I had a lovely Christmas: family came to stay, Santa delivered some great presents and we cooked and ate some wonderful, delicious food. Now, however, the wrapping paper is in the recycling bin, family have gone home and I have to return my thoughts to my training schedule.
My run today was hard. I was unmotivated. It was raining. Roast dinners do not make good running fuel. My body felt like it had never run before. Let's just say that today's 4m run goes down on the list of achievements under the heading "despite everything".
However, the most positive aspect of today's run is the reminder that if I want my body to perform well I have to look after it. Given that we're coming up to the new year, it's a perfect time to figure out what adjustments can be made to my routine to turn some old habits into better ones. First, I'll take care to eat appropriately, with running fuel before runs and a roast dinner indulgence on Sundays, after long runs. It's all about balance, you see. ;-)
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Merry Christmas!
What better way to start a day of eating and drinking than to go out for a run? The training schedule called for a 3 mile run, so that's what I did this morning. It was pouring rain, thunder and lightning for my warm up but thankfully it cleared up for most of my run. At 7AM it was pretty quiet out there - I saw only three pedestrians and only a few houses with signs of life (i.e. excited children eagerly tearing paper from the presents Santa delivered).
Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!
Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!
Sunday, 23 December 2012
A quarter marathon
This morning I ran 6.62 miles (10.65 km) - which is a little over a quarter of a marathon. I was pretty pleased with my run, given that I chose a route with three hills (total 331') and it was the furthest I've run since the summer. Despite this, there was a niggling thought in the back of my mind: the marathon with be another THREE laps again. Sheesh, that's a long way!
However, I then realised my longest training run will be 18 miles, which is only three laps, not four. So that's not so bad.... ;-) The book assures me that if I follow the programme and run 18 miles in training I *will* be able to run the marathon.
It was quite mild out there today, although breezy. After the rain of the last few days the park was very wet in places - but thankfully there was no rain for today's run. The blisters are an on-going issue though, even though I wore the older trainers and my socks were dry.
Time to crack on with the Christmas preparations.
However, I then realised my longest training run will be 18 miles, which is only three laps, not four. So that's not so bad.... ;-) The book assures me that if I follow the programme and run 18 miles in training I *will* be able to run the marathon.
It was quite mild out there today, although breezy. After the rain of the last few days the park was very wet in places - but thankfully there was no rain for today's run. The blisters are an on-going issue though, even though I wore the older trainers and my socks were dry.
Time to crack on with the Christmas preparations.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Dreich
"Dreich" is a word I learned whilst living in Glasgow. It's used to describe weather which is wet, dull, gloomy, dismal, dreary - you get the impression. Well, that's what it's like today; nonetheless, I still ran 4 miles in the park. I'm on annual leave for the Christmas holidays so at least it wasn't pre-dawn *and* dreich!
Time to decorate the tree now, so at least it'll seem warm & cosy inside. Especially if I have a glass of winter Pimms! ;-)
Time to decorate the tree now, so at least it'll seem warm & cosy inside. Especially if I have a glass of winter Pimms! ;-)
Saturday, 15 December 2012
100 Miles
Today I passed a momentous landmark, having run a total of 100 miles in training. Given my obsession with Microsoft Excel, here's how it looks:
I'm making steady progress by slowly increasing my weekly total (I've yet to do this week's long run, which is why the "weekly miles run" for week 10 looks low). In some ways it's been a relatively easy first 100 miles, given that each run has been shorter than 6 miles. I'm doing 4 runs per week, which is the frequency I'll stay at until the marathon - they'll just keep getting longer over the coming weeks.
Today's run was the Crane Park Time Trial. I was 4 seconds slower than my PB - although I was first lady!
I'm making steady progress by slowly increasing my weekly total (I've yet to do this week's long run, which is why the "weekly miles run" for week 10 looks low). In some ways it's been a relatively easy first 100 miles, given that each run has been shorter than 6 miles. I'm doing 4 runs per week, which is the frequency I'll stay at until the marathon - they'll just keep getting longer over the coming weeks.
Today's run was the Crane Park Time Trial. I was 4 seconds slower than my PB - although I was first lady!
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
The Official Start
Today I started my official training programme!
The programme lasts 16 weeks but I've started two weeks early, just in case I'm ill at some point over the winter months. All the running I've done so far has enabled me to run four times per week, this week totalling 15 miles. All being well, I should run approximately 500 miles before 14th April 2013. Bring it on!
To celebrate I ran 5km around Bushy Park, which looked stunning. It was -1C at 8AM, the frost was thick on the ground and the mist hung in the air. It was just before sunrise and it was lovely to see the changing colour of the clear sky as the sun rose. One morning I'll take a camera and show you how beautiful these parks are.
The programme lasts 16 weeks but I've started two weeks early, just in case I'm ill at some point over the winter months. All the running I've done so far has enabled me to run four times per week, this week totalling 15 miles. All being well, I should run approximately 500 miles before 14th April 2013. Bring it on!
To celebrate I ran 5km around Bushy Park, which looked stunning. It was -1C at 8AM, the frost was thick on the ground and the mist hung in the air. It was just before sunrise and it was lovely to see the changing colour of the clear sky as the sun rose. One morning I'll take a camera and show you how beautiful these parks are.
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Blisters
Unfortunately, during today's run, I've managed to get a couple of blisters on the soles of my feet - the first of my training schedule. I've been wondering what might have caused them:
Otherwise, it was a good run today. My neighbour joined me and it made the time and distance just melt away.
- Ill-fitting shoes. As these were my new shoes I'm hoping this isn't the cause. I'm now wearing Asics because New Balance no longer sell the 2A narrow fitting shoes - if you know of a good alternative please let me know!
- Loosely laced shoes (see above) although I tightened them only the other day.
- Wet socks. In an attempt to avoid running on tarmac (which can be a problem in causing shin splint injuries) I ran on grass - but it was rather boggy in places and I ended up with wet socks.
Otherwise, it was a good run today. My neighbour joined me and it made the time and distance just melt away.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Another PB
This morning, at the Crane Park Time Trial, I bumped into my next door neighbour waiting at the start line. We set off together and chatted for most of the way round (after running the London marathon last year she's moved on to tougher challenges.) I was delighted to discover I'd achieved another personal best, having knocked 36 seconds off the PB I set a couple of weeks ago! :-)
Another gloriously sunny day today.
Another gloriously sunny day today.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Olympics Spirit
This morning I read a magazine article about the spirit in London during the summer Olympics. It spoke about the positive mood and friendly helpfulness which pervaded this great city; it was a time when strangers could speak to one another.
I've mentioned before that I'm on a one woman mission to make the local running community a cheerier place. Today Richmond Park was filled with the usual cyclists and runners, all braving the cold and frosty morning. I made a point of saying "good morning" to most runners I went past. It makes me smile when they return the greeting; it makes me chuckle when they do so with a tone asking "do I know you?" - afterall, why else would someone in London wish a passerby a good morning?
At the start of my run I went past two chaps who returned my cheery greeting. Later, I saw them on the opposite side of the park and was delighted when they greeted me with a friendly "hi!". I haven't converted the whole community (yet), but for a fleeting moment the spirit of the Olympics returned to a small, sunny corner of London.
I've mentioned before that I'm on a one woman mission to make the local running community a cheerier place. Today Richmond Park was filled with the usual cyclists and runners, all braving the cold and frosty morning. I made a point of saying "good morning" to most runners I went past. It makes me smile when they return the greeting; it makes me chuckle when they do so with a tone asking "do I know you?" - afterall, why else would someone in London wish a passerby a good morning?
At the start of my run I went past two chaps who returned my cheery greeting. Later, I saw them on the opposite side of the park and was delighted when they greeted me with a friendly "hi!". I haven't converted the whole community (yet), but for a fleeting moment the spirit of the Olympics returned to a small, sunny corner of London.
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Absolutely Beautiful
Today I'm on annual leave, which meant I didn't have to do my run before dawn. Given that my last 10 runs have been on routes which are completely flat I was keen to go to Richmond Park and run up a couple of inclines. Plus, the weather has finally changed and we're graced with clear blue skies and sunshine. Put all of that together and it made for a fabulous run.
Normally I only go to Richmond Park at the weekend with the hordes: the parents shouting at their kids, relieved to have escaped the confines of home but yet desperate that everyone has a good time; the cyclists who belt round in their pelotons, breaking the speed limit; the runners with faces twisted in grim determination at chasing a PB (ahem). Today, however, was a much more laid back affair. Mostly I saw dog walkers and couples in their later years, simply strolling and enjoying the park. One lady sympathised with me for getting mud on my new, pristine white trainers; another shouted words of encouragement as I made my way up the hill. The park itself was bathed in sunshine, the trees mostly reduced to their wintry bare branches, giving the park a more open and spacious feel.
My time today wasn't great - but I had a great time. :-)
Normally I only go to Richmond Park at the weekend with the hordes: the parents shouting at their kids, relieved to have escaped the confines of home but yet desperate that everyone has a good time; the cyclists who belt round in their pelotons, breaking the speed limit; the runners with faces twisted in grim determination at chasing a PB (ahem). Today, however, was a much more laid back affair. Mostly I saw dog walkers and couples in their later years, simply strolling and enjoying the park. One lady sympathised with me for getting mud on my new, pristine white trainers; another shouted words of encouragement as I made my way up the hill. The park itself was bathed in sunshine, the trees mostly reduced to their wintry bare branches, giving the park a more open and spacious feel.
My time today wasn't great - but I had a great time. :-)
Sunday, 25 November 2012
A Day at the Seaside
Look where I did my run today:
Today was the day of the training workshop run by the Brighton Marathon organisers. Obviously it made sense to hold it in Brighton so once the workshop was over I took the opportunity to do today's 5 mile run there. I decided to run part of the actual marathon route:
As you can see, I ran the section from the Hilton hotel (officially the half way point of the marathon), west for two miles and then turned back and ran three miles to approximately where the finish will be. My theory is that I have now run the end of the route: on the day I can get to mile 23 knowing I've done the final miles previously, so I can do them again. I was trying to take in as many sights, sounds and physical sensations as possible, training my body and mind to know what it feels like to successfully run in Brighton, all the way to the finish line.
Today I felt the benefit of my new jacket as I contended with the weather - 25mph winds and rain (I'm hoping for better weather on the day!). Whilst the wind is a disadvantage of running along the seafront, the definite advantage is that it's dead flat!
I didn't notice the presence/absence of leaves on trees today (there aren't many trees along the seafront) but I did notice the colour of the sea: turbulent green-grey with lots of white horses. Apparently on marathon day there's a roar from the crowds in the city centre; today I listened to the roar of the sea.
The workshop itself was very useful. They showed a preview of a video which will be online in due course (I'll share the link when it's available), which definitely got the passions burning and the excitement bubbling! The rest of the day covered nutrition, kit, exercises and stretching and contained lots of handy hints (allow 30 minutes for queuing for the loos in the park before the start, apparently!).
All in all it was a great day by the seaside.
P.S. I asked a physio at the exhibition to look at the ankle I twisted a little yesterday; apparently there's still a little swelling, although there's no sign of tears or breaks (*phew*). It gave me no trouble in the run today; tomorrow it'll have a rest, hopefully this will help its recovery.
P.P.S Post edited on December 3rd - feedback said the original version was too detailed. :-)
Today was the day of the training workshop run by the Brighton Marathon organisers. Obviously it made sense to hold it in Brighton so once the workshop was over I took the opportunity to do today's 5 mile run there. I decided to run part of the actual marathon route:
As you can see, I ran the section from the Hilton hotel (officially the half way point of the marathon), west for two miles and then turned back and ran three miles to approximately where the finish will be. My theory is that I have now run the end of the route: on the day I can get to mile 23 knowing I've done the final miles previously, so I can do them again. I was trying to take in as many sights, sounds and physical sensations as possible, training my body and mind to know what it feels like to successfully run in Brighton, all the way to the finish line.
Today I felt the benefit of my new jacket as I contended with the weather - 25mph winds and rain (I'm hoping for better weather on the day!). Whilst the wind is a disadvantage of running along the seafront, the definite advantage is that it's dead flat!
I didn't notice the presence/absence of leaves on trees today (there aren't many trees along the seafront) but I did notice the colour of the sea: turbulent green-grey with lots of white horses. Apparently on marathon day there's a roar from the crowds in the city centre; today I listened to the roar of the sea.
The workshop itself was very useful. They showed a preview of a video which will be online in due course (I'll share the link when it's available), which definitely got the passions burning and the excitement bubbling! The rest of the day covered nutrition, kit, exercises and stretching and contained lots of handy hints (allow 30 minutes for queuing for the loos in the park before the start, apparently!).
All in all it was a great day by the seaside.
P.S. I asked a physio at the exhibition to look at the ankle I twisted a little yesterday; apparently there's still a little swelling, although there's no sign of tears or breaks (*phew*). It gave me no trouble in the run today; tomorrow it'll have a rest, hopefully this will help its recovery.
P.P.S Post edited on December 3rd - feedback said the original version was too detailed. :-)
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Chasing a PB is hard
For my birthday this year Chris gave me a fabulous Garmin 610, which has been absolutely brilliant in helping with my training. When I first received it I learned to use some of its basic functions but more recently I've "discovered" what else it's capable of, including its "virtual race" function. This allows you to select a previous workout and race against it.
This morning I selected the Garmin file created a few weeks ago when I set my personal best (PB) time at the Crane Park Time Trial and I raced against it. After about 0.5km my Garmin beeped at me and announced I was ahead - woo! As you know, deep down I have a faint competitive streak ( ;-) ), so I became determined not to let my early lead slip away. It was hard work (my average heart rate was 97% of its theoretical maximum!) but I tried not to let up for the next 4.5km. As I crossed the finish line my Garmin again beeped and showed the message "you win!". Double woo! It turns out I wiped 32 seconds off my previous PB - a 2% difference! I was really pleased.
However, whilst on the far side of the park I landed awkwardly and *slightly* twisted my ankle. Thankfully I didn't go fully over and so I was able to carry on. I've had a bag of frozen peas on it for most of the day; let's see what it's like tomorrow...
This morning the trees were mostly bare - after the wind and rain during the week only a few leaves remained. The water level in the river Crane was higher than usual too.
This morning I selected the Garmin file created a few weeks ago when I set my personal best (PB) time at the Crane Park Time Trial and I raced against it. After about 0.5km my Garmin beeped at me and announced I was ahead - woo! As you know, deep down I have a faint competitive streak ( ;-) ), so I became determined not to let my early lead slip away. It was hard work (my average heart rate was 97% of its theoretical maximum!) but I tried not to let up for the next 4.5km. As I crossed the finish line my Garmin again beeped and showed the message "you win!". Double woo! It turns out I wiped 32 seconds off my previous PB - a 2% difference! I was really pleased.
However, whilst on the far side of the park I landed awkwardly and *slightly* twisted my ankle. Thankfully I didn't go fully over and so I was able to carry on. I've had a bag of frozen peas on it for most of the day; let's see what it's like tomorrow...
This morning the trees were mostly bare - after the wind and rain during the week only a few leaves remained. The water level in the river Crane was higher than usual too.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Company!
A couple of weeks ago I commented on my appreciation of joining the group of runners who complete the Crane Park Time Trial on Saturday mornings, given that I do most of my runs alone. This morning we had some decent downpours and so Chris abandoned his plans to go out on the bike. Instead he came with me to the time trial. Not only that, he ran with me too! It was fabulous to have company today - thank you for coming.
Given this morning's downpours I thought today would be the day when my new jacket would be put through its paces. Although it was raining whilst we warmed up en route to the park, the rain stopped by the time the time trial began - so I'm still patiently waiting to test the jacket properly. And I'm certainly not complaining about that!
Autumn is finally here. This morning I noticed the trees in the park had finally turned various shades of red, gold and brown. Another sign that winter is really approaching was the appearance of Christmas decorations on the flats next to the park. There's still more than 5 weeks to go, people!
Given this morning's downpours I thought today would be the day when my new jacket would be put through its paces. Although it was raining whilst we warmed up en route to the park, the rain stopped by the time the time trial began - so I'm still patiently waiting to test the jacket properly. And I'm certainly not complaining about that!
Autumn is finally here. This morning I noticed the trees in the park had finally turned various shades of red, gold and brown. Another sign that winter is really approaching was the appearance of Christmas decorations on the flats next to the park. There's still more than 5 weeks to go, people!
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Extracurricular Activity
Last weekend I went up to Manchester to do some Christmas shopping with my brother (already!). Not ones to miss out on an opportunity to go hill walking, we went up to the Lake District on Saturday and had a fabulous day in the hills. Despite the grim weather forecast during the week we had only one rain shower and one snow shower - the rest of the day was lovely! Here's where we went:
For those in the know, that's five Wainrights: Ullock Pike, Longside, Carl Side, Skiddaw and Bakestall (we avoided Great Cockup - really, there's a hill with that name!). Evidently iPhone and Garmin have different ways of calculating distance: my Garmin said it was 8.91 miles.
Talking of miles, I didn't neglect the running whilst away: I went to my brother's gym and did two 5km runs (as per my training schedule). Whilst grateful for the opportunity to use his gym, I must say that I have a new-found respect for anyone who runs on treadmills!
Talking of miles, I didn't neglect the running whilst away: I went to my brother's gym and did two 5km runs (as per my training schedule). Whilst grateful for the opportunity to use his gym, I must say that I have a new-found respect for anyone who runs on treadmills!
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Frosty Morning
It's just as well I'd planned to run around local roads this morning. Last night was evidently cold and there was a thick frost on the car, which would have needed removing before driving to the park.
With clear blue skies, sunny sunshine and a crisp frost on the ground it really was beautiful out there - well worth the effort of crawling out of my nice warm bed at 6 this morning! I only saw one other runner though, who I greeted with a cheery "Good morning!" (I'm on a one woman mission to make the local morning running community a cheerier place!).
With clear blue skies, sunny sunshine and a crisp frost on the ground it really was beautiful out there - well worth the effort of crawling out of my nice warm bed at 6 this morning! I only saw one other runner though, who I greeted with a cheery "Good morning!" (I'm on a one woman mission to make the local morning running community a cheerier place!).
Monday, 5 November 2012
A Package in the Post
This morning I received a package in the post - my marathon pack from Cancer Research UK. It contained my t-shirt (maybe a photo will follow...), iron-on transfers so I can have my name on my top, and a couple of leaflets containing advice on fundraising and training for events.
Last week I received my "I'm training for the Brighton Marathon" t-shirt (again, maybe a photo will follow...).
I guess it's really true - I am training to run the Brighton Marathon in the new year!
Gotta head to bed soon as I have a 5km run to do in the morning. (Mum, worry not - it's round the local roads, not in the park tomorrow. I haven't got time to get to the park and back and still make my 10AM meeting.)
Last week I received my "I'm training for the Brighton Marathon" t-shirt (again, maybe a photo will follow...).
I guess it's really true - I am training to run the Brighton Marathon in the new year!
Gotta head to bed soon as I have a 5km run to do in the morning. (Mum, worry not - it's round the local roads, not in the park tomorrow. I haven't got time to get to the park and back and still make my 10AM meeting.)
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Rain - or not
There was rain forecast for today, so yesterday I went out and bought a waterproof jacket suitable for running in.
I woke up this morning and sure enough the rain was lashing down, which put an end to any hopes of going out cycling with Chris (I was hugely disappointed to not go out cycling). I had breakfast and a couple of hours later the sky looked less murky so I decided to head to the park.
At which point the rain stopped for just long enough for me to do my warm up, run, cool down & stretch - so I didn't get to put the jacket through its paces. I'm sure it'll rain at some point in the next 6 months though, so I'm certain it wasn't a wasted purchse.
The park was beautiful today: the trees are turning various shades of golden brown and the park sparkled in the post-frontal sunshine. I even saw a rainbow!
I woke up this morning and sure enough the rain was lashing down, which put an end to any hopes of going out cycling with Chris (I was hugely disappointed to not go out cycling). I had breakfast and a couple of hours later the sky looked less murky so I decided to head to the park.
At which point the rain stopped for just long enough for me to do my warm up, run, cool down & stretch - so I didn't get to put the jacket through its paces. I'm sure it'll rain at some point in the next 6 months though, so I'm certain it wasn't a wasted purchse.
The park was beautiful today: the trees are turning various shades of golden brown and the park sparkled in the post-frontal sunshine. I even saw a rainbow!
Saturday, 3 November 2012
Loneliness of a Runner*
So far for my marathon training I've run 25.59 miles in 9 runs, 6 of which I've run totally alone. Until very recently I'd done all of my running with Chris so, to start with, it was a shock to the system to run alone. I'm getting used to the solitude now so it was particularly striking this morning to have company!
This morning I ran the Crane Park Time Trial. It's a run I've done 5 times now (I forgot my barcode one morning, so that one didn't get logged). I'm really enjoying turning up at my local park for 9AM on a Saturday morning, joining a steady stream of people all going there for the same purpose. The ParkRun time trials are great - friendly, informal, free 5km runs. The atmosphere at the start line is always uplifting with lots of chatter and cheery "good morning!" greetings. The course is marshalled by some enthusiastic volunteers, who always cheer and clap as you run past them. It makes a wonderful contrast to my solo runs!
During the week I had an email from my parents: they've booked a cottage just outside Brighton for a few days in April so they can cheer me on during the marathon! It means so much to me to know they'll be there on the big day. Although most of my running is done alone, it really helps to feel their support. Thanks Mum & Dad!
*the full title of the book by Alan Sillitoe is "Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner". However, my runs are still short so I thought I'd change it a little for this post. The long runs don't start until the new year, when my official 16 week training programme begins.
This morning I ran the Crane Park Time Trial. It's a run I've done 5 times now (I forgot my barcode one morning, so that one didn't get logged). I'm really enjoying turning up at my local park for 9AM on a Saturday morning, joining a steady stream of people all going there for the same purpose. The ParkRun time trials are great - friendly, informal, free 5km runs. The atmosphere at the start line is always uplifting with lots of chatter and cheery "good morning!" greetings. The course is marshalled by some enthusiastic volunteers, who always cheer and clap as you run past them. It makes a wonderful contrast to my solo runs!
During the week I had an email from my parents: they've booked a cottage just outside Brighton for a few days in April so they can cheer me on during the marathon! It means so much to me to know they'll be there on the big day. Although most of my running is done alone, it really helps to feel their support. Thanks Mum & Dad!
*the full title of the book by Alan Sillitoe is "Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner". However, my runs are still short so I thought I'd change it a little for this post. The long runs don't start until the new year, when my official 16 week training programme begins.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Why I'm running for Cancer Research UK
I’ll be running the Brighton marathon to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK (CR UK), so I thought it was about time I wrote about why I support this charity.
Cancer has occurred many times in my family, both in my immediate and extended family. Having had so many relatives affected really makes it personal to raise funds for a charity which supports those affected by cancer. When Mum was diagnosed, CR UK was an invaluable source of information for us at a time when we were all on a steep learning curve about the disease and its treatment. Thankfully, we’re six years and counting since her diagnosis.
Cancer Research UK also funded the labs where I did my undergraduate, postgraduate and post-doctoral research. Although none of my projects were directly funded by them, two went on to clinical trials funded by CR UK. Working in CR UK funded labs meant I had access to great researchers, facilities and training and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. Raising funds through running the marathon is just one way in which I hope to repay CR UK for supporting the work I’ve been involved with. More importantly, raising money today helps CR UK funds tomorrow’s research projects and clinical trials.
I’m sure you’re all familiar with Cancer Research UK funded campaigns, which highlight the incidence of the disease. 1 in 3 people will be affected by cancer. Think of two of your friends. Chances are, one of you will be diagnosed with this disease. I often say that “life is too short” and for many people cancer is the reason why life is too short.
I would be really grateful for your support for my training towards this marathon and for supporting Cancer Research UK. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps their life supporting and life saving work. Please visit my fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/Jaynesmarathonbrighton2013
Alternatively, you can text a donation by texting JDBM70£## to 70070, where ## is the number of pounds you wish to donate. The amount will be added to your phone bill.
Thank you for your support, it really does mean a lot to me.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
First weekday run
This morning, when the alarm rang at 5:55 I admit I snuggled down under the duvet and pretended it wasn't time to get up for my first weekday training run. 10 minutes later I admitted defeat and crawled out of bed to start my day.
This week I'm increasing both the total mileage (to seven miles) and number of runs (to three in a week) and so this morning's run was only two miles. Consequently I thought I could get away with running on the pavements, as opposed to driving to the park and running on softer trails. So, at 6:45 I was out in the street, ready for my run.
It was dark - it would be another hour before the sun rose. It was quiet - no people or cars in the street at that time of the morning. There was one bird singing. I set off on my run - and it was wonderful! I've always enjoyed being out in the early morning, literally seeing the world in a different light, slowly coming alive. And so it was this morning. After a short warm up walk, jog & stretch I set off with surprising enthusiasm and verve. It was great to be out - I found it really invigorating.
So tomorrow morning, whilst you're getting ready for your day and it's still dark outside, peek between the curtains and take a look at the world out there. Really it's not dark and horrible. It's the dawn of a new day - and that can be exciting.
This week I'm increasing both the total mileage (to seven miles) and number of runs (to three in a week) and so this morning's run was only two miles. Consequently I thought I could get away with running on the pavements, as opposed to driving to the park and running on softer trails. So, at 6:45 I was out in the street, ready for my run.
It was dark - it would be another hour before the sun rose. It was quiet - no people or cars in the street at that time of the morning. There was one bird singing. I set off on my run - and it was wonderful! I've always enjoyed being out in the early morning, literally seeing the world in a different light, slowly coming alive. And so it was this morning. After a short warm up walk, jog & stretch I set off with surprising enthusiasm and verve. It was great to be out - I found it really invigorating.
So tomorrow morning, whilst you're getting ready for your day and it's still dark outside, peek between the curtains and take a look at the world out there. Really it's not dark and horrible. It's the dawn of a new day - and that can be exciting.
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Why run a marathon?
I've been asked this question several times in the last week so I thought it was time to post my reasons why I'm doing a marathon.
I'll be following the training programme in the book "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" and here's their textbook answer as to why someone would run a marathon:
"Each of us has a completely unique set of life experiences, yet as humans we share the desire to test our personal limits in search of how far we can go. The avenue of testing is limited only by one's imagination, fear threshold and financial resources. Some people dive out of airplanes, others climb mountains, still others explore the depths of the sea. But for most of us, the arenas of challenge are less grandiose and a lot closer to home. ...
Along with the need to grow by testing and expanding our personal limits, we humans desire what psychologists call 'peak experiences'. Peak experiences are positive happenings that have a profound and lasting impact. They are life-changing, and in retrospect are often considered the finest moments of our lives. They are experiences we value and memories we cherish. Some people actively seek peak experiences, but most of us rarely get beyond weddings, births and the occasional vacation."
So why do *I* want to run a marathon? Because I think I have the ability to do so. I know, in my heart of hearts, that if I don't at least attempt it I'll be letting myself down. Why on earth wouldn't I want to achieve all I can? Why wouldn't I want to get as much out of life as possible?
Afterall, Life is too short.
I'll be following the training programme in the book "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" and here's their textbook answer as to why someone would run a marathon:
"Each of us has a completely unique set of life experiences, yet as humans we share the desire to test our personal limits in search of how far we can go. The avenue of testing is limited only by one's imagination, fear threshold and financial resources. Some people dive out of airplanes, others climb mountains, still others explore the depths of the sea. But for most of us, the arenas of challenge are less grandiose and a lot closer to home. ...
Along with the need to grow by testing and expanding our personal limits, we humans desire what psychologists call 'peak experiences'. Peak experiences are positive happenings that have a profound and lasting impact. They are life-changing, and in retrospect are often considered the finest moments of our lives. They are experiences we value and memories we cherish. Some people actively seek peak experiences, but most of us rarely get beyond weddings, births and the occasional vacation."
So why do *I* want to run a marathon? Because I think I have the ability to do so. I know, in my heart of hearts, that if I don't at least attempt it I'll be letting myself down. Why on earth wouldn't I want to achieve all I can? Why wouldn't I want to get as much out of life as possible?
Afterall, Life is too short.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Training Workshop
Today I've signed up for a training workshop run by the marathon organisers. It's a half day session in November aimed at beginner marathoners - I guess that's me! Topics include:
I also spoke to a colleague who's run marathons previously. She spoke about the energy in the crowd at the start line, knowing that the thousands of people you're stood with have also spent the previous 16 weeks focusing on getting ready for the same event - the shared experience. As she spoke I got goosebumps!
- Running your first marathon - how to get started with the training,
- Injury prevention,
- Practical stretching session,
- How to fuel my running, and
- What is the Brighton Marathon experience.
I also spoke to a colleague who's run marathons previously. She spoke about the energy in the crowd at the start line, knowing that the thousands of people you're stood with have also spent the previous 16 weeks focusing on getting ready for the same event - the shared experience. As she spoke I got goosebumps!
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
I'm in!
At the moment, it feels as though "I'm in!" relates to the surprise at being able to log back into my blog account! You wouldn't believe the number of pages and forms I had to go through in order to remember my log in details...
Anyway...
"I'm in!" actually refers to this:
I have a place in the Brighton marathon!!!
186 days to go, apparently!
It is with some trepidation and an equal amount of excitement that I've signed up for this. On the one hand I've thought about running a marathon since I started running in 2004 (that's 9 years in the making!) but on the other hand I have the usual doubts about making it through the training (especially with respect to staying injury free, or at least with minimal injuries). However, one of my strengths is definitely organisation so my strategy at the moment is to assemble my support team. So far they look like this:
Chief supporter: Chris
Physio: Jennie
Bring it on!
Anyway...
"I'm in!" actually refers to this:
I have a place in the Brighton marathon!!!
186 days to go, apparently!
It is with some trepidation and an equal amount of excitement that I've signed up for this. On the one hand I've thought about running a marathon since I started running in 2004 (that's 9 years in the making!) but on the other hand I have the usual doubts about making it through the training (especially with respect to staying injury free, or at least with minimal injuries). However, one of my strengths is definitely organisation so my strategy at the moment is to assemble my support team. So far they look like this:
Chief supporter: Chris
Physio: Jennie
Bring it on!
Sunday, 7 October 2012
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