Trailblazer 10k Forest of Dean

Well it's the day after the Trailblazer in the Forest of Dean organized by Runners World and how I wish I could do it all again! What an event...

The night before I was more nervous than on any other race I think this was due to me going on my lonesome and I hate having to find new places on my own.. still with my not so trusty sat nav at the ready I was sure I'd be fine, that was until the postman delivered a book I had been waiting for and an excited run down the stairs saw my back go again (please see previous blog) I had swam 50 lengths the night before and it had really helped, my back felt fine until the stair leap. I think I kind of knew then that running in the event today was probably not the best idea but I'm stubborn as a mule and was looking forward to running through the beautiful forest.

After a couple of wrong turns and my gear stick top falling off whilst driving (which was fun) I picked up the event signs and parked very easily in a large field with marshalls directing cars so there was plenty of room for everyone. The weather was outstanding and it was nice to see so many families had turned out having picnics by their cars I think it really added to the day. Parking done it was time to head into the Event village which was compact but had everything you needed from the Rat Race store which had 50% of all clothes and 15% of trainers, wish I'd bought some money with me! to the food and drink stalls, a climbing mountain and bouncy castle for the kids and the events stage and the biggest trainer I have ever seen in my life.

 Debating whether to go to the registration desk to get my number or toilet was the next task, the line for the toilet was quite big so I joined it but the event organizers had supplied around 18 porta loos and separate urinals for the men so I was at the front in around 3 minutes. Excellent start.

Toilet stop done it was time to head over to registration, thinking again there would be a wait to pick up race numbers I was again surprised to find the organizers had thought of everything so the queues were split between number categories, I didn't even have to queue for my number just handed my form in and given my number, coloured wristband to mark the wave I was starting in and my limited edition Saucony tech t-shirt which was that good I debated wearing it for the race but decided against it as it was black and I didn't want to be any hotter than necessary.

 A quick trot back to the car was needed to get myself sorted, pin my number to my top and drink some water as it was already roasting and I was due to start running in the last wave at 12.45pm I wanted to keep hydrated. I decided against spending anymore time out in the sun so read my book in the shade of the car but the excitement got too much. I went back to the event village and decided to stand at the finish line to clap in the earlier runners, I watched the blue and green waves come through which I believe were finishers of sub 60 mins and sub 50mins they all looked absolutely finished off and I knew then that maybe with the heat and my bad back I should just enjoy the route and not worry too much about time. Around 12.30 the man on the main stage was about to start us runners in wave 8 off with a warm up, this man had already done 7 of these warm ups he must have been knackered but then announced he would be running with us! The warm up started and I don't normally join in with these things but I thought well I was on my own and why the hell not so away I went kicking out my feet with everyone else and that set my back off again which bought tears of pain to my eyes.. Too late to pull out (And I wouldn't have anyway) we were led the 3 minute walk to the start where we were met by a man with a megaphone that explained again the route is a trail route and to mind our footing etc. I was really impressed with the importance they placed on safety especially with the warm weather and they were even offering rewards to anyone that had to sacrifice their own race to help someone else in trouble. He did explain that at mile 2 there was an emergency loo and from there the elevation of the course goes up. No problem I thought!

So we were off... back not too bad not great but bearable again I stupidly thought about time and pulled out a 10.06 first mile brilliant, second mile even better at 9.44 then  saw the loo and then I saw the hill, they weren't joking when they said about the elevation gain! About a third of a mile past the loo I felt my back go again and resigned myself to a run/walk the rest of the way, mile 3 was done in 12.11 but I couldn't do any better, the heat was pretty much unbearable I did think being in a forest there would be shade but there was very little as the path we were running on was very wide. I am a bit disappointed that I didn't enjoy the route as much as I could have done because of the heat and the pain. Every now and again I would start a little canter which would then see me let out a loud moan of pain and big grimace. I could canter for around a minute then surrender and walk again. I don't remember much more of the route other than the score of bluebells  I remember thinking I haven't seen a bluebell since I was kid. I would like to run that route again on a different day and take it all in.

At the 500m marker I decided enough was enough I was going to go for it and gritted my teeth to start a proper run, there were plenty of people all the way down the last 300m having drinks on the grass, kids playing but they all stopped to clap and say well done as I went past. Crossing the finish line my name was read out over the mic as a finisher and I could have cried with relief that it was over but deep down wish I could have done it again...only better with no back ache and no sun.

The medal was amazing, the whole event was amazing and hats of the organizers.


I went for a free sports massage after and it became apparent I have slipped a disc in my back. Great... I have another 10k this weekend and am now having to see how my back is or pull out which I really don't want to do. Still it's my own fault for running but I am pleased I did as it really was a fantastic day and I can't wait to do it again next year.
Here's the link to the route and details from my Garmin http://connect.garmin.com/activity/182463873#.T8IeKDTLAbE.facebook

Hot Weather and the Olympic Torch

Well how has everyone found running in this glorious weather we have had the last few days?

Me? I've struggled.. Having only started running in the winter months this running in 28 degrees heat malarkey is something of a new experience and one I suppose I had not given much consideration to until Tuesday. I went out for my two mile fartlek run  and couldn't believe how difficult I found it. I managed to pull out an 8 minute mile for the first mile then completely wiped that out with a 13 minute... yes you heard me a 13 minute mile!
Thinking maybe it was because I went out too fast I ran again yesterday doing my usual 4 miles, wow what a rubbish run THAT was... I think I ran the first 2 miles, ran/walked (more walked) the 3rd mile and then didn't even walk the last mile I took a shortcut (red face) and walked back... disappointing to say the least.

So today I thought I'd try again even though I know running in 28 degrees probably isn't the best idea I told myself I have to get used to it or just try it once as I have no control over the weather on a race day and what will I do? Ask the organizers if I can start when its cooler or run in the shade....?
 My target run today was 6 miles so with sunscreen on and my sports bra and shorts with jelly belly out, I set off, almost immediately I felt one, better for only wearing my crop top rather than t-shirt and two I also still didn't feel as good as normal; still I plodded on regardless... after all this Ultra Marathon in 7 weeks isn't going to run itself now is it. I'm not going to lie to you it was boiling, I was beginning to regret going out and thought maybe I should have left it until the cooler evening but it was too late.. from mile 4 I did quite a bit of walking but it's better to be safe than sorry and at the top of the big hill I walk up I started to run again but now with a dodgy back/ bum cheek area!

Hobbling along I noticed the streets lined with people eating cakes and drinking on the side of the road and I realised I had landed upon the route that the Olympic Torch would be taking shortly after, as I was running I thought gosh all I'm missing is the white tracksuit and the Torch, would you believe some people even did a double take when they saw me! I like to think they were all there supporting me and waving flags at my expense and it propelled me on my way home... which still involved a lot of walking mainly down to my pulled ass cheek/back.

It wasn't so long ago I said "oohh I'd love to run the Malta Marathon or even Marathon Des Sables" who am I kidding I hate running in heat, bring back the rain I say!

Anyway only two more sleeps until the Trail Blazer 10k and I'm praying my back issue sorts itself out so stretching and yoga tomorrow and away we go

A funny old week of not running

Well what a week it hasn't been on the running front! Not quite sure if this is normal and a lot of runners go through phases but this week since the Blackpool 10k on Sunday I have had no desire to run.... at all.

I forced myself out of the front door Wednesday and mustered up the energy to do 2 miles admittedly it was a personal record for 2 miles at 18 minutes 3 seconds, though I think having a wrestling match with my new lawn mower and being infuriated at how difficult it was to put together just before contributed to the speed and me pounding the pavements with my feet rather than my fists.

Normally I would have ran 12 miles by now rounded off nicely by a long run on the Saturday, which by the way I fully intend to do. Whether its me feeling burnt out, the recent bout of insomnia and lack of appetite I have had or the fact I don't feel motivated as I also can't swim whilst the gym is having a refurb I do not know. Not even my new pair of running trousers that I found for a bargain price in a sale have given me any motivation to leave the house when I've been getting home.

I do know I have the Grim Reaper 40 mile Ultra Marathon coming up in ooohh 8 weeks and I'm no where near ready for it!


 Best give myself a big kick up the bum tomorrow morning and complete the 16 mile run I have planned.

 A boring blog I know but it will help me when I look back on my training and experiences so until my blog on the Trailblazer 10k on the 26th May for now that is all........

Blackpool 10k

So the Blackpool 10k started on the Saturday with the 3 hour drive up there. The weather couldn't have been better! My normal routine of pasta, porridge, drink lots of water and early to bed went straight out the window. I started with a fish & chip supper followed by a few pints and a late night after going to a Hypnotist show until gone midnight... I wish he had hypnotised me into thinking I felt great the following morning when I woke up at 7am.

With an early start on I was offered porridge for breakfast but thought for a 10k do I really need to follow all the prepping I'd do for a half marathon or more?

Me I was raring to go it had been 4 months since my first 10k and I was excited to see how I would fair doing only 6 miles but also apprehensive as I know I don't really get warmed up until 4 miles then it would be practically over.

My bright idea was to walk to the starting line, I was under the impression from a previous run years before that the finish is right by our hotel so the 3 mile walk to the start didn't seem too bad and a nice little warm up. Half way to the start I noticed a fluorescent yellow sign saying 7K which was worrying and I soon realised the route had been changed to start and finish in the same place so I also had a 3 mile walk back to hotel to contend with after running 6 miles! On the walk there I was convinced I had turned up on the wrong day as I seemed to be the only persone walking round in the freezing cold winds in shorts and race numbers, but were soon met by a welcoming site of the large crowd of runners at the starting line.



There was a wide variety of runners from the really serious sub 50 minutes at the front in their own starting pen to runners like me and kev and people dressed up in fancy dress. From warming up with the 3 mile walk to standing around for half an hour it had gone very cold and I was willing them to get on with it and start the race. The count down began and we were off to a short run then an immediate stop waiting for the crowd in front to disperse. We soon got running and the first mile came around rather quick it was surprising the amount of people that had already started walking It was at this point I realised I was struggling with my right leg but had no idea what was wrong with it and thought it would sort itself out along the way...it didn't. I think it was the bed at the hotel as it was rather hard and not very comfortable, the top of my right thigh was in agony! At mile 3 it was a welcome relief to turn around and have the wind on our backs pushing us along rather than going against us. I was struggling and couldn't understand why when I run half marathons quite easily? Miles 4 and 5 passed but my leg was still no better.

 I crossed the line and my finish time was1 hour 8 minutes which was fantastic,  2 minutes of my PB from Blymhill. I will admit I struggled with this race, I think I prefer a more serious run where people try not to walk after 200 yards as it made it difficult to filter around them, though I don't mean to sound snooty at all. I also think my body and mentality is better set on half marathons as I take too long to get into the swing of things and find my pace with a 10k.

Overall though I really really enjoyed myself  With another 10k coming up in 2 weeks I hope I cope a little better than this one and may aim to get another PB of an hour if things go well. Here's the link to the course from my Garmin watch with splits and times etc.

 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/178833213#.T7P2KKYLJgA.facebook





Lichfield Half Marathon

It has been a long time coming the Lichfield Half Marathon..mainly because I entered it in January. This was my charity run for the organization SHINE. SHINE is the only national charity providing practical support to help individuals and families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.I decided to run for this charity as it has been a part of my partner and his daughters life.  I am also glad to say I raised more than my target of £100 with a final total of £133.

My Half Marathon weekend started well when I woke up on the Saturday to a thank you card from SHINE and some of the people I have helped.. this really made me understand how much I was looking forward to the run the next day and that we should appreciate that we have the option or choice to go out and run as some people don't.

The kind postman also delivered my KT tape which meant I could go into my half marathon fully prepared and hopefully not suffer with my knees as on previous long runs!
The usual night before preparations took place, pasta, porridge,water and bed but I couldn't get any sleep! I was more nervous this time round than on my first half marathon maybe it's because I knew what was to come or a little voice in my head telling me it would be nice to do better.

Waking up at 6am on the Sunday I was still full of nerves, I kept saying to myself that all I need to do is finish, I have told myself for all the races I have entered this year the aim is just to finish then next year I will aim to improve on times. To take my mind of things I started prepping and thought I'd have a go at using my KT tape, with the website up and the video tutorials at the ready I began. Within half an hour I looked like an Egyptian mummy! I'd covered myself and must have looked a right sight to Kevin, he did think I'd gone a tad over the top and was worried all this tape may change the way I run and cause more injury. I decided I'd just tape up my knees and the top of my right foot (the one I always have problems with) I also bought some Zinc Oxide tape to try to resolve the ongoing issue of the reoccurring blisters on my right foot. Needless to say by the time we left for the race I looked like I had just come out of hospital!

After a lot of nervous babbling from me in the car on the hour long journey to Lichfield we arrived to a sight I'm used to now, lots of people milling around in more Lycra than you can imagine and a couple of shall we say older men in shorts that seem to be made for a 5 year old! mmm keep looking straight ahead!

There was a nice little warm up in the field of the school we were starting from, a little jump up and down here and there kept me warm enough as the sun had gone in and it was a bit chilly. I remember thinking at least I wont get sunstroke again like on the Worcester Half. It wasn't long before we spotted some firemen all dressed up equipment the lot who were running on behalf of injured firemen, my hat goes off to anyone that contemplates running in all that heavy clothing and equipment! They were of course accompanied by the well known Red Elephant, not sure if I'm the only one that remembers this elephant coming to do fire safety talks at school? But he was there also running! Kevin said my mission was to beat the red elephant and I was determined.

 
Time to start so I positioned myself as usual at the back of the crowd excited to get going, and we were off,a short run to cross the start line and then a bottle neck build up to get through the school gates, this led us onto main roads which I am pleased to say were closed to traffic, in fact all of the roads were closed which also meant one massive bonus for me...the whole way around the route I had plenty of policemen to oggle at as they were securing the road blocks and diverting people! It was great to run on open roads but I did struggle to get into my own rhythm until probably 3 miles in. I find if I can run at the side of the road nearest the pavement I can zone in to my running and not worry about being in the way of other people. I'm pleased to say I overtook the Red Elephant at just over 1 mile, he must have been roasting in that costume as the sun had come out in force.

The first 4 miles were tough all I was doing was evaluating how I felt and what I was doing compared to the Worcester half and couldn't get the thought of beating my time out of my head. I had changed my watch to show me pace rather than speed, something I have never done before and realised I was clocking up just over 10 minute miles which I knew was too quick for me to continue with for 13 miles. I always go by my heart rate and I know to run 13 miles I need to keep my heart rate at between 166 and 173 bpm my heart rate never dropped below 180. This wasn't helped by the amount of inclines, unlike the Worcester half where they were actual hills but only say 3 or 4 of them the Lichfield route was constant steady inclines all the way through, enough of an incline for you to really feel it. I had also bought some new energy chews into the mix I thought I would sample them out and I really do think they helped. By the 5th mile I was running at 10k pace still too quick I know but I just couldn't help myself my legs felt great I wasn't out of breathe and I had convinced myself I could run the whole way like this.... I couldn't.

I started running alongside two lovely people, a couple who kept me company from miles 8 - 10 those two miles running steadier seemed to fly by with us sharing our running stories and what our aims were. A quick check on the time on my watch at mile 10 showed that I was certainly going to beat my PB of 2 hours 31 minutes in fact by quite a lot. I even managed to convince myself if I ran quicker than I already had been I could beat it by 15 minutes and really surprise Kev at the finish line. I left my two companions at this point and tootled off on my own I had continuously ran under 11 minute miles the whole way so far and was beginning to feel it but continued pushing on... I may point out at this time that the weather had taken a turn for the better the sun was streaming and it was very hot this I think and pushing my limits for 10 miles made me have a funny moment at mile 11 and a half, I felt like I couldn't really remember what I was doing so I stopped and starting walking which was sooooo painful. I walked alongside a man and made sure I told him why I had stopped in case anything was to happen. We chatted for a bit and I soon began to feel better. I also realised this was my bodies way of saying enough of the 10k pace Miss MarathonMorris and just finish! So I tottered on and the final 2 miles were done at 14 minute mile pace, I was done.

The finish was amazing to come running across an open field full off stalls, activity, and people lined up along the tape I soon spotted Kevin with the camera  and I seem to remember just trying not to pass out rather than smile. The moment I looked at my watch and saw the time of 2 hours 22 minutes I knew it had been worth it I had knocked 9 minutes of my personal best! a short walk through the finish area I was handed a bottle of water and a banana , an amazing sight the thought of eating something other than gloopy energy gels brought a smile to my face, then I was handed the goody bag.

Kevin found me delving into my bag to dig out the all important medal, the cherry on the cake the proof that I had done it and done it for a good cause! I didn't get a medal though I got something better.. a crystal trophy with some running people etched in the middle in a 3d drawing! So now I need to buy a trophy display as well as my medal display.

All in all I had a fantastic day, I got to oggle at men in tight shorts, policemen AND fireman, I beat the red elephant, took 9 minutes of my pb, and can tick off two items from my running bucket list

1. Finish a half marathon in sub 2.30 
2. Have a flattering picture taken (Please see video below)

But most of all I ran a half marathon and raised money for families and people affected by Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus and there is no greater feeling than that! Here's the link to the route and details of the event from my Garmin watch http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175468242#.T7P34hk-SYg.facebook

The day I ran 9 minute miles and being a proud sister

This may seem a boring blog but I just had to do it to mark the occasion!

Today I ran 2 miles in 18 minutes and 32 seconds ... Ok technically not both miles were 9 minutes but hey I'm ecstatic all the same! This you will understand is an achievement as being a "shuffler" I normally run at 12 minute mile pace (please see previous blog where the Marshmallow man beat me in a pace keeping contest!)

 I thought the only time I would run that fast would be if I was being chased by something really really scary! Turns out all it took was deciding to sort my training out a little bit and make it more constructive. Rather than just running I have decided to do a speed run for 2 miles on a Tuesday, 10k pace 6 mile run on a Wednesday, Interval training for 4 miles on a Thursday, long run 14 miles plus on a Saturday and 4 mile easy/recovery run on the Sunday.

So off I went and just before the 1 mile point I glanced at my watch and thought "Oh crap it's at 9:40:5" fast but not as fast I wanted. I got to the 1 mile point and my watch beeped and low and behold I had read it wrong it had actually said 8:40:5 so I had done a 9 minute mile after all! I have no idea how people run that fast for more than 2 miles, who knows maybe that will be me in the future...

I'm putting this sudden ability to run quicker down to a few things, it's either the Malt loaf I ate before I went. (somehow I think not) or the fact I was wearing my Nike Dri Fit trousers size small that I previously had to stop wearing as I was too fat to get them over my arse! Or maybe it's the reason I can get in my Nike Dri Fit trousers size small that I can run  faster, either way I'm pleased as punch.

I have also made the decision to sell the Garmin 405 that I was so in love with before it arrived only a week ago,  I'm just not getting on with it at all, the battery is rubbish, I'm lucky I logged my fast 2 mile run. When I left the house the battery was 65% and after 18 minutes with the GPS on the battery died literally 5 seconds after I had lapped and saved my run. Not good for a long 3 hour run. So if anyone wants to buy a good, reliable Garmin 405 with brilliant battery life please get in touch ;-)

Also been a bit mad entering races again seem to be quite addicted, two new ones to add to the list is the Sutton Park 10k in June and even entering races for 2013 already with the Enigma Winter Double Marathon in January. Two marathons in two days!

The final part of my blog is to recognize how well my sister Katie or MorrisGump has done in her first week of running. Having only decided to take up running last week and probably regretting it as I've dumped half my old running gear onto her she started run/walking home from work which I believe is 2.5miles. Yesterday I got a text to say she had ran the whole way back without stopping! Well done Katie just goes to show everyone can run and progress quickly (even quicker than me) I say under my breath!

And for now that is all until the weekend and my blog about the Lichfield Half Marathon will be posted.