Monday, September 14, 2009
Race Report; The Robin Hood Marathon
I set my alarm for 7:15am but was wide awake at 5am, and knew that there was no chance of going back to sleep, so I picked up my copy of Dean Karnazes' 'Confessions of an All Night Runner', and reread his harrowing account of completing the Western States 100 mile race, which seemed quite apt- at least I shouldn't be reduced to actually crawling along the road like a crippled crab- or so I hoped!
After my pre-race porridge and banana it took me some time to get to my colleague's house, due to the fact that it was on the way to one of the main race car parks, but luckily not many folk had twigged that there are no parking restrictions on her road on Sundays.
We had a chat and I used the loo umpteen times and suddenly felt very nervous... we wandered to the start- I was immediately overwhelmed by all the people- there were about 12,000 runners of all shapes and sizes. As usual I tried to look for the less fit looking ones doing the full marathon! There were signs to stand by with the projected time you hoped to finish in, so I decided to stand next to the last one- over 5 hours. Of course, I needed the portaloo again and it took us ages to find them. In the end, we managed to locate two, with quite a long queue. We were told that there were loads just round the corner but the queue was massive... by this time it had gone 9:50am and as the race started at 10am I was getting decidedly edgy watching all the runners heading away from us up to the start.
Finally a passing runner told us that there was now nobody waiting for the other portaloos, so we all made a beeline- bliss! My colleague and I jogged to the start area and she went off to watch from the start line. I was feeling beyond nervous at this point but felt that it was impossible to think I had a hope of running 26.2 miles! All around me fit looking people were doing last minute stretches and jogging on the spot, and finally the starting horn went. Excited, we all surged forward... and stopped. This bit was frustrating; all I could think was that the longer it took to cross the start line, the less time I had to beat the sweep vehicle. We started forwards, walking very slowly, and could hear the commentator announcing how many people were crossing the line. Finally I could see the start line, and as we shuffled across there was a long continuous beep from hundreds of champion chips.
At last we were running; I saw my colleague, waved and shouted 'see you later' (much later! I thought) and followed the throng of runners. We headed out of the Meadows and passed mile 1, then were faced with a climb up to Nottingham Castle and the cobbles. I felt strong, but was aware that I was maybe going slightly faster than I should be. I also became concerned that everyone around me appeared to be doing the half marathon, sporting blue race numbers rather than my red one. I got into the habit of trying to surreptisciously look at the race numbers of everyone I passed or who passed me trying to see a red one amidst the sea of blue. I took one of the diddy bottles of water offered at each water station, drinking some and throwing the rest down my back like everyone else seemed to be doing. It was mercifully a cloudy, dry day, with the sun breaking through here and there. I heard several people commenting that we were lucky it wasn't yesterday- it had been sunny and very warm.
We made our way down through the streets of Nottingham and cheering supporters, and saw the first of the leading runners coming back the other way- such a feat, and everybody clapped and whooped them. Us mere mortals then entered the university grounds, running round the lake; several runners dived off into the bushes at this point! Things started to get hilly, and I kept on running uphill, whilst trying to conserve some energy. I accepted a Lucozade energy drink, carrying it for a while and sipping it slowly. A group of army lads dressed in khaki and carrying packs came speeding by me, complete with red race numbers, only to slow and walk up the next hill. This seemed to be the pattern; I'd pass them going uphill (which was difficult as they kept in tight formation) then I'd hear the cry of 'March!' and there would be the sound of heavy boot steps as they all come bustling past.
One family were armed with a garden hose set to 'mist' and I ran through it for a welcome cool shower. We passed a pub, with a group of spectators, and one started to play the 'Chariots of Fire' theme on an oboe or sax- it was great!
At around mile 7, we entered Wollaton Park and were faced with a long, slow ascent I'd done before on the Grand Prix series. There were a couple more climbs, and I passed the army lads for the last time. The crowd were great- one runner yelled 'How about a cheer to help us up this hill?' and they responded with resounding cheer after cheer.
We had a long downhill, which was a pleasant respite, before retracing our steps into the City. My legs started to feel worryingly tired at this point and my stomach felt rather queasy, which was annoying. I slowed my pace and was rewarded by passing a couple of full marathoners, which gave me a boost as I was still running primarily amongst half marathoners.
I took advantage of a row of portaloos at mile 11; I don't know if it was the lucozade energy drink which upset me but something sure did! The brief sit down seemed to refresh my legs a bit, and I ran the next couple of miles quite slowly, although was still passing plenty of half marathon runners. It was quite good fun to be running on the roads, on our own little coned off lane, watching the traffic rush past.
Finally we entered the home straight for the half marathoners. There were signs for the full marathoners to keep to the right; I can honestly say that this was the lowest point of the race for me. The spectators were shouting 'almost there!' which seemed a bit cruel as I certainly wasn't yet! The half marathoners all peeled off to the finish- I turned my head and could see the finish line, then had to turn away from it, knowing I had the same distance to do again. It felt quite cruel, and I wished, not for the first time, I had just signed up for the half.
But of course I hadn't, so girded my loins and ran on- amongst loads of finished runners wrapped in foil blankets and clutching goody bags. How I hated them at that point! There were only a couple of blokes around me- one of whom had the annoying habit of charging past me, stopping and walking, letting me overtake and charging past again. I eventually passed him for good, and passed another bloke but I suddenly realised I wasn't entirely sure which way to go. I ran under Trent Bridge and realised to my relief that there were marshals every so often, pointing the way and offering encouragement.
We ran over Lady Bay bridge, and I passed another guy. As we turned into Lady Bay itself, and passed the 15 mile mark, I felt quite rough; my guts were churning again, and I had developed a pain in my left knee which I could feel with each pounding step. I really felt that I was struggling to keep going, and the thoughts of completing another 11 miles seemed impossible.
I forced myself to keep going at what must have been a quite slow pace, and passed a few folks who were walking. One lady marshall had gathered discarded water and Lucozade bottles and arranged them to say 'Well Done!' I dived into a portaloo at mile 17, which was quite a relief, and took a couple of painkillers. I set off at a stilted run, passing those who had got passed whilst I was 'indisposed'... luckily the knee pain had worn off for the time being. I got a bit confused here though- the route obviously doubled back on itself, as there were signs warning of 2 way runners and people were passing us coming back the other way- I was really tempted to ask one if they wanted to swap places! We ran past Holme Pierrepont Hall and through it's pretty grounds, then were suddenly in another 2 way section. This time I saw the two blokes I had past just after the half way stage and was puzzled to how they got ahead of me... in my brain befuddled state I though they must have cheated and jumped in somewhere. I also spent the rest of the race waiting to run these two 2 way sections, and it finally dawned on me that there had only been actually one 2 way section- I had been on my way back down when I passed the two guys, and hadn't realised I'd already ran that bit- derr! After mile 18 I walked for a few minutes, before forcing myself to run again.
We reached Holme Pierrepont Lake- this was the bit I wasn't looking forwards to. I could see loads of runners making their way down the far side of the lake, but first we had to go right down to the sports centre before doubling back up. I took advantage of yet another portaloo, emerging just as a guy was running past. I managed to keep pace with him, and we had a bit of a chat- he was doing the New York and Chicago Marathons, the New York would be his 50th marathon- although they didn't get any easier, he said. He confessed that he was starving- he had only had a flapjack for breakfast. I did offer him some Power Bar, which by this time had all squashed together in one unappetising brown lump, but he declined.
As we rounded the cones to run up again, I accepted a Lucozade Gel, although I was worried I may regret it later! We slowed to a walk for a few minutes, then my companion ran on, and I followed more slowly. There were suddenly loads more people around, and I had started to pass folk, including one guy walking with support bandages on both knees who appeared to be in severe pain, and another guy with a pronounced limp. I decided to walk as fast as I could from mile 20 to mile 21, using my arms to propel me forwards in a kind of 'power walk' style. As I rounded the head of the lake and started down the other side, I look across and was cheered to see that there were still plenty of runners coming into the lake far behind me, including the army guys.
I suddenly felt quite a bit stronger, and started to run again when I passed mile 21. Just before we left the lake, I was caught amidships again, taking advantage of a handily placed portaloo and scaring a passing runner when I bolted out the door. We turned down the path by the River Trent, where I had ran only the week before, and passed mile 22. I had originally promised myself I could walk again at mile 22, but felt reasonably ok, and was enjoying the path far more than the roads, so carried on.
I walked again at mile 23, and accepted more Lucozade energy drink which I sipped carefully. I must say, the marshalls were great- so encouraging, the support was fantastic. I had planned to try to power walk to mile 24, but before I reached it I realised we were going under Lady Bay bridge, so thought to myself it would be great to run under it. There were loads of folk on the balcony of a pub next to the water, who were all shouting encouragement and I felt pretty good.
I passed the 24 mile marker and knew I would make myself run the rest of the way although my legs were hurting by this point. I was probably only shuffling but still managed to overtake folks. It was quite demoralising though as we could see the race village across the water and hear the tannoy announcing people in as they finished, but had to run past it, right down to the Toll Bridge, and back up. It seemed to go on forever!
I actually felt pretty good as I passed the 26 mile marker- it's ironic as I tend to think of a marathon as being 26 miles, so my body thinks it's finished but no- there's still another .2 of a mile left to run! I turned left, reached grass and saw the finish ahead of me- and with my colleague and loads of other folks cheering me on. I actually managed a sprint finish, although had visions of tripping up and going ar*se over tip! Luckily I was spared that humiliation and ran through the finish in 5 hours 25 minutes.
I gave up my chip, got my medal- nice and chunky in gold and green- and my goody bag- in fact, she gave me two, so they must have had plenty left- one advantage to being slow! I accepted a foil blanket as I thought it would make me look the part and met my colleague who fed me coffee. It was great to sink into a hot bath, but I think I have done something to my left knee cos it's quite tender today...
Looking on the website later, my chip time was 5 hours 17 minutes and 29 seconds, and there was a satisfying number of people who finished behind me. Ok, I am a slow runner, but I beat the sweep bus and wasn't last, so I'm quite happy with that. I am also a marathon runner!
After my pre-race porridge and banana it took me some time to get to my colleague's house, due to the fact that it was on the way to one of the main race car parks, but luckily not many folk had twigged that there are no parking restrictions on her road on Sundays.
We had a chat and I used the loo umpteen times and suddenly felt very nervous... we wandered to the start- I was immediately overwhelmed by all the people- there were about 12,000 runners of all shapes and sizes. As usual I tried to look for the less fit looking ones doing the full marathon! There were signs to stand by with the projected time you hoped to finish in, so I decided to stand next to the last one- over 5 hours. Of course, I needed the portaloo again and it took us ages to find them. In the end, we managed to locate two, with quite a long queue. We were told that there were loads just round the corner but the queue was massive... by this time it had gone 9:50am and as the race started at 10am I was getting decidedly edgy watching all the runners heading away from us up to the start.
Finally a passing runner told us that there was now nobody waiting for the other portaloos, so we all made a beeline- bliss! My colleague and I jogged to the start area and she went off to watch from the start line. I was feeling beyond nervous at this point but felt that it was impossible to think I had a hope of running 26.2 miles! All around me fit looking people were doing last minute stretches and jogging on the spot, and finally the starting horn went. Excited, we all surged forward... and stopped. This bit was frustrating; all I could think was that the longer it took to cross the start line, the less time I had to beat the sweep vehicle. We started forwards, walking very slowly, and could hear the commentator announcing how many people were crossing the line. Finally I could see the start line, and as we shuffled across there was a long continuous beep from hundreds of champion chips.
At last we were running; I saw my colleague, waved and shouted 'see you later' (much later! I thought) and followed the throng of runners. We headed out of the Meadows and passed mile 1, then were faced with a climb up to Nottingham Castle and the cobbles. I felt strong, but was aware that I was maybe going slightly faster than I should be. I also became concerned that everyone around me appeared to be doing the half marathon, sporting blue race numbers rather than my red one. I got into the habit of trying to surreptisciously look at the race numbers of everyone I passed or who passed me trying to see a red one amidst the sea of blue. I took one of the diddy bottles of water offered at each water station, drinking some and throwing the rest down my back like everyone else seemed to be doing. It was mercifully a cloudy, dry day, with the sun breaking through here and there. I heard several people commenting that we were lucky it wasn't yesterday- it had been sunny and very warm.
We made our way down through the streets of Nottingham and cheering supporters, and saw the first of the leading runners coming back the other way- such a feat, and everybody clapped and whooped them. Us mere mortals then entered the university grounds, running round the lake; several runners dived off into the bushes at this point! Things started to get hilly, and I kept on running uphill, whilst trying to conserve some energy. I accepted a Lucozade energy drink, carrying it for a while and sipping it slowly. A group of army lads dressed in khaki and carrying packs came speeding by me, complete with red race numbers, only to slow and walk up the next hill. This seemed to be the pattern; I'd pass them going uphill (which was difficult as they kept in tight formation) then I'd hear the cry of 'March!' and there would be the sound of heavy boot steps as they all come bustling past.
One family were armed with a garden hose set to 'mist' and I ran through it for a welcome cool shower. We passed a pub, with a group of spectators, and one started to play the 'Chariots of Fire' theme on an oboe or sax- it was great!
At around mile 7, we entered Wollaton Park and were faced with a long, slow ascent I'd done before on the Grand Prix series. There were a couple more climbs, and I passed the army lads for the last time. The crowd were great- one runner yelled 'How about a cheer to help us up this hill?' and they responded with resounding cheer after cheer.
We had a long downhill, which was a pleasant respite, before retracing our steps into the City. My legs started to feel worryingly tired at this point and my stomach felt rather queasy, which was annoying. I slowed my pace and was rewarded by passing a couple of full marathoners, which gave me a boost as I was still running primarily amongst half marathoners.
I took advantage of a row of portaloos at mile 11; I don't know if it was the lucozade energy drink which upset me but something sure did! The brief sit down seemed to refresh my legs a bit, and I ran the next couple of miles quite slowly, although was still passing plenty of half marathon runners. It was quite good fun to be running on the roads, on our own little coned off lane, watching the traffic rush past.
Finally we entered the home straight for the half marathoners. There were signs for the full marathoners to keep to the right; I can honestly say that this was the lowest point of the race for me. The spectators were shouting 'almost there!' which seemed a bit cruel as I certainly wasn't yet! The half marathoners all peeled off to the finish- I turned my head and could see the finish line, then had to turn away from it, knowing I had the same distance to do again. It felt quite cruel, and I wished, not for the first time, I had just signed up for the half.
But of course I hadn't, so girded my loins and ran on- amongst loads of finished runners wrapped in foil blankets and clutching goody bags. How I hated them at that point! There were only a couple of blokes around me- one of whom had the annoying habit of charging past me, stopping and walking, letting me overtake and charging past again. I eventually passed him for good, and passed another bloke but I suddenly realised I wasn't entirely sure which way to go. I ran under Trent Bridge and realised to my relief that there were marshals every so often, pointing the way and offering encouragement.
We ran over Lady Bay bridge, and I passed another guy. As we turned into Lady Bay itself, and passed the 15 mile mark, I felt quite rough; my guts were churning again, and I had developed a pain in my left knee which I could feel with each pounding step. I really felt that I was struggling to keep going, and the thoughts of completing another 11 miles seemed impossible.
I forced myself to keep going at what must have been a quite slow pace, and passed a few folks who were walking. One lady marshall had gathered discarded water and Lucozade bottles and arranged them to say 'Well Done!' I dived into a portaloo at mile 17, which was quite a relief, and took a couple of painkillers. I set off at a stilted run, passing those who had got passed whilst I was 'indisposed'... luckily the knee pain had worn off for the time being. I got a bit confused here though- the route obviously doubled back on itself, as there were signs warning of 2 way runners and people were passing us coming back the other way- I was really tempted to ask one if they wanted to swap places! We ran past Holme Pierrepont Hall and through it's pretty grounds, then were suddenly in another 2 way section. This time I saw the two blokes I had past just after the half way stage and was puzzled to how they got ahead of me... in my brain befuddled state I though they must have cheated and jumped in somewhere. I also spent the rest of the race waiting to run these two 2 way sections, and it finally dawned on me that there had only been actually one 2 way section- I had been on my way back down when I passed the two guys, and hadn't realised I'd already ran that bit- derr! After mile 18 I walked for a few minutes, before forcing myself to run again.
We reached Holme Pierrepont Lake- this was the bit I wasn't looking forwards to. I could see loads of runners making their way down the far side of the lake, but first we had to go right down to the sports centre before doubling back up. I took advantage of yet another portaloo, emerging just as a guy was running past. I managed to keep pace with him, and we had a bit of a chat- he was doing the New York and Chicago Marathons, the New York would be his 50th marathon- although they didn't get any easier, he said. He confessed that he was starving- he had only had a flapjack for breakfast. I did offer him some Power Bar, which by this time had all squashed together in one unappetising brown lump, but he declined.
As we rounded the cones to run up again, I accepted a Lucozade Gel, although I was worried I may regret it later! We slowed to a walk for a few minutes, then my companion ran on, and I followed more slowly. There were suddenly loads more people around, and I had started to pass folk, including one guy walking with support bandages on both knees who appeared to be in severe pain, and another guy with a pronounced limp. I decided to walk as fast as I could from mile 20 to mile 21, using my arms to propel me forwards in a kind of 'power walk' style. As I rounded the head of the lake and started down the other side, I look across and was cheered to see that there were still plenty of runners coming into the lake far behind me, including the army guys.
I suddenly felt quite a bit stronger, and started to run again when I passed mile 21. Just before we left the lake, I was caught amidships again, taking advantage of a handily placed portaloo and scaring a passing runner when I bolted out the door. We turned down the path by the River Trent, where I had ran only the week before, and passed mile 22. I had originally promised myself I could walk again at mile 22, but felt reasonably ok, and was enjoying the path far more than the roads, so carried on.
I walked again at mile 23, and accepted more Lucozade energy drink which I sipped carefully. I must say, the marshalls were great- so encouraging, the support was fantastic. I had planned to try to power walk to mile 24, but before I reached it I realised we were going under Lady Bay bridge, so thought to myself it would be great to run under it. There were loads of folk on the balcony of a pub next to the water, who were all shouting encouragement and I felt pretty good.
I passed the 24 mile marker and knew I would make myself run the rest of the way although my legs were hurting by this point. I was probably only shuffling but still managed to overtake folks. It was quite demoralising though as we could see the race village across the water and hear the tannoy announcing people in as they finished, but had to run past it, right down to the Toll Bridge, and back up. It seemed to go on forever!
I actually felt pretty good as I passed the 26 mile marker- it's ironic as I tend to think of a marathon as being 26 miles, so my body thinks it's finished but no- there's still another .2 of a mile left to run! I turned left, reached grass and saw the finish ahead of me- and with my colleague and loads of other folks cheering me on. I actually managed a sprint finish, although had visions of tripping up and going ar*se over tip! Luckily I was spared that humiliation and ran through the finish in 5 hours 25 minutes.
I gave up my chip, got my medal- nice and chunky in gold and green- and my goody bag- in fact, she gave me two, so they must have had plenty left- one advantage to being slow! I accepted a foil blanket as I thought it would make me look the part and met my colleague who fed me coffee. It was great to sink into a hot bath, but I think I have done something to my left knee cos it's quite tender today...
Looking on the website later, my chip time was 5 hours 17 minutes and 29 seconds, and there was a satisfying number of people who finished behind me. Ok, I am a slow runner, but I beat the sweep bus and wasn't last, so I'm quite happy with that. I am also a marathon runner!
Labels: Robin Hood Marathon
Sunday, September 13, 2009
I Did It!!!
Well- I completed the Robin Hood Marathon in 5 hours 17 minutes- quite slow by a lot of people's standards I expect but I finished well before the sweep vehicle and there were quite a few folk behind me- so I am happy with that!
Full race report to follow tomorrow...
Full race report to follow tomorrow...
Labels: Robin Hood Marathon
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Nearly Time...
... For the Experian Festival of Running Robin Hood Marathon (to give it its full title!)
I am so nervous. I have sorted my running gear, got everything ready, have my 'champion chip' and race number- 11636- made sure the toenails are ok... a colleague who lives a short walk away from the start is kindly letting me park outside her house and store my stuff there. So I guess I'm all set!
Kind of.
Apart from feeling really nervous- I have decided that my main aim is to finish before the sweep vehicle. My time doesn't matter- so long as I get home before the meat wagon!! (Although under 5 hours would be really cool...)
Thanks for the good luck wishes!
I am so nervous. I have sorted my running gear, got everything ready, have my 'champion chip' and race number- 11636- made sure the toenails are ok... a colleague who lives a short walk away from the start is kindly letting me park outside her house and store my stuff there. So I guess I'm all set!
Kind of.
Apart from feeling really nervous- I have decided that my main aim is to finish before the sweep vehicle. My time doesn't matter- so long as I get home before the meat wagon!! (Although under 5 hours would be really cool...)
Thanks for the good luck wishes!
Labels: Robin Hood Marathon
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
A Glimmer Of Hope...
I now have a glimmer of hope for Sunday...
I was watching the local news last night and saw a feature on a chap planning to run the Robin Hood full marathon in aid of Service Men... with a 6 stone tumble drier strapped to his back!
Now, I am full of admiration for anyone attempting such a feat and he is obviously much fitter than I am... but surely I can at least keep up with somebody carrying a bloody great tumble drier!?!
I was watching the local news last night and saw a feature on a chap planning to run the Robin Hood full marathon in aid of Service Men... with a 6 stone tumble drier strapped to his back!
Now, I am full of admiration for anyone attempting such a feat and he is obviously much fitter than I am... but surely I can at least keep up with somebody carrying a bloody great tumble drier!?!
Labels: Robin Hood Marathon
Monday, September 07, 2009
Taper And Traumas...
... The traumas being my nerves and the fact that I am supposed to be running 26.2 miles on Sunday and don't feel anywhere near ready...
I have been studying the route; we start off at Victoria Embankment, run into the City (loads of crowds!) up to the Castle (hills!) then to Wollaton Park (big climbs) and eventually reach Holme Pierrepont (huge lake). On some parts of the course, we kind of double back so you get to pass runners coming the other way who have gone much further than you.
There is a sweep vehicle, and if this passes you then you are 'strongly advised to retire'. There is the option of continuing, but you would be classed as a 'pedestrian' (what an insult!!) and they can't promise to keep water stations etc open. The time the sweep vehicle finishes is apparently 5 hours 44 minutes, so I need to be quicker than this!
On the plus side, I mainly cross trained last week and my ankle seems ok (touch wood). I had a hen 'do' Saturday night; we were meeting at my friend's sister's house in West Bridgford before taking taxis into town, so I had the bright idea of parking up nearby, getting a taxi from town to home at the end of the night so I could have a wee drink and running back to collect the car next day.
Unlike some of my ideas, this one worked quite well (apart from a bit of a hangover at the start). I had only done 8 miles when I reached the car so decided to run on a bit, reaching Holme Pierrepont which is a Water Sports centre with a massive rectangular man made lake. It's very popular with cyclists and runners (plus people in boats!) but it seems a b*ggering long way round- plus the wind always seems to be in your face coming back down the other side. This is part of the marathon route and comes at around the 21 mile mark so I imagine it will seem even longer then...
I did 14 miles in all yesterday, wasn't going to go that far but got carried away at Holme Pierrepont. This week will be a taper so will be quite an easy week, thank god, give me chance to have a bit of a life!
I have been studying the route; we start off at Victoria Embankment, run into the City (loads of crowds!) up to the Castle (hills!) then to Wollaton Park (big climbs) and eventually reach Holme Pierrepont (huge lake). On some parts of the course, we kind of double back so you get to pass runners coming the other way who have gone much further than you.
There is a sweep vehicle, and if this passes you then you are 'strongly advised to retire'. There is the option of continuing, but you would be classed as a 'pedestrian' (what an insult!!) and they can't promise to keep water stations etc open. The time the sweep vehicle finishes is apparently 5 hours 44 minutes, so I need to be quicker than this!
On the plus side, I mainly cross trained last week and my ankle seems ok (touch wood). I had a hen 'do' Saturday night; we were meeting at my friend's sister's house in West Bridgford before taking taxis into town, so I had the bright idea of parking up nearby, getting a taxi from town to home at the end of the night so I could have a wee drink and running back to collect the car next day.
Unlike some of my ideas, this one worked quite well (apart from a bit of a hangover at the start). I had only done 8 miles when I reached the car so decided to run on a bit, reaching Holme Pierrepont which is a Water Sports centre with a massive rectangular man made lake. It's very popular with cyclists and runners (plus people in boats!) but it seems a b*ggering long way round- plus the wind always seems to be in your face coming back down the other side. This is part of the marathon route and comes at around the 21 mile mark so I imagine it will seem even longer then...
I did 14 miles in all yesterday, wasn't going to go that far but got carried away at Holme Pierrepont. This week will be a taper so will be quite an easy week, thank god, give me chance to have a bit of a life!
Labels: Robin Hood Marathon
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Knackered...
I am feeling really tired this week... bummer really as it's my last big push before the Robin Hood Marathon! The council have already put up signs in advance warning of road closures and it's getting closer and closer...
But I have really struggled to motivate myself to train and haven't done anywhere near as much as I should have done! I think that this is partly due to my body rebelling after all the intensive MdS training and partly due to the fact that I have realised that I much prefer walking/ running off road/ cross country than on roads and pavements.
I think I am going to have to rethink times... when I entered I was hoping for an optimistic 4 1/2 hours finish but am going to have to lower my sights to around 5 1/2- 6 hours and accept that fact that I may need to walk/ run! I know I am capable of completing 26.2 miles- just not all running. On roads.
On a brighter note I did go out and do 13 miles on Sunday, cross country and on tracks, and ran almost all of it. By 11 miles I had ran out of water and was gasping, and my life was saved by an ice cream van at Colwick Country Park selling cold cans of coke- I normally hate normal coke but this tasted like heaven!
I have been to my Total Tone class tonight and went onto the treadmill for 20 minutes speed work after- which is probably why I am knackered! I am planning an 18 mile route for Sunday and then will start to taper- although I haven't got much to taper from!
But I have really struggled to motivate myself to train and haven't done anywhere near as much as I should have done! I think that this is partly due to my body rebelling after all the intensive MdS training and partly due to the fact that I have realised that I much prefer walking/ running off road/ cross country than on roads and pavements.
I think I am going to have to rethink times... when I entered I was hoping for an optimistic 4 1/2 hours finish but am going to have to lower my sights to around 5 1/2- 6 hours and accept that fact that I may need to walk/ run! I know I am capable of completing 26.2 miles- just not all running. On roads.
On a brighter note I did go out and do 13 miles on Sunday, cross country and on tracks, and ran almost all of it. By 11 miles I had ran out of water and was gasping, and my life was saved by an ice cream van at Colwick Country Park selling cold cans of coke- I normally hate normal coke but this tasted like heaven!
I have been to my Total Tone class tonight and went onto the treadmill for 20 minutes speed work after- which is probably why I am knackered! I am planning an 18 mile route for Sunday and then will start to taper- although I haven't got much to taper from!
Labels: Robin Hood Marathon, running
Friday, May 15, 2009
Life (And Training!) Goes On...
I seem to be getting over the virus now or whatever it was! I went back to work this week with no ill effects- just a little tired. I have been building up a bit of training- but not going mad! The thing is, I'm having trouble thinking what exercise regime 'mere mortals' do... if you think in terms of the population in general- then not always an awful lot!
Tuesday was a lovely day- one of those gorgeous sunny May days, if a little windy, so after I collected the car from the garage after its service (leaving my wallet considerably lighter- ouch!) I took advantage and walked/ jogged my 7 mile route around Stoke Bardolph.
Not having been out for a while, it was amazing how green and fresh everything looked; that lovely light spring green, with a smattering of white lady lace. If it hadn't been quite windy, it would have been quite hot. I took my camera and got a few shots;
I managed to jog a fair bit, quite slowly. I ran most of the route by the River Trent;
The River Trent Near Stoke Bardolph
Railway Arches
Happy to report no knee pain afterwards- not even a sensation!
Wednesday I had my training plan update at the gym with Helena. I thanked her for her program which I believed helped me a lot for the MdS, and she has drawn me up another one geared towards the Robin Hood Marathon; lighter weights, still some core work and speed work on the treadmill, starting off at 3 miles at 6mph and building up to 4 before our first review of the plan in June...
I didn't have much time Wednesday, so used the elliptical trainer for 15 minutes and went back Thursday to start the plan. The hardest thing about doing the weights is going to be getting on the machines! They seem to be quite popular with the body building clientele... I started running at 6mph but found it bloody hard work- come on, I haven't actually been running properly for bloody ages!! With the doctor's words about exercising like a 'mere mortal' ringing in my ears, plus the fact that I had that virus last week and maybe still recovering a little, I decided that discretion is the best part of valour and all that jazz, so better to build up slowly...
I ran half a mile at 6mph, half a mile at 5.5mph and 5.7 mph then another half a mile at 6mph, followed up with 5 minutes walking on the incline. Baby steps!
Today was a rest (and chinese!) day- but I did follow it up with some nice, fresh healthy berries...
Tuesday was a lovely day- one of those gorgeous sunny May days, if a little windy, so after I collected the car from the garage after its service (leaving my wallet considerably lighter- ouch!) I took advantage and walked/ jogged my 7 mile route around Stoke Bardolph.
Not having been out for a while, it was amazing how green and fresh everything looked; that lovely light spring green, with a smattering of white lady lace. If it hadn't been quite windy, it would have been quite hot. I took my camera and got a few shots;
I managed to jog a fair bit, quite slowly. I ran most of the route by the River Trent;
The River Trent Near Stoke Bardolph
Railway Arches
Happy to report no knee pain afterwards- not even a sensation!
Wednesday I had my training plan update at the gym with Helena. I thanked her for her program which I believed helped me a lot for the MdS, and she has drawn me up another one geared towards the Robin Hood Marathon; lighter weights, still some core work and speed work on the treadmill, starting off at 3 miles at 6mph and building up to 4 before our first review of the plan in June...
I didn't have much time Wednesday, so used the elliptical trainer for 15 minutes and went back Thursday to start the plan. The hardest thing about doing the weights is going to be getting on the machines! They seem to be quite popular with the body building clientele... I started running at 6mph but found it bloody hard work- come on, I haven't actually been running properly for bloody ages!! With the doctor's words about exercising like a 'mere mortal' ringing in my ears, plus the fact that I had that virus last week and maybe still recovering a little, I decided that discretion is the best part of valour and all that jazz, so better to build up slowly...
I ran half a mile at 6mph, half a mile at 5.5mph and 5.7 mph then another half a mile at 6mph, followed up with 5 minutes walking on the incline. Baby steps!
Today was a rest (and chinese!) day- but I did follow it up with some nice, fresh healthy berries...
Labels: gym, Robin Hood Marathon, Stoke Bardolph
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Rough Week!
This week really hasn't gone too well. The pulled muscle injury is a little better but is taking an age to heal. The only way I've been able to sleep is propped up on pillows, and it still wakes me during the night. I really sympathise with anybody who's ever broken a rib, that must be far worse!!
I also developed a cough- which made things difficult as coughing was extremely painful! I still struggled into work everyday, and it has been a struggle as since Wednesday I have also felt like crap whole body aching, really tired, absolutely no energy... funnily enough I've been better in the morning than in the evenings, and have had no energy to do anything other than lie on my bed after work.
I went to my GP yesterday and he said almosr exactly what I expected him to say... yes I pulled an underam muscle- it's got to get better on its own- take painkillers and see him again if it's no better in two weeks, the cough and feeling crap he attributed to a virus ('virus' in GP speak I think means 'Well, we haven't really got a clue what it is and certainly aren't going to give you anything for it!)
It was the same GP who signed off my medical certificate, and he did then say that I had put my body under enormous strain during the MdS and it needs a good rest! He advised me to take it easy for the next month, and gently ease back into training, maybe doing stuff that 'mere mortals' (his words!) would do...
I know that makes sense! I saw the practice nurse who does ironmen when I came out his room and I was telling her about the MdS- she did say that the usual advice for resting after a marathon is one day for every mile- which makes for nearly a month (although experienced runners can get away with less) So- let's see... my first ultra... so that would mean no exercise until the first week in August!!
Seriously- I will give my body an easier ride this month, and then start to build up to the Robin Hood marathon from the beginning of June- got to be a bit sensible I guess, even though I do still have easter eggs left...
I also developed a cough- which made things difficult as coughing was extremely painful! I still struggled into work everyday, and it has been a struggle as since Wednesday I have also felt like crap whole body aching, really tired, absolutely no energy... funnily enough I've been better in the morning than in the evenings, and have had no energy to do anything other than lie on my bed after work.
I went to my GP yesterday and he said almosr exactly what I expected him to say... yes I pulled an underam muscle- it's got to get better on its own- take painkillers and see him again if it's no better in two weeks, the cough and feeling crap he attributed to a virus ('virus' in GP speak I think means 'Well, we haven't really got a clue what it is and certainly aren't going to give you anything for it!)
It was the same GP who signed off my medical certificate, and he did then say that I had put my body under enormous strain during the MdS and it needs a good rest! He advised me to take it easy for the next month, and gently ease back into training, maybe doing stuff that 'mere mortals' (his words!) would do...
I know that makes sense! I saw the practice nurse who does ironmen when I came out his room and I was telling her about the MdS- she did say that the usual advice for resting after a marathon is one day for every mile- which makes for nearly a month (although experienced runners can get away with less) So- let's see... my first ultra... so that would mean no exercise until the first week in August!!
Seriously- I will give my body an easier ride this month, and then start to build up to the Robin Hood marathon from the beginning of June- got to be a bit sensible I guess, even though I do still have easter eggs left...
Labels: illness, Injury, Robin Hood Marathon
Monday, April 27, 2009
Knee Healed... And New Injury!!!
Well, touch wood my knee appears to be just about healed. I tried a 7 mile walk around Colwick Country Park Saturday, and it was fine... so I thought I'd try a little gentle jogging at the gym, so tried 3 X 5 minutes of slow running interspersed with 2 minutes of walking. I followed this up with a fairly gentle 30 miles on the elliptical. I could feel a slight sensation but it wasn't pain or even discomfort and I was wearing my support bandage, and kept stretching it out.
It was absolutely fine afterwards, and is still fine today- so hopefully that's on the way to being sorted.
However, I now have another wee problem... I stupidly tried an exercise at the gym I hadn't really done before- kneeling on the bench, holding a weight and pulling my arm up behind me in a kind of tricept row- to try to blast those bingo wings once and for all!
As I lifted, I could feel a movement in the muscles under the skin- but no pain, no discomfort, nothing. Until 4 o'clock this morning that is. I woke with a really sharp pain in my left side, which just got worse and worse no matter how I tried to lay. In fact, I convinced myself I was actually having a heart attack and tried to feel my pulse! Then I realised that when I lifted my arm I could feel the muscles pull, so I have obviously strained something. Trouble is, with it being right over the rib cage, every time I breathe it bloody hurts- but I can hardly stop breathing! it was agony trying to wash, dress and drive to work, but I've more or less kept it at bay with painkillers. Don't know how much sleep I'll get tonight though.
Shit. I just want to get back into it as I have been eating loads of crap and feel fat... several folks on the forum have had niggles- maybe we just took a lot more out of our bodies than we realised!
I have another reason for wanting to get back into it though- I borrowed my sis's copy of 'Run Fat Boy Run' at the weekend, hoping it would be inspirational. And it was (as well as being funny and feelgood!) so inspirational in fact that as soon as I finished watching it I went and signed up for the Robin Hood Marathon!!!
It was absolutely fine afterwards, and is still fine today- so hopefully that's on the way to being sorted.
However, I now have another wee problem... I stupidly tried an exercise at the gym I hadn't really done before- kneeling on the bench, holding a weight and pulling my arm up behind me in a kind of tricept row- to try to blast those bingo wings once and for all!
As I lifted, I could feel a movement in the muscles under the skin- but no pain, no discomfort, nothing. Until 4 o'clock this morning that is. I woke with a really sharp pain in my left side, which just got worse and worse no matter how I tried to lay. In fact, I convinced myself I was actually having a heart attack and tried to feel my pulse! Then I realised that when I lifted my arm I could feel the muscles pull, so I have obviously strained something. Trouble is, with it being right over the rib cage, every time I breathe it bloody hurts- but I can hardly stop breathing! it was agony trying to wash, dress and drive to work, but I've more or less kept it at bay with painkillers. Don't know how much sleep I'll get tonight though.
Shit. I just want to get back into it as I have been eating loads of crap and feel fat... several folks on the forum have had niggles- maybe we just took a lot more out of our bodies than we realised!
I have another reason for wanting to get back into it though- I borrowed my sis's copy of 'Run Fat Boy Run' at the weekend, hoping it would be inspirational. And it was (as well as being funny and feelgood!) so inspirational in fact that as soon as I finished watching it I went and signed up for the Robin Hood Marathon!!!
Labels: Injury, Robin Hood Marathon
