Sunday, December 30, 2007
Millenium 10k Run
This time of year is so hectic... I haven't had much time to log on lately. It's also the time for eating far too much rubbish, and I have certainly done that! It doesn't help when my sis and her family visit from Blackpool and mum throws a large buffet!
Christmas Day was good, although I ate far too much chocolate. I got some running tops, plus, erm, chocolate, clothes stores vouchers plus lots of other goodies including Shrek 3 from my mate! I couldn't face any exercise but did drag myself out for a cross country run Boxing Day. It was quite nice- the sun came out. I tried a route I hadn't done for years, across fields to Rearsby, Brooksby, Gaddesby and back to Rearsby. I had hoped it would be nice and quite, but got to Rearsby, rounded the corner and found the entire village had turned out to watch a tug o' war across the brook!
I thought it would be muddy but it wasn't too bad... the last footpath was much as I remembered it, apart from the fact that the by-pass had been built through it! There is a derelict farmhouse, with fireplaces to still be seen in the rooms. I (carefully) went inside; places like this always give me an eerie feeling, I start to wonder who lived there, how long ago it wa inhabited and the kind of lifestyle they may have lived...
I've no idea how long the run was, I'd guess around 8-9 miles but I am crap at guessing distances... I have decided I need a Garmin.
I was one of the few folks working Thursday and Friday so went to the gym Thursday. I put in a bit of 'fartlek' and inclination work on the treadmill; it was so quiet I was the only person there for a time. You can bet that after the 1st it will be heaving!!
Friday was takeaway night, then I couldn't do much Saturday cos of the 10k race I had today. I went out early for a slow 3 1/2 mile run but felt really sluggish- whether it was the result of eating less than healthily I'm not sure! Not sure if you can count the later walking round Nottingham in the sales as training too!
Today's run was the Millenium 10k run hosted every year by Southwell Running Club. The start is at the tiny village of Caythorpe in Nottinghamshire, and I was directed to park about half a mile away from the start, which was a good warm up I guess!
Two colleagues were also doing it, plus a friend of a colleague- the same two as I ran the Holme Pierrepont series with in what we laughingly refer to as 'Summer'. There were quite a few folks doing it, and I queued for the porta loos, found my colleagues and lined up at the start. The route was fairly flat and billed as good PB potential. I felt I went off fairly fast, and past my colleagues fairly early on; the route was marked in miles rather than kilometres which was slightly unusual.
We ran by the river before reaching another village just before half way; after a slight incline there was a water station before we were turned round to return by the same route. I was breathing quite hard by now and my legs felt quite sluggish- when I turned and started on the return route I saw one colleague then the other, who were both looking as knackered as I felt and later also confessed to feeling that everything they'd eaten was coming back to haunt them!
After 4 miles I caught up with a colleague's friend who said she's got stitch... I felt ok ish so passed her, but by 5 miles I felt pretty well knackered. A few folk rushed passed for a sprint finish and I tried to pick up the pace. The last stretch seemed endless but we finally turned down the drive back to the pavilion, cheered on by marshalls and spectators. As we neared the line I was quite surprised to see the clock at 55 minutes, so with a final push I finished in 55 minutes 48 seconds- a PB!!
There was a t- shirt for all finishers, and I was glad that small sizes were on offer as I end up with something I can wear!
Everyone else finished and we walked back to the cars discussing our favourite chocolate- one of my colleagues divulged that if her mum didn't get her a Terry's chocolate orange every Christmas then Christmas would be over before it starts! We also voted Toblerone as the most painful chocolate to eat.
I will be quite glad when New Year is over and some kind of normality resumes... I am going to have a think about my 2008 goals and hopefully post them in the next few days. I am going to have to up my weekly mileage, if only to compensate for all the chocolate I still have left!
Christmas Day was good, although I ate far too much chocolate. I got some running tops, plus, erm, chocolate, clothes stores vouchers plus lots of other goodies including Shrek 3 from my mate! I couldn't face any exercise but did drag myself out for a cross country run Boxing Day. It was quite nice- the sun came out. I tried a route I hadn't done for years, across fields to Rearsby, Brooksby, Gaddesby and back to Rearsby. I had hoped it would be nice and quite, but got to Rearsby, rounded the corner and found the entire village had turned out to watch a tug o' war across the brook!
I thought it would be muddy but it wasn't too bad... the last footpath was much as I remembered it, apart from the fact that the by-pass had been built through it! There is a derelict farmhouse, with fireplaces to still be seen in the rooms. I (carefully) went inside; places like this always give me an eerie feeling, I start to wonder who lived there, how long ago it wa inhabited and the kind of lifestyle they may have lived...
I've no idea how long the run was, I'd guess around 8-9 miles but I am crap at guessing distances... I have decided I need a Garmin.
I was one of the few folks working Thursday and Friday so went to the gym Thursday. I put in a bit of 'fartlek' and inclination work on the treadmill; it was so quiet I was the only person there for a time. You can bet that after the 1st it will be heaving!!
Friday was takeaway night, then I couldn't do much Saturday cos of the 10k race I had today. I went out early for a slow 3 1/2 mile run but felt really sluggish- whether it was the result of eating less than healthily I'm not sure! Not sure if you can count the later walking round Nottingham in the sales as training too!
Today's run was the Millenium 10k run hosted every year by Southwell Running Club. The start is at the tiny village of Caythorpe in Nottinghamshire, and I was directed to park about half a mile away from the start, which was a good warm up I guess!
Two colleagues were also doing it, plus a friend of a colleague- the same two as I ran the Holme Pierrepont series with in what we laughingly refer to as 'Summer'. There were quite a few folks doing it, and I queued for the porta loos, found my colleagues and lined up at the start. The route was fairly flat and billed as good PB potential. I felt I went off fairly fast, and past my colleagues fairly early on; the route was marked in miles rather than kilometres which was slightly unusual.
We ran by the river before reaching another village just before half way; after a slight incline there was a water station before we were turned round to return by the same route. I was breathing quite hard by now and my legs felt quite sluggish- when I turned and started on the return route I saw one colleague then the other, who were both looking as knackered as I felt and later also confessed to feeling that everything they'd eaten was coming back to haunt them!
After 4 miles I caught up with a colleague's friend who said she's got stitch... I felt ok ish so passed her, but by 5 miles I felt pretty well knackered. A few folk rushed passed for a sprint finish and I tried to pick up the pace. The last stretch seemed endless but we finally turned down the drive back to the pavilion, cheered on by marshalls and spectators. As we neared the line I was quite surprised to see the clock at 55 minutes, so with a final push I finished in 55 minutes 48 seconds- a PB!!
There was a t- shirt for all finishers, and I was glad that small sizes were on offer as I end up with something I can wear!
Everyone else finished and we walked back to the cars discussing our favourite chocolate- one of my colleagues divulged that if her mum didn't get her a Terry's chocolate orange every Christmas then Christmas would be over before it starts! We also voted Toblerone as the most painful chocolate to eat.
I will be quite glad when New Year is over and some kind of normality resumes... I am going to have a think about my 2008 goals and hopefully post them in the next few days. I am going to have to up my weekly mileage, if only to compensate for all the chocolate I still have left!
Labels: Millenium 10k Run
Monday, December 24, 2007
Phew!!! Christmas Already...
Can't believe that the big day is almost upon us!! Just haven't had the chance to update before now.
Training wise, I have still been having the knee problem at the gym, and have stopped using the stepper for the time being as it is making it worse. Luckily, it doesn't seem to be affected by running! I've had another problem; I used my new running shoes in the week, and suddenly developed a pain in the ankle, just under the skin. I used the treadmill the next day and it was agony, until I had the bright idea of loosening my shoes!
It has been ok since, I was wondering whether I laced the shoes too tight!
In all, I managed about 27 miles running and 3 1/2 miles walking this week. Can I count walking in the weekly totals? Yes, I think so- I will be keeping up the walking as, let's face it, I am not going to be able to run the complete MdS!!
Anyway- have a lovely Christmas everybody!!
Training wise, I have still been having the knee problem at the gym, and have stopped using the stepper for the time being as it is making it worse. Luckily, it doesn't seem to be affected by running! I've had another problem; I used my new running shoes in the week, and suddenly developed a pain in the ankle, just under the skin. I used the treadmill the next day and it was agony, until I had the bright idea of loosening my shoes!
It has been ok since, I was wondering whether I laced the shoes too tight!
In all, I managed about 27 miles running and 3 1/2 miles walking this week. Can I count walking in the weekly totals? Yes, I think so- I will be keeping up the walking as, let's face it, I am not going to be able to run the complete MdS!!
Anyway- have a lovely Christmas everybody!!
Labels: Christmas
Monday, December 17, 2007
A Quiet Week
Well, it's been a quiet week, I haven't actually done a lot since the Turkey Trot as I felt I'd give my body a week to0 recover (plus I've felt lazy!!)
So what have I done... Monday was a rest day, Tuesday I ran a slow, recovery 6 miles, Wednesday was the body toning class. I didn't have time to walk there but came home and went on my cross trainer for an hour and my stepper for half an hour (watching Diet Doctors is wonderfully motivating for this and I can feel smug).
Thursday was a rest day as I was going out, so went to the gym Friday and Sunday. Saturday I walked around 7 miles cross country with a fairly light pack.
The gym; I did 2 1/2 miles Friday and 3 1/2 miles Sunday with some inclination work, plus the other usuall stuff but kept it a bit lighter. Worryingly the knee pain I felt before came back both times, after I'd used the stepper. I don't know if I have pulled something or it's my home equipment (it's pretty naff) but I think I will keep off the stepper for a bit.
Funnily enough, walking and running doesn't affect it. Just as well really!
I am resting today (had a Christmas lunch at work so feel stuffed) and am now going to ease the mileage up a bit to hopefully 30 miles a week, so will see how we go!!
So what have I done... Monday was a rest day, Tuesday I ran a slow, recovery 6 miles, Wednesday was the body toning class. I didn't have time to walk there but came home and went on my cross trainer for an hour and my stepper for half an hour (watching Diet Doctors is wonderfully motivating for this and I can feel smug).
Thursday was a rest day as I was going out, so went to the gym Friday and Sunday. Saturday I walked around 7 miles cross country with a fairly light pack.
The gym; I did 2 1/2 miles Friday and 3 1/2 miles Sunday with some inclination work, plus the other usuall stuff but kept it a bit lighter. Worryingly the knee pain I felt before came back both times, after I'd used the stepper. I don't know if I have pulled something or it's my home equipment (it's pretty naff) but I think I will keep off the stepper for a bit.
Funnily enough, walking and running doesn't affect it. Just as well really!
I am resting today (had a Christmas lunch at work so feel stuffed) and am now going to ease the mileage up a bit to hopefully 30 miles a week, so will see how we go!!
Labels: gym
Monday, December 10, 2007
Grrr
... how come when I post photos I seem to lose the ability to have spaces between paragraphs? I've tried to edit the previous post 3 time and it's still coming out as one huge lump of text!
I guess it's not a major problem but does make it a bit tougher to read!
I guess it's not a major problem but does make it a bit tougher to read!
Puppies And Turkeys!!
Jake has landed!! He is very very cute, and very lively... Gemma is a little unsure but is coming round slowly. Couldn't resist posting a couple of pictures of him!
I decided to give the Turkey Trot a go in the end, so at 10:15am I found myself lining up with about 7,999 other runners at the start. I had been a bit concerned about the weather as it was atrocious Saturday and was pouring Sunday when I woke up. Luckily the rain stopped and held off during the run, although there was quite a lot of surface water on the roads.
I decided to give the Turkey Trot a go in the end, so at 10:15am I found myself lining up with about 7,999 other runners at the start. I had been a bit concerned about the weather as it was atrocious Saturday and was pouring Sunday when I woke up. Luckily the rain stopped and held off during the run, although there was quite a lot of surface water on the roads.
This is a very popular event and always fills up fast. A few folks had santa hats on and one of two were dressed up- a couple of santas, a santa scooby doo and, oddly enough, a banana. I saw one chap with artificial lower limbs which was really impressive, especially as he ran quicker than I did!
It was freezing, standing at the start, so I tried to warm up and stretch a bit. Several runners were utilising somebodies garden wall, and were watched rather worriedly by the owner from the warmth and safety of indoors. Then we were off, and running through Keyworth.
The first few miles were downhill, and I tried to concentrate on warming up (which I did quickly) and settling into a stride. I overtook a few folks, including Mr Santa Scooby Doo; the event was very well marshalled at road junctions, and the marshalls were quick to give encouragement. After a mile, the route became rather 'undulating' with a number of up and downs. There was one particularly nasty two part climb which seemed to go on for ever. Quite a few folk were walking it but, being a stubborn sort of soul, decided that if I was going to do it I was going to run every step of the way, so kept jogging even though my lungs felt like they were bursting and my legs felt like lead.
This was followed by a welcome descent to the village of Wysall and our first water point. I find that as I am very warm and the water is very cold, it is quite a shock to the system!
Miles 5 and 6 came and went, quite uneventfully only it became a case of follow the empty gel sachets. Yes, I know these are beneficial but I can't help feeling that folk who use them should take the responsibility of taking the empty sachets away with them! I overtook a few folk, especially uphill, and a few folk overtook me.
There was another climb up to 7 miles, quite a lot more folk were walking but I managed to keep running still. I felt ok at this point, legs were starting to feel tired but nothing major. There was another water point at Willoughby-On-The-Wolds and I tried to establish a routine of jogging gently for a few paces whilst drinking but it wasn't entirely successful. I found myself leapfrogging positions with a couple of ladies- I'd pass them on the climbs and they would go by again on the flat, but I eventually left them behind (god knows how!)
Running into Widmerpool and through the 8 and 9 mile markers, the route was quite flat which was very welcome. However, once through the village we took a right turn and started to climb again. By 10 miles I decided I'd be very glad to finish as my legs were starting to feel rather heavy, and there was even more climbing to come to the 11 mile marker.
The last 2 miles were tough as I felt knackered, and my legs felt really heavy- I felt I could have done with a gel sachet myself. I did manage to keep running though, and didn't have to resort to walking at all. Luckily it was downhill for a good stretch, past the 12 mile marker. Funny how many marshalls throughout the race kept telling me 'it's all downhill from here'. Liars. Unless, of course, they weren't talking about the actual course!
The last half mile was uphill which was a killer! There were little comments on each of the mile markers, such as 'Drinks ahead', 'Engage Low Gear' (just before the worst hill) my personal favourite 'Wish I'd stayed at home' and, at the 13 mile marker 'Sprint for the finish!' only I didn't have any sprint left...
However, I was surprised to learn that I had actually PB'd, with a time of 2 hours , 8 minutes and 6 seconds! Given that I had been ill, I am really pleased with that. We were given a momento, a thermos mug with the race details printed on in green, and after that was a water stand with boy scouts handing out cups of water (I heard one charming young chap asking if "all the slow runners were through now").
I changed, grabbed a complimentary coffee, bought a Snickers for essential energy replacement and walked back to the car. I have today off work, and although my thigh and calf muscles are aching, and my left knee just might hurt a little, there is absolutely no trace of Achilles pain/ discomfort!!
Funnily enough, I thought I had lost valuable training time this week due to being ill, but have actually achieved 28 miles, not including the 8 miles walking!
Labels: Turkey Trot
Saturday, December 08, 2007
The Weekend...
Well, I have the Turkey Trot tomorrow and have to make a decision... am I doing it!?!
Well, yes, I'd like to. I just have reservations as I am not convinced I am fully recovered. I went back to work Wednesday and have felt tired, drained and headachey up until last night. How come when you are pottering around at home you feel fine, but once back at work, in the hub of things, you realise you're not so fine as you thought?
On the plus side- the training. I had got my last long run in and had planned to taper this week anyway. Monday I walked 5 miles, Tuesday I ran a slow 3 1/2 miles, Wednesday I actually walked 3 1/2 miles, and Thursday I ran a slow 8 miles instead of going to the gym. I rested yesterday and have been out for another very slow 3 1/2 miles this morning in the driving, icy rain. I am so glad I decided against the Rotherham Round as I would have had to pull out.
But do I have a half marathon in me...
Well, yes, I'd like to. I just have reservations as I am not convinced I am fully recovered. I went back to work Wednesday and have felt tired, drained and headachey up until last night. How come when you are pottering around at home you feel fine, but once back at work, in the hub of things, you realise you're not so fine as you thought?
On the plus side- the training. I had got my last long run in and had planned to taper this week anyway. Monday I walked 5 miles, Tuesday I ran a slow 3 1/2 miles, Wednesday I actually walked 3 1/2 miles, and Thursday I ran a slow 8 miles instead of going to the gym. I rested yesterday and have been out for another very slow 3 1/2 miles this morning in the driving, icy rain. I am so glad I decided against the Rotherham Round as I would have had to pull out.
But do I have a half marathon in me...
Labels: Turkey Trot
Monday, December 03, 2007
Cough, Cough!
I haven't really done anything at all this weekend... I have had a really chesty cough, sore throat and have felt really rough! And I have the Turkey Trot on Sunday...
Luckily I have got my last long run before in the bag... 12 1/2 miles Tuesday night and no Achilles niggles. Thursday was gym night- I did my usual 30 minutes and just over 3 miles on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the stepper and 20 minutes on the elliptical with resistance work, but when I got off the stepper I felt a pain in my right knee, so decided against any further cardio work, just the usual upper and lower body strength training.
Friday was a rest day, although I helped my mate shift some furniture after having a carpet fitted so a pizza takeaway was in order (carbs!!) My cough started then, and got worse...
Saturday I didn't feel up to anything, so shelved the 8 mile cross country run I had originally planned. Didn't think it was a good idea as I was coughing up stuff (nice...) although I did walk to Syston and back, which probably wasn't the most sensible thing to do either... but since when was I sensible...
Sunday I felt worse, and hadn't slept well, so the gym was out of the question as I now had a sore throat to add to my list of ailments. I was concerned as this is three days with no training and I have a half marathon Sunday... it occured to me that if I was doing the MdS now, I'd probably just have to suffer and 'get on with it' which is scary! But then I thought that for the time being, I have the long runs in the bag and was going to taper anyway, so my body may actually be stronger with the enforced rest...
Anyway, I haven't gone into work today but the cough is quite a bit better so I may chance a slow gentle run later... I just want to ease back into it so the 13.1 miles doesn't come as a tremendous shock to my body and causes it to self destruct!
My mum has announced that she has reserved a cocker spaniel puppy, gold and white, who she is going to call Jake... she gets him on the 12th... she said that she wasn't going to have another dog, but misses Alex so much, and thinks Gemma is lonely. I may have to post some pics!!
Luckily I have got my last long run before in the bag... 12 1/2 miles Tuesday night and no Achilles niggles. Thursday was gym night- I did my usual 30 minutes and just over 3 miles on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the stepper and 20 minutes on the elliptical with resistance work, but when I got off the stepper I felt a pain in my right knee, so decided against any further cardio work, just the usual upper and lower body strength training.
Friday was a rest day, although I helped my mate shift some furniture after having a carpet fitted so a pizza takeaway was in order (carbs!!) My cough started then, and got worse...
Saturday I didn't feel up to anything, so shelved the 8 mile cross country run I had originally planned. Didn't think it was a good idea as I was coughing up stuff (nice...) although I did walk to Syston and back, which probably wasn't the most sensible thing to do either... but since when was I sensible...
Sunday I felt worse, and hadn't slept well, so the gym was out of the question as I now had a sore throat to add to my list of ailments. I was concerned as this is three days with no training and I have a half marathon Sunday... it occured to me that if I was doing the MdS now, I'd probably just have to suffer and 'get on with it' which is scary! But then I thought that for the time being, I have the long runs in the bag and was going to taper anyway, so my body may actually be stronger with the enforced rest...
Anyway, I haven't gone into work today but the cough is quite a bit better so I may chance a slow gentle run later... I just want to ease back into it so the 13.1 miles doesn't come as a tremendous shock to my body and causes it to self destruct!
My mum has announced that she has reserved a cocker spaniel puppy, gold and white, who she is going to call Jake... she gets him on the 12th... she said that she wasn't going to have another dog, but misses Alex so much, and thinks Gemma is lonely. I may have to post some pics!!
Labels: cough, Turkey Trot
