Tuesday evening

Last Friday I had been discharged from the Hospital so it was with confidence that I returned to the Running Club on Tuesday evening. It was a beautiful evening, the sun was out and there was a cool gentle breeze.

On this return, I was determined not to get carried away and run with my usual group of runners. I hung back at the start and let them get ahead. I was then able to go at my own pace and another runner called Ann joined me. We stuck together for the duration of the run. It was a comfortable pace for most of the way, but a lot longer than I had been running for a while. Towards the end I was finding it a struggle, but we stuck in there and kept it going.

It was a lovely run, going down to the River and across the meadows. We then ran towards Castor but cut off the road and went down the track by the railway line. We then ran around the small lake and then on back to the start.

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 1:07

Saturday morning

Saturday morning saw me out of the door at 8.00 am to meet Rhona.

Rather than running round the lake again, we ran along the footpath by the river, crossing over at the weir and then running back along the river on the other side.

It was a lovely morning, still a bit chilly but perfect for running.

Ever competitive, with a mile to go and a female jogger just in front of us, we put in a spurt and overtook her!

It was a good run and for the first time in ages, I actually enjoyed it!

Time: 38:09
Distance: 3+

Friday morning

I must be mad!

I set the alarm clock for 5.45 am and got up so I could get my run in before going to work.

I finish work at 4 o'clock so I could easily go then, it's just my willpower evaporates during the day and I find it extremely hard to get myself out there.

So, although it's hard getting up, at least the run is done and during the day I am entitled to feel very pleased with myself, lol.

This morning I again drove to the gym, parked up and then went for a run.

I chose a different route this morning, turning right out of the gym and cutting in at a pathway and crossing over the weir. Along the path and through the nature reserve back up to the gym. It was a very pretty run, I saw a couple of other joggers out but most of the time it was quite solitary and peaceful.

I didn't have very long to swim so just did a couple of lengths to stretch out and had five minutes in the jacuzzi - bliss.

Time: 30:31
Distance: 3 miles?

Wednesday morning

Set my alarm clock at 5.45 and managed to get myself out of bed. Gosh, the temptation to just reset the alarm and go back to sleep was enormous!

Had some breakfast and pottered about for an hour, waiting for the breakfast to go down I'm just not one of those people that can get up and then be out running within the next ten minutes or so, it takes me a lot longer to get going.

Although it was too early for the sun to be shining, I thought it would be warm so for the first time this year I put my shorts on! What a sight to be seen, wobbly cellulite pounding the roads!!

I was right though, it was warm, very warm.

I started off quite good, but for the last mile I slowed considerably. Still, never mind. That's another run under my belt.

Actually, I just looked back over previous runs, and I ran this a couple of minutes faster than last time, so that's cheered me up a bit!

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 34:16

Monday morning

I couldn't decide whether to run before work or swim? Or should I swim before work and run after work? Decisions..... decisions.....

In the end I decided to get up early, drive to the gym, park up and go for a run and then I am already there so I could follow it on with a swim!

It was a beautiful morning and with just that extra bit of time up before going out running, my body seemed much better to cope with it. I didn't go too far, about 3 miles I think. The first couple of miles seemed pretty easy but I must admit to struggling a bit for the last mile.

It was great to swim afterwards. I could feel the stretches and knew it was doing me good, easing my aching muscles. And it worked, because during the day my legs felt fine and no aching at all.

Distance: 3 miles?
Time: 31:17

I managed to get a couple of early morning swims in before work on Thursday and Friday.

Today, I met up with Rhona and we went out on our Saturday morning run. Rhona is recovering from a shoulder operation so she is feeling as dispirited as me. We both struggled round the lake but are filled with hope knowing that we have done it before, so the future is bright.

Time: 37:33
Distance: 3.5

OMG - has it really been 18 days since I last went for a run! No wonder it was so difficult!!!


Nothing at all to do with all the Easter Eggs and Chocolate I've been consuming!!


I've been really busy the last couple of weeks but that's not a good enough excuse really - I guess I've been putting off that first run back. Cos then, it's back to running regularly, isn't it?

So, excuses behind me, I got up this morning with the idea of doing some form of exercise. At first I had thought about swimming but as I was just putting off the inevitable I decided to don my running shoes and get out there!

It was hard, really hard. My hips seemed very stiff and my legs were buckling at the knees. I wasn't going fast enough to get out of breath so no struggling there, lol. I think I need to be out of bed a lot longer than 1/2 hour for my body to wake up, haha.

Distance: 2.5
Time: 24:19

Gosh, the run last night was exhausting! At the very start my hamstrings felt tight and so I knew it was going to be a tough one – I hung back from running with George as I seem to get carried away when I am with him. I thought that by taking it easy and not pushing it that it would be a comfortable run but I never seemed to get into my pace and I found it hard going all the way round.

Now that the clocks have gone forward by one hour it meant that Tuesday evening's run was in daylight – and what a joy that was! It was a lovely run, through the woods and down by the rowing lake and then back up through the woods – it’s just a shame I wasn’t able to enjoy it.

On reflection, I think that I have gone back to the running club too soon. I am always worried that I am pushing it too much and that I still may do some damage to my stomach. I try not to run hard but don’t seem to be able to stop myself from going off with my old running partners.

With that in mind, I have decided to give the running group a miss for the time being and just take things a bit easier on my own. I am still aiming to run 2-3 times a week, but limit myself to about ½ hour and gradually build up my strength and speed.

That’s the plan!

Time: 55:59
Distance: 5.8

Initially I had thought about doing my old 8 mile run on Saturday morning but after giving it a lot of thought I decided that it was probably a bit too soon to be covering that distance. I was disappointed but knew it wouldn't be too long before I would be able to run that far.

I set out from the Health Club with a route in mind, not exactly sure how far it would be. In fact, it is part of my 8 mile run as on that circuit I run past the Health Club probably just about over half way round the course. It was tempting to add on little loops ie round the rowing lake or up past the railway line to the bridge but I stuck to my planned run and just looked out for extra loops I could add on when I was a bit fitter.

I came in back round the big lake and, boy, was it windy! I was running head into the wind and it was real good when I turned up and had the wind behind me!

On getting back to the Health Club I got changed into my swimming gear and had a 15 min swim to stretch out my leg muscles. It seems to work as my legs don't seem to ache so much after having the swim.

Distance: 4+
Time: 49:05

Big turn out on Thursday at the running club and it was decided to do efforts. I thought it best to opt out as I think it is a bit too soon after my op.

Mandy and I decided to do a steady run and set off, along with everybody else but not joining in the efforts! After about 3 miles the main group turned off to run back a different way but Mandy and myself carried on. Just a bit further on we could see George and a couple of other runners, so speeding up slightly we eventually managed to catch them up. By now, I was warmed up and decided to push it for a bit longer, George came with me and the two of us pulled away from the others.

We stayed in front coming in a minute or so before Mandy, Alan and Sheelagh.

I'm not entirely sure it was sensible to be pushing myself like that, but I felt ok so went along with my body and how it was feeling.

I went home and had a nice warm bath to ease my leg muscles and slept very well that night!

Time: 53.42
Distance: 5+

Tuesday night saw me back up at the running club. The weather had been pretty poor all day and I had been giving it second thoughts but decided that it really didn't matter what the weather was doing.

As it happened it was a great night, the rain stayed away and although it was a bit cold, I soon got warm and discarded the running gloves a couple of miles into the run.

I had two new running companions, Mandy and Sharon. Mandy is training for the London Marathon and had run a half marathon at the weekend, so didn't want to push it too much and Sharon had had three weeks off with illness, so we were evenly paced.

It was a nice route, about 4'ish miles and a steady pace.

Time: 42:10
Distance: 4+

An early morning run - aahh, nothing quite like it!

The stillness, the peace, the sun rising, the birds twittering.... just me and my thoughts to keep me company.

Bliss.

Time: 33:03
Distance: 3.7

I went to the running club on Thursday evening and had a fab time... I had promised myself to take it easy and stick to the back runners but yes, you've guessed, I got a bit carried away and forged ahead!

It felt so good to be back there along with my running chums and there were a couple of new faces as well. We set off at a fair pace and I thought I would go with it for as long as I could and it was only the last 1/2 mile or so that I really began to feel the lack of fitness. I was also getting very hot and finished with quite a red face.

We ran about 5 miles I think which I am really pleased with. It wasn't a great time and I really felt every mile in my legs by the end but, all in all, a good evening's work.

Distance: 5
Time: 50:06

OK, so it's Monday now and I managed to get out for a run again. I went to the Health Club when I finished work at 4.00 pm and did the run that I did on Saturday but going the other way round.

It's so hard, starting again. My legs just don't feel like they have any strength in them, they are pounding away but with no push off. I guess it was like this before and I will get better again, I'm not going to get despondent, that won't get me anywhere, it's just time and patience and lots more runs........

After my run I went for a swim to stretch out, it feels so good. Next run on Thursday at the running club - I hope they babysit me and treat me carefully!

Time: 31:06
Distance 3?

After my run last week I suffered a bit with a sore stomach - I don't think it was due to the run but more to the coughing! I decided to play safe and leave the running until I felt a bit better and my cough had cleared up.

A week later.....

Feeling slightly better, well stomach not aching now but still coughing a little, I thought I had better have another run. I went to the Health Club and got changed there and went for a run from there. It was pretty much my usual run but just starting and ending at a different destination. The pathways were still flooded and there was a bit of wading! I did a loop which took my 30:48 so I'm guessing it is about 3 miles.

I then went into the Health Club and had a 20 minute swim. I love ending the run with a swim as I'm sure it is a really good stretching workout as I never seem to ache nowhere near as much after I have been swimming.

I feel I'm ready now to really get back into running. I'm trying for 3 times this week starting with tomorrow, Monday, again driving to the Health Club on my way home from work, doing the run from there and ending with a swim.

After running two consecutive days, I didn't have time to run again until today.

The weather was glorious, sunny and just a little breeze. However, I had not realised how much rain we had had in the past couple of days and some of the paths were flooded with water up to my ankles!

I waded through and carried on - it could have been worse!

I ran round the big lake and through the nature reserve. It was hard going, it is as if my legs have forgotten how to run! My stride length has completely shortened. I have had a bit of a chest and sore throat for a couple of days and, in ideal circumstances I wouldn't have run today, but I am so desperate to get back out there. I was Ok, just about managing to get round without puffing and wheezing. I've a lot of hard work ahead of me. My stomach muscles seemed to be alright, I could feel I had worked them but they weren't painful so I'm guessing everything is in order.

On looking as past times I am surprised to see that I wasn't that much slower than when I used to run this route. The difference being that I was cruising through in this time whereas today it was hard work!

Distance: 3.7
Time: 36.10

The run went well with no signs and symptoms of overdoing it. I had intended leaving it just 2-3 days and then go out again but I just didn’t seem to have the time! I did manage a couple of swims last week but that was about it.

Yesterday, I went for my longest run yet since the operation. It wasn’t very fast but it was an easy half hour on the treadmill at the gym followed by a short swim.

I really want to get back to running the distances I was running before but fear it is going to be a long slow struggle! It’s going to be difficult getting back and I have quite a few weeks of hard work before me but I am determined…. although not very patient!

I got up early this morning to get a run in before work – I must have chosen the darkest, windiest, rainiest day possible but by 7.00 am the wind had died down a bit and the sun had risen.

My legs were still a bit tired from yesterday's run and I guess I should have left it another day before going out again but, as I said before, I'm, not very patient and I am so keen to get back to my previous fitness.

It was hard work, especially towards the end, but it felt good being out on the roads again in the fresh air and running round the lake. This time it was the small lake, hopefully in a few weeks it will be the big lake...

Time: 22:32
Distance: 2.3

I’m back – yep, recovery time over!

When I went to the hospital for my check-up the consultant said it was still too soon to jog – was I disappointed! He said to wait until at least two months so…..it is now two months!!

I have been doing the odd swim and I was surprised how much I ached afterwards, it really is surprising how quickly you lose the fitness. How depressing (glum).

I also mentioned in my previous post that I had been on the treadmill a couple of times but decided to give it a break after speaking to the Consultant.

So, tonight was my first outing on the road…. I wore my elasticated girdle to give my stomach support and decided not to go too far or too fast. Lol, I needn’t have worried, I managed “a round the loop” where I live which was 15:27, probably just over 1 mile. It was okay, didn’t feel too out of breath and the pace was comfortable but, boy, I did get hot!

So, easy does it. I’ll have a couple of days rest to see if there are any repercussions and then take it from there.

Oh, it feels sooo good to be back!

Time: 15.27

Distance: 1+

Well, it's been so long since I was last here, lol.

My recovery period is coming to an end and it's back to work next week. I have an appointment at the hospital on Wednesday 31st Jan for a check-up - I'm pretty sure everything is as it should be - the scar line has healed up very nicely although there is still a certain amount of swelling in the abdomen still, which I guess is to be expected.

Haven't done any exercise since the operation and am very worried about getting back to fitness!

I went along to a new gym yesterday and signed up. My plan is to swim on a regular basis and to do some weight work - so hopefully getting more of a rounded form of exercise rather than just the running. I am definitely returning to the running club on Tuesdays and Thursdays and plan to run my long runs on Saturday mornings.

Whilst at the gym I had a little go on the Treadmill. I had planned to walk but wanted to see how it felt to be running so upped the speed for a slow jog - 12 min pace - and jogged a mile. My stomach felt fine but I was disappointed to note that my knees still felt a bit sore ! I had hoped with six weeks rest from running that they would be sufficiently recovered.

I then went along to the pool but only slowly swam one length as I could feel it pulling on my stomach. I think I shall wait until I have been to the hospital to see the Consultant next week before I begin my return to fitness in earnest.

Watch this space!

It feels sooo long since I have run.

The operation went well, I think. I still have a lot of swelling but I guess that is to be expected. The scar itself seems to be healing well, but the doctor had to perform a mini abdominoplasty to get the full effect so it turned into a bigger operation than I expected. It means running is out for the next few weeks!

In a way, it is a bit of a mixed blessing. My knees had really been hurting for the past few weeks and getting worse. My right knee in particular had looked kinda puffy and on googling my symptoms it seems I have "housemaid's knee" - something that can affect runners! The good news is that rest seems to be a good cure - something I'm getting plenty of.

So, I'm hoping to get back to running by the end of January.....

I have been so tired and exhausted over the last few days since my run on Sunday that I really wasn't up for running on Thursday. I felt a bit of a cheat as the weather was so bad, very windy and rainy that I wondered if I was just kidding myself or was I really worn out?

On reflection, I probably should have given Tuesday night a miss and gone along on Thursday but hindsight is a wonderful thing!!!

Anyway, with a few days of rest in my legs I went along to our Frostbite league run today. It was at March which is a little village about 45 minutes away. I took Rhona and George with me and met all the other club runners there. We just got there in time to see the Juniors come in - I must admit it brought a tear to my eye - they were so little (ages ranging from 9 - 15) and giving it all they had got. It made me feel very humble and, later on, when I came into the finishing straight I had those little ones in mind and pushed as hard as I could in honour of them.

The run itself was more like cross country - across fields and tracks churned up and making it very hard going. I had intended to "take it easy" today and was wanting to finish in about 45 mins. George and I had had a pre-race decision not to push it too hard but enjoy it.

We were right at the back of the mob when the hooter went and I went off in what I thought was a moderate pace - everyone else went off much faster! After a few hundred yards I decided that I needed to catch them up so put on a spurt and eventually caught them about 1 mile out. They asked where I had been and I said that I thought we were taking it easy!

I tucked in behind George and tried to stick with him. A few of our comrades dropped behind and about mile 3 I just couldn't keep with George - we were going across a very open track with the wind blowing across, it was very, very muddy and really quite hard going.

I always had him in my sights but the mud was just too much for me to cope with (along with the wind). I managed to pick off a few runners in front of me and, all in all, I really enjoyed the run. It was a real change from a road run and perhaps the child in me actually enjoyed stomping through the mud!

Although I did manage to finish in just under 45 minutes it was not as easy as I had anticipated - 45 minutes on a nice flat road run would have been great but this course meant that we had to work extra hard. Just before starting it had also been mentioned to me that my time might be needed for the team event - ohhhh, just a bit of pressure to run harder than I had anticipated....

As I have said, it was a team event and the first 10 from the running club counted - 2 of which had to be lady runners. On this occasion I am proud to say that I was the 2nd lady runner of our club - hooray for the more mature lady runner!

On that note, I bid you a good evening!

Time: 44:53
Distance: a very muddy 5 miles!

Oh my golly gosh! Just had the hardest of runs!

Went along to the club with aching legs from the run on Sunday so had decided to just take it easy this evening - easier said than done! It was a nice steady pace but even that was hard work especially for the last mile or so, which had a hill tucked away in there.

Funnily enough, my knee didn't hurt one little bit on Sunday but since then it has ached quite a bit and I particularly felt it in my run this evening. I guess it's my body's way of saying "Take it Easy There Girl!"

Oh well, that's Tuesday's run done and dusted - the best thing I have done is join the Running Club - I know for a fact I would have given up running for the winter.

Time: 57 mins
Distance: 5-6

During the night I could hear the wind howling and the rain beating down - so much so I had to close the bedroom windows!

By the time I got up the weather was still looking dismal - I could see the trees swaying and hear the wind blowing. Not ideal running conditions!

Within an hour or so it seemed the wind was dying down and the rain had stopped. Not quite sure what to wear I put on my Hally Hansen underneath my club vest but decided within minutes that I would be too hot so I discarded the Hally Hansen but stuck with my running tights - I think after last week of running in my shorts and being a bit cold that it is definitely time they were put away.

Rhona and Lindsay were also entered for the run so the three of us travelled together. We were all a bit concerned about the weather conditions and whether we had the "right" clothing on. When we got to the start I also saw Alan and Laura from the running club.

We all lined up together. My plan for this run was to take it easy at the start, not go off too fast and try to maintain pace but, most of all, to enjoy it!

The hooter went and off shot Alan, Rhona and Lindsay. I decided to hold back a bit and warm myself into it. It paid off and just over a mile I caught Rhona up. At mile 3 I overtook Lindsay and just a bit further on from there I managed to catch Alan.

I ran my own race. I kept my eye on the clock and knew that 1:30 was probably within reach as long as I just kept it steady. It was a 2 lap event and I managed to remember where a lot of the second lap mile markers were so pretty much always knew whereabouts I was. There was a fair amount of wind but had a fair share of it behind me and a fair amount of feeling like I was running through a wind tunnel! The sun came out in parts but the rain stayed away. The course was pretty much flat with a couple of underpasses to go through (twice) which were a bit of a killer and there was a stretch of track that was very muddy which was quite hard going but all in all, quite a pretty route, certainly much nicer than the route for the half marathon.

Mile 1 - 9:06
Mile 2 - 8:39
Mile 3 - 8:35
Mile 4 - 8:54
Mile 5 - 8:33
Mile 6 - 8:55
Mile 7 - 9:06
Mile 8 - 8:54
Mile 9 - 9:14
Mile 10 - 8.52

Total: 1:29

I'm very pleased with my time - I was hoping for under 1:30 but had thought the weather conditions were against me. As it's only the start of winter, I guess there are going to be much worse than today to look forward to!

Even more importantly, I'm not feeling ill which was my main aim for today.

BTW: Lindsay, 1:32 Alan 1:33,Rhona 1:37 and Laura 1:42 - subject to confirmation.

LOL. These photo's make it look like it was a beautiful day!

Only one day to go.....

I'm a bit nervous - for many reasons:

1. My knee is still a bit sore...
2. I have a sore throat...
3. I'm out tonight socialising...
4. I may be weak and have too much to drink tonight!

Hopefully, I shall be strong and keep in mind tomorrow's race.

The weather forecast is gales and storms! Not too worried about that - at least I won't put undue pressure on myself to finish in a good time.

I was in two minds whether to go to the jogging club tonight - my chest felt a bit tight and my nose had been a bit tickly all day. My throat felt a bit scratchy too. I have been feeling a bit like I may be getting a cold - and the thing is, I never get colds. Just my luck with only 5 days to go before the Nene Valley 10 on Sunday!

I decided to go along and just see how it goes... I set off with my usual running partner George, and Hayley came along with us as well. We trailed behind the faster runners of the club and soon lost them in our sights. We set our own comfortable pace and a nice running rhythm. The evening was perfect for running, just a slight chill in the air to keep me cool but no wind at all.

Laura tried to keep up with us but decided to cut it short and head back to base when we decided to take in the Business Park loop.

Funnily enough, my right knee that had been playing me up for the past few weeks was feeling okay and it was my left kneecap that felt a bit strange! Typical! But you know there's one thing I have noticed about runners - we always have to have something to worry about!

Time: 1:09:15
Distance: 7+

Rhona wasn’t able to make it for this morning’s run but Laura had decided to come along, so I still had a running buddy for company. It had the added benefit as Laura took me on a route that I hadn’t done before.

We encountered nearly all the elements there are: wind, rain and sun but wind seemed to be the strongest especially on the final part of the run around the lake! Surprisingly though, it was still quite mild.

I have been having a niggling problem with my right knee for the last few weeks, probably ever since the half marathon. It’s not causing me too many problems and I can’t specifically say what the problem is so I’m pretty much trying to ignore it! It feels like the back of the knee is a bit sore and it feels perhaps a little bit swollen and it’s quite hard to bend the leg in on itself – lol, not describing myself very well! I mean, when you bop down the right knee just feels funny ……

Anyway, it doesn’t seem to cause me too many problems when I am running so will just continue on and see how it goes….

Time: 1:30:31
Distance: 9 miles ?

NB: LMAO - as it sit here typing this up, the heavens have opened and rain is pouring out of the sky and combined with the wind, I am sooooo glad to be sat here rather than out there!

Thursday night's club training was 1 1/2 mile warm up with efforts up and down the bus lane (luckily not too many buses around that time of the evening!) followed by 1 1/2 mile warm down.

That was the plan but an old friend Laura turned up for the training who I hadn't seen for a long time. There was much to catch up on.....

Laura had run in the London Maraton in April and was still recovering from a thigh/leg/knee injury she picked up there so she had to be taking things a bit easy.

We covered the distance but didn't put much of an effort in on the efforts. It doesn't matter, there will always be another efforts evening, it was just good to be running with an old friend.

Distance: 4-5

Time: 45 mins

There is no way I would have gone for a run on Tuesday if I didn’t belong to the running club. It was a cold, wet and windy day and the thought of being out in the cold, let alone running in it, would have been enough to have kept me inside my nice warm house in front of the TV.

After Saturday’s run I had learnt my lesson and wore my long running bottoms. Wasn’t so sure about my top half but decided on a thermal long-sleeved top. I also took along a hat and gloves but decided against wearing them. I made the right choice as I was perfectly kitted out – the wind had dropped quite a bit and it turned out to be quite a pleasant evening.

The group set off together and after an initial chat about forthcoming events the front runners forged ahead and I settled into my nice little pack. We were going a comfortable pace, George and a couple of others had run a half marathon on Sunday so were using this as a recovery run. Because of that we decided to go a bit further at an even pace rather than shorter and faster.

I am so glad to have joined the Club – I am feeling optimistic for the future. If I can keep running through the winter months I am hopeful to see a big improvement in my running times - although I wonder if one gets to a certain age and running faster isn’t much of an option, the old body just won’t comply. We shall see….

Distance: 5.5 - 6 miles
Time: 52:07

It had been a while since Rhona and I had run 10 miles and with the Nene Valley 10 only a couple of weeks away, we thought we had better get in some mileage.

We have been so lucky with the weather, yet again a fresh crisp morning with no sign of rain. Not sure what to wear, I put on my shorts and T-shirt. I get so hot running but did wonder if I was being a bit optimistic.

We did our usual 8.2 with the rowing lake added on. The pace was comfortable and enjoyable. It wasn't until I got to the rowing lake that I began to feel my legs were quite cool, the wind was whipping up and had a very definite chill - my top half felt fine but I could feel my legs stiffening up and my knee beginning to feel slightly sore.

I think my shorts can definitely be put away for the winter!

Looking back over past times I see that we ran this 10 miles a bit faster than the last time we attempted it. It's all looking good....

Time: 1:35:55
Distance: 10 miles

I had a real good workout last night.

When I first arrived at the club I was a bit panicky, there only seemed to be two lots of groups there: the front runners and those who bring up the rear end. No George, no Alan and no Sheila to run with. Luckily, just before setting off Matt turned up.

We ran for about 1-2 miles out to where there is a rather largish hill. We then had a bit of a session up and down the hill - I managed to do 5 sets - and then back to the club. For the last 1/2 mile Matt and myself put a sprint on and raced back.

I really suffer badly at the hills when out on runs so I am very pleased to have done a hill session and hope we do lots more. The sprint back was a good workout as well, and I hopefully will feel the benefit of the sprints and hills in my next race.

The best thing about the evening though came later.... There was a meeting after the run to discuss next year's half marathon outing - Budapest 1/2 Marathon in September. I've put my name down....

And the next best thing, a lady brought along some homemade doughnuts - they were the best and most delicious doughnuts I have ever tasted - she had put a dollop of jam and cream in the middle.... yummy.

The good thing about all this running is I can practically eat what I want without putting on any weight!!!

Time: 45:35
Distance: 5 (?)

Now that I have cut my running down to just three times a week, it is very important that I don't miss a run. On Tuesday I couldn't make it to the running club so I rushed home from work to try and get a run in before it got too dark.

I decided to run two laps round the business park which is fairly well lit apart from one stretch of pathway. On the first time of going round it wasn't too bad but just within a short space of 15 minutes it had begun to get dark and it was very noticeable on this stretch of pathway - it was quite creepy!

There was a gentle drizzle but surprisingly warm for November.

Time: 36:56
Distance: 4 miles

It was a record breaking entry for the race today - nearly 500 runners!

There was a spectacular atmosphere, very friendly but with an edge of competitiveness about it. We lined up for the start and I kept myself fairly near to the back along with a couple of other Busfield joggers. My running pal George went further up the front. Running conditons were great!

The gun went and it took a few seconds, which actually felt like minutes, until I crossed the start line. I set my watch off at that point and tried to find my pace. I was a bit distracted by all the runners in front of me and had to do a bit of weaving in and out to find my place. I think next time I will start further up the field. As I got to the first mile marker I set the split time but mis-read it and thought it said 9 mins +. I had been hoping to do under 45 minutes so I panicked a bit and decided to push it a bit harder. I ran on and saw George up ahead and managed to catch up with him. By the time I got to him I was in the mood for pushing it and he decided to stay back a bit. On reflection, I probably should have stayed with him!

I was running the race a little bit out of my comfort zone, my legs felt good but my lungs were definitely having to work hard. By the time I got to mile 3 - mile 4 I had a funny little turn. It was the same as when I had finished the Half Marathon - I suddenly found it hard to draw my breath and I can only equate it to what it must feel like to have an asthma attack. I tried to keep panic at bay and slowed down a bit. I did some deep breathing and eventually managed to get back into the swing of it. I just don't know what that is all about - I think I may wear a heart rate monitor for the next race and see if there is anything there to give me a clue.

As I reached Mile 4 George had caught me up. We stayed together for a while and I really appreciated his company. With half a mile to go and a small but steep hill George pulled away. Once over the hill I tried hard to keep on his tails. I never caught him but I was very close.

I think for the next race I am going to stick with George. We run very well together on our training runs and he slowly cranks up the speed - something which I think I am better suited to. I am very pleased with my times but know I can get a whole lot better!

Mile 1 8:09

Mile 2 8:14

Mile 3 8:21

Mile 4 8:22

Mile 5 8:35

On looking at these split times I am very surprised that my time from Mile 1 to Mile 2 is slower than the first mile. I definitely felt like I was pushing it a lot harder yet it shows it as being slower. Again, I am surprised that the time for Mile 3 to Mile 4 isn't a bit slower as I slowed down quite a bit to catch my breath. And, finally, I think the last mile time says it all, I was exhausted!

Time: 41:43

Distance: 5 miles

I am now a fully paid-up member of the jogging club and, guess what, I’m running in a race on Sunday as a club member!

Over the winter months all the local running clubs get together to form a league aptly called “The Frostbite League”. All the clubs compete against one another over a distance of 5 miles and it is the turn of our jogging club to host this month’s race.

With that in mind, we didn’t venture out too far on Thursday evening, covering a distance of around 5 miles. Again, I settled down into a small group of 3 other runners and eventually pulling ahead slightly with George. We run very easily together, our stride patterns matching perfectly. We managed to push each other on, running slightly faster than if I had been on my own.

It was an ideal evening for running and this time I still wore my running tights but opted for a short sleeved t-shirt – perfect! I’m looking forward to Sunday’s run especially with it being around my local vicinity – Steve and my daughter are coming to watch and intend to move around to see me in more than one place to encourage me and cheer me on.

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 48:33

It is now too dark in the mornings and evenings for me to run on my own so I have gone along to our local jogging club. They are a very friendly and enthusiastic group of runners who meet up twice a week and occasionally get together for a long run at weekends. The club is small but thriving and they enter teams in races of varying distances and, at the moment, are organising an outing to compete in the Budapest Half Marathon next year. There seems to be an active social side to the club as well!

We met on Tuesday and we sorted ourselves into pacing groups. I slotted somewhere in the middle. At first, it felt a bit strange running with a group of people but we soon settled down into a rhythm. The pace was probably slightly faster than I would have set off at but I stuck with it and soon began to feel comfortable. As is generally the case, after about 10-15 minutes I felt I could go up a gear and began to push it ever so slightly. Two other guys stuck with me and then a younger girl joined us and we were then a little group on our own.

We were intending to run 6+ miles and for 5 ½ miles I felt good but the last half mile or so was a bit more difficult – we had a couple of (short but steep) bridges to cross and a couple of underpasses to go through – which made me lose my rhythm and I lost a bit of pace. One of the guys, George, had pulled away from me and I was determined to get back up there with him! I tried hard but just couldn’t catch him.

It was a good run and I definitely worked a lot harder than if I had been on my own. It felt good to be part of a community, a like-minded group of people and such a friendly and encouraging club. I’m really looking forward to the next session.

Distance: 6+
Time: 1:03:30

I have been so lucky with the weather when going out on my runs - Saturday was yet again a perfect crip morning. Dressed in my running tights and long sleeved top, I think this is the regular running gear from now on - shorts have been washed and put away for the winter!

Rhona joined me and we decided to run our 8 mile run - it is such a picturesque run, just minutes away and we are in the country with a river to run by and then fields to cross, a long sloping road surrounded by vast green spaces and then on to the back of the meadows. We then have a short stretch of road but then it's back into the woods with the golf course on our right. We are back along the river, across the weir and then it's follow the steam railway line home.... as I said, perfect!

I didn't manage to get out very much last week - it's a bit hard without the motivation of a race so, with that in mind, I am entering the Nene Valley 10 mile road race beginning of December - note the new countdown timer!

I don't intend to train four times a week like I did for the half marathon training but hope three training sessions will be enough to see me through. I'm going along to the jogging club on Tuesday and will let you know how I get on....

My nails still haven't recovered from the half marathon - they're not sore but just don't look too good!!!

Time: 1:18:02
Distance: 8.2

For one reason or another, I didn't manage to get out for a run this week until Thursday. It was a sharp crisp late afternoon and for the first time this year I put on my running tights and a thermal long sleeved top. I guessed I probably had about 30-45 minutes of daylight left so set off on a route that would take me that amount of time. I took my camera with me to try and catch the sun setting.

It felt quite strange running in these temperatures, it took a while for me to warm up and I probably could have done with some gloves and ear warmers! I have to remind myself that I was praying for weather like this in the heat of the summer!

I hadn't taken my watch with me today; I went round the lake and across through the nature reserve which is about 4 miles.

Must do more next week!

Time: ?

Distance: 4

Show all the statistics for this week's runs

Day	Monday	Tuesday	Thursday	Saturday	Total mileage this week
Date	23rd October 2006	24th October 2006	26th October 2006	28th October 2006	23-29 Oct 2006
Time	-	4:30	4:30	09:30	-
Route	-	Lake, TC, Nature reserve	Alwalton, Castor, Weir	Alwalton, Castor, Weir	-
Temperature	-	warm	cool	warm	-
Distance	-	5 miles	8.2 miles	8.2 miles	21.4 miles
Time taken	-	40:56	1:13:01	1:21:40
How enjoyable was it?	-	8/10	9/10	7/10	-

Saturday morning has come round once again.... only this time, Rhona and I allowed ourselves a lie-in and didn't start our run until 9.30 am! What bliss!

Wasn't too sure about the weather as it was drizzling when I first looked out of the window; by the time I was dressed the rain had cleared up and the sun was out so - a change of clothing and back into my summer shorts and t-shirt! This weather is crazzzzyyyyy.

We set off at a steady pace and had chosen to run the same course as last Saturday. But, when we got to the turn off we decided to keep on and, in fact, ran our usual 8 mile run - the run I had done on Thursday. I definitely wasn't flying today, lol, my legs were a bit tired from Thursday and I'm thinking it was a bit warmer as well. And, if truth be told, we probably did a fair amount of talking..... All in all, a lot slower than Thursday but still enjoyable, nonetheless.

Time: 1:21:40
Distance: 8.2

I had fully intended to go along to the running club but, yet again, when I got home from work it was such a beautiful day that I went for a run then. I've decided that whilst the weather is this good I may as well make the most of it!

For me, it was perfect running conditions.... not too hot/cool, sun out but no warmth, just the mildest of breezes, Oh my, just perfect! I had thought about running for 5 miles .... I started off on a gentle warm-up and after about 20 minutes I could feel I was speeding up. It seemed so easy, my legs felt so strong, I wasn't at all tired, it was so enjoyable! I was loving it!!

When I got to the turn off I still felt good so decided that I may as well go on for a bit longer and then when I got to the next turn off I still felt good so thought I may as well go on for a bit longer and then....lol, I had run my old 8 mile run. No longer is it my "long" run. How cool is that?! Oh yeah, did I mention I was loving it!

Time: 1:13:01
Distance: 8.2

I've been wondering what to do about getting my runs in. It is now too dark in the mornings (a) I seem to be in hibernation mode and am finding it extremely difficult to wake up in the mornings and (b) all the running routes I know are not very well lit - in fact, not lit up at all!

It will soon be too dark when I get home from work to go out then, so I have decided to join the local jogging club. They meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.30 pm. I will then have a bit of company on those dark runs and they will also take me on routes previously unknown to me.....

I was intending to go along this evening, but the weather has been absolutely fantastic today so I decided to get a run in after work. It is still mild enough to be running in shorts and t-shirt - can you believe that!?

I took the pace easy and checked at the first mile marker that I was doing 9.30 pace. That's good, it felt comfortable and easy and I was really enjoying the run. The sun was out, there was a very slight breeze and the trees, Oh the trees, they looked beautiful, all golden, red and orange.

I stayed at that pace for the first couple of miles but could feel myself speeding up a bit - I let myself just go at what was comfortable - it felt so great, I love being able to run and actually enjoy it as well!

I am so excited - I have so many plans for the future.... Rhona and I are talking about "serious" training - getting in some speed work, hill work, etc....OMG just give me a nod if I get too boring, lol!

Time: 40:56
Distance: 4 1/2

Recovery run?

Rhona, me and Lindsay before the race

Thank you SO MUCH for all your good wishes, they mean such a lot.

I'm in a bit of a fix now on what to call my Blog, lol.

Will stick with the title, I guess, as there are plenty more half marathons out there to conquer.....
I really did suffer immediately after the half marathon but within a couple of days I could feel I was recovering. My right leg was still very sore, I think I had really given my quads a real bashing but by the end of the week I was willing and ready to venture out again. I'd been batheing (sp?) in the glory of my run for long enough and it was back to earth with a bang!

Met up with Rhona on Saturday morning for a run - BTW Rhona was extremely happy with her half marathon and is fuelled with enthusiasm to do more training for the next one....

We'd decided we would take the pace as it comes but intended on running about 5-6 miles. Either we were running as slow as snails or we went a bit faster than anticipated. It took us 1:13:43 so was probably nearer to at least 6-7 miles, lol. It was comfortable until about the last mile or so when my leg really started to ache, deep inside the buttock... perhaps it felt more like the thigh bone.

You know, I still can't believe I ran the half marathon in under 2 hours - more pressure on me for next year... my aim will be sub 1.45, what do you think of my chances?

Time: 1:13:43
Distance: 7+

Race Report - Great Eastern Half Marathon - 15 October 2006

Woke up yesterday morning and the first thing I did was check the weather! All looking good, a bit dull and not much sign of the sun… not what you would usually hope for on a Sunday morning!

Rhona walked round and we picked up her friend, Lindsay, on the way. David was making his way there with his parents but we met up at a designated meeting place.

Trying to put all thoughts of whether we had done enough to get us through the run we made our way to the area marked out for our intended finish time. Rhona and I had decided that we would start together and I was to go on if she came off the pace. Lindsay was running her own race and as soon as the gun went off, so did David!

It was a bit of a start-stop at the beginning as everyone paused slightly over the starting line to set their watches off – even though we had been given chips to wear. Mind you, I was no different, lol, and was wearing Steve’s watch as it had the function for mile split times.

After half a mile or so, the crowd had spread out. On a street corner a jazz band were playing which was great and there were a lot of spectators clapping us on. After a mile Rhona dropped back. I kept my pace and around the next mile or so, I overtook Lindsay.

There was a water station at Mile 3. I grabbed a bottle, had a sip but mostly used it to cool myself down. Even though the sun wasn’t out, it was quite warm and humid. I had taken 5 jelly babies with me and around this time I had the first. I still felt like I was going okay, stretching myself but running just so I was able to breathe without too much of a struggle – not like many around me who were already puffing and panting (something I was to experience much later, lol).

My friend Sue and her son Jack were marshalling around the 6-7 mile mark and this is just about where I started to find it a bit harder. My breathing was still okay but my legs, especially my quads, were really tightening up. This then alternated between my quads and my hamstrings…. my toes were also feeling a bit sore but I managed to obliterate that thought, as my legs were taking up all my attention.

Steve and my daughter were just past the 7 mile marker and I realised by the time I got there, that I was on schedule for under 2 hours! I was ahead of expected time so Steve and Ashleigh nearly missed me!

I took on water at all the following water stations, tipping a bit over me and filling up my own water bottle to keep me going. I was getting hotter and hotter and my legs were getting heavier and heavier…

Very conscious that I needed to keep pushing it to stay under the two hours, I tried to convince myself at the 8 mile marker, that the next 5 miles were my usual training run and forget about the previous 8. It didn’t work very well but it gave me something to think about, lol.

By the time I got to 10 I knew that within 30 minutes it was all going to be over. Mile 11 came and went, Mile 12 marker was a welcome sight. My legs were now so very heavy and I needed every bit of strength and willpower to keep pushing it, I knew I had slowed down a bit from Mile 8 and it wasn’t sure I had done enough to still be under the 2 hours. As I ran I asked myself whether I was running as hard as I possibly could and if I finished in over two hours would I be disappointed in myself, could I have gone any faster. My answer was that I was doing all I could to keep moving forward, it was 100% effort – I was even grunting at this point!

I knew there wasn’t much further to go – all around me I could hear 2 hours… 2 hours… obviously everyone else was also well aware of the time. We crossed the road and went onto a pathway which led to the Embankment where the race ended. Unfortunately, I missed the 13 mile marker so still wasn’t quite sure how much more we were to run once we got on the Embankment.

Steve, Ashleigh and my other friends were waiting on a corner and with encouragement from Steve that the end was not far, keep going and you’ll be under 2 hours spurred me on.

I turned the corner and could see the finish about 200 metres ahead with the clock above it. It was going to be sooo close… I don’t know where the energy came from, I just knew that I would be gutted if I missed out by a few seconds. I dug deep and made one last determined effort to get over that finishing line.

I was deliriously happy but felt dreadful – I couldn’t catch my breath, it was like I was having an asthma attack! Luckily, the funnel was quite long and wide, so I just stepped to the side and rested there for a minute or two. I really felt quite emotional and my eyes kept welling up, I was still trying to breathe properly taking deep breaths in and out. I’m just glad no-one I knew was around as I would probably have started weeping and wailing!

By the time I found Steve and Ashleigh I had recovered, or at least got control of my emotions. David was already there, exhausted. He had run it in 1:50.00. Lindsay ran a time of 2:08:08 and Rhona was 2:11.00.

I was absolutely shattered, I had pushed my body above and beyond what was expected of it. My head throbbed and my stomach felt very queasy. My legs hurt, my toes were sore and I had very sore skin where my bra strap had rubbed but none of that mattered – I had just run my first (and last?) half-marathon in under two hours!!!

I crossed the finishing line in 1:58:38!!

Splits:

Mile 1 – 9.24
Mile 2 – 8.10
Mile 3 – 8.13
Mile 4 – 8.39
Mile 5 – 8.30
Mile 6 – 8.55
Mile 7 – 8.59
Mile 8 – 9.03
Mile 9 – 9.24
Mile 10 – 9.34
Mile 11 – 9.30
Mile 12 – 9.35
Mile 13.1 – 10.16

Thanks everyone for your support!

2 days to go...

About six months ago I read in the newspaper that our local Town were holding the Great Eastern Half Marathon.

At that time I had been going to the gym fairly regularly and having the occasional run for about 25-30 mins on the treadmill. I mused briefly about entering the half-marathon and then promptly pushed the thought away. A couple of months later I was at a summer BBQ when a friend said she was entering and I decided I would give it a go as well - so I embarked on my 12 week training schedule.

In the past, over 20 years ago– I had caught the running bug. My husband was a keen runner and encouraged me to run as well. I remember that first run – he was on his bike taking me round a route and me running alongside trying to keep going. I think I actually did get round without stopping but, boy, did I feel sick (literally) at the finish! This didn’t discourage me and was just the start of the next couple of years of pounding the pavement.

I wasn’t built for running (as those of you will know if you read this) lol. However, with sheer determination, hard work and training, I built up my stamina and entered road races of varying distances from starting off with 3 mile fun runs, 10 K, and finally 10 mile road races. The first 10 mile road race I entered was the Swineshead 10 in 1984 . I ran this with a friend, Karen, and it took 1 hr 20 min. After that, the sky was the limit.

I ran several more 10 milers but the highlight of those years was running in the Paris to Versailles 16K run. A group of us went over to Paris – I can’t remember much of the journey there and back (menopause kicking in?), but that race is etched in my memory forever. There were thousands of runners – and don’t forget, back then running hadn’t taken off quite as much as it has now! The race started in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower; the scenic route took us along the banks of the Seine, through the Bois De Boulogne forest, and finished next to the beautiful Palace of Versailles. It seemed everyone was there to enjoy it … the roads were lined with spectators cheering and clapping, bands on street corners playing their jolly French music, fruit stalls set up to give out juicy fruit and water stands to keep us hydrated. I am so glad I participated in such an exhilarating and exciting experience.

My running days pretty much came to an end in 1989 when having babies seemed much more important! Over the years since then I have dipped in and out of running, my last major race, as I mentioned here, being the Bruggen 10 in September 1999. This run wasn’t nearly as enjoyable as the Paris run – nothing to do with the crowds and the atmosphere but more to do with the weather – it was very hot!

Since then I hadn’t felt motivated enough to do any serious training until this forthcoming Half Marathon. It was going to be a challenge; as I said the longest runs I had recently run was just about 3 miles and the thought of adding on another 10 was awesome! But I had the confidence of knowing that it was all down to training….lots of people say they “can’t” run but I don’t believe them. If I can do it then anyone can – it’s like most things, it’s just a case of how much they want it.

There have been times, of course, when running has been the last thing I wanted to do, when my legs ached so much it was hard work just getting up the stairs to get my kit on, when the weather was too hot/too cold or, frankly, I just didn’t feel like it. And I ask myself, Why am I doing this? But, after 12 weeks of getting up at 5.30 am 2-3 times each week to get that early morning run in before work, of getting up every Saturday morning for that long run, starting with 5 miles and steadily building up to magical 13, the big day is so close. And here I am – prepared and ready. Wish me luck!

Days to go....

Allowed myself to have a lie-in this morning - didn't get up until 5.45! As I knew I would be having a shorter run I decided that I could afford the extra time in bed.

Still quite dark when I got out there so stuck to the main road. Temperature was great - nice and cool, just the way I like it. Felt like I was moving quite well but really have no idea of what pace it was as I'm not quite sure how far it was.

Had a good think about the half marathon on Sunday and about the timings and decided not to get too hung about it - 12 weeks ago I didn't think I would be able to run a half marathon and here I am now fretting about how fast I can do it!


Time: 32:53
Distance: 3+

4 days to go!

I woke up yesterday morning to the sound of rain thrashing down .... and thought "thank goodness I'm not running today!"

With that thought in mind, and the weather having brightened up by tea time, I decided to go out for a jog rather than leave it until the following morning when the rain might have returned.

I intended taking it easy and although I went at a very slow pace, for some reason I found it quite hard - considering I was taking it easy, my breathing was quite laboured...I really don't understand this running lark - one day I'm feeling so strong and then another day, it's a shorter run and a slower pace, and I find it hard work!

I'm having a rest day today, Wednesday, and will then go for another easy run tomorrow tea-time ... that's the plan.

Time: 34:18
Distance: 4 miles

Countdown....

Up early again this morning to get a run in - even though it has been one hectic weekend! Just took it easy and enjoyed the serenity - I'm on my taper week so didn't feel guilty at all for not pushing it :-)

Time: 53:45
Distance: 6?

Show all the statistics for this week's runs

Day	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Saturday
Date	2nd October 2006	3rd October 2006	4th October 2006	5th October 2006	7th October 2006
Time	06:30	00:00	06:30	00:00	08:00
Route	FM, NR, TC, FM	rest	Oundle Rd, Orton mere, rowing lake, weir	Rest	Alwalton, Castor, Rowing lake, Weir
Temperature	warm	-	cool	-	Cool
Distance	6 miles	0 miles	6 miles	-	10 miles
Time taken	52:33	00:00	50:17	00:00	1:39
How enjoyable was it?	8/10	-	7/10	-	8/10

Forgot to put on my stats yesterday and as I sit here now updating them I'm thinking this time next week and it will all be over - all these past 12 weeks of training culminating in this one run! Of course, that was the objective when I started out on this training log but I'm determined, after all this hard work, to keep up the running.

I'm going to enter a 10 mile road race on 15 November so that should keep me motivated.....

Week Twelve - Day 4

Just got back from this mornings long run of 10 miles.

Would like to have gone out hard this morning, knowing it was only 10 miles but things didn't work out that way. Rhona and David came along as well, and David's dad Phil - on his bike. Not long into the run we encouraged David to go ahead as we were obviously holding him back - and off he went just a blurred image in the distance!

Rhona and I set off at a good pace but weren't able to maintain it and we settled back into a comfortable plod. It was quite enjoyable, relaxing enough to hold a conversation with next week's half marathon being the main topic.

Rhona and I have different goals - she is happy to just finish the half marathon whereas, if truth be known, I would like to get as near to 2 hours as possible. There - I've said it out loud! I'm not sure how realistic that is but I really want to give it a go. We've decided that we shall stand on the start line together and Rhona is going to try to stick with me for as long as she is comfortable. I do feel a bit guilty about not running at her pace with her but she doesn't seem to mind.

The weather was absoutely perfect today - warm but with a little chill in the air to keep us cool and breezy but not too windy. Here's hoping it will be just like this next week....

Time: 1:39
Distance: 10 miles

Week Twelve - Day 3

For the second week running now, I have missed a day's training....tut tut...

After Wednesday morning's run, I really didn't feel very well...upset tummy etc., will spare you the details.... I even had the day off work which is unheard of!

By Thursday I was beginning to feel better but decided that it wouldn't be wise to go out that morning and would see how I felt in the evening. However, my daughter had different ideas and begged me to go shopping with her for a new outfit...now, how could I resist? Those days of her wanting to go out shopping with her ol mom are definitely numbered...

Well, I'm thinking 3 hours of non-stop walking round the shops without a break easily equates to a 5 mile run - my aching legs assured me of this fact.

I know, I know, I could have gone for a run this morning instead? I even set my alarm, but not with the real intention of making it... my legs still ached, it was too dark, I was too warm, it was too cold and, anyways, I'm not too keen to go out running the day before my long run. Excuses you may think? What the heck, I'm tapering!

Week Twelve - Day 2

Took my camera with me on the run this morning and as luck would have it, no great sunrise today!

Decided today to run the first bit of the route alongside the road - I would at least get the lighting from the street lamps to see my way. By the time I get to the lake it will be lighter and I could then cut in and take up the run from thereon.

The weather today was that in between weather - probably a bit cool to be wearing shorts but not cold enough for running bottoms. It most definitely feels very Autumny.

I started off strong but on the return my legs started to feel quite heavy and it was a bit of a struggle. Maybe it was a bit too fast at the start....

At the start of all this training I thought this run was about 6 miles but now I'm probably thinking it's about 51/2 - now I know half a mile doesn't sound much but at my speed we're talking about a difference of 4-5 mins.

I took note of some landmarks against my watch and will clock the distance on my car speedo - not sure how accurate that will be!

Time: 50:17
Distance: 6 ?

Week Twelve - Day 1

After a rather unsettled evening, waking up every few hours or so to check on the time, I eventually got up at the allotted 5.30 am. Just before waking I had a very strange dream....it was the day of the half maraton and Steve and myself arrived there in plentry of time. People were everywhere... Strangely, Steve was running it as well and he hasn't run for a couple of years now since he had his knee arthroscopy....Well, I then realised I had forgotten my jelly babies (!) so went in search for a shop that sells them.... the shops only seemd to have the hard jelly type which were no good... I went back to the start only to find that the race had already started! I was distraught.... I thought about joining in and running with a friend to help get her round the course... Not sure what I did as the alarm went off ... LOL, will definitely remember the jelly babies on the big day!

Sunrise today was 7.04 am which meant that the first 30 minutes or so was in rather dark conditions. I ran the first bit under street lighting and then stuck to the better lit parts of the course. Rather strangely, I was running through a track with overhanging trees and then suddenly on coming out of it, it was daylight, just as sudden as that!

I was going quite well so decided to go the long way home, my legs were aching a bit but having the confidence of knowing that I can run 13 miles, 5-6 miles is just a doddle (lol, who am I trying to kid, it feels just as hard most times I go out running).

I saw yet another beautiful sunrise - the sky was a lovely pink-y purple-y colour. As I was running around the lake the sun shone out a bright beam and it seemed to track me, following me along the path - it was very uplifting. Gosh, I should like I may have been pushing the run a bit too much and short of oxygen and hallucinating....

Time: 52:33
Distance: ?6

Big excitement today - my race pack arrived in the post. I am 1599. Along with the pack came a thing that you wear around the ankle with a chip in that clocks the time when you start and finish. At first I got really excited because I thought it clocked each mile as well, but now on reflection I don't think it does.

I did the same long run as I did last Saturday only this time I had Rhona, Ben (14) (Rhona's son) and David (17) along for company. Ben ran the first 4 miles with us and then departed for home. He had a rugby match later that day. David, my friend's son, has just taken up running. He regularly plays basketball so he's no stranger to working out, but as we all know, running is a different kettle of fish. David had been going out running for the last month or so, a couple of times a week. I guess, at most, he has been running about 4 miles. I had mentioned to him the half marathon and he is quite keen to give it a go hence he thought it would be good practice to come out with Rhona and myself to get a bit of distance work in. I should mention now that he is very tall and slim and has a long stride pattern.

I noticed not long into the run that David could probably speedwalk the pace we were running at! However, the distance played its part and by mile 9 he was definitely feeling the pinch - his legs were beginning to tire. Rhona was definitely digging in - I really admire her, she is suffering from some sort of buttock pain but she is trying to run through it.

To top it all, although rain was forecast, the sun decided to show its face in its full glory and it beat down on us for the last half of the run - it was HOT! I found it quite weary - the pace was slower than last week and I didn't really find it that much easier. Thankfully, my toe was good - no pain at all. My right leg gave me a bit of stick - not really sure what's wrong there - it felt a bit numb from my buttock all the way down to my calf but I just tried to work through it.

With only two weeks to go to the half marathon I'm trying to work out a game plan. I will continue with my 3 midweek runs as usual, and then next Saturday I shall probably taper down to 10 miles. I'm thinking of running these 10 miles at my race pace to get the feel of how it will be. Then.....only one week to go .......

Time: 2:12.55
Distance: 13+

Show all the statistics for this week's runs

Day	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Saturday
Date	25th September 2006	26th September 2006	27th September 2006	28st September 2006	30th September 2006
Time	18:30	00:00	17:30	00:00	08:00
Route	Train track, weir, BL	rest	Lake	Rest	Nature Reserve, FM, Alwalton, Castor, Rowing lake, Weir
Temperature	cool	-	warm	-	Hot
Distance	6 miles	0 miles	4 miles	-	13+ miles
Time taken	46:57	00:00	35.30	00:00	2:12:55
How enjoyable was it?	8/10	-	6/10	-	7/10

Week Eleven - Day 3

For the first time since I started this running schedule, I MISSED A DAY! I just didn't have it in me to get out there yesterday - I'm not so sure I can blame my laziness entirely on the toes. I know that at the back of my mind I am worried a little that I could make them worse and then have to miss Saturday's run. The final straw was when I knelt down to put something away in a cupboard and felt a sharp pain shoot up from my foot to my knee - haven't got a clue what that was all about but it left me with a bit of a limp for the rest of the evening. Even having these excuses - and that's what they are, excuses - I still feel so bad for missing out on the run.

I know that it won't make the slightest difference (it won't, will it?) and in fact may be my legs will be more rested and all the better for it?

Why am I feeling so guilty!!!

Week Eleven - Day 2

I've just had one of those runs where it is extremely hard work! How disappointing, especially after Saturday's long run and Monday night's run.

I very nearly didn't go out either - I have developed a very sore toe, the one next to the little toe on the left foot. It was sore from Saturday's run and I could see slight bruising under the nail but nothing too much to worry about. However, after Monday's run it became very sore and very bruised.

On Tuesday I went for a walk and decided to let my feet get a bit of an airing so chose to wear flip-flops - BIG mistake! By the end of the walk I had developed a blister right under the big toe crease where the toe joins the foot! Crikes! I've spent all day today worrying that something so stupid could ruin my chances of running the half marathon.

Oh, forgot to mention....for the last couple of weeks I have been wearing a different pair of running shoes. They are slightly older than my usual ones and slightly bigger too. I had switched trainers because, ironically, I had started getting hard skin at the ends of my toes and thought it might be that my trainers were too small. Now I'm decided that my older trainers are too big and that is why I have actually developed blisters - give me the hard skin any day!

Anyway, when I got home I put my usual trainers on (not the bigger ones) and decided that they didn't feel too bad - I could feel my blisters but they didn't actually hurt. I thought that I would go out and if they hurt too much I could just turn round and come home. Well, thankfully my feet were okay, it was just the rest of me that was a bit off!

Time: 35:02
Distance: 4 miles

Week Eleven - Day 1

Still been thinking about my heart rate - I think I shall wear the monitor again next Saturday for my run and see how it goes. If I remember I shall wear it for a couple of hours during the day at work and see if there are any irregularities - I have a desk job so I shouldn't see any major blips!

Back to today - I wasn't able to go for my run this morning so had it to look forward to all day at work. On the plus side, it was another 12 hours rest for the weary legs. And, it must have done me good because I rocked! Of course, the weather probably had a lot to do with it as it was cool and very still, not a wisp of wind at all.

My time for this run was 46 min 58 secs as against 55 mins last time I ran it!! Okay, last time I went back a slightly long way but taking that into account I probably ran it 5 minutes faster. The distance it measured on Steve's bike was just under 6 miles so that works out at nearly a minute a mile faster than last time. Now, I realise that there is no way it is 6 miles cos that would mean less than 8 min miling and I can't believe I was going that fast. Even if it was 5 miles (and I'm pretty sure it's a bit further than that) it worked out at 9 min miling.

So, I can see progress. Steve says I'm obsessed with distances, wanting to know exactly how far it is but how else can I tell what pace I'm running at?

Time: 46:58
Distance: 6 (?)

Week Ten - Day 4

There's only 21 days to go until the half marathon -I can say it now without my stomach doing somersalts amd wondering whether I will be able to run that far, for today I ran the distance!

I woke up to a very misty morning - couldn't see too far into the distance. I met up with Rhona and we set off. However, she had run 12 miles on Thursday and had a night of disturbed sleep so she wasn't feeling her best. After a couple of miles the mist had started to clear and it promise to be a lovely day ahead.

Our plan had been to run an extra loop at the start, about 4 miles, and then continue on to my normal 8 mile run. At the 4 mile point Rhona decided that she had had enough and left me to continue the remaining 8 miles on my own. It was okay, I didn't mind - I was able to set my own pace and I always manage to lose myself in my thoughts. I pushed the pace a bit once Rhona had gone and really felt quite good.

I didn't mention it last week but I am still trying out with the jelly babies - they certainly seem to do the stuff, I definitely feel the benefit from them - whether that's psychological - who knows? Doesn't matter though, as long as I believe.

As I was feeling okay, I thought I would add on the loop round the boating lake, which I think is about an extra 2 miles. Just coming out from there a guy was just in front of me so my competitive streak kicked in and I tried to catch him up. I didn't quite manage it but it got me moving that bit faster at a time when I could have started slowing down.

In the past I have worn a heart rate monitor - I gave up on it though because it seemed that after doing all the calculations of resting heart rate, age, etc, it was too difficult to keep my heart rate in the zones for either easy workout, hard workout, etc. It was always too high and to keep it lower I was ending up nearly walking. Also, on checking the monitor once I had finished, it seemed that my heart rate went so high that meant I should have died!

Out of interest I wore one again today. My average heart rate worked out at 148 with a maximum of 227! I went through the monitor looking at the times and heart rates and it worked out like this:

140 for pretty much the first 4 miles
146 after about an hour of running
152 at about one hour 30 minutes
158-160 for the remainder of the run

I noticed that at 1 hr 8 mins of running it suddenly hit 227 for one beat and then immediately went back to 146 - this is exactly what has happened in the past. Anyone got ideas why this should happen and is it something I should be concerned with?

I think adding on the extra two miles was a good thing -I ended up running a bit more than 13 miles so that fills me with confidence *smug smile*

Time: 2 hr 7 mins
Distance: 13+

Show all the statistics for this week's runs

Day	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Saturday
Date	18th September 2006	19th September 2006	20th September 2006	21st September 2006	22nd September 2006
Time	06:30	00:00	06:30	17:00	08:00
Route	Lake, Nature reserve	rest	Lake, weir	River, Alwalton, road	Nature Reserve, FM, Alwalton, Castor, Rowing lake, Weir
Temperature	cool	-	cool	warm	misty at start, warm
Distance	5 miles	0 miles	5+ miles	3 miles	13+ miles
Time taken	42:01	00:00	46:37	28:47	2:07:00
How enjoyable was it?	8/10	-	8/10	8/10	8/10

Week Ten - Day 3

Today the temperatures have risen again to the high 80's - well, that's what the weather forecast for this area says. I'm not so sure it's that hot but it definitely is a lot warmer again.

I had been thinking about the run all day, not exactly dreading it but running isn’t something that I exactly look forward to. Afterwards – yeah – it’s a great feeling having done the run. I had at one point talked myself out of going – too hot, legs too tired, rest day, calf muscles aching, not enough time….I could go on.

When I get to feeling like this, I just say to myself – “Get out there, take it easy, do a shorter run, whatever, just try to enjoy”. And that’s how it was today.

I went along the river up the hill and through the local village and back home. Quite a nice run, not very far, probably not even 3 miles but it doesn’t matter, I got out there and I ran and I felt so much better for it.

Going to run 12 miles on Saturday morning. Rhona is planning on accompanying me so that will be nice. 12 miles will be the longest distance I have ever run…

Time: 28:47
Distance: 3 miles