Hello blog lovers.
There seemed to be quite a lot of runners meeting up this evening. Maybe they have all started back to work and found their work clothes just that little bit more snug than usual. Or maybe because it's not raining! That is always a good way to winkle out some of our runners! Also I had J.J. Janet and Wendimoo, and Auriol back from the festive festiveness to help sweep and encourage the rest,
To be truthful, if I wasn't leading then I would have thought about missing tonight, my hips are still quite sore from the train run on Sunday! That'll teach me for not stretching out properly, afterwards! Instead I just went straight in the shop and order coffee and cake! But, I am chasing my mojo, I am committed to gaining my fitness back, and I do love meeting up with my running pals! Of course I am going to be there! Nothing short of a broken leg would stop me!
I was quite surprised to see so many in my group, there were 12 of us. Including Robin who did the VLM as well last year. She is getting back into shape after doing something to a muscle in August. So a nice little gentle 3 miler will be ideal! We waited for all the other groups to leave and we ran out of the gate turning right and then right again to go up Kingsway.
I had been playing around with the plotaroute web site and had come up with this pistol shaped (if your close your eyes almost shut!) route. It made me chuckle as I thought of names that I could come up with for the route, 'We're Gunning for you Fat Cells' 'Ok Shoot, We're Ready to Run" 'Let's Shoot Up Here'. It was uncharted territory for me though. And I looked, I studied, and I said out loud to myself the names of the roads that we were going to be going to be running along. I have a lousy memory, so anything that can help get the route firmly and safely filed in my brain cell will help
The first half of the route is easy for me to remember, it's on my side of the railway lines, and it's the roads that we have done before. Some of the ladies with me don't know these roads, they will be feeling lost, exactly how I am going to be feeling once we go back under the railway lines!
I was feeling the pain in my hips. When I say pain, it's an ache! It's not a crippling pain. And I think it is all down to not stretching properly, longest run for some time, all those extra 'ounces' I have around my middle......bottom........top.....chin(s) are not making it easy either! I have joined a new group the PWR.......Petts Wood Reducers! We post pictures of scales (optional of course) but we do or at least we will post the pounds lost, as an encouragement for all of us! So I am hoping that in a few weeks I will be at least a couple of pounds lighter! And the miles won't be so telling on my body!
We finished the route on the 'Jingly Jangly' side of Petts Wood and so for the 'Crinkly, crinkly' side. This was the bit that I was going to have to think about, and picture in my mind the route that I planned earlier! We were going up a road that I don't think I have ever been on, or at least, not that I can remember anywhere. But before that as we were running along Tudor way, one of the ladies noticed that we were 'heading' towards the rec. She started to get her sprint on, but after I replied to her 'Yeah, that is the rec, but we are not going that way!' she laughed. I was thinking that maybe I was a bit cruel to 'dangle' the last road that we would be running on in front of them only to tear them away and run along St. Johns instead!
When we got to Willet way is when I needed to really try and remember which way it was to go. I even resorted to getting my phone out to try and see the map from the Facebook page. But this is Janets neck of the woods! When she asked me which road I needed I said "I'm not sure, but I need to get to Ladywood Ave. "Oh ok, so it's this way up this road, or it's Greencourt" "Yes, yes that's the one" I said. "Oh!" came the response. She then said that this road was the steeper of the hills! Meh..... we can do this! We're PWR's! So I sent them all up, running at their own pace, whether it's slow, fast or even walking, but I will see them all at the top! I walked, along with one other! After that I was back to knowing where I was again.
We got Petts Wood Road and I noticed that we had a couple of faster runners among us, some that could be encouraged to run at a faster pace for the rest of the run. It's was all downhill anyway, and then right into Crossways. So Robin, Wendimoo and a couple of others set of at a slightly faster pace while the rest of us just finished off the run at our own speed. We mingled in with Group 1 as we ran down Crossways and so both group 1 and 2 all finished the evening with the usual stretches, and I must say, a must! Boy is it a must!
A great run today, just getting back out there are all the over indulgence is good! Geeky stats.
Tuesday, 5 January 2016
Sunday, 3 January 2016
Train Run - 2015
Hello Blog lovers.
My first run in 2016, so my longest run of the year so far! I like that. It was also the wettest, and muddiest! It was train run time! Running with my fabulous running buddies doing the annual Train Run from Knockholt/Sevenoaks to Petts Wood. For some reason we had to travel from Orpington due to some sort of track maintenance and I was so pleased that the Old Boy said he could drop me off there!
The crowd grew and grew as we waited for the train, the usual queueing for the loos before getting on the train, and that included me. I don't know what it is, but things like this just sends signals to my bladder to 'get ride of everything!' Not usually on a Tuesday evening run, or a Thursday morning run! Strange! We piled on the train taking up the whole carriage, here this is us!
The buzz was brilliant, chatting and laughing, on a wet morning on a train at 9 in the morning! Have you ever heard it happening on a commute into London Monday mornings?! No, I don't think so!
It didn't take long for us to get to Knockholt, only a couple of stops, so we really didn't even get warm and cosy, and not feel like getting off! It seemed there was a record number of PWR's today getting off at the Knockholt stop this year. I am sure it is over half of the runners that met at Orpington train station! I am sure its usually the other way around. In our group there are quite a few 'debut' Train Runners, including Jenny from group 0! This really is a just 'come along for the ride......ok....run and have some fun' style run. It's an introduction to cross country running and also a great way to 'test' the waters for any races that may take your fancy! If you can do this run then you can do any of the Grand Prix events!
Here's a picture of the Knockholt Crew!
There were going to be two groups but were will be breaking away after about 2 and half miles, so for now about 40 of us snaked our way out of the station and along London Road, lead by Illustrious leader with SingstarJo running along at the back with us. Crazy eh! Most people who are able to stay in bed, under the duvet would still have been there. Some may even have got up and got ready for church (I said my prayers as I ran along!) But here we all were out in the rain, in the middle of winter, albeit a mild one so far, running for fun! I smiled as I remembered what the Old Boy said to me this morning when the alarm went off "Stupid idea!, its raining" Oh don't worry, he says it about his own 'fun days out" as well, getting up while it's still dark to go fishing, in a boat, in the middle of the sea...... ok a few miles from shore.......with his friends! Rain or shine, he still goes!
The run along the A21 was soon over and then it was time to go cross country, a path way through the housing estate, not quite off road but compared to running along the A21, tons better. At least we probably wouldn't come across any 'free range swine' going this way! (News in yesterday that pigs had escaped and closed the A21 for 5 hours!) Jenny was smiling, even with the rain, she looked quite determined. I was sure she would be quite surprised when sees just how good this run is to do, and totally thrilled that she had done it! But for now the miles won't even notice, mainly because of the struggling up the hills! But shhhh we don't talk about the hills!
I had forgotten just how much I like running this route! Yes it's tough and of course it's early morning, and I have to miss church, but I do like running this route. I was looking forward to the running across the field, that would be interesting!
I was at the back of the group with SingstarJo, Jo, Auriol and Jenny. We all just ran along with a bit of walking as well. It was soon time to break again into two groups. SingstarJo took the breakaway faster group just after we got to Green Street Green, up the hill, up Old Hill! A horrendous hill! Very slippy, through the woods along the bridle path. But I think that is the last of the horrendous hills, just some undulations after that! We took another catchup (we already had one early) in the middle of the field, which was the top of the hill, about 3 miles in. This is us....
I told Jenny just how far she had gone, she said "Oh don't tell me!" I think she didn't really want to know how far there was to go! But the fact was, it didn't feel as if we had already done 3 miles, with less than a Parkrun to do! The miles seem to have disappeared, been eaten up by us, and we were still there smiling!
To me these last couple or so miles seem to fly by. Jenny was starting to feel it after the next mile. I just kept her spirits up and we chatted and ran side by side. Running on the roads through the housing estate didn't seem that far. By about 4 and half miles we were back into the paths. You gotta love our area! Busy roads, housing estates, and then country side, winding paths and open air! All within half hour of the big smoke (London)!
By the time we got to the Cinder Path we again a broke into yet two more smaller groups. Illustrious leader taking he sedate running back the last mile and me run/walk at group 0 pace till we get to Saints and Sinners, and let me tell you, I am going to be a complete sinner, I will be having cake, and a big cup of Mocha coffee! Healthy life style starts tomorrow!
So for the last little bit back to Petts Wood high street, we just enjoyed the rest of the run, using the lamppost system to keep us motivated. We caught up with Auriol along Tudor way and we three finished the course together. Back at Saints and Sinners for that nice little treat!
Now, he is a little anecdote. Saint's and Sinners were not expected about 15 or so hot, wet, sweaty ravenous and thirsty people to patron their establishment this morning. And I do believe they were a bit inundated with orders of coffee, cakes smoothies and like. It seemed we were waiting ages for them to take the order, take the money, fill the order, and then serve the order. There more people arriving as SingstarJo's breakaway group (who actually did a couple of extra miles as well!) started to come through the door, as well as regular customers and a trio of cyclists. Our very own Heleana decided that enough was enough and then said to the two lads that were working to just do what they could do and she would serve the tea and cakes!
We were absolutely astounded, but they got on with it, "Who's the tea with cake?" called out Heleana and she served the rest of the Knockholt crew, as she gave out orders to the two guys working! What a great time we had in that cafe! These are the two guys who were serving this morning!
Fabulous run!
Here's the geeky stats and some more photos at the end of the blog, Most photos I have poached for Ka, I hope he don't mind! I have sent him a kind message asking for permission!
My first run in 2016, so my longest run of the year so far! I like that. It was also the wettest, and muddiest! It was train run time! Running with my fabulous running buddies doing the annual Train Run from Knockholt/Sevenoaks to Petts Wood. For some reason we had to travel from Orpington due to some sort of track maintenance and I was so pleased that the Old Boy said he could drop me off there!
The crowd grew and grew as we waited for the train, the usual queueing for the loos before getting on the train, and that included me. I don't know what it is, but things like this just sends signals to my bladder to 'get ride of everything!' Not usually on a Tuesday evening run, or a Thursday morning run! Strange! We piled on the train taking up the whole carriage, here this is us!
 |
| Everybody! |
 |
| Jenny In the purple |
 |
| Illustrious leader, second left |
The buzz was brilliant, chatting and laughing, on a wet morning on a train at 9 in the morning! Have you ever heard it happening on a commute into London Monday mornings?! No, I don't think so!
It didn't take long for us to get to Knockholt, only a couple of stops, so we really didn't even get warm and cosy, and not feel like getting off! It seemed there was a record number of PWR's today getting off at the Knockholt stop this year. I am sure it is over half of the runners that met at Orpington train station! I am sure its usually the other way around. In our group there are quite a few 'debut' Train Runners, including Jenny from group 0! This really is a just 'come along for the ride......ok....run and have some fun' style run. It's an introduction to cross country running and also a great way to 'test' the waters for any races that may take your fancy! If you can do this run then you can do any of the Grand Prix events!
Here's a picture of the Knockholt Crew!
 |
| The Knockholt Crew |
There were going to be two groups but were will be breaking away after about 2 and half miles, so for now about 40 of us snaked our way out of the station and along London Road, lead by Illustrious leader with SingstarJo running along at the back with us. Crazy eh! Most people who are able to stay in bed, under the duvet would still have been there. Some may even have got up and got ready for church (I said my prayers as I ran along!) But here we all were out in the rain, in the middle of winter, albeit a mild one so far, running for fun! I smiled as I remembered what the Old Boy said to me this morning when the alarm went off "Stupid idea!, its raining" Oh don't worry, he says it about his own 'fun days out" as well, getting up while it's still dark to go fishing, in a boat, in the middle of the sea...... ok a few miles from shore.......with his friends! Rain or shine, he still goes!
The run along the A21 was soon over and then it was time to go cross country, a path way through the housing estate, not quite off road but compared to running along the A21, tons better. At least we probably wouldn't come across any 'free range swine' going this way! (News in yesterday that pigs had escaped and closed the A21 for 5 hours!) Jenny was smiling, even with the rain, she looked quite determined. I was sure she would be quite surprised when sees just how good this run is to do, and totally thrilled that she had done it! But for now the miles won't even notice, mainly because of the struggling up the hills! But shhhh we don't talk about the hills!
 |
| See, we were running! |
I had forgotten just how much I like running this route! Yes it's tough and of course it's early morning, and I have to miss church, but I do like running this route. I was looking forward to the running across the field, that would be interesting!
I was at the back of the group with SingstarJo, Jo, Auriol and Jenny. We all just ran along with a bit of walking as well. It was soon time to break again into two groups. SingstarJo took the breakaway faster group just after we got to Green Street Green, up the hill, up Old Hill! A horrendous hill! Very slippy, through the woods along the bridle path. But I think that is the last of the horrendous hills, just some undulations after that! We took another catchup (we already had one early) in the middle of the field, which was the top of the hill, about 3 miles in. This is us....
I told Jenny just how far she had gone, she said "Oh don't tell me!" I think she didn't really want to know how far there was to go! But the fact was, it didn't feel as if we had already done 3 miles, with less than a Parkrun to do! The miles seem to have disappeared, been eaten up by us, and we were still there smiling!
To me these last couple or so miles seem to fly by. Jenny was starting to feel it after the next mile. I just kept her spirits up and we chatted and ran side by side. Running on the roads through the housing estate didn't seem that far. By about 4 and half miles we were back into the paths. You gotta love our area! Busy roads, housing estates, and then country side, winding paths and open air! All within half hour of the big smoke (London)!
By the time we got to the Cinder Path we again a broke into yet two more smaller groups. Illustrious leader taking he sedate running back the last mile and me run/walk at group 0 pace till we get to Saints and Sinners, and let me tell you, I am going to be a complete sinner, I will be having cake, and a big cup of Mocha coffee! Healthy life style starts tomorrow!
So for the last little bit back to Petts Wood high street, we just enjoyed the rest of the run, using the lamppost system to keep us motivated. We caught up with Auriol along Tudor way and we three finished the course together. Back at Saints and Sinners for that nice little treat!
Now, he is a little anecdote. Saint's and Sinners were not expected about 15 or so hot, wet, sweaty ravenous and thirsty people to patron their establishment this morning. And I do believe they were a bit inundated with orders of coffee, cakes smoothies and like. It seemed we were waiting ages for them to take the order, take the money, fill the order, and then serve the order. There more people arriving as SingstarJo's breakaway group (who actually did a couple of extra miles as well!) started to come through the door, as well as regular customers and a trio of cyclists. Our very own Heleana decided that enough was enough and then said to the two lads that were working to just do what they could do and she would serve the tea and cakes!
We were absolutely astounded, but they got on with it, "Who's the tea with cake?" called out Heleana and she served the rest of the Knockholt crew, as she gave out orders to the two guys working! What a great time we had in that cafe! These are the two guys who were serving this morning!
 |
| Saint's and Sinners staff |
Fabulous run!
Here's the geeky stats and some more photos at the end of the blog, Most photos I have poached for Ka, I hope he don't mind! I have sent him a kind message asking for permission!
 |
| Heleana third from left, unofficial S & S staff! |
 |
| Horrid Hill |
 |
| really horrid hill |
 |
| Just arrived at the cafe |
 |
| Still waiting for tea and cake! |
Thursday, 31 December 2015
The Last Run of 2015!
Hello Blog lovers!
Happy New Year to you all. Thank you all so much for coming back each time I add some more ramblings of a complete running headcase! And thank you all for your support and encouragement over this past year! Here is looking forward to a brighter, leaner, fitter running New Year!
This morning saw a good number of of PWR's at the rec. Some of them only there because of the Christmas break and taking full advantage of having free time. In DiscoRichs group there were quite a few runners and in my group there were about 8 of us! So a nice sized couple of groups indeed. And we were all heading for a mud fest! In the woods, with the sun shining, birds singing and fresh, clean, crisp morning air! It does make you feel so happy that we are able to be able to enjoy all of this!
We all ran out of the gate at the same time, looking quite impressive, pinks, blues and bright yellows running along together! We went in to the woods through 'Poo Ally' and that is where the two groups split. DiscoRich's group ran up to the right and we ran down to the left. It was sticky! It was very sticky. But boy was it so much fun! I so got to get myself some trail shoes! I will work on that this year!
It was a slow slog through the bogginess of the paths to the railway bridge. I had a regroup there to discuss an optional route, up over the bridge and then hit the pavements! Well let me tell you, the looks I got from the runners told me that I was asking the most ridiculous question! So we carried on through the paths along beside the river. It felt just so right to be there. Jo was so enjoying being out in the woods, along with Illustrious Leader, Hannah, and all the other ladies running with us.
Then the hill, The hill, the one that I still have to conquer, Goss Hill. Do I not like hills! I encouraged everyone to go up before me as I knew I would be struggling and the mud did not help at all! I really felt it on the legs, even dragging my feet out of the muddy bits seemed hard going as we climbed the hill! another regroup, and breather for me, before we set off along the back of the school back to the middle of Botany Bay Lane!
We turned left and ran up to the bridle path and waited! We had to wait because coming towards us was DiscoRichs groups! They were actually taking up both paths, the bridle path and pedestrian path! I was beginning to feel a little bushed, I was actually thinking that I should have got up earlier to have at least had a cup of tea with some sugar in it, I wasn't feeling to good! But I kept going. After all, we were half way round now!
One of our group decided to join DiscoRich's group for the rest of the run, we continued along the path, we were going use the boarded path way, running past the pond. Again, the mud didn't let up, and running down hill while it's very wet and sticky is bloomin hard! It's hard to stop running, because you feel as if you will skid into your running buddies in front! The boards was a welcome relief (even though we truly are enjoying the mud!) from the particularly wet bits.
Up the hills and little undulations to the middle of the woods, and another decision. The quicker way, down the middle path, or the slightly longer way straight on to the path that runs parallel to the road. I was really feeling it now, I was at the back and the others were ahead with I.L. Not far to go at least. I had a shoe malfunction as my laces came lose and had to tie it up! Wet muddy laces! I bent down and tied them up, as I pulled it tight the water squeezed out of the lace!
I must say, it was a brilliant run! It a slow slog through the mud and the puddles, and I think towards the end of the run most of the others were heeding my advice and 'running straight through the middle' It seemed less slippy somehow!
This is the state of our shoes, but the smiles on our faces was tons better!
Geeky stats for you.
Happy New Year to you all. Thank you all so much for coming back each time I add some more ramblings of a complete running headcase! And thank you all for your support and encouragement over this past year! Here is looking forward to a brighter, leaner, fitter running New Year!
This morning saw a good number of of PWR's at the rec. Some of them only there because of the Christmas break and taking full advantage of having free time. In DiscoRichs group there were quite a few runners and in my group there were about 8 of us! So a nice sized couple of groups indeed. And we were all heading for a mud fest! In the woods, with the sun shining, birds singing and fresh, clean, crisp morning air! It does make you feel so happy that we are able to be able to enjoy all of this!
We all ran out of the gate at the same time, looking quite impressive, pinks, blues and bright yellows running along together! We went in to the woods through 'Poo Ally' and that is where the two groups split. DiscoRich's group ran up to the right and we ran down to the left. It was sticky! It was very sticky. But boy was it so much fun! I so got to get myself some trail shoes! I will work on that this year!
It was a slow slog through the bogginess of the paths to the railway bridge. I had a regroup there to discuss an optional route, up over the bridge and then hit the pavements! Well let me tell you, the looks I got from the runners told me that I was asking the most ridiculous question! So we carried on through the paths along beside the river. It felt just so right to be there. Jo was so enjoying being out in the woods, along with Illustrious Leader, Hannah, and all the other ladies running with us.
Then the hill, The hill, the one that I still have to conquer, Goss Hill. Do I not like hills! I encouraged everyone to go up before me as I knew I would be struggling and the mud did not help at all! I really felt it on the legs, even dragging my feet out of the muddy bits seemed hard going as we climbed the hill! another regroup, and breather for me, before we set off along the back of the school back to the middle of Botany Bay Lane!
We turned left and ran up to the bridle path and waited! We had to wait because coming towards us was DiscoRichs groups! They were actually taking up both paths, the bridle path and pedestrian path! I was beginning to feel a little bushed, I was actually thinking that I should have got up earlier to have at least had a cup of tea with some sugar in it, I wasn't feeling to good! But I kept going. After all, we were half way round now!
One of our group decided to join DiscoRich's group for the rest of the run, we continued along the path, we were going use the boarded path way, running past the pond. Again, the mud didn't let up, and running down hill while it's very wet and sticky is bloomin hard! It's hard to stop running, because you feel as if you will skid into your running buddies in front! The boards was a welcome relief (even though we truly are enjoying the mud!) from the particularly wet bits.
Up the hills and little undulations to the middle of the woods, and another decision. The quicker way, down the middle path, or the slightly longer way straight on to the path that runs parallel to the road. I was really feeling it now, I was at the back and the others were ahead with I.L. Not far to go at least. I had a shoe malfunction as my laces came lose and had to tie it up! Wet muddy laces! I bent down and tied them up, as I pulled it tight the water squeezed out of the lace!
I must say, it was a brilliant run! It a slow slog through the mud and the puddles, and I think towards the end of the run most of the others were heeding my advice and 'running straight through the middle' It seemed less slippy somehow!
This is the state of our shoes, but the smiles on our faces was tons better!
Geeky stats for you.
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Club Run Group 0 - Post Christmas Run!!
Hello from the great big pudding writing this blog!
Well, what a Christmas it has been. If it even remotely looked Christmassy then I ate it or I drank it! My waist line has become a waist block! I seem to have been given an extra chin as well! To be truthful, I think I have been over indulging for quite some time, so from the new year then I will be concentrating on getting my mojo back, getting my fitness back and my waist line as well as giving this extra chin back to where ever it came from!
I didn't know how many group 0's would be here today, I knew there wasn't going to be a couple of them, and I was half expecting to be following group 1 trying to keep up with them! But then Christine said she would be coming with me, she hasn't been for a while, and also a couple of others were in two minds as to which group they would be in, but decided to come along with us.
Because of the pudding like waist line I decided on the 'get back into it' route, nice and easy, but with the little undulations to remind us that actually we are are to run and get fitter! I gave out my little bit of information to the waiting crowds and listened as all the other leaders gave their descriptions of their planned routes, and then we were off.
I started my Garmin off........oh, did I tell you all that my lovely hubby, the Old Boy, asked Santa to bring me a fab new Garmin 225? It's an absolutely brilliant piece of kit, it tracks your steps during the day, (which I wasn't do enough of for the first couple of days!) nags you if you sit to long! It has this wrist HRM and 'live tracking' too, which I am figuring out how to do....the live tracking, the HRM! Anyway, bloomin pleased as punch with my new toy!
I wasn't the only one that had a new Garmin either, one of the other ladies had one too, the same as mine but without the HRM, but she literally only took it out of the box just before coming along here! We both started our watches and ran out of the gate!
We were going left and then left again. Towards Petts Wood, up the little undulations, you know the ones I spoke about earlier. Well my tummy, as well as my legs, feet, ankles, lungs and all the other bits above and below, wondered what the hell I was doing! I really think my body thought I had stopped all that nonsense, come back to my senses. Go back to 2007, happily eating drinking and watching Eastenders!
Two of the ladies with me were bouncing about and running and looking as if they are about to start a race in the Olympics! Raring to go! and me and Christina were at the back.. Christina did pick up a little 'pull' in her leg. I think we should have done some drills or maybe a slower run for the first half mile, to warm up a bit, as she hasn't been out for a week or two! But we took it easy for the rest of the run. Walking, stretching out when needed and then back to running.
I must say, it felt great to be out running away all those calories I've been stuffing down my neck, inside my head I felt like this,
but my body actually felt like this!
My goals starting from 1st of January, from say 10 am or later at least, is to cut calories, up the running and cycling and get tons fitter...again! This time I am not going to be pressurising myself by entering long races unless I think it's going to be a fun time with my running buddies! I am going back to the days when I just really loved being out and running! Even now as I write this I am smiling, I am feeling positive about it.........and so bloody pleased I didn't get a place in next years VLM!
So, todays run with my running buddies is the start of 'Operation - Donna's Mojo', with my motto being Train like I want to win!
Geeky stats, from my brand new Garmin, this is it, with a picture of my 'ex' Garmin, which I can't actually find at the mo....and it still has a run on there!
Well, what a Christmas it has been. If it even remotely looked Christmassy then I ate it or I drank it! My waist line has become a waist block! I seem to have been given an extra chin as well! To be truthful, I think I have been over indulging for quite some time, so from the new year then I will be concentrating on getting my mojo back, getting my fitness back and my waist line as well as giving this extra chin back to where ever it came from!
I didn't know how many group 0's would be here today, I knew there wasn't going to be a couple of them, and I was half expecting to be following group 1 trying to keep up with them! But then Christine said she would be coming with me, she hasn't been for a while, and also a couple of others were in two minds as to which group they would be in, but decided to come along with us.
Because of the pudding like waist line I decided on the 'get back into it' route, nice and easy, but with the little undulations to remind us that actually we are are to run and get fitter! I gave out my little bit of information to the waiting crowds and listened as all the other leaders gave their descriptions of their planned routes, and then we were off.
I started my Garmin off........oh, did I tell you all that my lovely hubby, the Old Boy, asked Santa to bring me a fab new Garmin 225? It's an absolutely brilliant piece of kit, it tracks your steps during the day, (which I wasn't do enough of for the first couple of days!) nags you if you sit to long! It has this wrist HRM and 'live tracking' too, which I am figuring out how to do....the live tracking, the HRM! Anyway, bloomin pleased as punch with my new toy!
I wasn't the only one that had a new Garmin either, one of the other ladies had one too, the same as mine but without the HRM, but she literally only took it out of the box just before coming along here! We both started our watches and ran out of the gate!
We were going left and then left again. Towards Petts Wood, up the little undulations, you know the ones I spoke about earlier. Well my tummy, as well as my legs, feet, ankles, lungs and all the other bits above and below, wondered what the hell I was doing! I really think my body thought I had stopped all that nonsense, come back to my senses. Go back to 2007, happily eating drinking and watching Eastenders!
Two of the ladies with me were bouncing about and running and looking as if they are about to start a race in the Olympics! Raring to go! and me and Christina were at the back.. Christina did pick up a little 'pull' in her leg. I think we should have done some drills or maybe a slower run for the first half mile, to warm up a bit, as she hasn't been out for a week or two! But we took it easy for the rest of the run. Walking, stretching out when needed and then back to running.
I must say, it felt great to be out running away all those calories I've been stuffing down my neck, inside my head I felt like this,
but my body actually felt like this!
My goals starting from 1st of January, from say 10 am or later at least, is to cut calories, up the running and cycling and get tons fitter...again! This time I am not going to be pressurising myself by entering long races unless I think it's going to be a fun time with my running buddies! I am going back to the days when I just really loved being out and running! Even now as I write this I am smiling, I am feeling positive about it.........and so bloody pleased I didn't get a place in next years VLM!
So, todays run with my running buddies is the start of 'Operation - Donna's Mojo', with my motto being Train like I want to win!
Geeky stats, from my brand new Garmin, this is it, with a picture of my 'ex' Garmin, which I can't actually find at the mo....and it still has a run on there!
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Christmas Eve Run!
Merry Christmas blog lovers.
I was just so pleased to be able to get out today. I thought that I may have been working, so it was an great bonus for me to be able to get out and run, through the woods too!
I started to walk up to Petts Wood as I had shopping to do, I just didn't think I would be able to carry too much back with me on my bike! As I was walking up Southborough Lane I heard a "You want a lift?" It was CoachHels! Brilliant, that will save my old legs! After all, proper fitness training don't start till the new year!
We got to the rec and there was just a couple of people there, but after just a few minutes there was PWR's walking in, driving in, from all directions! A fantastic turnout from everyone. You gotta love holidays when it comes to running! DiscoRich had loads of extra runners in his group, there must have been at least 15 to 20 runners, in mine and Illustrious Leaders group there was just the five of us.
DiscoRich was going through the woods, and so was we! I haven't been through the woods for such a long time! As soon as I started up the middle of the woods I suddenly just felt so good! So fat and slow still, but so good! Our route was the middle path, left along the top of the woods until Botany Bay Lane and then right, to go up some more!
With us we had Joanne, Eleana and Diane, Joanne and Eleana are from the PWR 2015 winter grads, and they are just doing brilliantly! Joanne seemed to be flying, PWR beginners courses really do work!! I can see her looking at races soon! The lure of the gong is hard to resist! Then the distances will be looking like a challenge, 10k, half marathons.......
I struggled up the hill but managed to get up there with not too much huffing and puffing, at least I don't think so! There is no stopping Jo however, she was flying! Reading to just keep on running. My motto for next year is 'Run like I want to win!' I shall take a leaf out of her book I think! I kept telling myself that today its all about the social, it's a nice get together run with people that we don't normally run with.
We came off the path behind the school and took just a short breather, just as DiscoRichs group came from the left! "How is it we are always stopped when we bump into them" said Illustrious Leader! Going up Botany Bay Lane to the road. the last bit of up hill today and I was really struggling, I.L. kept me company at the back while the other three ran ahead. We told them to do a loop back if they wanted! We ran along to Chislehurst road and then took a right turn to go through the estate with the lovely house.
I do like this estate, it conjures up all sorts of stories in my mind when I run through here, I must do another 'novel' type blog soon! We run back into the woods to finish off our run. It' was a bit sticky in there, the rain has really made some lovely muddy pools for us to negotiate. We turned left and followed the path all the way around the side of the woods, going past the wood mans lodge. Always brings a smile to my face when I ran pass here!
We just the last little bit left of the woods I felt really good, not physically, I was blooming knackered, by in my mind! I feel as if next year it's going to be my year! I am in the right mind, and if I am not, then I will just have to keep on running till I am!
Have a fantastic Christmas everyone, and thanks for reading each of my blogging ramblings! Can't believe I still have any readers! Just a few more running days this year!
I was just so pleased to be able to get out today. I thought that I may have been working, so it was an great bonus for me to be able to get out and run, through the woods too!
I started to walk up to Petts Wood as I had shopping to do, I just didn't think I would be able to carry too much back with me on my bike! As I was walking up Southborough Lane I heard a "You want a lift?" It was CoachHels! Brilliant, that will save my old legs! After all, proper fitness training don't start till the new year!
We got to the rec and there was just a couple of people there, but after just a few minutes there was PWR's walking in, driving in, from all directions! A fantastic turnout from everyone. You gotta love holidays when it comes to running! DiscoRich had loads of extra runners in his group, there must have been at least 15 to 20 runners, in mine and Illustrious Leaders group there was just the five of us.
DiscoRich was going through the woods, and so was we! I haven't been through the woods for such a long time! As soon as I started up the middle of the woods I suddenly just felt so good! So fat and slow still, but so good! Our route was the middle path, left along the top of the woods until Botany Bay Lane and then right, to go up some more!
With us we had Joanne, Eleana and Diane, Joanne and Eleana are from the PWR 2015 winter grads, and they are just doing brilliantly! Joanne seemed to be flying, PWR beginners courses really do work!! I can see her looking at races soon! The lure of the gong is hard to resist! Then the distances will be looking like a challenge, 10k, half marathons.......
I struggled up the hill but managed to get up there with not too much huffing and puffing, at least I don't think so! There is no stopping Jo however, she was flying! Reading to just keep on running. My motto for next year is 'Run like I want to win!' I shall take a leaf out of her book I think! I kept telling myself that today its all about the social, it's a nice get together run with people that we don't normally run with.
We came off the path behind the school and took just a short breather, just as DiscoRichs group came from the left! "How is it we are always stopped when we bump into them" said Illustrious Leader! Going up Botany Bay Lane to the road. the last bit of up hill today and I was really struggling, I.L. kept me company at the back while the other three ran ahead. We told them to do a loop back if they wanted! We ran along to Chislehurst road and then took a right turn to go through the estate with the lovely house.
I do like this estate, it conjures up all sorts of stories in my mind when I run through here, I must do another 'novel' type blog soon! We run back into the woods to finish off our run. It' was a bit sticky in there, the rain has really made some lovely muddy pools for us to negotiate. We turned left and followed the path all the way around the side of the woods, going past the wood mans lodge. Always brings a smile to my face when I ran pass here!
We just the last little bit left of the woods I felt really good, not physically, I was blooming knackered, by in my mind! I feel as if next year it's going to be my year! I am in the right mind, and if I am not, then I will just have to keep on running till I am!
Have a fantastic Christmas everyone, and thanks for reading each of my blogging ramblings! Can't believe I still have any readers! Just a few more running days this year!
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Last Group 0 of 2015!
Hello blog
This is the last Tuesday before the 'Big Day' Christmas! I love Christmas, every thing about it! From the shopping for gifts, mainly because of on line shopping, it is so more civilised than elbowing other shoppers! I love the wrapping, the Christmas tree, (I am slightly anal about how it's decorated!) but I love the lights outside on peoples houses!
I know I say things like "It's such an American thing to do" but it's become a tradition here now. And I really do like to see all the pretty lights. We used to decorate more in doors, with tinsel and paper chains and balloons! Oh yes, love it. So back to running. It is an absolutely awful day, the rain is coming down, the wind is gusting and it is just not a good motivational feel at all to get out there and do it. Plus people are out shopping and getting a few extra hours done at work to make sure it's all ready for the big day, I really didn't thing that there would be anybody turning up for group 0 today.
But there was Jenny! That running bug is growing inside her now, she really has been bitten hard! Nothing is going to stop her from running. Tuesdays night is run night, simples! A big smile on her face when I asked if there was anyone here for group 0. She peered over the shoulders of the other runners. I had a route planned, the challenging one we did the other week, but with just the two of us, I thought I would let her chose which one. I haven't mapped out a new route as I can't find my Garmin at the mo, and I do like to check things out and look at the stats of any new route. I am just hoping the dog hasn't eaten it! I know there wasn't a lot left of it, but it still works!
We decided to do a bit of hill training, and the hill we do that on is the Tillingbourne Green route. So we run up Birchwood to start our run! I can really feel the extra weight that I have gained over this past 8 month, well since I did the marathon! My breathing was all over the place too, but then the first mile of any run is usually like that for me. I felt like it was going to be a struggle though.
I am so going to work hard after Christmas, I have too, I know I am just not 'feeling it' being this heavy! We ran along Chislehurst Road and then turned left, heading towards Tillingbourne green. The little hill will be coming up soon, and we are going to a couple of reps up and down it! We turned right and ran along the road to the beginning of the hill! Taking a couple of seconds to get our breath we ran up it, giving it about 70% of what we had in us. Right to the top of the hill, we did it, we took a a few seconds to recover, then walked down to the first lamppost then slowly jogged to the bottom.
We ran up it again, and then we did it again after that! Three times we ran that hill, three times! and we still got back before anyone else did. We were first back to the rec! A brilliant run, I just wish I had my Garmin, I shall have to pull the place apart tomorrow looking for it!
Shame about the Geeky stats! We did get back by 8:50 pm, so not a too bad a run, if I do say so myself!
This is the last Tuesday before the 'Big Day' Christmas! I love Christmas, every thing about it! From the shopping for gifts, mainly because of on line shopping, it is so more civilised than elbowing other shoppers! I love the wrapping, the Christmas tree, (I am slightly anal about how it's decorated!) but I love the lights outside on peoples houses!
I know I say things like "It's such an American thing to do" but it's become a tradition here now. And I really do like to see all the pretty lights. We used to decorate more in doors, with tinsel and paper chains and balloons! Oh yes, love it. So back to running. It is an absolutely awful day, the rain is coming down, the wind is gusting and it is just not a good motivational feel at all to get out there and do it. Plus people are out shopping and getting a few extra hours done at work to make sure it's all ready for the big day, I really didn't thing that there would be anybody turning up for group 0 today.
But there was Jenny! That running bug is growing inside her now, she really has been bitten hard! Nothing is going to stop her from running. Tuesdays night is run night, simples! A big smile on her face when I asked if there was anyone here for group 0. She peered over the shoulders of the other runners. I had a route planned, the challenging one we did the other week, but with just the two of us, I thought I would let her chose which one. I haven't mapped out a new route as I can't find my Garmin at the mo, and I do like to check things out and look at the stats of any new route. I am just hoping the dog hasn't eaten it! I know there wasn't a lot left of it, but it still works!
We decided to do a bit of hill training, and the hill we do that on is the Tillingbourne Green route. So we run up Birchwood to start our run! I can really feel the extra weight that I have gained over this past 8 month, well since I did the marathon! My breathing was all over the place too, but then the first mile of any run is usually like that for me. I felt like it was going to be a struggle though.
I am so going to work hard after Christmas, I have too, I know I am just not 'feeling it' being this heavy! We ran along Chislehurst Road and then turned left, heading towards Tillingbourne green. The little hill will be coming up soon, and we are going to a couple of reps up and down it! We turned right and ran along the road to the beginning of the hill! Taking a couple of seconds to get our breath we ran up it, giving it about 70% of what we had in us. Right to the top of the hill, we did it, we took a a few seconds to recover, then walked down to the first lamppost then slowly jogged to the bottom.
We ran up it again, and then we did it again after that! Three times we ran that hill, three times! and we still got back before anyone else did. We were first back to the rec! A brilliant run, I just wish I had my Garmin, I shall have to pull the place apart tomorrow looking for it!
Shame about the Geeky stats! We did get back by 8:50 pm, so not a too bad a run, if I do say so myself!
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Sometimes It Just Feels Right!
Hello blog lovers.
Ok, I expect you have noticed the lack of blogging! It's that time of year, festivness, carol services, christmas parties and get togethers! And of course my solo running mojo has decided to do a 'runner' thank goodness for my club, is all I can say!
So first off, Parkrun. It was SingstarsJo 150th Parkrun! Always a cause for a celebration! Cakes, tea and good friends to celebrate and join in. I just had to be there to join in. Of course to get the cake I had to run the 5k in the first place!
I wasn't feeling half as bad for a Saturday morning as some other Saturday mornings! But I wasn't expecting to be breaking any PB's either. I just did my run and then looked for the cake! There was just a few bits of the chocolate cake left by the time I got there! Fantatastic! I do love choc cake!
My official time for park run was 36:37 mins, so not particually fast, deffo room for improvement! I shall work on that during next year!
Geeky stats for Parkrun, 12 December!
<iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/983881100' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe>
Later that night it was yet another Petts Wood Runners get together, for the annual Petts Wood Runners Christmas Party! 80's themed as well! We had a brill time. I was a little delicate in the morning, and I was glad that I hadn't said that I would be doing the 'hangover' run! Not that I would anyway as I got church to go to! But even after church I couldn't manage to go for a run, Christmas shopping was on the agenda, just as my hangover really kicks in!
So now we are up to date as I tell you about tonights club run.
Ok, I expect you have noticed the lack of blogging! It's that time of year, festivness, carol services, christmas parties and get togethers! And of course my solo running mojo has decided to do a 'runner' thank goodness for my club, is all I can say!
So first off, Parkrun. It was SingstarsJo 150th Parkrun! Always a cause for a celebration! Cakes, tea and good friends to celebrate and join in. I just had to be there to join in. Of course to get the cake I had to run the 5k in the first place!
I wasn't feeling half as bad for a Saturday morning as some other Saturday mornings! But I wasn't expecting to be breaking any PB's either. I just did my run and then looked for the cake! There was just a few bits of the chocolate cake left by the time I got there! Fantatastic! I do love choc cake!
My official time for park run was 36:37 mins, so not particually fast, deffo room for improvement! I shall work on that during next year!
 |
| The obligotary selfie! |
Geeky stats for Parkrun, 12 December!
<iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/983881100' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe>
Later that night it was yet another Petts Wood Runners get together, for the annual Petts Wood Runners Christmas Party! 80's themed as well! We had a brill time. I was a little delicate in the morning, and I was glad that I hadn't said that I would be doing the 'hangover' run! Not that I would anyway as I got church to go to! But even after church I couldn't manage to go for a run, Christmas shopping was on the agenda, just as my hangover really kicks in!
 |
| Me, before I got to the Party!! |
So now we are up to date as I tell you about tonights club run.
Group 0
I wasn't sure how many I would be getting in group 0 as I know that some were thinking of trying out for group 1, so I asked first, if there were any to run with me! Jenny called out from the back! If there is one to run then there will be group 0, it's a simple as that.
The route I had planned was a nice little route, it's similar to one that we had done before, but I have changed it just slightly, just so that no body has any reminders of how far there is yet to run! Group 0 is all about training your mind to keep going as well. I remember all too well, when I do my usual solo route to Turpington lane, all those places on route where I walk for a bit. I't gets in your mind, and you convince yourself that you have to walk now, right where that lamppost that you always walk from, or that pub, or restaurent.
There were four of us in group 0 today, me, Auriol, Jenny and a new lady, Jean. We all set off after all the other groups had left, we turned left to run along the undulations of Hazelmere, Great Thrift and Woodland Way! We were running quite well actually! I was chatting away to Jean and the I heard "You ok Jenny?" from Auriol. "I ok" she said. It was just then that I thought I better take a look at my Garmin and we were actually running a 'tad' faster than the announced pace! 11:25 mi/mil! Ooops! You would think that as I am holding the thing in my hand I would actually look at it every so often! But I was just busy chatting with Jean! .....Why am I holding my Garmin in my hand....? Well this is why!
I slowed the pace down a bit, probably just as well as it was going up the undulations! The lamppost method came into play again. A great way to take your mind of things! We soon got up to the memorial hall. We had a little walk, to get our breathing under control and then started again. I remember what PhysioMike had told me and others before when he took group 1 out. We should learn how to run quietly! "Run like Scooby doo" he said. So a great place to practice running like Scooby Doo is here, just on the bridge over the rail lines! I know last time I said we should 'trip trap, trip trap' over the bridge to wake the troll up, but this time we were going to be as quiet as mice, make like mice! Quietly over the bridge! I tell you this, you wouldn't have known we were there! PhysioMike would be proud of us!
We went along side the car park and then turned right to go along Crestview road, this is the bit that Group 0 haven't done before, so from here they won't know at which point they walked before! The Psyche now starts to play it's part as it keeps you on your toes! I thought there would be more Christmas lights along this bit of road, I don't know why, but there you go! There were still some great christmassy lights to be seen.
We ran along to the main road and then crossed over and ran the length of Crescent Drive. I was going to add an extra half mile along here, just so that we could run back on our selves and then come out on a different road on to the high street so that we could see the lights on the high street. But I decided to keep it as it I originally planned. We were going to see the lights on the other side of the rail lines anyway.
We kept a good pace going, everyone was chatting away, the miles was just not even being noticed as we just ran and walked along to Tudor way. From there we turned left to run through the high street to see the lights there. At the little mini roundabout there was a decision to be made. We could go back down Petts Wood road and then to Cross ways, which would be about a quarter of a mile, so making up our 3 mile run today, or we could go back the way we came, the undulations that we did in the beginning, which will had up to just over half a mile to the planned route!
Well group 0 were on fire tonight, they chose to take the long route! No persuasion from me at all! How brilliant is that! So we ran back along Woodland way and Great Thrift etc and back to the rec! A fantastic effort from group o today. Group 1 were already in the rec doing their cool down stretches!
So geeky stats for you all
<iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/983881105' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)