A crazy running year...

Well I can honestly say 2013 has been a great running year! Have loved it, lots of challenges, new friends and I think I am now an ultra runner, a very slow one but being out there running crazy distances is what I love to do!!

It's really hard to choose a favourite race as there are so many amazing memories from all of them, well apart from Run to the Beat but that one can be blanked from memory, no more mass participation, you must all be clones wearing the same t-shirt events for me!! 

The Wall was amazing and was really happy with my time of 18:38, a great event even if more was on road than I was expecting, but loved it, loved the support and the craziness of running into Newcastle at 2am with a couple of drunk blokes asking why I was running at that time and the look of disbelief when I said I'd run from Carlisle, another drunk lady who gave me £10 for my charity while I was checking in at my hotel. 

Endure 24 (or enjoy 24) as we renamed it was another highlight, a crazy weekend with great friends, and The 100 Mile run a four day run through the Cotswolds, probably my slowest, plaugued with niggles, but loved every minute, the camping, the sun, the rain, the last day when Bath never seemed to get any closer, the discovery of how many different ways you could undo a gate, unforgettable times.

A new PB at Halstead marathon, my favourite marathon, still not quite sub 4:30 but getting very close, next year, and Stort 30 was another great run with great friends.

This blog could go on and on and on as so many amazing running memories, but I can't finish without talking about all the amazing running friends I have met along the way, this year saw the formation, after Colchester half, of The Commando Runners (not named because we are highly trained, lean, mean fighting machines!!) an amazing group of people who support, encourage and have fun running and doing other stuff. You can always be sure that whatever local race you turn up at there will be a friendly face running, supporting, encouraging and Parkrun has become a real Saturday morning social occasion to start the weekend off well.

So looking to next year, 'Challenge 2014' has already been planned and plotted, Challenge Running Ltd, 4 events ranging from 30 to 125 miles, all entered, training underway, raising money for Moorfields Eye Hospital. Looks like 2014 will be another crazy, ultra running year... 

Stort30 - last ultra of the year... Probably

I say probably, because The 100 mile run was supposed to be the last ultra of the year, but discovering Stort30 a local ultra, it seemed rude not to sign up! I shared my madness with our FB running group and before I knew it six others including my boyfriend, Ian (who thinks ultra running is 'silly'!!) had done the same.

So on Sunday after an extra hour in bed (great timing for the clocks to go back!) race day had arrived. Ian arrived and I can honestly say I have never seen anyone look so terrified before a race, not even my friend Mark before Paras10 last year!! After a slight detour we arrived at race HQ and after the race briefing and obligatory pre race photo it was time to begin.

So myself, Ian, Gareth, Lorraine, Rob, Danny, Trevor and Kerry set off on our ultra adventure, I knew the rest of the guys are faster runners than me and expected them to finish before me. We started our two laps of the field that we had to do before setting off to the river. It was to be an out and back route along the river Stort, and having done a recce of it a few weeks previously was looking forward to the route. It was predominantly a trail run and I had done what every runner knows is the biggest race day mistake and bought new trail shoes the day before as there had been a lot of rain leading up to the event and I was worried about falling into the river in my road shoes and knew I couldn't run 30 miles in my current trail shoes, as it turned out no problems, trainers were great and no issues at all!! 

I ran the first 13 or so miles with Lorraine which was great and I was happy with my pace but had already started to slow down, so she made the very wise decision to go on ahead, one of the highlights was seeing Ian going back the other way, a quick hug and happy to see him looking better and I headed to the turn around. 

Seeing Vicky and Liz two more of our running group at checkpoint 2 and 4 was great, nothing like a friendly face and a goody bag to spur you on, thanks Vicky.

I was happy with my half way time but it all went a bit downhill from there!! Now I can sit here and make a million excuses as to why I struggled during the second half, too many events this year, I'd had a migraine on the Saturday etc etc but who knows why some races don't go as well as others? 

At about 24 miles I told myself I'd get to the final checkpoint and give in, at that point I had no desire to struggle though another 5miles, what was the point. Well I got to the checkpoint, there were a couple of other runners there too and I knew I couldn't quit, (that little phrase my friend Simon uses popped into my head 'pain is temporary, pride is forever') I've never had a DNF (did not finish) and today wasn't the day to start!! So a cup of squash and a banana and I headed out to finish this race! I ran/walked, chatted to a guy who recognised me from The Wall Ultra and finally the finish line, Ian, Lorraine, Rob and Vicky were waiting all I had to do was a lap of the field and it was over, pretty sure that field had got bigger since the start!! 

So medal handed over, hugs and well dones received and that was Stort30 completed. the rest of the guys did so well and I am so proud of them, (Ian still thinks ultra running is silly!!) 

It was a well organised, friendly race with great check points and am pretty certain I will give it another go next year! So thank you to all involved, a great day with great friends, now the aches and pains are beginning to subside it's back to the internet to find the next event ha ha ha!!!

What about when you're old and wrinkly!!

Strange name for a blog you may be thinking...

But a question I've been asked a couple of times recently! Why have I been asked 'what about when you're old and wrinkly?' Well because I had a tattoo...

So why at 41 did I feel the need to get a tattoo, well I have a phrase/mantra whatever you like to call it that I have used for a long time...

Train Hard, No Excuses

When it's cold and dark at 6am and I have to go run, or after a hard day at work and I'm going out to boot camp it pops into my head. It gets me out there as it reminds me not to make excuses, too tired, too wet, too cold, too hot, whatever, training is a big part of my life and I don't (often) make excuses not to do it (I'm not perfect, I'm human, sometimes I do), but most of the time I'm out there training hard, preparing for the next event.

So after one of my boot camp instructors had his mantra, Take No Days Off, tattooed onto his arm I was inspired to do the same. So two weeks ago I did it, now it's there forever, not just in my head but when the alarm goes off and I put on the light, I look at it, how can I not get out and train, how can I make excuses now, it will help me realise my dream...

...Next year my plan is to attempt the big one. A 100 mile ultra marathon, it's been there since I first read Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathon Man, my ultimate running goal. So 2014 will be the year, the training will be tough, it will probably mean cutting down on other stuff, sleep etc ha ha, but I will do it, and my tattoo will help.

So back to the original question, though have to say I have had very few negative comments, but those couple that I did get got me thinking. Will I regret it when I'm old and wrinkly? I don't think so, hopefully I'll still be pounding/shuffling the trails!! But if I'm not, that wrinkly, unreadable tattoo will be the best reminder of some of my proudest achievements, some of the best times, the training, the events, the places I see, and definitely a reminder of all the amazing running, boot camping friends I have met a long the way, some of them literally met along the way! 

So whatever your opinion, mid life crisis, coolest Mum (yes my teenage children think it's great!), fruit loop runner or anything else, I love my tattoo, I love running, boot camp and pushing my body to it's limits, I'll continue to live by those four simple words and never will I regret a single moment of all the amazing fun I'm having. 

Fruitloop to cave girl!! Week 1...

Back in February I took part in a 30 day eat clean challenge with Essex Boot Camp. Eat clean, paleo, caveman diet whatever you like to call it basically means cutting all the crap and rubbish out of your diet, so no sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, processed food etc. it was tough to stick to but by the end of the challenge felt great, slowly though over the next few months the crap crept back in, not the occasional cheat meal which is fine, but back on a regular basis. Was feeling tired, sluggish and recovery after events was taking ages... And yes I know they were some extreme events which were going to need some recovery time but falling asleep on the sofa every evening watching TV just isn't cool! I'm still young(ish!). 

So time to sort the diet... It's been a week now of being back on the eat clean (with some adaptations) and already feeling better, sleeping well but not on the sofa! I am eating dairy, Greek yoghurt with fruit starts the day well for me and dairy doesn't seem to upset me in any way. Being the school holidays I have plenty of time to prepare and cook properly so it's all going really well, just need to be organised next week when it's back to work. 

So diet under control... What about training?

Well after two weeks off because of a slight injury after the 100 mile run in the Cotswolds, all was good and I can run again. (We'll gloss over the month off the A&E doctor advised!) 

Having done lots of reading into barefoot running/shoes I decided this may be a good time to give them a try, so ordered a pair of New Balance barefoot shoes... 

They are a bit odd and felt strange with no cushioning and being so flexible, for the first day or two I just wore them around the house before going out in them. Then I started to wear them to walk the puppy in no problems they felt ok so last Friday I went out and ran a mile, have to say it felt really odd and I was in no way convinced that I'd ever run far in them, I didn't have any pain or discomfort just felt I was running oddly!!! 

Over the weekend I continued to wear them to walk Duggie. This morning I decided to run in them again, didn't really have a distance in mind just went out and ran! Stayed close to home so could come back and change if necessary. The first mile was similar to Friday felt a bit awkward but then I guess everything warmed up and it started to feel good! Was only running 10minute miles but really enjoyed it, ran 5k in the end and suffered no ill effects! 

So this was week one of the transformation, I'm feeling good... My version of eating clean seems to be working and I will continue with the barefoot shoes...

Next year I plan to make my first 100mile ultra attempt, eating well and training hard are going to be vital... 

The 100 Mile Blog!

Four days, 100 miles through the Cotswolds, I could do that I thought many months ago as I sat with the iPad on my lap looking at the website for The 100 Mile Run, nice few days away in the summer, it would be great, so I booked it! A friend saw my post about it and we changed the entry to a pair and Kasia and I were signed up for a nice running break.

Now 2 days after the event my legs are in bits, have a dodgy ankle but as a good friend often tells me 'pain is temporary, pride is forever' (thanks Simon)

So let me tell you about the event, we travelled to Chipping Campden in glorious sunshine, I sat on the train thinking 'please don't be this hot tomorrow!'

The hotel was good, we laughed at the double bed but managed to separate it into two singles lol!! Nice meal and an early night ready for day 1.

Day 1

Ok so it didn't start well, woke up with a blinding headache and felt very sick, managed coffee and a few cornflakes, painkillers and laid on the bed dozing a bit. Soon it was time to register, was feeling better and once at the registration, excitement kicked in, was still a bit hot for my liking. 

The event began at 12 once everyone had arrived from Bath and all too soon we were heading off for our first day of 17 miles, nice climb out of Chipping Campden and into beautiful countryside, we ran/walked, no hurry, no pressure. Found it difficult to get into a good running rhythm but we plodded along and had the lovely surprise of day one only being 16 miles, soon we were at the campsite, showered, nice dinner and early night ready for day 2, was woken in the night by torrential rain but otherwise the tent was cosy enough!!! 

Day 2

Woke to glorious sunshine, slightly cooler, so after a breakfast of porridge and toast we were ready to tackle day 2!

This was by far the toughest terrain, hills, hills and more hills (note to my Colchester Park Run friends - that isn't a hill ha ha ha!!!) From about mile one I had a pain in the side of my thigh so another day of run walking, the medics were great, ice packs at checkpoints and a promise of being able to jump the queue to see the Physio and I plodded onwards (poor Kasia could have been miles ahead but kept with me until we were nearing the end) the scenery again was stunning, the other runners were great and although my running was pretty rubbish I was having a great time, the stresses of the previous weeks were disappearing and I was having fun! Was missing my kids, Ian and the puppy but enjoying the countryside and the feeling of pushing your body to it's max. Day 2 turned out to be 29 miles and I was so pleased to finally reach the campsite, thanks to Russell for the company and route finding in those final miles. I nearly laughed hysterically as I crossed the finish line and was told archery had just started if I'd like to have a go!!! I declined and had an ice bath and a massage, was glad to be told the pain in my thigh was tight IT band and after a good massage it felt a lot better, hopefully day 3 would see me doing some better running!

Day 3

I was happier today, leg felt better and it was a little breezy and raining much better running conditions. All through day 2 I had craved milkshake, and not long into day 3 we passed though a village with a shop, that was the best milkshake ever!! Today we were running about 25 miles, I didn't run it all but it was my best running day of the event, it was still slow, I still moaned at every hill especially the one just before Dursley (it was so steep) but I was happy in myself, and thoroughly enjoying the event. Another massage at the end of the run and I was ready for the big push for the final day. I had dry trainers in my bag, running kit was ready I could do the final 33 miles on the last day!! One thing that made me smile today was the half way stone, on one side Bath 55 miles on the other side Chipping Campden 47 miles, how is that half way ha ha!! 

Day 4

It had rained all night! But was dry when we set off at 7am, Kasia and I had already agreed to split up if need be, she was still going strong and could finish the day a lot quicker than me so about 3 miles in a quick hug and she was off ( thanks Kasia for all of you support and encouragement) I plodded on running a bit and walking a bit and when I got to checkpoint 1 I was told Kasia was only a few minutes in front. I was feeling ok, I topped up my water had my now favourite running food of a banana and a mars bar and off I went! Had only gone another mile when I had a sharp pain in the top of my ankle, this continued for mile after mile, I took some pain killers and hobbled onto the next checkpoint, Andy the medic was lurking on a road 2 miles from the next checkpoint and offered me a lift! I declined but accepted some tubigrip and carried on. I hobbled into the next checkpoint and the other medics Simon and Simon (we were introduced to the medics at the beginning of the event as Andy and the Simons, made me smile, sounded like a boy band!) we're waiting. They were brave enough to examine my ankle, my feet weren't pretty by this stage! Probably soft tissue damage they said, but stress fracture was mentioned, so half hour break with an ice pack and did I want a lift to the end? Again I declined, I was given a cup of tea and a pain au chocolat (was amazing!!!) took more pain killers and off  I went. I staggered through torrential rain, I laughed, I talked to cows and horses, I swore at gates and one stage as I was nearing Bath and again the heavens opened I wanted to sit and cry I could see Bath but it just wasn't getting any closer. I plodded onwards and then the whole thing became hysterically funny, I was about to enter a beautiful city full of tourists and there I was soaked through to my knickers, looking like a drowned rat, I laughed and laughed and found the energy to p,lid those last few miles to Bath Abbey! Seeing that finish line was awesome, photo taken, medal given. I just wanted to cry!! I had done it 102 miles over 12000ft of ascent, various aches and pains but I did it! 

So a final note of thanks to everyone, fellow runners, especially Kasia, the team, the medics, the physio, you were all awesome. Would I do it again, Hell Yeah course I would.

The proudest day

Why the proudest day you may be thinking... Let me explain, first I need to go back about 18months, (and as mad as this may seem, I believe Dad, even though no longer with us, has had something to do with the chain of events that followed!) I had recently read Dean Karnazes book, Ultramarathon Man and had decided I wanted to run an ultra. Shortly after finding out Dads cancer was terminal my sister said she had seen a run from London to Brighton that might be something I'd be interested in. I went home and before I knew it had signed up to run 100km, raising money for Cancer Research UK. I didn't know anyone else doing this run but some information I was sent from the organisers said there was a facebook group for challengers, so they could share training, equipment, fundraising tips etc. I joined and was immediately welcomed and that is where it all began. 

Sadly Dad lost his battle before the event but the training, support from this group and others got me through and I had an amazing time and completed London 2 Brighton, raised nearly £1000 and most importantly met some of the most amazing people. 

This year I wanted to do something to mark the year anniversary of losing my Dad and discovered Colchester Half Marathon was on that day so I signed up. (Dad loved the outdoors, took part in many treks, cycle rides all over the world, raised loads of money for charity and inspired and encouraged me with my running) it seemed fitting to run a local marathon in memory of him. I took part with some friends from Essex Boot Camp and managed a new PB.

So why have these two events resulted in me feeling so proud today... Now this may sound odd but Facebook has a lot to do with it! I know there are those who don't like FB, say it causes problems, bullying etc, but my experience is so different, from these two events I have become a member of two groups one that sprung up from London 2 Brighton an the other from Colchester Half, the people I have met through these groups are the reason I am feeling so proud today.

This weekend many of them took part in events, some went back to give London 2 Brighton another go, some took on their first marathon in Edinburgh, and many others in 5k and 10k events. Those taking part have done amazingly well, all of them finishing their chosen events, that of course has made me super proud, but more than that was the support, encouragement, concern these amazing people showed their fellow competitors, from those who marshalled to those who waited at finish lines and even one who went back after 100k to ensure a friend made it to the end. That is what has made me proud today. A year a go I didn't know any of these people now I am so lucky to have them as my friends and I know without a doubt whenever I compete they are there to encourage and support. If not there in person, they offer messages of support.

So to all of you, you know who you are, thank you for being amazing, thank you for always being there, not just for the running but for all other advice and support you have offered when it was needed, thank you for the laughs, the jokes and the craziness. But most of all thank you for being the most selfless, kind, caring and all round good people that you are.

None of us knows what the future holds but I hope wherever life takes me all of you will be there to share it in some way.

Love you all xxx 

Running for Boston

This morning I dedicated my 7.5 mile run to Boston. Why I hear many ask? What about Texas, the earthquake in China, the many other tragedies this week I hear others ask. These comments got me thinking, why was I so affected by the Boston Marathon Bombings. I gave this some serious thought whilst I ran in the sunshine today and this is what I came up with...
Firstly I will say a little about my recent marathon experience, last Sunday I ran Brighton Marathon it was my sixth marathon so I knew what was coming, but it was a special marathon for me for several reasons, it was the first one my children, 18, 16 and 14 were with me at. It was the first one where I knew other people running. The day started early with breakfast at a friends and fellow runners house, 5 runners who met last year coming together to run a marathon, raise money and yet again push their bodies hard. I was excited and a little nervous, really wanted a new PB and that magical 4:30 marathon I'd yet to achieve.
Off to the start line my children went off to their thing and cheer me along the way, all this new technology meant they were able to track my progress.
The race went well for me I'm not going to bore you with every mile! Until 17.5 miles I was on target for that 4:30 finish but then I struggled for a few miles before giving myself a talking to and finishing with a reasonably strong final 3.5 miles, not 4:30 but 4:39 I got my new PB.
A marathon is tough, it hurts, but that marathon day is your 26.2 miles in the spotlight, the culmination of months of hard work. Training in all weathers, long runs, fartlek, hill training, boot camp you name it we marathon runners do it!
We neglect our friends and families, I turned down party invites, nights out so I was fresh and on top form for those long Sunday runs or events I was booked into as part of the training.
Then there's the fundraising so not only do you neglect your non running friends you also badger them constantly for sponsorship, and I have to say I have some extremely generous friends to whom I am grateful.
So I hear you ask what's all this got to do with Boston, well like I said Marathon day, especially those big city marathons, they are your day, a celebration of all your hard work, thousands of runners coming together. Not wanting to get morbid but my friends and family waited for me in that final stretch towards the finish line, seeing my children cheering me brought a tear to my eye! If the unthinkable had happened there, it could have been my children and friends injured or killed.
Runners are a tough bunch, the running community is strong and reaches every corner of the globe. The big city marathons do so much, they bring people together, they raise millions of pounds for charity. The supporters along the way shouting your name keep you going, they are what make a marathon special, complete strangers willing you to the finish, handing you sweets, children wanting a high five from a runner, that's what marathon day is about...
That moment you cross the finish line, the medal, the smiles...
So that's why I ran for Boston today, for those who will never run a marathon, an eight year old who won't grow up to follow in his Dads footsteps, for those who lost limbs. it's not because I don't care  about the other tragedies that have happened this week...
But because I am a runner...