The year is passing by extremely fast! Only another 17 weeks till the new year! How scary does that sound?
With that said, I should focus on the coming week and what my training focus and aims are!
My aim for the coming week is to run another PB at the Maidenhead half Marathon, having been told its a flat course I should be able to shave a minute of the current 1hr 53 PB?
Training Plan
Monday - 10 miles run
Tuesday - Run club
Wednesday - PT
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Maidenhead Half Marathon
Happy training (injury free)
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Update!
Its been nearly two months since my last blog post! I've been extremely slack I know! But I was recently made redundant and it resulted in all my time and energy being spent finding a new job, while at my current job. This was also a mist of two approaching weddings, one being my brothers and the second my best friend, for whom I was bridesmaid!
I just about managed to train in the little time I did have spare, so the blog had to take a back seat!
But now a month into my new job, weddings all celebrated and training in full swing I can breath and start focusing on me and my trainings!
Although there is lots to update, there are two most memorable memories sticking out of my mind!
The first being the Wycombe 10k! This was my first race 10k and I had no idea what to expect and what my pacing should be like. To also throw into the mix I heard there was a hill within the first mile for 0.75 of a mile at a ascent of 225ft!
I was a bag of nerves and as we set off I had a target time of 52 mins! The hill came and it was the steepest hill I've ever ran in my life, but with that followed a crazy descent towards the end of the race! I was able to do my self justice, completely the course in a very admirable 50mins 42seconds! With my 10k aim of 2011 being 50mins I'm not too far off!
The biggest joy was being part of female club team and winning a prize!
The second memory is one from last Sunday and that's running the Burnham half Marathon in 1hr 53 mins 8secs. My new half marathon pb! I'm utterly shocked I ran a pb at this half, it being a undulating / hilly course! But I have to say a lot of it came down to positive mental attitude and the knowledge that disappointment of letting myself down will out weigh the success!
Next Sunday I have the Maidenhead Half Marathon! Hoping to be slightly faster!
With that quick update off to bed I go!
Happy long runs tomorrow!
I just about managed to train in the little time I did have spare, so the blog had to take a back seat!
But now a month into my new job, weddings all celebrated and training in full swing I can breath and start focusing on me and my trainings!
Although there is lots to update, there are two most memorable memories sticking out of my mind!
The first being the Wycombe 10k! This was my first race 10k and I had no idea what to expect and what my pacing should be like. To also throw into the mix I heard there was a hill within the first mile for 0.75 of a mile at a ascent of 225ft!
I was a bag of nerves and as we set off I had a target time of 52 mins! The hill came and it was the steepest hill I've ever ran in my life, but with that followed a crazy descent towards the end of the race! I was able to do my self justice, completely the course in a very admirable 50mins 42seconds! With my 10k aim of 2011 being 50mins I'm not too far off!
The biggest joy was being part of female club team and winning a prize!
The second memory is one from last Sunday and that's running the Burnham half Marathon in 1hr 53 mins 8secs. My new half marathon pb! I'm utterly shocked I ran a pb at this half, it being a undulating / hilly course! But I have to say a lot of it came down to positive mental attitude and the knowledge that disappointment of letting myself down will out weigh the success!
Next Sunday I have the Maidenhead Half Marathon! Hoping to be slightly faster!
With that quick update off to bed I go!
Happy long runs tomorrow!
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
My 5k PB - Maidenhead 5k Club Series
I just ran my fastest 5k today! 23minutes and 3seconds! Still in shock really and have no idea how I managed to achieve that time!
Its a whole minute and 20seconds faster then my previous 5k pb!
To just give some back ground to my ramblings, I just ran the Maidenhead 5k Series which was is a club championship and also part of the 5k summer series!
At today's I brought along my best friend, trainer and run buddy Andrea! It was really funny seeing her being nervous and not me. It meant a lot to me she was there and I'm so proud of her! She ran her PB just over 20minutes her first 5k race outside!
We both warmed up around the track ( by Braywick gym) we then wondered and got ready for the start! It was all exciting, but also the nerves were kicking in!
My nerves were to do with my poor performance on Sat when I ran the Black park parkrun! Also because looking around I couldn't see the Dashers which were a similar pace! My tactic is usually to chase!
The run started and off we went, It felt fine until 2k when I was tiring, but when I looked at my watch I was pleasantly surprised at my pace. I tried to push through , however at one point I do remember slowing! I did think it would never finish, even when I could see the finish! But as we ran around the last bend, and I heard a few cheers for the Dasher (me) a few from @jonhinio then Andrea I couldn't help but to push through and sprint to the end! I don't even remember what was around me, I just wanted to catch up with Andrea and see how she did! :)
My Splits were
Mile 1 7.12
Mile 2 7.44
Mile 3 7.54
Great results! Lovely cake! Happy me! Looking forward to Sunday and the Relay of which I'm running the 2.75mile leg!!!
Its a whole minute and 20seconds faster then my previous 5k pb!
To just give some back ground to my ramblings, I just ran the Maidenhead 5k Series which was is a club championship and also part of the 5k summer series!
At today's I brought along my best friend, trainer and run buddy Andrea! It was really funny seeing her being nervous and not me. It meant a lot to me she was there and I'm so proud of her! She ran her PB just over 20minutes her first 5k race outside!
We both warmed up around the track ( by Braywick gym) we then wondered and got ready for the start! It was all exciting, but also the nerves were kicking in!
My nerves were to do with my poor performance on Sat when I ran the Black park parkrun! Also because looking around I couldn't see the Dashers which were a similar pace! My tactic is usually to chase!
The run started and off we went, It felt fine until 2k when I was tiring, but when I looked at my watch I was pleasantly surprised at my pace. I tried to push through , however at one point I do remember slowing! I did think it would never finish, even when I could see the finish! But as we ran around the last bend, and I heard a few cheers for the Dasher (me) a few from @jonhinio then Andrea I couldn't help but to push through and sprint to the end! I don't even remember what was around me, I just wanted to catch up with Andrea and see how she did! :)
My Splits were
Mile 1 7.12
Mile 2 7.44
Mile 3 7.54
Great results! Lovely cake! Happy me! Looking forward to Sunday and the Relay of which I'm running the 2.75mile leg!!!
Monday, 27 June 2011
Week 26 Training Plan
Monday - Rested
Tuesday - Boot camp Fitness Test
Wednesday - Maidenhead 5k Club run
Thursday - Boot Camp Final one
Friday - PT
Saturday - Runnymead Relay with the Dashers
Sunday - Long Run
Tuesday - Boot camp Fitness Test
Wednesday - Maidenhead 5k Club run
Thursday - Boot Camp Final one
Friday - PT
Saturday - Runnymead Relay with the Dashers
Sunday - Long Run
Friday, 24 June 2011
Week 25 Summary
Boy I’ve been slack for a while keeping my blog going! But to be honest not much has really been going on!
I was in fact sick for a while so haven’t been to a park run or club run for a few weeks!
This week I’ve picked things up a lot and it’s mainly been boot camp!
I’ve attended 4 boot camp sessions with Monday and Tuesday being focused on legs and Wednesday and Thursday being circuits but focus mainly being on upper body.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with boot camp, at the start of the 6 weeks I thought I may be wasting my time, but the workouts have been varied, challenging and fun, I’m sad it’s all coming to an end next week.
However it’s time to focus back on the running now, 3 half marathons to train for and various club runs in between I have plenty to keep me busy with!
My 5th park run tomorrow, I doubt I will beat my previous PB of 24mins 27 but let’s keep toes and fingers crossed and I will definitely push myself! Having missed one week I’m super excited to return to Black Park tomorrow! What do people think of the emails they receive after regarding how they did! I just find them so motivating especially when I read I’m the 7th or 8th lady out of field! J
A few weekends ago I did go and watch The Toshiba Windsor Tri and I have to hand it to all the Guys and Gals who took part, Swim, bike and run is no easy job especially in the rain! A big well done to all especially @jonhinio who I went to support!
My personal thoughts on ever doing a Tri are that I don’t think I ever will, the transitions look super complicated! I’m much better suited at watching and cheering from the chocolate cafe! J
The low light of the week is that I’ve put on weight! I just can’t seem to stop the snacking and its all tea cakes, chocolate and biscuits! With my birthday fast approaching I really wanted to be at a certain weight, the way things are looking I won’t be at that weight!
So that’s it really not anything super exciting! Next week I have two events both club events so I will definitely keep you all posted on how I do along with the parkrun tomorrow!
Training Plan for the remainder of this week
Saturday – 5k parkrun
Sunday – 10 miles run
Catch up with you all soon!
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Week 23 Training Plan
Monday - Resting Sore Leg
Tuesday - Boot camp in the morning and Run club after work
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Boot camp in the morning and Run club after work
Friday - PT
Saturday - parkrun
Sunday - 10mile run
Tuesday - Boot camp in the morning and Run club after work
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Boot camp in the morning and Run club after work
Friday - PT
Saturday - parkrun
Sunday - 10mile run
5ks and Stomach cramps!
Its been an exciting week!
2nd off the 6 club runs, which took place Tuesday in Burnham.
Having ran the Burnham Beeches half marathon last year I knew what to expect in terms of hills! But I have to say I didn't really feel the hills, It could be due to the stomach cramp that came on 2.5k in. This really affected my pace and resulted in a finish time of 24mins 58 seconds. Next time I'll do better! Other things that affected my time was the fact I was too busy talking away when the buzzer went for the start, a little shocked it took a few seconds to get going! Next one is 14th June and I can not wait, and I'll be aiming for a PB! Other Dashers beware. :)
Its great being part of the Dashers, I have to say I feel like a runner now, I have events, the vest top and lots of new friends! :)
This week also saw 3 new events added to my events list for 2011! The first ever Maidenhead Half Marathon, the Burnham Half Marathon and the Cabbage Patch 10miler. The reason I signed up to the Maidenhead half was because for the first year, the number you get is your number for life! Which to me just sounds super cool, to always have your own number at the event! :)
The Burnham half is so I can beat my time from last year. I wasn't to happy with myself last year, so I'm hoping to come back fitter, faster and setting a PB at this half!
Wednesday saw a fast and respectable 7.5 miles, pity I can't say the same about today's run! I guess you have good days and bad days!
On Thursday I went to a boot camp in Reading. Its run by a ex-marine, its a 6 week course every Tuesday and Thursday morning. The boot camp in fact started last week, having gone to the first session and met the other boot campers I was unable to make the next two sessions.
I was disappointed with the first session, but being the fittest female and one of 3 in the green group ( fittest ) I left feeling as if I had just got warmed up, and the workout was yet to come! So I didn't really have high expectations on Thursday but I thought it could be a easy workout before PT on Friday.
How wrong I was, things had been picked up since I was gone. I loved this session, and am still feeling it in my glutes 3 days on!
I had to give my PT session Friday a miss, having a sports massage following the circuits wasn't a great plan. It made my soreness a lot worse, so I decided to take the day of.
Saturday is my new fav day of the week! Its Black park parkrun! I really encourage anyone and everyone to go and check it out! A free timed 5k, running in an event couldn't be simpler. This was my 3rd week, unfortunately also my slowest time of 24 mins and 33 seconds, but again this is mainly due to a getting a stomach cramp again. I really hope the cramps go, not only are they super painful but they also slow me down.
Here's to another week of happy training :) Must get back to running longer on Sundays, but sometimes life gets in the way!
2nd off the 6 club runs, which took place Tuesday in Burnham.
Having ran the Burnham Beeches half marathon last year I knew what to expect in terms of hills! But I have to say I didn't really feel the hills, It could be due to the stomach cramp that came on 2.5k in. This really affected my pace and resulted in a finish time of 24mins 58 seconds. Next time I'll do better! Other things that affected my time was the fact I was too busy talking away when the buzzer went for the start, a little shocked it took a few seconds to get going! Next one is 14th June and I can not wait, and I'll be aiming for a PB! Other Dashers beware. :)
Its great being part of the Dashers, I have to say I feel like a runner now, I have events, the vest top and lots of new friends! :)
This week also saw 3 new events added to my events list for 2011! The first ever Maidenhead Half Marathon, the Burnham Half Marathon and the Cabbage Patch 10miler. The reason I signed up to the Maidenhead half was because for the first year, the number you get is your number for life! Which to me just sounds super cool, to always have your own number at the event! :)
The Burnham half is so I can beat my time from last year. I wasn't to happy with myself last year, so I'm hoping to come back fitter, faster and setting a PB at this half!
Wednesday saw a fast and respectable 7.5 miles, pity I can't say the same about today's run! I guess you have good days and bad days!
On Thursday I went to a boot camp in Reading. Its run by a ex-marine, its a 6 week course every Tuesday and Thursday morning. The boot camp in fact started last week, having gone to the first session and met the other boot campers I was unable to make the next two sessions.
I was disappointed with the first session, but being the fittest female and one of 3 in the green group ( fittest ) I left feeling as if I had just got warmed up, and the workout was yet to come! So I didn't really have high expectations on Thursday but I thought it could be a easy workout before PT on Friday.
How wrong I was, things had been picked up since I was gone. I loved this session, and am still feeling it in my glutes 3 days on!
I had to give my PT session Friday a miss, having a sports massage following the circuits wasn't a great plan. It made my soreness a lot worse, so I decided to take the day of.
Saturday is my new fav day of the week! Its Black park parkrun! I really encourage anyone and everyone to go and check it out! A free timed 5k, running in an event couldn't be simpler. This was my 3rd week, unfortunately also my slowest time of 24 mins and 33 seconds, but again this is mainly due to a getting a stomach cramp again. I really hope the cramps go, not only are they super painful but they also slow me down.
Here's to another week of happy training :) Must get back to running longer on Sundays, but sometimes life gets in the way!
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
2011 Events Calendar - UPDATED
It’s being updated once again!
2011 Events
January 15th – Grim Challenge. - Completed 1hr 27mins
March 20th – Reading Half Marathon - Completed 1hr 59mins
March 27th – Kingston Human Race - Completed 2hrs 24mins
April 17th – London Marathon - Completed 4hrs 22mins
May 14th - Beast in the East – Completed 1hrs 3 mins
July 2nd - Runnymeade Relay
July 6th - Beale Park 10k
July 17th – Wycombe 10k
July 30th – Datchet Dash - Marshalling Event
21st August – Burnham Half Marathon
4th September – Maidenhead Half Marathon
25th September – Windsor Half Marathon
16th October – Cabbage Patch 10miles
20th November - Brooks Brighton 10k
3rd December – Grim Challenge 2011
2011 Events
January 15th – Grim Challenge. - Completed 1hr 27mins
March 20th – Reading Half Marathon - Completed 1hr 59mins
March 27th – Kingston Human Race - Completed 2hrs 24mins
April 17th – London Marathon - Completed 4hrs 22mins
May 14th - Beast in the East – Completed 1hrs 3 mins
July 2nd - Runnymeade Relay
July 6th - Beale Park 10k
July 17th – Wycombe 10k
July 30th – Datchet Dash - Marshalling Event
21st August – Burnham Half Marathon
4th September – Maidenhead Half Marathon
25th September – Windsor Half Marathon
16th October – Cabbage Patch 10miles
20th November - Brooks Brighton 10k
3rd December – Grim Challenge 2011
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Running Aims for the remainder of 2011
My PB targets in 2011
5k - Current PB 24mins 25secs Aim 23mins
10k - Target is 50mins
Half Marathon - Current PB 1hr 54min Aim 1hr 50
Grim Challenge 2011 - Current PB 1hr 27 Aim 1hr 15min
Some ambitious target times for the various distances, wish me luck.
5k - Current PB 24mins 25secs Aim 23mins
10k - Target is 50mins
Half Marathon - Current PB 1hr 54min Aim 1hr 50
Grim Challenge 2011 - Current PB 1hr 27 Aim 1hr 15min
Some ambitious target times for the various distances, wish me luck.
Week 21 2011 - Training Plan
Monday : UNSURE
Tuesday : Bootcamp Class in the morning and Datchet Dashers Club session in the evening
Wednesday : Cross Training
Thursday : Divided Dash + Pizza at the club
Friday : PT
Saturday :Blackpark Park Run
Sunday : 13 Miles Run
Tuesday : Bootcamp Class in the morning and Datchet Dashers Club session in the evening
Wednesday : Cross Training
Thursday : Divided Dash + Pizza at the club
Friday : PT
Saturday :Blackpark Park Run
Sunday : 13 Miles Run
Week 20 2011 - Summary
Monday : Fitness Yoga @ Nuffields Health Gym Reading 30 mins Cross Training
Tuesday :Spinning in the morning and the 30 mins Cross Trainung am and Wargrave 5k, 1st of the 5k Summer series club runs. Time 24mins 39secs.
Wednesday :10k run 30mins Cross Training
Thursday :10k run Rest
Friday : PT
Saturday :Blackpark Park Run. Time 24mins and 32secs.
Sunday :10k run 7.5 Mile Run. Time 1hr 4mins.
So overall I had a bit of a recovery at the beginning of the week, and didnt really stick to my plan.
In terms of highlights this week, I loved every bit of the 5k Club run on Tuesday and my first Park run on Saturday. I'm already excited about my next 5k club run and Park run!
Legs are pretty knackered right now, following my 7.5mile run this morn, must be down to the two fast 5k runs i did this week.
Tuesday :
Wednesday :
Thursday :
Friday : PT
Saturday :Blackpark Park Run. Time 24mins and 32secs.
Sunday :
So overall I had a bit of a recovery at the beginning of the week, and didnt really stick to my plan.
In terms of highlights this week, I loved every bit of the 5k Club run on Tuesday and my first Park run on Saturday. I'm already excited about my next 5k club run and Park run!
Legs are pretty knackered right now, following my 7.5mile run this morn, must be down to the two fast 5k runs i did this week.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Beast in the East -Grim II
On May 14th 2011 I embarked on a Journey to Kent!
I was running the Beast in the East, this is part of the Grim series. How did I get myself signed up for this event, well I ran the Original Grim in Jan and loved it! So when I saw this run, I thought yay, more mud and puddles!
However I was left slightly disappointed,no mud, no puddles just lots of crazy hills! Man made hills let me add! The start and end of the run was around a motorcycle course! 2k into the run I hated it, and my aim was just to get around. I don't know what others thought but for me this run really lacked the fun factor.
I had to crawl up a few hills will my hands and slide down two. if your trying to avoid injuries I would avoid this run! I was left with aching legs from having misplaced my foot through the woodlands part.
Organisation seemed poor, and the event lacked atmosphere! Car parking and directions to the start were un directed, leaving people parking poorly and blocking the entrance!
Too add the event started 15mins later then planned due to many runners still waiting to use the few portal loo's.
its a shame because the Grim itself is great fun but the Beast in the east lacked all the Grim qualities.
However that doesn't suggest I won't be back next year, feeling beaten by the hills I may be back next year just to conquer them and finish with a far respectable time.
This was a 10k course and my time was 1hr 3mins! The course took you through the motorcycle course at the start, before taking you off to the woodlands ( the only bit I enjoyed) to take you back to the beginning and running the hills again!
If you are up for a challenge then I recommend this run, but don't be fooled that its like the original Grim!
Happy running all!
I was running the Beast in the East, this is part of the Grim series. How did I get myself signed up for this event, well I ran the Original Grim in Jan and loved it! So when I saw this run, I thought yay, more mud and puddles!
However I was left slightly disappointed,no mud, no puddles just lots of crazy hills! Man made hills let me add! The start and end of the run was around a motorcycle course! 2k into the run I hated it, and my aim was just to get around. I don't know what others thought but for me this run really lacked the fun factor.
I had to crawl up a few hills will my hands and slide down two. if your trying to avoid injuries I would avoid this run! I was left with aching legs from having misplaced my foot through the woodlands part.
Organisation seemed poor, and the event lacked atmosphere! Car parking and directions to the start were un directed, leaving people parking poorly and blocking the entrance!
Too add the event started 15mins later then planned due to many runners still waiting to use the few portal loo's.
its a shame because the Grim itself is great fun but the Beast in the east lacked all the Grim qualities.
However that doesn't suggest I won't be back next year, feeling beaten by the hills I may be back next year just to conquer them and finish with a far respectable time.
This was a 10k course and my time was 1hr 3mins! The course took you through the motorcycle course at the start, before taking you off to the woodlands ( the only bit I enjoyed) to take you back to the beginning and running the hills again!
If you are up for a challenge then I recommend this run, but don't be fooled that its like the original Grim!
Happy running all!
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Club 5k Series - 1 of 6
Today was the first of the 6 Thames Valley 5k series.
These are 5ks organised by local clubs, inviting other local running clubs.
Rules are you wear your club vest and you have a number.
I wasn't too sure about tonight, work was busy and I was in a funny off mood for most of the day.
Even when I set off I was late due to work and got stuck in traffic, at 7 and still in Reading I came to terms with the fact I was going to make it.
Having to continue the route and going home that way, the traffic cleared and to my great surprise I got to the run on time!
As soon as I got there I was shocked, so many runners, definitely not what I had expected, but then again it being my first 5k series I wasn't sure what to expect!
I heard from @jonhino that this was an 'undulating' course, so I had figured it was going to be tough, slow and painful!
The great thing about wearing your club vest is that you can spot your own club runners easily! I joined another group of Dashers and found myself warming up with a couple.
All the runners then hurdled at the start, after a few warnings re the cars etc the 5k began.
Because of the large number I found the start congested, as a result I felt I had ground to cover and off I went passing many. I found my pace sustainable for the first 2miles but my breathing was intense!
Things were looking good, but the last mile was definitely painful! Not wanting to slow down or have the runners that I overtook, over take me I tried to keep going at the same pace, which was around 7.50min miles. But the last mile had a long windy gradual hill which definitely slowed me down! It was a struggle to keep the pace and it really drained my legs of every ounce of energy in them. But as you got to the top of the hill, the end was in sight!
I was so glad I made it and took part! Loved the support, encouragement and praise from the other Dashers at the end! Its such a great club!
The run itself was such a stress relief after a long a tough day at work and I just feel extremely energised and relaxed!
So my time by my Garmin was 24mins and 36 seconds, only 12 seconds of my PB which was on a flatter course!
I can not wait for the next 5k! Let's hope I can get a PB at one of the 5ks this summer!
Must calm down and get to bed!
Night all :) Happy running dreams!
These are 5ks organised by local clubs, inviting other local running clubs.
Rules are you wear your club vest and you have a number.
I wasn't too sure about tonight, work was busy and I was in a funny off mood for most of the day.
Even when I set off I was late due to work and got stuck in traffic, at 7 and still in Reading I came to terms with the fact I was going to make it.
Having to continue the route and going home that way, the traffic cleared and to my great surprise I got to the run on time!
As soon as I got there I was shocked, so many runners, definitely not what I had expected, but then again it being my first 5k series I wasn't sure what to expect!
I heard from @jonhino that this was an 'undulating' course, so I had figured it was going to be tough, slow and painful!
The great thing about wearing your club vest is that you can spot your own club runners easily! I joined another group of Dashers and found myself warming up with a couple.
All the runners then hurdled at the start, after a few warnings re the cars etc the 5k began.
Because of the large number I found the start congested, as a result I felt I had ground to cover and off I went passing many. I found my pace sustainable for the first 2miles but my breathing was intense!
Things were looking good, but the last mile was definitely painful! Not wanting to slow down or have the runners that I overtook, over take me I tried to keep going at the same pace, which was around 7.50min miles. But the last mile had a long windy gradual hill which definitely slowed me down! It was a struggle to keep the pace and it really drained my legs of every ounce of energy in them. But as you got to the top of the hill, the end was in sight!
I was so glad I made it and took part! Loved the support, encouragement and praise from the other Dashers at the end! Its such a great club!
The run itself was such a stress relief after a long a tough day at work and I just feel extremely energised and relaxed!
So my time by my Garmin was 24mins and 36 seconds, only 12 seconds of my PB which was on a flatter course!
I can not wait for the next 5k! Let's hope I can get a PB at one of the 5ks this summer!
Must calm down and get to bed!
Night all :) Happy running dreams!
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Week 20 Plan
Monday : Fitness Yoga @ Nuffields Health Gym Reading
Tuesday : Spinning in the morning and the first of the 5k Club series
Wednesday : 10k run
Thursday : 10k run
Friday : PT
Saturday :Blackpark Park Run
Sunday : 10k run
Tuesday : Spinning in the morning and the first of the 5k Club series
Wednesday : 10k run
Thursday : 10k run
Friday : PT
Saturday :Blackpark Park Run
Sunday : 10k run
Summary of Week 19 the Ups and Downs
Summary of the week - The ups and the downs
It seems like a very long week! in stead of boring you all with how my training went each day, I'm going to summarise the week as highlights and low lights.
Highlights
- My healthy eating this week! There were still a number of cakes consumed or chocolate throughout the week, but my meals were extremely healthy, esp my lunch which was a filling salad and I found I felt less hungry and tired in the afternoons!
- Seeing some weight loss! I'm now down to 9.2lbs after being 9.7lbs just before the Marathon. Just 4lbs to go which is the aim for my birthday.
- Returning to Spin! Definitely a class I will keep going to.
- Running the Beast in the East
- 4 great sessions this week inc The Beast in the East.
Low Lights
- Working long hours at work and long days in general ( 5am starts most mornings)
- Missing the club session on Tuesday
- Disappointed with my time at the Beast in the East and wondering if I could of pushed myself harder.
- Not running as many miles as last week
Overall it was a good week, time to focus on next week :)
It seems like a very long week! in stead of boring you all with how my training went each day, I'm going to summarise the week as highlights and low lights.
Highlights
- My healthy eating this week! There were still a number of cakes consumed or chocolate throughout the week, but my meals were extremely healthy, esp my lunch which was a filling salad and I found I felt less hungry and tired in the afternoons!
- Seeing some weight loss! I'm now down to 9.2lbs after being 9.7lbs just before the Marathon. Just 4lbs to go which is the aim for my birthday.
- Returning to Spin! Definitely a class I will keep going to.
- Running the Beast in the East
- 4 great sessions this week inc The Beast in the East.
Low Lights
- Working long hours at work and long days in general ( 5am starts most mornings)
- Missing the club session on Tuesday
- Disappointed with my time at the Beast in the East and wondering if I could of pushed myself harder.
- Not running as many miles as last week
Overall it was a good week, time to focus on next week :)
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Week 19 Plan
Monday - Sporting Circuits @ Nuffield Gym ( If I wake on time)
Tuesday - Club run
Wednesday - PT
Thursday - 8 miles run
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Beast in the East! This will be fun! No time in mind, just will enjoy myself!
Sunday - Rest
Keeping things light and easy this week so I'm recovered enough for the Beast in the East on Saturday. This is part of the Grim Challenge series, with the theme this time being the ' down hills are as bad as the up hills.'
Tuesday - Club run
Wednesday - PT
Thursday - 8 miles run
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Beast in the East! This will be fun! No time in mind, just will enjoy myself!
Sunday - Rest
Keeping things light and easy this week so I'm recovered enough for the Beast in the East on Saturday. This is part of the Grim Challenge series, with the theme this time being the ' down hills are as bad as the up hills.'
Week 18 Summary update
This has been a intense week with training.
I must be still running on Marathon high, with having ran 37.7 miles this week, the longest being 13 miles and one of my fastest 8 miles at the beginning of the week!
But I have to reign myself in, I'm suffering right now. Extremely tired and run down, as a result I've got mouth ulcers which are extremely painful.
And with Windsor Half Marathon 4 months away do I really need to be training for it right now?
So here's a quick up date
Monday - I ran a quick 8 miles ( my fastest!) The whole way around I pushed myself, and I'm extremely proud of myself for keeping it going and not giving up. The interval and speed sessions with the club are definitely helping. I'm getting used to and less scared of the pain and pushing myself, something I have struggled with for years.
Tuesday - I did a quick 30 minutes on the cross trainer and abs, followed with the Club run in the evening. The session was fun, but I should of pushed myself.
We ran 6 x 600m and 3 x 200. The 600m is marked out with starts according to your 5k PB, and you start at your marker, this is so you are running the distance in the same time as everyone else regardless of where they start. ( So you may not be running the full 600m)
My 5k PB is 24mins 24 seconds, but instead of starting by the 24mins marker I opted for 26! This is what I meant when I said I didn't push myself!
I did feel slightly disappointed in myself but I won't make the same mistake next week!
Wednesday - PT session. This started with a warm up run followed by 8 x 300m sprints. Followed with a mixture of lunges, squats, back exercises, chest, bi and tris! So a complete body workout.
Thursday - This was supposed to be my rest day but I couldn't resist to do a lil run.
It was a short sweet 4 miles on the treadmill, with 5k being fast!
Friday - Recovery run of 8 miles.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 13 miles. I woke this morning thinking of cancelling my run not feeling so great. But not wanting to let me friend down I went along! I don't think she wanted to run the full distance as planned, as she suggested we could shorten it, but I was feeling okay so we carried on! And I'm glad 13 miles in 1hr 56 a steady pace all around! We both did good, although I've suffered since!
Tired now! Time to rest and recharge for the coming week! :)
I must be still running on Marathon high, with having ran 37.7 miles this week, the longest being 13 miles and one of my fastest 8 miles at the beginning of the week!
But I have to reign myself in, I'm suffering right now. Extremely tired and run down, as a result I've got mouth ulcers which are extremely painful.
And with Windsor Half Marathon 4 months away do I really need to be training for it right now?
So here's a quick up date
Monday - I ran a quick 8 miles ( my fastest!) The whole way around I pushed myself, and I'm extremely proud of myself for keeping it going and not giving up. The interval and speed sessions with the club are definitely helping. I'm getting used to and less scared of the pain and pushing myself, something I have struggled with for years.
Tuesday - I did a quick 30 minutes on the cross trainer and abs, followed with the Club run in the evening. The session was fun, but I should of pushed myself.
We ran 6 x 600m and 3 x 200. The 600m is marked out with starts according to your 5k PB, and you start at your marker, this is so you are running the distance in the same time as everyone else regardless of where they start. ( So you may not be running the full 600m)
My 5k PB is 24mins 24 seconds, but instead of starting by the 24mins marker I opted for 26! This is what I meant when I said I didn't push myself!
I did feel slightly disappointed in myself but I won't make the same mistake next week!
Wednesday - PT session. This started with a warm up run followed by 8 x 300m sprints. Followed with a mixture of lunges, squats, back exercises, chest, bi and tris! So a complete body workout.
Thursday - This was supposed to be my rest day but I couldn't resist to do a lil run.
It was a short sweet 4 miles on the treadmill, with 5k being fast!
Friday - Recovery run of 8 miles.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 13 miles. I woke this morning thinking of cancelling my run not feeling so great. But not wanting to let me friend down I went along! I don't think she wanted to run the full distance as planned, as she suggested we could shorten it, but I was feeling okay so we carried on! And I'm glad 13 miles in 1hr 56 a steady pace all around! We both did good, although I've suffered since!
Tired now! Time to rest and recharge for the coming week! :)
Friday, 6 May 2011
2011 Events Calendar - UPDATED
My updated Even't calendar! It's really filling up this year! Pink highlighted items are new additions!
It's agreat year for running!
2011 Events
It's agreat year for running!
2011 Events
May 14th - Beast in the East
July 2nd - Runnymeade Relay
July 3rd - Windsor Race for Life - Marshalling this event
July 17th - Wycombe 10
4th September - Swallowfield 10kJuly 30th - Dorney 10k Dash - Marshalling this event
July 2nd - Runnymeade Relay
July 3rd - Windsor Race for Life - Marshalling this event
July 17th - Wycombe 10
4th September - Swallowfield 10kJuly 30th - Dorney 10k Dash - Marshalling this event
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Virgin London Marathon 2011 - Pictures
The good, the bad.... and the awfully painful looking ones!
But what an achievement!
But what an achievement!
Monday, 2 May 2011
Week 18 - Training Plan
Its the return of weekly training plans and updates!
I did put together a post Marathon training plan which I will start to follow the week commencing May 16th ( 14th May is the Beast in the East 10k Run ) you will see the plan I dreamt up during Marathon Taper weeks in action!
We are into week 18 of the year and now my focus turns to toning, speed work and the Windsor Half Marathon in September!
I have a goal to beat my Windsor half PB of 1hr 54 this year!
Training Plan for this week
Monday - Fast 8 miles ( I was over the moon with my run today! )
Tuesday - Club run ( haven't checked the training schedule so no idea what we will be doing )
Wednesday - PT
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 7mile run and Yoga
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 13 miles run!
I'm happy about my running and keeping up the miles each week! Hoping this will help me achieve my Half Marathon goal!
Happy training all!
I did put together a post Marathon training plan which I will start to follow the week commencing May 16th ( 14th May is the Beast in the East 10k Run ) you will see the plan I dreamt up during Marathon Taper weeks in action!
We are into week 18 of the year and now my focus turns to toning, speed work and the Windsor Half Marathon in September!
I have a goal to beat my Windsor half PB of 1hr 54 this year!
Training Plan for this week
Monday - Fast 8 miles ( I was over the moon with my run today! )
Tuesday - Club run ( haven't checked the training schedule so no idea what we will be doing )
Wednesday - PT
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 7mile run and Yoga
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 13 miles run!
I'm happy about my running and keeping up the miles each week! Hoping this will help me achieve my Half Marathon goal!
Happy training all!
Virgin London Marathon - My day
So I know Marathon day was a very very long day ago! Well two weeks and 1 day ago and it’s a little sad (on my part) I'm writing my blog post now!
But even two weeks on and the 26 miles in the past, all the #VLM tweets in tweet history! The day still remains in my head like it was yesterday! Words cannot describe how amazing the day was,one of the most memorable days of my life to date! My first ever Marathon, who would of thought it! (Not me!)
I completed the 26 miles in 4hr 22 and feeling absolutely fine! No stopping, no giving up and no struggling! That positive mental attitude talk actually works (obviously with all the training.)
The build up to the day was a little rocky! I fell ill with a stomach bug the week of the Marathon, and 4 days before I was struggling to get out of bed let alone think about running the London Marathon! But I survived and recovered... Thank you to @Jonhinio, @pinkcycling and @XFmgirl for your tweets at the time :)
The day began early, 4.30am as I got up to get ready and be on the Dashers coach at 6.30am! It was great going up with the club, tips and advice and talks about random things to keep our minds off the gruelling journey ahead! I did however get extremely nervous and worried about all the gels and prep everyone else seemed to be doing! I only had my cliff shot blocks, no gels and no porridge etc. Breakfast had been eaten before catching the coach! Would I be okay?
I was starting with the red masses and pen 7. The two hours before the start I spent with my aunt’s friend, who was also running it, trying to keep her calm. She was having some serious nerves issues! This kept my mind of my Marathon run! A few trips to the loo, cup of coffee and a nibble of my cliff cereal bar! And we were off packing our bags and taking off the extra layers! It was a warm day but I still wore my bin liner (just because my friend took the time to cut a head and arms out for me the night before.)
I wondered off to my pen, in a sea of people, nervously looking around and I spotted @CLO_V at the back of a girls vest! That's Chloe from twitter. So I wondered over and patted her on the shoulder (after she had finished stretching) and introduced myself! We began chatting, and it was really calming! (Thanks Chloe) The start buzzer went off, we all cheered and the walk to start began! So we waited, and waited, walked slowly, wondering where the start was! About 5 -10 mins later we got to the start and the Marathon began!
And off I went, extremely slow and unsure what pace I needed to run! I was conscious of the fact that I had been ill that week, so I wasn’t sure if it would impact me. The first few miles were good, the day was still cool, and plenty of people cheering us all on. We were also still the red start and yet to join everyone else! It got a little tighter as all the starts joined, all this congestion was something I had never experienced or expected!
But even two weeks on and the 26 miles in the past, all the #VLM tweets in tweet history! The day still remains in my head like it was yesterday! Words cannot describe how amazing the day was,one of the most memorable days of my life to date! My first ever Marathon, who would of thought it! (Not me!)
I completed the 26 miles in 4hr 22 and feeling absolutely fine! No stopping, no giving up and no struggling! That positive mental attitude talk actually works (obviously with all the training.)
The build up to the day was a little rocky! I fell ill with a stomach bug the week of the Marathon, and 4 days before I was struggling to get out of bed let alone think about running the London Marathon! But I survived and recovered... Thank you to @Jonhinio, @pinkcycling and @XFmgirl for your tweets at the time :)
The day began early, 4.30am as I got up to get ready and be on the Dashers coach at 6.30am! It was great going up with the club, tips and advice and talks about random things to keep our minds off the gruelling journey ahead! I did however get extremely nervous and worried about all the gels and prep everyone else seemed to be doing! I only had my cliff shot blocks, no gels and no porridge etc. Breakfast had been eaten before catching the coach! Would I be okay?
I was starting with the red masses and pen 7. The two hours before the start I spent with my aunt’s friend, who was also running it, trying to keep her calm. She was having some serious nerves issues! This kept my mind of my Marathon run! A few trips to the loo, cup of coffee and a nibble of my cliff cereal bar! And we were off packing our bags and taking off the extra layers! It was a warm day but I still wore my bin liner (just because my friend took the time to cut a head and arms out for me the night before.)
I wondered off to my pen, in a sea of people, nervously looking around and I spotted @CLO_V at the back of a girls vest! That's Chloe from twitter. So I wondered over and patted her on the shoulder (after she had finished stretching) and introduced myself! We began chatting, and it was really calming! (Thanks Chloe) The start buzzer went off, we all cheered and the walk to start began! So we waited, and waited, walked slowly, wondering where the start was! About 5 -10 mins later we got to the start and the Marathon began!
And off I went, extremely slow and unsure what pace I needed to run! I was conscious of the fact that I had been ill that week, so I wasn’t sure if it would impact me. The first few miles were good, the day was still cool, and plenty of people cheering us all on. We were also still the red start and yet to join everyone else! It got a little tighter as all the starts joined, all this congestion was something I had never experienced or expected!
But as we got to 9 miles the day was getting extremely hot! I kept my pace going, although I did worry if the heat will slow me down! Instead of panicking, I resigned to the fact that my aim was no longer a sub 4hrs 20min marathon, it was simply to complete it, running the whole way around. I saw my friends at mile 9, who cheered me on, I was slightly embarrassed but I got used to the ‘Go Pav’ as the miles ticked away!
The next mile stone was London Bridge! What an amazing sight! At every mile I had a reason to get to the next, with miles in head they ticked away so quickly! The crowds were amazing!
I spotted my friends again at Mile 18 and Mile 19, also the Miscarriage Association team at Mile 18 where I grabbed a slice of Orange and offloaded my water bottle! Thank you for being there; it helped me get around knowing I had supporters and friends on route!
The crowds were amazing! Around mile 19 I spotted CLO_V, and gave her a little rub on her back! It was nice seeing a familiar face on route! Well done you!
My favourite was the last 6 miles, as I got closer to the finish I felt more and more energised! After 23 miles at the last Lucazade station (run by the Datchet Dashers) I saw a banner above saying 2.5miles to go! There was nothing stopping me then! As I entered St James Park, it was nothing I could have imagined! The amount of people and all the support from them was just amazing! The crowd’s definitely kept me going. As I turned the corner to the finish I had a glimpse of myself on the big screen, which really embarrassed me, but then I spotted my best friend in the grand stand I blew her a kiss and sprinted to the finish to claim a rightfully deserved medal! (The medal has not yet left my sight)
I would do the Marathon all over again! The training and pain was all worth it on the day. One of the greatest Marathons on the planet surely! (2012 ballot has been entered!)
Thank you to all who came to support and ran! It really made this day memorable and I'm extremely proud of myself and everyone who completed!
The reason I ran was for my unborn nephew, Baby Khaira, raising money for The Miscarriage Association. With every ones support I raised a grand total of £2,026. Thank you very much!
The next mile stone was London Bridge! What an amazing sight! At every mile I had a reason to get to the next, with miles in head they ticked away so quickly! The crowds were amazing!
I spotted my friends again at Mile 18 and Mile 19, also the Miscarriage Association team at Mile 18 where I grabbed a slice of Orange and offloaded my water bottle! Thank you for being there; it helped me get around knowing I had supporters and friends on route!
The crowds were amazing! Around mile 19 I spotted CLO_V, and gave her a little rub on her back! It was nice seeing a familiar face on route! Well done you!
My favourite was the last 6 miles, as I got closer to the finish I felt more and more energised! After 23 miles at the last Lucazade station (run by the Datchet Dashers) I saw a banner above saying 2.5miles to go! There was nothing stopping me then! As I entered St James Park, it was nothing I could have imagined! The amount of people and all the support from them was just amazing! The crowd’s definitely kept me going. As I turned the corner to the finish I had a glimpse of myself on the big screen, which really embarrassed me, but then I spotted my best friend in the grand stand I blew her a kiss and sprinted to the finish to claim a rightfully deserved medal! (The medal has not yet left my sight)
I would do the Marathon all over again! The training and pain was all worth it on the day. One of the greatest Marathons on the planet surely! (2012 ballot has been entered!)
Thank you to all who came to support and ran! It really made this day memorable and I'm extremely proud of myself and everyone who completed!
The reason I ran was for my unborn nephew, Baby Khaira, raising money for The Miscarriage Association. With every ones support I raised a grand total of £2,026. Thank you very much!
Here are a few pics, once i have the official shots i will upload for every one to admire :)
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Post Marathon Training Plan
So I lost my Marathon Blog!
I will have to re-write tomorrow!
But here's a quick and easy one ...
My Training Plan
I want to shake the training up, do a bit of everything and get stronger in other ways not just running!
Monday : Sporting Circuits class at Reading
Tuesday : Spinning and Legs in the Am, Datchet Dashers in the PM
Wednesday : Rest
Thursday : 6 - 10 miles run
Friday : PT in the am and Yoga in the pm
Saturday : Park run on alternative weekends
Sunday : Long Runs 10 - 16 miles
I'm looking forward to crazy hours in the gym and outside!
Let's see how it goes...
How can I monitor my progress?
Look out for my Marathon blog tomorrow :)
I will have to re-write tomorrow!
But here's a quick and easy one ...
My Training Plan
I want to shake the training up, do a bit of everything and get stronger in other ways not just running!
Monday : Sporting Circuits class at Reading
Tuesday : Spinning and Legs in the Am, Datchet Dashers in the PM
Wednesday : Rest
Thursday : 6 - 10 miles run
Friday : PT in the am and Yoga in the pm
Saturday : Park run on alternative weekends
Sunday : Long Runs 10 - 16 miles
I'm looking forward to crazy hours in the gym and outside!
Let's see how it goes...
How can I monitor my progress?
Look out for my Marathon blog tomorrow :)
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Pre Marathon Thoughts
The London marathon is next Sunday! Wow it has really come around super fast! But looking back it’s a journey I’m glad I went through. I see my Marathon training as a journey because of how I’ve come to terms with a number of things in my life and also accepting myself and being happy with who I am and how I look.
This was the first year that I had ever thought of running the marathon, after not getting through via the Ballot I put that dream to one side, telling myself I will try again next year. But then I got the opportunity to run for the Miscarriage Association in Early December, running in memory of my Nephew who I never met but really did being us a lot of happiness over the 18 weeks my sister in law carried him.
I was a little shocked and unsure if I would be able to run a marathon, but having such a great cause to Run for I really did want to do myself justice both with training and fundraising.
So over the last 4 months I’ve been training, I would like to say training like crazy, but in fact in reality training sensibly.
Having the Marathon to train for has taught me some valuable lessons, one being that I am not super girl and my body cannot go through 6 day of gym and 30 miles of running, with limited hours of sleep or food!
It also taught me to be happy with my weight, having been a bigger girl once and losing 3 stones, weight management has been a big part of my life. But it was also something I obsessed about, luckily I’ve seen sense and I can be happy at the weight I am and not worry about the additional pound here or there. My main love is running and exercising and I’m happy and blessed that I have the life, health and family support to do so.
I’ve pushed my body passed what I thought I could do, and I’ve also found new goals to aim for after the Marathon. As a result of running the marathon I joined Datchet Dashers running club and I look back and think why not sooner! Already I’m doing things that I really didn’t before in running, I’m enjoying the variety of interval sessions and also running with other runners who share the same passion and drive!
So with only 12 days to go, I will be resting, preparing and carb loading! I cannot wait to run with the other 36,000 Marathon runners and just enjoy the atmosphere! Definitely will be a memorable day!
Good luck to all the other runners out there and thank you to everyone who’s supported me especially my sister and my trainer J
See you on the big day!
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Kingston Breakfast Run
Today I ran the Kingston Breakfast Run which is organised by Human Race Events. You could either run the 8.2miles course or the 16miles course. I took part in the 16 miles race which started at 8.35am!
It was an early start for me, as we all know the clocks went forward so we lost one hour sleep! I went to bed early last night, a little worried about whether I would have the lower abdomen pains this morning. Ever since the Reading half last week I have been suffering with lower abdomen pains, this morning I took two ibuprofens as a precaution and luckily I had no pains. However this was cramp week (I suffer from strange stomach cramps two weeks in a month, which occur within the first 10 mins of any run, leaving me doubled up and in a lot of pain.) To avoid this happening during the run, I did a little warm run and let the cramp happen before the start of the race! Have to say bodies are strange things.
The race began, it was staggered starts with the 8.2 mile runners starting off first, the sub 2 hours runners setting of next and the others with over sub 2 hours start going last. I was in this group at the end.
This felt completely different from last week where I was stressed, not focused, and worried about time. I didn’t worry about my time at all this run; this was a simple warm up run before the London marathon day. No PB’s to beat, no time in mind; it was just a case of getting around.
And get around I did, the run took my 2hrs and 24 minutes to complete. Apart from the sole of my feet hurting I found the run comfortable and enjoyable, I thought two laps of the same course would be a struggle! In fact I enjoyed running the first course and then looked forward to running the last 8 miles! It was nice to be among runners who were also pacing themselves and also my trainer ran beside me most of the course and it really helped the miles tick away quicker.
I was extremely happy to reach the end, it was a well organised event and I loved my Mug I got at the end! I’m now in a position where I feel comfortable for the marathon. It was good to run at a marathon pace today, although I don’t see myself running this pace on the day but it was a nice treat!
Thank you to Human Race events for the great event! I’m looking forward to the pictures, as I tried to smile at the smile zones.
Now I’m tapering off till Marathon day, it’s a nice feeling but also I’m not sure how I’ll fill my time if I’m reducing my training!
Good luck to all the runners and well done to all the runners at the Breakfast run today.
I'm running the Virgin London Marathon on behalf of the Miscarriage Association http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PavanjeetKhaira
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Reading Half Marathon 2011
The Sunday gone I ran my fourth Reading half Marathon! I would love to say my time was a new PB, however I was slower than previous years! Still finishing with a sub 2hr time, which is very respectable I think! J
I’m not sure what was going on with me during the run, I felt extremely weak and unfocused and suffered with some unusual lower abdominal pains. At one point I thought I may have to stop running all together, but I thought about the Marathon day and told myself come whatever I would have to complete the 26 mile course regardless of pain or anything.
So with this in mind, and a little defeated with the fact I would not make the time I wanted I carried on running, and I was over the moon when I reached the stadium!
Yay to me for completing it and getting through the mental and pain barrier that went up in the first 5k!
Thoughts are I will be back next year and I will be faster and fitter!
But the event itself like every year didn’t disappoint, the atmosphere and support was amazing and the finish never stops to amaze me. Finishing in that stadium with so many supporters and spectators is a unforgettable experience and one of the reasons I come back each year! Well done to all the thousands of runners taking part and completing!
Next stop is Kingston Breakfast run after which it will be countdown to Marathon day!
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PavanjeetKhaira
Running the Virgin London Marathon 2011 on Behalf of the Miscarriage Association
Running the Virgin London Marathon 2011 on Behalf of the Miscarriage Association
Monday, 14 March 2011
20 Mile club training run
Yesterday I ran 20 miles with the club and I was spot on with my target time of 3hr 15 mins.
I had a very restless sleep the night before; believe it or not I was extremely nervous! I wasn’t sure what to expect, having never ran this distance before and also to be running with the club and other local clubs I was worried about my performance! That being said this wasn’t a race but a training run planned and marshalled by the Datchet Dashers.
Thoughts after the run were how well organised and planned it all was, and not forgetting how lovely and supportive all the marshals were! I really appreciated all the jelly babies’ water stations! This is something I would never have had a chance to join in with or take advantage of if I hadn’t joined the club.
I’m still shocked I managed to run the full 20miles, and this isn’t down to struggling with running but more so the hills! I wasn’t prepared for the hills as it was a route I had never ran, so I wasn’t aware of the hills that were ahead. The route route took us through old Windsor, up towards Savills Court hotel, past the Polo Guards and around Virginia Waters Lake and back home through Old Windsor! It’s amazing how on the way back the dips in the road you hadn’t noticed seemed hilly on the way back!
It’s definitely an event I will try to run again next year or come along to help as a Marshall.
I was greeted at the end by some of the Marshals and runners and they were extremely encouraging and also gave great advice about the actual Marathon and assured me that it is not hilly like the route the club had just ran!
So this takes me to 5 weeks of training left till the big day. Below is my plan for the next 5 weekend runs.
March 20th – Reading Half Marathon
March 27th – 16 Mile Kingston Breakfast run
3rd April – 23 Miles
10th April – 13-15 miles
17th April – Marathon Day!
Friday, 11 March 2011
A little bit of fun while training
Oh my gosh, I’m sore! Legs, bum, thighs hurt! I would like to say it’s down to running, but thinking of this morning reminds me that it’s not the running but the little competition me and my trainer had!
This morning I had my weekly personal training. Workout was pretty much the same as previous few weeks, focused on drop sets and working all major muscle groups it was nothing different apart from me pushing myself a little bit more than last few weeks.
However my trainer and I got a little competitive at the end. We choose to do wall squats super set with hamstring curls. The competition became who can stay in the squat position for the longest. I was up first and lasted 2 mins, thought this was a very respectable time. I was then beaten with 2 mins and 30 sec; I followed this with 2 mins 35 secs. Although I thought I could see flames of my legs I feeling the burn that much! Unfortunately I was beaten with 3mins and 30secs! In total i did 6mins and 30secs of wall squats! This was on top on the leg press, lateral lunges and hamstring curls in the same session!
But we have a re-match planned! I may just suggest adding in a few more competitions like push ups, plank and other body weight assisted exercises!
So far Trainer 1 Pav 0!
Let’s see if I can redeem myself over the next few weeks!
Give it a go with your friend / partner or trainer! It's amazing the lengths you will go to win!
Training Plans Week 11-12 2011
With the next two weekends filled with a run, training will be at its minimal allowing my legs to rest for the Reading Half marathon and the Kingston Breakfast run.
I have PB time aspirations for both, hoping to break my half marathon PB of 1hr 54 at the Reading half marathon and setting a respectable time at the Kingston 16mile Breakfast run ( 2hrs 25mins).
Here’s the Plan
Monday: Personal Training
Tuesday: Datchet Dashers
Wednesday: 10 mile run
Thursday – Saturday: Stretching / Resting
Sunday – Reading Half Marathon, Kingston Breakfast Run.
It will be hard to rest in-between, but after over training for the Grim challenge in earlier in the year i don’t want to let myself down because I’m over trained and under rested!
For those of you who are also running a race in the next few weeks what does your training plan in the week building up to the race look like? Advice / tips would be greatly appreciated.
For this week I have the 20 mile club run to look forward to! Having already ran 26 miles this week, Sunday will definitely be interesting if not a slight struggle>
Take Care all and hope you all have a lovely weekend! You’ll see my tweeting away on Sunday wishing all a good Sunday run x
Virgin London Marathon 2011
5 weeks and 2 days to go .... focus recently has been solely on training and fundraising. As the Marathon gets closer both training and fundraising pressures are increasing. I’m very fortunate however that the support I’ve received from my friends and family has been superb and I’ve been able to enjoy the fundraising aspect of the Marathon! With the aim to raise as much money as possible for the Miscarriage Association I will be working hard over the next few weeks to raise more as much money as possible. Currently I’m doing a free champagne prize draw at work, for a chance to win all my collegues need to do is sponsor me ! Other thoughts are to bribe them with cakes!
One of the memories I’m definitely taking away with me from this marathon is being part of the Marathon 2011 team for the Miscarriage Association. I have enjoyed the frequent communication and support from Ruth, Penny and the team members via face book and email. And it’s great to have that support and encouragement, to keep you going and focused with the training and also fundraising. I can’t wait to run past their support station at the 18 miles mark and I’m extremely proud of running for such a great association! I’m sure the rest of the team feel the same!
I can’t believe how quickly the weeks have ticked away since getting my place back in December. Over the next 5 weeks I will be running the Reading half marathon and the Kingston Breakfast run and the marathon! This gives me 2 weekends only to attempt a 20 mile run (this Sunday with the dashers) and 22-23 miles as I want to be prepared for the wall!
I’m sure other runners training for the marathon will agree that this is something quiet extraordinary and I don’t know if I speak for everyone but the Long Sunday runs are actually enjoyable!
Having only seen the London marathon on TV I have no idea of how amazing the atmosphere and the support will be! I can’t wait! I will definitely enjoy every moment, and take a lot of lasting memories with me!
In the mean time however I have the Club 20 miles this Sunday, Reading Half next weekend and the Kingston Breakfast run the weekend after! A lot to keep me busy and focused on the big day!
Happy marathon training x
Brief Update Week 8 - 10
I feel awful, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything and it just been due to being extremely busy with work, training and the new man in my life!
But training is going extremely well! I didn’t manage to do a long run the weekend gone but the weekend before I ran 19.3 miles! It was hard and slow but I was able to keep going, although my knees were extremely sore! Hopefully there is no lasting damage! It’s given me the confidence I needed.
In the last few weeks I have also joined the Datchet Dashers and since my last update went along to their 5k time trail and a 4 x 6 min interval session! Both were fast sessions and extremely intense compared to how hard I push myself on my own.
I am looking forward to running with and potentially as part of the Dashers in the near / far future. As a result of joining them another run has been updated to my events calendar and this is the clubs 10k Dorney Dash! It’s been a while (5 years) since I’ve attempted a 10k race and I’m already looking forward to it. Having ran 6 miles in 50mins this Monday gone my aim will definitely in the high 40 mins mark!
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Week 8 2011 Training Plan
Time is really ticking away
4 weeks to Reading Half
5 weeks till Kingston Half
8 weeks till the London Marathon!
Here's week 8s plan to get me ready for my next challenge!
Monday : Lunch time Abs Class
Tuesday: Datchet Dashers - 5k Time Trail
Wednesday: Weights -all over inc some
single leg squats and lunges on bosu
Thursday: 10k (Aim is 58 mins)
Friday: PT
Saturday : Rest
Sunday: 18- 20 miles
4 weeks to Reading Half
5 weeks till Kingston Half
8 weeks till the London Marathon!
Here's week 8s plan to get me ready for my next challenge!
Monday : Lunch time Abs Class
Tuesday: Datchet Dashers - 5k Time Trail
Wednesday: Weights -all over inc some
single leg squats and lunges on bosu
Thursday: 10k (Aim is 58 mins)
Friday: PT
Saturday : Rest
Sunday: 18- 20 miles
My Fall! Its not cool at all!
I've ran through ice, snow, wind, rain, mud, puddles, up and down steep hills and I've never fallen!
What happens on a flat road! I trip! How? I have no idea! All I remember is losing my balance and flying slowly forward! I landed straight on my left knee and my hands! At the time I remember going 'ouch.'
Yes that was my reaction! My trainer was extremely concerned, she had obviously seen me fall on my knee and her first concern was if my knee was okay!
To be honest at the time, I felt nothing on my knee it was more my hands! I definitely thought my hands would be cut up! But nothing, not even a small graze. I didn't even think to check my knee because it felt fine.
I dusted myself off and got running again! It was only a 4.5 mile run. And even with the fall I managed to run it faster than the week before! Now that's pretty impressive! When I got to the end I went to check my knee and I was shocked. It was a deep graze and cut and bloody! At the time I was more proud of having a wound to show from my fall! And show off I did for most of the day!
Today I feel very differently, I've limped for the whole day, it hurts when I bend my knee, its kept me up most of the night with the pain and I wonder if ill make it around 18 miles tomorrow!?
If its not falling sick, over training, under eating, fighting against the elements and running injuries it now dealing with a cut knee! Training for the Marathon is a experience I will never forget and all these lil moments are part of the experience!
Takes me back to my child hood when I had grazed knees from all the playground falls! Not so cool at the age of 27!
I'll live another day! I just wish I do myself justice tomorrow :)
Wishing all the other VLM runners the best x
What happens on a flat road! I trip! How? I have no idea! All I remember is losing my balance and flying slowly forward! I landed straight on my left knee and my hands! At the time I remember going 'ouch.'
Yes that was my reaction! My trainer was extremely concerned, she had obviously seen me fall on my knee and her first concern was if my knee was okay!
To be honest at the time, I felt nothing on my knee it was more my hands! I definitely thought my hands would be cut up! But nothing, not even a small graze. I didn't even think to check my knee because it felt fine.
I dusted myself off and got running again! It was only a 4.5 mile run. And even with the fall I managed to run it faster than the week before! Now that's pretty impressive! When I got to the end I went to check my knee and I was shocked. It was a deep graze and cut and bloody! At the time I was more proud of having a wound to show from my fall! And show off I did for most of the day!
Today I feel very differently, I've limped for the whole day, it hurts when I bend my knee, its kept me up most of the night with the pain and I wonder if ill make it around 18 miles tomorrow!?
If its not falling sick, over training, under eating, fighting against the elements and running injuries it now dealing with a cut knee! Training for the Marathon is a experience I will never forget and all these lil moments are part of the experience!
Takes me back to my child hood when I had grazed knees from all the playground falls! Not so cool at the age of 27!
I'll live another day! I just wish I do myself justice tomorrow :)
Wishing all the other VLM runners the best x
Thursday, 17 February 2011
10k Aspirations
I got to start making my 10k count.
In terms of times I never monitor my 10k times. Its a run myself and my running partner do as a extra weekly run to add mileage rather than focus on how we are performing over this distance!
Over the weeks I've noticed our times slip and its taking us longer by a minute or two, but it should be improvement we aim for!
This 6.5miles should be a tempo run, get some 10k race pace in! So this week the 6.5miles took me 1hr next week I want this to be 58 mins! I know two mins is a a bit ambitious but today was an usually slower run, so the 58 mins is not unobtainable!
In terms of times I never monitor my 10k times. Its a run myself and my running partner do as a extra weekly run to add mileage rather than focus on how we are performing over this distance!
Over the weeks I've noticed our times slip and its taking us longer by a minute or two, but it should be improvement we aim for!
This 6.5miles should be a tempo run, get some 10k race pace in! So this week the 6.5miles took me 1hr next week I want this to be 58 mins! I know two mins is a a bit ambitious but today was an usually slower run, so the 58 mins is not unobtainable!
Joining the Datchet Dashers
This is my training highlight of the week!
I went to along to the Datchet Dashers Tuesday run this week and it was so much fun!
I was really nervous driving down after work, and if I'm completely honest I was ready to give it a miss completely!
Once I got their I was extremely nervous, this was strange, everyone knew each other and it was like being the new girl at school! You may be shocked but I'm extremely shy when I first meet new people and struggle to converse, I just end up smiling and shying away!
Thank fully I had emailed the team captain and asked prior to Tuesday if I could join so she knew I was expected.
There must have been 20 people at the club that night and apparently a lot more hadn't attended due to the grim weather.
I was highly impressed how well organised the club is and how many events they have for the year.
The run set off and I was still a little lost at this point, everyone seemed to pair of apart from me! I had no partner, a little disheartened at this point I didn't give up on the smiling!
Once we got to the park and relays was explained we all paired up and the team captain kindly enough paired up with me. I had no idea what to expect, we had to run around one part of the park as fast as we could and than tag your partner who runs. This was done in two sets of 15min relays. It was extremely tough, I avoid intervals like the plague so throwing myself into this was a huge surprise to myself! Its amazing how far you can push yourself especially when you can hear someone speeding up behind you!
In between the relays I was able to get to know the other runners, and they were all so lovely and welcoming!
Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to there Thursdays session, and this has nothing to do with my legs still being sore from the Relays on Tuesday! I definitely plan to go along to their next session on Tuesday which is a 5k time trail!
I never thought I was good enough to be part of a club, and after running with the dashers I've learnt that I can!
I went to along to the Datchet Dashers Tuesday run this week and it was so much fun!
I was really nervous driving down after work, and if I'm completely honest I was ready to give it a miss completely!
Once I got their I was extremely nervous, this was strange, everyone knew each other and it was like being the new girl at school! You may be shocked but I'm extremely shy when I first meet new people and struggle to converse, I just end up smiling and shying away!
Thank fully I had emailed the team captain and asked prior to Tuesday if I could join so she knew I was expected.
There must have been 20 people at the club that night and apparently a lot more hadn't attended due to the grim weather.
I was highly impressed how well organised the club is and how many events they have for the year.
The run set off and I was still a little lost at this point, everyone seemed to pair of apart from me! I had no partner, a little disheartened at this point I didn't give up on the smiling!
Once we got to the park and relays was explained we all paired up and the team captain kindly enough paired up with me. I had no idea what to expect, we had to run around one part of the park as fast as we could and than tag your partner who runs. This was done in two sets of 15min relays. It was extremely tough, I avoid intervals like the plague so throwing myself into this was a huge surprise to myself! Its amazing how far you can push yourself especially when you can hear someone speeding up behind you!
In between the relays I was able to get to know the other runners, and they were all so lovely and welcoming!
Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to there Thursdays session, and this has nothing to do with my legs still being sore from the Relays on Tuesday! I definitely plan to go along to their next session on Tuesday which is a 5k time trail!
I never thought I was good enough to be part of a club, and after running with the dashers I've learnt that I can!
Monday, 14 February 2011
Week 6 2011 -Getting my confidence back
The whole week I’ve not really felt 100% while working out, I even struggled with completing a 10k on Wednesday, and it got a little frustrating and I began to worry about my Long run on the weekend!
Well I had nothing to worry about, I achieved 16.4 miles in 2hrs 35mins yesterday and I am extremely happy with my time and distance. I think the highlight was how good I felt and how I still had the energy to keep going a few more miles!
When I set off for my run, last week’s disaster of a run was the only thing on my mind, I was so worried I would hit the wall and not get around. But this week was completely different. At no point did I flag, instead I kept a steady and sustainable pace the whole time, even though it mean my half marathon time wasn’t a sub 2hr time. The aim of this run for me was never the time it was the distance and getting around, I needed to know and prove to myself I could do this!
And I did, I’ve never gone home with such a big smile on my face and it ended with I love running! This was my longest run in my whole running life and I’m shocked at home comfortable it felt!
Things which I did differently this run was i took along a isotonic sports drink and also some Cliff shot blocks which I took two of at the 13mile maker! I definitely think they helped and gave me that little kick to keep going the last 3 miles; they will definitely be a part of my run’s moving forward now!
I’m now looking forward to hitting the next ‘mile’stone of 18miles!
Week 7 2011 - Training Plan
Week 6 was fantastic, and I think the new plan of 4 workouts and less of the 5am starts has made a difference not only with my training but generally with my day to day life!
I’ve just spent this morning also entering into two new runs! The Beast in the East and Grim Original 2011! These being in May and Dec 2011, so a few fun runs to keep me training after the marathon!
Last week I decided I wanted to maybe join a running club to help me somewhat improve my running! I’ve decided to go along to a run with the Datchet Dashers and see how I got on, I’m extremely nervous about this, but at the same time excited. They run on Tuesdays and Thursday with the first run being focused on technique and the second a long distance run ranging from 4-10 miles. Fingers crossed!
Week 7s Plan
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Run with Datchet Dashers
Wednesday: 10k
Thursday: Run with Datchet Dashers
Friday: PT
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Long distance run 16 – 17 miles
I am excited about my long run this week after yesterdays run! J Training for the London marathon is an unbelievable experience, and I know running it will also be so!
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Filling in the Gap - Week 4 and Week 5 2011
Week 4 and Week 5 I went missing, well some of you may have thought that as my posts stopped, no summary or plan appeared!
It was a crazy week and the impact of all it can be seen in my Week 6 Plan where I'm cutting back on the training and early starts!
But In short the two weeks weren't lost in vain, miles were covered, workouts pushed to my maximum and I trained until last Friday when I fell ill again!
I won't bore you all with the details especially the awful run last Friday, which had me in near tears, we will never speak of this run again!
But at the end of week 4 I went for a run alone, not sure how far I'd make it! I've never ran no more than 9 miles on my own, all my half marathons have been completed with Andrea by my side! She had other plans so I was left to on my own!
But no sob stories, it was one of my best runs, and I was shocked, relieved and happy! I achieved 14.02 miles in 2hrs 10, and it was comfortable the whole way around! So with the bad run that followed the week after and my run coming this weekend I have to remember that I can run the distance and the fact I have ran the distance should be a motivation in it self!
This is 2011 and I'm running my first ever Marathon! I've been lost in the training worried about the mileage and not doing enough! But right now I'm sitting back and I'm reflecting, and what ever happens on the day I will do myself justice but I will also enjoy one of the worlds best Marathons! :)
Happy Training to all! Any tips, hints, marathon advice would be great!
Monday, 7 February 2011
I'm back! Week 6 2011 Training Plan
Its been a tough couple of weeks, being sick twice, going through a break up, having some ups and downs with my training, and forever being tired!
So enough is enough, when I was out running on Friday last week, I failed my long run miserably! It was painful and I couldn't run! I was close to tears 6 miles away from car and no energy left in me to run there. It become a run and walk, I never run and walk! But it gave me time to think and look at what and where I was possibly going wrong and it helped.
My long run was on my 6th day of non stop running, no rests days or active rest days! I was sleep deprived and stressed, I realised all that had to change, the lifestyle I had started to create for myself which I perceived as super healthy wasn't! And the proof is there with the number of times in one month I've gotten sick!
So I'm making big changes!
The first is I'm cutting back to 4 days of training!
This will be
1) 6 - 10 mile run
2) 4 - 6 mile interval run followed with weights and abs
3) PT
4) Long run on the weekend
The second is I'm also changing my workouts to after work, apart from the PT! I'm hoping this will help!
It does feel strange not being at the gym this morning and I hope once I've completed the Marathon I can go back to adding more back in, but right now with my focus being on my Marathon I need to be in a condition where I'm not falling sick and I'm well rested to continue with training and my day to day life :)
Wish me luck!
Plan for Week 6 ( Sorry for missing out Week 5 a summary is shortly to follow)
Monday or Tuesday - 10k Run
Wednesday - 7k Interval + weights
Thursday - Rest
Friday - PT
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 15 to 16 miles
It doesn't feel enough written down, but like all things in life its the quality not quantity! :)
So enough is enough, when I was out running on Friday last week, I failed my long run miserably! It was painful and I couldn't run! I was close to tears 6 miles away from car and no energy left in me to run there. It become a run and walk, I never run and walk! But it gave me time to think and look at what and where I was possibly going wrong and it helped.
My long run was on my 6th day of non stop running, no rests days or active rest days! I was sleep deprived and stressed, I realised all that had to change, the lifestyle I had started to create for myself which I perceived as super healthy wasn't! And the proof is there with the number of times in one month I've gotten sick!
So I'm making big changes!
The first is I'm cutting back to 4 days of training!
This will be
1) 6 - 10 mile run
2) 4 - 6 mile interval run followed with weights and abs
3) PT
4) Long run on the weekend
The second is I'm also changing my workouts to after work, apart from the PT! I'm hoping this will help!
It does feel strange not being at the gym this morning and I hope once I've completed the Marathon I can go back to adding more back in, but right now with my focus being on my Marathon I need to be in a condition where I'm not falling sick and I'm well rested to continue with training and my day to day life :)
Wish me luck!
Plan for Week 6 ( Sorry for missing out Week 5 a summary is shortly to follow)
Monday or Tuesday - 10k Run
Wednesday - 7k Interval + weights
Thursday - Rest
Friday - PT
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 15 to 16 miles
It doesn't feel enough written down, but like all things in life its the quality not quantity! :)
Monday, 24 January 2011
Week 4 2011 - A little less ambitious Plan
The last week has been a struggle and this week seems no different.
I’m still feeling under the weather, and today extremely weak. It’s such a horrible feeling when your body starts to let you down! After having so many great weeks of training and some great run’s to feel like a 5k is ambitious is just hard and depressing!
I’m sure many of you runners can understand! With so many people saying they told me so and to rest, it’s beyond irritating now! I hadn’t planned to make myself sicker; I just tried to train through the cold! I guess this is a lesson for the future! We all learn from our mistakes, and my mistake was not resting last week. I should start to remember I am not a super hero just a mere mortal who has off days!
So I’m really not sure how to plan this week! I’ll make the Plan a little less ambitious and see how i get on!
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Spinning and Weights
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 10k Run outside
Friday: PT
Saturday: Long Run – 15 miles
Sunday: Rest
I’m hoping the rest days incorporated throughout the week will help! I think this is a fairly easy going plan, my weekly bare minimum.
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