Hello blog lovers.
I have just looked back on the last 10 days for my blogs. From the 18th August until the 28th August, I have done 8 runs and 1 cycle ride (which I am still behind of writing up!) That's nine activities in those ten days. I had a lovely relaxing bank holiday yesterday, becoming very much the couch potato. And today I am here running again with my club.! Thats just daft! Even I know that I should have a rest day! Just as well I had yesterday off really!
So it was no surprise to me that I have some aches and pains showing themselves. The route I had planned had a few undulations in there, and it's all going to be on the pavements. It's too dark in the woods now, even to just touch on it for a short while. Our route was one of the old winter routes, the first one that our new group 1 did. At least there, if I have some faster group 1's then I will do some hill training.....in fact.....I think we should all do a bit of hill training anyway!
There were 14 of us today, and the lovely LittleJ is back with us. and we also a new face with us too, a lady coming back from injury, she is doing it the proper way, working her way through the groups until she gets back to her preferred pace.
When we come out of the rec we turned left and the ran along to the end of the road. Then we turned right to run up the hill! The biggest hill first, get it out of the way! That was a toughie. Still warming up and then we had to run up the hill to the very top! It's a great cardio workout thats for sure. I took a stopping break there, mainly because I needed it myself. "I used to like you" said one oour group "I don't even like me!" I said as struggled to gain control of my breathing!
I took them to Tilligbourne Green, I like this little route, it has the cheeky little hill to do some practise pushing yourselves just a bit. And that's what I did with them. Three times up and down the hill to get them all fitter and stronger for when it's move up week and then feel they want to go 'explore' group 2.
I did two reps of the hill before the pain in the hip showed up! It was anything two painful, but it certainly made it's presence known! I just grinned and bared it for the rest of the run from the hill. Most of the others did the 3 reps with just a couple of ladies staying at the top with me.
The way home was pretty much uneventful. I did try rally troupes from group 1 to try doing the Assembly league on Thursday evening and I would join them if they did. But as they didn't have enough of group one to come along I decided that I wouldn't go along either. But there are maybe 2 going from group 1 so not too bad! Oh well, maybe next Year
The down hill and the up hill of Petts Wood Road was tough, and we still had just a mile to do! "Just go for it, Old Girl" I said to myself, and then found all the excuses of why I should be walking. I got the front runners to run down Little Thrift while the others at the back had a chance to catch up. And then it was just a few roads along before we were finished. My hip wasn't liking it, the slight ache in my knees had gone, so silver linings and all that! But with just a few hundred meters to the rec I pushed and pushed as far as I can to finish the run. It was a tough one, but I still had fun!
I am literally falling asleep as I write this. So I am going to upload the geeky stats and not write anymore. I don't think I have missed anything.
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
Sunday, 28 August 2016
Solo Run!
Hello blog lovers,
Finally, I've been on a solo run! Was I as tough on my self as Naggy would have been or even the Old boy?......Nah! Was I as tough on myself as I am with my group 1 runners, or my other running buddies?.......Hmmmm So so! I was just happy that I was finnaly out!
That mojo really does help with the running! I don't know what it is, and if I did I would bottle it and make a blimmin fortune out of it by selling the stuff! I had to get up real early......well, 7 in the morning, just so that I could wake up and prepare for my run. The Old Boy was up as well, he was going cycling for 20 or so miles. Me, I was really thinking about creeping back into my pit! It, looked like it was going to rain! But that still, quiet voice in my head said "Get out there now, any little tiny excuse not to go any you will take it!" So there I was wresting with myself, "Come on Old Girl, get out there for goodness sake!"
So I procrastinated a tad more before I finally got out of the house! My music in my ears and I headed up to Farringdon Ave and promptly stopped and turned around! The ear phones fell out of my ears! I wasn't feeling it, they were the wrong ones. I couldn't possibly run with these ones. I couldn't find my 'sports' ones just these old round shaped Ipod earphones! They just dont do it for me! I went back and looked some more, for my others. I still couldn't find them but I found the newer 'weird' shaped earphones that came with my Iphone! A quick change over, and reset my Garmin and started again!
I was just going to do my usual plod to Turpington and back. Not going to beat myself up, just run and have some fun with it! With that in mind I plodded on my way. It was about 08;05 and I was out on a Sunday morning running by myself! Well, I wasn't smiling! But I wasn't feeling like I want to go back and not bother! I was thinking, when I got to the top of my road, "I can't wait to be coming back down this way!" And for me, that's a big plus, because any other time I have tried to do a solo run I suddenly had things that needed doing!
It wasn't my fastest time around this route, but.....blimey, I gotta stop using 'but', that word is just as bad as 'an excuse' but I don't know what else to use! I wasn't planning on running my ass off, not like I did yesterday, today was just all about me getting out on my own again, and looking for my mojo, which I am sure is not really in Naggy's tummy. I think she will be safe next time we go out running together!
Running along Oxhawth towards Farringdon Ave was lovely, had this perfect tune playing on my Ipod that just kept me at a perfect pace, it was 'Can't you See' by the Allman Brothers Band. For me it was a perfect running tune. Just as I was crossing Lovelace I heard a someone behind me, in a car! It was Naggy herself! Blimey, now was I running or walking when she saw me! I just don't know, I must have been running, yeah, I think I was! I stopped and went over to her car and chatted to her, and I told her that I wasn't going to fast, just nice to get out and do you know what she said......well....she said "You worked hard yesterday, you shouldn't be knocking yourself out today!" Well that was music to my ears, it was like having a free choccie bar or something! After I said goodbye to her I put that tune back on just so that I could run at that pace again. I actually ran down Farringdon Avenue with a smile, it felt like the old days, the days when I used to dance along to some of my tunes and thoroughly enjoy my running solitude!
I got back to my house and stretched out in my garden, and then just relaxed for a couple of minutes before I went for a shower. But before that happened the Old boy came back from his ride and asked me to go with him. He had lost his cycling rain jacket! He wanted to take the car and drive the route the he tooke, from the place he noticed it was gone to the last place he saw it! Alas we didn't find it! We stopped off for a takeaway coffee and Costa's in Petts Wood and who should I be standing behind, but the Petts Wood Runners Sunday coffee runners! They had just finished their run and we going to indulge in a coffee and treat!
Here's my geeky stats.
Finally, I've been on a solo run! Was I as tough on my self as Naggy would have been or even the Old boy?......Nah! Was I as tough on myself as I am with my group 1 runners, or my other running buddies?.......Hmmmm So so! I was just happy that I was finnaly out!
That mojo really does help with the running! I don't know what it is, and if I did I would bottle it and make a blimmin fortune out of it by selling the stuff! I had to get up real early......well, 7 in the morning, just so that I could wake up and prepare for my run. The Old Boy was up as well, he was going cycling for 20 or so miles. Me, I was really thinking about creeping back into my pit! It, looked like it was going to rain! But that still, quiet voice in my head said "Get out there now, any little tiny excuse not to go any you will take it!" So there I was wresting with myself, "Come on Old Girl, get out there for goodness sake!"
So I procrastinated a tad more before I finally got out of the house! My music in my ears and I headed up to Farringdon Ave and promptly stopped and turned around! The ear phones fell out of my ears! I wasn't feeling it, they were the wrong ones. I couldn't possibly run with these ones. I couldn't find my 'sports' ones just these old round shaped Ipod earphones! They just dont do it for me! I went back and looked some more, for my others. I still couldn't find them but I found the newer 'weird' shaped earphones that came with my Iphone! A quick change over, and reset my Garmin and started again!
I was just going to do my usual plod to Turpington and back. Not going to beat myself up, just run and have some fun with it! With that in mind I plodded on my way. It was about 08;05 and I was out on a Sunday morning running by myself! Well, I wasn't smiling! But I wasn't feeling like I want to go back and not bother! I was thinking, when I got to the top of my road, "I can't wait to be coming back down this way!" And for me, that's a big plus, because any other time I have tried to do a solo run I suddenly had things that needed doing!
It wasn't my fastest time around this route, but.....blimey, I gotta stop using 'but', that word is just as bad as 'an excuse' but I don't know what else to use! I wasn't planning on running my ass off, not like I did yesterday, today was just all about me getting out on my own again, and looking for my mojo, which I am sure is not really in Naggy's tummy. I think she will be safe next time we go out running together!
Running along Oxhawth towards Farringdon Ave was lovely, had this perfect tune playing on my Ipod that just kept me at a perfect pace, it was 'Can't you See' by the Allman Brothers Band. For me it was a perfect running tune. Just as I was crossing Lovelace I heard a someone behind me, in a car! It was Naggy herself! Blimey, now was I running or walking when she saw me! I just don't know, I must have been running, yeah, I think I was! I stopped and went over to her car and chatted to her, and I told her that I wasn't going to fast, just nice to get out and do you know what she said......well....she said "You worked hard yesterday, you shouldn't be knocking yourself out today!" Well that was music to my ears, it was like having a free choccie bar or something! After I said goodbye to her I put that tune back on just so that I could run at that pace again. I actually ran down Farringdon Avenue with a smile, it felt like the old days, the days when I used to dance along to some of my tunes and thoroughly enjoy my running solitude!
I got back to my house and stretched out in my garden, and then just relaxed for a couple of minutes before I went for a shower. But before that happened the Old boy came back from his ride and asked me to go with him. He had lost his cycling rain jacket! He wanted to take the car and drive the route the he tooke, from the place he noticed it was gone to the last place he saw it! Alas we didn't find it! We stopped off for a takeaway coffee and Costa's in Petts Wood and who should I be standing behind, but the Petts Wood Runners Sunday coffee runners! They had just finished their run and we going to indulge in a coffee and treat!
Here's my geeky stats.
Saturday, 27 August 2016
Got To Get Fast ParkRun - Yes I can!
Hello Blog Lovers.
Naggy made sure that everyone saw me agreeing to come along to parkrun run today, by asking me on Facebook last night! So this morning I went over to her house and we made our way to Normans Park. It's the seventh anniversary of Bromley parkrun, so there is a bit of a party atmosphere and not only that but we are running the course in reverse! Starting from the other end of the park, so at least we don't have the long walk to the other side, but it does mean that we have the long straight running upwards!
I was in two minds as to what I really wanted to do.Especially after Martin, the Run director said that we should take it easy, it is warm afer all, and it is fun! But still, did I want to just plod around and see if I can do well by myself, or do I run with Wendimoo! Well I have missed her chat! Or......and this is subconsciously what I really want.....do I get Naggy to try and get me to sub 37, preferably 36 minutes? I opted for Naggy! Of course I did. Well, if I dish it out to all those that come under my wing then I must be prepared to have it dished up to me! I don't tell people to do something if I am not prepared to do it myself. Pushing through the mental barriers! It's going to be blimmin hard!
My last parkrun was 38 minutes dead, so now I am attempting to try and cut off 2 minutes! Well that is something I dont tell the beginners to do, I usually say try and cut of just a few seconds each time! At least each parkrun will be a PB! See, I'm not just a pretty face.......seriously at the moment I am not......hot flushes does nothing to make you look good, even when I'm not running!
We started our run, I think I even managed to start my Garmin virtually the same time as the whistle went! So the time at the end should be the same as mine, but I won't be looking at my Garmin, I was thinking of running gadget free, but I just love Geeky stats! I just had to do it! Naggy was on my case straight away, "Ok, this is a good pace, keep this going for the whole way round and we will be on for a 36" Literally from that moment it was non stop.........encouragement from Naggy!
I ran the first mile, no problem, I usually do run the first mile no problem, once I get over that initial starting off. And then thats when my Psyche starts on me. And that is where Naggy comes into her own. She kept me going for another half a mile maybe before I did a walk, which really was only for a few seconds, but it's a big be fat No No in Naggy's world. "You can do this, it's all in you mind" she kept saying to me. I know it is all in my mind, at least I think it is, it's probably with my mojo to be honest! I know I had it before! I just kept glaring at the back of Naggy! Maybe my mojo is somewhere 'inside', you know just like the 'Fifth Element' that blue singing creature! Yeah, mojo is there, just got to get closer!
When I did walk a bit too long then Naggy came behind me and starting shoving me along, "Oh no you don't" she said, "You wanted me to push you, and that's what I will do" She's tough! But she knows me, she knows what I can do, probably better than I do! That second lap around the park was really tough for me! Going down the ........no I shall re-phrase that, going up the long straight seemed like a 10 mile stretch before me. The heat was getting to me by this time, Naggy had bought her water, I did have some of that a bit earlier!
I really wanted to do well. Doing this in the opposite direction does make it 'feel' different, seems harder....or it could be that it's just warm, and I was running a bit faster than normal and other factors! I stopped running and gave out a "argggh!" "Don't you stop, you can do it" said Naggy. Just then a chap came running past me "Don't give up, don't ever give up, keep going" he called back at me as he ran on by!
From the car park at Hook Farm end of the park I really tried to stay focused. Naggy was giving me a count down of what time was left for a 36 something finish. I really wanted it, I really wanted it. I ran as best as I could, "Look, there's the yellow sign, there's the funnel, you can do this, under 37" she said, "Come on, you can do it" "I can do it, I can do it, ys I can!" I was saying in my head, I tried to pick up the pace just a little bit more, I ran as hard as I thought I could, the yellow sign getting nearer and nearer! And then it was over! I did it. I stopped my Garmin as I went past the 'counter' marshal and then walked along the long, long.....long funnel!
Oh boy, I must have really did pushed hard, I mean really hard, especially that last bit. My stomach decided that it no longer wanted anything in there! I started heaving,.....and farting as I walked to the end to collect my token, but the heaving wouldn't stop! I was nearly sick in the funnel, but I managed to 'hang' on for just a little bit longer, just not long enough! I had to run out of the funnel, ignoring my token, to puke up by the side!!
My goodness, that was awful! The puking bit, not the running.....all though that was pretty tough also! After just a few minutes of sitting on the grass, getting my breathing all right again I got up and walked over to the water to grab a cup, gratefully received from Carole.....one of our newest PWR's from the beginners group this year. She and her hubby are doing brilliantly! Both of them got in before me, and looking totally at ease with it all! Sterling stuff!
Geeky stats, oh and my official time for parkrun today was 37:12! One second quicker than my Garmin!
Naggy made sure that everyone saw me agreeing to come along to parkrun run today, by asking me on Facebook last night! So this morning I went over to her house and we made our way to Normans Park. It's the seventh anniversary of Bromley parkrun, so there is a bit of a party atmosphere and not only that but we are running the course in reverse! Starting from the other end of the park, so at least we don't have the long walk to the other side, but it does mean that we have the long straight running upwards!
I was in two minds as to what I really wanted to do.Especially after Martin, the Run director said that we should take it easy, it is warm afer all, and it is fun! But still, did I want to just plod around and see if I can do well by myself, or do I run with Wendimoo! Well I have missed her chat! Or......and this is subconsciously what I really want.....do I get Naggy to try and get me to sub 37, preferably 36 minutes? I opted for Naggy! Of course I did. Well, if I dish it out to all those that come under my wing then I must be prepared to have it dished up to me! I don't tell people to do something if I am not prepared to do it myself. Pushing through the mental barriers! It's going to be blimmin hard!
My last parkrun was 38 minutes dead, so now I am attempting to try and cut off 2 minutes! Well that is something I dont tell the beginners to do, I usually say try and cut of just a few seconds each time! At least each parkrun will be a PB! See, I'm not just a pretty face.......seriously at the moment I am not......hot flushes does nothing to make you look good, even when I'm not running!
We started our run, I think I even managed to start my Garmin virtually the same time as the whistle went! So the time at the end should be the same as mine, but I won't be looking at my Garmin, I was thinking of running gadget free, but I just love Geeky stats! I just had to do it! Naggy was on my case straight away, "Ok, this is a good pace, keep this going for the whole way round and we will be on for a 36" Literally from that moment it was non stop.........encouragement from Naggy!
I ran the first mile, no problem, I usually do run the first mile no problem, once I get over that initial starting off. And then thats when my Psyche starts on me. And that is where Naggy comes into her own. She kept me going for another half a mile maybe before I did a walk, which really was only for a few seconds, but it's a big be fat No No in Naggy's world. "You can do this, it's all in you mind" she kept saying to me. I know it is all in my mind, at least I think it is, it's probably with my mojo to be honest! I know I had it before! I just kept glaring at the back of Naggy! Maybe my mojo is somewhere 'inside', you know just like the 'Fifth Element' that blue singing creature! Yeah, mojo is there, just got to get closer!
 |
| Look at all them missing mojos! |
When I did walk a bit too long then Naggy came behind me and starting shoving me along, "Oh no you don't" she said, "You wanted me to push you, and that's what I will do" She's tough! But she knows me, she knows what I can do, probably better than I do! That second lap around the park was really tough for me! Going down the ........no I shall re-phrase that, going up the long straight seemed like a 10 mile stretch before me. The heat was getting to me by this time, Naggy had bought her water, I did have some of that a bit earlier!
I really wanted to do well. Doing this in the opposite direction does make it 'feel' different, seems harder....or it could be that it's just warm, and I was running a bit faster than normal and other factors! I stopped running and gave out a "argggh!" "Don't you stop, you can do it" said Naggy. Just then a chap came running past me "Don't give up, don't ever give up, keep going" he called back at me as he ran on by!
From the car park at Hook Farm end of the park I really tried to stay focused. Naggy was giving me a count down of what time was left for a 36 something finish. I really wanted it, I really wanted it. I ran as best as I could, "Look, there's the yellow sign, there's the funnel, you can do this, under 37" she said, "Come on, you can do it" "I can do it, I can do it, ys I can!" I was saying in my head, I tried to pick up the pace just a little bit more, I ran as hard as I thought I could, the yellow sign getting nearer and nearer! And then it was over! I did it. I stopped my Garmin as I went past the 'counter' marshal and then walked along the long, long.....long funnel!
Oh boy, I must have really did pushed hard, I mean really hard, especially that last bit. My stomach decided that it no longer wanted anything in there! I started heaving,.....and farting as I walked to the end to collect my token, but the heaving wouldn't stop! I was nearly sick in the funnel, but I managed to 'hang' on for just a little bit longer, just not long enough! I had to run out of the funnel, ignoring my token, to puke up by the side!!
My goodness, that was awful! The puking bit, not the running.....all though that was pretty tough also! After just a few minutes of sitting on the grass, getting my breathing all right again I got up and walked over to the water to grab a cup, gratefully received from Carole.....one of our newest PWR's from the beginners group this year. She and her hubby are doing brilliantly! Both of them got in before me, and looking totally at ease with it all! Sterling stuff!
Geeky stats, oh and my official time for parkrun today was 37:12! One second quicker than my Garmin!
Thursday, 25 August 2016
Double Double!
Hello blog lovers
What a beautiful day it was today. And for me, and a few other PWR's it started early! Yup, you heard, this Old Girl got up early to start the day with a run! Well, it was early for me, I know that people start work the same time, the Old Boy for instance and others, you can tell that by the traffic on the road! I even spotted a friend of mine on his way to work on his bike! And yet there I was just going to park up my car to start my day with a run! Perfect really.
The chat in the chat box was all about getting up early to beat the heat, I found myself agreeing to it! I text Wendimoo and she was up for it too! So that was that, I didn't have any kids to look after so it a run was just what I was looking forward to. Come this morning though and the Old Boy reminded what I had agreed too I turned into a moody teenager, even shaking my legs saying "No I want to sleep!" It lasted just for a few minutes! Then I was up and dressed into my running gear, ready to do battle with the bulge(s)!
When I got there Wendimoo was already there, and Ralph and a few others, Trish turns up with the rather lush looking car! Crazy eh, all us lot here ready to run at 8 in the morning, just so that we can beat the heat! Ralph and maybe Viral were even going to do the 9:30 session as well, as some of them couldn't make it at 8:00!
Mine and Wendimoo's route was just around Petts Wood, and Hawkwood, the usual one, as both she and I are looking for mojos! Even at 8 this morning it was still pretty warm and by the time we got into the woods, and half way up the hill by the rail lines, heading towards the road, I was sweating! Wendimoo was on top form, with her chatting. Oh how much have I missed her chat. It just helps you stay focused, even if I can only answer a one word sentence to her conversation.
Our route was the usual loop around past the woodmans house, top of the woods and then along the path to the top of Goss hill. That Goss Hill bit felt pretty good, all the running down! I must try and turn the feelings around, and enjoy running up these blimmin hills too! As we were running up the hill towards the rail lines we spoke to a dog walker, and told her all about our beginners group! Well, when you run with the best club you just help yourself from wanting to share the love.
I was pretty hot, very sticky and in need of a shower by the time we got to Dog Poo Alley! And the thing that makes this run even better, is the fact that I have time go home and have a shower before going to see Kirsty! Brilliant!
Geeky stats.
What a beautiful day it was today. And for me, and a few other PWR's it started early! Yup, you heard, this Old Girl got up early to start the day with a run! Well, it was early for me, I know that people start work the same time, the Old Boy for instance and others, you can tell that by the traffic on the road! I even spotted a friend of mine on his way to work on his bike! And yet there I was just going to park up my car to start my day with a run! Perfect really.
The chat in the chat box was all about getting up early to beat the heat, I found myself agreeing to it! I text Wendimoo and she was up for it too! So that was that, I didn't have any kids to look after so it a run was just what I was looking forward to. Come this morning though and the Old Boy reminded what I had agreed too I turned into a moody teenager, even shaking my legs saying "No I want to sleep!" It lasted just for a few minutes! Then I was up and dressed into my running gear, ready to do battle with the bulge(s)!
When I got there Wendimoo was already there, and Ralph and a few others, Trish turns up with the rather lush looking car! Crazy eh, all us lot here ready to run at 8 in the morning, just so that we can beat the heat! Ralph and maybe Viral were even going to do the 9:30 session as well, as some of them couldn't make it at 8:00!
Mine and Wendimoo's route was just around Petts Wood, and Hawkwood, the usual one, as both she and I are looking for mojos! Even at 8 this morning it was still pretty warm and by the time we got into the woods, and half way up the hill by the rail lines, heading towards the road, I was sweating! Wendimoo was on top form, with her chatting. Oh how much have I missed her chat. It just helps you stay focused, even if I can only answer a one word sentence to her conversation.
Our route was the usual loop around past the woodmans house, top of the woods and then along the path to the top of Goss hill. That Goss Hill bit felt pretty good, all the running down! I must try and turn the feelings around, and enjoy running up these blimmin hills too! As we were running up the hill towards the rail lines we spoke to a dog walker, and told her all about our beginners group! Well, when you run with the best club you just help yourself from wanting to share the love.
I was pretty hot, very sticky and in need of a shower by the time we got to Dog Poo Alley! And the thing that makes this run even better, is the fact that I have time go home and have a shower before going to see Kirsty! Brilliant!
Geeky stats.
Speed and Core!
This is a double double, so of course I went out this evening for the core session. It was the Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove today, aka Illustrious Leader. I had it in mind to try and push past everything that hurts and just keep going on all the running sections and the core sessions. No wimping out!
So after the usual 2 laps around the green, with the fabulous company of SingstarJo.....yes she is back to running!......we went straight into the drills to really warm our muscles up, side steps, skipping and Illustrious Leaders favourite, 'the ministry of silly walks' or as I.L. calls it The Chewing Gum Scrape! It's quite an amusing sight really!
Then we did 'Running around the Cricket Field', 'non p.c.' set up of boys against girls! The boys even had a bigger circle to run around too! But alas they still won! After that it was some core training. I think I.L. had her 'Hard Core' head on today as she had planned for 2 minutes of each discipline. Squats, push-ups, lunges, planks and a new one called the wall! Two minuets, two whole minutes holding a plank. DiscoRich managed to talk her down to just 1 minute of each discipline! We are hard core, but......but nothing really, just but!
The last running section was the 4x4 relay running. Two teams of four running approx 100ms before handing over the baton. It was a timed thing rather than how many times around we did. But I really did try and push myself to run that extra bit faster! Especially when I heard.....oh darn it, I have forgotten his name,......running behind me getting nearer and nearer!
We ended up with some favourite stretches to keep our muscles nice and flexible and then finished for the evening.
a brilliant days running and training, on a beautiful evening!
Tuesday, 23 August 2016
Club Run - What Warm Evening!
Hello blog lovers.
I can't believe this weather, it's like a final throw of summer. I just wished the sun stayed out though so we could enjoy running more in the woods. But as it is, we have just enough light to run for about half a mile before we need to 'pop' out onto the pavements.
I did a new route today, I thought maybe the group will be getting bored of running along the same roads, and sometimes we do need to experience new routes, just so that we don't too comfy, too much routine in our usual routes. I know from personal experience about psychological mile posts, or half mile post. The bits of the route where you say to yourself "Ok, I can stop here, because this is where I stopped last time"
I got busy with MapMyRun and planned a route, it looked like Doctor Who's little K9 character, with a bit of imagination! I mapped it, out, I saved it and then I posted it on the FaceBook page. Only then did I just take a look at the profile of the run! I knew about the first hill, because it's something we do regularly, but then I noted the other little incline! Hmmm. I won't mention it at the briefing, I shall say it's a new route!
We had 13 of us in group 1 and Wendimoo was back with us! It's been a while since she was here. I think her mojo has gone off with mine, so it's good she is back,we can hunt the mojo together! Also Tanya is back too! It's great to see that she is keeping her running going, just got to get Tracy back and the whole gang will be together!
I was determined to try and keep the pace to group 1 advertised pace, 12:00 - 13:30 m/mi, last week I was running at 11:30 m/mi, but it still all works out in the end. But this evening I really did need to keep an eye on it, it is still so very warm and very muggy, I don't want anyone passing out.....or me for that matter!
I memorised the route quite well, the road name signs really helped to show me that I was on the right track. There was only one that didn't have the name showing. But I felt sure that it was the one that I needed. And this was coming from Ravensbury Road into Kevington Drive. It was a nice down hill road, before we got to Kevington Drive, and Michael said "We are running down, which means only one thing, we have to run up again!" Well, yes, um......not a lot else to say really! We sometimes need a challenge. So there were were running up Kevington until we got to the little round about. I stopped the group, for a catch up breath. And then introduced the .5 of the rest of the route to make a distance of 3.2. MapMyRun said it was 2.97 miles, you know me, it's three miles or a tad more.
There they all were, looking up this little cheeky fecker of a hill. "Run just a tad faster than you usually do to the first tree, and then nice easy jog back" I said. I think I got a few looks from the group. "Um, you do know it's quite warm" said one of them "Yes, but we are hard core" I replied.
Once we were back to the bottom of the hill, I again said "Ok, so now run to the lamppost at the top of the hill and back down to here again" Hmm, now I know how Naggy and The Old boy feel when 'those looks' hit you! It really does feel like daggers!
Some of them did it, some didn't. Of course I had to do, as I suggested it. It was a good workout. It's good to throw some exciting like that into our runs. We don't want to be too comfy, do we! We ran the rest of Kevington until we got back the road we started, and then ran had a walking section to Orpington Road.
It was virtually all over, we were back on the roads that we knew, everybody was comfortable again with where they were and we headed on to Petts Wood Road. The 'sweeties' of the lovely down hill to Crossways felt really good, I sent some of the faster ones on first so they could enjoy the down hill and their own pace. Once we were all together at the bottom by Crossways, I gave them the option of sprint finishes, or nice and steady paced ones!
It was a tough run, due to the heat, and those cheeky hills, but always with great company! Geeky stats.
I can't believe this weather, it's like a final throw of summer. I just wished the sun stayed out though so we could enjoy running more in the woods. But as it is, we have just enough light to run for about half a mile before we need to 'pop' out onto the pavements.
I did a new route today, I thought maybe the group will be getting bored of running along the same roads, and sometimes we do need to experience new routes, just so that we don't too comfy, too much routine in our usual routes. I know from personal experience about psychological mile posts, or half mile post. The bits of the route where you say to yourself "Ok, I can stop here, because this is where I stopped last time"
I got busy with MapMyRun and planned a route, it looked like Doctor Who's little K9 character, with a bit of imagination! I mapped it, out, I saved it and then I posted it on the FaceBook page. Only then did I just take a look at the profile of the run! I knew about the first hill, because it's something we do regularly, but then I noted the other little incline! Hmmm. I won't mention it at the briefing, I shall say it's a new route!
We had 13 of us in group 1 and Wendimoo was back with us! It's been a while since she was here. I think her mojo has gone off with mine, so it's good she is back,we can hunt the mojo together! Also Tanya is back too! It's great to see that she is keeping her running going, just got to get Tracy back and the whole gang will be together!
I was determined to try and keep the pace to group 1 advertised pace, 12:00 - 13:30 m/mi, last week I was running at 11:30 m/mi, but it still all works out in the end. But this evening I really did need to keep an eye on it, it is still so very warm and very muggy, I don't want anyone passing out.....or me for that matter!
I memorised the route quite well, the road name signs really helped to show me that I was on the right track. There was only one that didn't have the name showing. But I felt sure that it was the one that I needed. And this was coming from Ravensbury Road into Kevington Drive. It was a nice down hill road, before we got to Kevington Drive, and Michael said "We are running down, which means only one thing, we have to run up again!" Well, yes, um......not a lot else to say really! We sometimes need a challenge. So there were were running up Kevington until we got to the little round about. I stopped the group, for a catch up breath. And then introduced the .5 of the rest of the route to make a distance of 3.2. MapMyRun said it was 2.97 miles, you know me, it's three miles or a tad more.
There they all were, looking up this little cheeky fecker of a hill. "Run just a tad faster than you usually do to the first tree, and then nice easy jog back" I said. I think I got a few looks from the group. "Um, you do know it's quite warm" said one of them "Yes, but we are hard core" I replied.
Once we were back to the bottom of the hill, I again said "Ok, so now run to the lamppost at the top of the hill and back down to here again" Hmm, now I know how Naggy and The Old boy feel when 'those looks' hit you! It really does feel like daggers!
Some of them did it, some didn't. Of course I had to do, as I suggested it. It was a good workout. It's good to throw some exciting like that into our runs. We don't want to be too comfy, do we! We ran the rest of Kevington until we got back the road we started, and then ran had a walking section to Orpington Road.
It was virtually all over, we were back on the roads that we knew, everybody was comfortable again with where they were and we headed on to Petts Wood Road. The 'sweeties' of the lovely down hill to Crossways felt really good, I sent some of the faster ones on first so they could enjoy the down hill and their own pace. Once we were all together at the bottom by Crossways, I gave them the option of sprint finishes, or nice and steady paced ones!
It was a tough run, due to the heat, and those cheeky hills, but always with great company! Geeky stats.
Monday, 22 August 2016
Wind It Back Again!
Hello blog lovers.
Second Monday for running! Shhh, for goodness sake don't say it out loud, I don't want to jinx anything! The Old Boy came with me again so it was through the woods. But I wanted to do the same route as last week but in the opposite direction, hence the title, winding back! I think it's tougher than last week, strange really, just as many hills, going up, coming down, same elevation, but that's just the way it is!
After my fav soap, Hollyoaks, (it's the only soap I do indulge in these days!) I went upstairs to get ready for my run. I called the Old Boy to go and ready and we changed into our running gear. The weather was very warm and muggy indeed. When we pulled into the car park (yes we took the car!) I was wishing that I had bought along some water! I don't usually like to carry anything when I am running, but I would have done this evening.
So there we are, in the car park, satellites connected and we started running. Already I was warm, and clammy, but that seems to be my usual existence these days. I am thinking that maybe I am half frog! The first thing we encounter going in this direction is those steps! Three lots of them! The first set of steps really hurt me, I guess still warming up, I should maybe just walked up them. but of course I didn't. I had to walk across the bridge and down the other side. I always walk down steps anyway, just so that I don't take a trip!
The second and third set of steps though I ran up and over, then walked down. Psychologically going this way round, it seemed that once I was over the third set of steps then I was half way there. Of course I wasn't, we still had at least two miles to do, maybe more! Going through the woods is a popular pass time for everyone, runners, walkers and cyclists! As I was running along behind the Old Boy, by the rail lines I looked up and saw the cyclist coming towards me! It did make me jump! Just then Naggy's voice came into my head "I told you, keep your head up" I can just see her saying that to me! Then the Old Boy called to me "Come on keep going"
It does look slightly different going in the opposite direction, and I could see Dog Poo Ally entrance and just slightly lost my bearings. I told the Old Boy that we should take the left path that we just came along, "Are you sure?" he said, "Yes of course" But I was wrong, being a bit tired, sweat in my eyeballs and of course me spotting the entrance, I was a bit eager. We had to run back and then carry on the way we were going for just a few feet more! It does take us to the same place, but I just wanted to keep the same route as last week, just in the opposite direction!
And so it was the long hill, the middle path! I was hot, I was sweaty and I was feeling tired. This was going to be a tough section. In fact from here on till the end I found it tough going, really tough. I told myself off, the Old Boy urging me to keep on running, but that hill just mocked me! It kept on going up and up, each step felt like I was scaling a wall! The Old Boy seemed to be striding so easily, and when I stopped, or at least started walking and urged me to keep on running. My mind refused to tell my legs to run! I had to take those few seconds of walking.
The down hills I just used the momentum and gravity to keep me moving, the up hills was just so blimmin hard! I enjoyed.......I know, can you believe that I am using that word at this particular point in my run, but I did enjoy running down Goss hill! "You can take a tea break at the bottom" said the Old Boy, I was looking forward to that! I think he could see how well I was coping with running down hill and so changed the goal post for 'taking tea' to the rail bridges! "I can do that" I said to my self, it's all flat until then, just keep running over the little bridge, through the barriers and turn right! Just to the bridges, I can do that! I had that in mind and I pushed myself to keep on going. It was really tough, I know my fitness levels have gone really down hill, and I know my energy levels are some where in my left little toe, but I wanted to get to the bridges. I did it......almost, I saw the bridge just a couple of feet away but at least I got to the left turn.
Then it was the up hill of Barnet Wood Lane! "Why or why did you have to change the direction of the route" said the devil of a 'couch potato angel' on my left shoulder, "To get her fitter and stronger!" answered the 'fit muscle bound angel' on my right shoulder! You can see how my mind was working by now. The warm muggy evening was getting to me, I was getting delirious! I was also feeling a bit sick! But I think that is because I was really pushing hard! I think I need to start looking at my nutrition, but while the kids are off school I just grab what ever I can! My diet today hasn't really been what a runner needs. Toast for breakfast, fruit salad for lunch and several cups of tea! Put it this way, I was looking forward to my dinner when I got home, salmon with salad and couscous.
The struggle wasn't quite over as I still had the slight incline of Thornet Wood Lane! Even this little hill seemed like a mountain to me. I tried and tried to run as much of it as I could, but I still took walking sections, even through to the gates that go into the park. But from there, from that bit of open space I kept on going, even though I wanted to stop, the Old Boy was in front of me and I just fixed my steely gaze on the back of him and chased after him. I was pleased to see the car park coming into view! Just a little bit more and the run was done! What a bloody hard run that was.
After a walk about in the car park and a stretch out we got into the car, the air con on full blast as we drove home. You would have thought that would have helped cooled me down, but no, here take a look at this, this is me, 10 minutes after the run, and still leaking water from skin! I feel sure I must be at least 2 lb lighter after this run!
Yes, exactly, not the most flattering of pictures, but it does go to show that I really did work hard!
So geeky stats.
Second Monday for running! Shhh, for goodness sake don't say it out loud, I don't want to jinx anything! The Old Boy came with me again so it was through the woods. But I wanted to do the same route as last week but in the opposite direction, hence the title, winding back! I think it's tougher than last week, strange really, just as many hills, going up, coming down, same elevation, but that's just the way it is!
After my fav soap, Hollyoaks, (it's the only soap I do indulge in these days!) I went upstairs to get ready for my run. I called the Old Boy to go and ready and we changed into our running gear. The weather was very warm and muggy indeed. When we pulled into the car park (yes we took the car!) I was wishing that I had bought along some water! I don't usually like to carry anything when I am running, but I would have done this evening.
So there we are, in the car park, satellites connected and we started running. Already I was warm, and clammy, but that seems to be my usual existence these days. I am thinking that maybe I am half frog! The first thing we encounter going in this direction is those steps! Three lots of them! The first set of steps really hurt me, I guess still warming up, I should maybe just walked up them. but of course I didn't. I had to walk across the bridge and down the other side. I always walk down steps anyway, just so that I don't take a trip!
The second and third set of steps though I ran up and over, then walked down. Psychologically going this way round, it seemed that once I was over the third set of steps then I was half way there. Of course I wasn't, we still had at least two miles to do, maybe more! Going through the woods is a popular pass time for everyone, runners, walkers and cyclists! As I was running along behind the Old Boy, by the rail lines I looked up and saw the cyclist coming towards me! It did make me jump! Just then Naggy's voice came into my head "I told you, keep your head up" I can just see her saying that to me! Then the Old Boy called to me "Come on keep going"
It does look slightly different going in the opposite direction, and I could see Dog Poo Ally entrance and just slightly lost my bearings. I told the Old Boy that we should take the left path that we just came along, "Are you sure?" he said, "Yes of course" But I was wrong, being a bit tired, sweat in my eyeballs and of course me spotting the entrance, I was a bit eager. We had to run back and then carry on the way we were going for just a few feet more! It does take us to the same place, but I just wanted to keep the same route as last week, just in the opposite direction!
And so it was the long hill, the middle path! I was hot, I was sweaty and I was feeling tired. This was going to be a tough section. In fact from here on till the end I found it tough going, really tough. I told myself off, the Old Boy urging me to keep on running, but that hill just mocked me! It kept on going up and up, each step felt like I was scaling a wall! The Old Boy seemed to be striding so easily, and when I stopped, or at least started walking and urged me to keep on running. My mind refused to tell my legs to run! I had to take those few seconds of walking.
The down hills I just used the momentum and gravity to keep me moving, the up hills was just so blimmin hard! I enjoyed.......I know, can you believe that I am using that word at this particular point in my run, but I did enjoy running down Goss hill! "You can take a tea break at the bottom" said the Old Boy, I was looking forward to that! I think he could see how well I was coping with running down hill and so changed the goal post for 'taking tea' to the rail bridges! "I can do that" I said to my self, it's all flat until then, just keep running over the little bridge, through the barriers and turn right! Just to the bridges, I can do that! I had that in mind and I pushed myself to keep on going. It was really tough, I know my fitness levels have gone really down hill, and I know my energy levels are some where in my left little toe, but I wanted to get to the bridges. I did it......almost, I saw the bridge just a couple of feet away but at least I got to the left turn.
Then it was the up hill of Barnet Wood Lane! "Why or why did you have to change the direction of the route" said the devil of a 'couch potato angel' on my left shoulder, "To get her fitter and stronger!" answered the 'fit muscle bound angel' on my right shoulder! You can see how my mind was working by now. The warm muggy evening was getting to me, I was getting delirious! I was also feeling a bit sick! But I think that is because I was really pushing hard! I think I need to start looking at my nutrition, but while the kids are off school I just grab what ever I can! My diet today hasn't really been what a runner needs. Toast for breakfast, fruit salad for lunch and several cups of tea! Put it this way, I was looking forward to my dinner when I got home, salmon with salad and couscous.
The struggle wasn't quite over as I still had the slight incline of Thornet Wood Lane! Even this little hill seemed like a mountain to me. I tried and tried to run as much of it as I could, but I still took walking sections, even through to the gates that go into the park. But from there, from that bit of open space I kept on going, even though I wanted to stop, the Old Boy was in front of me and I just fixed my steely gaze on the back of him and chased after him. I was pleased to see the car park coming into view! Just a little bit more and the run was done! What a bloody hard run that was.
After a walk about in the car park and a stretch out we got into the car, the air con on full blast as we drove home. You would have thought that would have helped cooled me down, but no, here take a look at this, this is me, 10 minutes after the run, and still leaking water from skin! I feel sure I must be at least 2 lb lighter after this run!
Yes, exactly, not the most flattering of pictures, but it does go to show that I really did work hard!
So geeky stats.
Sunday, 21 August 2016
Solo Run? - Nah!
Hello bog lovers.
As promised to myself, stilling the quiet voice in my head, I went out for a run today. I was planning on running solo, but as I was going to church this morning I saw Naggy Neighbour over the green. "Morning!" she said.
"Morning" I replied, "I'm going running later, after church, do you fancy it"
"Yes sure, what time?"
"Oh about 1:30"
"Yup sure, I'll be ready" she said. What have I done! I think it's my subconscious is kicking my ass, because running, just me and Naggy, is tough going. Because she knows what I need! It's scary! I do need telling that's for sure.
So after church I went over to Naggys to see if she was ready, I was a tad early! So I sat down and told her about two possible routes, Normans Park, the parkrun route, or through the woods. She hasn't really run through the woods before, and it is a slower run, what with looking out for routes, low branches and those hills of course. The parkrun route will be for speed. Getting my speed up and completing the route quicker than I did yesterday! Of course, Naggy likes that idea. "You know you didn't ask me for anything else" she said. Damn my subconscious!
We piled into her car with Chocs, maybe her having a pee or 'big jobs' well maybe just slow the pace slightly, but still keep it faster that yesterday! Flip, I don't know what I want! I just know that I have a lot of work to do, get my weight down, mojo up, black moods buried and fitness flourishing! Trying everything possible, and Naggy is the perfect coach for me!
Of course we didn't walk all the way down to where we usually start, we started our Garmins from Hook Farm end, but we were still going to follow the same route, the big 'B' shape around the park. As soon as we were on the grass we started running, both starting our Garmins to keep an eye on the pace. Our pace goal was 11;30 mi/m. That will get us in about 36 mins, two minutes faster that yesterdays parkrun. Well that's the aim!
The first bit of course is brilliant, perfectly on pace, if I stayed with Naggy all the way round at this time then I will deffo smash that parkrun time! Now I just got to engage brain, get the positive thoughts embedded in there, "I can do this!" I do feel stronger in the beginning, I guess everyone does. What I find difficult is staying strong, or is it all just in the mind! Naggy says it's all in the mind, she says to me 'You can do this, you've done a couple of marathons for goodness, this is piss easy!"
All the way round the first mile the pace was pretty steady. See I can do it! In fact at times I was running faster that what I needed to be doing, just check out my geeky stats, and my heart rate! I think that is what I got to learn to control. I need to relax more, keep the heart rate at a nice steady pace too! But I am sure that losing weight will go a long way to help sorting that out! But then I think my brain starts to think too much. I start thinking "That was a pretty fast mile" (well it was for this year it think!) and then I start thinking I might 'burn out!' And there it is! The self doubt! My legs turn to lead, and then Naggy comes into her own!
Now that is why my subconscious called out to Naggy this morning! I need some more ass kicking! From the finish of that first mile she kept me going, she was always a couple of paces in front of me from that point, urging me to keep the pace going. I must admit, I did struggle, I walked some, as it shows on my geeky stats, I think I forgot to relax while running again, and just thought about how bloody hard it was! Even after all these years running, I find it difficult, the only difference is, its difficult over longer distances than when I first started.
The second mile was finished at the other end of the park it was a lot slower than the first mile! I know it, the third mile I was even slower! I tried not walk as much, not that Naggy was allowing that! "Come on don't stop, I don't do stopping!" she says, "slow the pace down but no stopping!" I tried I really did, Chocs was looking at me all sympathetically, well that hows I enterpreted her look, it could quite easily be "blimey, Old Girl, you call that running!" Chocolate just seemed to literally stroll besides Naggy, occasionally saying hello to other canines!
We were just at the woods, the last few hundred meters, and I really had to stop, I did one of those burps, you know where a bit of yuck pop up into you mouth! But even then Naggy says "No time for being sick, you can be sick at the end!" She's a hard task master! I really thought we would stop where we started our run, but of course that wouldn't be parkrun distance, so I just kept going. I kept an eye on my Garmin, looking for that 3.11 mile to come on my watch, I wasn't even looking at the time now, I just wanted to make sure that I finished this running and not walking. Just a few more yards to do and that will be it. Naggy was in front of me, I knew I wouldn't be beside her when we finished, but I was determined to finish strong! I looked at my watch, 3:08 miles, just a few more steps and I am done, I pushed a little harder, looked at again "I'm done!" That was it. 3:12 miles, finished, and under 38 minutes. Ok so I didn't manage to get a 36, next time! Thanks Naggy, hope the daggers didn't hurt too much!
Geeky stats
As promised to myself, stilling the quiet voice in my head, I went out for a run today. I was planning on running solo, but as I was going to church this morning I saw Naggy Neighbour over the green. "Morning!" she said.
"Morning" I replied, "I'm going running later, after church, do you fancy it"
"Yes sure, what time?"
"Oh about 1:30"
"Yup sure, I'll be ready" she said. What have I done! I think it's my subconscious is kicking my ass, because running, just me and Naggy, is tough going. Because she knows what I need! It's scary! I do need telling that's for sure.
So after church I went over to Naggys to see if she was ready, I was a tad early! So I sat down and told her about two possible routes, Normans Park, the parkrun route, or through the woods. She hasn't really run through the woods before, and it is a slower run, what with looking out for routes, low branches and those hills of course. The parkrun route will be for speed. Getting my speed up and completing the route quicker than I did yesterday! Of course, Naggy likes that idea. "You know you didn't ask me for anything else" she said. Damn my subconscious!
We piled into her car with Chocs, maybe her having a pee or 'big jobs' well maybe just slow the pace slightly, but still keep it faster that yesterday! Flip, I don't know what I want! I just know that I have a lot of work to do, get my weight down, mojo up, black moods buried and fitness flourishing! Trying everything possible, and Naggy is the perfect coach for me!
Of course we didn't walk all the way down to where we usually start, we started our Garmins from Hook Farm end, but we were still going to follow the same route, the big 'B' shape around the park. As soon as we were on the grass we started running, both starting our Garmins to keep an eye on the pace. Our pace goal was 11;30 mi/m. That will get us in about 36 mins, two minutes faster that yesterdays parkrun. Well that's the aim!
The first bit of course is brilliant, perfectly on pace, if I stayed with Naggy all the way round at this time then I will deffo smash that parkrun time! Now I just got to engage brain, get the positive thoughts embedded in there, "I can do this!" I do feel stronger in the beginning, I guess everyone does. What I find difficult is staying strong, or is it all just in the mind! Naggy says it's all in the mind, she says to me 'You can do this, you've done a couple of marathons for goodness, this is piss easy!"
All the way round the first mile the pace was pretty steady. See I can do it! In fact at times I was running faster that what I needed to be doing, just check out my geeky stats, and my heart rate! I think that is what I got to learn to control. I need to relax more, keep the heart rate at a nice steady pace too! But I am sure that losing weight will go a long way to help sorting that out! But then I think my brain starts to think too much. I start thinking "That was a pretty fast mile" (well it was for this year it think!) and then I start thinking I might 'burn out!' And there it is! The self doubt! My legs turn to lead, and then Naggy comes into her own!
Now that is why my subconscious called out to Naggy this morning! I need some more ass kicking! From the finish of that first mile she kept me going, she was always a couple of paces in front of me from that point, urging me to keep the pace going. I must admit, I did struggle, I walked some, as it shows on my geeky stats, I think I forgot to relax while running again, and just thought about how bloody hard it was! Even after all these years running, I find it difficult, the only difference is, its difficult over longer distances than when I first started.
The second mile was finished at the other end of the park it was a lot slower than the first mile! I know it, the third mile I was even slower! I tried not walk as much, not that Naggy was allowing that! "Come on don't stop, I don't do stopping!" she says, "slow the pace down but no stopping!" I tried I really did, Chocs was looking at me all sympathetically, well that hows I enterpreted her look, it could quite easily be "blimey, Old Girl, you call that running!" Chocolate just seemed to literally stroll besides Naggy, occasionally saying hello to other canines!
We were just at the woods, the last few hundred meters, and I really had to stop, I did one of those burps, you know where a bit of yuck pop up into you mouth! But even then Naggy says "No time for being sick, you can be sick at the end!" She's a hard task master! I really thought we would stop where we started our run, but of course that wouldn't be parkrun distance, so I just kept going. I kept an eye on my Garmin, looking for that 3.11 mile to come on my watch, I wasn't even looking at the time now, I just wanted to make sure that I finished this running and not walking. Just a few more yards to do and that will be it. Naggy was in front of me, I knew I wouldn't be beside her when we finished, but I was determined to finish strong! I looked at my watch, 3:08 miles, just a few more steps and I am done, I pushed a little harder, looked at again "I'm done!" That was it. 3:12 miles, finished, and under 38 minutes. Ok so I didn't manage to get a 36, next time! Thanks Naggy, hope the daggers didn't hurt too much!
Geeky stats
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