Tapering, sounds like I know what I'm talking about doesn't it?
I think it actually gives me a legitimate cause to reduce my mileage. I completed 12 miles yesterday, it was hard. It was hard on the outbound leg of the lovely level canal tow path I ambled along. I couldn't get speed up so pleased myself by just trundling along convincing myself that miles under the belt was all that mattered. The return was even harder as I was hampered by a forceful headwind. I really don't think it was there as a helping hand on my first half, if it was then that had been even harder than it should have been.
In need of fresh pastures to keep the running going I've been parking a little further along the canal each run for the past week. My first run started at Firepool Lock in town right at the very beginning of the Taunton to Bridgwater Canal and yesterday I parked at Swingbridge, tomorrow It will be Creech. This psychological game I play with myself helps to relieve the boredom of going over the same ground repeatedly.
The many bridges along this route also helps me to have specific goals for each area of my running style I aim to improve too. I have a tendency towards OCD behaviour in most areas of my life and my running routine follows thus: keep head up looking at the horizon or at least where I'm going, keep hips forward, shoulders down, knees up, arms pumping - not across the body, flick the dirt of my trainers and then put the whole lot together and then rest, still running but not actively trying to do all of the above. I'm always relieved when a long section involves focussing on an upper body action and groan loudly when my legs have to up the effort!
Yesterday I was tired. I had postponed the twelve miler from a very wet and windy Sunday through which I was not recovering quickly from a hangover. I was looking forward to the challenge but it became apparent immediately that it wasn't going to be a run of concentration. I'm quite pleased with how my half marathon training has been going, I've managed to concentrate on the entirety of all my runs in recent weeks but this one just had to unfold at its own mind wandering and gentle pace. Even at mile three I was desperate for the little voice in my ear to tell me of my achievement. In my haste to hear I pushed my iPod button for too long and switched the damn thing off resulting in having to start all over again.
Apparently it is not necessary to complete the full 13.1 miles before a half, atmosphere and support on the day should carry you through. Last year I managed to fit in a thirteen mile run before the race but this year I'm listening to the advice and I've saved a whole mile for the day. Trouble is I'm so far back the pack by the time I get to the last few miles, when the going gets really tough, many supporters have gone home and runners are few and far between. I remember the last stretch being a desolate wasteland last year, I was exhausted and very lonely. I was delighted to see and hear fellow club runners greeting and cheering me before the final bend and then a small crowd at the finish, but that final stretch, hard, very hard.
To taper I should only do 60% of my longest run and maybe a 6 - 10 miles on the Sunday before. I have to be up early tomorrow and plan to do 7 miles. Parkrun is a speedy (if only) 5k for Saturday then perhaps I'll do that 10 and a club run. Finally a few days of carb loading should have me ready. As long as on the day I can eat a decent breakfast and these blustery winds have blown away I shall keep my fingers crossed for a good result. I have a dream time, it could happen, I will need to push real hard. All I know is I will do my very best and that there will be tears, I hope that they will be tears of joy.
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
All By Myself
The vast majority of my runs are done alone. I have no problem with this, I use the time to think things through and empty my mind, listen to music and talking books and compose blogs, although, not this one as I haven't run yet today, I'm saving that for a club run tonight. I haven't run with the club for ages and I am somewhat apprehensive about it.
My first run of the year was done with my daughter in law. New year's day dawned and we were determined to get back into running having both signed up for the Taunton Half in April. Now, her legs are considerably longer than mine and she is a good deal younger too but at least we were on a fairly level playing field in terms of fitness and she didn't seem to mind too much when I had to walk here and there. Into our third month of training and we're pretty much level pegging in terms of miles run but she is way faster than me and on the day she'll probably have time to go home, shower, change and get back to the finish before I stagger over the line!
I aim to park run fortnightly and I can have as many as 300 fellow runners as companions, lots of friendly faces, some friends and even good friends but once the air horn signals the start, you're on your own. I know I'll never be alongside the super speedies or even the speedies and hopefully I'll continue to manage to avoid the very back, unless tail running, but I know my place and I'm quite happy there. Head down and focussing on the job in hand.
Recently I've been stepping up my distances in preparation for the half, and time out on my feet has been steadily increasing and to be honest after about an hour and half I'm getting bored. My feet and legs are just about managing to keep going but my head has had enough. So I was delighted when my friend Donna suggested a run together - not a long one, she quickly added! And her lovely daughter did make me laugh as she had questioned her Mum's ability to keep up with me! No worries there, at all, my legs were full of lead as I had not been well (excuses, excuses) and I had missed my last scheduled outing. We set off into the lanes and up the first hill. Well Donna was like the proverbial mountain goat whereas I took my time and walked a substantial amount of the inclines. We were blessed with a glorious sunny day and our hurtle down through the woods to home felt so good.
Tonight, I shall be running with my club. I haven't run with them since last September. I shall run with the group I should be in and desperately hope I shall be able to keep up. No one gets left behind is the club motto and if the pack starts spreading out too far the front runners loop back and scoop up everyone. I need to do this. Running with the group will probably make me run faster. It means an opportunity to run in places that are fresh and with people to chat with, if I'm not gasping for breath.
I like running alone. I like running with others. I like running.
My first run of the year was done with my daughter in law. New year's day dawned and we were determined to get back into running having both signed up for the Taunton Half in April. Now, her legs are considerably longer than mine and she is a good deal younger too but at least we were on a fairly level playing field in terms of fitness and she didn't seem to mind too much when I had to walk here and there. Into our third month of training and we're pretty much level pegging in terms of miles run but she is way faster than me and on the day she'll probably have time to go home, shower, change and get back to the finish before I stagger over the line!
I aim to park run fortnightly and I can have as many as 300 fellow runners as companions, lots of friendly faces, some friends and even good friends but once the air horn signals the start, you're on your own. I know I'll never be alongside the super speedies or even the speedies and hopefully I'll continue to manage to avoid the very back, unless tail running, but I know my place and I'm quite happy there. Head down and focussing on the job in hand.
Recently I've been stepping up my distances in preparation for the half, and time out on my feet has been steadily increasing and to be honest after about an hour and half I'm getting bored. My feet and legs are just about managing to keep going but my head has had enough. So I was delighted when my friend Donna suggested a run together - not a long one, she quickly added! And her lovely daughter did make me laugh as she had questioned her Mum's ability to keep up with me! No worries there, at all, my legs were full of lead as I had not been well (excuses, excuses) and I had missed my last scheduled outing. We set off into the lanes and up the first hill. Well Donna was like the proverbial mountain goat whereas I took my time and walked a substantial amount of the inclines. We were blessed with a glorious sunny day and our hurtle down through the woods to home felt so good.
Tonight, I shall be running with my club. I haven't run with them since last September. I shall run with the group I should be in and desperately hope I shall be able to keep up. No one gets left behind is the club motto and if the pack starts spreading out too far the front runners loop back and scoop up everyone. I need to do this. Running with the group will probably make me run faster. It means an opportunity to run in places that are fresh and with people to chat with, if I'm not gasping for breath.
I like running alone. I like running with others. I like running.
Friday, 27 February 2015
Sharing the Statistics
My last run of February 2015 covered 12.7 km (7.9 miles.)
This year my average pace has steadily been increasing, today it was 6.57 minutes per km (11.11 minutes per mile.)
My park run average pace is faster and currently sits at 10.34 minutes per mile.
I was on my feet for almost an hour and a half today, the longest time so far this year. And, I did not walk, at all, not even on the hills.
This month I have run 105.4 km (65.49 miles) which means had I been able to do this all in one go I would have got to Plymouth!
Most importantly, today I burned 811 calories.
I encountered 2 rude horse riders and several ignorant drivers today. (I might not be quick but overall I was quicker than the horses, the riders just couldn't bear to accept that. I have read and understand the highway code, drivers should read it too.)
This year my average pace has steadily been increasing, today it was 6.57 minutes per km (11.11 minutes per mile.)
My park run average pace is faster and currently sits at 10.34 minutes per mile.
I was on my feet for almost an hour and a half today, the longest time so far this year. And, I did not walk, at all, not even on the hills.
This month I have run 105.4 km (65.49 miles) which means had I been able to do this all in one go I would have got to Plymouth!
Most importantly, today I burned 811 calories.
I encountered 2 rude horse riders and several ignorant drivers today. (I might not be quick but overall I was quicker than the horses, the riders just couldn't bear to accept that. I have read and understand the highway code, drivers should read it too.)
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Really Really Good
I had a panic. The Taunton half marathon is not that far away and I have been struggling to get some distance under my belt. I counted the weeks and realised that as long as I increased my runs by a mile each week I would still reach the required distance by April.
I have this past week been doing two circuits of a close to home run. The route includes a sharp hill, not overly long but a long way up none the less. So far this year I have not managed to run all the way to the top, every meeting has resulted in my gasping for breath on the final third, giving up and giving in to walking the last lump.
Today I decided to attack the route in a different way. To start I jogged to the first junction, a very gentle incline all the way and then turned around and ran back home. I usually push as hard as I can on this home stretch and it felt so good to do it on fresh legs.
A quick turn and back to the junction and further on, this time to the next bend in the lane and just where the hill begins to really climb. Another about turn and back to the junction. Forward once more to make the climb to the midway plateau, not too fast, head down, small steps and then turn, oh how good my legs felt all the way back down.
I climbed again, just as before, my legs were burning this time but up onto the level and a brief respite before tackling the steep section. I was determined to get to the drain cover at the top without walking and I did, although, technically I'm not sure it could be called running! Oh the relief of the downward stretch, and then I had to do it again. Much harder this time but once more I was at the top.
No time to stop, a right turn and still climbing I headed to the woods. Now I was into the loop with a lovely gentle decline for at least a third of the section. Horses ahead, I slowed and called hello and passed carefully whilst chatting to the riders, one a celebrity no less! I warned I would be back round shortly but I didn't see them again, they were too quick for me!
It was during the second loop that I suddenly realised that I had stopped thinking about my legs, my breathing was steady and not laboured. I was thoroughly enjoying myself in the glorious sunshine and really felt that I could have gone even further. This was the first time this year that I hadn't been quietly moaning to myself that this running lark wasn't getting any easier.
I flew down over the conquered hill and tried really hard to keep up my pace all the way home. With not much fuel in the tank I even picked up my toes for a bit of a sprint finish.
You know when a run is REALLY REALLY good? Well that.
I have this past week been doing two circuits of a close to home run. The route includes a sharp hill, not overly long but a long way up none the less. So far this year I have not managed to run all the way to the top, every meeting has resulted in my gasping for breath on the final third, giving up and giving in to walking the last lump.
Today I decided to attack the route in a different way. To start I jogged to the first junction, a very gentle incline all the way and then turned around and ran back home. I usually push as hard as I can on this home stretch and it felt so good to do it on fresh legs.
A quick turn and back to the junction and further on, this time to the next bend in the lane and just where the hill begins to really climb. Another about turn and back to the junction. Forward once more to make the climb to the midway plateau, not too fast, head down, small steps and then turn, oh how good my legs felt all the way back down.
I climbed again, just as before, my legs were burning this time but up onto the level and a brief respite before tackling the steep section. I was determined to get to the drain cover at the top without walking and I did, although, technically I'm not sure it could be called running! Oh the relief of the downward stretch, and then I had to do it again. Much harder this time but once more I was at the top.
No time to stop, a right turn and still climbing I headed to the woods. Now I was into the loop with a lovely gentle decline for at least a third of the section. Horses ahead, I slowed and called hello and passed carefully whilst chatting to the riders, one a celebrity no less! I warned I would be back round shortly but I didn't see them again, they were too quick for me!
It was during the second loop that I suddenly realised that I had stopped thinking about my legs, my breathing was steady and not laboured. I was thoroughly enjoying myself in the glorious sunshine and really felt that I could have gone even further. This was the first time this year that I hadn't been quietly moaning to myself that this running lark wasn't getting any easier.
I flew down over the conquered hill and tried really hard to keep up my pace all the way home. With not much fuel in the tank I even picked up my toes for a bit of a sprint finish.
You know when a run is REALLY REALLY good? Well that.
Saturday, 7 February 2015
Full of Beans
The Power of Exercise
Friday 6.30 p.m. - I retire to bed. I am exhausted after a full week of babysitting, shopping, cooking, running and socialising. I cannot do another thing. My body refuses to move and my head needs to sleep.
Friday 10.00 p.m. - Lights out, although I have not watched a whole program all evening. Nor have I played my word game or checked social media. All evening I have been dozing. Except for a quick dash downstairs for a piece of toast and a cup of tea.
Saturday 8.00 a.m. - I wake late. I'm dizzy. My head is fuzzy. It looks cold outside. I could skip park run, Vicki has gone on a long run so nobody will know if I don't go. Don't think I can go. I feel terrible. If I don't go Vicki will shoot ahead of me on our Nike Leader Table. I stumble out of bed and dress in the appropriate cold weather running kit. Actually it was the first kit that came to hand and my bottoms don't meet my ankles, brrrr. I grab gloves, hat and a few gulps of water. No breakfast, no second cuppa. This might not be good but I'm going to give it a go.
Saturday 9.00 a.m. I'm lined up alongside all the others. I'm waiting in the correct place, the finish after 30 minutes place. I wonder if I will ever move in front of that sign. It's bitter cold, my bare legs are fine but I'm now wishing I was wearing the gloves instead of leaving them in the car. I'm joined by the lovely Jan and Lolly, a quick hello to Kath and at last the hooter sounds and off we go. The usual leg aches begin and I hope that it will soon pass and that I move into the actually this feels OK phase. Loose lace, almost every run, I must tie doubles, I must tie doubles. Jan and Lolly creep ahead and I spend the next 1/4 of the run trying hard to catch them, every person they pass I manage to also. I'm nearly there but once onto the second lap I just can't and they steadily pull away from me. Today I have my ear phones with me and I decide to listen in and hope that it will help me relax. It does. The second lap is always hard but I plough on, determined to not walk, I don't. A small burst towards the end, I will not be overtaken on the line and I manage to pass three more runners. And breathe. And, I manage to remember to turn my iPod off, this usually happens several minutes after stopping, so today my time might be somewhat nearer the official time. I am delighted to see I might be as much as three minutes quicker than a fortnight ago, which was my first park run for months.
Saturday 10.10 a.m. - I do usually shower and change before having breakfast after running but today my bread is toasting on the Aga and the beans are in the microwave before I've even taken my trainers off or plugged my Nike chip into the computer. I am starving and my first mug of tea doesn't touch the sides. On checking my stats I am so happy to see I've recorded my fastest pace since my new year day run and it's an OK one. I'm getting back, slowly, slowly but surely.
Saturday 1.30 - I am feeling great, my fuggy head and aching body has gone. I feel bright eyed and I am literally full of beans. The chores are done, I've spent some time taking photographs and caught up with emails. I've loads to do this afternoon and I'm also wondering if running every day is a sensible option, I can't wait to get my trainers on again. The power of exercise never ceases to amaze me.
Friday 6.30 p.m. - I retire to bed. I am exhausted after a full week of babysitting, shopping, cooking, running and socialising. I cannot do another thing. My body refuses to move and my head needs to sleep.
Friday 10.00 p.m. - Lights out, although I have not watched a whole program all evening. Nor have I played my word game or checked social media. All evening I have been dozing. Except for a quick dash downstairs for a piece of toast and a cup of tea.
Saturday 8.00 a.m. - I wake late. I'm dizzy. My head is fuzzy. It looks cold outside. I could skip park run, Vicki has gone on a long run so nobody will know if I don't go. Don't think I can go. I feel terrible. If I don't go Vicki will shoot ahead of me on our Nike Leader Table. I stumble out of bed and dress in the appropriate cold weather running kit. Actually it was the first kit that came to hand and my bottoms don't meet my ankles, brrrr. I grab gloves, hat and a few gulps of water. No breakfast, no second cuppa. This might not be good but I'm going to give it a go.
Saturday 9.00 a.m. I'm lined up alongside all the others. I'm waiting in the correct place, the finish after 30 minutes place. I wonder if I will ever move in front of that sign. It's bitter cold, my bare legs are fine but I'm now wishing I was wearing the gloves instead of leaving them in the car. I'm joined by the lovely Jan and Lolly, a quick hello to Kath and at last the hooter sounds and off we go. The usual leg aches begin and I hope that it will soon pass and that I move into the actually this feels OK phase. Loose lace, almost every run, I must tie doubles, I must tie doubles. Jan and Lolly creep ahead and I spend the next 1/4 of the run trying hard to catch them, every person they pass I manage to also. I'm nearly there but once onto the second lap I just can't and they steadily pull away from me. Today I have my ear phones with me and I decide to listen in and hope that it will help me relax. It does. The second lap is always hard but I plough on, determined to not walk, I don't. A small burst towards the end, I will not be overtaken on the line and I manage to pass three more runners. And breathe. And, I manage to remember to turn my iPod off, this usually happens several minutes after stopping, so today my time might be somewhat nearer the official time. I am delighted to see I might be as much as three minutes quicker than a fortnight ago, which was my first park run for months.
Saturday 10.10 a.m. - I do usually shower and change before having breakfast after running but today my bread is toasting on the Aga and the beans are in the microwave before I've even taken my trainers off or plugged my Nike chip into the computer. I am starving and my first mug of tea doesn't touch the sides. On checking my stats I am so happy to see I've recorded my fastest pace since my new year day run and it's an OK one. I'm getting back, slowly, slowly but surely.
Saturday 1.30 - I am feeling great, my fuggy head and aching body has gone. I feel bright eyed and I am literally full of beans. The chores are done, I've spent some time taking photographs and caught up with emails. I've loads to do this afternoon and I'm also wondering if running every day is a sensible option, I can't wait to get my trainers on again. The power of exercise never ceases to amaze me.
Sunday, 4 January 2015
Who Am I?
Who Am I?
I am a daughter. I am a niece. I am a sister. I am a friend. I am a wife. I am a daughter in law. I am a sister in law. I am a mother. I am an aunt. I am a mother in law. I am a nanna.
But, who am I?
I am a runner. I am a photographer. I am a blogger. I am a crocheter.
But, who am I?
I was a waitress. I was a shop assistant. I was a hairdresser. I was an in store demonstrator. I was a PTA secretary. I was a school governor. I was a higher level teaching assistant.
But, I am lost.
I am fortunate. I am grateful. I am looking forward.
But, I am still lost.
I am a daughter. I am a niece. I am a sister. I am a friend. I am a wife. I am a daughter in law. I am a sister in law. I am a mother. I am an aunt. I am a mother in law. I am a nanna.
But, who am I?
I am a runner. I am a photographer. I am a blogger. I am a crocheter.
But, who am I?
I was a waitress. I was a shop assistant. I was a hairdresser. I was an in store demonstrator. I was a PTA secretary. I was a school governor. I was a higher level teaching assistant.
But, I am lost.
I am fortunate. I am grateful. I am looking forward.
But, I am still lost.
Monday, 27 October 2014
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)