Train like a Champion and a Marathon PB...

It's been a while since I have updated my blog (again!) so have a few things to write about.

Firstly I am still training predominantly using the Maffetone Method, still eating mostly low carb, high fat and my run streak has reached 132 days and I am still enjoying it.

Last Christmas (no I am not about to burst into song!) Andreea brought me a place on Ronnie Staton's Train like a Champion workshop so towards the end of April we headed off to Oxford for a day learnng how to injury proof and improve our running. It was a brilliant day and highly recommended if he is coming to a town near you.
We learnt drills to put into our training plans to improve flexibility, balance and engage those forgotten muscles, I am making them a part of my training as they fit in brilliantly with the whole holistic approach I am applying to my running this year.
We also learnt about good posture and a check list of cues to think about whilst running to improve form. Ronnie also spoke about mind set and what he said really struck a chord, the three Rs 'Real, Raw and Relentless' and perception, not attaching emotions to things such as the weather, it is what it is.

This Girl was Inspired!

So with all this in my head and feeling inspired I started to wonder if I could maybe go for a decent time at Halstead Marathon (and I do remember saying in an earlier blog I had lost interest in PBs etc!! But a girl can change her mind!) I decided I would 'go for it' at parkrun the next weekend and see what happnened, maybe I had left it a bit late in the day as I only had a couple of weeks to go. I surprised myself by running a 25:49 parkrun, my fastest in two years! Now the seed was firmly planted I was going to 'race' Halstead Marathon...

I kept my plan mainly to myself being a little vague as to was I was going for... My previous marathon PB was 4:22 set in 2014 at Halstead. I had no idea if I was in shape to get anywhere close to that so when a friend asked, I said I would be happy with sub 5! My gold time was sub 4:15 but I kept that completely to myself. On the morning of the race I was strangely calm and enjoyed the pre race atmosphere and catching up with friends I only seem to see at marathons.
I had written my pace on my and and some motivation up my arm

Motivation!

I started with Richard my usual partner in crime, the weather was perfect and I was excited to get going, Halstead Marathon is described as undulating (they lie it is hilly!) but I actually like the hills. I was wearing my heart rate monitor but not to keep to MAF pace just to see what it did over 26.2 miles. As for fuelling for the first time ever I didn't carry any water, Halstead has plenty of water stations so decided to rely on those. I consumed some jelly babies and a couple of gels on the way round but no where near the amount I would have done before LCHF!
As the miles ticked by I felt good, really good, I was focused and enjoying myself! Richard told me I was going too fast a few times but according to my watch I was bang on pace so ignored him! It was good to see some familiar faces around the route giving fantastic support. I did the first half in 2:03 and still felt good, the second half is all too often where it falls apart for me...

As I ran I went through Ronnie's running cues every so often 'long neck, tall spine, wrist to ribs, core engaged and midfootish!' It made me smile but also really helped me keep my form and I think lessened my usual hunching over I am guilty of when getting tired. There is a long hill at 14 miles and I shouted to Richard to talk to me, he was a bit rubbish and told me to talk to another lady who was running near us. So I did, I ran the whole of that hill for the very first time (this was my 7th Halstead Marathon) and realised Richard was no longer with me, so I pushed on alone (sorry Rich!) I did keep thinking he will catch up soon but he never did. So it was just me and my head for the last 12 miles. Ronnie's other advice was to just be in the 'now' and it really worked, I just kept telling myself for this bit I was on I was still running at my target pace and that was all I had to do. At 20 miles I began to realise I just had to keep pushing and I would get that sub 4:15 it would be close but I was on pace and still feeling strong. I knew Jane, Andreea and Michelle were marshalling at about 25 miles so I just kept going.
Excitement began to build I was going to do it. I crossed the finish line in 4:13 with the biggest smile, my mum was there and it was the best feeling. It was strange waiting at the finish for my friends to finish it's always the other way round! I am still smiling nearly a week later!

New PB!!

I am still surprised by how even my mile splits were and that without any long road runs, intervals etc I was able to run a marathon PB. Perception, seeing things as they are, if something began to ache I acknowledged it then moved on, and focusing on each mile at a time was such a big factor in my success. Asking myself why I wanted that PB, giving it value, it was important to me. I really believe that everything I have done over the last six months has helped, MAF, diet, run streaking and making my running my time for me. Life has been stressful over the past year so it is vitally important to me that my running is a source of enjoyment, time for me and not something else to add pressure or stress. Everything I have worked on, this whole holistic approach to training has got me to this point and long may it continue.

My seven Halstead Marathon medals!

Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today, I love you all xx

Happy Running xx

 P.S. I got a PB and beat Richard!!

Thetford Iceni Marathon

I hadn't planned to run Thetford Iceni Marathon, I was just going to support but as it turned out and after my hideous day at The Chilterns I decided a marathon with friends was a good plan!

The day started with a quick run up Castle Hill, Richard had told me it wasn't possible to run up it so I did, maybe not the best thing to do an hour before a marathon starts but it was good fun!

The race started in a pub and was very civilised, coffee, a bacon roll, got kit sorted and we were ready to go.

      Ready to go...

The race started with a couple of miles through Thetford before heading out onto trails to Euston, it was an out and back race. The weather was pleasant and I was running with Rich, Andrew and Pete. The first few miles passed quickly and we were soon at the first checkpoint, a good selection of sweet and savoury snacks and plenty of drinks to choose from at each stop, along with helpful, friendly volunteers made it a great race.

      Enjoying the running 

The route was tough going, the navigation was pretty straightforward but the sandy soil and constant tree roots made it hard on the legs. I had a few negative moments and stressed for a while that I was slowing the others down but they assured me we had started together and were going to finish together. Eventually I relaxed and really enjoyed myself. I really have to find a way of conquering my head and stop it affecting my running!!

      Half way

After the turn around point we were joined by Jake, he was running his first marathon and hadn't run further than 15 miles before. He stuck with us despite being questioned about his marital status, job and all manner of other things (Rich is on a mission to find me a husband!!!!) Apparently he said I was 'cute but run too far!' But never mind still good to know I still have it, and after being told earlier in the day that I have chunky legs and was my middle name moose, cute was a definite improvement!! 

The last few miles were slow but even with the challenging route (unfortunately didn't get a photo of Richard falling over) Andrews sore knee, and me being a bit slow we made it back to Thetford and hand in hand crossed the finish line in a time of 5:49.

       Finish in sight! 

Have to say thank you to Kathi who we met early on in the race and gave me a hair band as I had forgotten one and my hair was driving me mad.

Thanks to Pete, Rich, Andrew and Jake for great company, good banter and making it an awesome day of running.

And finally well done to Mel Floyd for putting on a great race, well organised, challenging, lovely volunteers, lots to eat and drink and a really awesome medal. I will be back to try and do a better time.

      Awesome medal! 

Happy running all xx 

 

Halstead Marathon

The training plan said no faster than 9:15 minute miles and no slower than 9:45s. Had been training hard and was ready for race day. I actually made it to the start line reasonably relaxed, certainly not in my usual race day stress!! 

Lindley was unable to pace me round so Maxine had stepped in, we had our instructions, Maxine had apps on her watch all we had to do was run 26.2 miles in sub 4:15 hours. 

     With Maxine on the start line

The only thing I hadn't planned for was a hot day, almost as soon as we started the last little bit of cloud cover disappeared and the sun shone brightly. I've been reading lots of articles on mental toughness and overcoming things you have no control over on race day. All I could control was my pace, hydration, nutrition and keeping positive. So ignore the heat and run...

I ran with Maxine for about three miles, but after a tough weekend running in the Lake District the week before, she told me to go on. So a quick pep talk, which stayed with me I carried on alone. I caught up with John, a fellow member of Great Notley parkrun core team and we ran together till about mile 10, running more or less consistent 9:30 minute miles. I was eating at every even numbered mile marker and that strategy seemed to be working and I felt good but was starting to struggle with the pace. John went on ahead and I focused on running as fast as I could. I got to 13 miles in 2:05 and felt ok. I cooled off with sponges when available kept drinking and stuck to the eating plan. 

I chatted to a few people around the course, was pleased to see my sister and nephew and other friends around the course, don't think it was planned but they were at just the right intervals to be perfectly positioned for optimum encouragement. Thank you to you all for the support it was amazing and very much appreciated. 

Lindley came out on his bike after taking his daughter home and offered words of encouragement whilst cycling around chatting to people. It helped me to keep running as couldn't get caught walking!! 

I have developed a real hatred of miles 18 - 22 in marathons. This is usually the time I will have a mental low point, hate running and wonder why I do this!! It didn't happen this time I was suddenly at 20 miles and still happy!! I knew I wasn't going to make sub 4:15 and just aimed to keep running and do the best time I could.

At mile 21ish I went past a lady crying into her phone. I stopped to check she was ok and see if she needed anything. She was having a rough day but got running again, and we chatted for a bit, before I carried on ahead. Was really pleased to see her finish only a minute or so behind me.

A hug from Kerry was perfectly timed at about 22.5 miles and being told just over a parkrun left spurred me on to get it finished. Mentally I was feeling good, maybe the positive thinking, visualisation and relaxed start really was working.

I finally finished in 4:41:30 and though way off target I'm happy with how it went, I ran almost all of it apart from a few hills (the new hill at mile 14 is evil!) I had to focus and push myself to do this time so really feel it was a step forward it the battle with my head! 

I have to say this really was one of my happiest and mentally strong marathons. I genuinely enjoyed every step. Would have preferred it to have been cooler but no point stressing over stuff you can't change. 

Thanks again to everyone who supported, friends, family, marshals and other runners. It's always easy to see why Halstead Marathon rates so highly in Runners World it really is a friendly, well organised marathon with a challenging but very pretty course. I am sure I will be back again next year. 

Have a good week and happy running xx 

End of year ramblings...

 So another year draws to a close, shopping is done and we're waiting for Santa...

What better time to stop for a while and look back at what has been an awesome year of running or as I was thinking earlier nearly 13 years of running! If anyone had told me then, when I first laced up my trainers to lose a few pounds that running would end up entirely dominating my life I wouldn't have believed them. I really was just going to lose some weight and tick the London Marathon off my to do list!! 

13 years later I live and breathe running, obsessed, addicted or a healthy way to spend my time you decide but I wouldn't have it any other way. This year has been awesome, having Lindley as my coach has improved my running no end, I'm more confident about what I can achieve and although I had two DNFs this year and still have lots to learn I know it was 100% the right decision for me. Having that schedule on the fridge and knowing exactly what I have to do each week works for me and I love it. I no longer just run routes I know as my navigation skills have improved I'm happy to get out and explore. 

I still have The Flitch Way Marathon on New Year's Eve to take part in and then I will be completely focused on training even harder to ensure I finish Challenge Running's Grand Slam next year. Finishing the two races I didn't finish this year is constantly on my mind. Physically I believe I'm fit enough, toughening up mentally and being stubborn enough to get through the tough bits I'm working on! Another race I am fascinated by is The Hill, 48hours, 160 miles and 55 laps of a hill in Derbyshire in December. It is a insanely tough but I can't get rid of the little voice that keeps telling me I could potentially be the first female finisher, so when I finish the Chiltern Way Ultra next year I will seriously consider entering!! 

As always it's the people I have met along the way this year that really makes me happy to be part of the running community. Race directors, volunteers, other runners all support each other in a way that I'm not sure happens in other sports. 

My newest venture has been to join the core team of Great Notley's parkrun, Saturday I shadowed Richard as run director and although out of my comfort zone had a thoroughly enjoyable morning and am looking forward to going solo on 3rd January. It was a surreal morning as it was a fancy dress run for Christmas, so I shivered on the bench in my 118 costume as I delivered the run brief, to some Mexicans, Santas, Penguins, a two person parcel and even the Christmas dinner! I love parkrun and am really happy to be part of the team and looking forward to all that 2015 brings.

So 2014 has been a pretty good year and it can't end without me saying thank you to all those that have supported me this year... Lindley and Maxine, all the volunteers and runners at Challenge Running events, Richard, Łen and everyone at parkrun who have welcomed me as part of the team, the Commando Runners, the Nutters and everyone else I've met along the way this year. Also my non running friends and family who have supported and sponsored me.

Abbi, James and Ben my children, who listen to and encourage my crazy running plans I love you all x

Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and happy running xx 

Crazy mileage and Stour Valley Marathon...

Haven't posted for a couple of weeks, been just too busy actually running!!! Have to admit to being a bit worried when I received June's training schedule but it's all going ok, 68 miles last week and over 80 this week. My legs are tired but I'm not destroyed and I can't wait for my next ultras.

My alarm is set for 5am or slightly earlier every morning so that I can get most of my training in before work during the week, weekends are all about back to back long runs this month. Yesterday I ran 21 miles with Lindley on The Saffron Trail and today I ran the Stour Valley Marathon which was 27 miles so a tough weekend. Was really glad of meeting up with Cherie today early on in the race, was great to have some company and between us we didn't get lost and it was a great event. Definitely one to do again next year.

      Photo stop on the Stour Valley Marathon

This was a new event and was really well organised, a beautiful scenic trail run, great training as I wasn't racing hard today, the first fifteen miles were pretty good, but the final twelve were tough. Cherie was great company and it was good to see Lindley and Angela at the finish line. 

Managing to get these high mileage weeks done is great, I am thoroughly enjoying it and it never feels like a chore, every run is a step closer to achieving a good finish at The Saffron Trail, which is now less than a month away and then The Chiltern Way Ultra which I know is going to be tough but I do spend a lot of time thinking how great it's going to be to cross that particular finish line, tend not to dwell too much on the 133 miles to get there. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing but I'm feeling fitter and stronger than ever, and mentally it's good for me to think about finishing. Then in October it will be Stort 30 and all being well me finishing Challenge Running's Grand Slam. Such an exciting running time ahead over next few months! 

So it's still all going well, I'm discovering some stunning parts of the Essex countryside, have great support from my family and friends and I'm pushing myself harder than ever before. 

     Cherie and I with our well deserved 'horseshoe medals' 

Have a great week and happy running xx 

I believe...

Been an easy recovery week for me running wise but something strange has happened!! I know you are all wondering about the post title 'I believe' I expect you're on the edge of your seats with anticipation!!

Each run I did last week felt good, Friday morning I ran with Lindley and Maxine, 6 miles at an average pace of 9:20 minute miles and it didn't feel hard. I remember back in January when I had a tempo run which I was supposed to do at 9 minute miles and I struggled to do 9:30s. 

Saturday morning was Parkrun and I almost didn't go due to having a migraine but I did and thought I'd just run round and not worry about time. I actually felt ok as soon as I started running so pushed it a bit, I didn't continuously check my watch but on the last lap round the castle I was surprised to see I was at 23 minutes and with not far to go I stepped it up and managed 25:40 (official time) my watch said 25:26 but won't argue over a few seconds as it was still a Colchester Parkrun PB. 

     Parkrun concentration!!

I think that finally getting that sub 4:30 marathon last weekend has made me realise that I can run faster than I thought. Lindley has been saying you have to believe you can do it and suddenly this week   I do believe I can! The last four months, which really isn't very long, has seen my running improve in leaps and bounds and now my brain has cottoned on too!! Really excited about the next few months of training and events.

Have a great week and happy running xx 

Essex Boot Camp and more running...

Another week of training is done, bringing me to 606.95 miles for the year. The last four weeks have been tough and I seem to have been constantly going out for the next session on tired legs. The good thing is that I still haven't missed a session, I can usually stick to the suggested pace and get the mileage in, so this has given me confidence that after two weeks of tapering I will be refreshed and ready to get that new PB at Halstead Marathon.

On Saturday I managed a new PB at Colchester Castle Parkrun thanks to being paced round by Lindley. 

     Colchester castle Parkrun (photo by Neil Wray)

Sunday was a 10 mile marathon paced run, really enjoyed it, felt good and tried some new gels (TorQ) which tasted great and didn't upset my stomach, so last week was a really good, happy training week!

As well as running lots of miles I also train twice a week with Essex Boot Camp, I have been doing this for nearly four years (I never stuck to the gym for more than a few months!). I still enjoy every session and it really compliments my running, helping to improve strength and mental toughness. Sessions are an hour long, outside, whatever the weather and no two sessions are the same, which is why I still look forward to going. I know I will be pushed by the instructors so even as I get fitter it doesn't ever get easier!!  

    6am workout with Essex Boot Camp 

So the next two weeks will involve slightly less running and some boot camp as I taper ready for Halstead. 

     Train Hard No Excuses 

Have a good week and happy running xx 

When the going gets tough... Keep running

I knew April was going to be a tough training month, but thought that as I had two weeks off work it would make it somewhat easier and I could catch up with all those jobs that needed doing around the house and garden. Hmmmm...

Well the training has gone well, as for the house and garden, still a mess but happy times spent with my children, one of whom said 'I'd rather have a mum who can run 100 miles than a neat and tidy house' guess there's always the summer holidays!!

I feel this weeks training has gone well even though I have felt I'm constantly running on tired legs, this is a good thing as I have still managed to to the distances and stick to the pace suggested in my training plan. 

Wednesday I ran Kenyan Hills, sounded simple, jog slowly to the top run down as fast as you can. It was great, once you relax and stop worrying about falling it was enormous fun hurtling down the hill at full speed, but goodness me my legs were like jelly for several hours afterwards!

Over the weekend I ran back to back long runs on trail, Saturday was tough, I had fun exploring local footpaths and creating a new 15 mile local route, but everything hurt, mentally it was challenging and it just felt a struggle. When I downloaded the data from my Garmin afterwards it was actually an ok paced run, faster than I was running trails at the beginning of the year.

Sunday I was running The Flitch Way with some friends, we drove out to Stansted and ran back the whole length of the Flitch to Braintree, about 18 miles, it was a great morning and a much better run, we celebrated Easter with some Chocolate bunnies, had a cuppa at Rayne Station and managed to miss most of the rain! Felt much better on this run, legs were tired but mentally I felt stronger and having company helped the miles pass by quite quickly. So thank you to Rob, Richard, Lorraine and Iain for a lovely run.

     Iain, Richard, Rob and myself enjoying a quick break! 

Eating every two miles during my long runs is definitely working for me, still need to continue to experiment with different foods, but feeling that this strategy will be one that will work for me in my upcoming ultras. 

Halstead Marathon is now only three weeks away, the tough training is nearly done, I am quicker than I was in January and feeling positive that I can (with Lindley pacing me) get round in 4:15. 

I am thoroughly enjoying my training, pushing my body hard, I don't mind the tiredness or the aches, they make me feel like I'm getting it right (good aches I like to call them!) and seeing the improvements in my running ability makes it all worthwhile. Having a coach is definitely working for me and I would recommend Lindley from Challenge Running Ltd to anyone who wants to improve, reach a particular goal, run their first marathon or further. For more info have a look at http://www.challenge-running.co.uk/coaching/

So tomorrow I have to go back to work, energised and refreshed after the Easter holidays ready to face the new term, I guess tired with aching legs is close enough!!! 

Have a good week and happy running xx 

Bulls, guns and sunshine...

Stop me if this is getting boring but another great week of training! 

47.57 miles last week and 531.61 for the year so far. This week I have run trails, intervals, a tempo run amongst others and I have done my usual two Essex Boot Camp sessions, I am feeling fitter and am slimmer than I have ever been (only downside none of my clothes fit!!).

Yesterday I was down to run 22miles on trails and I decided whilst many of my friends were pounding the streets of London (you all did amazingly well, very proud) I packed my race vest and headed off to run some of the Colne Valley Path which runs from Great Yeldham to Colchester, the plan was to start at Yeldham run 11 miles turn round and run back. 

It was a beautiful morning and I was looking forward to it. The previous evening I had obsessively packed 10 bags of snacks so I could eat every two miles right from the beginning as advised by Lindley. I was determined to get the nutrition right this time.

      Long run snacks!!

This strategy I am pleased to say really worked, even though for the first 10/12 miles I only ate it because I knew I had to, by mile 15 I was actually looking forward to the next mile passing so that I could eat!! I felt much better than I have on previous long trail runs but at mile twenty was craving proper food (a cheese and tomato sandwich and orange juice!!) so next time I'm going over twenty I will take some savoury food too.

The Colne Valley Path is a really pretty route and I really enjoyed it, I ended up running a bit further than planned as at 11 miles I knew I wasn't far from Earls Colne (where my Mum lives) so I decided to go on so I could top up my water bottles and use her loo!!! 

I had a couple of interesting moments one was being very closely followed by a herd of young bulls in a field, I always assume they will be relatively harmless if they're in a field with a footpath, but I was wearing a bright red t-shirt and race vest (not sure if bulls not liking red is true but one of those childhood things that sticks with you!!) I slowed to a walk as thought running might upset them and I was pretty speedily though the gate! Fortunately on my return journey they ignored me.

The second slightly unnerving moment was some sort of gun shooting thing going on across the footpath!! I could hear the gunfire but assumed it would be away from where I was running, but as I followed the footpath they seemed to be set up exactly where the map and gps was saying I needed to be. In the end I decided to take the road around and link back with the footpath as this seemed preferable to being shot!! Fortunately my navigation skills do seem to be improving and this wasn't an issue. Not sure how legal it is to shoot across footpaths but wasn't going to argue! It seemed to be some sort of official event as there were signs to it pointing the same way as the footpath sign! 

     Deciding not to follow footpath marker!! 

All in all I had a great morning out running, was worrying that I still seem really slow on trails but covered 24.91 miles in 5:20 which ok isn't going to win me any prizes but I was still running at the end and it's a few months until Saffron Trail which is my next ultra after Halstead Marathon. 

     A few pics from a great morning on the trails.

Have a good week and happy running xx 

Why...

Why...? 

It's a question I get asked on a regular basis. I've talked about it before but it really is a hard question to answer definitively. I run for lots of reasons, it all started because I needed to lose some weight it was that or buy bigger clothes, running seemed a cheap and easy option!! If someone had told me 12 years ago when I was plodding around the block just to get in better shape that I'd now be planning to run 125 miles non stop I would have laughed. London Marathon was on my 'worm food list' and a year or so after taking up running without really understanding what I was taking on I got a charity place to run. I trained thinking once it was done that would be it, it would be ticked off and life would go on like before...

5:47 that first London Marathon took me, at the end I said never again, I felt awful and my feet were a mess, but within days I was thinking with more training, more knowledge etc I could run it faster! That was 10 years ago and now running, thinking about running, talking about running, reading about running etc etc fills a massive part of my time. Am I obsessed, addicted, maybe, well probably but I think it's a healthy addiction/obsession. Getting up at 5am to run or go to boot camp isn't a chore, I look forward to it. I like that when I get to work I've probably covered more miles than most people do all week. I like the way it makes me feel, how I look, how my body keeps going long after you think it would have had enough.

I like running alone, lost in my own thoughts, forgetting about all the everyday stuff for a while. Recently I've discovered I like running with other people. I like spending time with people who understand, those who don't need to ask why... (Though some still do when you talk of ultra marathons!)  I like the sense of achievement when you finish a run or race. I have my medals on display in my living room, I'm proud of what I have done in the last 10 years, I hope I'm a good role model to my children, that they have learnt if you work hard you can achieve your goals.

     I'm proud of my wall! 

I can't ever see a time when I won't want to run, there are still so many races/events I want to take part in. I want to keep pushing my body, I want to see just how far it's capable of going and then I'll probably push it further! 

This blog is for all those runners I've met over the past 10 years, some have helped during a race and I've never seen again, many have become firm friends and always will be. You are all amazing and I love you all.

Don't think I've really answered why, not convinced there is a definitive answer. All I do know for sure is there are many, many trails out there still to be explored...

Have a great week and happy running xx 

Post race euphoria...

So a week has gone by since St Peters Way and still I am reliving it and grinning as I do so!! Not sure why but this race has got to me like no other, I was happy after I completed The Wall last year but not on this scale! I have worn my event t-shirt for 4 of the last 7 days and find myself talking about it to anyone who isn't sick and tired of hearing about it (and some that are!!) I don't plan to go on and on about it in this blog as I have other stuff to delight you with, but I will share one final photo of the day's event!

This week I am going to waffle a bit about having a coach and has it made a difference...

It's been 2 months now and I've stuck to the training plans and completed an event so it's a good time to reflect on whether it has made a difference to my running. Quite simply it's a massive yes, both physically and mentally. I am definitely fitter than I was two months ago, my legs feel stronger I have lost weight and feel good. My steady, not pushing it pace is quicker than it was and can keep to a consistent pace for longer, there isn't quite so much speeding up and slowing down!! 

Mentally it has been really good for me to have someone to talk to about how it's all going, how to pace myself in an event or training run, the expected highs and lows of running ultra marathons. Kit, nutrition and hydration advice are all helping to make me a better runner. 

I know I still have stuff to work on, I didn't get my nutrition right last Sunday, need to be eating much more right from the start of a race, eating lots isn't something that is usually a problem for me ha ha!! 

I really am beginning to feel I can end up being a half decent ultra runner, even if I'm not the speediest, I am feeling excited about Saffron Trail and The Chiltern Way Ultra, I know if I continue to work hard, listen and take on board the advice I am being given that I can complete this years challenges. 

My next goal is to get a marathon PB at Halstead in May, so more hard work to come over next couple of months, and with Lindley running with me on the day I am optimistic that the long awaited sub 4:30 marathon will finally happen!

Also in May I will be part of Lindley's crew when he runs Grand Union Canal ultra, 145 miles from Birmingham to London, this will be a great opportunity to see what running those sorts of distances does to the body (and mind!) and how runners deal with it, how they fuel, hydrate etc, every chance to learn has to be of help when I run The Chiltern Way Ultra in August. 

I know joining a running club works for some and I guess is cheaper but for me having a personalised plan of what I'm doing and when that is written to fit in with work, kids, life etc just suits me better. Having someone who will answer queries, worries, tell me to 'man up' if necessary and wants me to do well is added motivation to get out there and work hard. 

The most important thing in all of this though is the fact that I'm having a great time, enjoying my running and having fun, what more can a runner want...

Have a great week and happy running xx (and if anyone wants to hear more about St Peters Way just ask!!!)