Monday 24 February 2014

Stopping the world and getting off...


This week I am in the middle of my taper for Sunday so not much running to report, just some short gentle runs to keep everything moving, but mostly I'm checking and rechecking kit. Loving my new ultimate Dirsction SJ race vest so much more comfortable than my old backpack, looking forward to trying it out properly on Sunday and I highly recommend www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com very, very quick delivery and great products.

There has been lots of talk on different forums/groups recently as to why people run and many different answers. I was thinking about this whilst on the train today, I guess I'm no different to hundreds of others always busy, the usual stress and worry that countless adults deal with everyday, but today was one of those days where I just wanted to stop the world and get off... And that's when it hit me that's exactly what running is for me. Selfish or not but Sunday will be my day to 'stop the world and get off' it will be my day, my 45 miles and that's all I will have to think about. I wouldn't be ready for the start line without the support of all my friends and family, my family especially for not moaning about the hours I spend training, talking about training/racing/running etc. I couldn't do it alone and nor would I want to, the training/kit/nutrition/hydration advice from Lindley has been brilliant but on Sunday when I leave the start line it will be down to me. I can switch off from all the other boring grown up stuff and concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other until I cross the finish line, and I know, even though  already a little nervous, that I can do it. The support from other runners, checkpoint volunteers and anyone else involved will be much needed and greatly appreciated and I am looking forward to seeing friendly faces at CP3! 

So Sunday will be spent running St Peters Way Ultra, it will be my day to stop the world and get off, have some fun and enjoy doing what I love most. 

Have a good week all and happy running xx 


Monday 17 February 2014

Running and romance...

Ok so there was no romance so we'll stick to talking about running ha ha!! 

49 miles of training last week, 100 for February so far and 255 for the year, probably my highest mileage start to a year ever. Now I'm tapering for St Peters Way Ultra, which is less than two weeks away. Really looking forward to it and happy that a friend I met during London 2 Brighton in 2012 has decided to take part. Should be a good day and I'm prepared as much as I can be for the inevitable mud!

This weekend I ran back to back long runs, on trail. I felt stronger than on my previous back to backs and they were longer so all this training must be doing something! One of the best things is exploring footpaths and trails that are on my doorstep but that I haven't been brave enough to take off on before. This navigation stuff isn't so scary once you get used to it, and a positive benefit, as well as discovering new runs, is that I'm much more aware of where I am, landmarks around me and I'm pleasantly surprised that my sense of direction really isn't too bad. 

So another running week is done, I'm still enjoying it more than ever so now to rest, enjoy half term, enjoy some shorter, gentle runs and look forward to my parcel from www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com with my new race vest and other bits and pieces I really, really need arriving!! (Thanks Lindley for kit advice and Challenge Running Ltd for discount code) 
 

Was even treated to some sunshine this weekend!

Have a good week all and happy running xx



Sunday 9 February 2014

A happy running week

It's now been a month since I started training with a coach and it's definitely the best running decision I have made! 

Ran 40 miles last week, 206 for the year so far and have lost half a stone in weight. Also and most importantly I am running better, feeling stronger and like I keep saying having fun! 

Yesterday I ran Gt Bentley Half Marathon, it was a very windy day on an open but flat course and I had a race plan, start steady then run 9:15 to 9:30 minute/miles until mile ten then push for the last three. Consistency in pacing has always been a struggle for me so I really focused on achieving this. All went well till miles 9-11 where I slowed to 10:20 minute miles, we were running into the wind but other than that when I thought about it there wasn't any other reason why I had slowed, my legs felt ok, the rest of me felt ok, so I started to push and got back on track even managing to overtake people in the last two miles. I finished in 2:05 and am really happy with how it went.

It's now only 3 weeks until my first ultra of the year, Challenge Running's St. Peter's Way and I'm really looking forward to it... 

Thank you to Lindley for the support and encouragement over the last month.




Happy running everyone, have a good week xx 


Sunday 2 February 2014

Enjoyment and excitement...


I often get asked why I run, especially why I want to run long distances. I'm used to being called crazy, nutter, fruit loop (hence the name of my blog!) It's difficult to explain why or is it?
Quite simply I enjoy running... And I want to see how far I can go, maybe find out how far is too far.

When I came up with this years challenge I knew it was going to be tough, knew I would have to train hard. Then when I started looking into training for 100+ miles it all got a little scary!! 

So January is done, I ran 155 miles and yes it's still early days but having a coach is making this whole journey much less scary. February's training plan is stuck to the fridge, I know exactly what I have to do and when. St. Peter's Way is less than a month away now and I'm already excited. The training plans, advice and support from Lindley is already making a difference as I am more confident about what I can achieve. I've always had a stubborn streak and don't give up easily and with some hard training and focus (and I'm going to be really positive now!) I can see myself crossing the finish line of all four ultras! 

Something else I've discovered recently after 12 years of running is that I like running with other people!! Still enjoy my solitary runs, like the time to think, reflect and let my mind wander, but every so often especially on a long or tough session having some company is good!! 

So that's it really for this week, quite simply I'm enjoying my running immensely, and that for me is what is really important, so no matter what your plans are for the week, whatever you are doing make sure you are excited by it and enjoy it.

Sunday morning run (it stopped raining!!!) 

Happy running all xxx