Monday, December 10, 2007
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
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, October 07, 2007
Quick Update...
I've had quite a quiet week this week... mainly due to the fact that I've been finding it difficult to walk! Who would have thought horse riding would be so incapacitating...
I haven't done much running, just two brisk walks of 5 miles and 4 1/2 miles which isn't great. I did go to the gym as usual Thursday and today- Thursday I ran on the treadmill for about 25 minutes but kept to speeds below 6.7mph. I did some resistance work on the ellipticals as part of the warm up, and the stepper, weights etc more or less as usual (except I couldn't manage a couple of the leg weights- too painful!)
I was back up to my usual 3 miles on the treadmill today, concentrating on 6.3mph, 6.5mph with some 6.7mph thrown in for good measure. I had a separate resistance session on the ellipticals, rest of the workout as usual. There was an older lady there who must have been running on the treadmill for an hour! I think boredom would set in... I'd rather run outside for that length of time and see fields and trees rather than stare at sweaty folks puffing and panting (oh, hang on- I think I was looking in the mirror!)
Poor mum thinks that the riding last weekend has given her cystitis!
The cheque I wrote for the Turkey Trot has been cashed so it looks like I may be in! Gives me plenty of time to build back up to half marathon distance by then. I have the Waltham Winder on Saturday; a 26 mile challenge walk fairly close by which I thought had finished as it doesn't appear in Strider (magazine for the LDWA).
That's it really... looking forward to a soak in the bath later!
I haven't done much running, just two brisk walks of 5 miles and 4 1/2 miles which isn't great. I did go to the gym as usual Thursday and today- Thursday I ran on the treadmill for about 25 minutes but kept to speeds below 6.7mph. I did some resistance work on the ellipticals as part of the warm up, and the stepper, weights etc more or less as usual (except I couldn't manage a couple of the leg weights- too painful!)
I was back up to my usual 3 miles on the treadmill today, concentrating on 6.3mph, 6.5mph with some 6.7mph thrown in for good measure. I had a separate resistance session on the ellipticals, rest of the workout as usual. There was an older lady there who must have been running on the treadmill for an hour! I think boredom would set in... I'd rather run outside for that length of time and see fields and trees rather than stare at sweaty folks puffing and panting (oh, hang on- I think I was looking in the mirror!)
Poor mum thinks that the riding last weekend has given her cystitis!
The cheque I wrote for the Turkey Trot has been cashed so it looks like I may be in! Gives me plenty of time to build back up to half marathon distance by then. I have the Waltham Winder on Saturday; a 26 mile challenge walk fairly close by which I thought had finished as it doesn't appear in Strider (magazine for the LDWA).
That's it really... looking forward to a soak in the bath later!
Labels: gym, Turkey Trot
Monday, September 24, 2007
Event Report; The Crossdale 10k
Yesterday was the Crossdale 10k, at Keyworth, which is a small village in Nottinghamshire, fairly near to where I work, so didn't take that long to get to.
I knew the route went across fields and along tracks, but should have known what to expect when I passed signs for the Crossdale 'Trail Run' as I neared Keyworth. The even started and finished at Crossdale Primary School; in fact, the proceeds from the event went towards the school.
There were quite a few people there; I passed the t-shirt stall; there was a free t-shirt for completing the run, and they looked quite smart, black and white. I noticed that there was a huge pile of medium and large, but only a tiny pile of small ones, which was a bummer as I figured that by the time I got back, they'd be all gone and I'd be left with one I could only feasibly wear as a night shirt. I hung around the stall for a while until another runner came up and asked the women behind the stall if she could collect her t-shirt now. They gave her one and marked her race number, so I followed her example and secured a Small. (That gave me a bit of a boost actually as 3 years ago I would have been wondering whether a large would have hidden by body- that is, if I'd managed to run 6 miles at all!)
I was quite early so had a mooch around, passing several runners stretching, including one bizarrely doing a kind of yoga 'downwards facing dog' style. I noticed that the teachers had obviously got the kids involved in making a kind of Tibetan style wishing tree- whereby a ribbon is tied to a tree branch and a wish made. The kids had written their 'wishes', laminated them and hung them on, so I took the time to read a few. Among more predictable ones like 'I wish thatpeople didn't fight each other' and 'I wish that somebody could help all the people who are poor', one little lad had written 'I hope that my rat will be alright and that my Grandad will be alright'. Talk about getting his priorities right!
The start of the race was partway down a field, and was quite a steep downhill. Judging by the comments, it was suddenly dawning on folks that we would have to run back up it at the finish. I stayed near the back, just ahead of the fun runners massing for their start 10 minutes later.
At 10am we were off down the field; I realised I was at the back, but overtook a few folks. We passed under a railway bridge and through more fields, which were rather rutted so required more care. We turned off the field and onto an undulating track, passing under the railway again, before picking up a bridleway running along the field edge; I had to watch where I was putting my feet. The water point came at about 4k, but I only managed 3 gulps on the run. We turned down a tarmac track as part of a loop, and just before halfway the route turned back on itself before heading back round to the water point. My legs were starting to feel quite tired and my stomach was churning a bit; I actually felt a little queasy which worried me. The returning runners were passing us, and I turned at the turning point into the full force of the wind.
Another stretch of tarmac after a farm brought us to the road; we were directed along the grass verge back to the water point where I caught up with a lady and slowed to allow myself a few gulps. I must say, there were lots of marshalls and they were all very encouraging.
We were back on the same route we took out; I overtook the lady and headed down the bridleway. We were now going slightly downhill and I realised I felt much better. My legs were still rather tired but the queasiness had gone. I hit the track and immediately faced a climb. There were runners in front of me, but I couldn't catch them. Just after the 8k marker it was time to turn back through the rutted fields. A couple of blokes hared past, obviously putting a last minute spurt on, but I didn't feel capable of doing the same! All thoughts of a PB went out of the window as it was the toughest 10k I'd done.
Just after the 9k marker we passed under the bridge, and soon after were faced with the climb up to the finish. What a climb, I swear it's the toughest I've yet experienced on a run! It was horribly steep; I tried to keep a running motion, but probably wasn't moving faster than a walk. I was convinced I was going to throw up, and just hoped I could hold onto breakfast long enough to get me past the crowds of cheering kids.
It did actually taper off at the finish, and as I turned towards the line I realised with a shock that the clock was counting 58 minutes- no, that couldn't be right, my PB was 59 minutes something! I actually crossed the line in 58 minutes and 56 seconds- I PB'd over that course which was amazing. I must be getting a bit faster- maybe the treadmill strategy is paying off!
The other thing I was pleased about was the complete lack of Achilles trouble! In fact I came home and put in 50 minutes on my cross trainer! Looking at the results, I came 161st out of a field of 193, not too bad for me!
I have made a decision to enter the Turkey Trot rather than the 50 mile Round Rotherham. I think that it may be a mistake to up the distances to 50 miles this soon, especially when I am still building up the length of my runs after my Achilles problems. I think that what I will do, it to concentrate on maintaining the 26 mile in a day or so challenge walks and build up the running to half marathon.
Then next year I will up the mileage and get in some 50 mile events and hopefully be able to run/ walk them. This is my reasoning anyway... I'm not copping out!!
I knew the route went across fields and along tracks, but should have known what to expect when I passed signs for the Crossdale 'Trail Run' as I neared Keyworth. The even started and finished at Crossdale Primary School; in fact, the proceeds from the event went towards the school.
There were quite a few people there; I passed the t-shirt stall; there was a free t-shirt for completing the run, and they looked quite smart, black and white. I noticed that there was a huge pile of medium and large, but only a tiny pile of small ones, which was a bummer as I figured that by the time I got back, they'd be all gone and I'd be left with one I could only feasibly wear as a night shirt. I hung around the stall for a while until another runner came up and asked the women behind the stall if she could collect her t-shirt now. They gave her one and marked her race number, so I followed her example and secured a Small. (That gave me a bit of a boost actually as 3 years ago I would have been wondering whether a large would have hidden by body- that is, if I'd managed to run 6 miles at all!)
I was quite early so had a mooch around, passing several runners stretching, including one bizarrely doing a kind of yoga 'downwards facing dog' style. I noticed that the teachers had obviously got the kids involved in making a kind of Tibetan style wishing tree- whereby a ribbon is tied to a tree branch and a wish made. The kids had written their 'wishes', laminated them and hung them on, so I took the time to read a few. Among more predictable ones like 'I wish thatpeople didn't fight each other' and 'I wish that somebody could help all the people who are poor', one little lad had written 'I hope that my rat will be alright and that my Grandad will be alright'. Talk about getting his priorities right!
The start of the race was partway down a field, and was quite a steep downhill. Judging by the comments, it was suddenly dawning on folks that we would have to run back up it at the finish. I stayed near the back, just ahead of the fun runners massing for their start 10 minutes later.
At 10am we were off down the field; I realised I was at the back, but overtook a few folks. We passed under a railway bridge and through more fields, which were rather rutted so required more care. We turned off the field and onto an undulating track, passing under the railway again, before picking up a bridleway running along the field edge; I had to watch where I was putting my feet. The water point came at about 4k, but I only managed 3 gulps on the run. We turned down a tarmac track as part of a loop, and just before halfway the route turned back on itself before heading back round to the water point. My legs were starting to feel quite tired and my stomach was churning a bit; I actually felt a little queasy which worried me. The returning runners were passing us, and I turned at the turning point into the full force of the wind.
Another stretch of tarmac after a farm brought us to the road; we were directed along the grass verge back to the water point where I caught up with a lady and slowed to allow myself a few gulps. I must say, there were lots of marshalls and they were all very encouraging.
We were back on the same route we took out; I overtook the lady and headed down the bridleway. We were now going slightly downhill and I realised I felt much better. My legs were still rather tired but the queasiness had gone. I hit the track and immediately faced a climb. There were runners in front of me, but I couldn't catch them. Just after the 8k marker it was time to turn back through the rutted fields. A couple of blokes hared past, obviously putting a last minute spurt on, but I didn't feel capable of doing the same! All thoughts of a PB went out of the window as it was the toughest 10k I'd done.
Just after the 9k marker we passed under the bridge, and soon after were faced with the climb up to the finish. What a climb, I swear it's the toughest I've yet experienced on a run! It was horribly steep; I tried to keep a running motion, but probably wasn't moving faster than a walk. I was convinced I was going to throw up, and just hoped I could hold onto breakfast long enough to get me past the crowds of cheering kids.
It did actually taper off at the finish, and as I turned towards the line I realised with a shock that the clock was counting 58 minutes- no, that couldn't be right, my PB was 59 minutes something! I actually crossed the line in 58 minutes and 56 seconds- I PB'd over that course which was amazing. I must be getting a bit faster- maybe the treadmill strategy is paying off!
The other thing I was pleased about was the complete lack of Achilles trouble! In fact I came home and put in 50 minutes on my cross trainer! Looking at the results, I came 161st out of a field of 193, not too bad for me!
I have made a decision to enter the Turkey Trot rather than the 50 mile Round Rotherham. I think that it may be a mistake to up the distances to 50 miles this soon, especially when I am still building up the length of my runs after my Achilles problems. I think that what I will do, it to concentrate on maintaining the 26 mile in a day or so challenge walks and build up the running to half marathon.
Then next year I will up the mileage and get in some 50 mile events and hopefully be able to run/ walk them. This is my reasoning anyway... I'm not copping out!!
Labels: 10k, Crossdale 10k, Turkey Trot
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Update!
Well, I've had a quite easy week after the Ponton Plod; I used my stepper for about 30 mins Tuesday, ran a fairly slow 7 1/2 miles Wednesday and hit the gym Thursday. I have a 10k race tomorrow, the Crossdale 10, which should be interesting as it's a cross country route!
Because of this, I only did 2 miles on the treadmill, doing some 'Fartlek' faster bursts. I am using the treadmill for faster running and the outside for slower distance runs! Also did some resistance on the elliptical trainer after my usual warm up.
My colleague has told me about a fairly local half marathon, which I think I'll consider; The Turkey Trot. Apparently the winner gets a turkey; I'd be lucky to get a mince pie!
Because of this, I only did 2 miles on the treadmill, doing some 'Fartlek' faster bursts. I am using the treadmill for faster running and the outside for slower distance runs! Also did some resistance on the elliptical trainer after my usual warm up.
My colleague has told me about a fairly local half marathon, which I think I'll consider; The Turkey Trot. Apparently the winner gets a turkey; I'd be lucky to get a mince pie!
Labels: Crossdale 10k, Turkey Trot
