Last word....

...although I may well continue to add to this blog!!

The recovery this week has included my first ever sports massage which was very welcome and has certainly helped my little legs. A gentle run with PWR last night, and Queen Bees tonight. Think I am recovered now and ready to take on parkrun this Saturday!!

Paddock Wood Half 7.4.13

After a hectic Saturday welcoming our guests and feeding 11 of us round the table in our little kitchen, Sunday dawned bright and clear. We were all up early and porridge was on my menu as usual. Andy did a good job of chauffeuring us all down, with Dave also driving in convoy. We made it well before 9 and parked on a side street, well actually I think it was Paddock Wood High Street! It become obvious very quickly that although there was still over an hour to go before the start, half marathoners are very organised souls and get there early! The whole little town was just swarming with people in lycra looking for the way to the start. Soon found the signs to the industrial estate and sorted out Nick's registration and collected our t-shirts. We weren't wearing them to run but had pre-ordered so bagged them up quick.

Before we knew it we were at the start, back quite a long way, under a lovely blue sky, best day for ages. Then the gun went, and after about a minute we crossed the line. The boys were way ahead but us 3 girls stayed together for a couple of miles then we lost Katie. It was so busy and so many runners! I felt that I was really taking part in a special event. After about 6 miles at a really good steady and pretty fast pace, Claire pulled away. Looking at my Garmin stats  is interesting, as the second half was no way as steady and in fact my pace was all over the place!! Will have to get quicker to keep up with Claire... or stick to 10k runs - I would have had a great PB if I had quit at 6 miles - 55 minutes!!

I wont pretend it was easy but I did make it to the end, just about in one piece! It was brilliant to see the "400 m" to go sign and on looking at my watch, realised I was going to be just under 2.10 if I sprinted. So I did! It nearly finished me off and apparently I was really white at the end, I certainly was speechless for a few minutes! Even though I thought at the time that I had finished looking really strong...

I felt like a true runner though once I had got my breath back; my legs had never burned so much and I had never been so exhausted by a run. It was as if all the runs I had ever done before were nothing in comparison to how I felt just then. I know that is silly, I have done lots of running, but somehow the extra 3 miles made such a difference. And there I was, at 10 miles, thinking "ok its just a parkrun now!". Yeah right!

Once we had gathered everyone together, exchanged stories about the race, hugged, and taken lots of photos, it was back to our house for more food (thanks Andy) and more wine than I have had for months....

Lovely weekend with all my lovely family around me and supporting me. I really appreciated that so much. It was fab to see everyone cheering at the end and having support from PWR on the way round too.

2 sleeps to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess this will be my last post before the Big Event. I have been "tapering" this week, had a shorter run on Sunday in Wales as per previous post. Tuesday I couldnt go out with PWR as I was at the other Big Event of the year, the One D concert!!! I went with Francesca and we had a lovely time the two of us. We had a nice lunch in the 02 first, then we both enjoyed the show (Shh dont tell that I said that!! Guilty pleasure!)

Wednesday was Queen Bees, with no Mick so the 5 hardy souls that turned up had fun in the sleet and cold doing some warm ups, couple laps of the park and a nice stretch to finish. It was fun and just right really.

Tonight Claire and I have just had a slow and easy 4.5 miles, with some walking, dont want to injure ourselves at this stage!!!

Still cant quite believe the day is nearly on us. I am excited but nervous too...David and Katie are arriving later and then Mike and Nick and Cathy tomorrow. Andy is preparing food for the 5000. Well, 11 anyway.

More after the event. Hee hee hee!!

Easter In North Wales

Our annual trip to Snowdonia to see my brilliant Granny Ev. We just went for 3 nights over the actual Easter weekend this year, staying as usual with my aunty Pat, in the middle of the quarries. It was like being in the Alps up there this year!! The was so much snow and so cold! But bright blue skies and very pretty. We managed a 2 hour hike up in the hills, a trip to Llandudno to see my brilliant sis and her other half, and yes I managed a little  run too.

I really wanted to do about 6 miles but it is SOOOO hilly up there and it was cold and for some reason I felt strange running somewhere completely different, even though I stuck to the road and knew where I was. It was weird  I had a tough run, sometimes it just is harder than others, at least I know that now and don't beat myself up over it. I did 4.5 miles, to the village and back, all the while I was thinking "this time next week...."

Bromley parkrun

More snow fell on Friday and into early hours of Saturday but hey we are tough! It was my friend Linda's first one and we were not to be deterred. She had psyched herself up for it and so we met in good time and in some of the worst conditions I have seen at parkrun.

Spring In Bromley!??

It was very very cold, slight biting wind and wet, snowy, mushy, cold under foot. My feet were soaked through after about 2 minutes. I ran round with Linda, encouraging her, talking to her, taking her mind of the fact she had a stitch and wanted to stop. Then I just talked drivel as we approached the last lap and it was getting tough. I could tell that any distraction was good. Then we were near the final 100 yards or so, I said go for a final sprint, she did, and we made it over the finish line in a vey respectable 35 minutes. Where she promptly burst into tears and threw her arms around me!! I was so chuffed to have been part of her important first long run, she did brilliantly and it can only get easier for her.

I love parkrun! I have done 42 now and it has played an important part in my running journey. Made new friends, made me get up on a Saturday morning, made me go faster!!

16 days to go

I have managed quite a bit of running this week, including 6 miles with PWR on Tuesday. Yeah, you know, just pop out for a quick 10k. Omg, we normally do 5 miles with group 3 but we were flying this week. And I kept up! The thing is, I have no idea where I am most of the time when we are out so I don't have much choice but to keep up otherwise I will be lost in Petts Wood, or Orpington. Not ideal on a dark tuesday evening in March.

Been out with Andy for quick 3 miles this week, his first time out since doing his leg few weeks ago. Should have heard him huffing and moaning. At least he made it though I guess. So I have been managing about 20 miles a week which is all good. But on our long run on Sunday Claire and I did struggle somewhat, bit more than at Sidcup that's for sure. We did 9 miles or so, but the weather was awful, it rained most of the time and we felt bit tired!! It was my birthday the day before so I hadn't exactly prepared like I normally do...! Wine, champagne, cake and lots of yummy food aren't quite the same as litres of water and mountains of pasta...

Still, we are remaining positive and planning our last long run this Sunday before we taper. Get me with all the lingo. We will be in north Wales next Sunday so I guess it will be a hilly 6 miles or so for me in the quarry.... Probably end up calling mountain rescue out for me.

Exciting thing today is that my race number for Paddock Wood has come through so that makes it all seem more real...

Parkrun tomorrow with my friend Linda who is doing her first ever one. Looking forward to running with her. Weather still awful but can't be deterred.

One layer

The club run with PWR was probably the first warm run of the year. A lovely evening followed  a couple of mild days and meant i could get my lovely flowery top out, and just have one layer on.  So I did a vey quick 5 miles with group 3 but then didn't get out again til Friday early morning crack of dawn 5.30am.  Managed 4 miles.  Hard! So not as good in terms of mileage as the last couple of weeks but been busy with work and parents evening etc.

Sicup 10 mile race

Before the race...

Well the week has really ended on a high with the Sidcup 10 today. Claire picked me up at 8.45 and off we went.  No supporters this time, just the 2 of us, which was fine and actually really fun.  We found it easily and checked in, got sorted and met some friends from Queen Bees.. The weather was sooooo cold but we knew we would soon get warm so kept the layers to a minimum.



...And after, still fresh as daisies..??!!

The route was er, grim?! There were roadworks on the pavements, pylons in the middle of suburban roads, petrol stations to look at and cars to dodge. But we loved it!!  It was a 3 lapper which sounded awful, but at least we knew where we were, we decided to approach it as 3 parkruns! So we went for it and got off to a flying start.  We stayed together and then after 8 miles Claire did a Mo and kicked back.  She finished 4 mins ahead of me.  I did it in 1 hr 34 mins, with no walking breaks.  I am so chuffed! Tea and cake followed, all very civilised.

Running with friends

Been a busy running week again - 5 days out of 7!!

Monday I went out for a 3 mile "recovery run" (see, I know all the jargon now too). Andy decided to accompany me, we went on a new route which was nice, I had to find somewhere off the main road - remember the evening I wanted to cry?! So we went round the back streets of Coney Hall, not as scary as its sounds. Poor Andy though, his leg went just by the shops and he had to hobble home. I didnt want to walk, I'm all heart aren't I. So I ran off and got the car, to fetch him. Poor thing, he has since seen a sports massage person so hopefully it will be sorted once and for all.

Tuesday I woke up with such stiff legs! Serves me right feeling smug on Sunday that I felt fine.... so I dont know if I would  have felt that anyway or if it was the 3 miler! Managed to get to Petts Wood though and went out with Group 2, bit slow at times but overall a nice 4.5 miles. Went with Group 2 as I felt bit tired but this week I am definitely going with 3. And also this week I am going to the Sports shop in Chislehurst to get my club vest, that I want to wear on Sunday. Its 5 minutes drive from college, tried to get out today but hey you can guess how successful that was. Lunch break? What? What's one of those then?

Wednesday out with the Norman Park gang, affectionately known as Queen Bees. Lots of sprints and lamposts and that. I tried hard, as always! It was hard work, as always! Will miss it next week as it is parents' evening at Hayes....

Thursday I had a day off. No, not off work sadly, just off running. Then Friday I felt like a run after work as I knew I was missing parkrun on Saturday (boo, hoo - working all day). So I downloaded an audio book and off I went for my first solo run for ages. Me and Jim Broadbent reading managed a lovely 5 miles, it was one of those runs that really cleared my head and made me feel great when I got in. Think the book will be good too, quite amusing, although its hard to laugh when you are running and you must look a bit odd chuckling away to yourself...But then I guess I look a bit odd anyway....

Sunday was back up to Crystal Palace with the children training for the cross country on the 9th. So we ran the course with them - about a mile and half with the warm ups and extra hills I reckon. Did I mention EXTRA hills. I hate hills. Even little ones. And then me and Claire were off, Haribos on board.

We did an extra mile round the park before we hit the road, it was busy in there, as was Kelsey Park in Beckenham - not a pleasure to run round on a Sunday afternoon!! I found it a hard run home, much harder than our 9 miler last week, I think the training (and the HILLS) before hand, did me in. I had to stop to walk about 3 times I think. Never for long. Luckily my fab running buddy kept me going, she is much faster than me, but stays with me cos I carry the Haribos! So once I got home, 8.6 miles later, I felt great! Well, once I had recovered that is....



8.6 miles, via Beckenham

The pic is taken from my Garmin stats. It just sounds so far, Crystal Palace to West Wickham! It clearly isnt but hey!!

6 weeks to go

Can't believe the time is going so quick. Luckily I seem to have got my mojo back and this week has been a good running week, with about 24 miles in the bag.

Went out with PWR again on tuesday and did 5.4 miles, nice and easy. I like to talk  to someone when I am running so I usually make the first move and find someone who I can chat with on the way round, this week it was a nice south African lady, of course we spent the hour mainly discussing poor old Oscar, silly sod.  So wednesday was a track session at Queen Bees, not my favourite and so bloody cold but hey it all helps. This week being half term I donned my trainers at lunchtime on thursday and managed 3 miles round Bickley, including some lamppost sprints.. Love going out at lunchtime, really clears my head but would just be impossible most days during term time, when we say "what's a lunch break?".

Day off Friday and a walk round Norman Park with my dear friend Andrea and kids but god that was cold.  When will this winter end?!

Back to parkrun and another minute quicker than last week - big smiley!!!!

So today was the Long Run with Claire.  Having woken up about 3 times in the night fretting about how I would manage the planned 8 miles, I set off to meet her after I had scoffed my usual porridge.  And we had a lovely run and did...... Wait for it..... 9.5 miles!!!!

Couldnt beleive it, it was easier than last week's 7 and we felt GOOD!

Now I am starting to think more positively about the 10 miler in 2 weeks and the half.

It's all in the mind, I have decided!!!!

Longest run ever

Yesterday Claire (my partner in crime in this silly idea - see pic!) and I ran all the way back from Crystal Palace, after running around the park for about 1.5 miles with the children training for the next cross country race. The route I planned for us was just over 7 miles, I admit to stopping to walk at the bottom of the road, when the watch bleeped 7 miles! We were very proud of ourselves, I don't feel stiff today, just a bit tired in the leg department, but I do wonder how the hell I will almost double that..... 3 weeks time we have a 10 mile race, that will sort us out...

This week I have run quite a bit, 5.5 with PWR on Tuesday ( I have now officially joined the club). Then a couple of short ones with Andy, one of which goes down as a Bad Run. After 2 miles I wanted to cry, it was 6pm, after work, busy traffic, too tired etc etc. Oh well, I went back out the next day and felt much better, some days are just like that I guess. Back to parkrun Bromley on Saturday, really tried hard and got my best time for a couple of months, still no where near my PB but at least under 30 mins!!! Helped that the course was different and therefore not as muddy. Olivia came too and got a great time. She is going to be a parkrun star!

parkrun tourism

Some lovely ales

Off to the Forest of Dean for the weekend with our lovely friends, the Hudsons. Olivia, same age as Francesca, came with me, Andy and Melissa to run the local parkrun. Even more commendable were Nicky, Tim and William for coming along and supporting - 9am on a wet, windy and muddy Saturday morning on a weekend away - true dedication to friendship! Nicky has persuaded me I need to buy a new hat. Can't think why?!

It was such a hard run, I got a PW time (personal worst!) and we all got completely soaked and covered in mud. But hey, it burnt off a few calories I guess. Olivia's parkrun debut was brilliant; she has it in her legs!!

Nutters in the Forest

We had a fab weekend away all in all, saw some rally racing, ate lots, drank some, bathed in the outdoor hot tub, lovely walks in the Forest, relaxed in front of the log fire, and enjoyed a nice Sunday lunch out. All with good friends, what more can you ask for?!

Ashford and District 10k 3.2.13

The day was soooo cold but luckily we had Andy and Melissa to be hoody carriers once the race was underway.

Andy drove us all down, my running friend Karen joined us too, so it really was all aboard the Fun Bus. It wasnt too far and we found it easily, parked, got our chips and walked the one or two km to the start. It was a big event and there were loads of runners at the start. Mike and Nick went off to get nearer the front, me and Karen were quite happy to stay by the flag that said "60 mins plus".  Off we went and it was a nice run along country lanes and through some very pretty villages. Quite undulating and a killer hill, well slope, at 7km at which point I had to walk for a couple of minutes. My fitness levels are still suffering from the girl flu I think. I found the race hard and managed to complete in 1.03 - it was a shame not to get under an hour but never mind. Mike and Nick did it in 42 and 40 minutes!!! Home to a lovely meal cooked by our fantastic support crew, thanks Andy, and a glass of vin rouge to celebrate. Really nice weekend with lots of running talk. You can see some more pics by clicking here  and putting our race numbers in (H- 483, K - 484, M- 551, N -550). You need to tick the "agree to terms and condidtions" box then click continue and it's all self explanatory.

This week has been exhausting, nothing new there then. Worked 9-9 on Monday which always finishes me off and means no running, Tues took F to see Blood Brothers at Croydon which we all loved. Wed was out with Mick and the Queen Bees which was fun as always and I tried hard, we did sprints this week. Didnt get out Thursday either but today Friday I have had  A DAY OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Managed 6.5 miles this morning, I did have to stop a couple of times at traffic lights and stuff (quite nice) and some of the pavements were slippery with ice so went a bit gingerly. Off to the Forest very soon as soon as Andy gets  in, so hoping to do a bit of parkrun tourism at Forest of Dean run.

This half marathon is getting closer and I am getting more scared....! You may have noticed the absence of mentions of gym, strength training, rolling around in the lounge doing exercises - well that is cos I havent done either for about 2 weeks. Ooops.

Girl flu

Well its been a bit of a couple weeks since I last wrote. The snow stayed way too long, about a week and with it brought me my first cold of the winter. Girl Flu. Its now been 11 days since it struck me down and although I am starting to feel better, it has knocked me out a bit. I missed some training last week due to the 2 things; both Petts Wood and Queen Bees were cancelled and I just felt so rubbish I didn't even go to the dreaded gym. So this stressed me out a bit but really these training weeks are only about my normal amount anyway. Next week is week 4 and sees the times and distances lengthen......... We are away next weekend with the Hudsons so we shall see!

Went to parkrun today, Melissa came for the first time for weeks. She did fine, I did not!!! I found it such hard work and ran one of my slowest times ever. But it really was soooooooooooooo muddy! See pic of our shoes drying out...

Mike and Nick have arrived today for tomorrow's Ashford 10k, which I hope I can manage better than today. At least it on road so we shouldn't be slipping around in the mud. And according to the internet, the last stretch is downhill... will report back after the race.

Week One

One of the things I love about running is the I DID IT feeling that it gives you, every step of the way, from the beginning being able to run for minute, to running in the snow like I did this week.

I have had a couple of these moments this week. On tuesday I took the bull by the horns and went off to Petts Wood Runners running club. You get a couple of weeks free before you join but to be honest I am happy to pay the £15 annual fee now. I joined group 3 this week. There are about 7 groups I think, 1 being the slowest. So we ran about 5.5 miles (as usual I forgot to switch my Garmin on at the beginning). We ran a very easy 10.15 mile pace which suited me perfectly, made me realise that hey yes, I can do a longer run! Going at a slower pace will be the way forward for my half I think, if I am to achieve my goal of doing it without stopping.... So basically loads of mad people meet in a park, the group leaders for that week go to the front and you join the group you want, and run! Chatted with a girl most of the way, nearly fell over a recycle bin on the pavement and managed to keep up at the front of the group the whole way. And didn't feel too self conscious.  Apart from the recycle bin moment maybe....! So I will go next week. If I can get the go ahead from my lovely family that is.

Wednesday was the normal Queen Bees training session with my running buddies in Norman Park.  We met in the car park as usual and went off and did some hills. Hate hills but gotta be done.  I put all my effort into these sessions, Mick normally gives 2 options, one for the faster and fitter and one for the rest. I always go with faster group and am always at the back/end but I don't care, at least I can say, I DID IT every week!

Only one session of core exercises this week, during which I did about 4 half press ups and my arms nearly died. Suffered all week they did! No cross training at the gym cos I had to work 9-9 on thursday and on Saturday morning. And of course The Snow came. I did still however manage to get out for a quick run in it in Friday, it was truly beautiful in the woods, took a couple of pics but they make it look darker than it was.

This snowy running has convinced the girls and Andy, that yes, I really am crackers. Can't imagine why they think that....

Week Zero

This has been an exciting week, the half marathon is rapidly becoming a family affair!! My lovely soldier boy nephew Mike and his friend are doing the 10k with me and now also the half too. Then next thing his equally lovely big brother's gorgeous fiancée announced she was joining us!! They will all stay the weekend with us, it will be a hoot. Andy instantly started planning what he would cook for us! Lots of pasta on the Saturday evening please. Lots of wine on the Sunday evening please.

So the big day is 12 weeks away on Sunday so the proper training starts next week, but because I am so keen, or such a nutter, I have drawn up a plan made up from all sorts online, and to fit with my life hopefully and I have been busy this week making my legs (and arms?!) ache. More exercises on the lounge floor, serious hills with running group on Wednesday and 30 minutes on the cross trainer last night in the gym. Oh ok then, 26 minutes, I just couldn't keep going! And some running at the crack of dawn,well before that actually, on tuesday. I do ache. Parkrun tomorrow. And not had a drink since last friday. When we had masses with some good friends.  Camomile tea is the future of Friday nights!!

Committed...

OK so I have gone and done it. Signed up for the Paddock Wood Half on April 7th 2013. OMG. Whilst I am excited about the prospect, of course I am terrified too. Terrified I wont be able to fit in the training, cope with it, do the distances etc etc. But also I look forward to proving to myself that hey yes, I can do this! Crossing that finish line will be amazing. I hope!! So its 13 weeks away, I have a 12 week plan but I am starting this week really. Call this week Zero. I have also treated myself to a weekly delivery of a Graze Box at work. All nutritious and healthy of course. Watch this space for what that is like.

Tonight me and the girls did some exercises at home, "core strengthening", hahaha, more like rolling and groaning round the lounge.

Also signed up for the Ashford 10k, 4 weeks time.