I haven't run all week!

Everyone around me seems to have this dreaded virus, cough, sneezes, thick head, etc and I think I have had a touch of it. Or I must have because I don't see how I could not have caught any bugs. Anyway, once you start scrutinising how you feel in such minute detail (which all runners seem to do, lol) I had convinced myself that I had a sore throat and a runny nose.

I'm panicking a bit about tomorrow's race....although in reality a week from running shouldn't have done me any harm. In fact, I should feel fresh and strong - just so long as this tickle in my throat goes away....

Gave Tuesday night a miss but went along to the club on Thursday. By then, my legs weren't quite so heavy and I felt ready for a run. It was quite a cold night but I soon warmed up once we got going. It was enjoyable and most of the run was spent discussing Sunday's half marathon and how well all the club runners did.

Saturday morning just saw myself and Marianne able to make it. We didn't meet until 9.45 and it was such a pleasure to have a lie-in. It was a bright sunny morning but very cool in the shade, absolutely perfect for a run. We ran my favourite run, down by the river and across the meadow. It is so beautiful and peaceful and I am so fortunate to have such a lovely run right on my doorstep.

Once we had run the circuit (4.3 miles) Marianne headed off home and I ran the lap again. During the week my Zen Creative Stone arrived so armed with downloaded songs I had it to keep my company. I had also downloaded a podcast of motivational spinning/running music and I put this on for the last mile. It is recorded at 171 bpm and I certainly felt myself speeding up to keep in tune with it!

Great Eastern Half Marathon - Oct 2007

I had an early night the evening before the race and slept well.

The first thing I did when I woke up was check to see what the weather was like. It looked promising as it was cool but, of course, it was still fairly early. The race didn’t start until 11 o’clock so there was time for it to change. As it happened, for the most part it stayed cloudy with the sun breaking through intermittently.

I packed my bag checking I had everything I needed but with a niggling feeling that I had forgotten something. As Rhona and I made our way to the start I saw several people eating their bananas and realised that was what I had forgotten to bring. I had planned to have one an hour before the start of the run so we quickly popped into ASDA and bought one. It was only ½ hour until the start and I was a bit worried about eating it so close but decided to have it anyway.

We met up with the other Bushfield Joggers and there was a real buzz about the place. Everyone was excited talked about the times they hoped to run it in. I had written down 9 min mile splits on my hand but wasn’t feeling very confident about being able to maintain them for the whole 13 miles.

We made our way to the start and somehow amongst the crowd of runners, I lost everyone. I made my way to the time slot that I wanted to start from but couldn’t see any other Bushfield jogger. After about a nervous 5 min wait the gun went off. It then seemed like a couple more minutes before we actually started to move and even then very slowly. We eventually passed the start line and the runners thinned out ever so slightly. I tried not to get carried away and go off too quickly.

After checking my watch at the first mile marker I was pleasantly surprised to see I had run it in 8.22 and yet I felt pretty good. I tried to keep my pace the same, pushing myself just outside my comfort zone but maintaining a good breathing pattern. I had taken a bottle of Lucozade Sport Hydroactive to drink as I ran. Even when drinking these type of drinks I find I need the fresh taste of pure water to clear my mouth so I took on water at the drinking stations.

The run was going well, the miles were being eaten up and I was feeling good. My husband was waiting for me at Mile 7 to cheer me on. I had finished my bottle of water around the 5 mile mark and he had another bottle waiting for me.

Around Mile 10 I could feel my legs starting to stiffen up a bit, especially around the groin. Past memories of seizing up at the end of a previous race preyed on my mind so I tried to alter my stride length and vary my posture. I was feeling tired by now but knew that the end was getting closer and closer. Around 11-12 miles a runner tried to jog alongside me but I could feel his pace was slightly faster than I wanted to go. It was a real distraction so I pulled away to the side and let him go off. He pulled ahead of me but then within ½ mile I came across him and he was walking.

For the last mile our club were marshalling and I got tremendous encouragement from hearing them cheer me on. I checked my watch and knew that I had beaten my time from last year and was content with that. However, when I turned the bend into the home straight with the clock above it, I could see that if I pushed a bit harder I might be able to make it under 1.55.

I pushed on, passed the finish line, had my chip zapped with some sort of device and made my way through to the finishing funnel. I remembered not to stop abruptly but keep jogging on the spot trying to let my legs to get slowly accustomed to not moving. I stretched out a bit and grabbed a banana from the side along with a sports drink and went to try to find my husband. At that time I wasn’t sure if I had beaten 1.55 but I didn’t really care, I was elated to have had such a good run.

I am still overjoyed and can’t quite believe it. What pleases me most is the fact that after the run I didn’t feel as ill as I sometimes have done in the past after a race. I put this down to having the banana before the run, keeping myself hydrated with the sports drinks and the banana at the end of the race.

Sorry for the text being centred - couldn't change the setting!!

Great Eastern Half Marathon Race Report

Facts and Figures

Overall time: 1:54:13
Avg Pace: 8:42
Overall Pos: 1093/2283
Gender Pos: 198/811
Age group: 8/27

Mile Splits:

Mile 1 - 8.22
Mile 2 - 8.28
Mile 3 - 8.14
Mile 4 - 8.17
Mile 5 - 8.37
Mile 6 - 8.45
Mile 7 - 8.33
Mile 8 - 8.43
Mile 9 - 8.53
Mile 10 - 9.03
Mile 11 - 9.06
Mile 12 - 9.02
Mile 13 + 1- 10.15

If I said I was happy that would be an understatement!

I had a great race. I felt comfortable at the pace I was running, the weather got a bit sunny in places but for the majority of time it was cloudy. I beat last year's time by 4 minutes!

The encouragement I got from my husband at the 7 mile point and the other Bushy Club Runners and Marshalls was brilliant.

More to come later.....

Tapering...

This Tuesday and Thursday saw me trying to take it easy.... it's hard, holding back and I'm not so sure I did a good job of it on Tuesday! Last night, I deliberately held back from my usual group of runners and joined a slightly slower group. I'm not so sure I felt any better for it though!

Afterwards, all talk was of the half marathon on Sunday....what times everyone was hoping to do....talk of not being as fit as they would have liked etc. I kept quiet. I would like to do the same time as last year, just under two hours. A few weeks ago I wasn't so sure I would be able to but just lately, with a few good runs under my belt, I'm feeling optimistic. Watch this space...

Race report - Frostbite League

Sunday saw the first race of the Frostbite League. As for the weather, it was good. Cool but not cold, I'm sure there will be much worse to come!

I travelled there in a car with 4 other ladies, I was supposed to be the navigator. Haha, that's a joke, me?! As is to be expected, I got us lost! We'd left enough time and found our way there by asking a kindly gent although I must say in my defence, the venue was not sign posted at all.

On to the run..... I knew it would be a hard run as the course was on grass and through some woods so I would just see how I felt on the day. I set off pretty quick and managed to hold on there for all the way round repeating to myself, It's only 5 miles...it's only 4 miles, etc, down to the last mile.

I was pleased with my time and as a team, we did very well. We came 6/15. I'm looking forward to the next Frostbite in November - our club is hosting the event and, all being well, the course should be a bit faster.

Time: 42:18
Distance: 5 miles
Avg pace: 8:26

Hill work

On Thursday we ran over to Alwalton and did hill reps. The fastest runners managed to squeeze 5 in, but I only managed 4 in the time we had. We then ran back to the club. It was a good session and I'm sure I will benefit from it in time. I'm sure the answer to being a good runner is variation.

Time: 46:34
Distance: 5 miles

Tuesday evening

I woke up this morning with a really stiff neck! I'd obviously slept in an awkward position and it really hurt and ached all day long. I wasn't sure how it would be when I was running but I needn't have worried. It ached a little but not enough to interfere with the run.

I'm really not enjoying these dark evenings -it's so hard to see where you're going. We try to stick to well-lit paths but sometimes it's not possible. We also had to run past a few gangs of youths who passed a comment or two but nothing too serious although I certainly wouldn't have wanted to have been on my own!

It was a good run, my legs felt strong and it felt like a good pace. I'm still wearing T-shirt and shorts and found the temperature just perfect.

Distance: 5.7
Time: 53:24
Avg pace: 9.23

Saturday's run

This is the last long run I intend to do before the Half Marathon. I didn't want to go as far as last week so planned on running about 10 miles. It was our usual route over the meadows and through the back of Ferry Meadows. We added on the rowing lake and back through the nature reserve. All in all a good steady run, chattering with friends, enjoying the company and being at one with nature!

Distance: 10.7
Time: 1:50:48
Avg Pace: 10.19

Efforts!

Efforts! I think that says it all!!

Distance: 5.2 miles
Time: 46:38
Avg Pace: 8.55

Tuesday evening

Another really good run! Again, a lovely cool evening with just a gentle breeze, perfect running conditions for me. I wouldn't have minded if we had even had just a little drizzle!

Started off in a big group but slowly divided into smaller sets of even pace. After a mile or so, I was feeling good. Surprisingly so, after my long run on Saturday, but it didn't seem to have a lasting effect. There was a little group ahead of me, so I pushed hard and caught them up.

About another mile or so further on, half the group split off and took a shorter route. Three of us pushed on and after half a mile or so Barry caught us. Hailey then dropped back with Barry and Phil and I pushed on together.

It felt good, although it was getting dark by now and it was hard to see where we were putting our feet sometimes. The last couple of miles seemed a long long way and the sight of the floodlights over the football pitch gladdened my heart as that is also where the finish is!

The last mile was really hard going and I was having to push it to keep with Phil. I encouaged him to go ahead but he was having none of it. The effort was worth it as when I uploaded my Garmin I see that was our fastest mile!

Distance: 7.1
Time: 1:02:40

Pace: 8.49

Long Run

With just three weekends to go until the Half Marathon I decided I really must get a very long run in. I know some people are happy to have covered most of the distance but, for me, I like to enter the race confident with the knowledge that I can run the distance.

Myself, Marianne and Suzanne set out at 9.30 yesterday morning. It was misty and I couldn't tell whether it was going to be one of those mornings when the sun broke through or it would stay cool - I was hoping for the latter! I mapped out a route in my mind which covered two laps as Marianne didn't want to go as far as Suzanne and myself. We set out at a comfortable pace and after 6 miles Marianne headed home.

We pushed on and upped the pace a bit. It wasn't soul-destroying knowing that we were running the course again (as I know it can be sometimes) but around the 10 mile mark Suzanne's knee was playing up so we cut in and headed towards home.

However, Suzanne had run to our starting point so, of course, she still had to run back home! It added on about just under 2 miles in total and as I wasn't feeling too bad (relatively speaking) I ran most of the way with her and then ran back again to the start.

This made a total distance of 13.5 miles! Yippee!!

Distance: 13.58
Time: 2:23:36
Overall pace: 10:34

Thursday

I couldn't make the club night again tonight - that's several Thursdays in a row. Anyone would think I was trying to dodge the hillwork or the speed sessions, lol.

I felt absolutely shattered coming home from work and contemplated having a lie down before going on the run (or even not bothering with the run!) but I knew if I did that I probably would end up not going. So, donning shoes and Garmin and a bottle of sports drink to give me a much needed boost I set out.

I decided to just run my old route round the lakes at Ferry Meadows and then the nature reserve. I took it easy and hoped I was running about 10 min miling. I decided that if I was, I would be pleased with that because I felt I could have gone on for a lot longer at that pace (so why didn't I you might ask?).

Distances have been playing on my mind a lot lately, especially as I am considering entering the London Marathon!

Distance: 4.1

Time: 41:34

Pace: 10.05

Tuesday eveing

I had another good run this evening. It really must be these cooler evenings and, oh boy, are they getting cooler?! And Darker, oh yes, much darker. Some intelligent ones amongst us thought to wear their flourescent vests and we certainly needed them, especially towards the end of the run.

We clocked up another 8 miles, or just under. My legs felt good and strong. I know I should be happy with doing the distance and feeling good but, and yes there is a but, I am slightly disappointed with the time. The pace works out at 9.23 min miling but it certainly felt faster than that, more like 9 min miling. Never mind, I won't lose any sleep over it.

Distance: 7.9
Time: 1:14:06
Pace: 9.23

Well, that's another long run done!

With just 26 days to go until the Half Marathon I was starting to panic. I wasn't at all sure I would be able to run 13 miles but I now feel confident that I can do it - just not at all sure in what time.

It wasn't a fast run but it was two hours on my feet. Next Saturday I intend to do another long run, probably about 11 miles or so.

Two hours - when I stop and think about it, I find it incredible. The fact that I can run for two hours is just amazing. It's good sometimes to take stock and actually realise what an achievement it is. Well, I think so, anyway.

After Tuesday evening's run I thought I had cracked it. My running was coming together and I felt like I was running with effort. Huh, no way!

This evening I went out with Laura at 4.30 to run 5 miles. I didn't have any idea what was in store for me - I thought my legs had recovered from Tuesday night's run, they certainly hadn't felt like they were aching during the day.

But oh my goodness. They felt like lead and it was a struggle all the way round. The weather didn't help with it being very warm and muggy. I think that is the key - I definitely run a whole lot better in the cooler weather. That's good news then with Winter just around the corner. Remind me of this when I moan about how cold it is ......

Distance: 5.15
Time: 51:56
Pace: 10.05

Tuesday evening

Had a marvellous run this evening!

Jogged round to Laura's and we then jogged up to the club. After a bit of hanging around there waiting for everyone to turn up, we set off. The plan was to run 8 miles. The jog up to the club had warmed me up and I set off feeling really comfortable. I stuck at that pace, dropping back every now and again to keep a small group together but eventually ending up with just Suzanne, myself and Dave.

The cooler evening temperature suits me just perfect. As well, I was off work today so managed to have a bowl of pasta 2-3 hours before the run which must have given me the energy I needed. I felt in good form - at last. It's been a long time since I have been out running and felt so good!

I really pushed the mileage up last week albeit not intentionally. Tuesday Club night we ran our usual 5 miles but on Thursday I was going out in the evening so decided to go for a run straight after work. I persuaded hubby to join me - we often used to run together but he had to give up running because of bad knees. I only planned on running my usual route round the lakes but once we were out we pushed on a bit and ended up running 7.8 miles. Poor man! His knees and thighs were a bit sore when he had finished!

On Saturday, four of us went out planning to run a long one and, sure enough, after a couple of others dropping off, me and Sheila ran 11 miles! I am so pleased, it is a real boost to cover that distance knowing the half marathon is only a few weeks off! It wasn't in a marvellous time, but that's not important, its covering the distance that means the most at this stage.

Saturday morning

Ran with Sheila. It was a very pleasant run, we took it easy although on saying that, the first 2-3 miles were rather difficult, much harder than they should have been. I found my breathing difficult but then again that could have been because we were talking too much! It was warm and sunny in places but a bit cooler in the shade. The time and miles flew by so I guess that means it was enjoyable!

Last year I thought this was about 10 miles, today with my Garmin I see it is just 9.25. Oh well, wouldn't it make a nice change if I had under-estimated the distance, just once....


Time: 1:36:48
Distance: 9.25
Pace: 10.25

Last Thursday we did efforts at the club. They were really hard and I pushed myself to make the most of the session and, oh boy, it felt so good - afterwards! It was really hard work but with a few more effort sessions, I will hopefully see the fruits of my labour some time in the future.

I met up with Laura on Saturday to get a longish run in and we ran about 8 miles. Not bad but I know I should be upping the distance now with only 6 weeks to go until the half marathon. I got a couple more runs in during the week and I am meeting with Sheila in about an hour to go for our Saturday morning run.

I've just looked back at what I was doing this time last year and I am surprised to see that I am pretty much at the same stage of my training. I was thinking about running 9 miles for my long run that day so may be things aren't looking too bad for the half marathon in October :-)