Last Run Before Big Race!

Hi blogees,

I was looking forward to today's run, knowing that I have 3 days now to recover and keep fresh legs for Sunday.

I don't know what it is, whether having a days grace between each run, but today i found it particularly hard. It was a lovely sunny evening, after the rain we had this morning, any sunshine is a blessing now. I set off with my IPOD (timer going) and my hat and shrunken hoody. The hoody I know will be coming off fairly soon, as it feels quite nice out.

I start off at the usual pace, sorting my breathing out, but just as I am half way up the first long road I am thinking "Oh wow, I have such a long way to go still" STILL?! I wasn't even two minutes into my run, and already I am thinking of running up my path, to my house!

Before I even got to the first pub, the first mile maker, I had already stopped for a short breather, but then I was back on track running. I even made it 11.30 minutes for the first mile, but just after that I stopped again. But here's the thing, just coming out of the turning up from the pub here, guess who was just driving out of it?? Naggy!! And guess what I wasn't doing? That's right, running! I had taken another walking break, and there she was, tooting her horn, and gestating, I just took it that meant "Run old girl, Run! What the heck are you doing running at this stage" So of course I got back to running.

But that was about the size of today's run, running with sporadic bouts of walking! But every time I saw another runner, if I was walking then I would run, and if I was running then I would run a little faster. By the time I got back to the first pub, I was sweating, the light was fading to this gorgeous pink glow, which I must say probably complimented my colour, I could blame the lovely pink light for my face looking so pink.

I run pass the first Oxhawth and on to the next. I think that this is an easier bit, rather than going down the first Oxhawth, because the hill running up to Farringdon seems steeper than the hill running up to the second Oxhawth! I could be mistaken.

But from the beginning of Oxhawth till I get home, I have it in my head now, that I will not stop running. There is some good music playing that is just a great rhythm to run to, and the last 400 yards its 'Mama' by Phil Collins. That heart beat drum seemed perfect running music for me.

Just up my path now, have to ignore the music and finish in style, the boys on the green and giving me a round of applause again as I put on the speed.

Done it! 3.34 miles in 42.30 (that's not a PB, but, I'm still not pushing for speed, (but I was hoping that I would be a little faster).

A Short Run, Keeping Legs Loose!

Hi bloggers

Can you believe I forgot to go running yesterday! Because I am in the mind set of just not doing so much running, just keeping the legs from stiffening up! Well I do have the 10K on Sunday!

So today I made sure I had dinner prepared and left the old boy in charge of cooking! While I went out for a run. I am only going to do three miles today. My Goodness, listen to me. I remember when I said "Wow I have run 3 miles today!"

It was just me, on me own, I had my IPOD, I had remembered to charge the thing up, and I was just going to enjoy the run. Of course I took note of the time, in fact I put the stopwatch the IPOD, just to see, not that I'm going for speed here, just a little jog.

It was just after 6 when I left, I knew it would be getting darker but I was hoping to be well home before that happened. Now I am thinking, because I have run for 5.6 miles, then I must be well fit!! But to my dismay its still very hard!. I expect to run that first mile like Happy Neighbours little son did, when he came for a jog with me and his mum. There was him, running backwards, running ahead, running back to us old uns! Doing flipping star jumps! But I realise that actually, you just get used to running long runs! I still take a few minutes to get the old breathing sorted, and I am still having to say to myself, "Just to the next lamppost, tree, car" or whatever I see ahead of me. But I am finding that I am running further before I am even thinking of those things, before I am even thinking I shall walk from there, just for a bit.

I ran the first mile, the pub, and I carried on. To the next pub on the right, and I carried on. People were on my path, so of course I had the game to play, 'No walking till you pass them' game. I didn't quite make it all the way to Turpington Lane, but very nearly.

On the way down Greenway now, and that hill is already started to bother me. I walk another section down here, cursing that hill that will be rising up in front of me fairly soon. Turning the corner now and there it is. The light is beginning to fade a little but I am keeping my hat on, for one it helps keep the sweat from dripping in my eyes, and another is that I can't see the hill in front of me. Just got to get on an run it. I remember looking at my IPOD at the mile marker, 11mins 13sec, this second mile is going to be longer that's for sure!

Darn it, I stopped, only for a 5 sec breather, but still, so annoyed at myself. But on and on now, get to the pub, then that's the last mile till I'm home, and dinner! I tried to do what I did for Naggy, promise to run all the way home from here. I got as far as the first Oxhawth Crescent and then walked a little, and when I crossed over, heading for the second Oxhawth I stopped again for a 5 second breather. But after I got to the second Oxhawth I ran all the way from there.

All down Oxhawth, cross the road, and down Faringdon I ran, I couldn't stop here, no way. And I have to have some left for finishing in style. As I approach my road, I pick the speed up, I'm like a sprinter now, just running fast now, heading for the lamppost outside my house, stop the timer! Done. Walk around the green now, using my hat to dry my face, then I take a look at the time 41.41 minutes. Not sure if this is personal best or far from it. I shall add a foot note a bit later when I gone through my records.

So, 3.34 miles in 41.41 minutes.

Why Do I Keep On Doing It!

Hi blog readers.

Well I had a blinding night out last night, yet still naggy and me went for a run this morning.

The old boy said to me that I can't go on living a double life! Its either, going out and boozing or treating my body like a temple! I think I know what he means. My head hurts this morning after our girls night out. Naggys head doesn't! She is a designated driver! And she has no sympathy for us lager louts!

Naggy gave me an hours grace to get my woolly head together, I so needed that. I tried to re-hydrate myself with tea, put some energy inside me with a banana, and then try to put a smile on my face by looking out at the lovey sunshine that we will be running in.

"6 miles we are doing today" Naggy informs me. Now I was prepared for something like this, but still, .....6 miles with a beer head on! Not good. We head off in the direction of the park, at least I know I can do that bit, its familiar territory. By the time we get through the park and heading for the A21 my jacket is off. I am running in my old joggers, the ones with 'Athletic' written across the backside. I do not like running in this anymore, not after running in my proper joggers. These are uncomfortable and the legs are flapping around my ankles. I must invest in another proper pair of joggers! I am already finding 'reasons' why I am not going to do so well on this run! Anything, copious amounts of alcohol, wrong joggers, too early, too bright, too cold! I wish I was back in my bed!

As we got to the roundabout I was expecting to turn right and head on towards PettsWood, but Naggy crossed over and started heading towards Bromley! Now this is new territory for me! I am not liking the thought that we are heading further away from home. We have only jogged 2 1/2 miles so far, and yet I feel worn out, and my hangover is reminding me its still very much here for the day!

We pass loads of right turns that will take us on the homeward bound, and she is still heading up towards Bromley. Naggy has my water now, she knows that I have a little walk while I retrieve my water bottle from my bum bag! She has me sussed. So now I have to keep up with her just so that I can keep hydrated on the run. "How far are we going" I said in dismay after we passed yet another road, "I am not saying, just in case you stop running" she says.

Just a little further then she says "Ok, we are turning right here at the dripping tap" I could have kissed her if she was within reach. At least now I know that we should be on our way home. But then she said, "When we get passed Tescos, there is a short but steep hill, I WANT YOU TO RUN IT ALL" OH MY WORD, I now remember the hill. I had to ride up this on my bike once, but the thought of running up it after doing three miles already is just a tortuouse thought! Naggy did say that she will allow me an official stop at the top of it. Of course her stops are just about 5 seconds long, even after going up that hill.

All too long we got there, Tescos to my left, and that hill just around the corner. I am not looking forward to it. "Head up, arms up, use them to get up the hill, all the way to the top" This hill is a killer! I am crying out, gasps of my precious breath escaping, running all the way to the top. Did I stop? Did I stop? I don't know, Is this the top of the hill? I am leaning on the lamppost now, on the other side of the road. I can't even remember crossing the road! That's how intense this hill was. Yen naggy said "No stopping, walk yes, but NO STOPPING" She looked absolutely furious that I was leaning on this lamppost, trying to keep my stomach from spilling on the floor" So I walked, I walked at little bit more and a bit more after that, and then started running again. "At least that will keep her happy" I said, glaring at the back of her head.

I know I walked some more and ran quite a bit of it too, but when we got to Southborough lane, as we were nearing turnings that would take us to our homes, naggy said "Lets do a deal, No more stopping from now and we will go through the park, the shorter route" The shorter route!! I was hoping that was what was planned anyway, she obviously wanted to go up the road and go to Oxhawth Crescent, or maybe even into Pettswood itself! I would have agreed to anything she suggested at that time, just to get home real quick now is what I wanted. "Yes yes no problem" I just used this little bit of the road to get my breath under control again. My legs were hurting like mad now, my head is getting even more woolly, I just want to get home and shower, and sleep for a week!

As soon as the decision was made we started jogging again. We crossed the road and headed for the park. Parkfield Road was a blur, I can't remember jogging down here, and then we entered the park. The mantra running through my mind is 'I can run this, I can run this, I can run this' with each step keeping time, concentrating on nothing more than getting home. I knew there wasn't going to be any records time wise on this run, but just that fact that I did it should sit well with me.

Through the park now, just at the gate, I slow for a two step walk before I remembered my promise to naggy 'Run all the way' and I started running again. Turning now on to the last long road. My house is at the end of here somewhere, just down there. Just this last bit. Naggy is keeping the encouragement going, "You're doing well, keep this pace going" I even tried to speed up a little, just to get it over and done with. But there was nothing left. Only will power now keeping me moving, only the fact that my house is at the top of this road, around the corner, and it is not going to come to me! Only the fact that its just not a good idea to sit on the kerb and not go home, this is what is keeping me going.

My turning now, my road, my house, just up here! Oh my word, I ache. Naggy looks as glamorous as she did last night as we run up the path to her house. I look like a sweaty, wet, pink, puffing, blob as we get to the house.

1 hour and 14 minutes that, that, .......very good friend of mine had me running for. 5.6 miles was what we covered. An average of 13 minute miles. Not the fastest by any means, but boy am I glad its over.

Walking out those miles we spot our neighbour coming out of her house and she took one look at me and said "You don't look as if you are having fun" How so very true is that, but, but, I am so very glad I did it.

Another Rainy Run!

Hi bloggers,

What a week. I have not been out running for ages it seems, I was itching to get out. But then when I had the chance to it starts to rain! There was nothing for it, I just had to get out and run.

On with my gear, hair tied back, no gizmos with me, I don't suppose the rain will do them any good, and just go out.

I decided to be hard on myself. I am going to attempt to run at least 4 miles if not 5! Well, I am going to be out running in the rain, looking a complete mess, I might as well make it worth it.

Its quite refreshing running in the rain. I am not worried about my hair going frizzy, because I know I am going to look a wreck after this run even if the sun was shining. I turn left on my road and left again, ready for the long run ahead.

My idea is to run down my hated hill. Oh I am so looking forward to that, and I shall stamp my foot all the way down. Then I shall head on to the A21 and turn right to the roundabout. I am going this way, because I know there wont be many people about in the park, and when there is just one nutty runner on her own, its best to stay on roads.

The first mile done, and I'm still running, just past the pub now thinking about my nemesis, ha ha ha, "now who has the last laugh, hill" I said to my self, as I ran down the hill, just up this hill though near the school is where I do my first bit of walking. I think I did push out really hard and fast though. Ok, I am trying to justify myself here, but it is true.

So remembering what naggy says, "Choose car, lamppost street furniture, anything, and run to that, then choose another and run to that" I managed to do this all the way to the Common. Turning right now and heading for the roundabout.

Stopped running another time on this bit of road, and when I got to the roundabout I said out load, "All the way up this road now, old girl!" I had to say it out load to myself. Its just an awesome road to run up. From the beginning to the end, Pettswood! Its a mental thing now, no naggy to take pity on me, and me being hard on myself, and mapping out this long route, in the rain! It has to be done.

Of course I stopped running down this road! I am not a sadist! Saddo maybe, for running in the rain, and now its beginning to get dark! When I reached the pub that is just a mile from my home, already I am saying to myself, "Maybe its best to go down one of the Oxhawths now old girl, you have done well, and its dark, and wet, and you're aching" I really wanted to, I really wanted to go down the first Oxhawth, but I managed to go past this and headed on to the next one.

Again, my mind was saying to me to take this road, my legs are hurting, I'm wet through, its dark, and its not going to get any easier. How I found the strength to push past this and head on up to Pettswood I don't know. I ran past my friends turning, I was looking at their door hoping that maybe they were outside for some reason, which would give me a great excuse for stopping and chatting, but no, of course being sensible people there are in for the night, all cosied down, watching t.v. with a nice hot cuppa!

So there I was, heading for Pettswood. The furthest I have ever run (with walking) so far, ever, in my lifetime! Yippee! I done it, I ran the whole way, from Crown lane Spur, Southborough Lane, Frankswood Avenue! There, done it! Hows that Naggy, Hows that Nagging Sister, friends, sisters, husband, kids! I did it.
Ok, I walked some of the way, but at least 90% is running, if not more. I was never any good at maths. I still have to get home, but from here, it is all heading home.

This bit seemed to go in a blur, I know I walked some and ran some, mainly running mind you. And ran down Hollingworth road, I love running down here, but from here I really did run all the way home, no stopping, I even had a very tiny bit left for finishing in style!

Satisfied, I knoxk on the door, check the time, I had been out running for 1 hour and 7 minutes. Total distance today is 5.2 miles! (8.37km) nearly running 10k! Yup, I am very pleased with that, no doubt naggy will be saying something about the walking though!

Sunday Blog About Saturdays Run.

Hi Blog lovers.

This blog is very, very late indeed. Almost a day and half late! But still, its here, for all to see.

Naggy text me early Saturday morning, 09:34 (well, its early for me on a Saturday) asking if I fancied a run. Of course, I love running with naggy (would you believe) so I was virtually out of the bed and in my joggers before my text message had reached her phone.

After grabbing some water for my bum bag we set off. It was a lovely warm morning, the sun was shining, and I knew I would be needing my water, but there is that chill in the air now, to remind us that it is autumn. Naggy is in a long sleeve shirt, I have my shrunken hoody on, but I know this will be tied around my waist a bit later.

Naggy tells me that we are going a longer route that what I have been doing. This is good, I thought to myself, because I do need to add more distance in my running, not necessarily speed, just distance. Speed can come later on.

We still head off out to the park, and through there and head on up to the A21. Just as I thought my hoody comes off and is tied around my waist, and I am looking up towards the main road. "We are going to go straight down to the roundabout" says naggy. I always thought that this road is a long long road, I was glad of the turning that leads me to my nemesis hill. At least I didn't have to face running up that, as naggy so kindly pointed out.

I was feeling the run today. Maybe jumping straight out of bed and running is not good to do, maybe having a bit of fuel inside of me to start the day is what is needed for me first. At least a cup of tea with some sugar in it! I did have a lovely dinner the night before, well, chinese! but it was noodles, and ribs and things, mmmmmm, ribsss....... Sorry, where was I. Oh yes, so the energy level was not quite right, but I also have another theory I'm working on as well, so I shall have a look back soon and see if there is a patten forming here.

As we passed the road with that hill on it, I felt the energy levels drop, as I realised that I am still heading away from home, and there is still quite a way to get to the roundabout. Naggy was helping me to keep going, she encouraged and advised and nagged me to keep on running. When we reached the roundabout, I felt quite pleased with myself. And then naggy says, "Now, don't think about this too much, but we are running up the whole length of this road, till the end!" I couldn't even answer. Just the thought of it is quite daunting! I used to get a bus from the bottom to the top here to get to my doctors! That's how long I used to think this road is! And now naggy wants to run the whole of it, all the way into PettsWood? I can't, I won't think about that.

Running up now, towards home, this is a comfort, it will all be over soon. And the breakfast! We reached Turpington Lane, the road that I used to turn left into to go up Greenway. Yet here I am, running past it on my right. Running up the roads that I used to run down, seems weired to me, yet refreshingly different. Its good to mix things up a bit. Keep on running, energy levels are in my boots now, my legs are feeling like they have been filled with lead. Maybe I should have waited till I got back to have my iron tablet! Maybe its turned my legs to iron!

Reaching the pub now. Naggy encouraging, all the way. "Use this straight to get your breathing under control, conserve energy, shoulders back, arms down, head up" Don't she nag!! but in a good way of course. I felt disappointed when she said that so far we haven't done anything that I haven't done before, I have run further that this. Just further up this road is where the extra bit is. I couldn't understand why my legs felt like lead. The backs of my thighs are aching, and in my mind I was aching!

I am not sure how far naggy wants to run me, but I am looking at the first Oxhawth. Before we get there, I have walked, to take a good gulp of my water without knocking my teeth about! Nagging wasn't very pleased at all. "Come on, no stopping, keep going" If I could have pointed out to naggy, that walking wasn't actually stopping then I would have done.

The first Oxhwath came up, "Down here" I says hoping that she would take pity, but no such luck. We ran on, I was thinking to myself that there is no way I am going to make it into Pettswood, not without a walk session. But, it seemed that naggy did take pity, or maybe, I misunderstood about 'the whole way down the road' because naggy turned down the second oxhawth. From here I managed to run all the way home, my legs were heavy and aching, my energy levels were left somewhere near the pub, I wasn't sure I even had a bit left to 'finish in style' That didn't stop naggy nagging me though, 'come on finish in style old girl' and with those words, I managed to find a little bit hidden somewhere to bring a spurt of speed to her door.

As we walking out the miles, I was saying to naggy that I was fairly pleased with the time and she said "If you hadn't have stopped it could be a little quicker" I walked for ten paces, TEN PACES She is a hard task master sometimes!

3.88 miles, with hills, in 47.18 minutes, if I have remembered correctly. Then that night I had curry with the brothers and sisters as an impromptu easy going evening to celebrate the old boys 50th birthday!

Run In The Rain, Or Not!

Hi blog readers,

That was the question going through my head this morning and this afternoon. It rain horrendously yesterday, well, I know rain is what we all need, but still, it could have slowed up for a bit to let me out for a run.

Today I got up late, I have no squiddlies here till the schools are out, and I do love my bed. Mrs CouchPotato must send subliminal messages to me while I'm sleeping so that I don't want to get out of bed if its not necessary. I have breakfast, late of course, which means I can't go out for a run till at least an hour has passed. Well come noon, I have still not managed to get out for a run, because now its raining!

I keep looking out side thinking it will slow down soon. I do get changed into my running gear, just to show willing. As soon as there is a break in the clouds I am off. But it never came. Naggy wanted me to run this evening, and I wont be able to do that (I am getting my hair done, don't want to spoil it), so its now or never!

Oh my goodness, this is ridiculous. What will happen to me if I run in the rain. So I swap my chip over to a cheapie phone, (I always run with a phone when I'm going solo) and just head on out of the door. I didn't even clock what the time was. But there was one thing I was sure of. Its not going to be an LSR more like a SFR (long slow run, Short fast run).

Out of my door, down the path and turn right, to the end, the turn right again. I am going through the top of the park today, a very short run, about 1.86 miles. I really don't like rain, but as my hair is going to be done today, I am not as bad as I usually am, still, I have my pink baseball cap on and my shrunken hoody hood up over that. I must look a weird site.

I jog through the park, wondering, "Why am I doing this now" and then I remember, the 10k in October. Oh yes. Then the other thoughts come in my mind about why we started running in the first place, way back in 2008. It was all for mum. She still is my inspiration, and is always with me when I run, because I wouldn't be doing this, if.......... Keeping fit was and is inspired by my mum. Miss you mum.

I get to the end of the Parkfield now, and from here till I get home I am going to do some FARTLEK training. I know! I didn't know what it was, but reading back on my blogs its what I have been doing without realising, only today, I am going to add in a sprint! So this is how it goes, 1. Jog to first lamppost, 2. Sprint to second lamppost, 3. walk to third lamppost, and the start again, jog, sprint, walk. All the way home, just about a mile. It was hard work, and at one point I thought I am going to die now if I continue with this lunacy. But towards the end (obviously) I was looking forward to the sprints, just pushing myself to go fast, but knowing that I got a little walk afterwards was just what I needed on a day like this.

It all virtually worked out that the last sprint was just up my path, so I could finish in style as usual, although the only creatures out are the squirrels! Oh and look at that its stopped raining, when did that happen?

22 mins for 1.86 miles, not sure if that is a personal best, but does it matter, I ran in the rain! (and it gets easier to do so each time I have to do it)

Keep Adding To My Distance.

Good Evening Bloggees.

What a wonderful evening. Its warm out, the sun is shining, and I'm looking forward to my jog.

When I left the house to go, I had in my mind that I am jogging the whole way round the route I have in my mind. No matter what! When I started jogging and got to the path that leads to the park, I was thinking, "Mmmmmm I should have bought some water" Naggy told me exactly what its like to go into total body meltdown if you get too de-hydrated, mind you, I'm not planning to run 10 miles!

So with that in mind, of course I was thinking, "I doubt you going to run all the way" I think that is my problem, I am too negative by myself. I felt like I was running faster as well, only the clock can tell me when I get home. I haven't got a gizmo thingy, I shall have to ask 'Father Christmas' this year for something like that.

Through the park and my breathing is a little laboured, so I slow down the pace a bit, after all I have those hills to climb fairly soon. And I want to run up every single one, even if I have to walk for a few paces before hand.

There that's done it, now that thought was in my mind. I pushed myself harder to at least run for the first mile non stop. Why do I think negatively all the time. Up and up the hills, passed the first mile past the church..........now walk. But only for a few seconds. Just get the breath back. Then onwards and upwards. Keep my eyes on the lights up ahead, because just before those is where I turn to run up my nemesis! How I hate that hill! I hate that one more than the steeper one towards the end of my run! Its in my head!

Its here now, mocking me. I have no music with me, I didn't have head phones for my mobile to listen to the radio, my IPOD is out of battery, there is just me, the sound of the traffic and that hill!

I attack it as naggy tells me all too often, shoulders back, arms raised propelling you almost, head up, attack attack attack! I was doing all of this, then I started to think about something! I can't even remember what it was I was thinking about, but it threw me, I suddenly noticed that I was walking! Well I am so glad my Pastor is not driving past me right now! Not after what I called myself, out loud as well Of course I started to jog again, after a stern telling off.

I made sure that I didn't stop till I got to the end of this road. Running all the way to Southborough lane, then maybe a quick breather, but only a quick breather! On and on now, running past the school, running past both Oxhawths, now running up, probably, the steepest hill on the route. It is a killer, and of course me being weak willed, did stop again, but just before I got to my friends house I started running again, up and up, passed the church, turn right, then on and on. I am going past Crescent road today and going down to the next right turn. It doesn't add a lot to the route, but it does give me the whole of Hollingworth to run down! Oh that is so good. Flipity flopity scarecrow, nice and relaxed as I run down. Let the hill do all the work. Oh it feels good.

Of course I'm nearly home now, and I am not allowing myself anymore walking spots, No Way!! running all the way home. I remember looking at the clock on the way out and it read 17:57. When I run up the path, finishing in style, I look at the clock and it says, 18:43. Now in my worn out, confused sweaty state, I am trying to work out how fast I had run that route today. And in my confused state, and added to the fact that I am useless with numbers, I came up with 40 minutes! for some reason I kept saying to my self, "To make things easier Old girl, say it was 18:00 which means it would be 43 minutes running, take away the 3 minutes that you added and it comes to 40 minutes" Well it seemed fine to me, and I was walking out the miles from my legs totally astounded that I did that in that time, so therefore I am obviously wrong!

Of course I was. Had to take my neighbours (I was helping to bring in their shopping)to tell me how fast I was, even though I gave them wrong time started anyway!!

But a good run, and cheered on and told to keep on running (after I had stopped) by a couple of drivers going down Southborough Lane! Maybe naggy or Nagging Sister had told them to keep me running!!!