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 

Tough training, camel world record and marathons...

It's been a tough training week, lots of speed work in my plan this month... Will all be worth it when I smash Halstead marathon in May (feeling really positive that this will happen). It's all gone pretty well apart from Tuesday when I tried to train through a migrainey type headache, this resulted in a poor performance both at boot camp and a 6 mile trail run, possibly should have scrapped both and slept which is what I wanted to do, but it's all training and didn't make me worse!! 

Wednesday I did a hill session I went to the Discovery Centre at Great Notley and ran up and down the hill 10 times and in a strange way actually enjoyed it! 

      Hill training!!

Over the weekend I ran 10 miles both days, Saturday I ran on The Flitch Way, some with Lindley, and Sunday was a road run and was supposed to be faster than Saturdays. It didn't go quite to plan as I ran too fast on Saturday, despite Lindley's best efforts to get me to slow down, but I was feeling strong and it felt good to be running faster than normal!

Lesson learnt, listen to your coach!! 

Sunday started well ran the first five miles at about 9:20 minute miles and then it all went wrong and struggled to stay at 10 minute miles for the last five, there was just nothing left in my legs!! 

Another lesson learnt remember what's coming the next day and stick to the pacing guides you've been given! 

After my run on Saturday I headed off to the first birthday anniversary of Colchester Castle Parkrun, two friends from the Commando Runners were going to attempt to break the world record for a pantomime camel running 5km, they had run in this costume at a fancy dress Parkrun at Christmas and finished in 31 minutes, the pressure was on to complete this official world record attempt in under 30. So with a team to pace, film and support the attemp was on. Rob and Lorraine did brilliantly and completed the run in 25:30 not just breaking the record but smashing it. It was a great morning and very proud of them and all the support crew. 

   Humphrey (Rob and Lorraine) and Camel Crew at Saturdays record breaking run! 

Sunday saw lots of friends heading off to run various marathons, Brighton, Manchester and Paris, they all did amazingly well and again reinforced what an awesome group of friends I have. Also lots of positive thoughts this week to Danny Slay and Team Hope who are taking part in Marathon Des Sables, they had a tough first day but I have no doubt they will push through and get the job done.

All in all a pretty impressive weekend of running by everyone.

Have a good week and happy running xxx 

Intervals and a new PB...

441 miles run so far this year and it's all going really well...

Last week I particularly enjoyed my training, I did my first ever interval session on Tuesday, 10 minute warm up then 60 seconds as fast as I could followed by 2 minutes recovery repeated 10 times. Looked ok on the training plan stuck to the fridge! The reality was it was tough and I really thought I was going to throw up during the final four, but apparently that means I was doing it right so all good!!! 

Saturday was a Parkrun day, I really wanted to do a good time and was feeling positive, a last minute change of venue after Colchester Parkrun was cancelled saw me arriving at Maldon with only a couple of minutes to spare before the start. It is an easier route than Colchester (no hills) but I was still over the moon with a new 5k PB of 25:23 and was the second lady to finish. I will definitely be returning to Maldon but really want to see if I can improve my Colchester time of 25:57! 

Sunday was a 20 mile trail run and it was a lovely morning, I ran The John Ray Walk which is from Braintree to Witham and back. It was reasonably well waymarked and I had no major navigational problems. Still need to eat more, not sure why I struggle so much with this while I'm running, I like eating!!! But it is something I need to address and get right with The Saffron Trail and The Chiltern Way Ultra not too many months away. Never thought practicing eating would be something I needed to do. The funniest moment of my run involves answering a call of nature, I hadn't seen anyone else since setting out and in a field in the middle of nowhere I really needed a wee! I stepped off the path and behind a hedge after a quick scan to make sure I was alone. I did what was needed and still adjusting my shorts walked back onto the path and that's when I looked up to see a man with a gun over his shoulder, dog by his side walking towards me. A quick smile and I continued my run, he must have known (or seen!!) what I was doing, but I guess as my ultra running career progresses this won't be the first amusing toilet story!!! 

It was nice to run across fields and through woods without the ankle deep mud I've grown accustomed to, and in the sunshine it was a really enjoyable run.

A few photos from a Sunday morning trail run, look no mud!!! 

I now have April's training plan from Lindley and it's going to be a tough month, lots of speed work, hills and intervals to get me ready for Halstead Marathon. Strangely looking forward to it and have finally stopped tagging myself with the label of being a 'slow runner' I am getting quicker and it's positive thinking all the way!! 

The photo below is the message in my Mothers Day card from my children, makes it all (even more) worth while.

Have a great 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 

Friends, family and another finish line...

Training has gone well this week, had some good runs and finished the week by taking in part in Colchester Half Marathon. Great race, couldn't have asked for better running conditions, lovey sunny day but not too hot. My strategy was to run similar to Gt Bentley but without the blip at 9-11 miles! I managed that and finished in 2:02 which was 4 minutes faster than Bentley, think I prefer hillier races! The support was great, lots of my friends were running and if not running they were supporting or marshaling. There was a great atmosphere around the course and it was a very enjoyable run. 

Lindley asked me after the race if I think 4:15 is realistic for Halstead Marathon, I was slightly hesitant with my reply but thinking about it since I really believe it is. I need to work hard but am feeling fitter and stronger than I have for a while, and that combined with some positive thinking and self belief will see me achieve that on May 11th.

As I have said before I am really starting to see the benefits of my new training regime, I was struggling with even 10 minute miles at the beginning of the year and now that feels an easy running pace. So things can only continue to improve.

This week as well as keeping up with the training I am going to try to improve my diet, meal wise I'm pretty good but have got into a bad habit of snacking on rubbish, so going to try and reach for fruit and nuts etc this week when the munchies strike!! 

This week I want to dedicate my blog to my Dad, 2 years ago on 17th March he lost his brave battle with cancer. Dad (and Mum) instilled a love of the outdoors and adventure from an early age. We spent many happy holidays hill/mountain walking in The Lakes, Scotland, Wales and many other places.

Dad was always planning his next adventure and trekked all over the world raising lots of money for charity along the way. I'm sure he is still egging me on when I'm plotting my next challenge. 

I won't be sad today because he would hate that, today's a day to remember all the happy times we had, adventures we shared and to be grateful that his adventurous spirit rubbed off on me.

   Dad in the Himilayas.

Am going to finish by saying thank you to everyone who supports me in my adventures big and small, really couldn't do it without you all. Love every one of you xxx 

Have a good week and happy running x 

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!!!) 

St Peters Way Ultra

After what seemed like a long week Sunday morning finally arrived, I have never been as nervous before a race as this one! I'm not really sure why as it's probably the best prepared I've ever been, had even done a proper taper. I really wanted to do well, prove to myself as much as anyone that I could be good at this ultra running stuff.

I arrived at Chipping Ongar and met up with Gareth who was also running, some of the Commando runners who were manning some of the checkpoints, after several trips to the loo, a race briefing, checking and rechecking kit it was time to go...

       Gareth and I at the start.

The mud started almost immediately but felt good physically but have to say it was a good six miles in before the nerves finally decided to sod off and let me enjoy the day! So leg one passed quite quickly and I was running at a decent pace, and after a near miss with a cyclist (really need to look before crossing roads!) we arrived at checkpoint 1, it was good to see Rob and Lorraine and eat a good selection of food, so checked in, maps exchanged, fed and watered we headed out for leg 2.

Another really good section, everything was going well I was on target and felt good, slight twingey left heel but nothing too bad. The route description and maps were easy to follow so my GPS spent a lot of the day in my pack, just needing to reassure myself a few times that I had made the right decision on direction, but definitely starting to build some confidence with the navigation. The miles seemed to pass quite quickly and I soon arrived at checkpoint 2 where there was another fine spread of food and drink, and lots of support from the marshals. 

Leg 3 I had run before and knew it was extremely muddy, think it gets my vote for the muddiest leg. There were times when running was impossible and I'm still quite amazed I got through the day without falling over! What I did discover though was I can walk quite fast so still managed to be keeping to just over 4 miles an hour even when I had to walk which wasn't too far off the pace I needed to be going. Checkpoint 3 was manned by friends from The Commando Runners so I got a massive cheer as I ran into it. Gareth was still at the checkpoint so a quick photo opportunity, some food, drink and painkillers as foot was still troubling me a bit. I had a bag of salt and vinegar fish and chip crisps waiting for me and I tipped some into a bag along with some grapes and haribo, may sound awful but even a mixed handful was surprisingly enjoyable, could be a whole new snack in salt n vinegar coated haribo! 

      Checkpoint 3 

Leg 4 was probably the toughest for me, I was ok until about 30 miles and then some negativity set in for a while, the never ending, ankle deep mud was starting to get to me, but I found swearing out loud at it made me feel a bit better! I may have had some violent thoughts towards an elderly man who I saw walking his dog at 31 miles, I was walking as I was reading my route description and he said 'aren't you supposed to be running' I smiled through gritted teeth with clenched fists, and didn't ask if he'd ever run 30 miles!! The mile along the road through Steeple village seemed to go on forever and I was convinced that I'd be nearer 11 hours finishing instead of the 10 I was hoping for. I almost phoned Lindley to say 'I can't do this anymore' and for a little while hated running. Fortunately I spotted the checkpoint and Lorraine ran along to meet me saying I looked good! I told her I was struggling and asked if I was last as I hadn't seen anyone for ages. She said I wasn't and that I only had 8 miles to go after this one, which was less than I thought. So I had some food, Rob gave me tissue for my endlessly running nose! Extra layer and headtorch at the ready and it was time for the final leg. I had been running for 8 hours and suddenly realised if I could do 4 miles an hour I could still finish in 10. So feeling better and much more positive I set off. 

I power walked most of the final section as running was making me feel sick and wasn't any faster! Along the final leg I met a guy named Paul and we stuck together to get to the finish. It was really windy for the last few miles along the sea wall and the end didn't seem to be getting any closer, but we made it and only a very short time in darkness. Paul managed an impressive sprint finish, I had nothing left in me for a sprint. Seeing Wendy, Chris, Ruth, Mark, Gareth and Rachel, waiting in the cold and dark to see me finish was brilliant and even though I wasn't really with it, appreciated it enormously. Lindley told me I'd finished in 10:13 which I am extremely happy with and 5th lady to finish.

So that was my St Peters Way experience, I loved (almost) every minute of it, had fantastic support all day from marshals and other runners. My new race vest was brilliant highly recommended piece of kit, along with my drymax socks and dirty girl gaiters which were amazing, I have one tiny blister which after 10 hours of wet, muddy running is pretty good. 

      Post race feet!!! 

My coaching from Lindley over past 6 or 7 weeks has already made a huge difference to my running and I felt strong for most of the run, though still need to work on fueling and hydration. Low point of the day was throwing up into a carrier bag on the minibus on the way back to Ongar, I can only apologise to the poor man sitting next to me, not one of my finest moments but guess it happens when you run ultras! 

I have to say a massive thank you to all at Challenge Running Ltd for a brilliant event, the support was amazing, to The Commando Runners who were out marshaling all day, seeing a familiar face is always a boost, all the other marshals who were fantastic, to Lindley for the coaching and support, and all my friends and family who sent messages of support and congratulations, sponsored me and generally put up with my madness!

Well done to Gareth and Tom who also completed the race you were both amazing. Still completely in awe of the winner who finished in 5:34. How do you do that, amazing, well done :) 

I am really excited about the rest of 'Challenge 2014' and hope my other events are as successful and enjoyable as this one.

I even received a certificate in assembly at the school where I work this morning!

So this evening a little (ok very!) tired and achy I am really happy with how it all went yesterday. A few days off then the training starts again but for now enjoying the post race happiness of a truly enjoyable days running :) 

Have a great week and happy running xx