Telford 10k and Girl Power!

Sunday 14th December brought a cold windy day with the forecast predicting 4 degrees with a wind chill of -1! For once, I think the weatherman was right, it was freezing!

After what had been a light week of training my legs felt fresh and ready to go. Saying that, having not covered the mileage recently, I knew it would be hard work to stick to 8.40 pace (which I needed for a PB).

Shabba Runners

After waiting around for about half an hour- meeting up with Shabbas and fellow Run Mummy Runners, we made our way down to the start line where the crowds were gathering.

RMR's!

As soon as the claxon started, my 'race plan' went out of the window and I headed out at a fair pace, David Guetta driving me on in my earphones. The first half mile involves a steep down hill and I took advantage of this, weaving through people to find my place. Coming down onto the pathway, the space narrowed as we were instructed to keep to the left. Getting caught amongst the congestion, my pace was dropping so I strategically ducked and dived around the elbows and other flailing body parts (some people have strange form...) to get back into my nice little pace pocket which at this stage was around 8.20-8.30. I stuck around this and completed my first 5k in 26:16- my third best time on Strava!

Getting into my fourth mile I started wondering what the hell I was doing having started off pretty quick- there was no way I could let my pace get above 8:59 mm now!

My fourth mile came in at 8:45 and I decided to stick with this as best I could until the sprint finish for the final 200 metres. This would still hopefully get me a pb. I was pleased when my fifth mile came in at 8:40.

It was around this stage I gained a hanger on. A man I had overtaken quite early on caught me up and seemed to be using my pace to keep himself going. His breathing was laboured and he was most definitely struggling- there was no way I was going to let him beat me!

Reaching the six mile sign my watch signalled 8:36 and I knew I needed to dig deep for the final .2. I waited until I had reached the 200m sign and sprinted off leaving my shadower behind me. Just a couple of metres later he was back by my side again ready to take over before the finish.

Before I conclude my story, I just want to include a little definition from Urban Dictionary:

Chicked- When a woman outperforms a man in a physical activity, such as biking, hiking, or skiing, where normally a man should outperform the woman.

"Wow, she sure finished the trail way before me" 

"Dude, you got chicked!"

So as my follower gained on me again, I kicked my sprint again and raced to the finish line with the knowledge I had won my own little race and dude, you got chicked!! 

Huge well done to everyone who PB'd- including Tammy, Fi and Mami.

Continuing the theme of today, don't forget to register your vote for Sports Personality tonight and support the fantastic running mummy role model, Jo Pavey. Register your vote here

Last race of the year bling!

Who runs the world? GIRLS (and occasionally boys)

Cabin Fever

Well it's been a quiet week for me on the running side of things this week but I did not expect to have missed it as much as I do!

As well as my sore knee, as per my previous post I had the mother of all colds (still sporting a seasonal red nose) and ended up having a day at home on Wednesday. Lack of running and feeling ill did not suit my mood and I was an irritable cow bag pretty much all day. I needed to get out!! To cheer me up, Lee presented me with a new pair of Adidas leggings so it was only fitting that I test them out- just a gentle jog to the local Indian to pick up a take away- you are supposed to feed a cold remember! It was so good just to get my trainers on again and my knee felt ok.

Despite still feeling run down yesterday, I wrapped up after work and headed out at a gentle pace, again just to test myself and see how it felt. Again, all was good.

Next week will involve a few more short runs ready for the 14th- Telford 10k. What was going to be a pb attempt will now be a steady run, frustrating but I need to remember the long term goal and just keep building the miles slowly.

Onwards and upwards!

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Otherwise known as 'runner's knees'.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is when pain occurs around the front of the knee or patella (the kneecap). There are a number of different reasons that this pain can occur including overuse of the knee/ increased training or alignment of the knee.

This is a hugely common diagnosis of knee pain in anyone from the age of 5 upwards.

Unfortunately I have been struck with runners knee..... Nooooo! I've ploughed through this for a couple of weeks now but it's time to slow down and get over it before the marathon training properly starts in the New Year.

After completing my Virtual Runner Half marathon (1:59:29!) and a steady 10 miles a few days later; I've not only gained a slight limp but a vile cold! I will quite happily blame nursery for this as Isabella has brought a steady stream of viruses through our front door since starting, none of which I have caught until now!

I am taking these signs as a hint to take a bit of time out. A steady couple of 5k's and the yoga DVD will be making another appearance (much to Lee's amusement- you've been framed??). A week of rest will give me a final 6 days before Telford 10k to get back into my stride.

Saturday I will be marshalling Parkrun for the first time. I am looking forward to doning the fluorescent bib and cheering everyone on.

Have a great week, especially those advent streaking (with clothes!).

Shrewsbury Parkrun #54 pacing event

So I only blogged yesterday but this definitely deserved a write up of its own.

The day didn’t get off to a great start…

As soon as I got up, I knew something wasn’t right with my knee. It’s been slightly sore after running for a couple of weeks but this morning I was struggling to put any weight on it.

                                  

My first thought was Parkrun and the fact I was supposed to be pacing! Thankfully once I was moving, the pain eased and after walking to the Quarry I had no pain at all.

After picking up my pacing bib I took a slow jog to the start line (actually resulting in a personal record on a Strava segment!) and met up with the other pacers and the runners that had started to gather including Katie, a fellow Run Mummy Run-ner.

Thinking about the race beforehand I hadn’t imagined many people would want to run with 30:00 with most people either just ahead to get sub 30 but I was surprised to see quite a few people heading my way and gathering at the start line. It was definitely an ice breaker and I chatted to a few people, many aiming for PB’s of 30 minutes.

We set off and heading the hill I tried to make up a few seconds from the delayed start. I very quickly gained a few people running with me including Julie, a work friend doing her first ever Parkrun. Waiting for my watch to catch up my pace I stuck to a steady rhythm and we took on the first hill. I lost a few people at this stage but passing the Quarry swimming pool and heading down the hill they caught back. I completed the first mile in 9:35- perfect!

Heading under the bridge

The second mile is the flattest mile and for some reason always my slowest; it was nice to have a few people with me at this stage as we rounded the monument. My second mile flashed up at 9:55. I was a bit worried at this stage as I knew I wouldn’t finish in 30 minutes if I carried on that pace so knew I needed just a bit more speed. As we approached the hill, people started dropping back and I knew I had to stick with my pace and plough on.

I completed the second hill and making up some time, I managed to get my pace down and as my watch flashed 9:45 one of the ladies who had ran with me previously caught me up. The finishing line was in sight and it was a countdown of seconds to get over the line in time. I urged her on in front of me and she passed the stopwatch at 30:02, me close behind in 30:04.

4 seconds! In a day that is nothing but it all counts in a run. I was so pleased to be so close to 30 minutes but just a teeny bit annoyed to have not gone just under. There will be a next time!

Going back to the fantastic lady who crossed the line in front of me, I have identified her from the leader board as Jackie Roberts. Jackie was aiming for a PB and she told me at the start line she wanted to do under 30, 29:59 to be exact. Her finish time was 30:02 but I am so pleased to see that this in fact a 4 second PB! We weren’t quite there but I am so pleased for her.

Parkrun photos by Paul Jones

Well done to everyone who made the pacing event possible!

All of today's photo's can be found here http://www.parkrun.org.uk/shrewsbury/photos/

"Because you know I’m all about that pace, ‘bout that pace…"

Firstly, after a grand total of 21 days….I caved!! A luxury hot chocolate got the better of me. By luxury I mean with the mini marshmallows, extra chocolate and clotted cream. Guilty as charged!

This challenge has definitely been that and I found I actually became unhealthier searching for something that would satisfy my sweet tooth. Butterscotch and pecan yumyums certainly gave me a sugar kick but with 21.9g of sugar per half (gulp!) this was certainly not the better option! I’ve now decided to stick with ‘a little bit of what you fancy does you good’.

This weeks training has been a mix of steady miles, hill sprints and progressive kilometres. This has all been in build up to a busy weekend of running!

Saturday- Tomorrow is pacer day! Shrewsbury Parkrun are holding their first pacing event with times ranging from 20 minutes through to 34. I had one more practise at my 30 minute run this week coming in at 29:52. It should be a great morning and a fantastic turnout.

Tomorrow's racing bibs!

Sunday I will be completing my Virtual Runner Half Marathon. I’m not going to go for any particular time, just get the miles under my belt and enjoy it.

'Running face' in Birmingham Half

This weekend I will be dedicating my miles to Kayla Montgomery.

At the age of 14, Kayla was diagnosed with MS. Despite this, she continues to do what she loves. Running.

The difficulty is that despite the medication controlling the condition, running creates heat that cause the MS symptoms to return temporarily meaning she loses all feeling in her legs. Against all the odds, Kayla continues to compete and win races ranking 21^st in the nation after winning the North Carolina title in the 3,200 metres in February; she falls into her coach’s arms at the end of each race as she cannot control her ability to stop.

It is stories like these that make me grateful that I can go out and run and even though it may sometimes hurt, feeling those aches and pains tell us we’re alive and making the most of the gift of mobility.

'Get out what you put in'

‘Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out what you put into it’

This week I had two of targets:

1. Practise pacing a 5k at 30 minutes ready for 22^nd November

2. Aim for a sub 25 minute Parkrun on Saturday

Tuesday was the start of my running week and I headed out in the evening aiming for a 5k as close as I could get to 30 minutes. I had figured that I needed to stick between 9.40- 9.50 for each mile.

My first mile came in at 10.08! My shins were sore despite a days rest after an 8 miler and I was struggling to settle as I kept checking my watch for pace. I brought the second mile down to 9.51 and the third at 9.29. Although there was good progression, it wasn’t even or quick enough; I finished the 5k at 30.44. So frustrating! Paul Bowes (Shrewsbury Parkrun guru) reassured me this was ok and not to worry about it. Turns out this challenge may have brought the perfectionist out in me; I was so wound up that I even considered heading out again for a second attempt! I concluded to wait until the following morning and try again when it was light.

Wednesday morning arrived and with a day off work and Isabella at nursery, Lee and I headed out together to give the pacing another go. We decided to go for a slightly quicker pace around 9.30 to give plenty of time for the last .11 mile. I was a lot more comfortable and the pace consistent. We finished the 5k in 29.57! I was so pleased and this has given me confidence for the 22^nd!

Thursday night after work, I headed out with the rucksack and managed a steady 3 miles, no leg pain! It appears that my unintentional 3 day run streak had really helped, it was good to have kept to a slower pace and just enjoy it.

Skipping a run on Friday to rest my legs for Parkrun, Saturday arrived and Lee and I did a steady mile to the Quarry as a warm up. I actually felt nervous for the first time ever! I knew I would be gutted if I didn’t beat my last PB.

I managed to get a good position near the front of all the runners. As the timer starts from the claxon, I knew I had lost a good few seconds last time because of this. Setting off I got pulled along as everyone sprinted off the line. Heading down the hill I used it to get some speed up. I completed my first mile in 7.24! I was aiming for 8mm so this was really quick and also a mile pb. I knew this could either make or break my pb attempt so I tried to keep up my pace as I best I could. My second mile came in at 8.04; it was slower but I calculated that if I kept it up I would still be on course for a good time.

Halfway into the third mile, Lee caught me up with Isabella in the pram and kept me going despite my legs complaining they had had enough! As my watch buzzed for the third mile I kicked up my pace for a sprint finish giving everything I had until I crossed the line stopping my watch at 24.11! A new pb by nearly a minute!

‘Charlotte, your time in position 83 today at Shrewsbury parkrun was 24.11. Well done on a new PB’

I am over the moon at my new PB and I have learnt this week that it isn’t all about being fast, the slower miles count just as much for a successful run. Now for a steady few weeks before a sub 24 attempt….

Remember next week is pacing week at Shrewsbury Parkrun (22^nd November).

Follow me on Twitter @pacinginpearls

Racing and Pacing

So I'm going to start my post with a confession....

Following on from my Stop-vember post I will admit I had a teeny tiny slip up this week. Tuesday night, my work colleagues and I were taken out by our boss for a congratulatory drink (or two) for completing the Birmingham Half Marathon. How could I refuse a nice cold glass of prosecco?! When it comes to alcohol I can generally take it or leave it but it seemed a shame to miss out, especially as we have completely smashed our target of raising £2k for Hope House. To make up for my little treat, I will continue my no drinking into December until I have done 30 days.

Chocolate has definitely been more difficult! Time and time again this week temptation has been laid in my path. I even licked a square of chocolate before realising what I was doing and threw it in the bin! To top it off upon meeting my Granny for lunch on Wednesday, she presented me with a pack of penguin bars and kitkats! I can hold my head up high and say I did not touch a single one. Lee on the other hand destroyed both packs (with a bit of help from Isabella) so needless to say his chocolate free month is well and truly over. I have to say, the ability to say no to something you really want is just a little bit empowering and has made me feel good to know I have more willpower than I thought. The lack of chocolate has been replaced by custard creams, croissants, caramel doughnuts and pink wafers…..

So onto this week and my debit card has taken a bit of a hammering from entering races and starting to plan next year and the build up to London marathon!

November- Virtual half marathon (virtualrunneruk.com)

This race costs £5 with proceeds going to Clic Sargent. This month’s available races are 5k, 10k and the Half. Upon completing my distance I will submit the picture of my time to Virtual Runner and await my medal. This is such a great concept both to improve your running and raising money for charity.

22^nd November- Shrewsbury Parkrun pacer

This month, Shrewsbury is trialling the use of pacers during the weekly parkrun event. I had toyed with the idea of having a go since the first post appealing for people to volunteer came up. By Tuesday the 30 minutes gap was still available so I took this as fate that I should do it and signed up! I’m really enjoying my Saturday mornings in the Quarry and have come so far since I did my Parkrun so it will be a great opportunity to help others reach their goals.

My Parkrun progress

14^th December- Telford 10k

With Telford a mere 20 minutes away on the train, this is a great local event with a reputation as a ‘pb course’. Having vowed never to run again after Birmingham Half, some of my work colleagues have also signed up plus a number of Run Mummy Runners. It will be a great get together in the lead up to Christmas.

Telford 10k- 14th December

20^th December- Wolverhampton Parkrun

Run Mummy Run meet up! I’m so looking forward to this. It will be my first Parkrun away from Shrewsbury and with Christmas a matter of days away we will be donning our Santa hats! Sometimes it’s great not to run for a pb but to meet fellow runners and just enjoy the moment.

22^nd March 2015- Stafford Half Marathon

At a mere £22 and a limited number of spaces, I signed up for this on Thursday when the entries opened. With just a few weeks to go until London at this point, it will be a great way to test myself and see how my training is going.

Even just a couple of months ago, I could never have imagined I would sign up for all of the above. Receiving my ‘You’re in’ magazine has definitely given me the kick up the butt I needed and I’ve once again discovered how much I love running.

‘Stop-vember?’

Stoptober- an NHS campaign to encourage people to stop smoking throughout the month of October.

I don’t smoke so that was easy!

Leading up to Christmas to save a bit of money (probably a lot actually) and as a bit of a challenge; as part of my marathon training I am giving up alcohol and chocolate for November.

I’m not a huge drinker but definitely partial to the odd glass of wine or two after a stressful day in the office. Chocolate however, is a problem. This has not been helped by the local corner shop selling huge bars of Galaxy for £2!

Sunday buggy run

So this is a little bit of a personal challenge and it should make the Christmas treats taste all the better!           

After yesterday’s Parkrun and a total of 13.8 miles for the week I decided to do a quick trip to the shop and back with Isabella in the buggy today.

We just needed a few bits, milk, cereal, something for the lunch, maybe a little treat….it wasn’t until I reached the till that I realised the pain au chocolat’s I had picked up had chocolate in them! Dammit! This is actually going to be harder than it looks!

There's chocolate in pain au chocolat!

To distract myself I’ve planned my week of training, an early morning run, a few hill reps and increasing my longer distance run to 8 miles on Thursday. I’ve also signed myself up for the November virtual half marathon race with www.virtualrunninguk.com. It was £5 entry with money going to Clic Sargent- a fantastic cause and a great opportunity to test myself to see how my training is paying off.

Bring on November!

10k for a takeaway

The title as above pretty much sums up my evening. Following a misunderstanding with Lee last night (he said 10k, I thought he said takeaway) we agreed I would do a run and then we would have a Chinese. It’s all about balance!

Positively glowing!

Lee did a 'do shoe up' action shot

It was a mild evening so I opted for shorts and t-shirts with the all important reflective bands now the clocks have gone back.

Before leaving I have the aim to go for 8:30mm, hoping for a big PB, it had been a while since I had done a 10k run.

Just as I left I grabbed a water bottle, quickly filling it and screwing the lid on as I left the house. I headed off with a route planned and confident I could get into my pace quickly and maintain it.

FAIL

Just as I set off I realised that I hadn’t screwed the lid properly on my water bottle and with every arm movement, water was sloshing everywhere. I decided to plough on and hoped that as the water in the bottle lessened, less would end up on me.

Getting to around a mile my shins were starting to tighten and burn. I started wondering what the hell was going on, I did a half marathon 11 days ago and now I’m struggling with a mile?! I completed my first mile in 8:37 but the way things were going there was no way I could maintain that pace.

It wasn’t until I was well into my second mile that I realised that instead of focussing on my form and breathing I was instead concentrating on holding my bottle as straight as I could to stop the water going everywhere. The result was a Phoebe-esque running style and I knew if I didn’t stop and sort this out or I wasn’t going to finish my run.

Mile 2

A quick stretch and a re-screw of my bottle lid I finished my second mile in a slower 9:14. If I wanted to PB, I now needed to pick up my pace again.

From that point on I relaxed into my stride and managed to progress each mile from that point on.

8:51, 8:47, 8:36, 8:28 and the last .2 at 8:15

Completing my 10k, Strava told me I’d succeeded in my PB attempt- 54:31!

Now, where’s my takeaway…

Gaining some perspective

So this post isn't running related as such but I definitely believe it is part of my journey so I'm going to include it.

I think we all go through stages of stressing or come across a problem that needs resolving. I've found myself overly stressing recently. Not so much just one problem but the thought of work, money and bills have seemed to dominate most conversations I have had. What is worse is I don't think I've realised how much I've let these concerns take over.

Today Lee went to work. Sunday is a day for Isabella and me so I decided we should do something fun. We took a walk into town and picked up some paper, finger paints and Peppa Pig cookie mix so we could get back in the warm in the afternoon.

Having called by to see Lee at work, I bought some sandwiches and we went and sat in the square before we headed back home. There were two benches available. One next to a lady with two little dogs and the other next to a man lying down with his dog next to him. I took the bench next to the lady with the dogs.

I gave Isabella a sandwich and she pulled it apart demolishing the cheese and having a nibble at the bread. She can be very picky- definitely my daughter!

As I was eating, I kept stealing glances of the man on the bench, he had now stood up and was counting some change out of his pocket; he didn't have much and his clothes were shabby. It was clear he was homeless. I don't know why I was so fancinated by this man but I had a real urge to help him in some way, just to do something. Having given up with her own lunch, barely half eaten, Isabella made a start on my lunch because it obviously would be better than her own.

Her left over sandwiches would soon be stale and would go in the bin.

The man with the dog was still there, I bundled Isabella into her pram with the rest of my lunch and made a beeline for the man. As I approached him, I called 'hello' to get his attentioned and passed him the sandwich I had left. I can't even tell you how grateful he was and I hoped I saved him some of the little money he had. Walking away I was shaking slightly. I didn't want to cry and I also wasn't overly happy but I really hope I made a bit of a difference to that man's afternoon.

Walking back home I was lost in my thoughts and realised how much time I had lost stressing over things this week. I don't always enjoy my job, but I do have a job. I'd like to make more money, but I do have enough money to put a roof over our heads and hot meals on the table every day. I will always strive for better, for myself and for my family but I think I was losing sight of what I do have. As well as a great family, I also have amazing friends.

If you do see someone on the side of the street, maybe just give them a little smile. They aren't all bad. After all, so many of us live one paycheck away from homelessness.

I may not have lots of money but I am most definitely rich in other ways!

Shrewsbury Parkrun #50

Before yesterday I hadn’t done a Parkrun since around April! I can’t actually believe where that time has gone.

It was to be the day of Shrewsbury’s 50^th Parkrun and also a Halloween special. We got up for the morning with the full intention of dressing Isabella as a bat in her pram (cruel parents I know!) but there was a definite chill in the air so we instead wrapped her in her coat and pink cat hat. Lee and I were both wearing our Shabba tops and boosts of course.

Getting to the start line, it was clear there would be a lot of people running. We bumped into Fi in her devil ears and Gavin who would be running. Fancy dress ranged from pumpkins to ghouls to devils. It was nice to see people had made an effort.

The start of Parkrun is definitely the best, the community feel is so lovely and its great to see familiar faces from Twitter and the town in general. We all clapped the first timers, the birthdays and the RMR’s and the claxon sounded.

Rewinding slightly, on the way to Parkrun Lee decided for me that I should go for a PB. How kind of him! I was a bit apprehensive about this as I’ve never felt that 5k is ‘my distance’. I find I normally take a couple of miles to get into my stride and find it difficult to start quickly. Deciding I had nothing to lose, we agreed Lee would start near the back with the pram then catch me up and pace me through what was left of the course.

Setting off I straightaway headed off the track and onto the grass to get ahead and save weaving through people. As the start is a downhill I made the most it and let me legs carry me down. Getting back on the pathway, the numbers had thinned and I started trying to find my pace glancing at my Tomtom now and then to check I was on course.

Lee soon caught me up and we were pacing just below 8mm. Completing the first mile Lee gave me a thumbs up and we ploughed on. Having done a few sets of hill sprints in the weeks before, I found I didn’t lose much pace on either of the climbs we did and had a lot more control of my breathing.

The second mile went by, slightly slower I thought but we hadn’t lost much time.

We completed the final lap and headed onto the straight to the finish. Approaching the bridge near the end Lee told me there was a 100 meters to go. I kicked and went into a sprint taking over someone just in front. Lee caught me up and I pushed again. As I caught sight of the finish flag my legs started burning but I carried on sprinting all the way to the end stopping my watch at 25.08! I was over the moon! My last Parkrun PB had been 26.36 so I’d shaved well over a minute from my time.

Heading on our slow walk back we bumped into some fellow runners for a chat and Isabella stopped to clap as some more finishers past us heading to the line.

We’ve decided to try and go most Saturdays now; not just for the run but the community spirit on a Saturday morning is just fantastic.

The Half Marathon and the Acorn

Sunday 19^th October came round a lot quicker than I hoped! It was the day of Bupa Birmingham Half Marathon.

I got up at 6.30 in preparation to shovel in some porridge and get to the train for 8.10. The porridge was a no go as the nerves were kicking in.

Lee and me headed to the station- we were child free for the day- that doesn’t happen too often!

Arriving in Birmingham with Lee and a number of colleagues running the race for Hope House Hospice we joined the crowds making their way to the Library where the race would begin.

Sending Lee ahead to get into his superman costume and leaving my colleagues queuing for the toilets, I ended up taking an unexpected detour and found myself surrounded by elite runners about to start their race! After a girly scream and on- the-spot- panicky- dance, I found a gap in the barrier and squeezed through to avoid the lyrca stampede.

Finally meeting up with Lee we found Sarah so I could grab my new Shabba shirt to wear for the race. We headed down to the baggage area and for a quick toilet stop bumping into a few RMR’s including Fiona who is now an Community Ambassador (well done!).

After a short walk and wait, the green wave set off! Lee and Sarah had managed to join the greens as it didn’t appear everyone was sticking to their waves.

Lee soon flew off in a superman blur and Sarah and I wished each other luck before parting ways.

After leaving the crowds and music, I plugged into my iphone selecting the Rudimental album to get me around the course.

Having not taken part in such a large race before I wasn’t prepared for how difficult the first few miles are. The sheer volume of people around me meant there was a lot of ducking and weaving around to find space and having to judge whether to overtake or move to the side. Getting to about 4 miles the runners started to thin out as everyone got into their pace. I could tell from the pace on my TomTom I was going slower than my training run the week before but so far I had been consistent. Having crashed and burned at mile 12 the week before I knew I had to keep it steady and save something for the last 3 miles.

Hitting the 10k mark I knew it had taken me about an hour. I was slightly disappointed with this as that was the slowest 10k I had done in a long time but the course had been unexpectedly undulating which I hadn’t been prepared for.

Right up until about mile 8/9 I had felt comfortable in my pace. It was then that the lack of a decent breakfast hit me and I felt drained coming into Cannonhill Park.

To add to my distress, a sudden gust of wind which had been picking up swept past a nearby oak tree, dislodging a large acorn which hit me straight on the forehead! Thankfully I avoided serious injury and concussion to round a corner and find the jelly babies waiting! It was such a relief to get a sugar kick which spurred me on.

Getting past the mile 10 marker, I had a rough idea what was ahead. The main topic of conversation before the race had been ‘the hill’.

When the steady climb appeared ahead I took some deep breaths and ploughed on managing to keep a slower but steady pace all the way, round the corner, carrying on up…

Hitting the flat and the last mile I got a new spurt of energy and set off at a faster pace, it had been wise to save some energy for the end. I didn’t worry about the final steady incline knowing the finishing line was not far away. The energy I had saved earned me my quickest mile of the day! Seeing the finish I stepped up the pace again and sprinted through stopping my watch at 02:07:08.

After some minor spatial awareness issues, I found some Shabbas near the finish line cheering on the runners and stopped for a chat on my unplanned detour. Finally finding my way to the baggage area I found Lee and we collected our bags, snapping a quick medal selfie on our way out.

A quick drink before we headed home was well deserved and brought the day to an end.

It was an all round fantastic event with a great atmosphere. See you next year!

Now to find 26.2 miles in 6 months…

Chester Marathon Weekend Away

Saturday 4th October

My Boosts arrived! We couldn't go away for the weekend without me first trying my new running trainers out. I've been in my New Balance's for a long time, too long. They are now looking very sorry for themselves so a new pair was long overdue.

I set out deciding to do a 5k as we were too short of time for me to do anything longer- especially as I hadn't even packed.
As soon as I had my music on I knew I was going to have to do better than that- I'd go for a quick mile all out, just to see what I could do after a severe lag in my training. The difference in my trainers was hugely noticeable. I suddenly had a bit more bounce in my step and my ankles felt more solid- I normally get some sort of twinge.

I was very short of breath and really had to push myself to get round the last lap of the park finishing in 8:15. This is 20 seconds off my best mile time- its amazing how quick you can lose it when you don't keep up the training so I was reasonably pleased with this. I finished off with a recovery mile of 9:15 which was still above average for me- overall good start to the weekend!


We then headed to Chester that afternoon and spent our time relaxing and I helped Lee with his carb loading...

We were all up early on Sunday and Lee headed off to meet everyone on the race course. I found myself a spot in town to catch him and the other Shabbas at around the half mile point.

The atmosphere as the runs went past, all 4000 (ish) of them was electric. Everyone cheered and were really behind everyone who was taking part; including the giant banana, a couple of spidermen, a gorilla, and a barefoot man in just a pair of shorts (brr!).

This was Lee's third Chester marathon so purely for traditional purposes I headed off for pancakes and hot chocolate with Isabella to kill some time before the shops opened. Checking my facebook, the first update had come through- Lee had done 10k in 48:32 in a pace of 07:49mm!

I won't bore you with a list of my purchases, we'll skip to the finish line.

Having got the update through to say that Lee had an estimated finish time of 12:27 I headed down to the racecourse. The support was fantastic with people cheering all along the course.

Crossing the line in 3:26:48, Lee completely smashed his last marathon PB and really proved to me that it can be done!


I don't know what I thought women atheletes looked like but I seemed to have a picture of thousands of Paula Radcliffes in my head since getting my VLM place which was worrying me even more. Obviously I was completely wrong and found myself thinking 'if she can run that far, surely I can too!'

We all had a wonderful day and it was great to meet some more of the Shabbas. Most definitely inspired!

First Run- Post VLM place

Thursday morning was my daughters first day at nursery and after dropping her off, Lee and I had a few hours alone. This almost never happens so in a most romatic gesture Lee propositioned me....to a run.

We set off for a 10k aiming for 9:30 mm. I was feeling confident (perhaps overly so, still on a high from getting my VLM place). The first mile came and went quickly in 9:16. On hearing this time I panicked slightly- this was quick compared my usual first mile pace. Had I set off too quick?! Lee was pacing so I decided to stick with it as best as I could.

I quickly discovered this run was becoming more of a mental battle than anything else having not run 10k for a while- my own fault! For the first few miles I managed to keep my breathing in control and my pace quite steady.

Getting between mile 4 and 5, I started to struggle. I was really forcing myself to keep pace and kept dropping back slightly. It was then that Lee noticed my posture. My shoulders had rounded, I'd hunched over and my breathing had quicked. He told me to straighten up so I put my head back and took some deep breaths with helped open my lungs and got a new surge of energy.

Finishing the run with an 8:51 mile really gave me a boost and I proved to myself I can do more than I thought.

Saying that, the thought of 26.2 miles still remains a daunting prospect. Watch this space!

1st October- You're in!

Hi everyone!

So this is my first post at the very beginning of my marathon training journey in the hope this will help keep me on track.

#yourein

Today is 1st October and I found out this morning I have got a place in the Virgin London Marathon through the ballot! This is HUGE and I don't think it has properly sunk in yet.

Anyway, I want to share this roller coaster with you all, the highs, the lows and that totally amazing moment when I cross the finish at the Worlds Biggest Marathon.

The next few days will be spent putting together a plan leading up to the 16 week countdown. I have my ultra running fiancé to help me so lets go!!