2015...

I don't tend to make New Years Resoloutions because by mid January they're usually forgotten about!

I do though have running goals...

My main and primary focus for 2015 is to complete Challenge Running's Grand Slam. Four ultra marathons (tough ones as I discovered this year!)

1. St Peters Way 45miles March

2. Saffron Trail 70 miles July

3. The Chiltern Way Ultra 133 miles August

4. Stort30  October

I have a couple of months of hard training coming up and a time to smash at St Peters Way in March, I know what went well and not so well in this years races but time to leave that behind and focus on getting it right this time round. Learn from the mistakes and be encouraged by the successes. I am a stronger, fitter runner than I was this time last year and am going to continue to be coached by Lindley. So that's me sorted for 2015, feeling optimistic and ready to give everything I've got to achieve my goal. 

I will continue to blog about my progress, training and races, thanks for reading this year.

Whatever your plans for 2015 make sure you have fun and happy running xx 

End of year ramblings...

 So another year draws to a close, shopping is done and we're waiting for Santa...

What better time to stop for a while and look back at what has been an awesome year of running or as I was thinking earlier nearly 13 years of running! If anyone had told me then, when I first laced up my trainers to lose a few pounds that running would end up entirely dominating my life I wouldn't have believed them. I really was just going to lose some weight and tick the London Marathon off my to do list!! 

13 years later I live and breathe running, obsessed, addicted or a healthy way to spend my time you decide but I wouldn't have it any other way. This year has been awesome, having Lindley as my coach has improved my running no end, I'm more confident about what I can achieve and although I had two DNFs this year and still have lots to learn I know it was 100% the right decision for me. Having that schedule on the fridge and knowing exactly what I have to do each week works for me and I love it. I no longer just run routes I know as my navigation skills have improved I'm happy to get out and explore. 

I still have The Flitch Way Marathon on New Year's Eve to take part in and then I will be completely focused on training even harder to ensure I finish Challenge Running's Grand Slam next year. Finishing the two races I didn't finish this year is constantly on my mind. Physically I believe I'm fit enough, toughening up mentally and being stubborn enough to get through the tough bits I'm working on! Another race I am fascinated by is The Hill, 48hours, 160 miles and 55 laps of a hill in Derbyshire in December. It is a insanely tough but I can't get rid of the little voice that keeps telling me I could potentially be the first female finisher, so when I finish the Chiltern Way Ultra next year I will seriously consider entering!! 

As always it's the people I have met along the way this year that really makes me happy to be part of the running community. Race directors, volunteers, other runners all support each other in a way that I'm not sure happens in other sports. 

My newest venture has been to join the core team of Great Notley's parkrun, Saturday I shadowed Richard as run director and although out of my comfort zone had a thoroughly enjoyable morning and am looking forward to going solo on 3rd January. It was a surreal morning as it was a fancy dress run for Christmas, so I shivered on the bench in my 118 costume as I delivered the run brief, to some Mexicans, Santas, Penguins, a two person parcel and even the Christmas dinner! I love parkrun and am really happy to be part of the team and looking forward to all that 2015 brings.

So 2014 has been a pretty good year and it can't end without me saying thank you to all those that have supported me this year... Lindley and Maxine, all the volunteers and runners at Challenge Running events, Richard, Łen and everyone at parkrun who have welcomed me as part of the team, the Commando Runners, the Nutters and everyone else I've met along the way this year. Also my non running friends and family who have supported and sponsored me.

Abbi, James and Ben my children, who listen to and encourage my crazy running plans I love you all x

Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and happy running xx 

Resting...

This month has seen me mostly resting, a few short runs and lots of walking. It's been tough...

The first week I hated it but knew Lindley was right when he said I needed to let my hamstring and a touch of PF in my left foot heal, I've run over 1500 miles this year and my body needed a rest. So I needed to fill my time up somehow...

The house is slightly tidier than normal, the dog has enjoyed lots of walks and I've tried to do some things that take me out of my comfort zone. I regularly run at Great Notley parkrun and am now part of the core team and in training to be run director, I'm not confident talking to lots of people but love our parkrun community and know I will be well supported. Today I did the first timers run brief and it was fine, no where near as scary as I had imagined and am looking forward to being involved.

This evening I'm off to do a photo shoot, a friend is a photographer and wants to do some running shots, again not something I'd normally do but it's good to try new things!

I think my willingness to say yes to things is a result of the confidence I have gained this year from my running, I may not have finished every ultra I entered but have learnt so much about myself and what I am capable of and this has had a knock on effect throughout my life. Even silly things like last week I knew if I drove my usual route home from dropping my son with his dad I would have to sit in traffic, possibly for hours, but the confidence in navigation I have gained from running trails this year meant I was more than happy get the map out, find an alternative route and avoid the traffic jam, no way I would have done this before! 

      Time to see what fun can be had outside the lines!

So a month of resting, reflecting and trying some things that for me are 'outside the lines' has been great. This whole year has been great and taught me so much...

Time to plot and plan for next year...

Happy running xx 

Stort 30

Training for Stort 30 had gone really well, everything I have done/learnt over the year seemed to be paying off and I was feeling fit and strong, had a great 20mile run about three weeks out and was confident I could get the time I wanted.

The two weeks leading up to the race weren't so great had a hamstring tendon niggle but a week of rest seemed to settle it and it was fine on a couple of short, slow easy runs. Then the week before I picked up a cold, full blown sore throat, cough, gallons of snot and felt crap. I shovelled copious amounts of vitamin C into me didn't run and hoped I would be well enough to run, at least the hamstring was getting more rest! 

A few non running friends were horrified I was still planning on racing, I think my perception of distance has become distorted this year as I reassured them it was fine as it was only 30 miles! 

Race day arrived and I was still suffering with blocked sinuses, the good thing about all this was I hadn't stressed myself out with the usual obsessive weather forecast checking, kit planning etc etc so I was actually pretty chilled out about the whole thing. I planned to run the first couple of miles with no plan then see how I felt and come up with a strategy for the final 28miles! 

This was an important race for me after DNFs at my two previous races I had to have a good day. I had lots of friends from The Commando Runners taking part and other friends I've met at events over this year and I was looking forward to it.

       Ready to go!

Stort 30 is a 30 mile out and back run along the river Stort, it's a pretty route and I had enjoyed the race last year. I wished good luck to friends and we were off, the race starts with two laps of the cricket field and after only one lap I knew my cold wasn't going to be an issue, I felt good and quickly decided to go with my original plan of aiming for 2.5 hours to the turn around the push as hard as I still could on the return leg. I was happily running 9:30/10 minute miles for the first eight miles, I didn't plan to stop at the first two checkpoints as I had my own food and drink and was sticking to my eating every two miles strategy that seems to work for me. At eight miles my hamstring began to feel a little tight, not painful so I wasn't too concerned but slowed my pace a little. This seemed to work and I ran on pretty certain I'd make 15 miles in the time I wanted. I shouted some hellos to friends manning checkpoint two and said I'd stop on the return leg.

    Still happy at 10 miles

At 12 miles the shooting pain I'd had a couple of weeks ago returned, I ignored it for a bit then stopped to stretch hoping that might help, it didn't... My run now resembled a hobbling shuffle but I managed to run to the turn around point. Stopping made it feel worse to get going again so I made my checkpoint stop as quick as I could. The Redbull cake was much appreciated! I let Maxine and Karen know that my leg wasn't good but I was carrying on. Was good to see Richard too who was looking good on his first ultra, he did say to me afterwards that when he saw me at half way he didn't think I'd finish. There was no way I wasn't finishing even if it had meant crawling! 

The return leg was slow and painful I ran a bit, walked a bit trying as much as could to keep under 15minute miles. I stopped briefly at checkpoints but it was taking every ounce of willpower to keep moving. I got some great shouts of encouragement from Nici and Fiona as we passed and they were both looking good. Shortly after I passed the sweepers, Brian stopped to see if I was ok and said he'd be on his way back in an hour and would kick me along if necessary, as much as I like Brian there was no way I was running in with the sweeper, so that gave me some added motivation to try and keep up some sort of speed! 

The last 10 miles I spent doing calculations in my head as to what sort of finish time I could get at my current pace, I knew I would be inside the cut off but could I scrape in quicker than last year, I wasn't sure but thought I could get sub 6:30.

Just before 28 miles I worked out that if I could just run till the end I could, maybe, possibly beat last years time or be very close so I started to jog. It was painful and my left leg was sort of doing it's own thing but I was moving quicker. I managed to keep up this shuffle and turning into the cricket club I was met by Lindley's daughter Laura, you have to run a lap of the field to finish and she offered to run it with me. I said I had less than 5 minutes to get round to get a PB and she was great encouraging me round (as last year I'm sure the field is bigger at the end!!). I crossed the finish line in 6:22 one minute quicker than last year.

So despite it not all going quite to plan I had an awesome day out running, the support from everyone was amazing, I was genuinely overwhelmed by how many runners slowed down or stopped to check I was ok, offer painkillers, tape and words of encouragement. Seeing so many friends completing the race in some pretty awesome times was great, well done to all of you, very proud of you. I think the support and friendship on display today sums up brilliantly the ultra running community and I feel very privileged to be a part of it.

As always thank you to Lindley and Maxine for organising another phenomenal event, Karen for the hugs and cake, Laura for getting me round that field, all of the checkpoint volunteers and everyone else who supported along the way.

So what's next, well some rest and getting my leg fixed then it will be back to training for next years second and hopefully successful attempt at Challenge Running's Grand Slam...

Have a good week and happy running xxx 

Is it all just attention seeking...

I got asked a few weeks ago, and not for the first time, why I want to run ultramarathons. Is it for me or to impress others? It got me thinking...

I use social media regularly to let everyone, whether they're interested or not, know what training, races etc I've got planned. I blog, I talk about running. So is it for attention?

 I don't perceive myself as a particularly popular person, I was always one of 'the invisible' children at school, not bright enough to be top of the class, not troublesome, I went, did what was asked of me and went home again. Also my social skills were and still aren't amazing, being in large groups of people is uncomfortable. There is always that worry I'll say something stupid and so I tend to keep quiet. It takes me a long time to really be comfortable enough to open up to people. I'm not the life and soul of the party so I always assume if I'm not around I'm not missed. I'm not writing all this for approval or for anyone to tell me I'm wrong. I'm 42 and have got used to and accepted the person I am and I'm mostly happy with that. 

So how does this all fit in to the original question. Do I run ultramarathons to get attention... I'm not going to say I don't like the attention, but I like it in that it is usually by way of giving me support for whatever crazy challenge I've got myself into! 

But surely ultrarunning by it's nature is an anti social hobby, I am more than happy to go to bed early on a Saturday night, get up early on a Sunday morning and spend several hours running around the countryside by myself. I enjoy the solitude, the thought that no one knows where I am, the peace and quiet. Even during a race, especially an ultra I often find myself running for many hours alone. I am happy alone, conversation doesn't always come easily. So hours alone with just the odd horse or cow to talk to is ok.

      Peace and solitude 

I will always be grateful and amazed by the support I receive from friends and family for my endeavours and long may it continue, but if there were no Facebook, Twitter or blogging, if no one was interested in my running would I still run ultramarathons? Well that's an easy question to answer...

Yes, of course I would, there are still so many races to do, places to explore and distances to see if I can conquer...

Happy running xx 

Chiltern Way Ultra

Wow what an epic weekend in the Chilterns.

Maxine picked me up at 5am Saturday morning in the pouring rain and we set off to Hemel Hempstead and race HQ. I had been practicing some relaxation techniques in the few weeks leading up to the race and although I was nervous, I wasn't as stressed and panicky as I am normally, managed to eat well in the lead up and was excited about getting started. Fortunately the weather improved and it turned into a lovely day for running.

There were only six crazy fools taking on the inaugural Chiltern Way Ultra  (214km version) the 100k event would start on Sunday morning. We were fitted with trackers, given 58 pages of maps to follow and at 9am we were on our way.

    David, Steve, Graham, Mark, myself and Glyn ready to run! 

The first leg was about 15 miles and all went well, navigation was going ok, I was really pleased to actually be able to interpret the maps and if nothing else this weekend my map reading skills have improved massively, it wasn't very long ago that I was convinced I couldn't map read so throughout my run I used the maps with my GPS for checking if I wasn't sure. The Chiltern way is a well walked path and pretty well waymarked. I was grateful for my GPS and it saved me from making any major navigational errors.

I was happy in my running, maintaining 12 minute miles which is what I wanted in the early stages. My nutrition was under control and it was the start to the race I wanted. I was smiley and happy that I was able to spend my weekend taking part in this adventure.

I reached check point 1 only 5minutes later than my predicted time and was happy with that as well inside the cutoff. Was good to see Lindley and Cali, a quick photo, food, drink and I was on my way again.

     Cali and myself at Cp1

Leg two was 16 miles. 

Again it went well, legs felt good, my annoying left heal was niggling a bit but I ignored it and refused to let it spoil my run. I was running well, coming out of High Wycombe Golf course I saw Mandy and her daughter waiting for me for a hug and some support, was a great boost and i looked forward to seeing them again at CP2. This section was getting hillier but I was still on track, walking the hills briskly and running the downhills and flats. I arrived at CP2 at 5:15pm and Maxine taped a couple of hotspots on my feet, while I ate and had a quick chat with Mandy and Lucy. Apparently I was getting lots of support via FB, I had made the decision to only take a very basic phone with me so had no idea what was going on. Abbi was updating my progress and I was left to focus solely on my running. 

Leg three.

Another 15 mile section and I knew it would start to get dark during this one so I tried to maintain a good pace while it was still light. It was all going well, legs were still feeling ok, feet were good and mentally I still felt strong. As darkness fell I stopped sort my headtorch, and make sure I was visible. My pace slowed (too much) but I was still moving at a decent pace that would get me to the next CP within the cutoff. I hadn't factored the cows into this though, I was in a field and I could here 'mooing' and then everywhere I looked all I could see were eyes, in front of me on the path. They weren't happy and began moving towards me, so I did what any sane person in the dark surrounded by agitated cows would do, I spied a barb wire fence that looked as though people had been though before and I leapt though it. The cows continued to stare and stamp but at least they now the other side of the fence. My only problem now I was in a small wooded area full of brambles and stinging nettles! I decided scratched legs were preferable to 'death by cow' so I battled though the undergrowth and managed to get out the other side of the gate away from the scary cattle. I was quite pleased when speaking to some of the other runners later that they had had the same issues, Glyn had also taken the dive through the barbed wire way out! I phoned my children after this, just needed to hear a friendly voice, it helped lots, I pulled myself together and carried on. 

I think with the dark and dramas I hadn't eaten properly during this leg and ran out of drink a couple of miles before the CP. By the time I arrived just before 11pm (and the cutoff) I was feeling a bit light headed and sick. Brian, Cali and Frank were at this checkpoint and also one of the other runners, Graham who was having stomach issues. I had a very welcome coffee, some soup and Brian made me up a bag of food to eat as I went. I was struggling to force food down but knew I had to and also knew I needed to seriously speed up to make the next cutoff.

Leg four

Brian walked us out of the CP and as we walked up the road another runner came from the opposite direction, it was Glyn who was having a navigational nightmare and had spent 2.5 hours running in a big circle. So Graham, Glyn and myself set off, I spoke to Lindley, who gave some good advice and I was determined to make the next cut off. For an hour or so I managed to keep up a good pace, Graham dropped behind and Glyn and I with maps and the GPS managed to more or less keep on track. Then the light headedness came back, and I really struggled. There wee some steep hills and I could only manage a few steps at a time before becoming very breathless and dizzy. I had to push hard to just keep going at this stage, several times all I wanted to do was sit down. I felt like I would never reach CP4. Glyn was great at encouraging me to keep going and I was really pleased I wasn't alone. This was the point where I decided I would pull out at the CP, I was feeling awful and tripping over everything. We eventually made the check point and that was the end of my race. Glyn continued on and I leant him my GPS. 

It was a tough decision but I had had several moments when I thought I might pass out, real or imagined I don't know, was I just looking for an excuse to stop...

At the time of pulling out I was certain it was absolutely the right thing for me to do, now there is that voice inside wandering if I gave up too soon, I don't know, just as I don't know if my feeling unwell was real or imagined, but that is the decision I made and I need to live with it, learn from it and move forwards. 

I am disappointed not to have finished but know for as long as I could I gave this race 100% effort, I pushed hard at the start and I am proud to have made 65 miles. My legs are telling me today that I worked hard! 

So out of the six of us who started, only David Pryce finished, I was privelaged to be there to see him cross the finish line, awesome running.

I had a good chat with Lindley afterwards, sometimes I think he knows me better than I know myself, I am lucky to have a coach who understands me as a person, can see my strengths and weaknesses and is committed to helping me improve. Still the best decision I made for my running this year. I have learnt so much not just about running or running stupid distances, but about me as a person. 

I have to say a massive thank you to Lindley, Maxine and all the checkpoint volunteers, you were all amazing and couldn't have done more to help and support throughout the race. 

Thank you also to the other runners, it was great to meet you all and hope you are all recovering well. I also had awesome support from friends and family, the text messages were brilliant and I was overwhelmed by the support I'd had on FB whilst I ran, thank you everyone.

Finally Challenge Running events are awesome, I would recommend anyone looking for a challenge to take on some (or all) of their events. Fantastic races run by runners for runners. There is no denying they are really tough events but extremely enjoyable and superbly organised. I feel really privelaged to have been involved in this first running of The Chiltern Way Ultras, have a feeling it is the start of a really special race.

Have a great week and happy running xx 

It's the final countdown...

1 week tomorrow... gulp!!! 

The Chiltern Way Ultra, this is the race I want to finish more than any other it's been on my mind for months and if (not if, when!) I finish I can enter The Hill, but that's a whole other story! For now my only focus is the Chilterns. 

Not sure how I'm feeling it changes from excitement to plain fear on a regular cycle throughout the day! 

I know I've done the training, running at night no longer seems as daunting, I'm happy with my kit choices, nutrition plan etc etc. Then someone says '133 miles, that's a long way...'

...Yes I know but I've stopped thinking about it as a whole, there are 8 checkpoints along the way, so nine fifteen mile runs. I can do that!! 

      This is my constant motto

I've spent many hours looking at maps, looking at check point cut off times and making a very loose plan to keep me on track and moving at a speed that's going to get me finished but not destroy me too early on. It all sounds simple on paper. It's getting out there and getting it done that's not so easy but I have a quiet determination that I will finish. 

I've trained hard this year, put in lots of miles, run on trails in all sorts of weather conditions and so I am as prepared as I can be physically. Mentally I just have to keep strong and know and accept there will be low points during the journey, but also high points and the biggest high of all when I reach the finish line! 

So a few more gentle runs over the next week, plenty of rest and then next Saturday the adventure will begin! 

Happy running all xxx 

Sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/UltraNicki 

Less than three weeks to go...

I have become slightly obsessive about The Chiltern Way Ultra, much of my day is spent thinking about it, looking at maps, planning and a little worrying too...

133 miles...

I've had all the usual comments such as 'that's further than I drive' 'where will you sleep?' 'You are mental!' and one friend has even given me my own hashtag #nickiedwardsisbonkers!! (Thanks Richard)

Training is going well and I am determined I will finish, I often visualise crossing the finish line. I know it's going to be hard, it's going to hurt but that's one of the reasons I do this, I want to push myself physically and mentally to see just what I am capable of, and maybe what I'm not capable of but then you just have to keep trying, if at first you don't succeed etc!! 

Last night I ran 15 miles on my own in the dark, and once I'd been going for a few miles and realised there wasn't a murderer lurking around every corner I began to relax and enjoy the darkness, the solitude. The moon was stunning and I was stopped in my tracks when a herd of deer ran across a field in the moonlight. It made me feel so lucky and privileged that I was able to be out there doing this. I had a couple of small navigational issues where there were no waymarkers and no obvious paths across fields but I kept calm and sorted it. Laughed at myself when my headtorch suddenly flashed red (had forgotten it does this to warn of low battery!) and I was convinced momentarily that I was about to be beamed up by aliens!! Yes I was the mad woman laughing in a field in Essex in the middle of the night. Have a couple more night runs to do before the Chilterns and they are definitely a worthwhile part of my training, just the confidence boost I needed to realise that I can run and navigate in the dark on my own.

This year has been a massive journey for me and my running, There are so many events I want to do the list just keeps getting longer (much like the races!) I also want to spend more time marshalling and helping out at events. I love the ultra running community, the camaraderie and support that is given to everyone whether you're and elite runner or like me just getting out there and giving all you've got. Long may it continue as I am still at the beginning of my ultra journey.

Thank you to all my friends and family for your support and sponsorship and if anyone else would like to help me raise much needed funds for Moorfields Eye Charity then please go to www.justgiving.com/UltraNicki 

Have a good week and happy running xx 

It's all mental...

So the school holidays are here and I have time to breathe, do 'mum' stuff (cleaning, tidying etc!) and concentrate on training, it's great!!

Also been reading... Lindley leant me Matt Fitzgerald's Brain Training for Runners and it's got some really good stuff in it about embracing pain, deciding not to slow down when it hurts and that some suffering means you're working hard and that's how you should feel so it's a good thing! Having taken this on board I've given this some thought whilst running and at boot camp and it really helps. I've always used the excuses 'I can't run well when it's hot' 'I'm no good in the heat' etc so with last week's hot weather I changed my mindset and told myself I could run in the heat and maintain the pace I was supposed to be running at and chose not to use the heat as an excuse not to run as fast as I am able and I just about managed it. Thinking 'yes I'm too hot, I'm dripping with sweat and uncomfortable but that's ok doesn't mean you need to slow down' actually worked and I had some pretty good runs last week. Also tried the same techniques at boot camp pushing myself to do a few more reps or sprint a bit faster. 

Something else I realised this week is that my race number for The Chiltern Way Ultra is the same as Saffron Trail, number 3. Very sensible friends and the sane, rational part of my brain knows it doesn't matter what number I'm wearing it won't affect how I run. The slightly crazy, superstitious part of my brain, that bit that makes me salute lone magpies, not open umbrellas indoors, put new shoes on tables etc says differently! I'll let you know which bit wins this battle!!! 

Looking back at my running year so far I am surprised at how much I've changed and I still have so much to learn as I'm still fairly new to ultra running, but I feel I am heading in the right direction. I love having something in my life that makes me happy that I look forward to and that enables me to see beautiful parts of the countryside and that ability to keep pushing myself further. Then there are all the people it has brought into my life. What's not to love...

Have a good week and happy running xx 

Moving forward...

So it's been a week since Saffron Trail and although still disappointed I am ready to move forward and focus on my training and preparation for The Chiltern Way Ultra, which is only 6 weeks away.

It's been an emotional week and I have learnt a lot about ultra running and maybe more importantly about myself, my strengths and weaknesses. This is a good thing as there is stuff I can do to address the weaknesses, six weeks isn't long but having finished work for the summer holidays I have the time to train without any distractions! 

Having Lindley as my coach has been great this week as on my own I possibly wouldn't have addressed where it went wrong. Having someone to tell you and give advice has turned what could have been very negative for my running in something more positive. Also by Tuesday I desperately wanted to run, it was as though I needed to prove to myself that I still could! I sent Lindley a message asking if I could as my training plan was to rest until Friday. The reply was 'no walk the dog!' So I counted down the hours until Friday and even a massive thunder storm wasn't going to stop me going for that run! Again left to my own devices I would have gone out much too soon and not recovered properly, I only realised how tired my legs still were when I tried to act as guide runner for my son, who's registered blind, at parkrun yesterday, he went off much faster than I could manage and he had to run unguided. 

Over the next few weeks I will be training hard, getting in some more night runs to build my confidence running and navigating in the dark, and trying to get mentally prepared for what I know is going to be a massive challenge at the end of August. Saying that I am more determined than ever to finish The Chiltern Way Ultra.

      This will be my mantra over the next few weeks 

Have a great week and happy running xx 

Saffron Trail Ultra and those three dreaded letters...

DNF three letters that mean so much... (Did not finish in case any non runners are mistakingly reading my blog!!) 

 So Saffron Trail didn't go how I was expecting and I have spent the last twenty four hours going through a range of emotions from crying to anger (at myself, not anyone else) and others in between. As I said last week I had trained so hard and felt more prepared for this race than any other so where did it all go wrong?

It started well, was a nice sunny evening, if a little warm and humid and I was ready for the challenge. I was finding it a little difficult to settle into a comfortable pace, felt I went out too fast, but often takes a while in an ultra to settle so wasn't concerned. I met Fiona and David early on in the race and we stuck together it was good to have some company and we had an enjoyable first leg and although at the back with the sweepers I was at the time I needed to be at for the finish time I wanted when we arrived at checkpoint one.

We didn't hang around for long and set out again, we had to deal with thunder, lightening and heavy rain, I decided against a waterproof as it was so hot and stuffy and I felt comfortable. Half way through leg two my heel started to hurt, it bothered me more than niggles normally do and even at that early stage I began to slow down. We arrived at Checkpoint 2 and was good to see my daughter Abbi and Kate who gave me some advice for dealing with the pain, took a couple of paracetamol and off we went again. 

Leg three was horrific and where it really started to go wrong for me, navigating and running in the dark was so much tougher than I had anticipated, trying to find overgrown footpaths proved impossible and a couple of times we ended up waist deep in stinging nettles! I had run this section in daylight but it was still tough and that coupled with my sore foot quickly sent me into a whirl of negative thinking.This was new to me on a race, I've had bad patches in races before, times where you question what you're doing, times when you just want to stop, but normally I can give myself a talking to, or talk to someone else and snap out of it. Nothing helped this time, pulling out and going home to bed went round and round in my head, I didn't say this to Fiona and David at this point and we reached checkpoint three fifteen minutes before the cut off, we knew we needed to speed up if we were going to make the next cut off, but it was doable. So off we went again. The creepy graveyard during leg 3 lifted my 'spirits' for a while!! 

     Fiona, David and myself in the Creepy Graveyard!! 

Leg 4 was more fields, woods and a run though Chelmsford in the early hours of Sunday morning, I couldn't manage a decent pace for any length of time, and was fully prepared to quit at the next checkpoint. It was good to see Maxine about a mile before the checkpoint. Checkpoint four had to be moved unexpectedly and she was there to give us water and new maps. I said I wasn't sure if I could go on but was talked into going the extra mile to the next checkpoint. In my head I was thinking 'ok one more mile then I stop.' 

The checkpoint staff had other ideas and although we were a little outside the cut off time we were allowed to go on, a sugary cup of tea was handed to me and I was told to keep moving, my feeble protests that I'd had enough were ignored and I was resigned to going another 10miles. I wasn't happy, I hated running, was never going to do an ultra again once this was finally over, and Lindley got called all sorts of things in my head!! I tried to keep my negativity to myself as Fiona and David seemed in good shape and I was starting to worry I was slowing them down. We plodded on towards checkpoint 5 but at Great Waltham I'd really had enough and spoke to Lindley telling him I'd had enough.

I think the conversation went like this

Lindley: What's wrong?

Me: My feet hurt, my legs hurt, I feel sick and I can't do this.

Lindley: All normal for an ultra then, are you still moving?

Me: Yes but very slowly

Lindley: Ok keep pushing then, get through this section then it's not far to go.

As you can imagine he wasn't my favourite person right then!! So I had two choices keep going or refuse to move! I kept going, there was a sign on the gate we were about to enter that said 'Warning, bull in field' and all I could think was I hope it tramples me so I can stop!! But then just for a while mentally I picked myself up, I could this...

It didn't last long and negativity crept back in, but I did have moments of thinking I could get to the end, so it wasn't going to be anywhere near the time I wanted but I could do it, it was supposed to be tough. So I resigned myself to the fact that no one was going to let me quit so I had to get the job done.

It seemed to take forever to get to Checkpoint 5 but the hours of darkness were over, so navigation became easier, it was Sunday morning, I felt awful but I was going to get this done. Then we reached checkpoint 5 way outside the cut off time and there we were told our race was over. It was totally the right decision. It still makes no sense to me that After spending so long wanting to stop when I was told I had to I was devastated. We'd run 50 miles overnight in pretty awful weather conditions, it was a tough, tough race and I'd got my first DNF. We were driven to the end at Saffron Walden, I didn't say much, I couldn't as didn't want to cry in front of everyone. Once we got out of the car I had a pain in my ankle, the opposite foot to the one that had been the problem! Maxine fed me tea and cake and iced my ankle, was great to get a hug from Abbi. I think Lindley and everyone else said kind things I wasn't really listening, I still can't put into words how completely gutted I am, I'm trying to put it in perspective, learn from the experience and refocus for the next one (there will be one!!).

This morning I was even annoyed that my legs are hurting, I didn't finish so I shouldn't ache, then I realised I had still run a tough 50 miles. The support and kind words I've had from friends and family has been amazing, I know 50 miles is a long way but it wasn't the 70 it should have been! 

I have lots to think about about, new plans to make because not finishing Saffron also means I am out of Challenge Running's Grand Slam, but still have two more races in the series to run and I will run them. I will take the positives from this experience and learn from the negatives and I will be back stronger and more determined. Lindley and Challenge Running will just have to put up with me at all their events again next year as I'm not one to leave things unfinished!!

There are some things that went well, think I've finally got hydration and nutrition sorted. My shoe, sock, gaiter combination is fab, two tiny blisters after hours of running with wet feet and I met some awesome people (love the ultra running community). 

I don't blame anyone or anything other than myself for not finishing this race, the dark, the weather, the navigation all made it tough (it's supposed to be tough that's why I do it!!) I didn't stick to my race plan, I let small things grow into big things in my mind and it was definitely what was going on in my head rather than my body that caused my DNF.

A massive, massive thank you to Fiona and David for your support and company on the route,  hope to see you both at events in the future. Thank you to all the volunteers at checkpoints for keeping us going on Saturday night, for not letting me quit early on, Maxine for looking after me at the finish. Lindley for being a great coach, putting on amazing events and not letting me give up at Great Watham, I plan to work even harder over the next six weeks and will give the Chilterns everything I've got. Finally thanks to everyone else for your support, kind messages and donations. 

Well done to the winners, finishers and all those that took part. 

Have a good week and happy running xxx 

Pre-race excitement/nerves...

Just one more day until I take on Challenge Running's Saffron Trail Ultra, 6pm tomorrow I will be beginning a 70 mile race from Southend to Saffron Walden.

I am excited to get going now, even though the pre-race nerves have hit already! Mentally and physically I am completely ready for this, I know I've trained hard and am in the best shape I've ever been before a race.

I have a plan for the race that I'm not going to share as so much can change as you run. I don't know how much the dark will affect me. Navigation I am pretty happy with I have run most of the sections I will be doing in darkness so as long as I concentrate all should be good. With a full moon and creepy grave yards to run through it could be my fastest ever!! 

      This will be fun in the dark!!

I have been obsessively checking the weather forecast all week as though that's going to make it perfect running conditions but what will be, will be...

So give me a thought Saturday night as you tuck up warm and cosy into bed, I will be out in the Essex countryside somewhere. If you want to sponsor me please go to www.justgving.com/UltraNicki and help me raise funds for Moorfields Eye Charity.

Enjoy your weekend and happy running xx 

Crazy but enjoyable June training...

It's been a crazy June, my toughest training month to date, 291.48 miles of running, 1032.8 for the year so far... 

  This sums it up, apart from going to work, my house and garden have been totally neglected!!!

I have been happily surprised at how my body has adapted quite quickly to this level of training. Setting the alarm for 4:30am to get 10 miles in before work has been ok and I have just about got used to surviving on less sleep, ok there has been an evening or two where I have fallen asleep on the sofa about 8pm only to be woken by my daughter suggesting I may as well go to bed, but on the whole it's been ok. I have to admit I was a little daunted when I first got June's schedule from Lindley but I have completed every session on it and enjoyed it!

I have loved the back to back long runs at weekends and I can run on tired legs, not always quickly but I can keep plodding along. I have an array of drinks and snacks that I now know I can eat on long runs without upsetting my stomach, I struggle a bit to eat when it's hot but otherwise I think I've finally got this eating and running thing sorted! 

     Some photos from training runs in June 

So The Saffron Trail Ultra is only two weeks away and The Chiltern Way Ultra two months, have a look at Challenge Running's website for more information on these races. This months training has left me feeling very positive about both events. I have run a fair amount of the Saffron Trail and happy that navigation isn't going to be a big issue, though I guess things will look different in the dark! I am definitely fitter and stronger than I was at the beginning of the year and much more focused on my running. I guess some people will never understand my passion (obsession) with running but I am lucky that I have a good circle of running friends who do. 

The next two weeks are all about tapering and getting everything ready for Saffron, maybe I'll even mow the lawn!!! 

Have a good week and Happy running xxx 

Crazy mileage and Stour Valley Marathon...

Haven't posted for a couple of weeks, been just too busy actually running!!! Have to admit to being a bit worried when I received June's training schedule but it's all going ok, 68 miles last week and over 80 this week. My legs are tired but I'm not destroyed and I can't wait for my next ultras.

My alarm is set for 5am or slightly earlier every morning so that I can get most of my training in before work during the week, weekends are all about back to back long runs this month. Yesterday I ran 21 miles with Lindley on The Saffron Trail and today I ran the Stour Valley Marathon which was 27 miles so a tough weekend. Was really glad of meeting up with Cherie today early on in the race, was great to have some company and between us we didn't get lost and it was a great event. Definitely one to do again next year.

      Photo stop on the Stour Valley Marathon

This was a new event and was really well organised, a beautiful scenic trail run, great training as I wasn't racing hard today, the first fifteen miles were pretty good, but the final twelve were tough. Cherie was great company and it was good to see Lindley and Angela at the finish line. 

Managing to get these high mileage weeks done is great, I am thoroughly enjoying it and it never feels like a chore, every run is a step closer to achieving a good finish at The Saffron Trail, which is now less than a month away and then The Chiltern Way Ultra which I know is going to be tough but I do spend a lot of time thinking how great it's going to be to cross that particular finish line, tend not to dwell too much on the 133 miles to get there. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing but I'm feeling fitter and stronger than ever, and mentally it's good for me to think about finishing. Then in October it will be Stort 30 and all being well me finishing Challenge Running's Grand Slam. Such an exciting running time ahead over next few months! 

So it's still all going well, I'm discovering some stunning parts of the Essex countryside, have great support from my family and friends and I'm pushing myself harder than ever before. 

     Cherie and I with our well deserved 'horseshoe medals' 

Have a great week and happy running xx 

Crewing at Grand Union Canal Race

Well it's been a pretty awesome weekend. I was part of Lindley's crew at Grand Union Canal Race a 145 mile ultra run from Birmingham to London. This was a new experience for me and have to say I loved it, was really good to see a race from a different viewpoint. I was glad I was with Sue and Becky who are experienced at crewing and Laura who was new to this as well.

The race started at 6am Saturday morning and the weather was pretty horrific, rain, rain and more rain. No one wants to get wet at the start of a race whatever the distance but being soaked through in the first few miles an ultra is just awful. 

Crewing for a runner means driving from checkpoint to checkpoint meeting up with your runner, making sure they have food and drink, dry kit, and generally look after them for a brief few minutes before sending them on their way. 

The weather improved for a brief time during the afternoon but running for hours with wet feet takes it's toll and Lindley's feet were not in great shape, even with shoe and sock changes, but he continued on in good spirits. Drying, cleaning and vaselining feet is one of the less glamorous crewing jobs!! 

      18 miles in and smiling in the rain.

The early evening saw more rain and thunder, the conditions were not great for the 100 or so runners that had started the race back in Birmingham. At 76 miles Lindley made the tough decision to pull out, not wanting to damage his feet further as he has some tough training ahead for Spartathlon in September.

The highlights for me and there were lots...

Crewing with Sue, Becky and Laura was fun, I learnt lots and how important they are to the runners. 

Meeting so many incredible people, ultra runners whose names I knew, had followed their blogs, read their books and had inspired my own ultra running journey. 

Watching the determination and willpower of the runners, this ultra running stuff really is as much a mental battle as a physical one.

The crews and volunteers were cheerful, happy to help anyone and welcoming of a newbie to all of this.

This weekend has inspired and excited me, the ultra runners I had looked up to are so down to earth, they have jobs, families and juggle their running with all of that like most of us do. The atmosphere at GUCR was amazing and extremely positive, it's a very low key event but these runners aren't on this journey for fame and fortune, it's not what it's about. These are ordinary people getting out and doing something amazing, pushing themselves beyond what is 'normal' and seemingly having fun a long the way. There were lots of smiles and laughs even when the runners were obviously hurting.

I'm probably going to ramble a bit now but there is lots going on in my head today. I've always been a believer in the saying 'everything happens for a reason' and also that people come into your life for a reason, (if my daughter is reading this she will be shaking her head and giving me one of those looks I get, we have to agree to disagree on this one!). Sometimes we don't know what that reason is, but taking part in Stort30 last year and meeting Lindley has been a major turning point in my running journey. I am truly excited about training hard and completing Challenge Running's Grand Slam this year. A whole new world of ultra running has been introduced to me and I'm excited to be a part of it both as a runner and I definitely want to do more crewing and volunteering. 

Thank you to Lindley, Sue, Becky, Laura and everyone else I met for an awesome weekend xx 

It's hard to sum up exactly how I'm feeling today but one thing is 100% certain is that next year I really hope that I am on the start line for Grand Union Canal Race to give that 145 mile journey my best shot... 

I believe...

Been an easy recovery week for me running wise but something strange has happened!! I know you are all wondering about the post title 'I believe' I expect you're on the edge of your seats with anticipation!!

Each run I did last week felt good, Friday morning I ran with Lindley and Maxine, 6 miles at an average pace of 9:20 minute miles and it didn't feel hard. I remember back in January when I had a tempo run which I was supposed to do at 9 minute miles and I struggled to do 9:30s. 

Saturday morning was Parkrun and I almost didn't go due to having a migraine but I did and thought I'd just run round and not worry about time. I actually felt ok as soon as I started running so pushed it a bit, I didn't continuously check my watch but on the last lap round the castle I was surprised to see I was at 23 minutes and with not far to go I stepped it up and managed 25:40 (official time) my watch said 25:26 but won't argue over a few seconds as it was still a Colchester Parkrun PB. 

     Parkrun concentration!!

I think that finally getting that sub 4:30 marathon last weekend has made me realise that I can run faster than I thought. Lindley has been saying you have to believe you can do it and suddenly this week   I do believe I can! The last four months, which really isn't very long, has seen my running improve in leaps and bounds and now my brain has cottoned on too!! Really excited about the next few months of training and events.

Have a great week and happy running xx 

Halstead Marathon

Nerves had built in the last few days leading up to Halstead Marathon, a sore throat and runny nose on Thursday had worried me slightly and I did my best to convince myself I was imagining it and it was just 'taper madness' getting to me.

Sunday morning was cool, windy and raining, but I wasn't too concerned, blazing sunshine and heat would have worried me more! 

We arrived at Halstead Leisure centre, collected numbers, chips, chatted, did pre race photos and numerous trips to the loo!! (Possibly was only me that did numerous loo trips!!)

     Myself and some of The Commado Runners before the start.

So this was it, this was what Aprils training had all been about. Lindley was running with me and we had a plan. Plan A was get round in sub 4:15 and Plan B was a new PB there wasn't any other options one of those was going to happen...

The rain stopped as we began and it was reasonably pleasant running conditions, the wind was pretty strong in places and that made it tough at times. I love Halstead Marathon, the course is great, if a little hilly, but it is really well organised and well supported for a small marathon, this was my fourth time and I will continue to take part each year.

The first few miles flew past and I felt really good and would have made my usual mistake of going out much too fast if Lindley hadn't been there to slow me down! It was nice not to have to carry anything, Lindley kept me supplied with sweets, gels and drinks, I wasn't wearing a watch so the only thing I had to focus on was running which was great.

     Enjoying the race

Plan A was pretty much on target until 20 miles then the pain hit my legs and although mentally I was still focused I just couldn't keep to target pace, had also started to feel a bit queasy. My legs just wouldn't do what I wanted them to. I was still running albeit slowly and I know from previous experience if Lindley hadn't been there to encourage and motivate I would have run/walked those last six miles. 

We finally crossed the finish line in 4:22:53 which was a new PB by ten minutes, the happiness probably didn't show on my face at that stage as I was concentrating on not being sick!! 

Was I disappointed to miss Plan A... In a word no, I can honestly say that I gave 100% for the entire race. There aren't any sections where I think I should have pushed harder, it was a tough race and I'm really proud and happy with what I achieved.

I have to say a massive thank you to Lindley for pacing me round, it really helped me to stay focused and push on through the tough sections and although at first I was concerned about not having a watch, that combined with not carrying anything really left my head clear to focus on running the best race I could.

Yesterday was another big confidence boost that the coaching, training and hard work is paying off, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and now (after a couple of days to recover) I am ready to focus on the next two months of training to prepare for my next ultra run, The Saffron Trail, a 70 mile over night trail run. 

For more information on coaching with Lindley and The Saffron Trail Ultra have a look at 

http://www.challenge-running.co.uk

Lindley is really helping me to believe that I am a good runner, that I can achieve my running goals and the whole coaching experience is making my running even more enjoyable, even the sore legs today are a happy reminder of a truly awesome day at Halstead!  

Well done to all my friends who also ran yesterday you did some awesome times and thanks to those, including Abbi and Laura, who supported on the course and were there at the finish x

Have a great week and happy running xx 

Essex Boot Camp and more running...

Another week of training is done, bringing me to 606.95 miles for the year. The last four weeks have been tough and I seem to have been constantly going out for the next session on tired legs. The good thing is that I still haven't missed a session, I can usually stick to the suggested pace and get the mileage in, so this has given me confidence that after two weeks of tapering I will be refreshed and ready to get that new PB at Halstead Marathon.

On Saturday I managed a new PB at Colchester Castle Parkrun thanks to being paced round by Lindley. 

     Colchester castle Parkrun (photo by Neil Wray)

Sunday was a 10 mile marathon paced run, really enjoyed it, felt good and tried some new gels (TorQ) which tasted great and didn't upset my stomach, so last week was a really good, happy training week!

As well as running lots of miles I also train twice a week with Essex Boot Camp, I have been doing this for nearly four years (I never stuck to the gym for more than a few months!). I still enjoy every session and it really compliments my running, helping to improve strength and mental toughness. Sessions are an hour long, outside, whatever the weather and no two sessions are the same, which is why I still look forward to going. I know I will be pushed by the instructors so even as I get fitter it doesn't ever get easier!!  

    6am workout with Essex Boot Camp 

So the next two weeks will involve slightly less running and some boot camp as I taper ready for Halstead. 

     Train Hard No Excuses 

Have a good week and happy running xx 

When the going gets tough... Keep running

I knew April was going to be a tough training month, but thought that as I had two weeks off work it would make it somewhat easier and I could catch up with all those jobs that needed doing around the house and garden. Hmmmm...

Well the training has gone well, as for the house and garden, still a mess but happy times spent with my children, one of whom said 'I'd rather have a mum who can run 100 miles than a neat and tidy house' guess there's always the summer holidays!!

I feel this weeks training has gone well even though I have felt I'm constantly running on tired legs, this is a good thing as I have still managed to to the distances and stick to the pace suggested in my training plan. 

Wednesday I ran Kenyan Hills, sounded simple, jog slowly to the top run down as fast as you can. It was great, once you relax and stop worrying about falling it was enormous fun hurtling down the hill at full speed, but goodness me my legs were like jelly for several hours afterwards!

Over the weekend I ran back to back long runs on trail, Saturday was tough, I had fun exploring local footpaths and creating a new 15 mile local route, but everything hurt, mentally it was challenging and it just felt a struggle. When I downloaded the data from my Garmin afterwards it was actually an ok paced run, faster than I was running trails at the beginning of the year.

Sunday I was running The Flitch Way with some friends, we drove out to Stansted and ran back the whole length of the Flitch to Braintree, about 18 miles, it was a great morning and a much better run, we celebrated Easter with some Chocolate bunnies, had a cuppa at Rayne Station and managed to miss most of the rain! Felt much better on this run, legs were tired but mentally I felt stronger and having company helped the miles pass by quite quickly. So thank you to Rob, Richard, Lorraine and Iain for a lovely run.

     Iain, Richard, Rob and myself enjoying a quick break! 

Eating every two miles during my long runs is definitely working for me, still need to continue to experiment with different foods, but feeling that this strategy will be one that will work for me in my upcoming ultras. 

Halstead Marathon is now only three weeks away, the tough training is nearly done, I am quicker than I was in January and feeling positive that I can (with Lindley pacing me) get round in 4:15. 

I am thoroughly enjoying my training, pushing my body hard, I don't mind the tiredness or the aches, they make me feel like I'm getting it right (good aches I like to call them!) and seeing the improvements in my running ability makes it all worthwhile. Having a coach is definitely working for me and I would recommend Lindley from Challenge Running Ltd to anyone who wants to improve, reach a particular goal, run their first marathon or further. For more info have a look at http://www.challenge-running.co.uk/coaching/

So tomorrow I have to go back to work, energised and refreshed after the Easter holidays ready to face the new term, I guess tired with aching legs is close enough!!! 

Have a good week and happy running xx 

Fundraising...

I normally only blog once a week but today's is an added extra and a little different not so much about running but another reason I set myself challenges, keep pushing myself to run further and some extra motivation to keep getting out there...

Each year I have set myself a running challenge I have also raised some money this year I have chosen a charity that is very close to my heart, Moorfields Eye Charity.

Moorfields Eye Hospital plays a big part in my life and today will see me taking my son Ben (now 15) to one of many, many appointments there. Ben was born with congenital glaucoma and has had many operations and daily eye drops to keep his pressures under control and preserve the sight he has. Sir Professor Peng Khaw at Moorfields is one of the worlds leading experts in children's glaucoma and treatments, surgery and drops continue to improve. When he was about three he was also diagnosed with a problem with his retinas where some of the cells had died, the doctors hoped this would remain stable and not deteriorate but over the past year his vision in his right eye has got steadily worse and possibly will continue to do so. He is registered blind but is a pretty determined teenager and mostly gets on with it and isn't afraid to get out and do as much as possible. He plays goalball, VI football and runs, often joining me on a Saturday at Parkrun when he is home from school.

      Ben with his guide runner at Parkrun

The research that Moorfields Eye Charity helps fund is vitally important and hopefully one day there will be treatments and cures for the numerous retinal and other eye diseases that Ben and many of his school friends live with. I hope this year I can raise as much as possible for Moorfields and that the research they do can continue. As a parent it's can be really hard when you can't make everything right for your child, when you can't reassure them that they will retain some vision. 

I know the challenges I've set myself this year will be tough, it will hurt at times but when the going gets tough I look around me and remember how lucky I am to be able to get out and do what I do...

www.justgiving.com/UltraNicki

Thanks for reading and happy running xx 

Bulls, guns and sunshine...

Stop me if this is getting boring but another great week of training! 

47.57 miles last week and 531.61 for the year so far. This week I have run trails, intervals, a tempo run amongst others and I have done my usual two Essex Boot Camp sessions, I am feeling fitter and am slimmer than I have ever been (only downside none of my clothes fit!!).

Yesterday I was down to run 22miles on trails and I decided whilst many of my friends were pounding the streets of London (you all did amazingly well, very proud) I packed my race vest and headed off to run some of the Colne Valley Path which runs from Great Yeldham to Colchester, the plan was to start at Yeldham run 11 miles turn round and run back. 

It was a beautiful morning and I was looking forward to it. The previous evening I had obsessively packed 10 bags of snacks so I could eat every two miles right from the beginning as advised by Lindley. I was determined to get the nutrition right this time.

      Long run snacks!!

This strategy I am pleased to say really worked, even though for the first 10/12 miles I only ate it because I knew I had to, by mile 15 I was actually looking forward to the next mile passing so that I could eat!! I felt much better than I have on previous long trail runs but at mile twenty was craving proper food (a cheese and tomato sandwich and orange juice!!) so next time I'm going over twenty I will take some savoury food too.

The Colne Valley Path is a really pretty route and I really enjoyed it, I ended up running a bit further than planned as at 11 miles I knew I wasn't far from Earls Colne (where my Mum lives) so I decided to go on so I could top up my water bottles and use her loo!!! 

I had a couple of interesting moments one was being very closely followed by a herd of young bulls in a field, I always assume they will be relatively harmless if they're in a field with a footpath, but I was wearing a bright red t-shirt and race vest (not sure if bulls not liking red is true but one of those childhood things that sticks with you!!) I slowed to a walk as thought running might upset them and I was pretty speedily though the gate! Fortunately on my return journey they ignored me.

The second slightly unnerving moment was some sort of gun shooting thing going on across the footpath!! I could hear the gunfire but assumed it would be away from where I was running, but as I followed the footpath they seemed to be set up exactly where the map and gps was saying I needed to be. In the end I decided to take the road around and link back with the footpath as this seemed preferable to being shot!! Fortunately my navigation skills do seem to be improving and this wasn't an issue. Not sure how legal it is to shoot across footpaths but wasn't going to argue! It seemed to be some sort of official event as there were signs to it pointing the same way as the footpath sign! 

     Deciding not to follow footpath marker!! 

All in all I had a great morning out running, was worrying that I still seem really slow on trails but covered 24.91 miles in 5:20 which ok isn't going to win me any prizes but I was still running at the end and it's a few months until Saffron Trail which is my next ultra after Halstead Marathon. 

     A few pics from a great morning on the trails.

Have a good week and happy running xx 

Tough training, camel world record and marathons...

It's been a tough training week, lots of speed work in my plan this month... Will all be worth it when I smash Halstead marathon in May (feeling really positive that this will happen). It's all gone pretty well apart from Tuesday when I tried to train through a migrainey type headache, this resulted in a poor performance both at boot camp and a 6 mile trail run, possibly should have scrapped both and slept which is what I wanted to do, but it's all training and didn't make me worse!! 

Wednesday I did a hill session I went to the Discovery Centre at Great Notley and ran up and down the hill 10 times and in a strange way actually enjoyed it! 

      Hill training!!

Over the weekend I ran 10 miles both days, Saturday I ran on The Flitch Way, some with Lindley, and Sunday was a road run and was supposed to be faster than Saturdays. It didn't go quite to plan as I ran too fast on Saturday, despite Lindley's best efforts to get me to slow down, but I was feeling strong and it felt good to be running faster than normal!

Lesson learnt, listen to your coach!! 

Sunday started well ran the first five miles at about 9:20 minute miles and then it all went wrong and struggled to stay at 10 minute miles for the last five, there was just nothing left in my legs!! 

Another lesson learnt remember what's coming the next day and stick to the pacing guides you've been given! 

After my run on Saturday I headed off to the first birthday anniversary of Colchester Castle Parkrun, two friends from the Commando Runners were going to attempt to break the world record for a pantomime camel running 5km, they had run in this costume at a fancy dress Parkrun at Christmas and finished in 31 minutes, the pressure was on to complete this official world record attempt in under 30. So with a team to pace, film and support the attemp was on. Rob and Lorraine did brilliantly and completed the run in 25:30 not just breaking the record but smashing it. It was a great morning and very proud of them and all the support crew. 

   Humphrey (Rob and Lorraine) and Camel Crew at Saturdays record breaking run! 

Sunday saw lots of friends heading off to run various marathons, Brighton, Manchester and Paris, they all did amazingly well and again reinforced what an awesome group of friends I have. Also lots of positive thoughts this week to Danny Slay and Team Hope who are taking part in Marathon Des Sables, they had a tough first day but I have no doubt they will push through and get the job done.

All in all a pretty impressive weekend of running by everyone.

Have a good week and happy running xxx