Monday, November 26, 2007
Feeling Lazy...
... I feel really tired this week for some reason... I don't think the dark, cold mornings help. It's a real effort to prise myself out of bed at the crack of 6am!
I have been eating far too much sweet stuff over the weekend... I did do a slow 8 miles on Saturday evening and quite a good workout at the gym Sunday though. Definately feeling better prepared for the coming half marathon.
I must admit to being a little apprehensive as the last half marathon attempted knackered my Achilles and I can't afford for that to happen again! Looking back, I hadn't run for quite some time following a chesty cough and in a panic tried to ramp up to 12 miles the weekend before the race.
This time I feel more confident... I have consistently done far more long runs. There is the excitement of a bit of added pressure for the Turkey Trot... a time limit! Yep, we have to have completed in 2 1/2 hours!
Last (first and only!!) half marathon was 2 hours 11 minutes or thereabouts, so hopefully I'll be ok... only it's quite hilly... ah well watch this space...
I have been eating far too much sweet stuff over the weekend... I did do a slow 8 miles on Saturday evening and quite a good workout at the gym Sunday though. Definately feeling better prepared for the coming half marathon.
I must admit to being a little apprehensive as the last half marathon attempted knackered my Achilles and I can't afford for that to happen again! Looking back, I hadn't run for quite some time following a chesty cough and in a panic tried to ramp up to 12 miles the weekend before the race.
This time I feel more confident... I have consistently done far more long runs. There is the excitement of a bit of added pressure for the Turkey Trot... a time limit! Yep, we have to have completed in 2 1/2 hours!
Last (first and only!!) half marathon was 2 hours 11 minutes or thereabouts, so hopefully I'll be ok... only it's quite hilly... ah well watch this space...
Labels: Turkey Trot
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Update!
I WAS going to update in the week... but it just didn't happen... no excuses!!
This has been a fairly easy week really, following on from the Seagrave Challenge. Monday was a rest day (and meal out at the Harvester day) and Tuesday was a 10 mile run. I thought my legs would feel worse than they did, and so took it nice and steady. They were fine- well, up until the last mile then they felt really heavy so I called it a day at 10 miles. Well, night, as I tend to go running in the dark.
I did the body toning class on Wednesday, but didn't walk there as mum and Katie decided to come along (and enjoyed it- although mum lept going the wrong way and I did have to stop on the way back for them to get chips, which rather negated it really!) The class is quite gentle, but as we use weights with the exercises I think it should help to build up strength (plus hopefully tone!) The stomach exercises are quite tough though... she really puts us through our paces with all different variations of 'crunches', 'side crunches', other sit ups involving legs in the air etc etc etc and unlike other classes I've been through, she doesn't stop for a regular break! After 5 minutes of this, it's absolute agony!!
I heard one poor lady gasp desperately "I've had enough now!!"
I came home and did 45 minutes on my cross trainer whilst watching 'How to Look Good Naked'.
Thursday I had quite a good work out at the gym- resistance work on the ellipticals, over 3 miles on the treadmill at steady paces, inclination treadmill work plus my usual 20 minutes on the stepper (I think these are great at building the muscles required for uphill work) and round of strength training. The gym isn't too busy at the moment, which is great- that usually changes just after Christmas though with the arrival of the New Year's Resolutioners!
Yesterday was also a rest, today I think I will do 8 miles with a pack later and then the gym sesh tomorrow as usual. I am planning on doing my final long run mid week next week, before tapering for the Turkey Trot on the 9th December. Must remember to check upcoming LDWA events too...
That's all for now folks!!
This has been a fairly easy week really, following on from the Seagrave Challenge. Monday was a rest day (and meal out at the Harvester day) and Tuesday was a 10 mile run. I thought my legs would feel worse than they did, and so took it nice and steady. They were fine- well, up until the last mile then they felt really heavy so I called it a day at 10 miles. Well, night, as I tend to go running in the dark.
I did the body toning class on Wednesday, but didn't walk there as mum and Katie decided to come along (and enjoyed it- although mum lept going the wrong way and I did have to stop on the way back for them to get chips, which rather negated it really!) The class is quite gentle, but as we use weights with the exercises I think it should help to build up strength (plus hopefully tone!) The stomach exercises are quite tough though... she really puts us through our paces with all different variations of 'crunches', 'side crunches', other sit ups involving legs in the air etc etc etc and unlike other classes I've been through, she doesn't stop for a regular break! After 5 minutes of this, it's absolute agony!!
I heard one poor lady gasp desperately "I've had enough now!!"
I came home and did 45 minutes on my cross trainer whilst watching 'How to Look Good Naked'.
Thursday I had quite a good work out at the gym- resistance work on the ellipticals, over 3 miles on the treadmill at steady paces, inclination treadmill work plus my usual 20 minutes on the stepper (I think these are great at building the muscles required for uphill work) and round of strength training. The gym isn't too busy at the moment, which is great- that usually changes just after Christmas though with the arrival of the New Year's Resolutioners!
Yesterday was also a rest, today I think I will do 8 miles with a pack later and then the gym sesh tomorrow as usual. I am planning on doing my final long run mid week next week, before tapering for the Turkey Trot on the 9th December. Must remember to check upcoming LDWA events too...
That's all for now folks!!
Labels: Body Toning, Turkey Trot
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Event Report; The Seagrave Wolds Challenge
I have had another goodweek this week; Monday I felt like a short run as I was out Tuesday night, so took Tuesday as my rest day rather than Monday. I did 5 miles, but tried to keep to a faster pace- I even threw in a little 'fartlek' in- speed play- by sprinting for short bursts (lamp post to lamp post).
Wednesday was the aerobics class; I guess some people might say that the definition of nuts is to run to your aerobics class! It's 1 1/2 miles, I clocked it beforehand in the car. After the class I ran a further 6 1/2 miles, with a small pack, making a total of 8. Felt quite tired for some reason.
Thursday I hit the gym, but didn't work quite as hard, as I thought I'd best give myself chance to taper for Saturday, I still managed 2 1/2 miles on the treadmill and resistance work on the ellipticals as well as the other usual stuff.
Saturday was, of course, the Seagrave Wolds Challenge! I think we were quite jammy with the weather- it was quite dry all week so the route was a lot less muddy than last year. Yesterday was quite nice- dry and sunny- whereas it's chucked it down all day today. When I parked up (in a nearby field as directed) and made my way to the village hall, there were loads of folks there; a lot of club runners, but also hardy walkers with rucksacks and boots. I decided to just take my bum bag as running the 15 1/2 miles was going to be quite a challenge for me anyway.
We had a mass start- runners at the front- and I actually found myself overtaking a couple of people although obviously loads more were overtaking me! The route was well marked with tape and yellow arrow markers; another change was mile markers although I couldn't decide if this was a curse or a blessing as I can fall into the trap of constantly scouring the horizon for the next marker. The first part of the route was undulating, with some gentleish ascents. The only snag, as the shot below illustrates, was the queues which developed at each stile! I heard one lady runner remark that she was going to stick to road races in future!!
Queue For The Stile!
The first checkpoint, at Wymeswold, was at 5 miles; I was already starting to feel a little tired, and thought I'd probably gone out too fast. I had also felt a little under the weather for the last couple of days and managed to convince myself I was coming down with a cold. It can be very demoralising when runners keep passing you but I had to resolve to stick to my own pace! I ate a small piece of flap jack and a chunk of mars bar at the check point before carrying on...
The next part of the route was through some very large and fairly flat fields; there must have been a shoot going on, as I kept seeing lines of blokes walking slowly through the fields with guns and dogs, and the crack of guns kept sounding throughout the morning (unless they were farmers bagging unwary runners...)
View To Stanford Hall 
Plank Bridge
Wednesday was the aerobics class; I guess some people might say that the definition of nuts is to run to your aerobics class! It's 1 1/2 miles, I clocked it beforehand in the car. After the class I ran a further 6 1/2 miles, with a small pack, making a total of 8. Felt quite tired for some reason.
Thursday I hit the gym, but didn't work quite as hard, as I thought I'd best give myself chance to taper for Saturday, I still managed 2 1/2 miles on the treadmill and resistance work on the ellipticals as well as the other usual stuff.
Saturday was, of course, the Seagrave Wolds Challenge! I think we were quite jammy with the weather- it was quite dry all week so the route was a lot less muddy than last year. Yesterday was quite nice- dry and sunny- whereas it's chucked it down all day today. When I parked up (in a nearby field as directed) and made my way to the village hall, there were loads of folks there; a lot of club runners, but also hardy walkers with rucksacks and boots. I decided to just take my bum bag as running the 15 1/2 miles was going to be quite a challenge for me anyway.
We had a mass start- runners at the front- and I actually found myself overtaking a couple of people although obviously loads more were overtaking me! The route was well marked with tape and yellow arrow markers; another change was mile markers although I couldn't decide if this was a curse or a blessing as I can fall into the trap of constantly scouring the horizon for the next marker. The first part of the route was undulating, with some gentleish ascents. The only snag, as the shot below illustrates, was the queues which developed at each stile! I heard one lady runner remark that she was going to stick to road races in future!!
Queue For The Stile!The first checkpoint, at Wymeswold, was at 5 miles; I was already starting to feel a little tired, and thought I'd probably gone out too fast. I had also felt a little under the weather for the last couple of days and managed to convince myself I was coming down with a cold. It can be very demoralising when runners keep passing you but I had to resolve to stick to my own pace! I ate a small piece of flap jack and a chunk of mars bar at the check point before carrying on...
The next part of the route was through some very large and fairly flat fields; there must have been a shoot going on, as I kept seeing lines of blokes walking slowly through the fields with guns and dogs, and the crack of guns kept sounding throughout the morning (unless they were farmers bagging unwary runners...)
View To Stanford HallJust after I took this shot, we turned left by the hedge in the middle distance and were faced with the worst climb so far. I managed to keep running, although I was overtaken soon after by another couple of runners. We turned left through a farm and after a short welcome descent, were faced with the second worst climb of the day, although I was anticipating it after last year. I actually managed to overtake another couple of runners!
Just before checkpoint 2 I spotted a chap with a camera. assuming he was snapping the view, I looked over my shoulder to check it out. It suddenly dawned on me that he was actually trying to photograph me- oops!!
Checkpoint two was in Prestwold Church again, at just over 10 miles; I stopped for a welcome cuppa. A couple of ladies were enthusing over the home made cakes, which did look good; I wasn't hungry though, and forced myself to eat half a cheese and pickle cob.
The next part of the route had changed slightly from last year; we turned away from the Hall and ran uphill through woods, before undulating towards the village of Burton-On-The-Wolds, which seems to consist of just uphill. I even managed to overtake more people! I know I keep mentioning this, but beleive me- it is such a major achievement for me to actually overtake anybody!
Just before the 13 mile marker, I walked up another steep hill as I was really starting to feel tired. My breathing wasn't too bad, but I felt like there wasn't much left in my legs. I managed to keep going on the level sections and downhills, and actually only walked three times, up three ascents in the last 2 miles. I definately walked less than I did last year. I was overtaken shortly before the end by three ladies who told me I 'Looked strong' although I didn't feel it! I remembered the 'bridge' below from last year- basically a plank with a rope and not for the faint hearted! I heard one of the ladies remark that she felt like she was in 'I'm a celebrity', only obviously there weren't any bugs. I didn't see Ant and Dec either for that matter.
Plank Bridge
After the bridge came the last descent and short road section to the finish. I must say I was impressed as there were marshalls at all the road crossings, who were very encouraging. My time was 3 hours 3 minutes- 33 minutes quicker than last year so I was well happy with this! I couldn't face the soup on offer, but had a very welcome dish of apple and blackberry crumble and custard.
My legs are aching a bit today, but no Achilles niggles at all I'm very pleased to report! I had kind of intended to go to the gym today, but felt really tired (and I'm sure I am fighting off a cold...) so just walked the 3 1/2 miles to Syston and back in the rain.
I have managed to achieve 31 miles this week, though, which is very good for me!
Labels: Seagrave Wolds Challenge, Trail Running
Sunday, November 11, 2007
A Year Of Blogging!
I have just realised I have been writing my inate ramblings here for over a year now!!
I've had quite a good week; Tuesday I ran 10 1/2 miles, gradually increasing the distances forthe Turkey Trot half marathon. It went well, had a bit of a panic when I got back as there seemed to be a bit of a twinge around my right heel area and a bit of grinding around the left. Only when I massaged the left heel, it went off and seemed to be in a different area to theAchilles. It hasn't come back. The twinge in the right heel turned out to be an aching muscle in my calf, thank God!
Wednesday I joined a friend for an exercise class in Syston. I had walked there, about 3 miles there and back, and thought it was quite easy although she was complaining of not being able to move the day after! I must admit to feeling rather good though- she hadn't seen me for ages and said 'I can't believe how skinny you are!' Well, I am not sure skinny is the right word exactly (unless she meant skinny in relation to a walrus) but she did know me when I was 3 1/2 stones heavier!
Thursday was a gym night, but slightly more gentle than usual as I was feeling rough (women will understand, that's all I'm saying!) I still managed 3 miles on the treadmill though.
Friday was most strenuous of all- a pizza takeaway at my mate's house- god it was tough!!
Saturday I decided on a cross country run. My usual short route of about 5 1/2 miles goes through Rearsby, and past Thrussington Mill before turning back to Thrussington. It is possible to go right here instead, and run to Hoby. I planned to cut through to the end of Rotherby and through Brooksby back to Rearsby.
I had my Lifeventure pack with water bottle and camera on my back, and set off through Rearsby to find my plan thwarted; the bridge at Thrussington was closed as it's apparently unsafe (how many times have I ran over it this year!?!) A diverted route followed the stream, first on a good path then on an uneven, overgrown path before reaching a large field. I was able to follow the stream and cross it to get back on my intended route- think the detour ended up being slightly longer.
The old bridge over the stream is now disused and there is a brand spanking new one...
New Bridge!
I carried on to Hoby, but when I got to the path to Rotherby, I felt good, so decided to carry on upstream and cut up to the top end of the village. There is a permissive path of about a mile just before the footpath, which follows the stream and railway, so I added this on as well!
I dropped down through Rotherby village, and through Brooksby Agricultural College campus, stopping for a Hobnobs flapjack. There was a long, steady climb from here on, and unfortunately the wind was blowing against me for most of the way back (why is it that whichever direction you are facing, the wind is always against you?
Hoby Mill
As I dropped down to Rearsby I couldn't resist taking a photo of the stark branches of this tree silhouetted against the grey sky.
I have no idea how long the run was (I am rubbish at guessing distances... I only know the length of the runs I do at night cos I borrowed a Garmin ages ago from somebody at work and measured all my different routes) I'd estimate approximately 8-9 miles. Legs were aching a bit but that was all.
I've had quite a good week; Tuesday I ran 10 1/2 miles, gradually increasing the distances forthe Turkey Trot half marathon. It went well, had a bit of a panic when I got back as there seemed to be a bit of a twinge around my right heel area and a bit of grinding around the left. Only when I massaged the left heel, it went off and seemed to be in a different area to theAchilles. It hasn't come back. The twinge in the right heel turned out to be an aching muscle in my calf, thank God!
Wednesday I joined a friend for an exercise class in Syston. I had walked there, about 3 miles there and back, and thought it was quite easy although she was complaining of not being able to move the day after! I must admit to feeling rather good though- she hadn't seen me for ages and said 'I can't believe how skinny you are!' Well, I am not sure skinny is the right word exactly (unless she meant skinny in relation to a walrus) but she did know me when I was 3 1/2 stones heavier!
Thursday was a gym night, but slightly more gentle than usual as I was feeling rough (women will understand, that's all I'm saying!) I still managed 3 miles on the treadmill though.
Friday was most strenuous of all- a pizza takeaway at my mate's house- god it was tough!!
Saturday I decided on a cross country run. My usual short route of about 5 1/2 miles goes through Rearsby, and past Thrussington Mill before turning back to Thrussington. It is possible to go right here instead, and run to Hoby. I planned to cut through to the end of Rotherby and through Brooksby back to Rearsby.
I had my Lifeventure pack with water bottle and camera on my back, and set off through Rearsby to find my plan thwarted; the bridge at Thrussington was closed as it's apparently unsafe (how many times have I ran over it this year!?!) A diverted route followed the stream, first on a good path then on an uneven, overgrown path before reaching a large field. I was able to follow the stream and cross it to get back on my intended route- think the detour ended up being slightly longer.
The old bridge over the stream is now disused and there is a brand spanking new one...
New Bridge!I carried on to Hoby, but when I got to the path to Rotherby, I felt good, so decided to carry on upstream and cut up to the top end of the village. There is a permissive path of about a mile just before the footpath, which follows the stream and railway, so I added this on as well!
I dropped down through Rotherby village, and through Brooksby Agricultural College campus, stopping for a Hobnobs flapjack. There was a long, steady climb from here on, and unfortunately the wind was blowing against me for most of the way back (why is it that whichever direction you are facing, the wind is always against you?
Hoby MillAs I dropped down to Rearsby I couldn't resist taking a photo of the stark branches of this tree silhouetted against the grey sky.
I have no idea how long the run was (I am rubbish at guessing distances... I only know the length of the runs I do at night cos I borrowed a Garmin ages ago from somebody at work and measured all my different routes) I'd estimate approximately 8-9 miles. Legs were aching a bit but that was all.I felt strong this morning, so had a good gym workout, covering 3 1/2 miles on the treadmill, and concentrating on 6.3mph, 6.5mph and 6,7mph with a couple of faster bursts. Did some separate resistance work on the ellipticals plus the other usual stuff.
So- total running this week was about 25 miles, which I am quite pleased with! Might top that this week though, as I have the 15 mile Seagrave Wolds challenge Saturday...
Labels: gym, running, Trail Running
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Fireworks!
Judging by the racket outside a lot of displays are happening tonight. Poor Lucky is under the bed, and I expect that's where she'll be for the next few nights!
Well, I seem to be on track this week; Monday I ran the gentle 5 1/2 miles, Tuesday I used my cross trainer for an hour whilst watching Property Ladder. Wednesday I decided to go ahead with the run, despite possible harrassment by hordes of kids in scream masks, and was pleasantly surprised to find they'd all obviously gone home!
I did find the run a bit of a chore- not because it was hard, or I was tired, I just didn't really want to do it and all I could think about was all the things I could be doing instead! (nice hot bath surfaced at least once...) But I kept myself out there, and managed to zone out to some extent, so got it done.
I went to the gym Thursday but my legs were still a bit heavy from Wednesday, so I didn't do my full work out. Mind you, I still did 2.7 miles on the treadmill. Oh, yes- and a surprise!! They have bought two shiney new elliptical trainers- making four in total!!! I may never have to moan again...
Today turned out quite nice, so I nipped to Bradgate Park (see photo) it was lovely- not too busy, and the bracken and trees turning various shades of gold. I walked/ ran for the two hours allowed with my parking ticket; basically picking the steepest climbs I could find and running up a lot of them. Gym tomorrow, and I feel well, so should be able to do my usual work out.
All in all, quite a good week. Probably be about 23 miles running with around 7 walking, the Achilles is giving me absolutely no problems at all (touch wood!!) so onwards and upwards to my next event- the Seagrave Wolds Challenge in a fortnight.
Labels: Bradgate Park, Seagrave Wolds Challenge
