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!).