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