A Reflection

With the big day just around the corner, I've had some time to reflect on this whole journey. I have written a blog post to convey what running means to me and why the cause is so special. Please do have a read: http://bit.ly/1EiMQ6J 

Although the day will be extremely emotional, I am so proud to have battled through the training and come out the other side with me enthusiasm and legs intact! Despite being extremely nervous about the day, I am incredibly excited and proud. I can't wait for this amazing experience to begin!

March's running highs and lows

Reading Half Marathon had been firmly booked in my diary for months now. This was the very first race I completed with me sister, so it felt very nostalgic for me. We completed the race in 2hrs 56 minutes and went across the line holding hands! 

We stayed at a Travelodge again the night before the race this year, which is a 15 minute walk to the start line. Aside from being nostalgic, this race is a fantastic one to take part in. The atmosphere is incredible and there is support virtually all the way round the course. There is an abundance of portaloos, bands playing, and thousands of runners. A breathtaking finish within the Madjeski Stadium caps it all off - as you enter the area the crowd roar!

I had pretty much got my pre race rituals down now - get up early, eat porridge and a banana, also some malt loaf for more energy! Have some drink with electrolyte tabs but not too much, number on, warm up. Having predicted I would run a faster time this year, I was placed in the red start zone, which I didn't realise at first was in a totally different place to the others, so went the wrong way! It wouldn't be me without some kind of drama thought right?!

I knew the course vaguely from the previous two years; through the university, the town, Green Park. I kept a good and steady pace which I was pleased with - although with marathon training plus lack of speed work, I just didn't have the speed endurance in my legs. So I was surprised when I came in a few seconds under my PB - 1.34.05! I also got a bit of a tan as it was so hot!

My training is also going well - I have really started to enjoy cross training by lifting weights and doing gym classes, which I believe is helping my posture and strength in the later miles of running. I am so greatful that some friends from the running club are keen on doing long runs together - the company makes such a difference. We have done a few 20 milers which has built my confidence, and I have had practise at getting up ridiculously early to eat, and using gels as I run. One memorable run was in the absolute pouring rain, and we managed to get lost and had to run alongside the A289 with massive lorries spraying us! Not fun.

My last race before the marathon was to be the Folkstone 10. I quite like 10 miles races as a distance, and this course was meant to be flat along the seafront.

We went down there on a drizzly grey day, and the first part of the race was around a field - you can imagine I nearly stacked it various times. However practically the whole race was an out and back along the promenade, not incredibly interesting, but you can get a good pace going, and also see members of the club to give encouragement too on the out and back! 

I was really happy with another PB of 1hr 10 and I felt strong at the end. I also had a great sports massage there, which although hurt like anything, made my legs feel light as a feather afterwards!

More training, more racing

With a brand new Rebel Runners vest firmly on my back and now a regular at Wednesday team runs, I sought out some new races to get further experience before the Marathon. I entered the Headcorn Half Marathon on the day on a bit of a whim (again). Racing    whilst marathon training is not the easiest thing, as my legs are constantly tired and heavy, but I was needing a challenge.

Unfortunately, I set off too fast (standard) but this time it really did feel like suicide pace. By the time 5k came round, my fellow Rebel Runner Paul who was running alongside me, announced that he had smashed his Parkrun PB. Not ideal for a half marathon! 

However, despite a few wobbles where I thought "why am I doing this" we went on to run a PB of 1.34.11 - around 4 minutes quicker than my previous PB. I was delighted with this, especially as at various points I was full of hate for the course, hills, and my tired legs. I had sore  feet and was almost sick at the finish line - but a good result! 

I also managed 6th female and a mention in the local paper! Not a bad result. 

In terms of training, this was going well. I was building up my long runs and gaining confidence and experience with the running club. Hitting the 20 mile mark at first was challenging - I was very sore and almost mentally and physically drained afterwards. I could hardly think straight and kept doing stupid things and nearly falling asleep everywhere! However, my body adapted to this, and aside from a few foot and knee niggles, the long runs became a regular part of my weekend. 

I had also, rather mentally, booked in for a 20 mile race in Thanet. Whilst this sounds horrendous on paper - I knew it would be fantastic training to run this distance under race conditions. 

After a bit of a false start being unable to find race HQ, we set off along the Thanet Coastal path. Now as the running obsessive I am, I had thoroughly researched this route - and it is what they like to call undulating, i.e hilly! Unfortunately wasn't quite prepared for the strong coastal winds, which at some points meant it literally felt like I was running through treacle! A man turned to me during a particularly large gust and shouted "this is absolutely ridiculous!" I agreed. 

About 10 miles in, my mum and brother had positioned themselves to give me a cheer, which was such a welcome boost! You weren't allowed headphones in this race, so my mind was free to debate many negative things, for example why the heck have I paid for this pleasure! 

I actually paced this race rather well for once - I let the speedsters go ahead and stuck to a manageable enough pace. My last mile was my second fastest which I was really pleased about, and I did a sprint for the line! I felt a real sense of accomplishment after this race. And I liken races a bit to getting a piercing - it hurts at the time but as soon as it's over you want another one...

Race report: Canterbury 10

I entered the Canterbury 10 mile race in rather last minute fashion - on the day actually! It made me quite stressed that I would drag myself out of bed and trudge down there only to find the race was full, however there was no problem will paying on the day. I got my number and timing chip which I expertly attached to my shoe (I have learnt from bitter experience at the Harvel 5 miler last year, when I took so long faffing and tying my shoelaces wrongly etc, that I missed the start of the race entirely) and I met up with the rest of the Rebel Runners. I wore my relatively new bright pink Asics which are lighter than my normal version used for longer runs. I didn't yet have my official Rebel vest, but was still made to feel very welcome! 

Nutrition wise, I had some porridge with a few nuts, seeds, a banana and peanut butter stirred in (really yummy) in the morning - and had managed to keep calm despite a porridge-exploding-in-the-microwave episode. I had also hydrated quite well the day before, plus had some lucozade with an electrolyte tablet that morning. 

Yet again I was cursed with loo problems - I'm the kind of person that has to go again just in case, and unfortunately the portaloo supplier had let these poor guys down. 5 toilets between everyone wasn't sufficient or pleasant. Let's just say there seemed to be a lot of pre race nerves going on!

We had a little walk up to the start line, speculating on where the hills were, how bad they would be, our finish times etc. I was looking to beat the 1hr 15 I had set at the Dartford 10 miler in September. 

And we were off! And too fast AGAIN. I can't seem to get this right, and always get carried along with the crowed. Around 6min 45 for the first mile was a bit speedy, although I could see another Rebel, Lisa, in front of me. We have run the team runs together before and she is an amazing runner - so I thought I would try and stick with the pace and keep pushing. 

I'm not going to lie - the hills at miles 4 and 7 hurt. A lot! There was a lot of huffing and puffing going on as they sorted out the men from the boys...! Hills are not my forte and I know I need to work on them - but I managed to attack and push through and then reclaim my legs at the top.

I thought he course in general was lovely. Not too narrow, luckily not wet or muddy, variation to keep it interesting, and it was a beautiful day which helped. 

I seemed to somehow get a second wind around mile 6, my competitive instinct kicked in, and I thought I would try and push this. The last couple of miles were nice and flat, and I managed a little sprint finish for. 1hr 11 which I was delighted with. All the Rebels who raced that day were so impressive, I think Chatham Hill training stands us in good stead! I think there were PBs all round. I really enjoyed the team spirit too. 

I've been experimenting a bit more with nutrition lately too, and have been eating more, but more healthy foods as paying attention to recovery and eating after training. I have noticed my energy levels are higher. I have discovered Upbeat protein drink, Nakd bars and a lot of Greek yoghurt - which has become a staple. Porridge is now my go to breakfast every time, and I have been making time for this before my long runs i.e getting up ridiculously early! I've also really got back into the weights and gym classes - it's good to have variety, and I believe it's making me a stronger runner. 

In terms of fundraising, I had a pub quiz in Colchester on the 30th January which was really successful. The owner of the pub was so helpful, and provided the prizes for the quiz and the raffle, the questions, and was also the quiz master for the night! I bought along some branded Whizz-Kidz banners and collection tins, and took the entry money and the raffle. A lot of people were very supportive as I want round the tables, and even more so after I did a speech on how fantastic Whizz-Kidz are, what they do, and why I'm running the marathon specifically for them. Just over £250 was raised, which is a good boost to my total and means I am just over half way to target...!

 I have to keep pushing now and think of some news ideas to get the money in. I'm also looking at booking some more races with the Rebel Runners and getting as much experience as I can before the big day. 

Christmas, training and a lovely running club

Pre Christmas jollities were pretty different to previous years. There was no hangovers for starters - which was actually quite enjoyable. Although pressure to indulge was there, it felt good to decline because I was training for the London Marathon. I am an all or nothing type person, so felt I had to keep this up to stay on track!

My Christmas card from Whizz-Kidz - made by some lovely children :)

Training went well over the festive period. Without the stresses and time consuming nature of work, it was lovely to be able to get up and run. I got a lot of new running gear, which helped keep the motivation high! I even went out for my 7 miles early on Christmas morning, and then ate my body weight in food for the rest of the day.

I continued the training plan of two tempo runs of at least 10k during the week, a long run at the weekend to build up to marathon distance, at least two sessions of core/gym work, and then some easy runs if I felt good. 

My long runs have been going well - although of course they are getting harder physically and mentally as they get longer. Especially as I am training during the week too, my legs don't ever feel especially fresh - and I've been suffering with a few niggles. A constant pain in my hip/bottom seems to have sorted itself out through a bit of rest, foam rolling and some more strengthening work - I have added weight lifting and squats to my routine. I'm still battling with really tight, crampy and core calves and ankles when I start my long runs - so bad that I have to stop many time and stretch them out. I'm going to try and invest some more time in stretching and foam rolling this area and hope that does the trick.

I have got up to 21 miles in training now - which I am delighted with. I'm not doing this distance week on week for my long run, as I'm conscious I don't want to get injured! 

One thing I really need to do is sort out my nutrition and preparation for these runs. At the moment I haven't cracked the pre run routine of breakfast, warm up etc - and frequently suffer from a funny tummy from eating too much and too late the night before, lack of energy in the latter stages of the run, or cramps which I have mentioned. I'm trying to look at my diet in general; more whole foods, healthy foods, a greater  volume of food during the day and not overindulging in the evening. Trying to hydrate with more water during the day too. But all in all, with time to iron out a few issues, I'm really hoping that I can run a good for age time at London. That would be the dream.

Yummy breakfast and coconut water!

In other news - my old faithful running trainers have finally nearly given up on me! This is sad as they are sooo comfortable now, and have taken me round many miles. I ordered some beautiful new Asics in the sales, which are a more neutral, light style. Apart from giving me heel blisters the first time I wore them, I am happy to break them in and give them a go. They certainly feel lighter on the feet, which is nice for tired legs.

At the beginning of January, I popped along to a local running club which I found on Facebook. Rebel Runners Medway have recently got affiliated club status, and meet twice a week for main team runs, plus park runs on Saturdays and ad hoc runs on other days. I am so so glad I posted in the Facebook group. Everyone is so lovely and supportive, there are runners of all abilities, and so much advice and encouragement.  I have been along to a couple of team runs which consist of half an hour out and back along a specified route (which includes a lovely long hill). I have met several people who are also marathon training, and it has opened my eyes to new routes and running with people. I absolutely love the atmosphere and hope to do many more runs and races with this wonderful club.

My fundraising is ticking along - and I am constantly chasing events, potential leads for sponsorship, and trying to come up with some new ideas. I must say there have been times when I have felt overwhelmed with the fundraising and training task ahead of me, but I need to stay positive and believe I will get there in both aspects! I am now over £500 - which I am pleased with. A long way to do - but I am determined and I hope that people will continue to be kind and generous.

Now I'm off to look at some races to get more experience for the marathon - watch this space! 

My Nephew Jack with my Garmin..!

Race report: Brighton 10k

The Brighton 10k was a great race in many ways - flat course, good views, not too crowded, many places for good food afterwards...

However I hadn't had the best preparation for this one, due to being a bit up a down, ill, working late at work and getting up early etc. All this  had affected my training plan somewhat, and I do think a lot of running is mental as well as physical!

Therefore I wasn't massively buzzing when my alarm went off at 5.45am last Sunday morning. However, a bit of a stretch and a coffee later, I was excited for the day. We drove down on the morning of the race, ready for the start at 9.30am. In the car I also had a cereal bar, a banana, some water and a vita coco - and stopped

drinking an hour before the race which is my normal routine. After a good while of searching Brighton and Hove fruitlessly for a free parking space (N.B every street is permits only or extortionate pay and display) we parked up along from the Marina. Actually I was dropped off first - as my hydration strategy meant that I was extremely close to having an accident in the car!

Thankfully I didn't have toilet access issues this time around - there were public toilets by a children's playground which weren't too busy. There were so many clubs at this event - and it seemed like everyone had friends there, club vests on, photos in groups etc. Aside from feeling like a bit of a Larry Loner, it made me think that it would be nice to get involved in a club that I could train and race with.

My mum and brother caught up, at which point I unfortunately discovered I had left my race number in the car - so they duly went back for that. Sorry guys! I shoved a few jelly babies in, posed for taken pictures (standard) and made my way to the start line.

There were just under 4,000 runners in this race, and it was pretty busy near the start. We didn't have starting pens, so being the competitor I am, I vaulted a barrier near the front to start with the big guns. Bit of a mistake!!

Unfortunately I then got carried along at (for me) a blistering pace, doing to the first mile in about 6 mins 20 seconds! I of course couldn't keep this up, so naturally slowed, but the early spurt had taken the last out of my tired legs. People started passing me quite easily which was irritating, and I basically had to talk myself round the race. The evil little voice in my head wanted to stop and walk, or stop and now out gracefully, but my pride powered me on - although it didn't feel easy! At least it was flat, which was a blessing. 

I crossed the line in 43 minutes, which was a personal best of 2 minutes, compared to the Brentwood 10k in July this year. I was pleased with the result - although wish the race had felt easier! I think it was a good learning experience though - prepare properly for a race, train more consistently, don't pretend you're an elite runner at the start, and train more speed work.

I think I'm going to book in some more races to keep me going - and I really need to get focused on fundraising now. Only around 5 months to go!! 

Progress update; November

Since the Royal Parks Half Marathon I have continued training with it's usual highs and lows! Here is an update on progress. 

I bought some compression socks just before the Royal Parks, as had heard good things about them in terms of aiding recovery. You can wear them pre, during and post run. I tend to put them on for my long runs, and then leave them on whilst I cool down and stretch out. I went for the More Miles brand, which are easily available on eBay, Amazon etc. These are very much at the cheaper end of the scale - but I think they do the job. They are a bit thin for me to wear on their own while running, so I layer them with my normal socks and this keeps me comfortable and blister free.

Talking of blisters - I also have been trying out different ways to lace my trainers lately, plus different socks! I have tended to suffer in the past with blisters along the arches of my feet, and also with pain at the top of my foot when my trainers were too tight. What has made this better, and I think this is very much personal preference by the way, is wearing a double layer of socks, as previously mentioned, and also lacing my shoes different. What I do now is lace all the way up to the second to last hole, and then put the lace through the hole on the same side - to make a loop. You the cross the laces, put then through the opposite loop, and tie! This has made my foot secure without being to tight on the whole foot. I think to be honest I was wearing my training to tight - and trying to run with proper form and my feel underneath me has helped with foot issues also.

I have continued using my foam roller, although I need to remember not to get complacent and neglect to roll! I roll before I go out on runs I the evening, plus when I get back (although haven't done this a couple of time as I've collapsed on the sofa - not ideal). I also try and do it when I get up in the morning as this is when I feel the most achy and stiff. I also bought a resistance band to use for stretching and strength. I do believe now that some of my knee problems were to do with my hips/feet. We were also taught some great exercises to do pre and post run at the Whizz-Kidz training day last Saturday. 

Another think I have had to think more about is being careful when running in the dark! With the evenings drawing in, by the time I get home from work it is pretty dark! I was happily sprinting around a couple of weeks ago, when I went to cross a road and completely misjudged the kerb...falling flat out into the road! I managed to get up an hobble to the other side, but I was seriously panicking. The pain was pretty bad. I was thinking broken ankle, torn ligaments, all sorts. I also wasn't wearing reflective gear and I didn't even have my phone with me- luckily I wasn't too far from home. I quickly put my ankle in iced water with frozen peas when I got in, and kept it elevated. It was quite painful that night and the next morning, but I was happy I hadn't done something major and could still walk at least. However, after a day at work the next day it literally turned into an elephant foot (please see below)!! 

Luckily after icing it that night and keeping it up, most of the swelling went down by the next day, and there was no pain. I feel very lucky as it could have been much worse - and now I am really careful when running in the dark and negotiating kerbs.

I've been so busy at work recently that I haven't had much of a chance to fundraise, although I did do a cake sale in the office, and have started posting more on Instagram to raise awareness of what I'm doing. Sadly, the school where my Dad used to work can't help me by holding fundraising events, as they are currently fundraising for something else themselves. This is quite a big blow to me - however I will just need to think carefully about who else I can approach. My Mum's school are also unable to help for a similar reason - so I really need to stay positive and get asking! Any ideas gratefully received.

I recorded a video at the Whizz-Kidz training day about why I chose Whizz-Kidz, and I was so proud to do it. I think they will use it to recruit other runners. I hope dad is looking down on me and I will do my best to raise lots of money and complete the marathon to made him proud. 

My nephew is now crawling and has two teeth! What a clever boy:)