Hello blog lovers.
The worse thing about planning my longer runs on a Monday is the fact that I may occasionally over indulge at the weekend. This weekend was a particularl overindulgence day as it was Mothers Day. Family, chocolate, beer, food and fun was on the agenda.
I had a fantastic Mothers Day, with all the above going on. And the fun and games was brilliant. I think this is the first time, in years, that I have actually played rounders after getting fitter! By the way, for my American friends, rounders is a bit like your American baseball, only a bit more sedate! And to be able to run to each base without blowing out my backside was just brilliant! Ok, so I wasn't fast enough to get a whole rounder, but I did get to second base, and no smutty giggling please!!!
We also played British Bulldog, another childhood game, running after people! Something I wouldn't have been able to do a few years back either, let alone volunteering to being the bulldog first! So this running lark has certainly helped me to be able to play games with the family! A lovely family day yesterday!
But on to today. I was a little stiff from the running about yesterday, I guess it was all the sprints, and stops and the twisting and the turning that did it, but I still had in mind to do 6 miles today. I decided to choose a real boring route, to just try and focus on my running style, and also chose the pavements as well. I need to be able to run for as long as possible.
I deliberately chose my old 'love to hate this road' the A21 route. It has that long uphill stretch, just what you need after about 3 miles of jogging, a great testing piece of the route for me. I Hate Hills! The half marathon that I have entered into in May has quite a few hills! I need to get out there and do some! I started running along my road and my legs already felt like lead. "This is going to be a tough run" I thought to myself.
I kept positive though. At least I am out, it's not cold or raining, and I have not got a hangover! The only thing is bugging me is my tired body! That and the hour less sleep too over the weekend! But still, out running is out running, its all good! So what if I don't make it round a 6 mile route today, I shall try again sometime this week, so what, if its not quite according to plan, plans can be changed!
I soon got to the dreaded A21, took a deep breath, turned left and headed up the hill to Locksbottom! There are still a few streets that I can turn down if my legs refuse go any further, but I want to be able to do this long run today, and then not worry about doing another one till next Monday. The rest of the week to do short runs, maybe some intervals and stuff like that.
It is a fummy road (is there such a word as that!) fumes from the cars is what I'm getting at! And with the big lorries and buses, it's not the most pleasant of routes to run or cycle on, but it has got that hill! The hill that you need just after 3 miles, to test your legs and your stamina, and mentality!
Past the church, past the petrol garage, past the bus garage, the hill is looming! Of course all of this run so far as been done my style, run/walk! I keep thinking that one day I will be able to run a whole three miles without stopping, but when I try to hard to do it, I have a lousy run, I beat myself up, and I feel disappointed if I don't manage it! Now that is not my idea of fun and fitness! I know some of you sporty types push yourselves to the limits, hearts pounding out of your chests, legs, arms, chest screaming at you to stop, please stop! Well, I am in the school of thought that, nice runs, a little walk, push a little harder up hills, take a breather if necessary and voila! I can still eat chocolate, fly up my stairs without dying half way up, and play rounders on family days!
So you can see where I am going with this! I didn't quite manage to run up the whole of the hill! I tried, and then I set my 'goal posts' out. Just run to this tree, and to that tree, then as far as the crossing, etc! I managed to get quite a bit of the hill done, but it still was tough, and I still did my jog/walk routine up it!
I was going through the 'posh houses' instead of tackling the next hill towards Locksbottom. After all, this is still only going to be a 6 miler. I do love going through this private estate, the houses are beautiful. You can dream a little dream while you're running through here, and take your mind of your running!
I soon came back to reality again as I got through to the other side. There is just one last 'short cut' to be had if I need it. But then the old stubbornness had taken over and I was saying to my "You got this far Old Girl, might as well go on to the planned route" I actually nodded in agreement with myself!! Pretty daft eh?!
The path that would have taken me home quicker came and went past. Well, that's that, I had managed the miles today. I was still thinking that maybe I may even go down to the park, but I knew I was just feeling pleased with myself that I had at least got this far without taking any short cuts.
I got onto my estate and I had some good tunes going on to help me get through to my door! It was a tough run today, but, I am sure Mothers day celebrations and the extra hour loss of sleep (yes I know it was on Sunday that I lost it) but it does take a couple of days to get back into to the groove or BST.
Geeky stats for you. A good run, I wouldn't say great, but at least I am still enjoying running, which in my mind is 90% of why I keep going!
Monday, 31 March 2014
Saturday, 29 March 2014
March Mob Madness!
Hello blog lovers.
The alarm went of at 8 o'clock, I leaned over and snoozed it. "What day is it, why did I set the alarm?" The thoughts racing through my mind, as I tried to get back to my very weird dream that I was having. It was a dream of running. In my dream I had been telling everyone that they must be there, wearing their 'colours' run as fast as they could. In my dream I turned up at the start with no Garmin, no club vest, and hobbling!' Why would I want to get back to that dream. The snooze button went again.
This time I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror to be greeted by a fearsome sight! I must remember to take my makeup off before hitting the hay! After I had removed last nights 'going out' face, I got my club vest from my wardrobe, headed down the stairs to retrieve the rest of my newly washed running attire from the tumble.
Grabbing a banana I sat and ate it. Looking at the time "8:30! It's Saturday, my lay in day, why am I getting ready to go out?" Hunting for my shoes in the cupboard, putting the last piece of banana into my mouth. "Tea would have been nice" I thought. But I knew if I did that then the first thing I would look for at the park would have been the loo!
My shoes were still muddy from Thursdays woody run, so I put them on outside the house. I opened the door to a beautiful, peaceful, warm morning. Hardly a cloud in the sky. The only noise that I could hear where the birds alerting each other of my presence. They were busy feeding, grabbing the worms from the dewy grass. I guess they weren't too pleased when I appeared unlike the worms. I breathed in a big lungful of fresh air, as I looked around my little area. No one was around, everyone it seems, still sleeping soundly in their beds. I walked to the car in anticipation, in excitement. This is no ordinary Saturday morning run.
I got to my car and turned the engine on, the music started up I quickly turned the music off. I wanted to enjoy this peace for a little longer, he sounds of the birds and my car being the only other noise. "If only I had set the alarm earlier, I could have taken my bike" I thought as I drove towards the end of my road "Enjoy this morning from the seat of my bike instead of my car"
Driving through the estate I could see just a couple more cars moving about. Soon I arrived on to the main road, people in their cars, people on their bikes and people running on the pavements, some with huge earphones on! "I wonder if they will be going to Parkrun today" I thought to myself. I closed the window of my car, just to shut out the noise of the other cars, I still want to feel the peace of the morning.
It takes only a few minutes to get to the Normans Park. I parked up at the end of the car park and climbed out of my car. I looked around me and saw runners in different shirts, some were standing around chatting, others were stripping off their top layers, revealing their 'colours', others were doing a warm up running lap. I saw another PWR runner and we chatted as we crossed the green to where the 'white and black shirts' were meeting up.
The atmosphere has changed now, there is an excited buzz as we all looked around and tried to guess if PWR are out numbered or if, as in previous 'Mob Matches' we will keep our Mob Match Masters status! There is one thing that our running club is good at, and that is turning up in full force, with members from Group 0 through to Group 8, we are one big proud running club!
As we walked over to the beginning of the Parkrun, I could see even more white shirts. "Surely this is our day" I smiled as I looked around.
I stood out in the front, and with the new thing that I have found on my phone a did a 'landscape' style picture of all the runners.
I knew there is no way I would be in the 'scoring zone' so my plan for this Parkrun was to take some pictures on route, to cheer on fellow PWR as we get together at the 'pinch zone' as I run along the 'long stretch' and the 'double back', for I have no doubt by the time I get there on the first lap the front runners will be well and truly past that and running towards the pavilion.
The anticipation now at fever pitch for me, the excitement was building as I waited for the race director to give his address. These Mob Matches are always such good fun, and everyone cheers on each other! A friendly rivalry type of running race, where all abilities can join in, no pressure, and just be part of it. The off was given. The crowd surged forward. It is so difficult not to get caught up in the rush to get to the front. I have found in many of my park runs, that its not good for me to push forward so fast. I tried to ignore the runners rushing past me, I looked at my Garmin to adjust my pace, settle into a good pace, and then to have some fun running, taking pictures as I do.
The throng of runners snaking away, stretching before me as the first of the runners reached the path. There is a friendly rivalry between the fastest runners to be the first to get to the tarmacked path, so I have heard. Something that I will be in danger of doing. The snake like running crowd ran along the path and turned right to go back across the grass. The thumping of the runners feet, the occasional call from the spectators seem to be the only sounds as the long snake of runners 'slithered' through the grass beside the quiet trickling of the river, I quickly took out my phone to grab a picture. It's at times like this that I wish I had a great camera, as what I see with my eyes is not quite captured by my phone.
The sound of my breathing was interspersed with cheers of "Go Donna", as fellow PWR's, who were park run volunteers for today, and complete strangers cheered me on as I ran towards the pavilion. The name on my shirt is certainly an advantage on race days! I ran past the pavilion made my way to the opposite end of the park. There I.L. was waiting for me, she also wanted a nice leisurely ran this morning too. We stayed together for the rest of the run.
Just before we got back for the first time to the start of the run, the first of the fastest runners came pounding up behind us, his breathing alerting before we saw him. It seemed he flew past us as his mind fixated on getting to the orange finish tunnel just to more right turns away. Slowly after that we heard the tell tale breathing of the other runners past by, waiting to see our first PWR to pass us.
The finishing funnel looks so close, so inviting but I.L. and myself still have to continue along the river to finish our second lap. We tried to see any other PWR before we started along the river. The double back revealed the throng of runners and spectators gathering at the pavilion. As we neared we could see there were a few more PWR's 'home. "I wonder how many points we will have?" I thought.
Both I.L. and I ran towards to the top end of the park, looking forward to the last long stretch of todays Parkrun. "I rather like this bit of the course" said I.L. "So do I" I said, "Especially the second time round" Towards the end of the long stretch we had another 'photo break' both of us needing it! So my subject for this was I.L. herself.
Again,t owards the end of the second lap we were admiring the running styles of the runners, Blackheath and Bromley runners, PWR runners, I was comparing theirs to my slow shuffle. I shall have to make a mental note to do more butt kicks, get my legs higher!
We ran together through the finish funnel, collecting our tokens as we did. A great run, great fun and a great turn out for the Pettswood Runners! 41 runners compared to 27 for Blackheath and Bromley, Beckenham 27, Bexley 11 and Cambridge Harriers 1, on the points scoring then Blackheath and Bromley beat us and we came second. Only the first 27 of each clubs runners score. The first one back getting 1 point, the second one back gets 2 points. So the few points you have, the better in this case!. But surely, even the name, 'Mob Match', can show you, who were the winners today!
Some more pictures of todays park run.
The alarm went of at 8 o'clock, I leaned over and snoozed it. "What day is it, why did I set the alarm?" The thoughts racing through my mind, as I tried to get back to my very weird dream that I was having. It was a dream of running. In my dream I had been telling everyone that they must be there, wearing their 'colours' run as fast as they could. In my dream I turned up at the start with no Garmin, no club vest, and hobbling!' Why would I want to get back to that dream. The snooze button went again.
This time I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror to be greeted by a fearsome sight! I must remember to take my makeup off before hitting the hay! After I had removed last nights 'going out' face, I got my club vest from my wardrobe, headed down the stairs to retrieve the rest of my newly washed running attire from the tumble.
Grabbing a banana I sat and ate it. Looking at the time "8:30! It's Saturday, my lay in day, why am I getting ready to go out?" Hunting for my shoes in the cupboard, putting the last piece of banana into my mouth. "Tea would have been nice" I thought. But I knew if I did that then the first thing I would look for at the park would have been the loo!
My shoes were still muddy from Thursdays woody run, so I put them on outside the house. I opened the door to a beautiful, peaceful, warm morning. Hardly a cloud in the sky. The only noise that I could hear where the birds alerting each other of my presence. They were busy feeding, grabbing the worms from the dewy grass. I guess they weren't too pleased when I appeared unlike the worms. I breathed in a big lungful of fresh air, as I looked around my little area. No one was around, everyone it seems, still sleeping soundly in their beds. I walked to the car in anticipation, in excitement. This is no ordinary Saturday morning run.
I got to my car and turned the engine on, the music started up I quickly turned the music off. I wanted to enjoy this peace for a little longer, he sounds of the birds and my car being the only other noise. "If only I had set the alarm earlier, I could have taken my bike" I thought as I drove towards the end of my road "Enjoy this morning from the seat of my bike instead of my car"
Driving through the estate I could see just a couple more cars moving about. Soon I arrived on to the main road, people in their cars, people on their bikes and people running on the pavements, some with huge earphones on! "I wonder if they will be going to Parkrun today" I thought to myself. I closed the window of my car, just to shut out the noise of the other cars, I still want to feel the peace of the morning.
It takes only a few minutes to get to the Normans Park. I parked up at the end of the car park and climbed out of my car. I looked around me and saw runners in different shirts, some were standing around chatting, others were stripping off their top layers, revealing their 'colours', others were doing a warm up running lap. I saw another PWR runner and we chatted as we crossed the green to where the 'white and black shirts' were meeting up.
 |
| New Kit for PWR's |
The atmosphere has changed now, there is an excited buzz as we all looked around and tried to guess if PWR are out numbered or if, as in previous 'Mob Matches' we will keep our Mob Match Masters status! There is one thing that our running club is good at, and that is turning up in full force, with members from Group 0 through to Group 8, we are one big proud running club!
As we walked over to the beginning of the Parkrun, I could see even more white shirts. "Surely this is our day" I smiled as I looked around.
 |
| The gathering! |
I stood out in the front, and with the new thing that I have found on my phone a did a 'landscape' style picture of all the runners.
 |
| 1,2,3,........ |
I knew there is no way I would be in the 'scoring zone' so my plan for this Parkrun was to take some pictures on route, to cheer on fellow PWR as we get together at the 'pinch zone' as I run along the 'long stretch' and the 'double back', for I have no doubt by the time I get there on the first lap the front runners will be well and truly past that and running towards the pavilion.
The anticipation now at fever pitch for me, the excitement was building as I waited for the race director to give his address. These Mob Matches are always such good fun, and everyone cheers on each other! A friendly rivalry type of running race, where all abilities can join in, no pressure, and just be part of it. The off was given. The crowd surged forward. It is so difficult not to get caught up in the rush to get to the front. I have found in many of my park runs, that its not good for me to push forward so fast. I tried to ignore the runners rushing past me, I looked at my Garmin to adjust my pace, settle into a good pace, and then to have some fun running, taking pictures as I do.
The throng of runners snaking away, stretching before me as the first of the runners reached the path. There is a friendly rivalry between the fastest runners to be the first to get to the tarmacked path, so I have heard. Something that I will be in danger of doing. The snake like running crowd ran along the path and turned right to go back across the grass. The thumping of the runners feet, the occasional call from the spectators seem to be the only sounds as the long snake of runners 'slithered' through the grass beside the quiet trickling of the river, I quickly took out my phone to grab a picture. It's at times like this that I wish I had a great camera, as what I see with my eyes is not quite captured by my phone.
 |
| The river separating the faster runners and me! |
The sound of my breathing was interspersed with cheers of "Go Donna", as fellow PWR's, who were park run volunteers for today, and complete strangers cheered me on as I ran towards the pavilion. The name on my shirt is certainly an advantage on race days! I ran past the pavilion made my way to the opposite end of the park. There I.L. was waiting for me, she also wanted a nice leisurely ran this morning too. We stayed together for the rest of the run.
 |
| Everyone can and does run Parkruns! |
Just before we got back for the first time to the start of the run, the first of the fastest runners came pounding up behind us, his breathing alerting before we saw him. It seemed he flew past us as his mind fixated on getting to the orange finish tunnel just to more right turns away. Slowly after that we heard the tell tale breathing of the other runners past by, waiting to see our first PWR to pass us.
 |
| Our PWR point scorers! |
The finishing funnel looks so close, so inviting but I.L. and myself still have to continue along the river to finish our second lap. We tried to see any other PWR before we started along the river. The double back revealed the throng of runners and spectators gathering at the pavilion. As we neared we could see there were a few more PWR's 'home. "I wonder how many points we will have?" I thought.
Both I.L. and I ran towards to the top end of the park, looking forward to the last long stretch of todays Parkrun. "I rather like this bit of the course" said I.L. "So do I" I said, "Especially the second time round" Towards the end of the long stretch we had another 'photo break' both of us needing it! So my subject for this was I.L. herself.
 |
| Illustrious Leader! |
Again,t owards the end of the second lap we were admiring the running styles of the runners, Blackheath and Bromley runners, PWR runners, I was comparing theirs to my slow shuffle. I shall have to make a mental note to do more butt kicks, get my legs higher!
We ran together through the finish funnel, collecting our tokens as we did. A great run, great fun and a great turn out for the Pettswood Runners! 41 runners compared to 27 for Blackheath and Bromley, Beckenham 27, Bexley 11 and Cambridge Harriers 1, on the points scoring then Blackheath and Bromley beat us and we came second. Only the first 27 of each clubs runners score. The first one back getting 1 point, the second one back gets 2 points. So the few points you have, the better in this case!. But surely, even the name, 'Mob Match', can show you, who were the winners today!
Some more pictures of todays park run.
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| Kit table now turned to cake table! |
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| See, everyone can take part! |
Thursday Morning Woody Run!
Hello Blog lovers.
This entry is a little late, I know, but this thing called 'life without runninng' seems to be getting in the way! Now lets see if I can remember what happened!
Well to start off with I had actually thought of a route, which would take in Jubilee park. It was going to be on the pavements, as I have not yet done a reccy through the woods to see how the land lies. I got to the rec where I met up with all the other runners for that days session.
Illustrious Leader Ann was with me and so was David, I think maybe he wanted to have a nice leisurely stroll that day was he joined my group! When I.L. asked where we were heading, she pointed out that she was wearing her trail shoes! "Has anyone been through the woods yet?" I asked, and DiscoRich said "I'm heading there today" and also I.L. said that the woods will be fine now.
Well that made my mind up. I have missed running through the woods and quickly conjured up one of our usual routes and said "Right that's where we're heading then"
Both groups headed off at the same time, both of us were heading through 'Dog Poo' Ally, but we were going to be heading up the middle while group 2 were heading to the left. If felt good to be running through the woods again. The path wasn't as muddy and wet as I thought it would be. I know I have missed out on a couple of Thursday morning sessions, but it still surprised me how quickly it had all nearly dried up in there.
As I was looking around and chatting and enjoying the woods I felt my breathing getting heavy. Of course! Going up the middle of the woods is 'Going Up' The climb up the hill started to tell on me! I started to answer in one word sentences, or just let I.L. and David do the chatting! Once at the top we turned left to run down to the road that leads to the farm, Botony Bay lane.
It was a slow run, a nice usual paced run for me, I guess David was wondering when the 'warm up' mile would finish and then we kick into faster pace running! When we got to Botony Bay Lane we had another quick stop to just take in the sight of the lovely display of daffodils that was in the garden of one three houses that are down this little lane. It did look splendid. As we were looking at it just to our left were group 2. Fortunately they came out of the path at a walking pace and just meandered towards us for a few steps and then jogged on past us. We, of course, pointed out the lovely display of flowers that we just had to stop and look at!
Continuing our run we ran towards the path that group 2 had come out of. This was taking us to Goss Hill. Last time I ran down there it was very, very wet and muddy and very slippery. If this was all dry then our wood running days are back!!! Fantastic! No more pavement pounding, no more breathing in car fumes, no more stopping at crossing points, not more counting lampposts........hang on...... no more stopping at crossing points!! Oh blow!! I will have to have other reasons now to take a quick breather and look as if I don't need it. But, the flower display was a very good reason for stopping! This is why running is so good.
The way back was through Jubilee park, my original plan, and then either back through the woods over the three bridges, or just over the first bridge and pop out at Great Thrift and head back from there. Depending on time and distance then I shall make the decision then, or give the option to the others. But when we got to Great Thrift I decided that we should hit the road and make our way back on the road. As we passed 'Dog Poo' Ally group 2 suddenly appeared! Perfect timing! We all arrived back at the rec together!
A great leisurely run it was too! I enjoyed it. Hope it wasn't too leisurely for David!
Geeky stats!
This entry is a little late, I know, but this thing called 'life without runninng' seems to be getting in the way! Now lets see if I can remember what happened!
Well to start off with I had actually thought of a route, which would take in Jubilee park. It was going to be on the pavements, as I have not yet done a reccy through the woods to see how the land lies. I got to the rec where I met up with all the other runners for that days session.
Illustrious Leader Ann was with me and so was David, I think maybe he wanted to have a nice leisurely stroll that day was he joined my group! When I.L. asked where we were heading, she pointed out that she was wearing her trail shoes! "Has anyone been through the woods yet?" I asked, and DiscoRich said "I'm heading there today" and also I.L. said that the woods will be fine now.
Well that made my mind up. I have missed running through the woods and quickly conjured up one of our usual routes and said "Right that's where we're heading then"
Both groups headed off at the same time, both of us were heading through 'Dog Poo' Ally, but we were going to be heading up the middle while group 2 were heading to the left. If felt good to be running through the woods again. The path wasn't as muddy and wet as I thought it would be. I know I have missed out on a couple of Thursday morning sessions, but it still surprised me how quickly it had all nearly dried up in there.
As I was looking around and chatting and enjoying the woods I felt my breathing getting heavy. Of course! Going up the middle of the woods is 'Going Up' The climb up the hill started to tell on me! I started to answer in one word sentences, or just let I.L. and David do the chatting! Once at the top we turned left to run down to the road that leads to the farm, Botony Bay lane.
It was a slow run, a nice usual paced run for me, I guess David was wondering when the 'warm up' mile would finish and then we kick into faster pace running! When we got to Botony Bay Lane we had another quick stop to just take in the sight of the lovely display of daffodils that was in the garden of one three houses that are down this little lane. It did look splendid. As we were looking at it just to our left were group 2. Fortunately they came out of the path at a walking pace and just meandered towards us for a few steps and then jogged on past us. We, of course, pointed out the lovely display of flowers that we just had to stop and look at!
Continuing our run we ran towards the path that group 2 had come out of. This was taking us to Goss Hill. Last time I ran down there it was very, very wet and muddy and very slippery. If this was all dry then our wood running days are back!!! Fantastic! No more pavement pounding, no more breathing in car fumes, no more stopping at crossing points, not more counting lampposts........hang on...... no more stopping at crossing points!! Oh blow!! I will have to have other reasons now to take a quick breather and look as if I don't need it. But, the flower display was a very good reason for stopping! This is why running is so good.
The way back was through Jubilee park, my original plan, and then either back through the woods over the three bridges, or just over the first bridge and pop out at Great Thrift and head back from there. Depending on time and distance then I shall make the decision then, or give the option to the others. But when we got to Great Thrift I decided that we should hit the road and make our way back on the road. As we passed 'Dog Poo' Ally group 2 suddenly appeared! Perfect timing! We all arrived back at the rec together!
A great leisurely run it was too! I enjoyed it. Hope it wasn't too leisurely for David!
Geeky stats!
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Heros and Speedos!
Hello blog lovers.
What a brilliant club run it was tonight! The Hero to Zero group run and group 1 run! Let me tell you all about them.
We all started out just fine, and then the split started. The faster runners started getting ahead. I used my whistle and with that, they all came running back towards me until they got to just in front of me and then carried on running up the road again.
We got to the memorial hall and had a little break. That's when I came up with my new rule. when I whistle, they all had to come back with a bit of a sprint and high five me and anyone else at the back! While who ever was at the back had to sprint faster to meet them! There is no getting away from speed work even if you're at the back!
That was going to be the nature of the run. I used the not so easy route today as well, just to keep it challenging, the undulating route up from Hazlemere, Great Thrift and Woodside (I think that is what the last bit of the road is called) This is how I described todays route in a text message to group 0 runners. I do try and give them positive things to think about.
Quote
Who is looking forward to tomorrows Hero group run!! We shall be passing the delightful Turkish quarter as we run by the kebab shop, a quick gander at the fantastic shopping Pettswood has to offer (Morrisons). Then under the rail bridge to head for the local watering hole, The Daylight, all though no stopping there. Then on for the last of the undulating landscape (ok, the long road) back to the park?
Unquote.
Now who wouldn't want to come on a run like that? Let me tell you that all the ladies today were fantastic Heroes and they met the challenge of the interval running that I had sprung on them with a smile. We did have a faller, on the very last part of the route back to the rec, but after a sit down, and rest she was fine to walk back the rest of the way! I don't think there is one runner in our club that hasn't fallen yet! It's like gaining a badge of honour!
Here is the geeky stats for Group 0
She told us the route, I heard the first part ok, Southborough Lane, and then for some reason I didn't hear much more. But I was thinking, "Well, that's all down hill, and then its a long slog back up again," But the Southborough lane part of todays route was just a small section of it.
What she had actually done was taken a route that we had done before and just decided to do it in reverse! Although I was at the back, I was at least running all the time, only stopping when the 'catch up' stop was happening. At the first catchup point Sherry said, "Oo sorry I seem to be running a little fast than the usual pace" I was totally amazed that she could run at that pace, after the 20 miles an all! She seem to run effortlessly along the road and up the hills, chatting as she waited for me at each catchup.
It was when were running along Crofton road that I suddenly realised that we will be running up 'Cardiac Hill'. So much for me thinking that this was going to be a nice easy flat, laid back sort of run! These PWR's are made of stern stuff you know! 20 miles, is nothing! Even another one of the ladies in our group, Jane, did the same 20 miles at the weekend and she was up the front looking brilliant! Both Sherry and Jane are doing the VLM.
But anyway, after walking up said nasty hill, I didn't walk anymore after that, I just kept plodding away! I think those solo runs has started to pay off at last! Just got to keep it going. After all, I now have a race booked! It's a half marathon in....wait for it.......May 17th! I am so looking forward to it.
A great run today, and I thoughrouly enjoyed it! Here is geeky stats for Group 1.
What a brilliant club run it was tonight! The Hero to Zero group run and group 1 run! Let me tell you all about them.
Hero to Zero Group
All my regular helpers are busy training very hard for marathons or recuperating from doing a marathon, as Peter is. He completed the Rome marathon at the weekend! So it was just me with my regular members of Hero group. So I was going to have to get inventive to keep all the group together. Usually we usually split into three little sections, fast runners, middle runners and slower runners. Unless I am going to run up and down like a demented puppy that has just got out of the bath, then my strategy for keeping us all together is going to have to bring my whistle into play.We all started out just fine, and then the split started. The faster runners started getting ahead. I used my whistle and with that, they all came running back towards me until they got to just in front of me and then carried on running up the road again.
We got to the memorial hall and had a little break. That's when I came up with my new rule. when I whistle, they all had to come back with a bit of a sprint and high five me and anyone else at the back! While who ever was at the back had to sprint faster to meet them! There is no getting away from speed work even if you're at the back!
That was going to be the nature of the run. I used the not so easy route today as well, just to keep it challenging, the undulating route up from Hazlemere, Great Thrift and Woodside (I think that is what the last bit of the road is called) This is how I described todays route in a text message to group 0 runners. I do try and give them positive things to think about.
Quote
Who is looking forward to tomorrows Hero group run!! We shall be passing the delightful Turkish quarter as we run by the kebab shop, a quick gander at the fantastic shopping Pettswood has to offer (Morrisons). Then under the rail bridge to head for the local watering hole, The Daylight, all though no stopping there. Then on for the last of the undulating landscape (ok, the long road) back to the park?
Unquote.
Now who wouldn't want to come on a run like that? Let me tell you that all the ladies today were fantastic Heroes and they met the challenge of the interval running that I had sprung on them with a smile. We did have a faller, on the very last part of the route back to the rec, but after a sit down, and rest she was fine to walk back the rest of the way! I don't think there is one runner in our club that hasn't fallen yet! It's like gaining a badge of honour!
Here is the geeky stats for Group 0
Group 1
And now for the speedo part of my blog. I bet you are all waiting to see someone in a pair of speedos, right? Well sorry to disappoint, but speedo is to do with the pace! Sherry was taking group 1 today. When I found out that she was I thought, "Great, its bound to be a nice easy route, fairly easy paced, as she ran 20 miles on Sunday!" Well that was my thinking, and probably hoping!She told us the route, I heard the first part ok, Southborough Lane, and then for some reason I didn't hear much more. But I was thinking, "Well, that's all down hill, and then its a long slog back up again," But the Southborough lane part of todays route was just a small section of it.
What she had actually done was taken a route that we had done before and just decided to do it in reverse! Although I was at the back, I was at least running all the time, only stopping when the 'catch up' stop was happening. At the first catchup point Sherry said, "Oo sorry I seem to be running a little fast than the usual pace" I was totally amazed that she could run at that pace, after the 20 miles an all! She seem to run effortlessly along the road and up the hills, chatting as she waited for me at each catchup.
It was when were running along Crofton road that I suddenly realised that we will be running up 'Cardiac Hill'. So much for me thinking that this was going to be a nice easy flat, laid back sort of run! These PWR's are made of stern stuff you know! 20 miles, is nothing! Even another one of the ladies in our group, Jane, did the same 20 miles at the weekend and she was up the front looking brilliant! Both Sherry and Jane are doing the VLM.
But anyway, after walking up said nasty hill, I didn't walk anymore after that, I just kept plodding away! I think those solo runs has started to pay off at last! Just got to keep it going. After all, I now have a race booked! It's a half marathon in....wait for it.......May 17th! I am so looking forward to it.
A great run today, and I thoughrouly enjoyed it! Here is geeky stats for Group 1.
Monday, 24 March 2014
Not In A Car, Not On A Bike, But On My Feet!
Hello blog lovers.
What lovely sunshine we had this morning! I just needed to be outside running, smiling and singing along to my tunes, it just had to be done! I am planning on finding a half marathon to do this year as, I want to do a charity run, after all, it was doing a charity run that had started my love of running in the first place! I am not sure what charity that I shall support this year either. In the beginning it was always Cancer Research Uk, because of my mum, but my mum had supported a few charities over her time, I guess I shall have a good think and pray about it, I am sure Him upstairs will point me in the right direction, and hopefully I can choose one that my mum would have supported too.
So with my mind set on doing more than the 4 miles I did last week, I started to think about where I could run. The woods are still a big draw for me, but I still would like to know first, that I would be able to run through them rather than tiptoe, paddle or slide through them. But I also want to be able to get at least a tiny bit of traffic free running in. There is only one way to go to do that, and that's to go through Jubilee Park. Either that or Normans Park, but heading there would be quite boring, all along and back up Southborough lane! No, Jubilee it is!
I waited for the satellites to find me and headed off to my local park first. I am going to be doing the four mile route in reverse but with an extra mile added to it. Just to keep things nice and fresh, and also to stop any of those silly 'mental images' of 'mile 1, mile 2' etc! So after I ran through my park I headed for Blackbrook Lane. The entrance to Jubilee park is right towards the end of this road. Later on, when I am doing more miles, I could carry on to the end and attempt to do Summer Hill! Even the thought of that sends shivers through me! *shiver*
It did feel really good running through the park. I am so looking forward to when running through the woods is going to be the 'norm' and the pavement pounding will only be for getting back to the beginning of any one run! I was so enjoying the traffic free bit of running that I carried on over the bridge just to prolong it for a little bit more. I wasn't quite sure whether this would shorten my planned 5 miler, but I could always run around the block if I needed too.
Coming out onto Great Thrift I realised that I avoided some of the undulations of this long road. I was wondering just how big my run around the block is going to have to be! Running down hill towards where my running club meet up on Tuesdays, and I was smiling. I shall be here again tomorrow, with my Hero group and group 1. I feel so lucky that I have found a great club to run with, to keep my love of running well and truly motivated!
Just the last bit of the route, and that's after Tudor Way, turn left to run up to Shepperton Road. There is a few more slight undulations of this bit of route, its part of SingstarJo's (non-flat) flat route, as its affectionately called. I was originally planning to go down Diametre road once I had got on to Crescent Road. I checked the mileage on my Garmin and I realised that I needed to add on a bit extra. So I ran to the end of this road, and turned left once I had got to Southborough Lane. As I was running towards top Oxhawth I was toying with the idea of running all the way down to the Harvester to then run through my local park. But I took a look at the time and decided that enough was enough for today. No need to go loopy loo because I was feeling good. Nice and easy, steady and keeping it fun! That's how to do it!
I happen to mention my 5 miler on my FaceBook and a couple of people had a little joke with me hence today's title! No, my car wasn't slow, and no, I wasn't stopping at every single red like while riding a bike! But yes, I was running, (not the most fastest runners of all time, I know) and I was having fun!
My geeky Stats
What lovely sunshine we had this morning! I just needed to be outside running, smiling and singing along to my tunes, it just had to be done! I am planning on finding a half marathon to do this year as, I want to do a charity run, after all, it was doing a charity run that had started my love of running in the first place! I am not sure what charity that I shall support this year either. In the beginning it was always Cancer Research Uk, because of my mum, but my mum had supported a few charities over her time, I guess I shall have a good think and pray about it, I am sure Him upstairs will point me in the right direction, and hopefully I can choose one that my mum would have supported too.
So with my mind set on doing more than the 4 miles I did last week, I started to think about where I could run. The woods are still a big draw for me, but I still would like to know first, that I would be able to run through them rather than tiptoe, paddle or slide through them. But I also want to be able to get at least a tiny bit of traffic free running in. There is only one way to go to do that, and that's to go through Jubilee Park. Either that or Normans Park, but heading there would be quite boring, all along and back up Southborough lane! No, Jubilee it is!
I waited for the satellites to find me and headed off to my local park first. I am going to be doing the four mile route in reverse but with an extra mile added to it. Just to keep things nice and fresh, and also to stop any of those silly 'mental images' of 'mile 1, mile 2' etc! So after I ran through my park I headed for Blackbrook Lane. The entrance to Jubilee park is right towards the end of this road. Later on, when I am doing more miles, I could carry on to the end and attempt to do Summer Hill! Even the thought of that sends shivers through me! *shiver*
It did feel really good running through the park. I am so looking forward to when running through the woods is going to be the 'norm' and the pavement pounding will only be for getting back to the beginning of any one run! I was so enjoying the traffic free bit of running that I carried on over the bridge just to prolong it for a little bit more. I wasn't quite sure whether this would shorten my planned 5 miler, but I could always run around the block if I needed too.
Coming out onto Great Thrift I realised that I avoided some of the undulations of this long road. I was wondering just how big my run around the block is going to have to be! Running down hill towards where my running club meet up on Tuesdays, and I was smiling. I shall be here again tomorrow, with my Hero group and group 1. I feel so lucky that I have found a great club to run with, to keep my love of running well and truly motivated!
Just the last bit of the route, and that's after Tudor Way, turn left to run up to Shepperton Road. There is a few more slight undulations of this bit of route, its part of SingstarJo's (non-flat) flat route, as its affectionately called. I was originally planning to go down Diametre road once I had got on to Crescent Road. I checked the mileage on my Garmin and I realised that I needed to add on a bit extra. So I ran to the end of this road, and turned left once I had got to Southborough Lane. As I was running towards top Oxhawth I was toying with the idea of running all the way down to the Harvester to then run through my local park. But I took a look at the time and decided that enough was enough for today. No need to go loopy loo because I was feeling good. Nice and easy, steady and keeping it fun! That's how to do it!
I happen to mention my 5 miler on my FaceBook and a couple of people had a little joke with me hence today's title! No, my car wasn't slow, and no, I wasn't stopping at every single red like while riding a bike! But yes, I was running, (not the most fastest runners of all time, I know) and I was having fun!
My geeky Stats
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Solo Running, Again!
Hello blog lovers!
I guess it looks like I am billy no mates with all this solo running going on, but unfortunately I just couldn't get to the usual Thursday morning PWR run today. So as soon as I had done what I had to do, I came back to get changed and psyched up for my Thursday run. As I was by myself, I though I would go and do a planned four miles!
The sun was shining, but the wind was showing it's presence! The trees were waving their branches about, and it was feeling just a tad chilly. I knew that I would warm up so the chilliness is not going to be bothering me! The wind might, however, reflect what I might likely feel on this run.
I set off, satellites following me, my music blaring in my ears, and a though of "Blimey, this is only the beginning!". No matter what, I love being out running, no matter what thoughts run through my mind. This first bit of the run though, that first couple of steps, the look back at the door knowing I am just leaving, and knowing this is where the finish is. That there, is the hardest bit of my running. I saw something on facebook today, that made me smile, it was a quote, and I can't remember where I saw it, but it said 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step'. And related that to my running today, 'Running has to start with the first steps'. It's a matter of fact, it's simply simple! It may only be a short 2 mile run or it could be a marathon. But each time I run, I know I will feel exactly like this, so it just best to start smiling from the start! Enjoy it, have some fun, throw some shapes while running along!
All of those I did on todays run! Just at as was running down Tudor way, I had passed the left turn that could make my run just 3 miles, so I was feeling pretty pleased with my self and smug! There was a tune playing in my ears and I was raising my hand singing along with it #I love Rock n roll#. I must have looked like a complete nutter! But I was figuring that it was great advertising for running!
I can't wait to go through the woods, I must find out from the other PWR's if the woods are at least somewhat dried out that we wont have to have our canoes to get over some of the puddles. I looked through 'Dog Poo Ally' feeling really tempted to go through there to find out, but I thought better of it. I need to get back, showered do stuff before I have to do lunch.
Running along Southborough Lane and I really started to feel just brilliant, again, just as my other solo run, I took a butchers at my watch just to see what pace I was doing, and again (going down hill) it was under 11 m/mil! I started smiling to myself again. "Ok Old Girl, don't get to smug, just enjoy the run, don't push it, you're doing just great" were the words that I started to think. It's ok to have a good run, but I don't want to get all blase' about it and trip or do anything silly! So I just looked ahead and continued to run just as I have been doing.
Back onto my road and there is my door, the place I left just a little less than an hour ago. The place where I thought, "Blimey, this just the beginning!" but now I am thinking "Wow, its the end!" I felt as if I could have gone another mile, but it has been a while since I have ran anything longer than this, so best not to, and besides I need to get lunch!
A great run today, yes it would have been nice to run with my running club pals, but still! I really had a great run.
Geeky stats.
I guess it looks like I am billy no mates with all this solo running going on, but unfortunately I just couldn't get to the usual Thursday morning PWR run today. So as soon as I had done what I had to do, I came back to get changed and psyched up for my Thursday run. As I was by myself, I though I would go and do a planned four miles!
The sun was shining, but the wind was showing it's presence! The trees were waving their branches about, and it was feeling just a tad chilly. I knew that I would warm up so the chilliness is not going to be bothering me! The wind might, however, reflect what I might likely feel on this run.
I set off, satellites following me, my music blaring in my ears, and a though of "Blimey, this is only the beginning!". No matter what, I love being out running, no matter what thoughts run through my mind. This first bit of the run though, that first couple of steps, the look back at the door knowing I am just leaving, and knowing this is where the finish is. That there, is the hardest bit of my running. I saw something on facebook today, that made me smile, it was a quote, and I can't remember where I saw it, but it said 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step'. And related that to my running today, 'Running has to start with the first steps'. It's a matter of fact, it's simply simple! It may only be a short 2 mile run or it could be a marathon. But each time I run, I know I will feel exactly like this, so it just best to start smiling from the start! Enjoy it, have some fun, throw some shapes while running along!
All of those I did on todays run! Just at as was running down Tudor way, I had passed the left turn that could make my run just 3 miles, so I was feeling pretty pleased with my self and smug! There was a tune playing in my ears and I was raising my hand singing along with it #I love Rock n roll#. I must have looked like a complete nutter! But I was figuring that it was great advertising for running!
I can't wait to go through the woods, I must find out from the other PWR's if the woods are at least somewhat dried out that we wont have to have our canoes to get over some of the puddles. I looked through 'Dog Poo Ally' feeling really tempted to go through there to find out, but I thought better of it. I need to get back, showered do stuff before I have to do lunch.
Running along Southborough Lane and I really started to feel just brilliant, again, just as my other solo run, I took a butchers at my watch just to see what pace I was doing, and again (going down hill) it was under 11 m/mil! I started smiling to myself again. "Ok Old Girl, don't get to smug, just enjoy the run, don't push it, you're doing just great" were the words that I started to think. It's ok to have a good run, but I don't want to get all blase' about it and trip or do anything silly! So I just looked ahead and continued to run just as I have been doing.
Back onto my road and there is my door, the place I left just a little less than an hour ago. The place where I thought, "Blimey, this just the beginning!" but now I am thinking "Wow, its the end!" I felt as if I could have gone another mile, but it has been a while since I have ran anything longer than this, so best not to, and besides I need to get lunch!
A great run today, yes it would have been nice to run with my running club pals, but still! I really had a great run.
Geeky stats.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Just Group Zero To Hero!
Hello Blog lovers.
I guess you probably wondering where yeterdays club run blog is. Well it's here, its now! I have had a bit of a hectic week, with one thing and another, which is also why I had only done my group 0 yesterday.
Anyway, here is the gist of it. Fotunately I had managed to get Peter to come along and help with the faster runners, (again I had left things late for sorting out!) But JJ, Denise and Wendi all came along, eager to get their fitness levels back to where they were. They other Hero members had life stuff getting in the way of their running. Don't you just hate it when that happens! So the route for them was going to be up Birchwood, which was also suggested by JJ. I think next week I will take them over the underulating route, as a bit of a tester!
I was going to be sweeper, as usual, and to encourage Wendi along, but also to keep her on the straight a narrow! Now Wendi did the Edinburough marathon last year, but also she managed to injure herself, (not on the marathon though, some time after!) and like all runners coming back from injury she expects her body to fall into what her mind says, which is of course 'Run at full fitness pace, please body'! Where as the body says to the mind 'You got to be kidding me, I have had a nice break, now be a good girl and go get me a cuppa and a biscuit!'
Coming back from injury, or maybe even just that stuff, 'life', which has got in the way of your running is going to take a bit of time, no matter how much your mind remembers the good times! And sometimes you need someone to just gently remind you to build back into things slowly.
It was a good run, and everyone did really well. Peter even managed to get JJ and Denise to do just a little bit extra while me and Wendi were stretching out. They came back, JJ was looking like she had done the usual group 1 and Denise was looking very pleased with herself for doing the extra loop.
Anyway, here is the geeky stats from Group 0 for yesterday!
I guess you probably wondering where yeterdays club run blog is. Well it's here, its now! I have had a bit of a hectic week, with one thing and another, which is also why I had only done my group 0 yesterday.
Anyway, here is the gist of it. Fotunately I had managed to get Peter to come along and help with the faster runners, (again I had left things late for sorting out!) But JJ, Denise and Wendi all came along, eager to get their fitness levels back to where they were. They other Hero members had life stuff getting in the way of their running. Don't you just hate it when that happens! So the route for them was going to be up Birchwood, which was also suggested by JJ. I think next week I will take them over the underulating route, as a bit of a tester!
I was going to be sweeper, as usual, and to encourage Wendi along, but also to keep her on the straight a narrow! Now Wendi did the Edinburough marathon last year, but also she managed to injure herself, (not on the marathon though, some time after!) and like all runners coming back from injury she expects her body to fall into what her mind says, which is of course 'Run at full fitness pace, please body'! Where as the body says to the mind 'You got to be kidding me, I have had a nice break, now be a good girl and go get me a cuppa and a biscuit!'
Coming back from injury, or maybe even just that stuff, 'life', which has got in the way of your running is going to take a bit of time, no matter how much your mind remembers the good times! And sometimes you need someone to just gently remind you to build back into things slowly.
It was a good run, and everyone did really well. Peter even managed to get JJ and Denise to do just a little bit extra while me and Wendi were stretching out. They came back, JJ was looking like she had done the usual group 1 and Denise was looking very pleased with herself for doing the extra loop.
Anyway, here is the geeky stats from Group 0 for yesterday!
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