even get my tee shirt to prove it!, or even a mention in a finishers list!)
For next year I had to have another challenge. What better one than the Virgin London Marathon. But that will be done at my pace, my style, no pressure on me, I only want to finish! But it would be good if I finish under ......???.....hours. I have a time in mind, but I shall keep that for now.
So a pressure cooker run today! But at least the rain has stop, I think I would be really demoralised if the rain had been lashing down as it was this morning! I told the Old Boy the route that we would be taking, but just to make sure of getting home in time for dinner we cut down Holbrook and Magpiehall Lane to get to the A21.
I was doing ok going up Magpiehall Lane, I was at a steady pace, but then my laziness kicks in, and my legs began to feel tight, and all the other excuses I could think of came into mind and I stopped running for a short while.
I think wearing my old neutral running shoes yesterday, and the combination of the slippy sticky soft grassy route may have affected my legs and heels. I remember when I first started to run in my old Mizuno neutrals my heels did hurt, which prompted me to get some heel inserts to cushion my landings. I know I only three miles in them yesterday, but do you think this could have had such an impact on my muscles today?
I was feeling quite confident, and I know that I am getting stronger and fitter. In my head I feel as if I could go on an on. I just have to get my head to over rule my body, to shut down the aches and pains messages reaching the brain cell. Then I could run and run! People say to me that I can do it, I can run for 3 miles non stop. None of that walking malarkey. I just wish I could convince my body to play ball!
The Old Boy is helping me to eat on the run. A packet of Haribos to help with short bursts of energy. When I am running its usually with my mouth opened and praying that I don't .....excuse me people, .....that I don't snot all over the place! It amazes me where all that stuff comes from!! Yuck!
Running is not the most glamorous sport in the world, but then most sport where you exert yourself isn't really. Well, unless you are like Nagging Sister and even another young lady at our running club, they have full make up on, from eyeshadow and mascara to Lippy and lip liner!! Why?
Going through the posh houses in the night is just lovely! The way each house lights up their houses is quite something, down lighters, up lights, trees and bushes all lit up, statures all lit up. It really is lovely. I am looking forward to running through here in December, I wonder if they all put on displays of Christmas lights?!
Just a little further now. I was surprised how far we had ran. I thought that by nipping down Holbrook we would cut off a mile. In my mind I should be on about nearly 4 miles by the time I got to the other side of the posh houses. but my Garmin was telling me that I had done nearly 5. This was going to be a 10k run. Even though my training plan said that I had to run for 70 minutes today, we only wanted to run for 50 minutes to get back to sort out dinner!
I was hoping it wasn't going to be well done! I could always have sent the OB on ahead if I felt I was taking too long. But he kept with me. Maybe he put me under psychological pressure to get me to move fast! Mmm now I hadn't thought of that!
It was nice getting on to our estate. Knowing there was just half a mile to go! I was feeling quite warm, not overly warm, but I know I have a pretty pink puffy sweaty face! I know I have worked hard today.
From Crescent Drive just as we came off Shepperton the Old Boy said "Ok, now its non stop all the way home from here"
I nearly made it. Just one more little breather, catch my breath again and then it was jogging all the way home!
Geeky stats for you.
What an absolutely awful morning it was! The rain came down in bucket loads. It stopped the Old Boy from going on a bike ride. He is like me, enjoys riding the bikes but not in the rain! It meant that the Old Boy came along with me for a long run instead.
My training plan for today said to run for 70 mins. Well that for me is just about 10k. But we had a dilemma! As OB was off on this Sunday, (he usually works), he really fancied a nice Sunday roast. Now the piece of beef we have said that it would take one hour 25 minutes to cook! It should be just about perfect timing if we like it well done. But we like our beef medium rare. We had a bit of pressure to get back home before it became well done!
I don't like pressure! I like a challenge, which is different in my books. My challenge in 2008 was to do a Race for life, I did it, along with 20 family members, and we walked it! In 2010 I wanted to RUN a race for life, so I did it, with about a couple of other ladies. Also in 2010 I wanted to run a 10k. All of which I achieved, at my own pace, my own style. This year I again did a 10k race, (even though I didn't even get my tee shirt to prove it!, or even a mention in a finishers list!)
For next year I had to have another challenge. What better one than the Virgin London Marathon. But that will be done at my pace, my style, no pressure on me, I only want to finish! But it would be good if I finish under ......???.....hours. I have a time in mind, but I shall keep that for now.
So a pressure cooker run today! But at least the rain has stop, I think I would be really demoralised if the rain had been lashing down as it was this morning! I told the Old Boy the route that we would be taking, but just to make sure of getting home in time for dinner we cut down Holbrook and Magpiehall Lane to get to the A21.
I was doing ok going up Magpiehall Lane, I was at a steady pace, but then my laziness kicks in, and my legs began to feel tight, and all the other excuses I could think of came into mind and I stopped running for a short while.
I think wearing my old neutral running shoes yesterday, and the combination of the slippy sticky soft grassy route may have affected my legs and heels. I remember when I first started to run in my old Mizuno neutrals my heels did hurt, which prompted me to get some heel inserts to cushion my landings. I know I only three miles in them yesterday, but do you think this could have had such an impact on my muscles today?
I was feeling quite confident, and I know that I am getting stronger and fitter. In my head I feel as if I could go on an on. I just have to get my head to over rule my body, to shut down the aches and pains messages reaching the brain cell. Then I could run and run! People say to me that I can do it, I can run for 3 miles non stop. None of that walking malarkey. I just wish I could convince my body to play ball!
The Old Boy is helping me to eat on the run. A packet of Haribos to help with short bursts of energy. When I am running its usually with my mouth opened and praying that I don't .....excuse me people, .....that I don't snot all over the place! It amazes me where all that stuff comes from!! Yuck!
Running is not the most glamorous sport in the world, but then most sport where you exert yourself isn't really. Well, unless you are like Nagging Sister and even another young lady at our running club, they have full make up on, from eyeshadow and mascara to Lippy and lip liner!! Why?
Going through the posh houses in the night is just lovely! The way each house lights up their houses is quite something, down lighters, up lights, trees and bushes all lit up, statures all lit up. It really is lovely. I am looking forward to running through here in December, I wonder if they all put on displays of Christmas lights?!
Just a little further now. I was surprised how far we had ran. I thought that by nipping down Holbrook we would cut off a mile. In my mind I should be on about nearly 4 miles by the time I got to the other side of the posh houses. but my Garmin was telling me that I had done nearly 5. This was going to be a 10k run. Even though my training plan said that I had to run for 70 minutes today, we only wanted to run for 50 minutes to get back to sort out dinner!
I was hoping it wasn't going to be well done! I could always have sent the OB on ahead if I felt I was taking too long. But he kept with me. Maybe he put me under psychological pressure to get me to move fast! Mmm now I hadn't thought of that!
It was nice getting on to our estate. Knowing there was just half a mile to go! I was feeling quite warm, not overly warm, but I know I have a pretty pink puffy sweaty face! I know I have worked hard today.
From Crescent Drive just as we came off Shepperton the Old Boy said "Ok, now its non stop all the way home from here"
I nearly made it. Just one more little breather, catch my breath again and then it was jogging all the way home!
Geeky stats for you.
Saturday, 3 November 2012
Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Mob Match.
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| Photo from Women's running Magazine |
Saturday park run at a new venue for me! It was also our mob match, against the Orpington Road runners and the New Eltham Joggers. I like doing park runs, just not normally after a very lovely Friday night out with the Old Boy.
As me and Nagging sister were a bit unsure of exactly where the venue is and how the parking facilities are we decided to leave our homes a little earlier just to make sure that we were not late! The phone rang and I answered it. It was Nagging Sister, sounding bright and breezy! How can she, I think she maybe trying to kid me! I wasn't quite ready when she called, I still had to find my old running shoes. We have been told this route is very muddy!
I walked to the car, the sun was shining but it still felt a little chilly. I had a long sleeve black top on with my Pettswood Runners vest over the top, flying the colours of our running club. I couldn't have looked as if I wanted to be there as Nagging Sister said to me
"You look exactly how I feel"
"It's cold, and it's early, and I know its going to be muddy. Tell me why are we doing this" I said to her as I got into the car.
Her car was nice and warm, comforting, and I could quite easily just sit in the car and watch Nagging Sister run around. But that is not the aim. It's a mob match, I must support my club, I love supporting my club when ever I can!
We found the park, no problem there! The parking was great, again, no problem there. The sun was shining, it looked fabulous out, no problem. We walked over to the start. The mud stuck immediately to our shoes. There was our problem! It built up as we approached the pavilion, the start of today's Park Run. Waiting, waiting for the start. Shivering, chatting, laughing and general camaraderie as we waited for the off.
The man with the mega phone, he started the count down "Three, two, one, go!" and we were all off. The course looked long, it looked huge! It looked bigger than Normans Park, even though it isn't. When I was told that we have to do three laps my heart sank to my very muddy boots! I know its only 5k, but psychologically it looks so far. Mark said he had run this course last week,
"When I got to the 2k board it felt as if I had already ran 2 miles" he said. Well, that doesn't surprise me, our Mark has been known to get lost on the odd occasion.
The first corner was just about 10 strides away and already we had a faller. It seemed as if he had taken out another runner as well! He was wearing a white shirt, but now it was carrying the ParkRun badge of honor, a great big muddy streak across the front and the back! I think the other chap had his badge of honour too. Note to self, take it easy when running on very slippy muddy grass.
I was being very girly about the whole muddy thing, and also, I just didn't want to land up on my ass! I don't want to do any damage to myself to jeopardise my marathon training, (it's a very good excuse today, and must remember to add that in the Old girls book of Excuses) I was being passed by everyone! I think if I went even slower I would be passed by the sweeper marshal as well!
The course has bit of tarmac to run along. I noticed a runner on the floor. As I got nearer I saw that it was Nagging Sister, clutching at her ankle, one of our group leaders was with her. I stopped and asked if there was anything I could to.
"No, it's ok, go on, you just run" So with that I left her on the floor with Sue. A marshal came to look after Nagging Sister and Sue caught up with me and told me that she was being cared for. But from then onwards I really did concentrate even more on not falling over. Watching out for the really sticky muddy parts and the tree roots as we ran passed the tree lined lined path.
Oh, by the way, when the megahorn marshall heard about her fall he put a loud 'ambulance sound on his megahorn and ran across the green to give assistance, much to the embarrasement of Nagging Sister, who insisted he turned it off. Oh, I wish I had seen that!
The next little bit was through to the rugby field. Oh my goodness! A little boys dream place. a huge sticky wet puddle which took the whole width of the entrance to the field. There was no way to go around this, or even go through here running. Tippy toe through the mud, and, if you're like me, then trying to find the driest bit of mud to step on! (which there wasn't any there at all) Now I know why they said 'Old shoes if you have them!' Running around the rugby field was as sticky as the park, but the exit point to start the second lat was again one huge muddy puddle! Why am I here!?
The second lap started and I was still pacing along with a lady in grey flowery socks! She over took me, I over took her, as we ran around the second lap. I wasn't quite the last one, I do believe there was one other person behind me, well two really, a young lad with his dad! I wish I wasn't so girly when it comes to the whole muddy experience!
The second lap was uneventful. I think everyone had got the measure of this course now, and knew where the more sticky danger points are. I started to get lapped by the front runners, the Orpies had all their best runners passing me.
"Good going Pettswood" they said as they passed me. Although we have this rivalry going, its all in good fun. And usually if the mob match was on our own turf and during pub opening times, then we would all end up in the pub enjoying a pint together.
I was approaching the marker boards, lap 1 and 2 turn left, lap 3 straight up! I was still having to do the turn left part. Through the sticky patches. Three laps does seem a lot for a 5k! But the Garmin has it right! One more lap and I would have done 5k.
I was pleased to to be doing the third and final lap, and not having to go through to the rugby field as on this lap we just run straight up to the pavilion, get our token and a nice cup of tea and piece of cake! It was another careful, slow lap. Give me nice tarmac any day, well, only in the raining season! I love running through the woods and trails and parks, but this mud, yuck! No thanks.
The lady with the socks was ahead of me now, I was tired, the muscles in my legs ached slightly as I overcompensated trying not to slip over in the mud! (Ooo look, another excuse for my book) but this was the last lap, thank goodness.
No more incidents of people falling over, no more mud, but plenty of cakes and a nice coffee. We run so that we can eat! Oh yes. I love running! Muddy puddles and all! Oh and Nagging Sister has quite a sprained ankle, here is a picture of it, for the squeamish I suggest go straight to geeky stats!
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| Nagging Sisters swollen ankle |
Geeky stats, oh and my official park run time for this course was a very slow 37:06, the slowest park run I have done so far! And don't forget to go and buy the magazine, its out now, a great read and you can read all of the interviews that we did.
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Bloomin Hard Work!
Hello Blog lovers.
Today I tried to do the interval running suggested in Wednesday, week 6 of my training programme! Bloomin heck! Was that difficult or what! I am just not very good that this sort of training! I am going to have to work really hard just to even enjoy doing this. I am sure there is a reason why this is in the training programme! But while I was doing it all I could think of is "I am not going to be running this fast in the marathon, so why?"
But I kept it up, for two lots of ten minute faster than normal pace runs. with five minutes jogs either side of those, ending with a twenty minute jog. Don't it sound easy when you see it written down! But actually doing it, cor blimey! It just shows how lazy I am, and how much I love being in my little comfort zone. The Old Boy was with me, trying to keep me going. I stopped running about a minute before I was due to do the 5 minute jog, and even then I walked for 2 minutes instead of jogged the whole 5 minutes.
"It's no good writing up your own training plan, if you are following this one" Said the OB. I know he is right, but, cor blimey, its hard!
He decided to take out the routine of the route, just so that I am not sure where the five minutes jog starts and where the 10 minute run finishes! I was going to do the usual Turpington Lane route, but the OB told me to keep running up to the top of the road. It worked. I wasn't sure how many minutes it was to get to certain points on this route. I tried to keep going as much as I could. I checked My Garmin. Top of the road, just after we turned left I need to be doing the next 10 minute running session. I was not looking forward to it.
I want to keep my jogging and running fun, but I know that to do the London Marathon in a 'ok'ish' then I am going to have to put in some hard work. Something that I have never really enjoyed doing, too lazy! I started off my 24 week training in week 6, I should really be in week 7, but I wanted to stick with the week 6 rota, just running for 10 minutes each time for the running sections. I thought I would be able to manage that.
After I run the first of the faster pace sections I was so pleased that there is only one more to do! Even though I have the last 20 minute jogging to finish. I had a stitch, and I was trying to keep my breathing under control, not do all the panting lark. Nice and steady breathing. It was all a lot to try and keep in my head. Breath, run, keep an eye on time, stop whinging!
I checked my Garmin, time for the next 10 minute run.
"When is the next bit of faster pace" The Old Boy said,
"We're doing it now" I said as I reached his side, "This is me going a bit faster"
"Oh right, ok, well, lets go" he said and he picked up his pace a bit and kept just that little bit further in front of me. The pace was hurting me, I wanted to stop, I am sure I slowed down to my jog pace, but still looking as if I was running fast! 'A lot of effort but going nowhere' as the Old Boy said to me earlier!
I was very pleased when the 10 minutes was up. Now I can jog along at my nice and easy, Moosh pace. This is me! Comfort zone! But I know I really have to drag myself out of here, kicking, screaming and crying all the way!
There was no sprint to the finish today, and also, I had to do a 'lap of honour' around my green as I still had a couple of minutes of my jog to finish. Then it was a nice calm walk around, stretches and then come in for some fish, chips and salad dinner! Yum.
Geeky stats for you
Today I tried to do the interval running suggested in Wednesday, week 6 of my training programme! Bloomin heck! Was that difficult or what! I am just not very good that this sort of training! I am going to have to work really hard just to even enjoy doing this. I am sure there is a reason why this is in the training programme! But while I was doing it all I could think of is "I am not going to be running this fast in the marathon, so why?"
But I kept it up, for two lots of ten minute faster than normal pace runs. with five minutes jogs either side of those, ending with a twenty minute jog. Don't it sound easy when you see it written down! But actually doing it, cor blimey! It just shows how lazy I am, and how much I love being in my little comfort zone. The Old Boy was with me, trying to keep me going. I stopped running about a minute before I was due to do the 5 minute jog, and even then I walked for 2 minutes instead of jogged the whole 5 minutes.
"It's no good writing up your own training plan, if you are following this one" Said the OB. I know he is right, but, cor blimey, its hard!
He decided to take out the routine of the route, just so that I am not sure where the five minutes jog starts and where the 10 minute run finishes! I was going to do the usual Turpington Lane route, but the OB told me to keep running up to the top of the road. It worked. I wasn't sure how many minutes it was to get to certain points on this route. I tried to keep going as much as I could. I checked My Garmin. Top of the road, just after we turned left I need to be doing the next 10 minute running session. I was not looking forward to it.
I want to keep my jogging and running fun, but I know that to do the London Marathon in a 'ok'ish' then I am going to have to put in some hard work. Something that I have never really enjoyed doing, too lazy! I started off my 24 week training in week 6, I should really be in week 7, but I wanted to stick with the week 6 rota, just running for 10 minutes each time for the running sections. I thought I would be able to manage that.
After I run the first of the faster pace sections I was so pleased that there is only one more to do! Even though I have the last 20 minute jogging to finish. I had a stitch, and I was trying to keep my breathing under control, not do all the panting lark. Nice and steady breathing. It was all a lot to try and keep in my head. Breath, run, keep an eye on time, stop whinging!
I checked my Garmin, time for the next 10 minute run.
"When is the next bit of faster pace" The Old Boy said,
"We're doing it now" I said as I reached his side, "This is me going a bit faster"
"Oh right, ok, well, lets go" he said and he picked up his pace a bit and kept just that little bit further in front of me. The pace was hurting me, I wanted to stop, I am sure I slowed down to my jog pace, but still looking as if I was running fast! 'A lot of effort but going nowhere' as the Old Boy said to me earlier!
I was very pleased when the 10 minutes was up. Now I can jog along at my nice and easy, Moosh pace. This is me! Comfort zone! But I know I really have to drag myself out of here, kicking, screaming and crying all the way!
There was no sprint to the finish today, and also, I had to do a 'lap of honour' around my green as I still had a couple of minutes of my jog to finish. Then it was a nice calm walk around, stretches and then come in for some fish, chips and salad dinner! Yum.
Geeky stats for you
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