Sunday, October 10, 2010
A Good Training Week; For A Change...
I've had an unusually productive week! Partly because I've been reading Ray Zahab's book- 'Running for My Life'- which is an account of his transformation from beer swilling and chain smoking self destructiveness to awsome ultra runner. He has done MdS twice and has also crossed the entire Sahara on foot!
Ok, my week wasn't quite that impressive but not too bad training wise... last Sunday was a fairly tough session in the gym, and I was busy socially Monday and Tuesday night, so Wednesday I found my first night running route- I found a big loop around Gamston which is about 3 miles and lit the whole way, so I ran this twice and a little extra to make 6 3/4 miles. This was the furthest I had ran on pavements for quite some time and I felt ok.
Thursday I ran/ walked my Bassingfield and canal route with a little extra loop to make 4 miles. Friday I had a very tough session at the gym, pushing myself to cover a quite fast 30 minutes on the treadmill followed by 20 minutes on the ellipticals at a high resistance.
Saturday wasn't quite so arduous- I went with Katie and the Leicester Penguins Swimming Club Team swim in a gala in Aylesbury. Katie came 2nd and 3rd in her races and the team came 2nd overall, so a great effort. Today was a 12 miler around some old haunts; I parked at Morrisons in Netherfield and took my old route across the fields to Stoke Bardolph, then headed along the Trent to Burton Joyce. I picked up the bridleway which eventually connects with the river and returned along the river banks, eventually skirting Netherfield Lagoons. I encountered a few herds of young cows, but luckily they were obviously used to walkers and hardly batted an eye. My total distance was 12 miles, tomorrow I will go out and complete another 8 after work and then I will be on a taper for the weekend and my double whammy of the Dave Lewis Challenge and Spires and Steeples- hope the weather is just as nice as it's been today!
Hope everyone else has a good week!
Ok, my week wasn't quite that impressive but not too bad training wise... last Sunday was a fairly tough session in the gym, and I was busy socially Monday and Tuesday night, so Wednesday I found my first night running route- I found a big loop around Gamston which is about 3 miles and lit the whole way, so I ran this twice and a little extra to make 6 3/4 miles. This was the furthest I had ran on pavements for quite some time and I felt ok.
Thursday I ran/ walked my Bassingfield and canal route with a little extra loop to make 4 miles. Friday I had a very tough session at the gym, pushing myself to cover a quite fast 30 minutes on the treadmill followed by 20 minutes on the ellipticals at a high resistance.
Saturday wasn't quite so arduous- I went with Katie and the Leicester Penguins Swimming Club Team swim in a gala in Aylesbury. Katie came 2nd and 3rd in her races and the team came 2nd overall, so a great effort. Today was a 12 miler around some old haunts; I parked at Morrisons in Netherfield and took my old route across the fields to Stoke Bardolph, then headed along the Trent to Burton Joyce. I picked up the bridleway which eventually connects with the river and returned along the river banks, eventually skirting Netherfield Lagoons. I encountered a few herds of young cows, but luckily they were obviously used to walkers and hardly batted an eye. My total distance was 12 miles, tomorrow I will go out and complete another 8 after work and then I will be on a taper for the weekend and my double whammy of the Dave Lewis Challenge and Spires and Steeples- hope the weather is just as nice as it's been today!
Hope everyone else has a good week!
Labels: Burton Joyce, Ray Zahab, Stoke Bardolph
Monday, November 23, 2009
Getting back On Track... Slowly...
I am fed up with feeling as though I am coming down with some nasty bug or other, or developing headaches... really fed up with thinking 'I'm not feeling too great so I'll only do a gentle workout today' every time I haul my ass into the gym- I don't even know if it's physical or psychological!
I decided to call my own bluff and consult with my doctor, who's diagnosis is that it's probably a virus hanging around, and so there's nothing I can do- although he dd attempt to placate me with the offer of a full blood test (yes please- may as well get something out of the National Insurance that disappears from my wages before I even see it!)
Although it's not all been doom and gloom, as I did manage to get out for a 12 mile ramble Thursday. It was quite a pleasant day- for November- although rather blustery. I did my usual circuit around Stoke Bardoloph twice.
Looking Towards Stoke Bardolph
Walking along the river I saw a kingfisher, very briefly, before he flew off in a shiny turquoise blur. I saw him again on the way back- flying downstream but he was too fast for me to get a photo.
Last time I took the path by the River Trent it was closed for repairs (although it didn't stop me using it!) This time, the work had been finished, and instead of last winter's muddy track there is now a properly constructed pathway;
Walking round a second time I was struck by the patterns made by the stalks left in the fields...
... or maybe I was just bored of the view!
My knee wasn't too bad- I have come to the conclusion that it is a lot better when I walk than when I run. I did go to the gym Sunday too- but stuck to the rower and the elliptical trainer. Sometimes my knee is absolutely fine- then I will go for a short walk or gym session and it will start hurting again...
I have the Beacons Ultra in a fortnight, it looks as though I will only be doing one lap this year, but at least that leaves more time for the pub!
I decided to call my own bluff and consult with my doctor, who's diagnosis is that it's probably a virus hanging around, and so there's nothing I can do- although he dd attempt to placate me with the offer of a full blood test (yes please- may as well get something out of the National Insurance that disappears from my wages before I even see it!)
Although it's not all been doom and gloom, as I did manage to get out for a 12 mile ramble Thursday. It was quite a pleasant day- for November- although rather blustery. I did my usual circuit around Stoke Bardoloph twice.
Looking Towards Stoke Bardolph
Walking along the river I saw a kingfisher, very briefly, before he flew off in a shiny turquoise blur. I saw him again on the way back- flying downstream but he was too fast for me to get a photo.
Last time I took the path by the River Trent it was closed for repairs (although it didn't stop me using it!) This time, the work had been finished, and instead of last winter's muddy track there is now a properly constructed pathway;
Walking round a second time I was struck by the patterns made by the stalks left in the fields...
... or maybe I was just bored of the view!
My knee wasn't too bad- I have come to the conclusion that it is a lot better when I walk than when I run. I did go to the gym Sunday too- but stuck to the rower and the elliptical trainer. Sometimes my knee is absolutely fine- then I will go for a short walk or gym session and it will start hurting again...
I have the Beacons Ultra in a fortnight, it looks as though I will only be doing one lap this year, but at least that leaves more time for the pub!
Labels: Beacons Ultra, Stoke Bardolph
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
Friday, January 23, 2009
Bloody Illness!!
After a good result last week, I've had a much less productive week this week... Sunday I woke up with a sore throat, but as it went off I decided to push ahead with my second back to back 13 miler, so loaded up the pack and made my flask of coffee. The route I planned was a bit of a mish-mash; there was a 5 mile route round the next village in one of my walking books, and I figured I could walk from home to pick this up, and would just add bits on afterwards.
I set the Garmin, and set off along the footpath- it was another lovely day, unexpected after the downpour the night before. Before too long, I came to a path leading off to the left, but looking at the map I wasn't convinced it was the one I was looking for, so decided to press on and take the next path.
Big mistake. The path I took ended at a minor road, which took me to the road I wanted to be on, but much further down- it was the earlier path I needed! I ended up squeezing round a 'private' (oops!) sign and walking back up the road. Once I realised where I should have been, I back tracked across the fields back to my starting point- nearly having my Garmin eaten by an over excited Springer Spaniel!
After retracing my steps back to the road, I crossed it and found a path which followed a dyke in a loop back round to the Ferryboat Inn at Stoke Bardolph. I decided to stop and have my lunch by the river, and ended up sharing it with a load of geese.
The next stretch was easy but muddy walking along the River Trent- just before I needed to turn off, I noticed a nature walk around a couple of raised lakes, so decided a circuit of these would add more mileage. By the time I followed the track back to the starting point I'd done 9 miles, so got out the map, had a coffee and found a footpath past factories (worst bit!) to Colwick Country Park. My legs were aching a little by this point, but nothing major. I mostly walked today with a few short runs. By the time I got home, my Garmin told me I had done 13 miles, so mission accomplished! I then had my training program review at the gym; she got rid of the lunges on the half ball, as I have the balancing skills of a stork with no legs, and I can now do them on the floor... holding 7kg weights... she made me do quite a few of these so she could watch me and it nearly killed me! She has also increased a few of the exercises and added a couple more for balance (called Superwoman!) calves and shoulders. I had been increasing the treadmill and ellipticals anyway so she told me to continue with these.
I rested Monday, and felt rough again when I woke up Tuesday so had a fairly easy session in the gym. Well, when I say fairly easy, I mean 30 minutes on the elliptical at a high resistance and the training program...
Wednesday I woke up feeling even rougher with another sore throat- so did nothing (apart from work obviously- but this blog is about training!!) I went to see a mate who's just had a back operation Thursday so did nothing again apart from scoff a chinese.
I still feel a bit bluerrgh today, but thought I'd better make the effort, so threw on a 2 kg pack and headed out for my hill run. I did the same as last Friday- up to the top of Arnold Lane (hilly) over the other side and back up. Only with a slight twist, as instead of running straight back home I turned round and fast walked back up the steepest climb again.
Tomorrow I am going to try to pretend I'm not turning 39, and will probably need to go out and do something to mark the occasion or help me forget, and will no doubt have to fit some training in there somewhere too...
... roll on the taper!!!
I set the Garmin, and set off along the footpath- it was another lovely day, unexpected after the downpour the night before. Before too long, I came to a path leading off to the left, but looking at the map I wasn't convinced it was the one I was looking for, so decided to press on and take the next path.
Big mistake. The path I took ended at a minor road, which took me to the road I wanted to be on, but much further down- it was the earlier path I needed! I ended up squeezing round a 'private' (oops!) sign and walking back up the road. Once I realised where I should have been, I back tracked across the fields back to my starting point- nearly having my Garmin eaten by an over excited Springer Spaniel!
After retracing my steps back to the road, I crossed it and found a path which followed a dyke in a loop back round to the Ferryboat Inn at Stoke Bardolph. I decided to stop and have my lunch by the river, and ended up sharing it with a load of geese.
The next stretch was easy but muddy walking along the River Trent- just before I needed to turn off, I noticed a nature walk around a couple of raised lakes, so decided a circuit of these would add more mileage. By the time I followed the track back to the starting point I'd done 9 miles, so got out the map, had a coffee and found a footpath past factories (worst bit!) to Colwick Country Park. My legs were aching a little by this point, but nothing major. I mostly walked today with a few short runs. By the time I got home, my Garmin told me I had done 13 miles, so mission accomplished! I then had my training program review at the gym; she got rid of the lunges on the half ball, as I have the balancing skills of a stork with no legs, and I can now do them on the floor... holding 7kg weights... she made me do quite a few of these so she could watch me and it nearly killed me! She has also increased a few of the exercises and added a couple more for balance (called Superwoman!) calves and shoulders. I had been increasing the treadmill and ellipticals anyway so she told me to continue with these.
I rested Monday, and felt rough again when I woke up Tuesday so had a fairly easy session in the gym. Well, when I say fairly easy, I mean 30 minutes on the elliptical at a high resistance and the training program...
Wednesday I woke up feeling even rougher with another sore throat- so did nothing (apart from work obviously- but this blog is about training!!) I went to see a mate who's just had a back operation Thursday so did nothing again apart from scoff a chinese.
I still feel a bit bluerrgh today, but thought I'd better make the effort, so threw on a 2 kg pack and headed out for my hill run. I did the same as last Friday- up to the top of Arnold Lane (hilly) over the other side and back up. Only with a slight twist, as instead of running straight back home I turned round and fast walked back up the steepest climb again.
Tomorrow I am going to try to pretend I'm not turning 39, and will probably need to go out and do something to mark the occasion or help me forget, and will no doubt have to fit some training in there somewhere too...
... roll on the taper!!!
Labels: gym, hill running, Stoke Bardolph
