Watching From The Sidelines

Once again I am watching and not taking part.

I've been out of sorts.

Funerals, life changing decisions and problems with my ears have caused me to stop exercising and it's all taken its toll on my poor body.

However, yesterday I watched the Herepath Half. A local race organised by my running club. I was able to walk to the start and finish of this event and did so with my camera.

I have done various parts of this race by myself but never all joined up. I'm not really a trail runner either but the final part of the course is a particularly favourite homeward bound stretch for me and I am contemplating attempting it next year. I will have to do it myself first to be sure I can do it in a sensible time, couldn't bare the thought of making all those lovely volunteers and marshals wait for me!

I positioned myself on the first bend and snapped away at all the proper runners racing past and immediately decided I couldn't do it, I just can't set off at that pace. A field of about 125 runners headed off towards the steady climb to eventually reach the top of Neroche Forest before enjoying the steady decline all the way back to the start. And therein lies another problem, all that up. Love the down, but not the up.

A quick trek back home and I uploaded the pictures and managed a small pile of ironing before returning to see the first runners home. Just over an hour and half after setting off these true athletes were crossing the finishing line. I had decided that I would position myself a short distance from the finish at a very unkind final hurdle for the runners. A stream which at this time of year has to be crossed either through the large bowl in the middle, through the deep squelchy mud to one side or by the little known stepping stone to the other side. Being a kind local I did point out the stepping stone to those hesitant about getting in the water and who can blame them, see I hate mud and water and wet feet. I may have mentioned that once or twice before!

Once the first three gents and ladies were through I headed up the track under the trees to capture fellow Running Forever runners on their final decent. I stood and watched in awe as one by one they came past, most with a smile or a comment, some in pain but still determined to finish and all covered in mud. I stood and chatted with one of the marshals that had completed the course that morning before the race. That's dedication I say.

Anyway, I came away with a renewed vigour. I will get running again. As soon as my perforated ear drum has repaired itself I will be back out there. Back at the beginning maybe but back out on the roads. Maybe I will venture off road and maybe I will dip my toe in the mud. I'm wondering if it's possible to run in wellies...

First lady home Jo Carrit, who expertly managed to not get her feet wet! Well done Jo, great to see you winning.

In Memory of Doris

Doris may have worked for you, cared for you, been your family or your friend, whoever she was to you, you will know that all she ever wanted to do was help.

When our youngest son was not much more than a toddler I asked her if she could look after him for me the following afternoon, as usual she said yes. He was delivered and I went to work. Later that day Steve collected him and brought him home.

We asked him if he had had a nice afternoon, oh yes, he said. What had he been doing with Grandma we asked? We went to a big hall. I had cake. I made the sad old ladies laugh, he replied. This had us somewhat puzzled and Steve rang his Mum to find out where they had been.

I was quite cross, actually I was very cross, to discover Doris had taken him to a funeral tea because she had already agreed to help and she thought it would be OK to take Lewis along. I was cross because I didn’t think it at all appropriate to take a three year old to a complete strangers funeral tea. But I was also cross because she hadn’t said no. No she couldn’t help me as she had already made plans. No it would make her afternoon tricky. She just couldn’t say no. She always wanted to help everybody.

I didn’t understand then that Lewis was perfectly all right at the tea and he had actually helped lift the mood of the ‘sad old ladies.’ But I understand now and Doris’s great granddaughter will be with us later to help brighten the ‘sad old ladies’ and ‘sad old men’ and the rest of us!

Because of the dementia, Doris didn’t quite grasp who Sophia is, but she adored her and was always delighted to see her and always wanted to hold her.

Having spent her whole life caring for others the time came for Doris to be cared for. We did our best, we muddled along. We didn’t know the rules. It was hard and it hurt like mad. We questioned every action, every thought.

Thank you Lavender Court, especially in recent weeks, you pulled out all the stops, your care of Doris was second to none.  I am thankful I was able to help Doris, to repay just some of her kindness. We would dance around her room to Daniel O’Donnel and my last happy memory of her was dancing with her at Rob and Vicki’s wedding, we whirled around and around the dance floor, she had a beaming smile on her face the whole time.

Whether Doris worked for you, cared for you, was your family or your friend; you will know that all she ever wanted to do was help.

 And she did.

Disappointed of Taunton

I tried everything.

In my head, I would do it, positive, mental attitude in place.

Chicken stir fry with loads of vegetables, bean sprouts and noodles my meal the evening before and a drop of wine to relax me and make me sleep.

I got up early to give my body plenty of time to wake up and to eat half a banana.

Favourite trainers, best kit.

I arrived early to do a good warm up lap. Nice and gentle, all joints moving well.

Stretching gently, kept moving, positive mind.

Moved nearer to the front of the starting huddle.

It felt like a quicker first lap, managed to stay with Andrea. We kept Gill in our sight.

Breathing under control.

Felt good.

Felt quick.

Sprint finished.

Missed it by 12 seconds.

A whole twelve seconds.

Gutted.

Silver Threads

There is a silver thread from the top of my head pulling upwards. It keeps my eyes on the horizon or looking at the birds in the tree tops or counting the chimney pots atop the roof tops. Look ahead, keep your eyes on where you're going. Pick the points of where your feet will soon be treading. Farm steads, lone trees, bends in the road. Keep the silver thread taught, don't let those eyes drop to the floor I don't want to fall anymore. Enjoy the view, make it to the top of the hill and survey the scenery laid out below,  the patchwork of the countryside. Follow the lane down alongside the lush golden fields, soon they will be scalped and ploughed and the colours will change as the season moves on.

There are silver threads in my hair. No longer can I pull them out one by one. Accept them. Love them.   There are lines around my eyes and I push them back and wish. Power surges and hormonal dips play havoc. Time is moving on, praying I'm only half way, so much to do, so many dreams to chase so much to see and do.

There are silver threads to be worn. I shall wear silver shoes too. I shall celebrate in style with my nearest and dearest, my wonderful family. We shall wine and dine on the finest. We shall laugh and reminisce and look forward. Cryptic messages in my diary soon to be told. Its only a number and not really that old.

Medals have been won and challenges achieved. The next season begins with goals anew. The next decade of dreams waiting to unfurl, races to be done and most precious of all, time to be spent with my most special girl.

  

Home and Away

I was unsure if I needed to pack my running kit for my holiday. I wanted to pack light and trainers are  heavy and cumbersome compared to another pair of sparkly flip flops. Plus I would be too hot to wear them en route, I was longing for that blast of hot hair to hit me in the face and once my foot hit the top step to disembark from the plane my freshly manicured toes needed to be sunshine ready.

I was also feeling somewhat tired and wondered if my week away needed total relaxation, long lie ins and late nights sitting on the balcony enjoying copious amounts of rose wine. My knees were still not completely recovered from my last race and a trip up the garden steps resulting in a freshly scraped layer of skin removal from both and a bruised chin had me thinking it was time for a complete rest. Save the running for home.

So, the running kit didn't even make it to the 'to be considered for packing pile.'

Then my mind started thinking, what if there was a lovely long stretch of downhill road from mountain top to beach to be attempted? What if there was a lovely long coast road to be enjoyed? What if there was a mountain top trail to be explored?

And that was that. The trainers were in the bag.

Three early morning get ups had me enjoying an almost deserted port, save for the other runners. Who by the way were very serious looking and barely acknowledged my wide smile and morning hola's. I set out from the hotel just as the sun peeped over the top of the mountain. My first outing took me up the hill and back down to a park with a running track. I had spotted runners tracking the evening before and I was going to have me some of that! Two dusty loops and I was bored and so I headed out along the sea front towards the hill that headed up to the lighthouse.

I didn't climb to the top until my second run. This time Mr B got up too, he set off a few minutes before me, he was walking to the top and I was jogging gently, hoping to reach the top without stopping. I almost made it but the final switch back had me gasping for breath, sweat dripping from every pore and legs feeling like jelly. I walked the final part and took in the glorious view whilst I waited for my husband to join me and share the joy of being alive and fit and well with me.

We took the tram into the town of Soller and I calculated the journey there and back was probably about 6k, and mentally planned my next run. I could have that glass of rose wine, that pastry, that ice cream, after all I had brought my running shoes, I'd earn them! I set out on my third run fully intending to follow the road into the town but the lure of the lighthouse called me back up the hill. This time I couldn't manage so far before walking, but hey, I didn't care one bit. I also attempted the trail at the top. Sadly the terrain immediately reminded me of the Selworthy Beacon trail and neither my knees or my head were ready for that. Instead I enjoyed the downhill all the way to the bottom. And, I didn't fall. Well not then anyway, I did manage to slip down the last three steps of the hotel on our last day, at least my knees were saved this time, my bottom took the brunt this time. I'm seriously thinking this falling over malarkey might need looking into now.

Being out and about before the rest of the world puts a truly magical slant onto a place. Just the workers getting everything ready for the hordes of tourists. Rubbish collectors, sand sweepers and tram drivers, all far more smiley than the runners. Still waters, lone swimmers, bathing birds. Bobbing dinghies alongside the sleeping super yachts and cruisers. Dog walkers, stationary taxis and the postie. Heaven, glorious peaceful heaven.  Running is relaxation. Running is recuperation. Running is for home and away.

I swam too. No waves, perfectly still, clear, warm water. I spent many hours floating and studying the homes around the port. I eventually chose a villa as my perfect home. A villa in need of renovation. Perfectly placed atop one of the lower mountains, right around at one end of the port. A beautiful view looking out across the boats and restaurants and from the back a never ending vista of sea. Yep, that's the one, I'll take it. I would never have to think about packing my trainers again.

I wonder if my granddaughter would like to spend long hot summers in Mallorca with her Nanna and Pops?

Beacon to Beach

Last week I ran the Beacon to Beach race. I had really been looking forward to what I falsely presumed would be a downhill all the way with a bit of flat at the end run.

On the Friday evening my running buddy Fi and myself studied the race details and eventually resorted to looking at the OS map to check the coordinates and where we needed to be. We found Selworthy Beacon atop Bossington Hill and decided we would need to head for Selworthy in order to reach the start.

Come Sunday morning this is where we headed only to find narrow lanes ending with a 'not suitable for motor vehicles' sign. Oh. Ok, lets move onto Allerford and see if we can get to the top from there. Um, that'll not be the right place either then! Yes, we could walk to the top, a steep climb for twenty minutes but, no, the kindly gentleman told us, we really needed to go back into Minehead and up North Hill to get to the start of the race.

We retraced our journey and decided to head for the finish line where hopefully we would be able to get the limited minibus lift to the top. Time was ticking by and the car park was filling but we duly found a space and dashed for the minibus only to see it turning out of the car park. As the sign was still displayed we decided to wait and hope another one would be along soon.

We left Minehead in warm sunshine and arrived at the start in almost drizzly and quite breezy chilly weather. Our singlets and shorts quite the wrong attire for standing around waiting. We sheltered alongside the parked vehicles and were grateful that our foray around the surrounding area had left us with only ten minutes to wait for the start.

Now, remember I mentioned my hopes of a downhill and flat race? It started with an up, a slow and steady up but nonetheless an up. Humph. This was not what I had envisaged at all. The horn sounded and suddenly we were all hurtling through the gate along the track. So many people, no time to dawdle but within seconds Fi was edging away from me. Hills always kill my times and I just had to dig in and keep going. My team were long gone and I settled in for the climb. Being a slow and steady runner and dropping further back into the field I had time to look out over the view of Porlock Bay, way down below bathed in glorious sunshine.

Soon the up eased out into a short stretch of flat before we were rising more steeply up to the beacon. A gentle downhill section followed and then disaster struck. I fell. I fell badly. As soon as I started to go I knew there was no saving and resigned myself to the forthcoming hit. Oh my goodness did that hurt. My left knee hit the rocks and my upper body and leg slid along the stones in the rut. I wanted to cry. It hurt like hell. A very nice young man of about twelve or so helped me to my feet, retrieved my water bottle and was very concerned for my well being, it took me quite a bit of thanks before I managed to shoo him along to do his own race and not worry about me. Runners all around me asked if I was Ok whilst I stood dazed with a bleeding knee. What to do? Carry on or stop. I had fallen just before one of the relay team change over stations and I decided I would carry on to the next relay change over and by then I would know if I hurt just because I had fallen or if I had actually damaged my knee.

Next we dropped down over into the wooded area of North Hill. Marshals warned to slow down and take care as the way ahead could get quite slippery. I took my time and even managed to pass a few people. My knee hurt like hell but the bleeding seemed to have stopped and the trail was softer under foot so I tried to enjoy myself. Before I knew it I went over again. Heaven only knows why I tripped that time but this was steeper ground and smoother thankfully but I hit the ground hard and slid for what felt like forever. I managed to get myself sitting up and cried whilst I felt very sorry for myself. Two burly chaps took me under the arms and got me back onto my feet whilst a third suggested I walk for a while.

More kindness form the runners around me making sure I was OK whilst I realised I actually had no choice whatsoever but to carry on as this would be the only way to get to the finish. I re-pinned my torn number and gingerly tested walking, my right knee now bleeding, my shoulders scraped and my sweaty body now covered in a fine muddy dust and my pride well and truly in tatters. I walked for a little bit but soon decided this was going to take too long, I still had quite some distance to go, and gently sped up to a jog.

Eventually I reached the bottom and thank goodness out onto a tarmac road. I headed along the sea front and felt all alone. I was so far behind everyone else I really wasn't sure I was going the right way. I decided I had to keep going until I saw a marshal and eventually I did. Im sure most of the pedestrians were unaware of the race and I was duly ignored by quite a lot of them. I did get one shout out that was very special as the lady had read my club name on my vest. At last I reached the crossing point and headed towards the West Somerset Railway Line where I had to wait for the Thomas the Tank Engine steam train to puff past. A welcome breather maybe but I was seriously concerned I wouldn't be able to get going again.

I was directed up past the hospital and I wondered if they were open on a Sunday and if I would be needing their services, oh and this was an incline once again. At last I reached the college and onto grass. As I turned the corner I saw that I had to run down a steep bank, I edged to the corner determined not to fall in front of the crowd and made my way to the bottom. Sadly my spirit did not have an ounce of sprint finish about it but I ran to the finish. I heard Fi and her family shouting for me and I crossed the line and spotted my finish time of 1hr 10. I was not the only team member to fall, Phil also damaged his knee and hurt his rib.

It eventually dawned on me that for 7 miles I had actually done a good time, then I was cross, had I not fallen I could have got a wriggle on along the front and done a sprint finish and my time would have been cracking, for me. When I studied my stats I had actually done a really good pace up those hills.

The day after I could barely walk, the next day the bruising really began to come out and my body ached from head to foot. By Wednesday walking had become easier but banging my knee on the table leg reminded my how badly I had hurt it. Today I worked with the reception children and we compared bruised knees, mine were right up there I have to say and they seemed quite impressed that I had fallen over twice!

So there we have it, I'm out of action. Maybe I'm not a trail runner. Maybe I should stick to solid, flat ground. After fall one I remember muttering that I would never do this race again. After fall two it was a definite never again. Almost a week later and maybe...




Kerry, Fi, Lyn, Gemma

Every second counts.

This year I shall be 50 years old. 18262.1 days old. 1,577,836,800 seconds old. 

Time moves on, it takes us back and forth in memories and every second is precious. Hours, days and years pass and yet sometimes events make us feel like it was only yesterday we left school, made a new friend or took up a hobby.

Thirty four years ago I left school to begin my adult life. I have kept in touch with several school friends some of whom only in recent years through the wonders of the technical revolution. One bestie I have travelled half way round the world for, twice. The magic of a real hug after months of virtual ones is incredibly powerful. 

Though Facebook I have been able to add my congratulations to friends I have yet to re meet up with who are also celebrating their 50th year this year. I had the pleasure of visiting north Devon  a couple of months back to join in festivities for a particularly special friend, a great night of dancing and drinking was had. Last night I partied in a barn, a real barn, with a disco and a large number of people! This bestie I had not seen since the day we parted company on our last school day. 

All these people have not changed one bit. OK, we may look a bit older and we are certainly wiser from life experiences but underneath we are exactly the same. I loved them then and I love them now.

I consider myself very lucky to have met many friends along the way. My husband, of course, no one knows me better, he really can read me like a book. Some stay the course and if they've been with me this long then I shall not be letting them go anytime soon. They are a very important part of my life. Thankfully not so many where circumstances have sent us on different paths and new ones bringing friendship, support and encouragement in many guises. 

My Timehop app took me back four years this morning to my Facebook status that read "5K, 42 minutes, I'm feeling sick and I need a lie down." Yesterday I completed my parkrun 5K in 30 minutes and 3 seconds. I still felt sick and I could have had a lie down but settled for a perch on a bench. Twelve minutes improvement in four years, to say I'm over the moon would be an understatement. (This is my official parkrun time, my coach's time has me at sub 30 and had I not had to stop and tie my laces my official time would have also been under 30!) 

A few months back a new friend took me under her wing and has very kindly been nurturing me along in my quest to improve my running. She devised a plan for me, this encouraged me to do speed work and I even ventured onto the track. She explained how to increase my distances, slowly and steadily and most importantly she made me realise that running sometimes should just be an easy and enjoyable outing. Sometimes she also forgoes her own parkruns to run with me, to pace me and to keep me going. Added to this one of my running club leaders has been leading sessions on exercises, stretching, track and hill. Fellow runners are incredibly supportive and encouraging. All in all I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such good people. All of these wonderful people have helped me to improve my running and I did not think this would be possible. I am very grateful to each and everyone of them. Thank you all. 

This morning I have spent time with another very good friend, sadly she is injured but we did manage a few loops around the park and very many minutes putting the world to rights. Her most important message to me today was to concentrate on the seconds you are currently in. Enjoy each and every one of them as much as you can. Thinking back to happy times is good, but you can't change the not so happy ones so don't dwell upon them, remember them and put them away. Thinking forward is good for time planning and all that organisational stuff  but there's no point wasting precious time worrying about chores waiting at home until you get home. 

Every second is precious, make the most of each and every one of them. Oh, and those three seconds I need to lose on my parkrun time, they'll happen, and be sure, you will hear me scream when it happens!     

Loosening My Laces

I've clocked up 23 miles this week. I'm quite chuffed about that.

Monday was an inset day, no work for me. The teachers were writing their reports and I was taking stock of my beautiful surroundings on an almost 7 mile round trip. I added in an extra loop to a tried and tested route that I usually enjoy and this outing was as lovely as usual.

Wednesday after work I was treated to a visit from my lovely DiL and the scrumptious granddaughter. Oh how I could eat her. My heart melts when she looks at me and that face breaks into a smile. Her eyes sparkle, she gurgles and I am putty in her hands. When they left I changed into my kit and set off to running club. Half way along my journey it finally registered that it was, once again, pouring with rain. Fellow runners waited under trees and out in the open getting soaked through, not me, I waited until the very last minute before leaving the dry and warmth of my car.

I am very fortunate that a club organiser is training for her running coach qualification and is needing guinea pigs, free coaching for me then!  Hill training was planned for this session. The Vale of Taunton kind of gives away the fact  that there are not many hills in the town and  I had been pondering all week where we would do the training. We trotted off to Galmington and found a hummock.

I had promised, mostly to myself, that I would not moan my way through this session. You may know, I HATE hills.We started with some warm up stretches and then had to run around the crescent and back four times. Every ounce of effort was required and we had to remember posture, arms, knees up oh and to breathe. And off we went.

Up the hummock, or maybe it had become a hillock, whatever it was a steepish incline but I quite quickly and efficiently got to the top and relaxed back down the other side. No problem, hills, don't know what my issue is with them. I turned around and was soon back to the top of the rise and enjoyed the next relaxed down. Second climb. Actually that was a hill, not a big one I grant you but that gradient was enough to make breathing considerably harder. Shouts of encouragement from Sandra helped and I must have been doing everything OK as she wasn't telling me to change anything. Relief, the top was reached and I got some puff back on the decline.

The third attempt and I couldn't believe I was going to have to do the climb again. I really didn't think I was going to make it to the top. I was going to need crampons and a rope. The quicker, proper runners were gradually increasing their leads and I was meeting them coming back as I reached the summit.

Soaked to the skin, exhausted and in need of a quiet lie down in a darkened room I set off on my final trek up the mountain. I made it, as I had slowed down quite considerably oxygen was not required and I was so happy with myself for not having moaned once, I hadn't had the spare breath to do so.

By the time we got back to the cars just over 4 miles had been added to my weekly tally. (I still HATE hills, but I'm not moaning!)

Thursday after school Gill and I set off for our after work chatty run. I don't know how Gill manage to run and talk without sounding like the steam train I turn into! On a whim I suggested a different route and Gill is usually happy to go wherever I lead. I actually took us off road which is very unusual for me. I like roads and pavements and it wasn't long before I was regretting the extra weight from the mud stuck to my trainers. We put the worlds to rights and clocked up almost 4 miles.

Sunday, today, my first trip out in my brand new trainers. Grape, lime and white in colour, gel in the soles and go faster stripes. What more could a girl need in running shoes. I set off on my long run route adding in another loop to lengthen it further and was very soon saddened that my legs were not loosening up and each and every step was darned hard work. I thought I might cut it short and detour back home the quick way but decided that as it was such a beautiful morning I would keep going. I keep reading on running forums that to take a walking break is absolutely fine, but why does it always feel such a cop out?

My go faster stripes were not working, the gel in the soles was not making the journey any less painful or easier and the colour of my shoes matched the colour of my face perfectly.  I decided that I had tied my laces too tightly and this was my problem. I ploughed on with my chosen route, and completed 8 miles in a fairly slow venture. Eight miles is better than zero miles so no harm done.

Next week's running choices include hashing, (probably far too muddy for my liking) some self led speed work, (I aim to be quite quick on the downhill and quite slow on the up hill) a club time trial, (not done this before and I am quietly terrified) my weekly run with Gill, (must remember to ask her lots of questions so she does all the talking) and parkrun, (but not in my new trainers unless the sun shines ALL week!)

Gluten

I hate gluten. I love gluten, which is why I hate gluten. Gluten rules my life.

I try hard to not eat the stuff and when I don't I feel great. Because I feel good I think I can get away with a treat or two. And to start with I can. And then it builds up again and I feel rubbish.

I knew today was not going to be a good day as soon as I opened my eyes. Tried to open my eyes I should say. Try as I might my body was not waking up and my eyes could not be forced open. A while later I tried again and I managed to rise and shine minus the shine and it was more of a slump from bed to chair than a rise.

My plan for today was to finish the paperwork pending, catchup with the household chores and treat myself to a run. The paperwork is done, it took forever. Washing is on the go and the ironing is waiting. I'm still hoping to go for a run.

Feeling fugged, slow and achey has made it easy to avoid the Devil's foods today. I've devoured an enormous and filling lunch and I might just indulge in an afternoon siesta, I am on holiday after all. Maybe later my head will have cleared, my mind will settle on the tasks needing my attention and I will have the energy for a much needed jog up the lane.

I really hope so.

Test

Good evening.

I have changed some settings on my blog.

Please can you see if you can leave a comment, just one word is all I need to see if it's working.

Many thanks x

Ten Four

Message received.

Normally when I'm running around the highways and byways I see lots of other people enjoying the outdoors. But on my 7 mile easy run today there was a distinct lack of like minded people enjoying this blustery Sunday morning.

I didn't see a single walker or any horses and riders.

Thankfully I encountered very few cars except for the stretch under the M5 and through to Henlade.
As I battled a very strong headwind I only saw four runners and ten cyclists.

Therefore, today, cycling is more popular than running 8(

*This is an entirely unscientific observation

Running a Different Race

Yesterday, being a Saturday morning, as usual, I did not want to get out of bed. But, Saturday is parkrun day and as I can only attend once a fortnight, at 8.10 a.m. I dragged a brush through my hair, cleaned my teeth and laced up my trainers.

I had no intention of aiming for a PB as after my exhausting session at track the previous Monday evening my ear had been playing up and quite frankly I was all out of energy. I had snuck out of work on Friday to indulge in a very bad lunch, and also went out for dinner and enjoyed steak and chips along with a drop of Pinot Grigio. Not good pre run planning at all.

Coach was present and I'm sure she would have run with me had I asked but as I was feeling out of sorts I thought she was better concentrating on her own time as I seriously thought I was going to just amble around. Two weeks before Nadine had encouraged me to get a very decent PB, today I had to do it by myself and I really did not believe it would be possible.

The hooter took me by surprise, there was an almighty crush to get through the first pinch point and as usual I had set off with the usual speed of those around me. Whilst thinking I must slow down and get to my own pace I was also thinking, actually I'm OK. Unusually I was not being overtaken by the masses only a few. Fortunately a lady just ahead of me appeared to be running my pace so I fell in behind her and kept my eye on Nadine, inching ahead but still in my sights.

I relaxed to enjoy the run, still not giving a second thought to my speed. I was aware that my breathing was good, my legs a little achey but coping well. I managed to avoid the puddles by going onto the grass, slipped a little through the stinky mud that has made a very unwelcome return and managed to keep up a good pace.

End of lap one and if the photographer was going to capture me then it was going to be with a shot of me looking like I was running, knees up, arms pumping, round two. I knew the first lap had gone well, and now I was tired. Oh well, good try I thought, never mind, slow a little take a breather and carry on enjoying and stop worrying. Looking ahead I selected a runner, slowly, very slowly I aimed to catch them. Some I did, some I stayed with, some we took turns on leading and some I never quite got to, you know who you are!

Then I reached the one mile to go point and I thought back to my run with Nadine, this is the point I needed to start speeding up, I was feeling good so I had to give it a go. This race was feeling very different from all previous park runs, I was in control, I dug in and could hear people behind getting closer, I was not going to let them get me, they certainly were not going to get through the gate before me. Although this was hard it was not feeling as hard as it had last time. I was on the home run, I was gasping a little, no, make that gasping a lot, I hurt, sprint time! Barely a sprint followed but I sure as heck did not stop until I had passed the line.

Standing in the scan line I chatted to fellow runners before realising I had not switched off my timing chip. OMG, as I stopped it I read 31 minutes and some seconds. I could not for the life of me recall my PB time from last time, but I knew I was close. Catching up with friends under the barn, I was joined by coach, she had an almighty big smile on her face as she told me "I know your time," she had great delight in telling me it was 30 minutes something. I let out an almighty shriek of delight and surprise. My official result came through a little while later to confirm my new PB of 30.20.

That sub 30 is calling...

        

Third Time Lucky

Last November on a cold dark evening I went to RFRC track session.
I parked my car so that I could see what was happening.
I sat in my car and watched the runners for a few minutes and then I left.
I cried all the way home for not being brave enough to join in.

At the beginning of this year on a cold dark evening I went to RFRC track session.
I deliberately parked my car so that I couldn't see the track.
I got out out of my car and watched the runners for a few minutes and then I got back in and left.
I shouted at myself all the way home for being so stupid to not join in.

This evening on a grey and very wet rainy evening I went to RFRC track session.
I parked my car without any thought of where I was putting it whatsoever.
I nervously walked onto the track and bravely said hello to the other runners.
When asked my 10K pace I replied that I had absolutely no idea!

Three laps, rest, times five, we were off, oh my goodness what was I doing there?
Pouring rain, back of the pack, waiting to be lapped.
Round and round and round I went, gradually getting further behind.
Determination set in, I would not be beaten. I was not beaten.

Task completed, thank you Tanya.

Further Faster Stronger Longer

I didn't really set a new year's resolution but I knew I had to up the game with my running.

Christmas saw us visiting friends in New Zealand and I was quite cross with myself that having taken my kit on four 12 hour flights  I only managed one run in the southern hemisphere. Plenty of good eating, drinking and traveling took place instead and we had a fabulous time. Relaxing in bed in glorious sunshine towards the end of our adventure I was given a wake up call when I checked social media to discover my friend Fiona had posted that she had booked her place for the Taunton Half Marathon. Not to be outdone I immediately attempted to get myself a place. Being unsuccessful to do so whilst on Kiwi soil I had to wait until we got home some days later to secure my place. I was so worried that I would miss out and this year really was the year I had to do it.

I kept my plan to run the half to myself and set about getting back into the stride and was mindful of the fact that not only did I need to get going I had to run further than I had ever run before. The usual winter illnesses  stopped me in my tracks once or twice and an outing with Donna had me seriously worried that I had bitten off far more than I could ever chew. Perseverance needed to show its cards.

Gradually over the following weeks I battled on and completely surprised myself the day I completed the Taunton 10k circuit twice! I needed to know I could go the distance and this achievement gave me a great big and much needed mental boost. The week before the half marathon I was decidedly under the weather and fellow RFRC runner Nadine offered advice on resting up to make it to the day. Illness had taken its toll on Fiona but meant she wanted to run with me and for this year just aim on completing the distance. Club supporters, family and friends cheered us all the way round and Fi's encouragement really kept me going through the villages and lanes until I lost her on the dreaded Rumwell Hill. Nadine greeted me again on the last 400m of the course getting me to look up for the camera and to get sprinting around the corner to the finish. I couldn't believe that I had actually done it. And I had done it before my impending 50th birthday.I am very proud of my medal!

The following week I watched the London Marathon hoping the stories and achievements reported  would no longer give me the desire to take part. Knowing quite a few RFRC members were taking part  didn't help. I marveled at the elite athletes and as soon as the masses joined in I got that old familiar feeling. I should be doing it not watching it. I kept reminding myself that every step of the 13.1 miles the previous Sunday had me vowing to never take part in anything requiring stamina to keep going ever again. But maybe I'm a distance runner, I know I'm not a speed runner, and once I couldn't do 5k so maybe, maybe...

Nadine laughs every time I call her coach but she has helped me to really focus on what I want. She has put a plan together for me and I am doing my best to put it into practice. I wish to run faster, my times recently have been dropping off and finding motivation was getting tricky too. And I want to be stronger, in mind, determination and stamina.

Last week Tina and I ran the Killerton Park Run. Tina has way more running experience than me and she's quicker. The course had changed from my previous visit and I disliked the huge downhill over grass start, the masses of people (over 300 and a record for Killerton) and the spooked cattle stampeding towards the same section of the field as ourselves. Oh and then there's the ups and downs of this undulating course. With Tina's encouragement and a huge amount of heavy breathing I achieved a park run personal best of 33:01 minutes. I was delighted.

Yesterday I ran 5.2 miles for the sheer pleasure of it. I took my time up the hills, walked when I needed to, enjoyed the views and the birdsong and conversed with walkers, riders and runners and even drivers! It was a beautiful day and pace and time didn't matter. It reminded me that running is an enjoyable exercise.

Today I was very privileged to run Longrun Park Run with my coach. Nadine offered to run with me, suggesting that together we could get me another PB. So there I was, having been out of bed for not much more than 30 minutes, joining the regulars and newbies and my coach, preparing to run my heart out. I don't know how she did it but Nadine got me round quicker than I've ever managed before. She let me ease up now and then but she really pushed me too. I focussed on counting my breathing and getting my knees up. I will get a photo that makes me look like I'm actually running even if it kills me! Apparently we did a pretty speedy sprint finish, all I remember is feeling so sick that I was in danger of seeing the breakfast I hadn't eaten make a reappearance! And yes, I did get a PB. My last time for this course was 35:01 today I did it in 31.14 thank you Nadine.

How will I ever manage that by myself. Can I run even further than a half? Which race shall I enter next? Who knows what lies ahead. I do know I am going to keep trying and I also know I will share my experiences with all of you!

 

Confessions

Dear Coach,

Thank you ever so much for putting my new training plan together. It's a comprehensive plan full of good ideas to get me moving more quickly and I feel sure it will do the trick. I am really looking forward to putting it into practice. It would be true to say my new plan was scheduled to commence today and I had every intention of making sure it did.

Therefore it is with much sadness that I have to report that I have fallen at the first hurdle. I am on holiday from my job but I have been somewhat involved in my voluntary role today and I did not get in from this task until 5.30 p.m. Driving home along the busy M5 I was still hoping that I would make it to track at 6.30 p.m. Unfortunately the key went in the lock and my bottom sat on the sofa and there it has stayed.

I am very disappointed with myself. I shall copy and paste a thousand lines of remorse for my inability to complete day one. Tomorrow is another day and I will try and do some speed work by myself.

Please forgive me.

I will try harder.

Yours sincerely,

Runnerduck x

Information Overload

I'm ferociously hunting down and voraciously devouring running advice from friends, forums, magazine articles, blog posts and tweets. Distance training, improving speed, perfecting diet, kit and mind games.

I know when I watch the London marathon at the weekend my desire to do it, just the once, will not have gone. I thought I had eradicated these foolish thoughts last Sunday doing the Taunton half marathon. Every step of that journey I spent vowing never to take part again. Those thoughts are already in the past as I evaluate each step and blame lack of concentration, the week before's ups and downs of un-wellness and a complete lack of understanding of the need to refuel en route even though I am overweight and desire my body to use its own fat stores rather than eat the proffered jelly babies.

Lets study the facts and get the excuses out of the way.

Meniere's disease does make my immune system less efficient, fact. However, if I make other changes to my lifestyle I should be able to become healthier thus reducing the number of times, always when my running is going well that I end up having to completely stop for long enough to feel like I have to start all over again when I put my trainers back on.

I shall be 50 this summer. I am a grandmother. Age is no barrier, plenty of people way older than me run further, longer and faster than I dare to dream about. I wish I had run around the cross country field at school and I wish I had worked out why my knees were so painful when I tried to run as a young mum, but I didn't. Being a healthy and energetic Nanna has got to be a good role model for my grandaughter. I might even get my daughter in law to put her trainers back on and join me.

Heart disease, obesity and the dreaded C word. I have always battled with my forever appetite. It never goes away! Actually, that's not strictly true. I do have MD bouts whereby phases of constant nausea makes eating a bit of a problem. But, obesity, heart disease and bowel cancer is a serious issue from my family genes and this is primarily why I run. Burning those calories is my number one reason for tying my laces. I was supposed to have had a cholesterol check before Christmas but the results went awol and I've not been back to try again, I know I should but there's a big part of me that doesn't really want to know. If I find out and I have to make alterations that's just something else I can't be bothered to think about. And I haven't even mentioned my laziness yet! I'm happy to keep pounding the roads and keep my fingers crossed that my ticker and insides are in good health.

I know the diet rules inside out. Eat less, move more, simple. Except it isn't. I can have an iron will and I can also have no will at all. Finding the balance seems to elude me over and over again. I love food. I love everything from a £5 Macdonald's feast to a mega bucks five star extravaganza and just about everything in between and I indulge regularly. I'm not good however at planning my meals, shopping for them and cooking. I avoid gluten as it saps my energy and less energy makes me even more tardy in my food choices and so the spiral falls. But all those bread and pastry dishes are my first choice on the menu, even menus of my own making. And, time and time again I convince myself that just this one biscuit/sandwich/ready meal wont harm even though I now darn well that it will and does. Shopping for gluten free products couldn't be easier than it is now and I must get back into having my shopping delivered, if my alternatives are in the cupboard and I ask Mr B to stop bringing home the goodies he finds at yet another lovely little farm shop found on a breakdown recovery in the depths of the Somerset, I might stand a chance.

My name is Lyn and I am a socialnetworkaholic. I have lots of hobbies, running - obviously! Photography, food, travel, word games, crochet, reading, writing and connecting with the virtual world. Sadly, some of these are not getting a look in as my Mac and ipad have such strong magnetic pulls on them that invariably this is where I find myself. Oh and I can justify some of this lost time. See I only ever joined Twitter because of a work need and now I have yet another time wasting app that just needs checking every now and then. And, writing, that's a good hobby surely? I only ever started blogging because of work and now I have yet another time wasting app that just needs checking now and then. I'm so good at passing the blame I should have a medal for it.

To have one guardian angel in your life is quite special, to have a second is nothing short of miraculous.   Nadine has very kindly offered to work out a running plan for me in order to help me move forward. I have read so much information with regards to all aspects of running that I am now in system overload and I can't see the wood for the trees. With Nadine's help and my aim to run with RFRC on as many Wednesday's as I possibly can hopefully that will make for a very good start to the new me.

Only I can control the food intake and I am going to start planning and return to having my shopping delivered to make sure I stay on track. Only I can control my social networking and I am going to cull the number of Twitterers and Facebookers I follow and set myself some rules. I am going to reinstate my other hobbies in my new found free time. Hopefully running will still be my number one choice and  maybe some of my future Runnerduck blogs will be about increased speed.

I Did It!

Sunday the 7th of April 2014

A grey but perfect running temperature kind of day.

Accompanied and spurred on by my running buddy Fi.

Cheered on by Mr B, friends and Running Forever Running Club.

I completed the Taunton Half Marathon.

I am over the moon.

Ambition achieved.

Running With The Deer

Last Wednesday night I didn't get to sleep until 1.30 am on account of Mr B's snoring. He was forgiven as Thursday he celebrated a BIG birthday. Another late night followed due to celebrations. A bottle or two of Champagne were consumed and a lovely evening was had with great friends. A very busy day at work on Friday had me sneaking off to the golden arches for a very naughty fast lunch.

I'm telling you all this because when I got in from work on Friday afternoon I put on my trainers and headed out the door. I had planned to do a clockwise circuit around Stoke Woods. But, I changed my mind. I was feeling good and suddenly decided I actually really needed to do my very long experimental run. I was already on the Taunton 10k route and instead of turning right towards the planned route I found myself turning left.

I thought to myself that I would see how it went and if by the time I got back to my village I had had enough it would be OK to head for home. I managed to thoroughly cheese off one particular driver. She had to slow down and even stop, how very rude of me to be wanting to use the road! My timing for this route was not so good, I was meeting a lot of commuter traffic but I am happy to say that all bar the one woman happily acknowledged my waves of thanks for giving me space.

I got thoroughly soaked from a very heavy downpour and began to worry that if the weather didn't improve I would run out of light before energy. Back on my home turf I approached the turning to my house, I could see my very faint shadow on the lane and a quick timing calculation had me choosing to do a second circuit. Off I went, round again. This time the traffic had considerably lessened and my legs still felt OK.  I did have the option of not adding in the Holway section of the route but that would not get my mileage up to what I needed to prove to myself what I was capable of. It had to be done and it was.

For my second trip along South Rd I slowed quite noticeably and as I turned into Stoke Rd I realised I had no memory whatsoever of having already run there some good few minutes before. As I headed out towards Stoke I put my head down, I was running against daylight. I was cross with myself. I should have left work sooner and gotten on with the job and now if the light went I would be putting myself and others in danger.

I ran almost 20km. I was delighted. And, I did that after 2 late nights, alcohol and junk food. Surely that can't be right?

 I slept like a log and woke on Saturday morning ravenously hungry and Mr B treated me to breakfast in town AND we went out for lunch too! I had a lovely day visiting relatives on Sunday and through all this I felt amazing. However when I got up yesterday morning I felt awful. I had a banging headache, sore throat, chills and aches and pains. I duly took painkillers and got through work. I should have been running after work but ended up having a really early night. Today I started the day feeling rough but it has warn off somewhat and I was able to complete a 6k outing around the woods I had originally planned to do last Friday.

The highlight of my run today was that once I had reached the top of the world, just over the other side of the woods on the hill I can see from home, I was enjoying the amazing views out over towards town when I was joined in the lane by the prettiest deer I have ever seen. Sadly she didn't approve of my company, she skitted off down the lane and disappeared over the hedge. I always feel immensely privileged to see these shy creatures, she made my day, all that effort so worthwhile for those few seconds.

This weekend I have an eightieth birthday party to celebrate hopefully with bubbles and good food and another top quality meal to look forward to on Saturday, I shall be driving for this one so no alcohol. I am hoping that the two late nights, a little drop of alcohol and some excellent food will stand me in good stead for a long run next Sunday. What do you think?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find another box of tissues. Achoo x

 

Scuppered, Again

It was all going so well.

I think my Meniere's has once again reared its ugly  head. I was clocking up the miles and feeling great. A little sore in the limbs and a familiar twang on my coccyx reminding me of its presence, but I was upping the distances and feeling confident. Group 6 is my ideal running group, the leader's pace perfect for mine and I was enjoying running with the group once more. This week as we crossed a wooden bridge I was towards the back of the pack, lots of feet in front of me could not run in sync and as I got about half way across I thought my world was going to fall down around me. My balance left me and I had to quickly grab the rail and hang on for dear life until the bridge became mine alone. Panic began to surface, I forced it back and took some deep breaths.

Being a strong believer of not allowing Meniere's disease to win I put my head down and ploughed on. Concentrating hard, one foot in front of the other, falling into step with the leader got me back on track.  Strangely, as mentioned in the past, sometimes I can't walk in a straight line but running is usually fine and I had no further problems and completed the run including a sprint (of sorts) finish.

Usually after running I am starving within a couple of hours but not this time. I didn't want to eat and couldn't eat. The dreaded nausea set in and lasted for about three days. Not being able to eat very much at all made my after work run on Thursday slow and hard, Gill kept me going and I was determined to make my body understand that it is able to run on an empty tank and when tired. During the night I kept waking, my temperature either soaring or chilled and every little bit of my entire being hurting. My ear is still very painful at times and my hearing has taken another knock.

I missed my Friday wind down from work run, I missed the Saturday Parkrun and I missed my planned Sunday long run. I decided there was no point trying to put my trainers on until I felt better. I really couldn't risk triggering a full blown attack. My MD has been in a very good phase, bothering my life very minimally and if I have anything to do with it that's exactly where it will stay.

I think the nausea has eased off, I think my aches are nearly gone. My plans keep having to change but I'm not giving up, not yet.

I have a goal, I WILL achieve it.
 

Starter for Ten

Last week I ran 41km over 6 days. This week I thought I would up the ante and planned a 10K to start me off. I chose my route and although I hadn't run this as a complete course before I have run all the bits of it and thought it should be around about 10K  To my absolute delight I actually ran almost 13K!

I had a lovely, if somewhat painful massage yesterday afternoon. My lovely Jo worked hard on my solidified shoulders and upon waking this morning I could hardly move. I questioned fellow runners if running today was a sensible option bearing in mind I was hoping to run further than I have in a long while. A resounding yes was their reply, so out again into the glorious sunshine I ventured.

I had given myself a slightly shorter route option if when I got to what I thought would be about half way I was flagging but I was very happy to discover that besides not walking a single step thus far I was more than able to tackle my longer choice.

Today's plan was to take things nice and easy, no fartlek ideas, just get round. I took care not to set off too quickly but enjoyed the stretches where I could stride out, just a little, and hoped this would make my overall pace acceptable. It did. I was also amazed to see when looking at my stats that my fastest section overall was well into the run when I was actually feeling quite tired. At that stage I felt I had fuel in the tank but my legs were aching somewhat.

My iPod sits nicely tucked inside my t shirt so I have no idea how far I have been nor how well I am doing until the end. Today I ran across my finishing line at the foot of our steep drive, hauled myself to the top where a conveniently placed brick wall always awaits my collapse and aids my stretching whilst I listen to my achievement. I have stopped listening to the false message that always declares "Congratulations, you have run another 500km," and wait for the more important facts, always distance first, then time, then pace then calories burned. The combined details had me grinning like a Cheshire cat and I confess to a fist pump and a whoop or two!

The best bit is the feeling that I could go further, is this possible? Both you and I will have to wait and see!

Bring Me Sunshine

Woke up, got up, went for a run.

No hat, no jacket, no hesitation.

Ran a bit, jogged a bit, walked a bit.

No worries, no cares, no pressure.

And all because the lady loves...

THE SUN

The Tale of the Tail

Today I had the honour of being the Longrun Meadow Park Run tail runner. I got up to a beautiful morning of sunshine and a frost requiring a deicing of the car. I arrived at Longrun Meadow in plenty of time and met the other morning's volunteers. A group photo was duly taken and I was very glad to hear that Dave the run director had been sweeping away one of the puddles. Worry not, there were plenty more lakes to wade through!

Plenty of runners gathered and made there way to the start. It was good to see a good number of new Longrun runners attending and I duly made my way to the back behind all the runners. In my normal way I had time to have a panic about what I might have to do if any runners got into trouble or if I dropped my phone in the mud and then wouldn't be able to call for help, thankfully the hooter soon sounded and away we went. No sooner had we started than I was alerted to a couple of latecomers who soon caught us, got into the pace and took off and disappeared into the pack. My next panic, what if the slower runners dropped out after the first lap, would I then end up needing to catch the pack, oh heck, I certainly hoped not.

Having the opportunity the make sure I was the last runner really took the pressure off. Now, the only results that matter really are your own results, there really is no pressure and although plenty of the runners have a desire to be up the front, beating your own time is what it's all about. But today I didn't even have to beat my own time. Therefore, I enjoyed my run a whole lot more than usual. No gasping for breath, no pushing myself, no charging through the puddles, the whole run was relaxed and I had time to select a course through the water and gloop.

I was very fortunate to be running with a lovely lady, whose name I sadly didn't ask. She hadn't done a 5K for a while and although we walked a little now and then, especially through the mud, (how on earth does anybody manage to run through that?) we kept going and she even put on a bit of a sprint at the end.

I'm never going to see the run from the front but I decided whilst running that being right at the back gives a completely different perspective to the run from what I am used to. I was able to see all the runners stretched out before me. Instead of concentrating on me I was able to look up, look ahead and see all the vibrant fluorescent colours, how do they get so far so quickly?  I am usually near the back of the runners but I haven't been lapped until today.  A young, tall and slender teenager tore past us and I'm sure he was the eventual winner. Oh how I wish I hadn't taken the short cut and hidden in the corner of the field during school days cross country!

The best moment by far was eventually catching up with a four year old. He was having a magnificent time too, splashing through all the mud and puddles and eagerly running on to find the next lot and all with a gorgeous smile. And yes he did run a whole lap.

If you haven't done a Parkrun yet I definitely recommend that you do. If you have but you have yet to volunteer please see if you can,  I recommend tail running, being at the back is a good place to be.

Light at the end of the tunnel

A long tunnel, a very long tunnel, I have been jogging down. Every outing resulting in a slower and slower pace. Ok, I was having a go, it was better to be trying than to be doing nothing. But, it is so demoralising to seem to be making no progress what so ever. I know there are many factors involved and for me my Meniere's always seems to rear its ugly head when I am just getting into the swing of things. A two or three week break and there I am, right back at the beginning.

I even braved a wet and muddy park run ignoring my previous evening's high temperature attempting to beat this decline in performance. Soaking feet and working in a bug laden environment and there I was with a hacking cough and stinking cold. No running and back to square one. Do not pass go, do not collect £200.

Half term, come on let's get back on track. A 5 km run with Donna and suddenly my pace was better than it had been in weeks. I had to walk some of it, Donna didn't, seeing her get away from me kept me going. There was no way I was going to catch her but I was going to keep going.

The very next day I was back out there, almost the same route but I made it a little longer. No walking, slightly slower pace but I ran the whole way. I was so happy. Had I got my mojo back? Three days followed that were full to the brim with socialising, eating, drinking and generally sitting down and not moving much.

So, this morning, with some trepidation I set out on the same route intending to make it even longer and  not allowing my head to think for one second about walking. Whilst pounding the pavements I was mentally composing my blog, I was convinced it would be doom and gloom, woe is me. I felt slow, I kept plodding on, I made it all the way out to East Reach, figure of eighting the various roads and avenues. I saw quite a few runners, all striding out and making quick progress, I continued to plod. I made it up the hills. I was almost back to my car when I decided to add the final loop, I could still breathe, my lower back sore but my legs were still moving. I turned away from my car and added another trip down Stoke Road, back uphill, well, slight incline, on, on, on, turned the corner and increased my speed! A very strong tail wind helping me enormously but I was determined to see a rise on my line graph instead of the usual dip, dip, dip. Last turn, another up, I can see my car, keep going, I did it!

7.5 km with an average pace of 7:04, hallelujah, even better than my outing with Donna.

Julie Booth, I have that smug smile on my face!