Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Keep On Runnin'
Felt really out of sorts yesterday, probably exhaustion due to having a constant stream of visitors! I now have an interview date- 3pm on Monday 11th December, the day I get back to work after New York. I just hope I am not too jet lagged and can preform at my best!
I went out late last night and had a rather slow can't-be-ar*ed 5 mile run in the rain, which kind of matched my can't-be-ar*ed mood.
I suppose I had better think about packing and stuff like that as we are travelling down to Heathrow Friday night. I am dreading taking Lucky to the cattery. She will think I've abandoned her and may never trust me again!!
I feel flabby as not been doing much while my visitors were here, not to mention getting rather too closely aquainted with all the chocs at work (stress!! Chocolate ought to be on prescription- FREE prescription!)
S'pose I could just drag myself to the gym... needn't stay too long... go girl...
I went out late last night and had a rather slow can't-be-ar*ed 5 mile run in the rain, which kind of matched my can't-be-ar*ed mood.
I suppose I had better think about packing and stuff like that as we are travelling down to Heathrow Friday night. I am dreading taking Lucky to the cattery. She will think I've abandoned her and may never trust me again!!
I feel flabby as not been doing much while my visitors were here, not to mention getting rather too closely aquainted with all the chocs at work (stress!! Chocolate ought to be on prescription- FREE prescription!)
S'pose I could just drag myself to the gym... needn't stay too long... go girl...
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
I Don't Beleive It!
Damn. I found out today that I am going to have to apply and be interviewed for my job. It has been coming for some time, I have a temporary post and any vacant posts are held for those facing redeployment.
The annoying thing is, I very nearly didn't find out, but now I am going to have this hanging over me all next week- great! There's a very real chance I won't get it as I hate interviews!
As a result I have pigged out far far too much today- stress!!! I really, REALLY ought to haul my ass out the door and run. It is also THAT time of the month, which doesn't exactly help... plus everybody seems to be bringing chocolates into work!
On the plus side... I AM going to New York on Saturday...
The annoying thing is, I very nearly didn't find out, but now I am going to have this hanging over me all next week- great! There's a very real chance I won't get it as I hate interviews!
As a result I have pigged out far far too much today- stress!!! I really, REALLY ought to haul my ass out the door and run. It is also THAT time of the month, which doesn't exactly help... plus everybody seems to be bringing chocolates into work!
On the plus side... I AM going to New York on Saturday...
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Looks Like I'm Going!!
New York. Looks like I'm going. On Saturday. Blimey!!! I have Lucky booked into the cattery (my poor baby! She might think I've abandoned her!) Only thing is... we haven't actually got any details as yet- all I know is that we are flying to New York courtesy of KLM ans staying in Times Square New York! (wonder if the hotel has a gym... no wait, WAIT, I'm becoming obsessed!)
But how cool is this gonna be!! Plus meeting Tony Blackburn, oh and being live on the radio... only thing is- the entire trip is being sponsored by Danish Bacon, and Mum hasn't got the heart to tell them that she (and me!) are actually vegetarians... minor details...
Went out for a family meal last night and had starter, main and dessert so will be pounding the streets tonight when Dad and Stepmum are out I think. Yesterday was an official rest-and-pig-out-day and all the best training plans should include these.
But how cool is this gonna be!! Plus meeting Tony Blackburn, oh and being live on the radio... only thing is- the entire trip is being sponsored by Danish Bacon, and Mum hasn't got the heart to tell them that she (and me!) are actually vegetarians... minor details...
Went out for a family meal last night and had starter, main and dessert so will be pounding the streets tonight when Dad and Stepmum are out I think. Yesterday was an official rest-and-pig-out-day and all the best training plans should include these.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Woohooo...New York, New York...
My expensive car!!!My mum has won a radio competition! She had to send in a story of her ideal Christmas to Classic Gold, and was shortlisted for her tale of how she would like to take Christmas to the poor children and animals of Africa who have never before experienced Christmas.
...Anyway she won.. the prize? A week's shopping trip to New York for 4, from 2nd to 9th December, staying in Times Square!!! The downside is that she has a husband and 3 daughters, so it will be a tough decision, but I am kind of hoping that I get to go! Christmas shopping in New York... how cool would that be!!!
It's been one of those days... just before leaving for work this morning my poor dad hit his head quite badly in my bathroom and I ended up taking him to A & E to get checked out, luckily he was fine. Then my car started acting up, it was physically impossible to get it into 1st or second gear! A trip to the garage and restripped gear linkage later and my credit card bill is now £173 fatter... that's without the other work it needs doing to it!
Last night I put telly on and used my air walker and mini stepper for half an hour each, I may try a slow longer run in a bit as Dad and Stepmum have gone out visiting. Not managed to pluck up enough courage to try out my new vest though!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Recovery Week (or Weak)
Dad and stepmum are buzzing around Leicestershire in their hired Skoda visiting all their folks. I asked them what Britain seemed like after more than a year away... "Wet" replied Dad.
I went out for a slow recovery jog last night, whilst they were out. I covered about 5 miles but felt so tired I called it a day, I reckon my body is still tired from Saturday, poor thing, so maybe shouldn't push it too much. I may have a few minutes on my mini stepper tonight while I watch telly.
I have seen a bum bag hip bag type thingy I want... the one I am using at the moment just has one large compartment so everything gets lost/ falls over/ leaks. I have seen some great ones from Lifeventure which actually feature a seperate water bottle. They look ideal for running/ biking etc, may ask for one for Christmas... now do I want just one drinks bottle, or do I want two for only a pound more? Decisions decisions...
I went out for a slow recovery jog last night, whilst they were out. I covered about 5 miles but felt so tired I called it a day, I reckon my body is still tired from Saturday, poor thing, so maybe shouldn't push it too much. I may have a few minutes on my mini stepper tonight while I watch telly.
I have seen a bum bag hip bag type thingy I want... the one I am using at the moment just has one large compartment so everything gets lost/ falls over/ leaks. I have seen some great ones from Lifeventure which actually feature a seperate water bottle. They look ideal for running/ biking etc, may ask for one for Christmas... now do I want just one drinks bottle, or do I want two for only a pound more? Decisions decisions...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Rain, Rain!
Bluergh, it's awful outside! Pouring and cold, Winter is officially here! Dad and stepmum have made it over here safely, they already think they are losing their tans!
Booked some time of in lieu this aftey as I had a seminar this morning and just didn't seem worth making the long trek into work from the venue. So I am now surfing the net looking for some Christmas present ideas!
May go for a run later... when it gets dark though... I have bought a flourescent yellow safety vest, trouble is it's 'one size fits all' but it's massive! May try it later... if I dare!
Booked some time of in lieu this aftey as I had a seminar this morning and just didn't seem worth making the long trek into work from the venue. So I am now surfing the net looking for some Christmas present ideas!
May go for a run later... when it gets dark though... I have bought a flourescent yellow safety vest, trouble is it's 'one size fits all' but it's massive! May try it later... if I dare!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Visitor Time
Tidied the house- again -ready for my next visitors; my Dad and Step mum who are staying with me for a week as from tomorrow. They retired to the Costa Blanca in Sunny Spain last year, and now live in a small town between Alicante and Torrevieja called Catral. The temperature over there is in the 60's so I predict that they will freeze!
It will be lovely to see them but I find myself worrying that I will miss out on my training- wow, am I becoming obsessed??
Still aching today from Saturday, so just had a gentle stroll tonight. Tell me though, why is it that whenever youths in a cars drive past they feel the need to sound their horn repeatedly? I don't know them. They don't know me. I suspect it's a case of "Oh look, there's a woman walking. On her own. I know- I fink I'll sound my horn- people will fink I'm dead big and dead clever- duuuh!"
Nooo... I just wish they would all just mind their own business and leave me alone!! And as for people who feel the need to shout comments as I run past them... grrr, getting worked up now- taht's a subject for another day. I am going to bed now as I have to be up at 6am to get to that place where they pay me to turn up five days a week. Commuting... grrr, don't get me started!!!
It will be lovely to see them but I find myself worrying that I will miss out on my training- wow, am I becoming obsessed??
Still aching today from Saturday, so just had a gentle stroll tonight. Tell me though, why is it that whenever youths in a cars drive past they feel the need to sound their horn repeatedly? I don't know them. They don't know me. I suspect it's a case of "Oh look, there's a woman walking. On her own. I know- I fink I'll sound my horn- people will fink I'm dead big and dead clever- duuuh!"
Nooo... I just wish they would all just mind their own business and leave me alone!! And as for people who feel the need to shout comments as I run past them... grrr, getting worked up now- taht's a subject for another day. I am going to bed now as I have to be up at 6am to get to that place where they pay me to turn up five days a week. Commuting... grrr, don't get me started!!!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
The Seagrave Wolds Challenge!
The event started in Seagrave, a small village which is luckily only 10 minutes drive away for me. I was a bit worried after Friday’s rain, but luckily the day dawned bright, cold and sunny, and stayed this way all day.
I get up at the not too ungodly hour of 7am, get dressed, remember I haven’t cut my toenails for a few weeks and get the clippers to them quick! My cousin joins me for a cuppa before going back to bed with her little lad, Josh- I start to wonder whether I am crazy for doing this!
I arrive at Seagrave and we are being directed to park in a farmyard up a rutted farm track, making it quite a good walk to the Village Hall and start point. There are two checking in desks in the Hall, one for runners and one for walkers. It feels really odd entering as a runner- almost as though I have defected to the other side! I certainly don’t feel much like a runner, everybody else looks really lean, fit and well prepared. I grab a cuppa and hob nob (carbs), spot Simon and chat with him for a few minutes. He’s walking but I tell him he will probably catch up with me later, as I am more likely to be walking in the later stages.
After a visit to the loo (there were portaloos but I found some inside) I make sure I stretch and at least look as though I know what I’m doing. We move onto the playing field- there are loads of people, runners and walkers, haven’t seen crowds like this since the Belvoir challenge!
Ready for the off!
The Village Hall (note the queue for the ladies!)
Loads of folks!!!
Suddenly we are off, moving through a narrow gateway onto the road. I start to run, and as I expected, all the runners stream past me! We turn onto a track which is so muddy running is impossible, and I manage to overtake a walker.
The route takes us through several fields and over several stiles- one of which causes a bit of a backlog as there is a steep, muddy ditch to be negotiated the other side. It’s also quite hilly, I overtake two girls who have slowed to a walk. Most of the route is quite muddy, varying from fairly solid mud you can run on to the real ankle deep slurry which can only be waded through. My running shoes resemble two large lumps of mud, and I feel a bit like a shire horse! I have my waterproof on, but am so hot I tie it around my waist. We take a sharp right, and the runners in front of me turn left at the bottom of the field. Suddenly there are a load of people coming over a stile from the opposite direction- “we went wrong!”
We reach the first check point at Wymeswold, and are greeted by half mars bars and bananas. I take one of each and have a few swigs of Boots Endurance drink and a couple of bites of my energy bar. A couple of fast walkers come in whilst I’m there plus-fantastic!- some other runners. I reluctantly leave and actually manage to pass another runner. A track and a few fields later (one of which must have been at least a mile long) I reach a road- there are marshals at all major road crossings. One of them tells me there’s a ‘nice downhill stretch now’. I thank him and run along the field, to be confronted by the biggest hill on the route so far! There is a slight downhill section with Stanford Hall in the distance, then through a farmyard and- aargh- an even bigger hill than the last! This is gonna hurt… I stop and take a few more sips of drink and nibbles of Energy Bar whilst I mentally gird my loins.
Typical Wolds Scenery
I get up at the not too ungodly hour of 7am, get dressed, remember I haven’t cut my toenails for a few weeks and get the clippers to them quick! My cousin joins me for a cuppa before going back to bed with her little lad, Josh- I start to wonder whether I am crazy for doing this!
I arrive at Seagrave and we are being directed to park in a farmyard up a rutted farm track, making it quite a good walk to the Village Hall and start point. There are two checking in desks in the Hall, one for runners and one for walkers. It feels really odd entering as a runner- almost as though I have defected to the other side! I certainly don’t feel much like a runner, everybody else looks really lean, fit and well prepared. I grab a cuppa and hob nob (carbs), spot Simon and chat with him for a few minutes. He’s walking but I tell him he will probably catch up with me later, as I am more likely to be walking in the later stages.
After a visit to the loo (there were portaloos but I found some inside) I make sure I stretch and at least look as though I know what I’m doing. We move onto the playing field- there are loads of people, runners and walkers, haven’t seen crowds like this since the Belvoir challenge!
Ready for the off!
The Village Hall (note the queue for the ladies!)
Loads of folks!!!
Suddenly we are off, moving through a narrow gateway onto the road. I start to run, and as I expected, all the runners stream past me! We turn onto a track which is so muddy running is impossible, and I manage to overtake a walker. The route takes us through several fields and over several stiles- one of which causes a bit of a backlog as there is a steep, muddy ditch to be negotiated the other side. It’s also quite hilly, I overtake two girls who have slowed to a walk. Most of the route is quite muddy, varying from fairly solid mud you can run on to the real ankle deep slurry which can only be waded through. My running shoes resemble two large lumps of mud, and I feel a bit like a shire horse! I have my waterproof on, but am so hot I tie it around my waist. We take a sharp right, and the runners in front of me turn left at the bottom of the field. Suddenly there are a load of people coming over a stile from the opposite direction- “we went wrong!”
We reach the first check point at Wymeswold, and are greeted by half mars bars and bananas. I take one of each and have a few swigs of Boots Endurance drink and a couple of bites of my energy bar. A couple of fast walkers come in whilst I’m there plus-fantastic!- some other runners. I reluctantly leave and actually manage to pass another runner. A track and a few fields later (one of which must have been at least a mile long) I reach a road- there are marshals at all major road crossings. One of them tells me there’s a ‘nice downhill stretch now’. I thank him and run along the field, to be confronted by the biggest hill on the route so far! There is a slight downhill section with Stanford Hall in the distance, then through a farmyard and- aargh- an even bigger hill than the last! This is gonna hurt… I stop and take a few more sips of drink and nibbles of Energy Bar whilst I mentally gird my loins.
Typical Wolds Scenery
It’s not quite as bad as it looks though and although I am wheezing like an emphysemic 90 year old I am pleased to note no Achilles or knee pain! I’m starting to feel tired though- the longest run prior to this was the 10 mile Barrow Classic. A path through woods brings the welcome sight of checkpoint two, in the church adjacent to Prestwold Hall. I select a home made flapjack and gratefully accept a cup of coffee, allowing myself the luxury of lingering for a few minutes. Apparently there was a wedding in the church last year and they had to move the checkpoint onto a field. The two girls I overtook earlier come in and leave before me, and some faster walkers and a couple of runners with a dog also join us.
I take my leave, it’s really chilly getting going again! After a disconcerting leap across a brick lined ditch I pass in front of the impressive Prestwold Hall.
Prestwold Hall
Stanford Hall
Prestwold Hall- these are out of order!
I am feeling really tired now and it’s becoming a bit of a struggle to keep going. The route goes through the village of Burton on the Wolds before looping back towards Seagrave. I find myself just behind the two girls and, when we hit yet another hill, they slow to a walk and I do the same. That’s the pattern for the rest of the route- walk up hill and through shloshy mud, shambling jog on the level and downhill. I’ve had it- I can’t run uphill any more!
We cross another road; there is a chap coming towards us, back towards the road and the marshals, carrying somebody over his shoulder- “want a ride, only £1 each!” he calls. I thought it was a child he was carrying, but on peering closer I realise it’s actually a woman in running gear- hope she was ok! I stop to pull my sock up and, as I bend my leg, the muscles at the back of my leg seem to cramp up and my toes curl and lock into a kind of spasm. For a brief panic filled microsecond I think I’m not going to be able to free it but it relaxes.
We go up a really slushy, muddy, seemingly endless track and- shame!- are overtaken by a walker. A downhill section brings us to a narrow plank bridge over a deep ditch. I have a moment of panic
before realising there is a blue rope along the side, although it’s still a bit hairy! A final steep hill and over a stile onto the road- a marshal tells us it’s “Only another 100 yards!”
We run down the road, over a stile and across the playing field to the Hall- I actually manage to put a bit of a spurt on and keep up with the girls. There are photographers and we protest that we are not looking our best! Finally we run into the hall and I am pleasantly surprised to see that my time for the 15 ½ miles is 3 hours and 36 minutes! I’m pleased with that, and the fact that I ran most of the way, plus no undue pains apart from the normal muscular ouch-it-hurts-when-I-stand-up pain. Took me nearly as long to clean my shoes later!
Had a gorgeous big bowl of apple pie and custard before collecting my certificate. The results aren’t yet on the website, I have a horrid suspicion that I may be in a photo, but hopefully not! Would I do it again? Yes, definitely, although I may walk it next year to take advantage of the cobs and home made cakes at checkpoint two!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday at Last!
Well, I’m writing this waiting for my cousin to arrive from the wilds of Wiltshire! It’s a miserable night, doesn’t bode well for the Seagrave Wolds Challenge tomorrow.
I was very bad last night… went round my mate’s house for chips and choccie mousse. Well, she had just had a tooth out following a nasty infection and abscess- that’s my excuse anyway!
That and I’m tapering for tomorrow… I have just done half an hour on my mini stepper plus jogged round the lounge for a few minutes (think Lucky thought I was having a fit!) so that’s it for tomorrow…
…full walk/ run report to follow probably Sunday plus pics if I remember my camera
I was very bad last night… went round my mate’s house for chips and choccie mousse. Well, she had just had a tooth out following a nasty infection and abscess- that’s my excuse anyway!
That and I’m tapering for tomorrow… I have just done half an hour on my mini stepper plus jogged round the lounge for a few minutes (think Lucky thought I was having a fit!) so that’s it for tomorrow…
…full walk/ run report to follow probably Sunday plus pics if I remember my camera
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
In The Swim Again
Well I went for a slow run last night, felt my Achilles when I first set off and thought I was going to have problems but then it settled down, I was aware of it but it wasn't at all painful, and I kind of sensed that it wouldn't get any worse, so I did a slooow 7 miles with lots of streeetchiing, and can't feel it today! No errant knee pain either which is good.
Went swimming and did more than a mile, mum joined me for a bit. I will go to the gym tomorrow but it will be a taper workout ready for the Seagrave Wolds Challenge!
Can't beleive how some folk can be so cruel!! Two of my colleagues (who shall remain nameless- you know who you are!!) have brought in Marks and Spencers Belgian biscuits and a whacking great tin of Quality Street for their birthdays! Nooooooo!!!! I am only human and cannot resist the call of all those yummy chocolaty morsels constantly whispering my name all day!
Went swimming and did more than a mile, mum joined me for a bit. I will go to the gym tomorrow but it will be a taper workout ready for the Seagrave Wolds Challenge!
Can't beleive how some folk can be so cruel!! Two of my colleagues (who shall remain nameless- you know who you are!!) have brought in Marks and Spencers Belgian biscuits and a whacking great tin of Quality Street for their birthdays! Nooooooo!!!! I am only human and cannot resist the call of all those yummy chocolaty morsels constantly whispering my name all day!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Dull Dreary Days...
... yet I love it when the nights get darker! Why, I hear you ask? Because I can run when it's dark and nobody can see me!
Yesterday was a rest day, which my body loved. I'm not too sure how my Achilles Heel will be so I may try a shortish slow run later just to see. Swimming tomorrow, I will have to borrow a costume off mum thanks to last week's disaster.
Christmas is crashing down upon us faster than a compulsive eating sumo wrestler and I am trying to decipher what folks really want when they say "oh, I'm not bothered, get me anything!" (like a snake or a stone or something?) Try buying for two nephews who have everything! Also trying to find spare cash as my car has decided it wants four new tyres for Christmas.
Oh and trying to save for next year's holiday... I have booked to go to Morocco in June- trekking in the Atlas Mountains! Camping out on the flat roofs of traditional Berber village houses! I'm going with Explore, should be brilliant!! I don't want to go in June though- I want to go NOW!!!
Yesterday was a rest day, which my body loved. I'm not too sure how my Achilles Heel will be so I may try a shortish slow run later just to see. Swimming tomorrow, I will have to borrow a costume off mum thanks to last week's disaster.
Christmas is crashing down upon us faster than a compulsive eating sumo wrestler and I am trying to decipher what folks really want when they say "oh, I'm not bothered, get me anything!" (like a snake or a stone or something?) Try buying for two nephews who have everything! Also trying to find spare cash as my car has decided it wants four new tyres for Christmas.
Oh and trying to save for next year's holiday... I have booked to go to Morocco in June- trekking in the Atlas Mountains! Camping out on the flat roofs of traditional Berber village houses! I'm going with Explore, should be brilliant!! I don't want to go in June though- I want to go NOW!!!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Fitness Equals Madness?
A few of my friends (yes- I do have some!!) think I'm crazy for undertaking the level of working out that I do and I think they worry a bit that I am overdoing it. Yes, I do do quite a lot, but it's not because I am obsessive over exercise or losing weight; I have an idea of the things I want to achieve in future, triathlons, maybe even an Ironman, treks across the world... which means that I have to have an above average level of fitness.
I never miss meals and also make sure I eat more on days I'm working out. But also... I enjoy exercise. I enjoy how it makes me feel after a work out. I enjoy the feeling of being fit, of feeling healthy, of feeling that I can handle life. I enjoy looking at myself in the mirror and seeing the changes from two years ago, so I reckon I shall just carry right on and enjoy it. I know that they mean well, so will continue to reassure them (or just keep quiet about it!)
Yes I know that the thought of walking 26 miles or more in one day is not everybodies cup of tea, but if folk just moved more, just made the time to take 30 minutes of exercise three times per week they would really see some benefits. It's a scary thought that in the UK alone, two thirds of men and over half of women are overweight or obese. I reckon that it's out modern diet and sedentary lifestyles that are the main culprits. Years ago, work was hard and physical, now a lot of us sit behind a desk all day (me included!) Housework was also physical, and took all day. Nowadays with the advent of modern day machinery, it's an awful lot easier.
So I beleive that we all have to take responsibility to put the exercise back into our lifes, to make the commitment to taking the time to do this.
Like I said, for a lot of people the 30 minutes three times weekly would be enough and that's great. But I have this urge to push myself towards bigger and bigger challenges, to see the world and what it has to offer, to trek some of the far flung corners of the world... and I have the urge to do it all, right now, as you never know what's coming around the corner; I have friends who I went to school with who now have a disability.
Gosh, didn't mean for this to become so deep! On a more mundane note, I went to the gym, and did a good work out. I got up to my usual minute at 7.5 mph on the treadmill, and it seemed easy, so I cranked it up to 8 mph and it was ok! Yay I'm getting faster!! No knee pain, but a bit of pain from my right achilles tendon; this hurt quite badly last year until I got proper running shoes, but now I only get pain every so often. I perhaps always will, that injury will probably always be my, erm, Achilles Heel!
If I could just give one tip, it would be to go to a sports shop and ask their advice before buying a pair of running shoes. I ran for ages in a pair I bought off the shelf in a discount warehouse before going ot a sports shop and asking advice. By then, I was getting the Achilles pain and my left hip hurt every time I ran. I was advised that I am an 'over pronator' and need suitably supportive shoes or else my legs will kind of turn in and put stress on the rest of my joints. I bought the shoes they recommended and the pains disappeared over the next couple of weeks! Definately a worthwhile investment.
I was making proper coffee yesterday morning in my cafetierre- I love proper coffee when I can relax at weekends. I reckon I should have warmed up the glass first though cos I put the coffee and boiling water in, went to stir it and - yikes!! A piece of the glass just kind of exploded and coffee grounds and boiling water shot everywhere. That's something I can add to the Christmas list!
I never miss meals and also make sure I eat more on days I'm working out. But also... I enjoy exercise. I enjoy how it makes me feel after a work out. I enjoy the feeling of being fit, of feeling healthy, of feeling that I can handle life. I enjoy looking at myself in the mirror and seeing the changes from two years ago, so I reckon I shall just carry right on and enjoy it. I know that they mean well, so will continue to reassure them (or just keep quiet about it!)
Yes I know that the thought of walking 26 miles or more in one day is not everybodies cup of tea, but if folk just moved more, just made the time to take 30 minutes of exercise three times per week they would really see some benefits. It's a scary thought that in the UK alone, two thirds of men and over half of women are overweight or obese. I reckon that it's out modern diet and sedentary lifestyles that are the main culprits. Years ago, work was hard and physical, now a lot of us sit behind a desk all day (me included!) Housework was also physical, and took all day. Nowadays with the advent of modern day machinery, it's an awful lot easier.
So I beleive that we all have to take responsibility to put the exercise back into our lifes, to make the commitment to taking the time to do this.
Like I said, for a lot of people the 30 minutes three times weekly would be enough and that's great. But I have this urge to push myself towards bigger and bigger challenges, to see the world and what it has to offer, to trek some of the far flung corners of the world... and I have the urge to do it all, right now, as you never know what's coming around the corner; I have friends who I went to school with who now have a disability.
Gosh, didn't mean for this to become so deep! On a more mundane note, I went to the gym, and did a good work out. I got up to my usual minute at 7.5 mph on the treadmill, and it seemed easy, so I cranked it up to 8 mph and it was ok! Yay I'm getting faster!! No knee pain, but a bit of pain from my right achilles tendon; this hurt quite badly last year until I got proper running shoes, but now I only get pain every so often. I perhaps always will, that injury will probably always be my, erm, Achilles Heel!
If I could just give one tip, it would be to go to a sports shop and ask their advice before buying a pair of running shoes. I ran for ages in a pair I bought off the shelf in a discount warehouse before going ot a sports shop and asking advice. By then, I was getting the Achilles pain and my left hip hurt every time I ran. I was advised that I am an 'over pronator' and need suitably supportive shoes or else my legs will kind of turn in and put stress on the rest of my joints. I bought the shoes they recommended and the pains disappeared over the next couple of weeks! Definately a worthwhile investment.
I was making proper coffee yesterday morning in my cafetierre- I love proper coffee when I can relax at weekends. I reckon I should have warmed up the glass first though cos I put the coffee and boiling water in, went to stir it and - yikes!! A piece of the glass just kind of exploded and coffee grounds and boiling water shot everywhere. That's something I can add to the Christmas list!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Run Round Rearsby
This afternoon I ran a cross country trail route I haven't done since the summer. It's about 5 1/2 to 6 miles, and is a kind of loop around Rearsby, next village down from me.
To get to Rearsby, there is a three fields long footpath, typically enough I was just having a stretch in the gateway when I heard the noise of massive machinery coming my way and a humungous tractor started to head towards me so I picked up my dignity and ran off.
This is one of the main streets in Rearsby- I run past this gorgeous old house on the right, it has a date on it, can't remember exactly but it is in the 1600's- and I would absolutely LOVE to live here...
The route then heads off through more fields, through a farmyard and to the village of Thrussington. A bit of road running up hill (I overtook two cyclists here in summer, but they were going incredibly slowly) before a run by Rearsby Mill and along a track over the level crossing back into Rearsby, and back across the three fields.
And no leg pain at all!! Good oh. By the way, here's a tip, courtesy of my bro-in-law, for all those who, like me, suffer the inevitable snotty nose when out in the fresh air... simply hold a finger over the unnafected nostril (or take in turns) and blow short and hard through the offending nostril. Couple of pointers though;
To get to Rearsby, there is a three fields long footpath, typically enough I was just having a stretch in the gateway when I heard the noise of massive machinery coming my way and a humungous tractor started to head towards me so I picked up my dignity and ran off.
This is one of the main streets in Rearsby- I run past this gorgeous old house on the right, it has a date on it, can't remember exactly but it is in the 1600's- and I would absolutely LOVE to live here...
The route then heads off through more fields, through a farmyard and to the village of Thrussington. A bit of road running up hill (I overtook two cyclists here in summer, but they were going incredibly slowly) before a run by Rearsby Mill and along a track over the level crossing back into Rearsby, and back across the three fields.And no leg pain at all!! Good oh. By the way, here's a tip, courtesy of my bro-in-law, for all those who, like me, suffer the inevitable snotty nose when out in the fresh air... simply hold a finger over the unnafected nostril (or take in turns) and blow short and hard through the offending nostril. Couple of pointers though;
- Make sure you are aiming away from body, clothing, companions
- It may be better to use this technique when you are alone...
Friday, November 10, 2006
Good Signs!
Went to the gym as planned last night, and made sure I streeetched before warming up on the elliptical trainer for 20 mins. Then I streeetched again before doing my half hour running on the treadmill. And....... no knee pain whatsoever! I carried on with the rest of the work out, weights, stepper, bike, and back on the treadmill for walking using the incline and....... still no pain!
So good sign! I reckon it was stupid to go and do 8 1/2 miles after a break and then go to the gym the next day, I will make my next run 6 miles and build up gently.
Oh yeah, I have an event coming up for Saturday 18th, it's the Seagrave Wolds Challenge. As it's only 15 miles I am considering run/ walking it as
So good sign! I reckon it was stupid to go and do 8 1/2 miles after a break and then go to the gym the next day, I will make my next run 6 miles and build up gently.
Oh yeah, I have an event coming up for Saturday 18th, it's the Seagrave Wolds Challenge. As it's only 15 miles I am considering run/ walking it as
- It's not so much of a challenge walk for me as I know I can walk 26 miles in a day
- My cousin is coming to stay that weekend so I wouldn't be out of the house for so long.
It's the second year this has been held but for some reason I missed it last year, don't know why as it's only a short drive away from me. Just thought though, it's pretty darned hilly round Seagrave...
I'm off to a mate's now for some serious cartoon dvd watching/ wine drinking and munchie eating...pretty strenuous stuff....don't know how I'm going to cope!!
By the way... all you blokes who go to the gym... yes, we do see you sneaking crafty admiring glances in the mirrors at your muscles while you lift those weights!!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Knackered!!
That's how I feel. Wiped out, cream crackered etc etc etc. Been so busy at work this week, and I have to say, getting up at 6am five mornings a week really,really sucks! There is NO WAY I could ever get up and run/ swim before work. It doesn't help matters that I live above the village shops(the word village is a bit of a misnomer- the whole place was built in the 60's and is actually lore like an estate) and near the one and only village pub.
So we get loud, drunk people yelling outside till after midnight, and at weekends when the newsagent opens at 6 we get car engines left running or "Slam! Bang! YOU ALRIGHT, CHARLIE?" "YES TA, ARE YOU? WHAT YOU BEEN UP TO" etc etc.
Plus the chap living above the chippy opposite is obviously very fond of his music and television, likes to stay up until the early hours of the morning and is obviousy hearing impaired... I don't have double glazing either.
Ok enough of the moaning! Tonight, soon, I'm going to go to the gym and streeeettcch and see how the leg holds up.
I am really going to have to start structuring my training sessions I suppose... but when I read stuff like 'work at below lactate threshold', using 'drills', 'sets' etc it all goes over my head... but I'm going to have to get to grips with this stuff if I am going to be a triathlete.
I don't currently use any sports drinks/ gels/ bars etc usually just water and bananas, so going to have to experiment... can we get Gatorade in the UK? Oh yeah!!
So we get loud, drunk people yelling outside till after midnight, and at weekends when the newsagent opens at 6 we get car engines left running or "Slam! Bang! YOU ALRIGHT, CHARLIE?" "YES TA, ARE YOU? WHAT YOU BEEN UP TO" etc etc.
Plus the chap living above the chippy opposite is obviously very fond of his music and television, likes to stay up until the early hours of the morning and is obviousy hearing impaired... I don't have double glazing either.
Ok enough of the moaning! Tonight, soon, I'm going to go to the gym and streeeettcch and see how the leg holds up.
I am really going to have to start structuring my training sessions I suppose... but when I read stuff like 'work at below lactate threshold', using 'drills', 'sets' etc it all goes over my head... but I'm going to have to get to grips with this stuff if I am going to be a triathlete.
I don't currently use any sports drinks/ gels/ bars etc usually just water and bananas, so going to have to experiment... can we get Gatorade in the UK? Oh yeah!!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
In The Swim!
Well, I went swimming after work- first time in the water for at least a year! Mum joined me later, I managed to do about 70 lengths in the 1 1/2 hours, which hopefully bodes well for my endurance for future triathlons!
My strokes need work... kind of a front crawl/ doggy paddle cross. I noticed that a lot of triathletes invest in swimming lessons, which may be an idea as I last had a proper lesson when I was, erm, 11?
But I have a secret weapon... Little sis has swum competitively for years, and even has a teaching qualification, sooo... when she comes back from Uni at Christmas I will enlist her help. Thinking about it, she's studying Sports & Sciences so it will be good practice for her! She owes me a few.
I had a bad moment- I found a loose thread and pulled it mid swim, and realised to my horror that the seam from my shoulder was unraveling and I was in serious danger of flashing private parts of my anatomy! Think I need a new costume, damn..
My strokes need work... kind of a front crawl/ doggy paddle cross. I noticed that a lot of triathletes invest in swimming lessons, which may be an idea as I last had a proper lesson when I was, erm, 11?
But I have a secret weapon... Little sis has swum competitively for years, and even has a teaching qualification, sooo... when she comes back from Uni at Christmas I will enlist her help. Thinking about it, she's studying Sports & Sciences so it will be good practice for her! She owes me a few.
I had a bad moment- I found a loose thread and pulled it mid swim, and realised to my horror that the seam from my shoulder was unraveling and I was in serious danger of flashing private parts of my anatomy! Think I need a new costume, damn..
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
My Baby!!!
Challenge Walking...
Pic 1; Southwell Race Course Pic 2; The River Trent when we left it...As part of my training ‘regime’ (and I use that word very loosely!) I love organised challenge walks… basically these are events organised by groups of people, usually for charity. You are given a route description and are required to check in at a number of check points along the way, where you are also hopefully fed and watered, plus given a meal at the finish along with a certificate showing your time.
They usually seem to be 26 miles, I guess this is because it’s the marathon distance, some mad fools do run them. I love doing these there’s a great atmosphere and you usually end up chatting to somebody.
The Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) have a website plus members get a copy of their mag ‘Strider’ three times a year, all events are listed here. At the moment I think it costs about £15 per year to join, which isn‘t bad as there are often event discounts for members.
Anyway, I’ll describe the latest one I did, on 21st October; The Dave Lewis Memorial Challenge…
The route description said that this was ‘26 miles approximately’ so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I got up at 6.30, forced some Shreddies down (carbs) and drove to the small village of Kelham, near Newark. We had been directed to park at Kelham Hall, a restored Victorian building, where there were toilets (thank God!!)
The walk actually started from the ‘Kelham Fox’ public house, or to be more precise, in the car park. The organisers had thoughtfully put out maps, but for some reason had decided to not mark the route on them, so they weren’t much actually much use. I saw Simon, who I’d finished the Ponton Plod with a couple of weeks ago; he was talking to a girl who was panicking about her ability to finish (and who took off like a rocket after we started, never to be seen by us again!!)
As we were waiting for the off (26 milers on one side, sensible 10 milers to the other) I couldn’t help notice that the (skinny, fit looking) girl standing next to me had a- gasp!- Marathon des Sables badge on her rucksack! I would have hero- worshipped her but never got the chance as she left me for dust!
We were given words of encouragement by David Lewis’s widow; he was apparently a keen runner who had tragically drowned, so the walk was set up in his memory, monies raised going towards the Air Ambulance.
Once we had set off, Simon informed me that when he did the walk last year the rest of the field raced ahead and he couldn’t keep up with them; as he does a challenge walk every weekend (!) they must have been pretty fast. He came in last in 9 hours, which demoralised him. Well, the same folk must have been doing it this year as we were rapidly eating their dust, except for two blokes behind us. I walked the whole day with Simon, and found out that he has not only undertaken a LDWA 100 (100 mile walkies in 48 hours! One day maybe…) but he has walked the Coast to Coast- on his own! I was kind of quizzing him for tips, definitely gonna do the C2C one day...
We got to the first checkpoint fairly quickly, then there was a fairly long stretch along the River Trent to the second checkpoint at Friskerton. Each checkpoint had biscuits and home made cakes on offer, but alas no coffee and sandwich stops. After the third checkpoint we left the river and made our way through fields, it was a flat route and quite muddy, reminded me of the Belvoir Challenge!
At one point we walked past Southwell Race Course and could actually see Lincoln in the distance. Sometime in the afternoon I started to develop a headache, which unfortunately seemed to get gradually worse, and like a fool I’d forgotten my painkillers. Uh-oh, not good!
I carried on quite strongly though, but the last few miles felt endless. I just kind of concentrated on keeping going, and don’t think I dropped my pace too much. I thought it may be caffeine withdrawal- I’d not had a coffee since I left home! At last we dropped onto the road leading back to Kelham and the Fox, there were medals instead of certificates for this event but think our time was 8 hours 50 mins- Simon said it beat his last year’s time by 10 minutes so I couldn’t have been too slow!
I dragged him into the Fox for a quick caffeine boost, but it wasn’t doing much good- by the time I got in the car to drive home I was feeling so rough, in fact it just got worse and worse and several times I didn’t think I was going to make it home, I even had pins and needles in my hands and arms. I was forced to stop in a lay-by twice to throw up, by this time the rain threatened for earlier had well and truly hit with a vengeance so I ended up soaked and shivering.
Home never felt so good- funnily enough it started to go, whatever it was, and after a bath I felt relatively ok, just tired… a mystery! What was that about then? Well, it could have been due to the fact that I ate biscuits and cake all day and nothing else, there wasn’t a meal at the finish… so think I’ll take stuff with me in future just in case, like a banana or Power Bar. There again… could’ve just been a bug?!
Hmm... why can't I make the pics go where I want them... they are supposed to be at the bottom! Ah, never mind.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Injury!!!
Aak, I think I have an injury already!! A few weeks ago I noticed a kind of pain at the back of my left knee when I ran longer than 6 miles, then I had a week without running, went back out Saturday to do 8 ½ miles and it was quite painful!
(Maybe it was a mistake trying to run that far after a break).
I went to the gym yesterday and it was hurting just using the treadmill. This is bad… I don’t have the time for an injury!! Little sis thinks it may be a tendon and advised me to stretch fully before exercise (I’m not very good at doing this…)
I think I’ll go swimming Wednesday instead of running… be a good start to triathlon training anyway! I’m trying to get my head round some of these terms… when folk talk about swimming/ cycling/ running ‘bricks’ I guess that means doing at least 2 of the disciplines back to back? Worries me though when they talk of ‘bonking’ mid race… in the UK it means something quite rude!! Is it being sick or just kind of hitting the wall? (brick wall??)
So- plan for this week is to go swimming and try a short run and seek expert advice if the leg pain persists. Also will post an account of the last long walk I did and see if I can get linking to work. Ooh, I might also manage a couple of pics!
And my scales told me I was 9 stone 11lbs this morning which is great- probably lost muscle mass though as I’d not been near the gym for nearly a fortnight. Total loss since 1st Jan 2005= 3 stones 2lbs. I should add though that I am a short a**e- only just over 5 foot.
(Maybe it was a mistake trying to run that far after a break).
I went to the gym yesterday and it was hurting just using the treadmill. This is bad… I don’t have the time for an injury!! Little sis thinks it may be a tendon and advised me to stretch fully before exercise (I’m not very good at doing this…)
I think I’ll go swimming Wednesday instead of running… be a good start to triathlon training anyway! I’m trying to get my head round some of these terms… when folk talk about swimming/ cycling/ running ‘bricks’ I guess that means doing at least 2 of the disciplines back to back? Worries me though when they talk of ‘bonking’ mid race… in the UK it means something quite rude!! Is it being sick or just kind of hitting the wall? (brick wall??)
So- plan for this week is to go swimming and try a short run and seek expert advice if the leg pain persists. Also will post an account of the last long walk I did and see if I can get linking to work. Ooh, I might also manage a couple of pics!
And my scales told me I was 9 stone 11lbs this morning which is great- probably lost muscle mass though as I’d not been near the gym for nearly a fortnight. Total loss since 1st Jan 2005= 3 stones 2lbs. I should add though that I am a short a**e- only just over 5 foot.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
First Post!!
Well, this is it! I finally decided to start a blog like everybody else on the planet! I thought it may motivate me/ hold me accountable and stop me slacking...
Ok, here's my current workout level;
Each week I usually go to the gym twice, and do 30 minutes running on the treadmill, gradually building up speed from 4.5mph to 7.5mph, 20 minutes on the ellipticals ( I LOVE these- unfortunately so does everybody else, and there are only two at the gym), 20 minutes on the stepper, 10 minutes on the bike, 5 minutes on the rower, a round of various weight machines and often walking on incline on the treadmill.
In addition I try to run twice weekly- one distance of 6 miles and one longer run- usually about 7- 8 1/2 miles.
I do also undertake 'Challenge' walks every two months or so- organised walks of 26 miles in one day.
It has occured to me that if I am going to become a triathlete, I had actually better start swimming and running too... although my bike tyres are down to bare canvas and I am absolutely skint...
Ok, here's my current workout level;
Each week I usually go to the gym twice, and do 30 minutes running on the treadmill, gradually building up speed from 4.5mph to 7.5mph, 20 minutes on the ellipticals ( I LOVE these- unfortunately so does everybody else, and there are only two at the gym), 20 minutes on the stepper, 10 minutes on the bike, 5 minutes on the rower, a round of various weight machines and often walking on incline on the treadmill.
In addition I try to run twice weekly- one distance of 6 miles and one longer run- usually about 7- 8 1/2 miles.
I do also undertake 'Challenge' walks every two months or so- organised walks of 26 miles in one day.
It has occured to me that if I am going to become a triathlete, I had actually better start swimming and running too... although my bike tyres are down to bare canvas and I am absolutely skint...
