Time of day: 9am (ish)
Distance: 26.2 miles
Time: 6:07:32 (official chip time). 5:44 (by my watch)
Weather: Warm, 22 degrees
So here's the story.............................
Wouldn't it be awful if after all that training I overslept and missed the start of the marathon? Well there was no chance of that. I set 4 alarms to go off at 6.30am. As it happened James was awake at 6.15 so it was all unnecessary. Still, it's better to be safe than sorry.
I had also decided that we needed to leave at 8am to make the 10 minute journey to the start which was at 9am, because I know that whatever time we say we are going to leave it will actually be at least 10 or 15 minutes after that. Today was no different. James' last minute nosebleed sent me into a minor panic, until I reminded myself that we had allowed plenty of time for that kind of thing.
We arrived at the start at about 8.30, just in time for a trip to the lovely portaloos. Now I thought I had made a wise decision choosing a queue with mainly men in it, as I figured they are generally a bit more speedy getting in and out. Not so this lot. 10 minutes later Steve was phoning me "Sara where are you? You've got to get here the pens are closing!".
The pens are the name given to the place that you are allocated according to your expected finish time. As I was in the last pen, I wasn't too concerned, after all if they did somehow manage to lock me out I could easily just tag along at the end once they all started moving. But it's strange how panic is contagious. My superfast queue was remaining stagnant. The loudspeakers were announcing "PENS CLOSING IN 2 MINUTES!" People all around me were deserting their queues and running back to take their place. Unfortunately, none of these people were in my queue!
The phone rang again, this time an even more stressed sounding Steve! "SARA, FORGET THE TOILET, YOU'VE GOT TO GET HERE NOW!" What to do? I desperately needed the toilet, but reason had gone, I left my queue and went back to the 'pen' which was in fact a stretch of road incapable of being closed by anyone. Here James calmly informed me "They're not really closing the pens, that's just something they say to get everyone back in place". Why is it an 11 year old can be so much more rational than their parents in times of stress?
I then decided that I really couldn't start the race without visiting the toilet. I ran back and joined another queue. The place was much quieter now and I was in and out in a couple of minutes. I was soon back in the pen where I waited for another 20 minutes before we moved anywhere.
I was still a bit nervous about how my knee was going to hold out. I wasn't convinced that the problem was completely resolved. I had had a sports massage on the Thursday before the race and it was during that that I had realised how tight my quad muscles were. I really think that this was at the root of my knee problem. I am now a complete convert to the benefits of stretching, something which I have been decidedly lax with during my training. To my cost!
After a couple of miles the familiar twinge started in the outside of my knee. I could tell that my quad muscles were starting to become tense, so I made a conscious effort to try and relax them and this definitely helped, every time I felt my knee starting to hurt I would tell myself to relax.
The first 5 miles just flew by. I really couldn't believe I had run 5 miles so effortlessly. I was keeping to a very slow 12 minute mile pace, which is about a minute slower than I had planned to run, but by this time I thought it was more important to be in with a chance of finishing rather than worrying about my time.
At the first drinks station we were informed that they had run out of water! This was really worrying, I couldn't imagine what we were going to do if all the stations had run out by the time we got there. The marshalls were handing out half full water bottles that people had taken a swig from and then chucked on the floor! I decided it was better to risk drinking from someone else's bottle rather than get dehydrated. I just hope nobody had swine flu!
The next couple of drinks stations were fully stocked and I made sure I kept well hydrated. So much so that I was soon queuing at another portaloo. My watch stops when I'm stood still so that accounts for the difference in my official time and my watch time.
I passed the 5 mile marker in just over an hour by my watch so was still hoping at this point that I might finish in around 5:15.
At around 8 miles I had an unexpected surprise. Whilst running past the traffic jam into Musselburgh I heard a shout from the nearby bus. Steve and the boys were on the top deck waving and cheering madly at me! The other passengers joined in so I felt like quite a celebrity.
They passed me another couple of times before my route diverted onto the promenade path and they continued on to Seton Sands. I was wondering whether they were even going to get there before me.
They did. They arrived about 10 minutes before I did at around 13 miles. I stopped for a quick chat and another loo stop before plodding on my way. My knee at this point was still holding up but only just.
At around 15 miles my knee started to really hurt on the uphill stretches. It didn't matter if it was a really gentle incline, it just seemed to be at that angle it sent shooting pains through the outside of my knee. No amount of trying to relax my muscles was helping now. I had to walk until I reached another flat bit. I was so frustrated.
I carried on in this way, running the flat and downhill sections but walking on the uphills. I kept hoping that it would pass, but it didn't. I overheard another runner, who was also walking saying to someone, "It's so frustrating my mind wants to go but my legs just won't let me". I knew exactly how he felt.
I met up with Steve and the boys again at just over 21 miles. I was feeling a bit defeated by then. I ate half a packet of ready salted crisps and stocked up with more fluids. Matthew was keen to do the last 4+ miles with me, and I almost let him. By now I was walking more than running, so I thought he would easily keep up, but Steve said he thought he was too tired, so I carried on while they waited for the bus back to Musselburgh.
At 23 miles I gave up on trying to run, I really couldn't go more than a few metres without shooting pains in my knee. It was then that I had a kind of a revelation, rather than feel disappointed and defeated I could still strive for the best time possible even though I was walking. The ironic thing was that I had hardly any pain in my knee at all if I was walking. So I carried on purposefully, trying to keep to a 14 minute mile pace. I wished that I had done this during my walking periods earlier on, as I think this would have made quite a bit of difference to my overall time.
At 26 miles I decided I was going to run across the finish line if it killed me. And I did. It was agony but I did run the last 0.2 miles. Stamina wise I felt fine, but my knee just didn't want to do it.
So that's it. The story of my first marathon. It's been a brilliant journey, not just the 6 hours of running the marathon, but more importantly the 6 months of training for it. Will I do it again? Yes I think I will. I have applied for London next year and think I'm guaranteed a place after 5 years of not getting in. I feel like I have learnt so much training for Edinburgh and now I'm keen to put it all into practice. I've learnt that training for a marathon is about so much more than just running. It's about eating the right foods, drinking enough (water), not drinking too much (wine), getting enough sleep, getting enough support and definitely about stretching!
Finally to end this blog I just want to say a few thanks to the people who have shared this journey with me (can't you just tell I'm a frustrated writer):
Firstly, thanks to my neighbour Sandra who has always been so positive and encouraging about my running and who introduced me to Simon from Cotswold Allrunners who really kept me motivated in the early days and gave me loads of helpful advice, the most important being to remember to stretch to avoid injury! It was whilst training with Simon that I met Jo who shared so many of my early morning runs in the depths of winter. I really wouldn't have kept going without her.
I have found inspiration in the blogs of John and Broeky who also ran their first marathons at Edinburgh on Sunday. It really helped to know I wasn't the only one doing it.
My friends have also been a constant source of support, in particular Elaine, Lynne, Ken and Lorraine and Jacqui who have endured tales of my running ups and downs and sent me texts of encouragement during the race.
My colleagues Maddie, Debbie, Jeannet, Karen and Jo who have had to cover several days of running induced illness. I promise to look after myself better for the next one.
My mum who has looked after James and Matthew for me so that I could fit my runs in when Steve was working.
My lovely boys James and Matthew both of whom have accompanied me on runs on their bikes and proved to be very reliable pacers. They have also had to endure the last few days of me saying "Don't touch my legs" and "Mind my feet". Yes Matthew I do owe you quite a few games of football!
Finally and most importantly, I couldn't have done it without my wonderful husband Steve who not only has had to live with me and all my ups and downs, but has also been chief child carer and training partner. He has given up his days off to spend hours cycling with me without a word of complaint. Thanks Steve, you're the best!
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Edinburgh...........
We flew to Edinburgh on Friday afternoon. The boys were excited about flying, especially Matthew as he hadn't flown for several years. The flight was great, quite a clear day, so we had brilliant views. We took the airport express to Edinburgh city centre, so far everything was going to plan. This was a relief as I had been more anxious about actually getting there than running in the previous few days. The Holyrood Apart-hotel was very sleek and clean, a two bedroomed serviced apartment about 10 minutes walk from the start of the race.
We wandered around Edinburgh for a few hours dealing with the normal ups and downs of having two excited boys with us. Steve chose a mexican restaurant to eat at which had been recommended by the hotel. James however, wasn't so keen. He was convinced that the staff there were going to poison us. I'm not sure where this sudden paranoia came from, but happily it proved to be completely unfounded.
The next crisis was Matthew's. Unfortunately it hadn't registered with him that when he ordered vegetable fajitas, it would include a lot of vegetables. As the sizzling platter of aubergine, mushroom, carrots, broccoli, onions and peppers arrived, Matthew departed with a cry of "I'm not eating THAT!". Horrid Henry sprung to mind. James by now was quite happy with his processed fish shape with chips and ketchup.
Saturday was spent trying to sort out suitable meeting places for the race. This proved more complicated than we had originally thought. The walk from the railway station to the mile 9 point took us a couple of hours. Admittedly, it was probably only a half an hour walk in reality but we made frequent stops to take photos and to play in the river, and there was no reason to think that it would be any different the following day. Added to that, there were less trains running on a Sunday so it meant the timing was even more important.
I was beginning to feel a bit frustrated. Everything seemed to be proving more complicated than I had thought. I had hoped that Steve would be able meet me at mile 9, mile 13, mile 21 and at the finish. It was an out and back course so mile 9 and the finish were at a place called Musselburgh, and mile 13 and 21 were at a place called Seton Sands.
It was now obvious that it wouldn't be logistically possible for them to meet me at both points. We briefly discussed that we would miss out the Seton Sands meeting point, but the thought of running the last 17 miles without seeing them seemed awful. Eventually we decided to skip the first meeting point and just see each other at Seton Sands. This way the boys could play on the beach and hopefully everyone would be happy!
Back in Edinburgh that evening, I was feeling pretty exhausted. We had walked for miles, probably not the best thing to do the day before the marathon. We had pasta for tea and then trundled back to our apartment for a DVD and an early night. The boys were absolute stars. They went to bed without any fuss even though they were sharing a room, which usually keeps them up for ages.
We wandered around Edinburgh for a few hours dealing with the normal ups and downs of having two excited boys with us. Steve chose a mexican restaurant to eat at which had been recommended by the hotel. James however, wasn't so keen. He was convinced that the staff there were going to poison us. I'm not sure where this sudden paranoia came from, but happily it proved to be completely unfounded.
The next crisis was Matthew's. Unfortunately it hadn't registered with him that when he ordered vegetable fajitas, it would include a lot of vegetables. As the sizzling platter of aubergine, mushroom, carrots, broccoli, onions and peppers arrived, Matthew departed with a cry of "I'm not eating THAT!". Horrid Henry sprung to mind. James by now was quite happy with his processed fish shape with chips and ketchup.
Saturday was spent trying to sort out suitable meeting places for the race. This proved more complicated than we had originally thought. The walk from the railway station to the mile 9 point took us a couple of hours. Admittedly, it was probably only a half an hour walk in reality but we made frequent stops to take photos and to play in the river, and there was no reason to think that it would be any different the following day. Added to that, there were less trains running on a Sunday so it meant the timing was even more important.
I was beginning to feel a bit frustrated. Everything seemed to be proving more complicated than I had thought. I had hoped that Steve would be able meet me at mile 9, mile 13, mile 21 and at the finish. It was an out and back course so mile 9 and the finish were at a place called Musselburgh, and mile 13 and 21 were at a place called Seton Sands.
It was now obvious that it wouldn't be logistically possible for them to meet me at both points. We briefly discussed that we would miss out the Seton Sands meeting point, but the thought of running the last 17 miles without seeing them seemed awful. Eventually we decided to skip the first meeting point and just see each other at Seton Sands. This way the boys could play on the beach and hopefully everyone would be happy!
Back in Edinburgh that evening, I was feeling pretty exhausted. We had walked for miles, probably not the best thing to do the day before the marathon. We had pasta for tea and then trundled back to our apartment for a DVD and an early night. The boys were absolute stars. They went to bed without any fuss even though they were sharing a room, which usually keeps them up for ages.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
The final countdown!
So here it is my running number. Everything feels a bit surreal at the moment. I can't believe that after months of training, I'm actually going to be running a marathon in 5 days time.
It's all the more strange because I haven't run for a week now, to rest my knee. A week without running feels very odd. I'm tempted to go out and do a couple of miles, but I'm scared to do anything to jeopardise the big day! My knee feels fine but then I guess that's because I haven't been running on it. I really have no idea what it's going to be like on the day.
I've booked a massage for Thursday at a physiotherapy clinic in Cheltenham. That's my treat for making it this far. I also bought myself this new running top today. Now I know that it is breaking a fundamental rule of marathon running to wear something new on the day, but I figured I'd probably be all right with just a top. The trouble was I had been burying my head in the sand and only had a long sleeved proper running top or a short sleeved cotton t-shirt. It looks like the weather is going to be warm so I decided that I must have a short sleeved running top. I really should have bought this earlier to try it out on one of my long runs.
We are flying to Edinburgh on Friday. I have just sorted out all the details, booked the airport parking, printed off the flight details, looked up the buses from the airport in Edinburgh to the hotel. It's all becoming real! I AM GOING TO RUN A MARATHON ON SUNDAY!
I've even stopped drinking wine for the week! Now that's serious!
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Week 19, 20/5/09 - Wednesday
Time of day: 9am (ish)
Distance: 4.9 miles (2.5 running, the rest mainly walking)
Time: 1hour 10 minutes
Weather: Sunny, pleasant
I was feeling fairly confident after my trip to the osteopath on Monday. Things certainly felt more stable. Unfortunately though my confidence was short-lived. Again at almost the identical place 2:06 miles into the run I started to get a burning pain in the outside of my knee. I kept going until about 2 1/2 miles and then decided, as it was getting worse, I would have to stop. I walked for a while and then tried running a bit more but the pain quickly returned.
OK, so what to do? 10 days until the marathon, I'm beginning to run out of options. I have rested it for 4 days and then managed a 4 mile run with some pain, I have spent (another!) £4o on seeing the osteopath. I know really that what it really needs is a good period of time to recover, but I am determined that I am going to run this marathon. So here is my plan:
Distance: 4.9 miles (2.5 running, the rest mainly walking)
Time: 1hour 10 minutes
Weather: Sunny, pleasant
I was feeling fairly confident after my trip to the osteopath on Monday. Things certainly felt more stable. Unfortunately though my confidence was short-lived. Again at almost the identical place 2:06 miles into the run I started to get a burning pain in the outside of my knee. I kept going until about 2 1/2 miles and then decided, as it was getting worse, I would have to stop. I walked for a while and then tried running a bit more but the pain quickly returned.
OK, so what to do? 10 days until the marathon, I'm beginning to run out of options. I have rested it for 4 days and then managed a 4 mile run with some pain, I have spent (another!) £4o on seeing the osteopath. I know really that what it really needs is a good period of time to recover, but I am determined that I am going to run this marathon. So here is my plan:
- I am not going to run at all between now and the marathon.
- I am going to take anti-inflammatories regularly from now until the marathon
- I am going to cancel my next osteopath appointment and have my hair cut instead (you may be wondering how this will help my knee pain - it probably won't but at least I'll look good when I hobble across the finish line!)
- I'm going to do some stretches in the hope that they will help
- I'm going to try not to spend the next 10 days drinking wine and eating chocolate because I'm feeling sorry for myself
- I AM GOING TO RUN THE EDINBURGH MARATHON ON THE 31ST MAY 2009!
Monday 18 May 2009
Week 19, 18/5/09 - Monday
Time of day: 07:20
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 45:07
Weather: Sunny
I was quite apprehensive about how my knee was going to be on this run. Strangely, even though I have rested it for 4 days I have become hyper-aware of every little twinge.
I set off really slowly. At first I was aware that both of my knees were hurting, nothing really bad, they just felt stiff really. Then, about a mile into the run the outer aspect of my knee started to bother me. It was really hard to work out whether I was just making a big issue out of something minor or whether it really was something to worry about.
I kept running, slowing down a bit if it seemed to be painful. Then at about 2 miles it became quite a sharp pain. "Oh no!" I stopped and walked for about a minute, trying to think about what was the best course of action. I started running slowly again, planning to stop and walk as and when I needed to.
That seemed to be just enough to sort me out though, I ran the rest of the way home. It wasn't pain free, but the pain did lessen as time went on.
I decided to go and see the osteopath again, as I have had a number of niggles and twinges since doing my 20 mile run and wonder whether I've just sent myself a bit off balance. I went this afternoon and waved goodbye to another £40! Who said running was a cheap sport.
I am planning on doing a 6-7 mile run on Wednesday.
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 45:07
Weather: Sunny
I was quite apprehensive about how my knee was going to be on this run. Strangely, even though I have rested it for 4 days I have become hyper-aware of every little twinge.
I set off really slowly. At first I was aware that both of my knees were hurting, nothing really bad, they just felt stiff really. Then, about a mile into the run the outer aspect of my knee started to bother me. It was really hard to work out whether I was just making a big issue out of something minor or whether it really was something to worry about.
I kept running, slowing down a bit if it seemed to be painful. Then at about 2 miles it became quite a sharp pain. "Oh no!" I stopped and walked for about a minute, trying to think about what was the best course of action. I started running slowly again, planning to stop and walk as and when I needed to.
That seemed to be just enough to sort me out though, I ran the rest of the way home. It wasn't pain free, but the pain did lessen as time went on.
I decided to go and see the osteopath again, as I have had a number of niggles and twinges since doing my 20 mile run and wonder whether I've just sent myself a bit off balance. I went this afternoon and waved goodbye to another £40! Who said running was a cheap sport.
I am planning on doing a 6-7 mile run on Wednesday.
Dreaming about the marathon.............
I ended up having 4 days without running. I was planning to have 3 days off: Thursday, Friday and Saturday but on Sunday Steve was working and I promised to take Matthew out for the day. I got into my running kit before we went out but then looked out the window and it was absolutely tipping down with rain and I confess, I just couldn't stand the thought of going out in it. By the time we got back from our trip it was too late to run. I consoled myself with the fact that it probably wouldn't hurt to have another rest day.
Anyway, I thought I would tell you about 2 dreams I have had recently. The first one was a couple of weeks ago:
I was running the marathon and it was taking me hours and hours. At one point I stopped at a burger van and queued for ages to get a burger. Then I carried on running and it was getting dark. I was still only 7 miles into it and I was starting to feel really despondent thinking that I would never complete it. Nobody else still seemed to be running and I was all alone on this dark path with woods to one side of me.
My latest dream was a couple of nights ago:
I was staying with my friend who lives in Ireland. I was having a nice time just relaxing and in holiday mode. I was sat, eating breakfast and blogging on my laptop.
Then my friend's little girl needed the toilet and I said that I would take her. For some reason I needed to take her to a public toilet a few streets away.
Whilst I was waiting for her I suddenly realised that this was the day of the marathon and that it started at 9am. I desperately started looking round for a clock and then I found one but I couldn't quite make out the time. I stared and stared at it and eventually worked out that it was a couple of minutes to 9.
I got into a real panic and ran back to the house to get my running kit, leaving the little girl in the toilet. I got back to the house and started scrambling around trying to find my running kit. I was really furious with myself that I hadn't been more organised. I was getting everything tangled up and didn't have everything I needed. I didn't know my way to the start but I knew that I was going to have to run to get there and even then I was going to be late!
I have also had one other night when I suddenly bolted awake, in a complete stress thinking that I had forgotten a whole lot of training that I was supposed to do for the marathon. I woke up thinking "how could I have forgotten that".
Anyway, I thought I would tell you about 2 dreams I have had recently. The first one was a couple of weeks ago:
I was running the marathon and it was taking me hours and hours. At one point I stopped at a burger van and queued for ages to get a burger. Then I carried on running and it was getting dark. I was still only 7 miles into it and I was starting to feel really despondent thinking that I would never complete it. Nobody else still seemed to be running and I was all alone on this dark path with woods to one side of me.
My latest dream was a couple of nights ago:
I was staying with my friend who lives in Ireland. I was having a nice time just relaxing and in holiday mode. I was sat, eating breakfast and blogging on my laptop.
Then my friend's little girl needed the toilet and I said that I would take her. For some reason I needed to take her to a public toilet a few streets away.
Whilst I was waiting for her I suddenly realised that this was the day of the marathon and that it started at 9am. I desperately started looking round for a clock and then I found one but I couldn't quite make out the time. I stared and stared at it and eventually worked out that it was a couple of minutes to 9.
I got into a real panic and ran back to the house to get my running kit, leaving the little girl in the toilet. I got back to the house and started scrambling around trying to find my running kit. I was really furious with myself that I hadn't been more organised. I was getting everything tangled up and didn't have everything I needed. I didn't know my way to the start but I knew that I was going to have to run to get there and even then I was going to be late!
I have also had one other night when I suddenly bolted awake, in a complete stress thinking that I had forgotten a whole lot of training that I was supposed to do for the marathon. I woke up thinking "how could I have forgotten that".
Saturday 16 May 2009
Week 18, 13/5/09 - Wednesday
Time of day: 6am (ish)
Distance: About a mile running.
This was the first time I had done a very early run for ages. I wasn't keen on getting up and doing it but I knew it was the only time I would get today. I was planning to do a 10 mile run on Thursday.
I don't know whether it was because I didn't warm up properly but about a mile into the run my right knee started to hurt. This bothered me because on the last two runs it has been fine until about 2 miles, so I think it's getting worse rather than better. Taking no chances I decided to abandon the run and walk home.
I've done a bit of an internet search and really I'm still none the wiser. It would appear it's one of two things either ITB or runner's knee (I can't remember the proper name for it). Well whatever it is I decided I would have 3 days of no running at all and then see how it is. I figure that I've trained quite well for this marathon and taking a few days off at this stage isn't going to do any harm, whereas running on a sore knee might.
Distance: About a mile running.
This was the first time I had done a very early run for ages. I wasn't keen on getting up and doing it but I knew it was the only time I would get today. I was planning to do a 10 mile run on Thursday.
I don't know whether it was because I didn't warm up properly but about a mile into the run my right knee started to hurt. This bothered me because on the last two runs it has been fine until about 2 miles, so I think it's getting worse rather than better. Taking no chances I decided to abandon the run and walk home.
I've done a bit of an internet search and really I'm still none the wiser. It would appear it's one of two things either ITB or runner's knee (I can't remember the proper name for it). Well whatever it is I decided I would have 3 days of no running at all and then see how it is. I figure that I've trained quite well for this marathon and taking a few days off at this stage isn't going to do any harm, whereas running on a sore knee might.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Week 18, 11/5/09 - Monday
Time of day: 19:50
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 47:10
Weather: Sunny
A late run for me. It was a very pleasant evening, sunny and warm. I took a completely new route. The roads were very quiet and there were a couple of decent hills. About 2 miles into it I started to get a mild niggle in my right knee. I ran for another mile and then did a couple of walks in the last mile and a half. I did feel I could have run through the pain, it wasn't that bad, but like I said in my last post I'm feeling very cautious at this stage. I thought to myself: "I don't have anything to prove, I know I can run 20 miles so there is no problem in walking for a few minutes". The walking definitely helped and at the end my knee felt fine.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 47:10
Weather: Sunny
A late run for me. It was a very pleasant evening, sunny and warm. I took a completely new route. The roads were very quiet and there were a couple of decent hills. About 2 miles into it I started to get a mild niggle in my right knee. I ran for another mile and then did a couple of walks in the last mile and a half. I did feel I could have run through the pain, it wasn't that bad, but like I said in my last post I'm feeling very cautious at this stage. I thought to myself: "I don't have anything to prove, I know I can run 20 miles so there is no problem in walking for a few minutes". The walking definitely helped and at the end my knee felt fine.
Week 17, 9/5/09 - Saturday
Time of day: 10:41 am
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 34:07
Weather: Unremarkable
I decided to have a couple of days rest after the long run on Wednesday, to give my body a bit of recovery time.
I took this run very slowly. The first couple of miles were uneventful but after 2 miles I started to get a pain in my right knee (the outside). I am feeling very cautious at this stage in the proceedings! I've come so far. I walked for a few minutes and then started running again, I did a run walk for the final mile, which was fine.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 34:07
Weather: Unremarkable
I decided to have a couple of days rest after the long run on Wednesday, to give my body a bit of recovery time.
I took this run very slowly. The first couple of miles were uneventful but after 2 miles I started to get a pain in my right knee (the outside). I am feeling very cautious at this stage in the proceedings! I've come so far. I walked for a few minutes and then started running again, I did a run walk for the final mile, which was fine.
Thursday 7 May 2009
Week 17, 6/5/09 - Wednesday
Time of day: 12 midday
Distance: 20 miles
Time: 3:42:51 (total running time), 4:10 counting a lot of messing around.
Weather: Warm and sunny
This was a learning experience. I consoled myself by saying 'this is what training runs are for, to iron out the problems!' There were a number of factors which affected this run:
Distance: 20 miles
Time: 3:42:51 (total running time), 4:10 counting a lot of messing around.
Weather: Warm and sunny
This was a learning experience. I consoled myself by saying 'this is what training runs are for, to iron out the problems!' There were a number of factors which affected this run:
- My youngest son was going on a school holiday, which meant that he was at home in the morning and had to be dropped off at school at 11am. They didn't actually leave until 12 which was when we started off. But we also had to be back at school to pick up our oldest son at 3:10, which obviously wasn't enough time for me to run 20 miles.
- The weather was very warm and sunny and for most of the time I was running in full sun.
- I had been feeling a bit under the weather over the weekend although I felt I was fine by Wednesday.
- We only brought one bottle of gatorade which I carried in my camelback and one 1.5litre bottle of water. (Now I'm writing this down I can't believe this!).
So we waved Matthew off on the coach and started on our way. I had had breakfast at about 9 I think and then a banana at about 10:30am. The first few miles were uneventful. I had planned to stop for drinks and sweets approximately every 30 minutes. I was going to run for 1 1/2 hours out and then 1 1/2 hours back which should have been around 17 miles by my calculations and then the final 3 miles with both Steve and James after we picked James up from school.
The weather really was very warm and sunny. I usually run first thing or in the evening, so I was unprepared for how warm it was and can only think that I was losing more fluid than normal. At the first stop at 3 miles I was already starting to worry that I wasn't going to have enough to drink. Normally I don't drink much until about 6 miles then I have water and then at around 9 or 10 miles I will start on the gatorade. Well today, at 3 miles I was really thirsty and drank quite a bit, at around 4 - 5 miles I was sipping on my gatorade as I was running. At just over 5 miles I stopped and had some jelly belly sports sweets and a piece of chocolate, but really I was less interested in these than in water. At this point I was still stupidly trying to ration myself on my drinks as I was worried about running out.
We got to the 9 mile point and then turned around. The route we took was absolutely beautiful, neither Steve nor I had ever been that far along the canal and it was a gorgeous view. In fact I think that's what kept me going really. The track, though, did get quite uneven and required quite a lot of concentration to keep upright. after about 10 miles my ankles and legs were starting to hurt quite a lot. I was also starting to get quite ratty. I was panicking about how thirsty I was. I ran out of gatorade and didn't want to eat any more sweets as it was making me more thirsty.
At around 11 miles I think, we passed a pub and I sent Steve in to get some water, (I was bordering on the hysterical at this point! but hid it well). He met up with me about a mile and a half later with two 250ml bottles of water, which I felt I could have downed in 1 go.
"Is that all" I said ungratefully "but I'm so thirsty".
"They were £1.75 each" he told me.
At about 14 miles we decided to go our separate ways. I continued along the tow path armed with money to buy water at the next shop and Steve cycled off to get James from school.
I plodded on. Back to civilisation. I stopped at the loo in the park and then struggled on to Asda where I bought another litre of water and a packet of ready salted crisps which I had a craving for. I'm sure I must have made a fine sight stood outside Asda by the bin alternately shovelling crisps and tipping water into my mouth like a starving person. I decided to walk for a little bit while I finished my crisps, I filled my camelback up with the rest of the water and then started off again. This was about 16 miles.
I really could have given up there and then. Everything hurt. I met up with Steve and James at about 17 miles. That gave me a bit of a boost. Then came a long uphill stretch (do you remember that hill that I said was nothing to speak of? well it's funny how different it seemed 17 miles into a long run.
We arrived at the junction to our road at 18.5 miles. The distance from the end of the road to our house is a quarter of a mile. I needed to run past the junction in order to make it to 20 miles. In my head I was trying to figure out how far up the road I need to run before I could turn around and run back home, to make it exactly 20 miles. I just could not work it out. It was like my brain had lost all ability to function normally, it just seemed beyond me. Now it seems simple, but I guess any glycogen in my body was being directed towards my muscles, leaving my brain a little short.
I settled on adding a little loop on which actually worked out perfectly. When I got home I led in the front garden in a heap. God it was so nice to stop. I refused to let myself think for too long about the thought of doing 6 miles longer than this on the day.
POST SCRIPT
I woke up at 3:17 am after this run with a horribly sore throat. Hardly able to swallow. 2 paracetemol went a little way to helping ease it but generally feeling pretty rough. So have taken the day off sick today. I'm sure my colleagues love the fact that all this running is keeping me so healthy! I did a quick internet search on the effect of long distance running on your immune system and found this interesting article which I think explains a lot.
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Week 17, 4/5/09 - Monday
Time of day: ??Can't remember (I'm lost without my garmin!)
Distance: ??approximately 4 + miles
Time: 45 minutes (this I do know, I had a watch on)
Weather: Drizzle
My first run after 4 days off. I was feeling quite refreshed and planned to run to Robinswood Hill and back. Before my garmin had even connected with the friendly satellites in the sky it was saying low battery. This threw me out a bit, I'm so reliant on it. I toyed with the idea of charging it up but thought that I would probably never make it out if I did that.
I took a few paths that I had never gone on before and also listened to my I-Pod for the first time in ages. I always used to run with music but when I started training for the marathon I decided I would try running without it. Then I got to the point that I found it irritating and distracting to have my i-pod with me. Today however, I listened to Michael Macintyre's comedy show which kept me laughing - a strange sight I'm sure for any passers by.
I don't know why but I didn't run as far as I had planned, partly because of the lack of garmin I think and partly because I had been feeling a bit under the weather over the weekend and I was worried about overdoing it before my next big run on Wednesday.
Distance: ??approximately 4 + miles
Time: 45 minutes (this I do know, I had a watch on)
Weather: Drizzle
My first run after 4 days off. I was feeling quite refreshed and planned to run to Robinswood Hill and back. Before my garmin had even connected with the friendly satellites in the sky it was saying low battery. This threw me out a bit, I'm so reliant on it. I toyed with the idea of charging it up but thought that I would probably never make it out if I did that.
I took a few paths that I had never gone on before and also listened to my I-Pod for the first time in ages. I always used to run with music but when I started training for the marathon I decided I would try running without it. Then I got to the point that I found it irritating and distracting to have my i-pod with me. Today however, I listened to Michael Macintyre's comedy show which kept me laughing - a strange sight I'm sure for any passers by.
I don't know why but I didn't run as far as I had planned, partly because of the lack of garmin I think and partly because I had been feeling a bit under the weather over the weekend and I was worried about overdoing it before my next big run on Wednesday.
Sunday 3 May 2009
Week 16, 3/5/09 - Sunday
I have had a 4 day break from running. I decided I would try and spend a bit more time at home concentrating on the boys and the house. It has been quite productive. I definitely feel more relaxed and am looking forward to running tomorrow. I am planning to do a run up the hill about 5 - 7 miles. Then I will do 20 miles on Wednesday with Steve, we are going to go along the canal again, which I am looking forward to. It will be better than running along the main roads to Cheltenham. Only 4 weeks to go now!
Week 16, 29/4/09 - Wednesday
Time of day: 09:27
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Weather: Sunny
Again I was feeling really unmotivated about this run. I'm not sure why, I think it's just all consuming training for a marathon. Steve cycled with me and we stopped and started in the first couple of miles. 1st stop the garage to buy some lucozade, I thought I'd try lucozade rather than gatorade to see how I got on with it. But which one to buy? Lucozade sport, lucozade original, lucozade energy, so many different types to try and all full of aspartame and other rubbish (aspartame is a pet hate of mine - it comes from having children and getting paranoid about what you are putting into their bodies). Anyway I settled for lucozade original I think, but then I worried because it's fizzy, surely it can't be a good idea to drink fizzy drinks on a long run?
Next stop was Gloucester sports where I had a discussion with the staff there about the best energy gels/sweets, we bought some sport jelly beans.
After that I didn't have any more legitimate excuses to stop. I ran through town and down to the docks where we joined the tow path along the canal. This is a route I have done many times before, but have always had to stop because they have been doing a lot of work there so it's often blocked off in various places.
It was a beautifully sunny day. Really all I wanted to do was sit down and just lie in the sun. I felt quite irritable which is unusual once I start running. We stopped at the 5 mile point and enjoyed the view and the weather. I sampled the lucozade (which was fine) and the jelly sweets (which were really nice) and then started on the return journey.
I arrived home feeling full of energy. I was amazed really that I felt this good after a 10 mile run. It's surprising to me how quickly your body adapts to increased demands. Only a few weeks ago I felt like I could hardly move after a 10 mile run, but today, physically it felt almost effortless. Mentally, though, it's a different thing. It's not the effort of the runs that I'm finding hard, it's more having to try and fit them into an already full life.
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Weather: Sunny
Again I was feeling really unmotivated about this run. I'm not sure why, I think it's just all consuming training for a marathon. Steve cycled with me and we stopped and started in the first couple of miles. 1st stop the garage to buy some lucozade, I thought I'd try lucozade rather than gatorade to see how I got on with it. But which one to buy? Lucozade sport, lucozade original, lucozade energy, so many different types to try and all full of aspartame and other rubbish (aspartame is a pet hate of mine - it comes from having children and getting paranoid about what you are putting into their bodies). Anyway I settled for lucozade original I think, but then I worried because it's fizzy, surely it can't be a good idea to drink fizzy drinks on a long run?
Next stop was Gloucester sports where I had a discussion with the staff there about the best energy gels/sweets, we bought some sport jelly beans.
After that I didn't have any more legitimate excuses to stop. I ran through town and down to the docks where we joined the tow path along the canal. This is a route I have done many times before, but have always had to stop because they have been doing a lot of work there so it's often blocked off in various places.
It was a beautifully sunny day. Really all I wanted to do was sit down and just lie in the sun. I felt quite irritable which is unusual once I start running. We stopped at the 5 mile point and enjoyed the view and the weather. I sampled the lucozade (which was fine) and the jelly sweets (which were really nice) and then started on the return journey.
I arrived home feeling full of energy. I was amazed really that I felt this good after a 10 mile run. It's surprising to me how quickly your body adapts to increased demands. Only a few weeks ago I felt like I could hardly move after a 10 mile run, but today, physically it felt almost effortless. Mentally, though, it's a different thing. It's not the effort of the runs that I'm finding hard, it's more having to try and fit them into an already full life.
Week 16, 27/4/09 - Monday
Time of day: 19:31
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 32:42
Weather: Can't remember
I was feeling pretty tired and found it difficult to motivate myself. I did a mile through the park and back and then did some speed work 1 minute run, 1 minute walk, 2:2, 3:3, 4:4 I was intending to do a bit more, but I really just ran out of steam.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 32:42
Weather: Can't remember
I was feeling pretty tired and found it difficult to motivate myself. I did a mile through the park and back and then did some speed work 1 minute run, 1 minute walk, 2:2, 3:3, 4:4 I was intending to do a bit more, but I really just ran out of steam.
Sunday 26 April 2009
Week 15 - 26/4/09, Sunday
Time of day: 17:29
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 43:30
Weather: Warm, cloudy
I was inspired by watching the London Marathon on TV this morning. Can't wait to get my registration in for next year! This will be my 5th try on the ballot, so I should definitely get in for next year. But meanwhile, there's Edinburgh to think about.
I went out with James today. He cycled and I ran. I tried to keep up a good pace, and it really helped to have James as a pacemaker. We did a detour up the hill, so I got a good climb in. I actually did 5 miles but forgot to switch my garmin on for the first half a mile.
I felt great though. I don't know whether it was just because I was buoyed up by watching London, but I'm feeling really fit and full of enthusiasm.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 43:30
Weather: Warm, cloudy
I was inspired by watching the London Marathon on TV this morning. Can't wait to get my registration in for next year! This will be my 5th try on the ballot, so I should definitely get in for next year. But meanwhile, there's Edinburgh to think about.
I went out with James today. He cycled and I ran. I tried to keep up a good pace, and it really helped to have James as a pacemaker. We did a detour up the hill, so I got a good climb in. I actually did 5 miles but forgot to switch my garmin on for the first half a mile.
I felt great though. I don't know whether it was just because I was buoyed up by watching London, but I'm feeling really fit and full of enthusiasm.
Week 15 - 24/4/09, Friday
Time of day: 16:50
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 32:10
A short recovery run after my long one on Wednesday. My legs felt really heavy when I started out and I did wonder whether I should be running. I took it really slowly and I got round it but it did feel hard work.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 32:10
A short recovery run after my long one on Wednesday. My legs felt really heavy when I started out and I did wonder whether I should be running. I took it really slowly and I got round it but it did feel hard work.
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Week 15 - 22/4/09, Wednesday
Time of day: 09:14
Distance: 18.02 miles
Time: 3:18:16 (running time)
Weather: Cloudy to start, then sunny
I was feeling quite nervous at the prospect of this run. I really have been wondering what I've let myself in for. I do get this feeling of dread the night before a long run, but once I start running I feel much better, it's like I get into a different head space.
I was keen to get started as soon as we took the kids to school, and actually wanted to run with them to school to get the first mile out of the way, but Steve had been out for a works meal last night and so was keen for a bit of lie in. He was, to his credit, up and raring to go by the time I got back from school.
I seemed to be going at a ridiculously slow pace for the first few miles, in fact I began to wonder whether my garmin was working properly, and actually looking back at the figures they don't seem to correlate with what was showing up as I was running. Strange.
I made my first stop for water after 6 miles, a third of the way through. I was still feeling pretty fresh and enthusiastic and even did an extra few metres to pose for the camera! This part of the run had been along a busy road.
I planned my next stop at 10 miles for gatorade and fruit pastilles. This was a more pleasant section of the run, through a quiet residential area, over the train bridge before reaching a busy shopping area. It was here, at about 9 miles that I lost Steve. He was cycling behind me and the suddenly he was gone. After about another 3/4 of a mile I was starting to get worried, where was he? Then I started getting a bit ratty. I was about 8 miles from home, hungry, thirsty and tired, and now deserted. Just at this point I heard a friendly shout behind me "Here I am, I'm right here". Thank goodness!
Steve had bought a bar of dairy milk and a bounty. Mmm which would I like? I opted for 2 squares of dairy milk. Wow. I'm telling you, that was the best chocolate I had ever tasted.
I followed that with gatorade and 2 fruit pastilles. Food takes on a whole new meaning when you really really do need to eat.
At this point I realised that I wasn't far enough away from home. If I ran straight home it would only be just over 16 miles and I was planning 18 miles. I decided to do a detour down one road and back up the next one. This was probably the low point of the run. I was running an extra mile but was going to end up a couple of hundred metres further down the road. Psychologically this was very discouraging.
It's funny how you go through these ups and downs on a long run. One minute I was feeling in the depths of depression "Why, Oh why did I ever think this would be a good idea" to "I'm feeling GREAT! I'm a marathon runner, nothing is going to stop me".
At 14 miles we made another refreshment stop. I was still going to be short by about a mile so we took a few back roads, discovering places that we never even knew existed. That made it more interesting.
Finally, we arrived back in Barnwood Park, just a quarter of a mile from home. 18 miles! I'd done it. I resisted the urge to rip a sandwich out of the hands of a man sitting on the park bench.
The post run shower revealed all the broken bits of skin that the endorphins had disguised. Then it was a smoked mackerel salad with a slice of bread and butter, followed by an apple. I felt so virtuous.
Distance: 18.02 miles
Time: 3:18:16 (running time)
Weather: Cloudy to start, then sunny
I was feeling quite nervous at the prospect of this run. I really have been wondering what I've let myself in for. I do get this feeling of dread the night before a long run, but once I start running I feel much better, it's like I get into a different head space.
I was keen to get started as soon as we took the kids to school, and actually wanted to run with them to school to get the first mile out of the way, but Steve had been out for a works meal last night and so was keen for a bit of lie in. He was, to his credit, up and raring to go by the time I got back from school.
I seemed to be going at a ridiculously slow pace for the first few miles, in fact I began to wonder whether my garmin was working properly, and actually looking back at the figures they don't seem to correlate with what was showing up as I was running. Strange.
I made my first stop for water after 6 miles, a third of the way through. I was still feeling pretty fresh and enthusiastic and even did an extra few metres to pose for the camera! This part of the run had been along a busy road.
I planned my next stop at 10 miles for gatorade and fruit pastilles. This was a more pleasant section of the run, through a quiet residential area, over the train bridge before reaching a busy shopping area. It was here, at about 9 miles that I lost Steve. He was cycling behind me and the suddenly he was gone. After about another 3/4 of a mile I was starting to get worried, where was he? Then I started getting a bit ratty. I was about 8 miles from home, hungry, thirsty and tired, and now deserted. Just at this point I heard a friendly shout behind me "Here I am, I'm right here". Thank goodness!
Steve had bought a bar of dairy milk and a bounty. Mmm which would I like? I opted for 2 squares of dairy milk. Wow. I'm telling you, that was the best chocolate I had ever tasted.
I followed that with gatorade and 2 fruit pastilles. Food takes on a whole new meaning when you really really do need to eat.
At this point I realised that I wasn't far enough away from home. If I ran straight home it would only be just over 16 miles and I was planning 18 miles. I decided to do a detour down one road and back up the next one. This was probably the low point of the run. I was running an extra mile but was going to end up a couple of hundred metres further down the road. Psychologically this was very discouraging.
It's funny how you go through these ups and downs on a long run. One minute I was feeling in the depths of depression "Why, Oh why did I ever think this would be a good idea" to "I'm feeling GREAT! I'm a marathon runner, nothing is going to stop me".
At 14 miles we made another refreshment stop. I was still going to be short by about a mile so we took a few back roads, discovering places that we never even knew existed. That made it more interesting.
Finally, we arrived back in Barnwood Park, just a quarter of a mile from home. 18 miles! I'd done it. I resisted the urge to rip a sandwich out of the hands of a man sitting on the park bench.
The post run shower revealed all the broken bits of skin that the endorphins had disguised. Then it was a smoked mackerel salad with a slice of bread and butter, followed by an apple. I felt so virtuous.
Week 15 - 21/4/09, Tuesday
Time of day: 06:23
Distance: 4.81
Time: 51:40
Weather: Sunny
I was a bit cross with myself that I hadn't run on Monday, as I would have liked a rest day before my big run on Wednesday. However, this run went very well. I made myself run quite slowly and it felt very comfortable.
I ran a route that I have done a few times before but this time did it in reverse, which made it a bit more interesting. One moderately steep hill.
Distance: 4.81
Time: 51:40
Weather: Sunny
I was a bit cross with myself that I hadn't run on Monday, as I would have liked a rest day before my big run on Wednesday. However, this run went very well. I made myself run quite slowly and it felt very comfortable.
I ran a route that I have done a few times before but this time did it in reverse, which made it a bit more interesting. One moderately steep hill.
Monday 20 April 2009
Week 14 - 19/4/09, Sunday
Time of day: 16:43
Distance: 3.03 miles
Time: 31:28
Weather: Sunny, warm
I was a bit disorganised today and couldn't decided whether to run or not, I seem to have gone off my schedule a bit and that's always a bit of a disaster for me. I'm much better if I just have a plan written down and I stick to it. I think the trouble is that I'm having to adapt my training depending on how I feel after the long runs and this is sending everything a bit out of synch. If the truth be told I'm finding it a bit hard going.
I only ended up doing 3 miles from my mum's house. I decided to incorporate some proper hills to make it a worthwhile run. I did 3 steep climbs. It was very warm and I felt quite lacking in energy, I'm used to running first thing in the morning, rather than in the afternoon.
Another big run on Wednesday of about 18 miles! Scarey.
Distance: 3.03 miles
Time: 31:28
Weather: Sunny, warm
I was a bit disorganised today and couldn't decided whether to run or not, I seem to have gone off my schedule a bit and that's always a bit of a disaster for me. I'm much better if I just have a plan written down and I stick to it. I think the trouble is that I'm having to adapt my training depending on how I feel after the long runs and this is sending everything a bit out of synch. If the truth be told I'm finding it a bit hard going.
I only ended up doing 3 miles from my mum's house. I decided to incorporate some proper hills to make it a worthwhile run. I did 3 steep climbs. It was very warm and I felt quite lacking in energy, I'm used to running first thing in the morning, rather than in the afternoon.
Another big run on Wednesday of about 18 miles! Scarey.
Saturday 18 April 2009
Week 14 - 18/4/09, Saturday
Time of day: 06:42
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 28:02
Weather: Overcast
Since my 8 mile run on Wednesday I have had some pain and swelling on the top of my right foot. In fact on Thursday it was hard to get my shoe on. After a bit of internet diagnosis I think it is probably 'extensor tendonitis', which apparently is an inflammation of the tendon that connects your big toe to the rest of your foot. Factors that can make it worse are: 1) tying up your shoe laces too tight, and 2) not stretching your calf muscles. Both of which I have done recently. I was pain free before and during my run today, but it's a little bit painful after the run. I will be doing a 1 - 1.5 hour run tomorrow so I hope it's OK for then. On the positive side my chafing problem seems to be resolving!
Today's run was uneventful. I ran at a good pace, doing 3 miles in 28 minutes, which I felt pleased with.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 28:02
Weather: Overcast
Since my 8 mile run on Wednesday I have had some pain and swelling on the top of my right foot. In fact on Thursday it was hard to get my shoe on. After a bit of internet diagnosis I think it is probably 'extensor tendonitis', which apparently is an inflammation of the tendon that connects your big toe to the rest of your foot. Factors that can make it worse are: 1) tying up your shoe laces too tight, and 2) not stretching your calf muscles. Both of which I have done recently. I was pain free before and during my run today, but it's a little bit painful after the run. I will be doing a 1 - 1.5 hour run tomorrow so I hope it's OK for then. On the positive side my chafing problem seems to be resolving!
Today's run was uneventful. I ran at a good pace, doing 3 miles in 28 minutes, which I felt pleased with.
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Week 14 - 15/4/09, Wednesday
Time of day: 0700
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1:24:06
Weather: Cloud then rain.
It was hard to get myself out initially but once I got going I felt fine. I tried to incorporate a couple of hills, but they weren't really anything to speak of. I stopped at Sainsbury's at 5 miles to use their toilet and apply some vaseline. Chafing is becoming more of a problem, and makes the post run shower a painful experience. The trouble is I'm doing 4 runs a week, so nothing is getting a chance to heal before I'm subjecting it to more abuse. I think I might need to invest in some expensive running kit.
I filled out all my UNICEF forms today and ordered a T shirt to run in on the day. Now I'm feeling more confident I'm actually going to do it, I need to get down to getting some sponsors. Last night I printed off a copy of the route, which has made it all seem more real. I can now visualise where I will be running. I'm really pleased that our aparment where we are staying is only a couple of streets away from the start. I'm really starting to feel quite excited.
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1:24:06
Weather: Cloud then rain.
It was hard to get myself out initially but once I got going I felt fine. I tried to incorporate a couple of hills, but they weren't really anything to speak of. I stopped at Sainsbury's at 5 miles to use their toilet and apply some vaseline. Chafing is becoming more of a problem, and makes the post run shower a painful experience. The trouble is I'm doing 4 runs a week, so nothing is getting a chance to heal before I'm subjecting it to more abuse. I think I might need to invest in some expensive running kit.
I filled out all my UNICEF forms today and ordered a T shirt to run in on the day. Now I'm feeling more confident I'm actually going to do it, I need to get down to getting some sponsors. Last night I printed off a copy of the route, which has made it all seem more real. I can now visualise where I will be running. I'm really pleased that our aparment where we are staying is only a couple of streets away from the start. I'm really starting to feel quite excited.
Week 14 - 13/4/09, Monday
Time of day: 07:50
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 41:57
Weather: Sunny
A beautiful morning!
I struggled a bit on this run. More mentally than physically, in fact physically I felt surprisingly good, but mentally I was overwhelmed at the prospect of running this marathon. The 16 miles I did on Saturday really made me think about what a long way it's going to be.
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 41:57
Weather: Sunny
A beautiful morning!
I struggled a bit on this run. More mentally than physically, in fact physically I felt surprisingly good, but mentally I was overwhelmed at the prospect of running this marathon. The 16 miles I did on Saturday really made me think about what a long way it's going to be.
Saturday 11 April 2009
Week 13 - 11/4/09, Saturday
Time of day: 10:05
Distance: 16 miles! Yes that's right 16 miles!
Time: 2:49:10
Weather: Sunny
I was rather nervous at the thought of this long run. The furthest I have ever run. Luckily, one of Matthew's friends invited him for sleepover on Friday night and my mum took James overnight. This meant that Steve was able to cycle with me, which was a great help. He came equipped with 2 1/2 litres of water, a bottle of gatorade and a packet of fruit pastilles.
After a couple of miles into the run I became aware that my trousers were rubbing the top of my thigh. I was worried, if I was aware of it 2 miles into the run, what would it be like after 12. Steve stopped off at the co-op to get some vaseline. (Of course, why didn't I think of that all long distance runner's need vaseline!)
It took him a while to catch up with me, what with me being such a speedy runner, and we finally met up at about 4 miles. At the next available side lane, I nipped into the bushes for a wee and to apply my newly acquired vaseline, whilst Steve stood in a manly way to guard my dignity. A secluded spot, it certainly wasn't! In the amount of time that we were stood there, me with my trousers round my ankles squatting in the bushes and Steve holding aloft a pot of vaseline, at least 3 cars came past, one of whom gave us an encouraging toot of his horn, no doubt completely misunderstanding the reality of the situation.
Chafing sorted, we continued along the main road to Cheltenham. It was an uneventful few miles and we stopped outside a posh food store in Tivoli at 8 miles, before starting the return journey. At this point I was still feeling pretty good.
At 10 miles I started on the fruit pastilles. We lost a couple during the handover from bike to runner.
At 11 miles I was starting to flag. 11 miles is the longest I have run in this training, so I think it was psychological.
12 miles: I stopped for a drink and some more fruit pastilles
13 miles: "Oh my god, I wouldn't even be half way on the day"
14 miles: "I'm never going to do this". Really I just wanted to cry. The thought of having to run another 12 miles on the day seemed inconceivable. Steve was shouting words of encouragement, telling me how well I was doing. It did remind me of labour, when you can appreciate that someone is trying to be helpful, but at the time you just think "you have no idea of how awful I am feeling".
15 miles: Suddenly I felt a bit better. It was like I kind of transcended the pain and just kept putting one foot in front of the other, repeating to myself, like a mantra: "I can always run a mile. A mile is nothing."
16 miles: Home at last. Stopping was almost worse than running. I didn't really know what to do with myself. I walked up the road a bit and then back and then collapsed on the sofa, then had a shower and that was that. The pain was surprisingly short-lived. I did feel a bit stiff for the rest of the day, but generally better than I thought I would.
Distance: 16 miles! Yes that's right 16 miles!
Time: 2:49:10
Weather: Sunny
I was rather nervous at the thought of this long run. The furthest I have ever run. Luckily, one of Matthew's friends invited him for sleepover on Friday night and my mum took James overnight. This meant that Steve was able to cycle with me, which was a great help. He came equipped with 2 1/2 litres of water, a bottle of gatorade and a packet of fruit pastilles.
After a couple of miles into the run I became aware that my trousers were rubbing the top of my thigh. I was worried, if I was aware of it 2 miles into the run, what would it be like after 12. Steve stopped off at the co-op to get some vaseline. (Of course, why didn't I think of that all long distance runner's need vaseline!)
It took him a while to catch up with me, what with me being such a speedy runner, and we finally met up at about 4 miles. At the next available side lane, I nipped into the bushes for a wee and to apply my newly acquired vaseline, whilst Steve stood in a manly way to guard my dignity. A secluded spot, it certainly wasn't! In the amount of time that we were stood there, me with my trousers round my ankles squatting in the bushes and Steve holding aloft a pot of vaseline, at least 3 cars came past, one of whom gave us an encouraging toot of his horn, no doubt completely misunderstanding the reality of the situation.
Chafing sorted, we continued along the main road to Cheltenham. It was an uneventful few miles and we stopped outside a posh food store in Tivoli at 8 miles, before starting the return journey. At this point I was still feeling pretty good.
At 10 miles I started on the fruit pastilles. We lost a couple during the handover from bike to runner.
At 11 miles I was starting to flag. 11 miles is the longest I have run in this training, so I think it was psychological.
12 miles: I stopped for a drink and some more fruit pastilles
13 miles: "Oh my god, I wouldn't even be half way on the day"
14 miles: "I'm never going to do this". Really I just wanted to cry. The thought of having to run another 12 miles on the day seemed inconceivable. Steve was shouting words of encouragement, telling me how well I was doing. It did remind me of labour, when you can appreciate that someone is trying to be helpful, but at the time you just think "you have no idea of how awful I am feeling".
15 miles: Suddenly I felt a bit better. It was like I kind of transcended the pain and just kept putting one foot in front of the other, repeating to myself, like a mantra: "I can always run a mile. A mile is nothing."
16 miles: Home at last. Stopping was almost worse than running. I didn't really know what to do with myself. I walked up the road a bit and then back and then collapsed on the sofa, then had a shower and that was that. The pain was surprisingly short-lived. I did feel a bit stiff for the rest of the day, but generally better than I thought I would.
Friday 10 April 2009
Week 13 - 10/4/09, Friday
Time of day: 18:37
Distance: 4.16 miles
Time: 41:41
Weather: Cool, cloudy
I was a bit unsure whether to run this evening as I am planning a long run tomorrow morning. I did really enjoy this run though, I felt very comfortable and ran at a reasonable pace. I was going to do 5 miles, but decided to walk the last mile. I thought I would rather stop whilst I was still feeling comfortable rather than risk pushing myself hard and then feeling worn out tomorrow.
I am planning to do about 16 - 18 miles tomorrow. Steve is going to be my training partner, on his bike. I'm quite nervous, I've never run this far before!
Distance: 4.16 miles
Time: 41:41
Weather: Cool, cloudy
I was a bit unsure whether to run this evening as I am planning a long run tomorrow morning. I did really enjoy this run though, I felt very comfortable and ran at a reasonable pace. I was going to do 5 miles, but decided to walk the last mile. I thought I would rather stop whilst I was still feeling comfortable rather than risk pushing myself hard and then feeling worn out tomorrow.
I am planning to do about 16 - 18 miles tomorrow. Steve is going to be my training partner, on his bike. I'm quite nervous, I've never run this far before!
Week 13 - 8/4/09, Wednesday
Time of day: 10:49
Distance: 3.6 miles
Time: 43:31
Weather: Sunny
This was an interval session on Woollacombe sands.
1 minute run, 1 minute walk
2:2
3:3
4:4
5:5
4:4
3:3
2:2
1:1
This was really hard, I'm not sure why. The sand was very solid, but it was very windy. I think I find this kind of session very hard to do on my own. I find it very hard to push myself out of my comfort zone if I'm not running with other people. I suppose everyone is like that to some degree.
Distance: 3.6 miles
Time: 43:31
Weather: Sunny
This was an interval session on Woollacombe sands.
1 minute run, 1 minute walk
2:2
3:3
4:4
5:5
4:4
3:3
2:2
1:1
This was really hard, I'm not sure why. The sand was very solid, but it was very windy. I think I find this kind of session very hard to do on my own. I find it very hard to push myself out of my comfort zone if I'm not running with other people. I suppose everyone is like that to some degree.
Week 13 - 7/4/09, Tuesday
Time of day: 08:37
Distance: 5.88 miles
Time: 59:41
Weather: Fine
This was a completely unknown route from our holiday park in Devon, out and back along the Tarka cycle path. I did feel a little nervous as the path was very isolated, I only saw 3 people during my whole run.
The route was a gradual downhill path which felt fine for the first 3 miles, but not so good when I turned around to do the 2nd half of the run. However, my recent hilly runs had stood me in good stead and I found it relatively comfortable.
Distance: 5.88 miles
Time: 59:41
Weather: Fine
This was a completely unknown route from our holiday park in Devon, out and back along the Tarka cycle path. I did feel a little nervous as the path was very isolated, I only saw 3 people during my whole run.
The route was a gradual downhill path which felt fine for the first 3 miles, but not so good when I turned around to do the 2nd half of the run. However, my recent hilly runs had stood me in good stead and I found it relatively comfortable.
Week 12 - 5/4/09 - Sunday
Time of day: 08:36
Distance: 11:47 miles
Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Weather: Fine
I ran with the running club. A couple of us started off half an hour before the rest of the group to get an extra couple of miles in. These were nice flat miles along the cycle path, then we met up with the rest of the group and started the long climb up Selsey Hill. It was really hard work, and despite my resolution to run all the way, I did have to stop and walk on more than one occasion. Once at the top of the hill, we followed the Cotswold Way path to Coaley Peak, an undulating path through the woods.
I was pleased that I felt a lot more comfortable than I had done on my last long run, and am starting to believe that I am going to run this marathon!
Distance: 11:47 miles
Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Weather: Fine
I ran with the running club. A couple of us started off half an hour before the rest of the group to get an extra couple of miles in. These were nice flat miles along the cycle path, then we met up with the rest of the group and started the long climb up Selsey Hill. It was really hard work, and despite my resolution to run all the way, I did have to stop and walk on more than one occasion. Once at the top of the hill, we followed the Cotswold Way path to Coaley Peak, an undulating path through the woods.
I was pleased that I felt a lot more comfortable than I had done on my last long run, and am starting to believe that I am going to run this marathon!
Friday 3 April 2009
Week 12 - 3/4/09 - Friday
Time of day: 18:02
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 30:27
I didn't think I was going to get a run in today. Finished work late. Family life a bit chaotic on my return. However, I did manage to 3 miles in while Steve went through the drive through at Burger king with the boys. I got Steve to drop me off on the side of the road and I ran up the hill and met them in the car park. There were a couple of steep hilly bits and I walked for a very short period. I kept up a reasonable pace. Glad I ran, a beautiful evening.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 30:27
I didn't think I was going to get a run in today. Finished work late. Family life a bit chaotic on my return. However, I did manage to 3 miles in while Steve went through the drive through at Burger king with the boys. I got Steve to drop me off on the side of the road and I ran up the hill and met them in the car park. There were a couple of steep hilly bits and I walked for a very short period. I kept up a reasonable pace. Glad I ran, a beautiful evening.
Thursday 2 April 2009
Week 12 - 2/4//09 - Thursday
Time of day: 6 am
Distance: 2.5 miles approx
Time: ????
Weather: Fine, mild.
I really really struggled to get out of bed this morning. If it wasn't for the fact that I was meeting Jo, I would have rolled over and gone back to sleep. As it was I checked my phone before I left the house in the hope that she had decided to give it a miss and I could climb back into the warm bed beside my husband and go back to sleep. However, it was not to be.
I was feeling irritable from the start, I had new trainers. I don't know what it is about new trainers but I just seem to feel hyper-aware of them, that bit's too tight, they're loose at the back, my foot hurts, I don't like them. Luckily I have had enough new trainers to know that this is just a phase that will pass, but I still don't like it very much.
Then my knee hurt, this was after a particularly energetic waltz routine last night when Steve and I did our ballroom dancing class. "Oh no, that's it, I've damaged something in my knee, I'm never going to be able to run this marathon!"
My eye hurt.
I was tired.
I couldn't find my garmin.
I CAN'T RUN WITHOUT MY GARMIN!
I'm not cut out for this. Whoever thought I would be able to run a marathon anyway.
Might as well forget the whole idea!
OK let's just do it.
I did it.
It was a short run, just under 3 miles.
I know I've got to start getting more miles in.
I WILL get over this wobble.
Distance: 2.5 miles approx
Time: ????
Weather: Fine, mild.
I really really struggled to get out of bed this morning. If it wasn't for the fact that I was meeting Jo, I would have rolled over and gone back to sleep. As it was I checked my phone before I left the house in the hope that she had decided to give it a miss and I could climb back into the warm bed beside my husband and go back to sleep. However, it was not to be.
I was feeling irritable from the start, I had new trainers. I don't know what it is about new trainers but I just seem to feel hyper-aware of them, that bit's too tight, they're loose at the back, my foot hurts, I don't like them. Luckily I have had enough new trainers to know that this is just a phase that will pass, but I still don't like it very much.
Then my knee hurt, this was after a particularly energetic waltz routine last night when Steve and I did our ballroom dancing class. "Oh no, that's it, I've damaged something in my knee, I'm never going to be able to run this marathon!"
My eye hurt.
I was tired.
I couldn't find my garmin.
I CAN'T RUN WITHOUT MY GARMIN!
I'm not cut out for this. Whoever thought I would be able to run a marathon anyway.
Might as well forget the whole idea!
OK let's just do it.
I did it.
It was a short run, just under 3 miles.
I know I've got to start getting more miles in.
I WILL get over this wobble.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Week 12 - 31/3/09 - Tuesday
Time of day: 6pm
Distance: 2.3 miles
Weather: Fine
A running club run. We only did a short run, but it was certainly hard work. We ran from the leisure centre in Stroud and did some dynamic stretches by the lake, much to the consternation of the swans.
Then we set off. I find it quite a different experience running with other people, as I've never been a member of a club before. I'm used to running mainly on my own, or with one other person, so running in a group is quite alien to me. I am enjoying the companionship though, it does make the run go faster.
The first mile was a steady climb uphill. I did not enjoy this at all. My chest is still a bit wheezy and I feel that hills are quite unmanageable at the moment. I did try though. I set myself little targets: "I'll just get to the next telegraph pole" I didn't manage to keep running all the way up the hill, but I did push myself and it has made me realise the benefits of training in a hilly area. My runs are usually completely flat, so I think that is something I will have to change.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Weather: Fine
A running club run. We only did a short run, but it was certainly hard work. We ran from the leisure centre in Stroud and did some dynamic stretches by the lake, much to the consternation of the swans.
Then we set off. I find it quite a different experience running with other people, as I've never been a member of a club before. I'm used to running mainly on my own, or with one other person, so running in a group is quite alien to me. I am enjoying the companionship though, it does make the run go faster.
The first mile was a steady climb uphill. I did not enjoy this at all. My chest is still a bit wheezy and I feel that hills are quite unmanageable at the moment. I did try though. I set myself little targets: "I'll just get to the next telegraph pole" I didn't manage to keep running all the way up the hill, but I did push myself and it has made me realise the benefits of training in a hilly area. My runs are usually completely flat, so I think that is something I will have to change.
Week 12 - 30/3/09 - Monday
Time of day: 6am
Time: 52:37
Distance: 5 miles
Weather: Fine
I have to admit to a groan as I looked at the clock at 05:30 and thought: Really it's only 04:30 by yesterday's time, No! I told myself. Stop that. It is 5.30! Out with winter, in with spring! It's a bit like a mild form of jet lag when the clocks go forward isn't it?
Once I was out it was fine. More than fine in fact. I ran with my running pal, Jo. We started off before dawn had broken and finished our run in daylight. The blossom and virgin leaves were beautiful and made the early morning wake up more than worth it. And it's so nice to get the first run of the week under my belt before 9 am on a Monday morning.
I'm feeling so much better. In fact this was the first time I had felt really good running for weeks.
Time: 52:37
Distance: 5 miles
Weather: Fine
I have to admit to a groan as I looked at the clock at 05:30 and thought: Really it's only 04:30 by yesterday's time, No! I told myself. Stop that. It is 5.30! Out with winter, in with spring! It's a bit like a mild form of jet lag when the clocks go forward isn't it?
Once I was out it was fine. More than fine in fact. I ran with my running pal, Jo. We started off before dawn had broken and finished our run in daylight. The blossom and virgin leaves were beautiful and made the early morning wake up more than worth it. And it's so nice to get the first run of the week under my belt before 9 am on a Monday morning.
I'm feeling so much better. In fact this was the first time I had felt really good running for weeks.
Sunday 29 March 2009
Week 11 - 23/3/09 - Saturday
Time of day: 9 am
Distance: 6.3 miles
Time: 1:17
Weather: Fine
This was first attempt at a longer run for a couple of weeks. I ran with the Cotswold All Runners, most of whom I don't really know.
It was a hilly run up over the golf course at Painswick beacon and then down through the woods. I certainly struggled with the uphill stretches and had to stop and walk a few times. As I'm usually a road runner, it was a constant challenge to stay upright, looking out for roots and rocks. I did enjoy that though, the mental effort required did something to take my mind off the physical discomfort.
I was grateful to Simon, the coach for giving me some well needed input into my revised marathon schedule. I'm finding it hard to know how to adapt my training as I've not really done the long runs I had planned. Only eight weeks to go!
Distance: 6.3 miles
Time: 1:17
Weather: Fine
This was first attempt at a longer run for a couple of weeks. I ran with the Cotswold All Runners, most of whom I don't really know.
It was a hilly run up over the golf course at Painswick beacon and then down through the woods. I certainly struggled with the uphill stretches and had to stop and walk a few times. As I'm usually a road runner, it was a constant challenge to stay upright, looking out for roots and rocks. I did enjoy that though, the mental effort required did something to take my mind off the physical discomfort.
I was grateful to Simon, the coach for giving me some well needed input into my revised marathon schedule. I'm finding it hard to know how to adapt my training as I've not really done the long runs I had planned. Only eight weeks to go!
Friday 27 March 2009
Week 11 - 23/3/09 - Thursday
Time of day: 13:43
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 31.06
Weather: Cloud/drizzle
This was my first run for nearly a week. I have been giving myself a break to get back to optimum health, but it's taking longer than I would like and I'm finding it hard to balance the need to get the miles in and the need to really shake this bug off.
This was an easy 3 mile run. I ran a familiar route with a slow uphill climb for the first mile. It always feels a bit tough at first, but things start to get easier after about 2 miles. I didn't feel any worse than I normally do, despite having a lingering chesty cough.
I've had to make quite a few changes to my training plan to accommodate my recent lack of running. I'm hoping that it will be sufficient to get me round on the day. It's really my long runs that have been lacking. I need to get some decent distances under my belt, but unfortunately it is those that seem to keep setting me back.
I'm going to do 6 miles tomorrow and then start putting in some long runs next week.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 31.06
Weather: Cloud/drizzle
This was my first run for nearly a week. I have been giving myself a break to get back to optimum health, but it's taking longer than I would like and I'm finding it hard to balance the need to get the miles in and the need to really shake this bug off.
This was an easy 3 mile run. I ran a familiar route with a slow uphill climb for the first mile. It always feels a bit tough at first, but things start to get easier after about 2 miles. I didn't feel any worse than I normally do, despite having a lingering chesty cough.
I've had to make quite a few changes to my training plan to accommodate my recent lack of running. I'm hoping that it will be sufficient to get me round on the day. It's really my long runs that have been lacking. I need to get some decent distances under my belt, but unfortunately it is those that seem to keep setting me back.
I'm going to do 6 miles tomorrow and then start putting in some long runs next week.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Week 10 - 16/3/09 - Friday
Time of day: 7.30pm
Distance: 1.65 miles
Time: 19:50
Weather: Clear
Usually on a Friday I would go out first thing in the morning, but I really couldn't face it this morning. Still feeling unwell! Coughing and spluttering, so I thought I'd give it a miss. By the evening though I was feeling a bit more perky so went out and did a little run. It was frustratingly short and slow, but at least I went out.
I'm definitely going to skip my planned 7 mile run tomorrow (Saturday) and try and get a good rest over the weekend ready to get back into it next week.
Distance: 1.65 miles
Time: 19:50
Weather: Clear
Usually on a Friday I would go out first thing in the morning, but I really couldn't face it this morning. Still feeling unwell! Coughing and spluttering, so I thought I'd give it a miss. By the evening though I was feeling a bit more perky so went out and did a little run. It was frustratingly short and slow, but at least I went out.
I'm definitely going to skip my planned 7 mile run tomorrow (Saturday) and try and get a good rest over the weekend ready to get back into it next week.
Week 10 - 16/3/09 - Wednesday
Time of day: 6pm
Distance: 3.84 miles
Time: 44.24
Weather: Clear
Frustratingly, my blocked ear has returned and also this cold seems to have gone down onto my chest. So, a dilemma: the rule is that if you have a cold that is only a head cold - OK to run. If it's on your chest - Don't run. Now, a couple of weeks ago, I ran with a head cold, then got an ear infection and then couldn't run for a week, it really doesn't seem like I've shaken this off completely and I'm finding it difficult to decide whether to run, a bit, a lot or not at all. Aaaarggghh!!!
I went back to the osteopath (I think I mentioned before, it was the osteopath who sorted out my recurrent ear infections in the past) and he again said he thinks I'm overdoing it, pushing my body further than it's happy with. But isn't that the point? That's why I want to do a marathon, because I want to challenge myself. Anyway he was quite sensible really and advised me to listen to my body whilst I am still under the weather. I can't believe a simple cold is causing such a problem.
Anyway I did decide to go to running club tonight because it is the one session I really enjoy. I thought I would just take it easy and not push myself to hard. As it was I probably did push myself quite hard. We did a pyramid session, 1:1, 2:2, 3:3, 4:4, 5:5, 4:4, 3:3, 2:2, 1:1. I enjoyed it though.
Distance: 3.84 miles
Time: 44.24
Weather: Clear
Frustratingly, my blocked ear has returned and also this cold seems to have gone down onto my chest. So, a dilemma: the rule is that if you have a cold that is only a head cold - OK to run. If it's on your chest - Don't run. Now, a couple of weeks ago, I ran with a head cold, then got an ear infection and then couldn't run for a week, it really doesn't seem like I've shaken this off completely and I'm finding it difficult to decide whether to run, a bit, a lot or not at all. Aaaarggghh!!!
I went back to the osteopath (I think I mentioned before, it was the osteopath who sorted out my recurrent ear infections in the past) and he again said he thinks I'm overdoing it, pushing my body further than it's happy with. But isn't that the point? That's why I want to do a marathon, because I want to challenge myself. Anyway he was quite sensible really and advised me to listen to my body whilst I am still under the weather. I can't believe a simple cold is causing such a problem.
Anyway I did decide to go to running club tonight because it is the one session I really enjoy. I thought I would just take it easy and not push myself to hard. As it was I probably did push myself quite hard. We did a pyramid session, 1:1, 2:2, 3:3, 4:4, 5:5, 4:4, 3:3, 2:2, 1:1. I enjoyed it though.
Week 10, 16.3.09 - Monday
Time of day: 6am
Distance: 2.75 miles
Time: 30:26
Weather: Clear
I spent Sunday (the day after my 10 mile run) in some degree of discomfort, even walking was problematic, I didn't see how I was going to manage to run today. However, it's amazing what a good night's sleep can do. I woke up feeling a little fragile but OK to run. I did just under 3 miles at quite a slow pace as my legs were still quite tired.
Distance: 2.75 miles
Time: 30:26
Weather: Clear
I spent Sunday (the day after my 10 mile run) in some degree of discomfort, even walking was problematic, I didn't see how I was going to manage to run today. However, it's amazing what a good night's sleep can do. I woke up feeling a little fragile but OK to run. I did just under 3 miles at quite a slow pace as my legs were still quite tired.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Week 9 - 9/3/09 - Saturday
Time of day: 9am
Distance: 10.66 miles
Time: 2:05 hours
Weather: Sunny
I ran with a few people from the running club. We ran along the canal path and back. It was a beautiful warm sunny day. Spring is here! It was a nice run. I did feel a bit tired at the halfway point and really struggled in the last mile. I was very hungry even though I had had porridge about an hour before the run. My mum helpfully pointed out that the marathon is almost 3 times as long, which seems a bit daunting, but I have got another 11 weeks of training to go.
Distance: 10.66 miles
Time: 2:05 hours
Weather: Sunny
I ran with a few people from the running club. We ran along the canal path and back. It was a beautiful warm sunny day. Spring is here! It was a nice run. I did feel a bit tired at the halfway point and really struggled in the last mile. I was very hungry even though I had had porridge about an hour before the run. My mum helpfully pointed out that the marathon is almost 3 times as long, which seems a bit daunting, but I have got another 11 weeks of training to go.
Week 9 - 9/3/09 - Friday
Time of day: 6 am
Distance : 5 miles
Time : 53:12
Weather : Clear, warm
I ran on my own this morning. It was much warmer than I expected and I had to abandon my jacket on the fence half way round.
It was an uneventful run although afterwards I had a bit of pain in my left ilio-tibial band, which I will have to watch as I have had problems with it in the past. Doesn't running make you obsessed with every little niggle? Should I run? Should I rest? To train or not to train, that is the question! I'm sure it's fine I must just remember to stretch it after my runs and also I think it may have been affected on my Wednesday run as we did some steep downhill sections which don't seem to work very well for me.
Distance : 5 miles
Time : 53:12
Weather : Clear, warm
I ran on my own this morning. It was much warmer than I expected and I had to abandon my jacket on the fence half way round.
It was an uneventful run although afterwards I had a bit of pain in my left ilio-tibial band, which I will have to watch as I have had problems with it in the past. Doesn't running make you obsessed with every little niggle? Should I run? Should I rest? To train or not to train, that is the question! I'm sure it's fine I must just remember to stretch it after my runs and also I think it may have been affected on my Wednesday run as we did some steep downhill sections which don't seem to work very well for me.
Week 9 - 9/3/09 - Wednesday
Time of day: 6pm
Distance : 3.65 miles
Time: 41:21
Running club
3 x 8 minutes with 3 minute walk recoveries. I was a bit worried about overdoing it, but once I got into the swing of things I felt fine. I struggled a little bit at the end of the 3rd rep which was actually a bit longer than 8 minutes (more like 9 1/2!). I do really enjoy these training sessions though. I run at about a 9 - 9 1/2 minute mile pace, which is much faster than I would normally do, so I'm sure it must be improving my fitness and speed. I know I wouldn't have the discipline to do this on my own
Distance : 3.65 miles
Time: 41:21
Running club
3 x 8 minutes with 3 minute walk recoveries. I was a bit worried about overdoing it, but once I got into the swing of things I felt fine. I struggled a little bit at the end of the 3rd rep which was actually a bit longer than 8 minutes (more like 9 1/2!). I do really enjoy these training sessions though. I run at about a 9 - 9 1/2 minute mile pace, which is much faster than I would normally do, so I'm sure it must be improving my fitness and speed. I know I wouldn't have the discipline to do this on my own
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Week 9 - 9/3/09 - Monday
Time of day: 6 am
Distance: 2.83 miles
Time: 29:34
My first run after a week of lying around watching daytime TV! I was feeling a little apprehensive and wary about pushing myself too much, but actually I was fine. I was scheduled to do a 5 mile run but decided to play it safe and do 3 miles, I walked the last little bit. I am hoping to do 4 miles on Wednesday, 5 on Friday and 10 on Saturday. That will be the tough one! Glad to be back into it though.
I have also cut down dramatically on my alcohol consumption as I used to have a glass or two of wine most nights, but until the marathon I am just going to drink on Saturday nights, as I have a rest day on Sundays.
Distance: 2.83 miles
Time: 29:34
My first run after a week of lying around watching daytime TV! I was feeling a little apprehensive and wary about pushing myself too much, but actually I was fine. I was scheduled to do a 5 mile run but decided to play it safe and do 3 miles, I walked the last little bit. I am hoping to do 4 miles on Wednesday, 5 on Friday and 10 on Saturday. That will be the tough one! Glad to be back into it though.
I have also cut down dramatically on my alcohol consumption as I used to have a glass or two of wine most nights, but until the marathon I am just going to drink on Saturday nights, as I have a rest day on Sundays.
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Week 8 - A minor setback...........
I really wish I had taken notice of how I was feeling last week, and skipped a run or two. I've got an ear infection and am now completely laid up for a while. My ear is really painful and I can't hear out of it. Although I feel OK in myself, I don't think I should run as I have had some nasty ear infections in the past, with perforated eardrums. I went to the cranial osteopath today as I thought that might help unblock my ear a bit. He said he thought I had been overdoing it and said no long runs this week. I'm feeling quite frustrated really. I'm hoping that if I just take it easy for a few days I'll be able to get back on track before too long.
Monday 2 March 2009
Week 7 - 23/2/09
Monday
Time of day: 05:45
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 52:34
I was pleased to get my run out of the way, first thing on Monday. I was feeling a bit under the weather with a cold but well enough to run and actually felt much better afterwards.
Wednesday
Time of day: 6pm
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 36:10
Running club.
5 minute run, 2 minute walk
10 minute run, 3 minute walk
6 minute run.
I ran at around 9 - 91/2 minute mile pace, which is quite speedy for me. I enjoyed this session, but felt pretty tired afterwards.
Friday
Time of run: 6am
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 41:24
I ran on my own. Still feeling a bit under the weather with a cough and cold. Felt quite hard work.
Saturday
Time of run: 10.30am
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1:28:36
I was still feeling a bit poorly with a cold but really didn't want to miss my long run. With hindsight I think this was a bit foolish as it was more on my chest than it had been earlier in the week. I ran with James, my eldest son. He cycled and I ran. All went well for the first 6 miles, until James cycled through some vomit on the pavement and from that point on refused to get back on his bike! What's that saying about never work with animals or children, I think that could be applied to running too! The last couple of miles were frustratingly slow and disjointed, with me running a hundred metres away from James and then back to him whilst he walked (and whinged). Still, I was pleased to complete the run.
Time of day: 05:45
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 52:34
I was pleased to get my run out of the way, first thing on Monday. I was feeling a bit under the weather with a cold but well enough to run and actually felt much better afterwards.
Wednesday
Time of day: 6pm
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 36:10
Running club.
5 minute run, 2 minute walk
10 minute run, 3 minute walk
6 minute run.
I ran at around 9 - 91/2 minute mile pace, which is quite speedy for me. I enjoyed this session, but felt pretty tired afterwards.
Friday
Time of run: 6am
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 41:24
I ran on my own. Still feeling a bit under the weather with a cough and cold. Felt quite hard work.
Saturday
Time of run: 10.30am
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1:28:36
I was still feeling a bit poorly with a cold but really didn't want to miss my long run. With hindsight I think this was a bit foolish as it was more on my chest than it had been earlier in the week. I ran with James, my eldest son. He cycled and I ran. All went well for the first 6 miles, until James cycled through some vomit on the pavement and from that point on refused to get back on his bike! What's that saying about never work with animals or children, I think that could be applied to running too! The last couple of miles were frustratingly slow and disjointed, with me running a hundred metres away from James and then back to him whilst he walked (and whinged). Still, I was pleased to complete the run.
Wednesday 25 February 2009
Edinburgh 2009, the story so far.....................
This blog is to record and share my progress in training for the 2009 Edinburgh marathon.
How I got here................
I have been running for approximately 7 years. I started running initially with the intention of running a marathon, but at that time had no idea of what that might entail in terms of training and commitment. Now, several years on I have finally reached a place where I am prepared to commit to the challenge. I have tried unsuccessfully for the last 4 years to get into London.
Edinburgh appealed to me because it is big enough to have a good atmosphere, something which I think will help to get me round on the day. I am travelling to Edinburgh a couple of days before the big race with my two sons, James and Matthew and my husband Steve.
The training so far................
I started training in earnest in January. Last year had been a bit of a poor one for me in terms of running. I had only done 2 and 3 mile runs here and there, so my first challenge was to get myself back into a regular routine. I have devised my own training plan based on a lot of reading and also what has (and hasn't) worked for me in the past. I started week one of a 20 week plan by running 10 miles (3,2,2,3) and have built up by 2 miles each week. Every 5th week I am building in an easy week, as I have had a tendency to push myself continously and then run out of steam.
Where I am now...............
This week I am running 20 miles (5,3,4,8). I am doing one interval session a week at a running club I have just joined. So far I am really pleased with how my training is going, I'm feeling fit, motivated and determined.
Thanks for reading!
I would appreciate your comments. I have been trawling the blogosphere looking for other runners doing Edinburgh and enjoy following people's progress.
How I got here................
I have been running for approximately 7 years. I started running initially with the intention of running a marathon, but at that time had no idea of what that might entail in terms of training and commitment. Now, several years on I have finally reached a place where I am prepared to commit to the challenge. I have tried unsuccessfully for the last 4 years to get into London.
Edinburgh appealed to me because it is big enough to have a good atmosphere, something which I think will help to get me round on the day. I am travelling to Edinburgh a couple of days before the big race with my two sons, James and Matthew and my husband Steve.
The training so far................
I started training in earnest in January. Last year had been a bit of a poor one for me in terms of running. I had only done 2 and 3 mile runs here and there, so my first challenge was to get myself back into a regular routine. I have devised my own training plan based on a lot of reading and also what has (and hasn't) worked for me in the past. I started week one of a 20 week plan by running 10 miles (3,2,2,3) and have built up by 2 miles each week. Every 5th week I am building in an easy week, as I have had a tendency to push myself continously and then run out of steam.
Where I am now...............
This week I am running 20 miles (5,3,4,8). I am doing one interval session a week at a running club I have just joined. So far I am really pleased with how my training is going, I'm feeling fit, motivated and determined.
Thanks for reading!
I would appreciate your comments. I have been trawling the blogosphere looking for other runners doing Edinburgh and enjoy following people's progress.
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