Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Not Another Chesty Cough!
Once again, I have yet another chesty cough- I am plagued by them! This is the third one since Christmas!! Had Monday off work, and haven't done an awful lot (apart from help a friend rip up her carpets, which, on reflection, probably didn't exactly help my chest).
I have also been amazingly bad at logging my exercise totals for the week! I have last weeks though...
Running;
10 miles, slowish
Walking;
26 miles, good pace
4 1/2 miles
Other;
1 hour on home cross trainer
Swimming;
Erm, ah, umm... none
No gym this week due to feeling ill Thursday.
I feel I ought to do something today but it may be a bad idea to run as I still feel quite chesty and am still coughing up stuff (lovely!!) Maybe I will use my cross trainer whilst I watch the new series of The Apprentice- that program is addictive, I love Alan Sugar!
Oooh, yeh- I have been offered a permanent job in the team I am working in now, which is excellent as it gives me much greater security!!
I have also been amazingly bad at logging my exercise totals for the week! I have last weeks though...
Running;
10 miles, slowish
Walking;
26 miles, good pace
4 1/2 miles
Other;
1 hour on home cross trainer
Swimming;
Erm, ah, umm... none
No gym this week due to feeling ill Thursday.
I feel I ought to do something today but it may be a bad idea to run as I still feel quite chesty and am still coughing up stuff (lovely!!) Maybe I will use my cross trainer whilst I watch the new series of The Apprentice- that program is addictive, I love Alan Sugar!
Oooh, yeh- I have been offered a permanent job in the team I am working in now, which is excellent as it gives me much greater security!!
Labels: 10k running, Challenge walks, Charnwood Marathon, gym
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Charnwood Marathon; Event Report
Well, yesterday was the Charnwood Marathon; a 26 mile walk from Quorn. Despite feeling so poorly earlier on in the week, I particularly wanted to do this one as it’s so local for me- only a 15 minute drive.
Luckily I didn’t feel too bad yesterday morning, and had a bowl of porridge in bed (a girl’s gotta have some luxuries!!) before getting to the venue for 7:30. Us walkers had an 8am start and the runners were off at 9am.
Bang on 8am we were sent on our way by the town crier in full regalia. We were quite lucky; the weather reports had said rain, but although it was dark and misty, we never had more than slight drizzle.
Looking towards Broombriggs Hill
We set off down farm tracks to the village of Woodhouse Eaves, before the first climb of the day; Broombriggs Hill, where the self clip check point was sighted. (We each had a tally card, and had it punched at each check point. At the self clip points, there is a clipper for us to punch our own cards to show we haven’t cheated!) It was high enough to be misty at the top. I was feeling really demoralised at this point as everybody seemed to be passing me and my legs were already starting to ache!
A second climb to the top of Beacon Hill (so called as it was one of the sites of the series of bonfires let across England to signal the approach of the Spanish Armada) brought us to the trig point on the top, which I touched for luck. Our first proper check point, and cake, was nearby and, as I was overtaken by yet more people, figured my cold must be really slowing me down!
Blackbrook Reservoir
Luckily I didn’t feel too bad yesterday morning, and had a bowl of porridge in bed (a girl’s gotta have some luxuries!!) before getting to the venue for 7:30. Us walkers had an 8am start and the runners were off at 9am.
Bang on 8am we were sent on our way by the town crier in full regalia. We were quite lucky; the weather reports had said rain, but although it was dark and misty, we never had more than slight drizzle.
Looking towards Broombriggs HillWe set off down farm tracks to the village of Woodhouse Eaves, before the first climb of the day; Broombriggs Hill, where the self clip check point was sighted. (We each had a tally card, and had it punched at each check point. At the self clip points, there is a clipper for us to punch our own cards to show we haven’t cheated!) It was high enough to be misty at the top. I was feeling really demoralised at this point as everybody seemed to be passing me and my legs were already starting to ache!
A second climb to the top of Beacon Hill (so called as it was one of the sites of the series of bonfires let across England to signal the approach of the Spanish Armada) brought us to the trig point on the top, which I touched for luck. Our first proper check point, and cake, was nearby and, as I was overtaken by yet more people, figured my cold must be really slowing me down!
Blackbrook ReservoirWe walked close enough to the M1 motorway to clearly see the cars and lorries frantically racing along, and the first of the runners came by. Our route went under the M1 and up another hill to Lubcloud farm. After a bit of a road walk, we crossed over the reservoir and climbed to Mount St Bernards Abbey and a drink stop… and more cake!
Mount St Bernards Abbey
We kept climbing; up and over the Charnwood hills, and yet more walkers overtook me. I was convinced I was going to be last and was slowing up, so tried to push my aching legs into some kind of action! The biggest climb of the day brought us to the half way stage; Bardon Hill. This is the official highest point in Leicestershire, but unfortunately it has been extensively quarried, so the view from the top mainly looks out over the quarry and an industrial estate, which is a crying shame. The nice kind(?) organisers had put a self clip point right at the trig point at the summit!
Bardon Hill; walkers can be seen at the self clip point on the summit
After this, it was more or less downhill to the next proper check point at the village of Copt Oak. There were chairs (bliss) cheese rolls (double bliss) and… coffee… (double, double bliss!) There were a few bods around so I decided to rest up for a few minutes. I had no idea of the time as I don’t tend to wear a watch on these walks, but decided I’d rather not know!!
I reluctantly left the checkpoint as it was freezing; really icy wind, I had to stop and pull my gloves on. Unfortunately, although they are warm, they are quite bulky so I had the dexterity of an arthritic gorilla. We had a bit of road walking and the last of the runners went by. As we neared Newtown Linford, I actually started to gain on a couple of guys.
The last big climb was to the highest point of Bradgate Park; The Old John tower before dropping down to the checkpoint at the other side of the park. Now, it is possible to walk through on a flat, tarmac road… except for the fact that- yep- there was a self clip on the Old John so cheating was not really an option!
I had another welcome coffee at the last checkpoint, at 21 miles. There were still other people around, and I was cheered to hear that, not only were there still around 32 people to come through, 2 had only just left Copt Oak. I wasn’t going to be last!!
It was quite drizzly now, and my feet were starting to rub blisters, but we were on the last stretch. I actually overtook somebody, and then the two lads I’d been following. The last stretch, a path along the river, always seems endless when you’re tired and aching, but I finally reach Quorn and walked back through the village to the starting point at the Village Hall.
And had quite a shock!! It wasn’t quite 4pm… which meant I’d actually done the 26 miles in 7 hours 56 minutes, which is quite fast for me!! So, all the time I thought I was slowing up, I wasn’t! I reckon this event attracts a fast field. Nice surprise though!
After some lovely zingy red pepper and Chile soup, with hot cross bun to follow (well, it is nearly Easter!) I went home to soak my blisters. I have got to get me some comfy shoes!!
All in all, good walk, quite hilly, I reckon we visited all the climbs in Leicestershire! I am aching a fair bit today. Also got a cough, which I am hoping amounts to nothing. Feeling tired too- could really do with a day off work tomorrow!
Mount St Bernards AbbeyWe kept climbing; up and over the Charnwood hills, and yet more walkers overtook me. I was convinced I was going to be last and was slowing up, so tried to push my aching legs into some kind of action! The biggest climb of the day brought us to the half way stage; Bardon Hill. This is the official highest point in Leicestershire, but unfortunately it has been extensively quarried, so the view from the top mainly looks out over the quarry and an industrial estate, which is a crying shame. The nice kind(?) organisers had put a self clip point right at the trig point at the summit!
Bardon Hill; walkers can be seen at the self clip point on the summitAfter this, it was more or less downhill to the next proper check point at the village of Copt Oak. There were chairs (bliss) cheese rolls (double bliss) and… coffee… (double, double bliss!) There were a few bods around so I decided to rest up for a few minutes. I had no idea of the time as I don’t tend to wear a watch on these walks, but decided I’d rather not know!!
I reluctantly left the checkpoint as it was freezing; really icy wind, I had to stop and pull my gloves on. Unfortunately, although they are warm, they are quite bulky so I had the dexterity of an arthritic gorilla. We had a bit of road walking and the last of the runners went by. As we neared Newtown Linford, I actually started to gain on a couple of guys.
The last big climb was to the highest point of Bradgate Park; The Old John tower before dropping down to the checkpoint at the other side of the park. Now, it is possible to walk through on a flat, tarmac road… except for the fact that- yep- there was a self clip on the Old John so cheating was not really an option!
I had another welcome coffee at the last checkpoint, at 21 miles. There were still other people around, and I was cheered to hear that, not only were there still around 32 people to come through, 2 had only just left Copt Oak. I wasn’t going to be last!!
It was quite drizzly now, and my feet were starting to rub blisters, but we were on the last stretch. I actually overtook somebody, and then the two lads I’d been following. The last stretch, a path along the river, always seems endless when you’re tired and aching, but I finally reach Quorn and walked back through the village to the starting point at the Village Hall.
And had quite a shock!! It wasn’t quite 4pm… which meant I’d actually done the 26 miles in 7 hours 56 minutes, which is quite fast for me!! So, all the time I thought I was slowing up, I wasn’t! I reckon this event attracts a fast field. Nice surprise though!
After some lovely zingy red pepper and Chile soup, with hot cross bun to follow (well, it is nearly Easter!) I went home to soak my blisters. I have got to get me some comfy shoes!!
All in all, good walk, quite hilly, I reckon we visited all the climbs in Leicestershire! I am aching a fair bit today. Also got a cough, which I am hoping amounts to nothing. Feeling tired too- could really do with a day off work tomorrow!
Labels: Challenge walks, Charnwood Marathon, Quorn
Friday, March 23, 2007
Long Time No Post!
It's been a while since my last post! What with internet connection problems and sickness...
Touch wood, my connection seems to be fine now, but as for the sickness... I went out for a slow 10 mile run Wednesday night and felt fine, (rat gone thank goodness!) woke up Thursday morning with a slight sore throat, and by the end of the day, had such a bad head that driving home I really thought I was going to throw up!
I didn't, but did end up spending the evening in bed; I slept til 9:30pm and then went back to bed- so much for my original plans of going to the gym!
Feel a bit odd today, tired and slightly spaced out, I seem to have a bit of a cough too... trouble is, I have a 27 mile walk tomorrow, The Charnwood Marathon, and it's one I'd particularly like to do, as it's very local for me... my mum thinks I'm doing too much as it is!
I have come to the inevitable conclusion that, in between trying to get fit(ter), socialising, keeping on top of the day to day running of the household, leisure time (what's that??) plus the additional training I will need for longer, endurance events... I don't actually have the time to go to work!!
News flash; I have the results for the Rushcliffe 10k- and my official time is actually 59 minutes and 18 seconds- wohoo!!!
Touch wood, my connection seems to be fine now, but as for the sickness... I went out for a slow 10 mile run Wednesday night and felt fine, (rat gone thank goodness!) woke up Thursday morning with a slight sore throat, and by the end of the day, had such a bad head that driving home I really thought I was going to throw up!
I didn't, but did end up spending the evening in bed; I slept til 9:30pm and then went back to bed- so much for my original plans of going to the gym!
Feel a bit odd today, tired and slightly spaced out, I seem to have a bit of a cough too... trouble is, I have a 27 mile walk tomorrow, The Charnwood Marathon, and it's one I'd particularly like to do, as it's very local for me... my mum thinks I'm doing too much as it is!
I have come to the inevitable conclusion that, in between trying to get fit(ter), socialising, keeping on top of the day to day running of the household, leisure time (what's that??) plus the additional training I will need for longer, endurance events... I don't actually have the time to go to work!!
News flash; I have the results for the Rushcliffe 10k- and my official time is actually 59 minutes and 18 seconds- wohoo!!!
Labels: 10k running, Challenge walks
Monday, March 19, 2007
Dead Rats and Horse ****!!
I've not been able to log on for a few days, it's been so frustrating!! I've rang the helpline about half a dozen times, installed and reinstalled AOL and I think I've finally found the problem... you see, I use my computer in the lounge, and my phone line is in the hall. So I have a long extension lead for the phone line. I've just moved the computer nearer the phone, used the original lead supplied with the modem and.... presto hey! I'm connected! Only thing is, I can't leave the computer here as I want to be able to get in and out of my lounge...
Went for an 8 1/2 mile run Friday night, it's amazing what you nearly find yourself stepping in... from a pile of mature horse manure to a very large, very dead rat stretched across the pavement... almost didn't see it... eurgh! Hope it's gone tomorrow- I'm not squeamish but- somethings we can just do without seeing!
Went for an 8 1/2 mile run Friday night, it's amazing what you nearly find yourself stepping in... from a pile of mature horse manure to a very large, very dead rat stretched across the pavement... almost didn't see it... eurgh! Hope it's gone tomorrow- I'm not squeamish but- somethings we can just do without seeing!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Just Chilling...
After my efforts at the weekend, I have just been kind of chilling... and, as it's one week before THAT time of the month (the Curse of all Womenkind) pigging out on too much chocolate. Why do people have to bring teacakes and McVities digestives into work??
I used my little home cross trainer for about 30 minutes last night, and walked to mum's- about 30 minutes there and back. I will go to the gym tonight, and start to build up again.
I have the Belvoir Half Marathon Easter Sunday, so really need to keep up with the long runs. Hey, if I run that, I can come home and have an Easter Egg...
There is something I'm putting off big time. And it's something that's kind of essential if I am going to achieve my dream of becoming a triathlete... I have to get back into the water and get to grips with front crawl!! I have to just put up with gulping lung fulls of chlorinated water and know that I will get the hang of it and it will become second nature. So- note to self- get back into the water!!!
I used my little home cross trainer for about 30 minutes last night, and walked to mum's- about 30 minutes there and back. I will go to the gym tonight, and start to build up again.
I have the Belvoir Half Marathon Easter Sunday, so really need to keep up with the long runs. Hey, if I run that, I can come home and have an Easter Egg...
There is something I'm putting off big time. And it's something that's kind of essential if I am going to achieve my dream of becoming a triathlete... I have to get back into the water and get to grips with front crawl!! I have to just put up with gulping lung fulls of chlorinated water and know that I will get the hang of it and it will become second nature. So- note to self- get back into the water!!!
Labels: gym, half marathon
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Race Reports; Grindleford Gallop and Rushcliffe 10K
Wew, what a weekend!! Grindleford Gallop yesterday, Rushcliffe 10K today!
I drove to the small Peak district village of Grindleford for an 8:15am start. It was a rolling start, with walkers starting from 7:30 to 9:30 and a mass 10am start for runners. I had done this one in 2004, after the disastrous Belvoir Challenge drop out, and managed to complete it in a morale boosting 7 hours 40 mins.
I set off through the woods to the village of Froggatt, before a steep climb with views over the valley and the descent to Eyam.
The Checkpoint
We had a steep, muddy climb up through a golf course out of Bakewell, good fun as there was a metal tube and hammer to strike it with to warn golfers of walkers' prescence, so I gave it a good whack, I swear my ears are still ringing!
Shortly after we dropped down through the village of Edensor and through the lovely Chatsworth estate, passing right in front of the impressive Chatsworth House.
Chatsworth House
The route passed through the park before reaching Baslow and the last checkpoint, where I had another cuppa and a rather stodgy lump of fudge. There was still a surprising number of runners coming through.
The last steep climb of the day took us up and along the spectacular Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt edges- literally long ridges where the earth drops away, topped with oddly weathered Grit stone boulder. My legs were aching by now, and my feet were hurting- must find some shoes which don't rub blisters- but I was still overtaking people every so often.
Baslow Edge
Finally we descended a wood back to Grindleford, and I was quite shocked to discover I'd completed in 6 hours 40 minutes, much better than I expected!
Luckily I didn't ache too much, a hot bath helped! Plus chocolate of course... chocolate definately aids recovery...
So I drove to Ruddington Country Park near Nottingham for the Rushcliffe 10K this morning. I did this last year, and managed a then PB of 1 hour 1 minute 11 seconds, but just thought I'd do well to get round today. The event seemed much more popular this year, and as I lined up at the start with everybody else looking rested and fit, I was conscious of my aching legs and blisters feet!
The odd thing was, once we started, my aches seemed to disappear, and I found myself overtaking people. The route is two laps of the park, and by the time we got to the 5K point and water station, I felt tired but not too bad. I gratefully accepted a cup of Gatorade from a young lad and just kept overtaking people. I kept expecting to suddently run out of steam, but it didn't happen. It was amazing! I overtook one chap who was walking, only for him to run past me. A few minutes later, he slowed to a walk and I overtook him again, only for him to run past again a few minutes after that. He repeated this for a while, until I wanted to suggest he just tries a slow jog he can maintain; but he finally went past about 8K and I didn't see him after that. I still managed to overtake folk, and when I reached 9K I tried to put a bit of a spurt on, but everything was starting to hurt at this point!
Finally, I turned for the finish, and passed a marshall who said "Come on, sprint finish!" All right for him, I thought, but did grit my teeth and lurch forward to the finish. I saw the clock and was in a state of shock.... I PB'd!!!!! 59 minutes and 29 seconds!!!!!!!! Subbed an hour and PB'd- after a 21 mile walk the day before! (scuse me while I have a little smug moment!)
So, well happy this weekend! (although I managed to text my mate and tell her I did the run in 59 hours and 29 minutes, which definately wouldn't have been too impressive...) So- I'm feeling like an endurance athlete today! And am off for a lovely hot bath, with chocolate of course...
I drove to the small Peak district village of Grindleford for an 8:15am start. It was a rolling start, with walkers starting from 7:30 to 9:30 and a mass 10am start for runners. I had done this one in 2004, after the disastrous Belvoir Challenge drop out, and managed to complete it in a morale boosting 7 hours 40 mins.
I set off through the woods to the village of Froggatt, before a steep climb with views over the valley and the descent to Eyam.
Froggatt
The village of Eyam is famous for a rather grim reason; in 1666 the plague came to England, and when it reached Eyam, the villagers made the brave decision to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of the disease. One lady, Mrs Riley, lost her husband and her six children to the plague, and buried them all, one by one, in a little graveyard on the hill. Out route took us right past this spot, known as the 'Riley Graves'. In fact, a lot of the cottages in the village bear plaques as a testament to the villagers who lost their lives there.
The Approach To Eyam
After a long pull over the bleak Longstone Moor, we joined the Monsal Trail, a disused railway line, and reached the checkpoint. At this point, the runners were passing us and I felt quite strong. There was a disappointing shortage of cakes, but I did get a cup of tea!
The CheckpointWe had a steep, muddy climb up through a golf course out of Bakewell, good fun as there was a metal tube and hammer to strike it with to warn golfers of walkers' prescence, so I gave it a good whack, I swear my ears are still ringing!
Shortly after we dropped down through the village of Edensor and through the lovely Chatsworth estate, passing right in front of the impressive Chatsworth House.
Chatsworth HouseThe route passed through the park before reaching Baslow and the last checkpoint, where I had another cuppa and a rather stodgy lump of fudge. There was still a surprising number of runners coming through.
The last steep climb of the day took us up and along the spectacular Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt edges- literally long ridges where the earth drops away, topped with oddly weathered Grit stone boulder. My legs were aching by now, and my feet were hurting- must find some shoes which don't rub blisters- but I was still overtaking people every so often.
Baslow EdgeFinally we descended a wood back to Grindleford, and I was quite shocked to discover I'd completed in 6 hours 40 minutes, much better than I expected!
Luckily I didn't ache too much, a hot bath helped! Plus chocolate of course... chocolate definately aids recovery...
So I drove to Ruddington Country Park near Nottingham for the Rushcliffe 10K this morning. I did this last year, and managed a then PB of 1 hour 1 minute 11 seconds, but just thought I'd do well to get round today. The event seemed much more popular this year, and as I lined up at the start with everybody else looking rested and fit, I was conscious of my aching legs and blisters feet!
The odd thing was, once we started, my aches seemed to disappear, and I found myself overtaking people. The route is two laps of the park, and by the time we got to the 5K point and water station, I felt tired but not too bad. I gratefully accepted a cup of Gatorade from a young lad and just kept overtaking people. I kept expecting to suddently run out of steam, but it didn't happen. It was amazing! I overtook one chap who was walking, only for him to run past me. A few minutes later, he slowed to a walk and I overtook him again, only for him to run past again a few minutes after that. He repeated this for a while, until I wanted to suggest he just tries a slow jog he can maintain; but he finally went past about 8K and I didn't see him after that. I still managed to overtake folk, and when I reached 9K I tried to put a bit of a spurt on, but everything was starting to hurt at this point!
Finally, I turned for the finish, and passed a marshall who said "Come on, sprint finish!" All right for him, I thought, but did grit my teeth and lurch forward to the finish. I saw the clock and was in a state of shock.... I PB'd!!!!! 59 minutes and 29 seconds!!!!!!!! Subbed an hour and PB'd- after a 21 mile walk the day before! (scuse me while I have a little smug moment!)
So, well happy this weekend! (although I managed to text my mate and tell her I did the run in 59 hours and 29 minutes, which definately wouldn't have been too impressive...) So- I'm feeling like an endurance athlete today! And am off for a lovely hot bath, with chocolate of course...
Labels: 10k, Challenge walks, Grindleford Gallop, running
Friday, March 09, 2007
People Think I'm Mad
...mad for entering the 2009 MdS!! Actually, I've been reading the blogs of some of the foolhardy folk who have put themselves through it, and notice that one of the essential items the organisers state has to be carried with you is a venom pump... for scorpion stings... ooer don't fancy coming face to face with one of those bu**ers!!!
I have a double whammy this weekend... the 21 mile Grindleford Gallop tomorrow, and the Rushcliffe 10K Sunday. No, I didn't actually plan that, just got carried away when booking events... I will try to complete them both but will have a good excuse for not getting a PB for the 10K!
I haven't done an awful lot this week, went to the gym yesterday but didn't go mad.
The provisional results for the Norton 9 are here! My time - 1 hour 29 minutes and 35 seconds- I'm well pleased with that!
I have a double whammy this weekend... the 21 mile Grindleford Gallop tomorrow, and the Rushcliffe 10K Sunday. No, I didn't actually plan that, just got carried away when booking events... I will try to complete them both but will have a good excuse for not getting a PB for the 10K!
I haven't done an awful lot this week, went to the gym yesterday but didn't go mad.
The provisional results for the Norton 9 are here! My time - 1 hour 29 minutes and 35 seconds- I'm well pleased with that!
Labels: 10k, Challenge walks, Marathon des Sables
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Oh My Goooooooood!!!!!!!
Oh my God! I have really gone and done it this time... I have only gone and got a place in the 2009 Marathon des Sables!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep- really!! Registration opened at 10am on Monday 5th March and I took the day off work to be ready- as I figured that places would go pretty quickly. It's an international event, and the UK only has 200 odd places available per year and there seem to be plenty of foolhardy souls wanting to sign up for this torture! They accept 100 onto a waiting list after all places are gone, but of course there is no guarantee of a place.
So I registered bang on 10am, gave my details and everything seemed to run smoothly. And I have just logged on to find an email confirming my registration!! I'm in a sense of shock as it's now real...
Incidentally, I logged back in just 2 hours later on Monday just out of curiosity and places were already sold out, even the waiting list!
I have two years to prepare... and am already feeling very scared...
Yep- really!! Registration opened at 10am on Monday 5th March and I took the day off work to be ready- as I figured that places would go pretty quickly. It's an international event, and the UK only has 200 odd places available per year and there seem to be plenty of foolhardy souls wanting to sign up for this torture! They accept 100 onto a waiting list after all places are gone, but of course there is no guarantee of a place.
So I registered bang on 10am, gave my details and everything seemed to run smoothly. And I have just logged on to find an email confirming my registration!! I'm in a sense of shock as it's now real...
Incidentally, I logged back in just 2 hours later on Monday just out of curiosity and places were already sold out, even the waiting list!
I have two years to prepare... and am already feeling very scared...
Labels: Marathon des Sables
Monday, March 05, 2007
Race Report; The Norton 9
This was quite a long drive away from me, but luckily didn't start til 11 am so didn't need too early a start. I crawled out of bed to see a rather unpromising, overcast sky. The weather report gave gales and heavy rain, which sounded a bit ominous, it was quite tempting to just get back into bed but no- I have told everybody I am doing this!
As usual, I completely overestimate the time it takes to drive there, and drive into the car park at 9:30am. The race starts and finishes in the village of Norton near Doncaster, and we are able to park in the village school. Luckily, my colleague Meryl has also overestimated and gets there at the same time. She has brought a friend, Julia, with her; Julia isn't running but is giving moral support!
We sit in the car and chat; I eat a banana and am trying my new bum bag with an isotonic drink and gel sachet. We mooch roundthe school, and I buy a wrist wallet just big enough to carry keys, a card and some coins. This is neat, and will save me from having to wear my bum bag on shorter races. The start is actually quite a way from the school, so we follow everybody else; the front runners are the normal skinny-vest-wearing-must-shave-a-millisecond-of-my-pb, so we head to the back, where everybody looks refreshingly normal! There is a tiger just in front, and I hear the woman next to me say 'Oh no, I'm going to get beaten by a guy wearing a tiger suit!'
The horn blasts, and we are off- all 400 or so. We run down the village and I lose Meryl as I am running slightly faster. We face the first small hill, and after that, the route is fairly undulating. The sky is still grey and overcast, although the wind isn't too bad. I overtake a gladiator at about 3 miles, and wrestle with my water bottle; unfortunately it's quite difficult to access on the hoof, but it is possible to push it back in and pull the elastic band over it, even if the clip isn't done up which secures it.
We run through a village and I overtake another couple of people going up hill. Unfortunately, this means I can't see anybody in front of me and am convinced I am going the wrong way until I spot a marshall, who points me off to the left. I reach the water station at 5 miles, and am faced with the biggest hil on the course so far. To make matters worse, it starts to rain and I can feel the wind getting up; I rummage for my gel and swallow it, and mentally gird my loins.
God, the hill is tough; an old gent on a bike is shouting encouragement but I hardly have breath to thank him. Just think of it as a hill session on the treadmill! Finally we reach the top, it's taken it out of the woman in front though, as she has slowed up quite a bit. I pass a few more ladies, which is a major boost to me!
We are now quite high, and the countryside is very open. It is raining in earnest now; that icy, winter rain which stings your cheeks. We are also being buffeted by the wind, and running is quite difficult. By the time we reach the base of the next hill, I'm soaked- a friendly marshall informs me that it's 'all downhill after this hill'. It turns out to be easier than it looks, and, cheered on by a couple of bikers, I reach the top at 8 miles and begin a long descent into the village.
As I reach civilisation and run down the village street, I strain my eyes for the finish, but can only see the lucky runners who have finished and are walking to their cars or bus stops. I am trying to put a spurt on, but my legs are feeling quite tired, finally I am directed round a corner and am told that 'the finish is just at the top of the hill'. Hill??? After a last effort I cross a muddy field and hurl myself over the finish. I didn't see my time, but went back to look at the clock; 1 hour 29 minutes, which is a brilliant 15K time for me! An average of just over 6 mph!!
I collect my t-shirt (why are they all XL? Well, it will make a nice night shirt!) Julia is there with our stuff, and as it's still pouring and absolutely freezing, we walk up the road to see if we can spot Meryl. We see her at the top of the village, and cheer her on before meeting up with her back at the school. Meryl got changed but Einstein here, in her infinite wisdom, didn't take anything to change into so had to make do with holding my poor frozen hands under the drier in the loos. (note to self- if I do this one again, bring fresh clothes- and gloves!)
God, I was cold! I didn't stop shivering til I got to the M1! I called in a service station for a take away cup of hot chocolate, which was warm and creamy and really hit the spot! Had a long soak later, but have a bit of a sniffle today. The results aren't yet out, I will post the link to them when they are, I am still quite chuffed with my time! I definately think my treadmill sessions are working...
As usual, I completely overestimate the time it takes to drive there, and drive into the car park at 9:30am. The race starts and finishes in the village of Norton near Doncaster, and we are able to park in the village school. Luckily, my colleague Meryl has also overestimated and gets there at the same time. She has brought a friend, Julia, with her; Julia isn't running but is giving moral support!
We sit in the car and chat; I eat a banana and am trying my new bum bag with an isotonic drink and gel sachet. We mooch roundthe school, and I buy a wrist wallet just big enough to carry keys, a card and some coins. This is neat, and will save me from having to wear my bum bag on shorter races. The start is actually quite a way from the school, so we follow everybody else; the front runners are the normal skinny-vest-wearing-must-shave-a-millisecond-of-my-pb, so we head to the back, where everybody looks refreshingly normal! There is a tiger just in front, and I hear the woman next to me say 'Oh no, I'm going to get beaten by a guy wearing a tiger suit!'
The horn blasts, and we are off- all 400 or so. We run down the village and I lose Meryl as I am running slightly faster. We face the first small hill, and after that, the route is fairly undulating. The sky is still grey and overcast, although the wind isn't too bad. I overtake a gladiator at about 3 miles, and wrestle with my water bottle; unfortunately it's quite difficult to access on the hoof, but it is possible to push it back in and pull the elastic band over it, even if the clip isn't done up which secures it.
We run through a village and I overtake another couple of people going up hill. Unfortunately, this means I can't see anybody in front of me and am convinced I am going the wrong way until I spot a marshall, who points me off to the left. I reach the water station at 5 miles, and am faced with the biggest hil on the course so far. To make matters worse, it starts to rain and I can feel the wind getting up; I rummage for my gel and swallow it, and mentally gird my loins.
God, the hill is tough; an old gent on a bike is shouting encouragement but I hardly have breath to thank him. Just think of it as a hill session on the treadmill! Finally we reach the top, it's taken it out of the woman in front though, as she has slowed up quite a bit. I pass a few more ladies, which is a major boost to me!
We are now quite high, and the countryside is very open. It is raining in earnest now; that icy, winter rain which stings your cheeks. We are also being buffeted by the wind, and running is quite difficult. By the time we reach the base of the next hill, I'm soaked- a friendly marshall informs me that it's 'all downhill after this hill'. It turns out to be easier than it looks, and, cheered on by a couple of bikers, I reach the top at 8 miles and begin a long descent into the village.
As I reach civilisation and run down the village street, I strain my eyes for the finish, but can only see the lucky runners who have finished and are walking to their cars or bus stops. I am trying to put a spurt on, but my legs are feeling quite tired, finally I am directed round a corner and am told that 'the finish is just at the top of the hill'. Hill??? After a last effort I cross a muddy field and hurl myself over the finish. I didn't see my time, but went back to look at the clock; 1 hour 29 minutes, which is a brilliant 15K time for me! An average of just over 6 mph!!
I collect my t-shirt (why are they all XL? Well, it will make a nice night shirt!) Julia is there with our stuff, and as it's still pouring and absolutely freezing, we walk up the road to see if we can spot Meryl. We see her at the top of the village, and cheer her on before meeting up with her back at the school. Meryl got changed but Einstein here, in her infinite wisdom, didn't take anything to change into so had to make do with holding my poor frozen hands under the drier in the loos. (note to self- if I do this one again, bring fresh clothes- and gloves!)
God, I was cold! I didn't stop shivering til I got to the M1! I called in a service station for a take away cup of hot chocolate, which was warm and creamy and really hit the spot! Had a long soak later, but have a bit of a sniffle today. The results aren't yet out, I will post the link to them when they are, I am still quite chuffed with my time! I definately think my treadmill sessions are working...
Labels: 15k, norton 9, road race, running
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Just Chilling...
Just having a chilled time, in preparation for the Norton 9 tomorrow! My mum informs me that it gives lashing rain and gales tomorrow- great!!
It's a fairly long drive, so good job it doesn't start until 11. The information on Runners World informs me that the second half of the race is 'undulating' (ominous word!) with the 'worst' hill at about 7.5 miles...
Should be fun! I haven't ran that distance before so have no idea what my time will be. My work colleague is running too.
I have been lax about posting weekly work out totals, so must get back into that. I went to the gym last night, and didn't do too much (although there is always the temptation to just do that little bit more!) I did some strength training - how come the machine I leave until last suddenly becomes the most busiest when I want to use it!!
The problem with having an event every weekend is that during the week you are always needing to taper, and can never seem to build up to a good work out! I plan on stocking up on valuable carbs for tomorrow- me and a mate are having pizza tonight! (good excuse!)
It's a fairly long drive, so good job it doesn't start until 11. The information on Runners World informs me that the second half of the race is 'undulating' (ominous word!) with the 'worst' hill at about 7.5 miles...
Should be fun! I haven't ran that distance before so have no idea what my time will be. My work colleague is running too.
I have been lax about posting weekly work out totals, so must get back into that. I went to the gym last night, and didn't do too much (although there is always the temptation to just do that little bit more!) I did some strength training - how come the machine I leave until last suddenly becomes the most busiest when I want to use it!!
The problem with having an event every weekend is that during the week you are always needing to taper, and can never seem to build up to a good work out! I plan on stocking up on valuable carbs for tomorrow- me and a mate are having pizza tonight! (good excuse!)
Labels: gym, running, training
