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.
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
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
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
Sunday, 11 May 2014
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
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
Sunday, 4 May 2014
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...
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...
Monday, 28 April 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, 19 April 2014
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!
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!
Monday, 14 April 2014
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
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
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