Alice's Adventures in Running Land
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Thoresby Half Marathon 2020

10/19/2020

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In the ‘unprecedented’ story of the year 2020 things currently feel a bit uncertain again. With the latest ‘tiered’ living restrictions announced on the week I was due to take on Thoresby Half Marathon, I was feeling very unsure about the race going ahead. However, I am pleased to say SBR Events held strong in their belief that they had a suitably ‘Covid-secure’ event plan in place, and I was able to pin a race number onto my Run Club vest for only the fifth (which is low for me!) time during the year.

Some people may have questioned why the event was going ahead, however being at the event – which offers a very inclusive range of distances from 5k to half marathon including options for Nordic walking and Canicross – it was clear for me. Firstly, the Covid-19 measures which had been implemented were thorough and over and above current guidance. Masks were worn from the moment we stepped out the car until we crossed the race start line, with our ‘slightly sweaty’ face coverings being worn again after we had crossed the finish line. Portaloos were cleaned and sanitised after each use – hence being possibly the cleanest portaloos I have ever encountered! – and hand sanitising was mandatory at all key touch points, including when picking up your own medal. Secondly, the happiness, joy, togetherness, and positivity apparent amongst all runners was something which has been so absent from 2020, it was a reminder that this was more than ‘just’ a race. 2020 has been tough, and if things can offer a beacon of light to people – and let’s not forget no one was forced to be there – we need to embrace those right now.

Anyway, enough of my justification – the event happened, and I loved it! I had not taken part in any of the Thoresby distances before and was tempted into entering the half marathon by friends from my Run Club. Unlike the vast majority of the events I take part in, this was a trail run, and I was keen to test myself on a different train, as well as wear my shiny new Nike Pegasus Trail shoes (in turn coming to terms with the fact my beautiful shoes would in fact get dirty…!) I had no real expectations for my performance, which I feel like I always say, but it was true. With the uncertainty of 2020 I have been following no training plan and simply running whatever I feel and whatever makes me happy. I knew I was fit though; I am not going to pretend I am not, so the half marathon distance would be less of the test, but more the terrain I was running on.

The half marathon course was two loops of the same circuit set in the grounds of Thoresby Hall country estate. I quite liked the loop nature, as from early on into the race I decided not to refer to my watch and simply approach the race as two circuits. This approach therefore meant I had no real idea what pace I was running, but then again, I had no real reference on trail course as to what I would expect my pace to be! After starting I simply settled into my running rhythm, focusing more of my concentration on assessing the terrain beneath me. The course was a lovely mix of some roads, woodland tracks and grassed paths, with a few hills added to the challenge – my beautiful new trainers, although now splattered in mud, were perfect and compared to my old trail shoes, felt a joy to run across all surfaces.

I felt really strong running on the trails; a level of strength that did shock me. The first lap flew by as I enjoyed the little test the inclines offered, smiled at spotting the famous Longhorn Cattle grazing in a field, enjoyed winding through woodland, as well as speeding down lovely road downhills. However, the second lap began with a short grass section, and it was almost like that little stretch shook my legs back into reality. I quickly realised the second lap would require a bit more digging in!

The initial stages of the second lap encountered some of the hills again; I battled up these (uphill is definitely my strength) picking off runners, so knew even though I was having to work harder, I was still going ok. A marshal station gave me a massive boost with the volunteers (in full PPE) blaring out The Killers ‘Mr Brightside’ on a boombox and giving us a full karaoke style rendition of the indie anthem, which I am pretty much word perfect on myself. I probably gave my watch its first real glance after passing this point, and my pace shocked me, as it was much quicker than I felt. I knew I had slowed a little too, so I assumed my first loop had been fairly speedy. Again, this gave me a lift, and I knew I just needed to keep steadily ticking off the final miles – my legs still felt up to the test, I just had to keep consistent.

My final mile was my quickest, helped by a longer road section and by the surprise of some of my Run Clubs friends popping up on a bridge to cheer our club runners home after they had finished their own races. My watch ticked onto half marathon distance annoyingly a fair way from the finish arch, and this told me I needed a good final spurt along the grass to keep under 1hr 40mins still. I had not set this goal, but suddenly on realising it could happen, I really wanted to achieve that time. I pushed on, desperate to get to the line in time.

I made it – 1:39:52 and the bonus of finishing as third place female. On stopping I realised how hard I had been actually working throughout, collapsing onto the hand rails and trying to tell my body to move again. I have missed that feeling – it’s a mix of feeling truly spent but utterly alive. It felt good, and I felt proud of what my body had achieved. I enjoyed some socially distanced chats with others runners as we collected our beautifully wooden crafted medals and then went to find my Run Club friends to cheer in our other running buddies. It almost seemed normal if it was not for the face masks!

I am very pleased with how I ran Thoresby Half Marathon – I am not a trail runner, and when I do runs trails its usually sociable, not as a race. My last trail half marathon in 2017 I ran in 1:47:31, so I am counting this as a trail PB... we have got to come out of 2020 with some achievements right!? In all seriousness, I have exceeded my own expectations in the small number of post lockdown races I have managed, and maybe this is because I have relished everything about taking part in a race so much more. As I said, its more than a race, and whilst I am unsure if there will be many more opportunities to race for a while, its something I shall always be thankful being able to participate in.
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Bassingham Bash 5 Mile 2020

9/27/2020

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Running Bassingham Bash 5 Miler was not originally on my plan for the year (I think all 2020 plans have been well and truly ripped up now though!) but with the event given the green light in terms of Covid-19 restrictions, a friend from my Run Club tempted me to sign up.  I have completed the race a few times before, but not for a couple of years, and its uniqueness stems from both the 5 mile distance and the Saturday afternoon 2pm start time.

Unsurprisingly given all that is going on in the world, this year’s event was slightly different, with the race capped at only 100 or so entries in order to meet Covid guidelines. Finish time restrictions were announced in order to thin the field, and originally females were required to run sub 29 mins in order to be eligible for a place. Too quick for me! However, they later upped this to sub 41 minutes, which was more within my reach!

The finish time cap meant for a very fast field of runners taking to the streets of a small Lincolnshire village, and perhaps in the past I would have felt intimated by this. There were certainly a lot of ‘serious looking’ men and women gathering around the start area. Most were going through warm up routines in tracksuits, before stripping down to tiny club vests and shorts. I was given number 92, which meant I was one of the slowest runners in the race. However, as I stood on a cold Saturday afternoon, with a chilly 20mph wind whipping across Bassingham cricket pitch, I felt relaxed about racing. I was not here to challenge for a place or battle it out at the front, I was just running for me. I also recognised a lot of runners from the local Lincoln running scene, and as well as them being some very fast runners, they are also really friendly.

There was a jovial atmosphere as we were led to our starting socially distant waves. I was in the final wave at the back, which along with those around me, we took light-heartedly. We were essentially racing the sweeper car behind us! My placing at the back also indicated just how fast the 90 odd men and women ahead of me were attempting to run. I had predicted a finish time of 35 mins, simply based on the pace I ran my 10k race a few weeks ago. I hoped I may be able to go a little bit quicker given the race was a mile less, but with the very strong wind who really knew!

The 5 mile course features a small loop around Bassingham village before completing a large loop out into the countryside, finishing back on Bassingham cricket pitch. The route would be fairly exposed in places, so I knew the wind would require some battling. With the socially distanced start, it also meant there would be no one to ‘tuck in behind’ and it would very much be a solo fight.

​Once my time came to cross the starting mat I aimed to set off quickly; my legs were a little tight from a track session on Thursday, so I wanted to wake them up and run off any stiffness in the opening mile. It seemed to work, and my first two miles were well under 7 min/mile pace. 
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The wind was reasonably sheltered to begin with but came into more force as the third mile hit. I felt strong though, and although I was very much running alone, I kept runners in my sight in the distance and tried not to let them get away from me. This required more mental effort than physical if I am honest, as there was no support on course, and it was simply down to me to keep driving the pace.

​The fourth mile has the most wind, and my splits dipped here. I still felt strong though and knew I just had to dig in and wait until the course turned and changed direction. When it did, with about a mile left and the familiar sight of Bassingham village now around me, I tried to find a final kick in my legs. This felt harder with no one around to try and hold off or who I could realistically try and pick off ahead, and again it was down to me to find that determination to pick up the pace.

The finishing stages of the course pass the start line again and then head onto a short section of grass, finishing directly underneath a football goalpost! Grass can be a killer in the final sprint of a race, but I felt good as I hit the green surface and drove to the finish. I was slightly breathless when I stopped, it felt like I had been winded almost, but I was pleased with my time; 34:25.

My 5 mile PB is 34:17, so I was not far away, and that was set on a perfectly still day when I had also actually been training. I am still running ‘just for fun’ at the moment and the fact I can log times like this using my base fitness makes me happy. My two friends from Run Club had also ran well (perhaps our less structured Covid training has actually given us all the refresh our bodies needed?) and we made sure to wait until the end to clap the final runners over the line, who had all escaped the threat of being swept up!
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Bassingham Bash was a great Saturday afternoon speed test, and a reminder again of what racing feels like. The race also fell the day before my birthday so additionally acted as a bit of a pre-birthday bash! I did not think I would be racing as much as this toward the end of 2020, and who knows how long it will last, so I am thankful for each opportunity I get at the moment and to be able to create some happier memories from the year. ​
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Checking In...

9/20/2020

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Its been nearly a month since I last blogged (other then a review of the Normanby 10k), and as seems to be the case for this year, the past few weeks have all seemed to blur into one as we try and move on with life in a socially distanced world, yet with the fear of ‘lockdown’ hanging over our lives. I cannot complain though, I am happy, and when I think back to how life was a few months back, spending long days on my own predominantly confined to my house – life is amazing! You have to hold on to the positives.

Since last writing I have learnt my London Marathon fate, and under their rules my 2020 Good For Age place is now only eligible for 2023, and will no longer be classed as Good For Age. I cannot change this, but I will forever feel slightly sad that Covid robbed me of my qualifier place and the – I will say it – greed of the London Marathon robbed me of a second chance to run as a qualifier. However, everyone has had to make sacrifices this year, and everyone will have something they feel disappointed to have lost; some people will think ‘it’s only a race’ but for me this was my ‘five star luxury holiday’ or ‘dream wedding’ and something I had been wanting for so long. However, I move on.

Running wise I am currently enjoying running whatever I like. It feels good and I have no targets or goals. I am mixing up my running; running easy when I want, adding in some longer runs, still motivated to throw in some harder efforts be that intervals or hills, and am also loving leading my Run Club sessions each week. My weekly mileage is still reasonably high (this week I have ran 37 miles for example), but it does not feel draining, and I feel I am building a good base fitness.

Highlights of the past month of running have been a return to track nights with Run Club (absolutely brutal but wonderful at the same time) an 18 mile trail run with my sister and her boyfriend (I may have told them it was 13…! ), logging a #RunInRed Lincoln Half Marathon with friends to mark what would have been the first Lincoln City Half Marathon event (roll on 2021, it will be worth the wait!), as well as of course a return to racing at Normanby 10k.

I feel like my plan for the rest of the year (if you can confidently plan anything these days!) will be to continue in the same vein. I find myself for the first time in years without a big race in the calendar, and I want to use this version of ‘Alice Downtime’ to truly enjoy running, as well as appreciate all those other parts of life which Covid took from us for so many months. 
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Normanby 10k 2020

9/6/2020

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2020 has been a year which no one could have predicted in nearly every way possible. Therefore, on Sunday 8th March 2020 when I raced across the finish line at the Cambridge Half Marathon, despite threats of this strange ‘Coronavirus’ rumbling in the distance, I had no idea this would be my last race for six months. I had a full calendar of events planned for 2020, and slowly but surely, they fell victim to the pandemic. I had almost resolved that there would be no further racing in 2020, that was until the team at Curly’s Athletes gave us some hope – the Normanby 10k will be going ahead they announced, and with some encouragement from friends at my Run Club, I signed up.   

I feel we have all reflected a lot on life during lockdown and one thing I realised was that I raced a lot – all it takes is for someone to mention a race to me and I am signing up! The positive of this was I had grown quite comfortable with racing and my pre-race routine, and never really felt any nerves – unless it was one of my big marathons! However, with a six month hiatus from races I could feel the nerves creep in again; even on Saturday evening I was anxiously getting all my gear together (with the extra addition of sanitiser and face mask!) fearful I had somehow forgotten something key. I was very much looking forward to the race day environment though, that shared sense of determination and achievement, and whilst I knew it would not be the same as races pre-Covid, I was confident the team at Curly’s Athletes would be doing all they could to make it safe but successful for runners.

Prior to Sunday morning I had watched the online race briefing so knew what to expect as I arrived at the race start, which is based at Normanby Hall Country Park. I was to stay in or next to my car until being called over to start, and could only leave to use the toilets. It made sense and worked perfectly fine. A relatively small field of 500 runners also meant queues etc. were minimal, and everyone observed the rules and social distancing guidelines impeccably. My nerves had calmed a little until they began to call over waves of runners to start; thirty at a time based on the predicted finish time you entered on registration. Predicting a finish time had been tough, I knew what my 10k PB was (42:42) and I knew what I wanted to run as a bare minimum (sub 45) – so I plumped for 43 mins as an educated guess! I was really pleased that both my friends from Run Club were in the same start wave as me; it was hard to spot them in a car park and this meant we could see each other and share a few pre-race words.

Our group of thirty were given a short briefing and then led down to the start line, where we lined up in socially distant queues, three runners wide. The start would then be staggered and rolling, with three runners set off in time intervals to minimise overtaking. It was well thought out and the system flowed very nicely and certainly meant there was now crowding at the start line.

​As we waited to start my friend asked me how I felt; I admitted I was nervous, I knew I had been running a lot this year, but I did not feel speedy or quick. In particular these last couple of weeks, since the London Marathon had finally been cancelled, I had relaxed more with running and had also been enjoying life a little more, finally being able to spend some time with friends and family. In short, I did not feel confident I could run fast – I knew I could run 10k, but in what time? My friend then said something to me which helped immensely; it was said as a bit of a joke, but the words stuck – ‘you’ve been training for a marathon all year Alice – you can run well!’ It was true – I have been training a lot this year, just with not much to show for it! These few words gave me the mental boost I needed as my time to cross the start line arrived.

I had not ran the Normanby 10k before, but I have done the parkrun based at the site a few times, as a well as the Hedgehog Half Marathon which again starts and finished at the site. A quick scan of the route (I am never much of a route analyser!) therefore meant I knew I would recognise some parts. Essentially, the route started in the park before leaving to complete a large loop incorporating the local villages of Thealby and Burton Upon Stather. The final section then re-joined the park, including a half mile section on grass, to finish outside the main Hall. I liked the look of the course, and long straight stretches of road really help me find a running rhythm, but I already knew that the grassy finish would be a killer on the legs!
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My first mile was fast, I felt quick, but the route was also kind with a slight downhill slope. We soon paid for this assistance though as the next two miles featured a couple of longer drawn out inclines – the term hills is far too strong – but the route steadily climbs upwards and it makes you work hard to maintain your speed. Despite having to push, as I passed halfway I felt good, I was not looking at my watch and just running to feel. I was also running pretty much on my own, with only runners ahead of me to chase – the social distancing worked well. It still felt like a race though as the sound of footsteps in the distance behind me, and the focus of keeping runners in sight in front of me, spurred me on. The only slight difference was probably the lack of spectators, who had been advised to stay away, especially in the finish areas.

​Mile 4 to 5 I found I had to dig in a little more, but with two miles to go I drew on some of my marathon training mental strength and told my mind and legs to hold steady – my friend’s inadvertent pep talk helped me here. After passing the 5 mile point I could then feel myself wanting to kick for the finish as we re-entered Normanby Hall, however I first had to accomplish running the grassy half mile loop. As I hit the green surface at first I kept my stride well and thought for a split second I was going to be ok. This soon faded though as I had to work harder to push from the softer, slightly uneven surface and maintain my form and speed. It was a tough little test, but something which (afterwards!) felt good to have mastered.

​Leaving the grass, I tried to rebuild the speed in my legs and push for the finish arch, which I could begin to see looming on the horizon. I was going well, and then suddenly the route turned for a another final 200m or so on grass leading to the finish line. Now this was tough! Sprinting on grass at the end of the 10k caused me to grit my teeth and required far too much concentration to even think about what time I was heading for! I made it though, and moving swiftly through the finish to make sure I did not cause a gathering, I was extremely pleased to read a time of 43:07 on my watch. I was happy for a number of reasons; firstly this was my second fastest 10k, and not too far from my PB, but I was also pleased that I had found the belief in myself to push for a good time, and that my legs did actually have some speed in them! With the grass and inclines, it is probably a tougher 10k course than where my PB was set too, which makes me believe I have another sub 43 minute time in me one day.

The beauty of the finish area at Normanby Hall meant the large open space allowed for runners to meet fellow friends who were running, whilst remaining distanced from others. Chatting to my Run Club friends after the race meant it didn’t feel like I had to just run and leave, and could enjoy that post run reflection and socialising. Curly's Athletes got the event spot on in my opinion; importantly it felt safe, and to be honest there are elements I think actually made the racing experience better too! Although I did of course miss getting a high five from a random stranger at the side of the road, and having a finish funnel area lined with more strangers screaming my name!

Normanby 10k worked really under the Covid restrictions, and I imagine the relatively small field and having a manageable, more rural route helped support this. Taking part in this event has given me confidence that the couple of other races I have entered across the remainder of the year, which are of a similar nature, may therefore also take place. It still feels a long time until thousands of runners can huddle in start pens and race through crowded city centre streets – but Normanby 10k felt like progress in many ways. ​
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The Next Steps

8/23/2020

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Since my last blog and my simultaneous decision to end any form of marathon training, things have felt good. I am not missing the structure of marathon training and I am certainty not doubting my decision not to have any involvement in a virtual London Marathon and/or attempt a new Good For Age time.

Mentally it feels like a hanging weight has been lifted; I pretty much know where I stand now in terms of the rest of this year, and although I am waiting on an email from the London Marathon to confirm what will happen with my 2020 place, I am not wasting any energy worrying about what that outcome may be. Physically, my body already feels better for a drop in mileage too. It has made me realise how much pain the tendinitis that my Sports Therapist had recently diagnosed as developing in my left knee has been causing me, mainly when not running. Recently when driving my car and my leg being stuck in a fixed, bent position it was becoming extremely uncomfortable and was seeing me finish even short journeys ready to literally jump out the car and straighten my leg. This week I drove from York to Lincoln without any pain whatsoever. 

In York I had been staying with my sister and her boyfriend for a few days, and my parents also came up to stay, so I was able to see them for the first time since Christmas. The timing of my little trip away could not have fallen more perfectly really; with the marathon plan torn up I was able to really enjoy some time out of my lock down routine and also to switch off. I still ran most days with my sister and her boyfriend (it is so great having family who also love to run!) but there was no pressure to get up and squeeze 20 miles in before joining the days activities. We are still an active family though, so we walked lots of miles and I even went on a bike ride for the first time in many years! We cycled 24 miles and although I have absolutely no cycling gear (my backside was a little saddle sore sat on a rock hard saddle in flimsy running shorts!), was borrowing my sister's second hand bike, and got a puncture a mile from home whilst cycling up a hill - I really enjoyed it! 

At times whilst away I was almost able to forget the ongoing impact of Covid-19. In fact some areas of my life are beginning to shift slowly back towards normality. I am still working predominantly from home, although can go into my workplace/office now if there is a need to - these little breaks from my kitchen table are very much welcomed. Our Run Club is now meeting in slightly larger numbers and we even have a track session planned for next week. 
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Perhaps most surprisingly for 2020, I also have an actual race - the Normanby 10k - taking place in two weeks time. This is an event I have absolutely zero expectations for in terms of my own performance but simply want to experience a race day feeling again with friends and also support Curly's Athletes, who I know through our joint involvement in the Lincoln City Half Marathon. I trust that the Curly's team will be doing all that can to deliver a safe but enjoyable event. 

Running wise I am simply going to do what I feel like in the weeks ahead; I know I need to keep my mileage a little more conservative for a few more weeks, and I actually feel quite inclined to do some shorter, sharper runs for a change - I can get myself 5k ready for the long awaited return of parkrun! ​I am also going to be a little more relaxed with blogging - not stopping! - but without 'training' as such to report on I am simply going to write when I feel like it. 
 
I feel comfortable with my next steps, and my biggest hope is that things also keep progressing forward more generally in the world and society. 
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The End Of The London Marathon 2020 Road

8/9/2020

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There are several things 2020/lockdown/Covid has taught me, but in running terms it has been the realisation that I purely love running, the act of going for a run, which is even better when you get to share this with others (oh how I miss you parkrun!) I have not missed racing as such, but instead the shared experience, journey, enjoyment, achievement etc. of running these adventures with others. I have reflected on this a lot since the London Marathon news was (finally) delivered this week and we now know for definite that there will be no 2020 race happening.

Since the news broke late on Thursday I have been through a real spectrum of emotions. It felt different to back in March when, as the news came that the race was being postponed, I felt sad even though I knew it was the right decision. At the time I was really enjoying my training and was looking forward to sharing the event with friends from my Run Club. I did not instantly feel sad this time though, simply relieved. Although I had been training for the new October date, I did not think the race should be held nor did I want it to take place this year. Consequently I was growing to slightly resent my training plan in recent weeks; I felt almost a slave to it when I had no reason to be.

I still feel frustrated with how the London Marathon have handled things; I feel they have almost been ignorant to the commitment of marathon training and, more importantly, to the pandemic. Although they say it, sadly I do not believe they have always had runners’ best interest in mind. Apparently they had been investigating some Bluetooth technology which runners would use during the race and which would be able to log data about who they came into 2 metre contact with across 26.2 miles. This all sounds potentially very useful going forward, but let’s face it, the Government cannot even master a decent track and trace system, so what chance did the London Marathon have of nailing this in a matter of weeks? Its something they should be exploring, but they needed to be realistic it was not possible to master, practice and ensure it was reliable in time for October.

After my initial relief at hearing the race was cancelled for 2020, and then an almost renewed respect that they had decided to hold the event in October 2021, which seems a very sensible call based on the current situation, things quickly spiralled. On the surface level social media (which another frustration of mine is that this comms was released before runners received an official email – surely it should have been the other way round?) it appeared all runners would be offered a place in the 2021 event. However, as I delved deeper into the FAQs, here the uncertainty arose…

Considering we have spent the vast majority of this year attempting to following often vague and difficult to understand guidelines about how to live our lives, you would think the London Marathon would have learnt to make things straightforward and simple – but no. Some sections of the FAQs were more straightforward, however in relation to my area of concern – Good For Age qualification – it was unclear. Have a look at the guidance yourself and see what you think  - but I am pretty sure because the qualifying time I submitted was from September 2018 this means, in order to be eligible to run in 2021, I must take part in the virtual race on October 4th and I must also run another Good For Age time during this virtual run. If not, my place will only be valid for 2023. On reading this I will admit my gut reaction was to feel upset, I could almost feel myself wanting to cry. I had worked so hard to run a qualifying time and it had been a massive goal of mine to achieve this feat, and yet London Marathon were now almost seeming to disregard it. The 2020 race was also the first option I had to use my qualification time (I was too late for the 2019 event) and therefore it seemed unfair that I was being pushed back to five years after the qualifying time was ran.

Trying to swallow my feelings, I then spent time thinking more about the virtual race. How could I run 26.2 miles around Lincoln, on my own and, more importantly, fast? It would be Good For Age or bust... I was pondering routes, how I would manage aid stations, and how much more training I needed to do… Late Thursday night my mind was buzzing, including thinking about how on earth the London Marathon were going to police these virtual runs and ensure no cheating took place to log quick qualifying times. I am still unsure why they feel this should even be an option to qualify virtually when all the other World Marathon majors have omitted this from their virtual events. I was also fretting about the fact the London Marathon are not due to send an email out until September (more waiting) to confirm each runner’s individual options for rolling over their place – so if I have to do this virtual run do I need to keep training? Surely I need to if I am going to have to try run a Good For Age time?!

Fast forward to this weekend and my slightly more logical thinking has helped me make a more rational decision about the London Marathon. Firstly, I have no interest in virtual events, and personally would not feel that running 26.2 miles around Lincoln warrants a prestigious London Marathon medal. Secondly, the amount of pressure this virtual marathon would put on me is too much –  a finish time is not the only reason why I run marathons and yet this virtual run would be all about the clock. On the day if I failed to run the time I needed how would that make me feel? Thirdly, I feel I need a break from training for a marathon, it has been a physically and mentally long year and my body has had no real rest period. I saw my Sports Therapist this week had have been told I have slight tendinitis developing in my left knee – it is a warning sign and I need to take this chance to ease off mileage a little. Lastly, and going back to my starting point, racing is not just why I run and any form of ‘London Marathon’ during 2020 would be going against all that lockdown had taught me.

So, my decision now leaves me awaiting my email in September to learn if I will be given an option to run in October 2021 or if I will be pushed back until April 2023. I don’t want to read I have to run in 2023, but I cannot change it, and to be honest I am tired of the London Marathon playing with my emotions and maybe a break away from the event will be good? There are other marathons to run and experiences to be had out there too.

This means 2020 will be my first year without a marathon since 2014, and I am ok with it. I have gained a lot more this year than the races I have lost. This last week has emphasised this as I enjoyed numerous runs with Run Club/friends, some easy paced runs, some pushing harder, some exploring new places, and on Sunday felt fully free to enjoy a lovely long run with no pressure. I am no longer training but back to running, and whilst I have some small events still booked in for later in the year, I will look (hopefully!) forward to these days as chances to share experiences with friends again and just run happy.

My marathon adventures will undoubtedly return in 2021, I still have many ventures I want to complete, and I am also determined I will run the London Marathon one day as a Good For Age qualifier.
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London Marathon Training Week 6 #2

8/2/2020

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So this week obviously began with the latest London Marathon update (if you can call it that.) I have had my rant, which you are welcome to read again here, but I am sure you can imagine my feelings... 

Aside from the London Marathon hanging over me, this week has felt the most normal in my life for a long time; its felt good, really good, but also a little tiring as I found myself rushing around to fit things in once again. Lockdown really has made me realise how busy I often make my life! Things which have helped were actually being able to go into my office at some point each day of the week and see some colleagues. I was also single handily trying to deliver 2500 consultation letters to local households, which meant a lot of steps, but also much less time sat at my kitchen table – hallelujah! I even had my first day of annual leave during 2020 (which I somehow managed to coincide with the hottest day of the year!) which I used to have a post lockdown reunion with my sister and her boyfriend, and also made a return to the gym. This week makes me feel hopeful for the future, but I am also cautious; on reflection I am now mixing with quite a few different people, and whilst I am following the guidance, I can easily see how across the UK social contact must be sharply increasing and how local lockdowns are developing. Its such a tough balance, as I know how much better I feel in myself being able to do a few more ‘normal’ things again, but yet the threat of ‘the virus’ has yet to really go away…

MONDAY: Rest Day - with the knowledge I had a gym session booked for later in the week I thought best not to overload my body too much with any home workouts (plus I am getting bored of them now anyway!)

TUESDAY: despite the London Marathon news, I felt really motivated to run some intervals today, even with a rather tough looking 6 miles with 10 x 400m reps on the plan. I ran along the riverbank near to me, an out and back stretch which is great for intervals, but often catches you unaware with a deceivingly strong headwind. Today was one of those days and my reps ‘out’ were all well under 7 min/mile pace, whilst my reps ‘back’ into the wind were closer to 7 min/mile pace – I felt strong though despite the added challenge and enjoyed the feeling of pushing the pace.

WEDNESDAY: I met my friend this week for another 6am run just outside Lincoln. We ran 6 miles on mixed terrain and at our usual pretty speedy pace. Strictly speaking today was supposed to be a recovery run, but my affinity to my training plan was rather wavering, and I much preferred the idea of miles with a friend!
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THURSDAY: again my ‘plan’ went out the window a little today; on what was supposed to be some steady miles, I actually ran 5 miles with my Run Club which included 12 x 200m fast paced efforts – again far more enjoyable! Prior to my evening run, I also went back to the gym for the first time in four months, managing to get a slot at my favourite class, Body Pump. I was a little apprehensive as to how my gym would manage the whole reopening, and I probably had fairly low expectations. However, I have to say I was honestly very impressed by the lengths they had gone to. I felt safe and was able to thoroughly enjoy doing some strength training again; yes I have lost strength, particularly upper body, but it also feels exciting to be able to work hard to get it back again.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: I wanted to try test my speed this week during my ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ attempt, however my legs were still sore from my return to the gym – which I was not overly surprised by! I gave it a go though, purely aiming for some quicker miles, without expecting to feel super speedy. After my legs had warmed up a bit, I ran well and held a constant quick pace, which I extended to 4 miles. I was nowhere near parkrun speed, but it was a nice step up in gear.

SUNDAY: thankfully, my long run this week was a bit of a ‘cut back’ on my plan after last week’s 19 miles; I am not sure even I had the mental strength to log a really long run this week. 14 miles felt a nice distance though and after a number of quicker runs this week, I kept my pace easy. The warmth did make it slightly less comfortable and I also find it tougher when running with water, which although essential for long hot runs, the 2 litres or so on my back does slow me down a little!

Dare I even say that by next Sunday I should know where things stand regarding the London Marathon 2020…!? ​
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London Marathon Training Week 5 #2

7/27/2020

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​​Usually I sit and write a blog on a Sunday evening, reflecting on my week, consolidating my thoughts etc. Yesterday I ran out of time, which feels quite a joyous thing to say after recent months of finding almost ‘time filling’ activities. I logged a long run and then spent a long afternoon and evening visiting a friend and her family – actual people! – a simple thing which felt so wonderful.

I also almost instinctively held back on my blog due to the incoming London Marathon announcement which was due to arrive on Tuesday. I felt it would rather influence things so to speak! The announcement actually arrived today (Monday) and yet again it filled me (and it seems the overwhelming majority on social media) with frustration and almost anger. No update or definite decision on holding the race was given and instead a promise for another update by Friday 7th August.

At the last announcement I resolved in my head to focus on this five-week mini block of training, after which I thought I would know where I stand. I have tried to train as best I can, but to then find out I must prolong this uncertainty for further days and indeed runs felt exasperating. This is just me, lets not forget (as it seems the London Marathon may have) that we are still in the midst of a pandemic which has caused thousands of deaths and dramatic lifestyle changes for the entire population. Why is hosting the London Marathon even the right thing to do?

I will try not to rant; I just have to try and keep focused for a few more days. This past week of training has been tougher to do this though, and I have felt my commitment to the training plan being questioned by my logical mind – I have wanted to run, but why was I running what this piece of paper said? What is the point…? I did in fact deviate from my plan slightly, although still kept my weekly mileage as required, and it is perhaps telling that on the run where I really made myself adhere to the plan, I also really struggled mentally.

MONDAY: on what my plan told me was rest day - I enjoyed a near 7 mile run with a friend at a steady pace whilst catching up. It was a lovely start to the week, and I felt I did not need a rest day despite Sunday’s long trail miles. I did rest my legs on Tuesday though to prevent too many consecutive days of running.
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WEDNESDAY: this was a real struggle run, my plan was for 9 slow miles and it was an absolute slog. I did not really want to run 9 slow miles and therefore my mind never settled into the run, I never found my rhythm and I used any excuse to stop, which then led me to battle in my head about why I should keep going. Not one to remember!

​THURSDAY: I bounced back today; my training plan was for hill reps which coincided nicely with our planned Run Club session for the week. I split my run into two parts; a morning 5k on a hilly course to get some slightly quicker hill reps in, and then 4 evening miles of steadier continuous hills with my club mates. I love running hills with other people and that collective challenge and achievement.

FRIDAY: home strength work on my glutes and quads, motivated by the fact that this should be my final living room workout, as next week I have booked back into my usual (pre lockdown) strength class at the gym

SATURDAY: keeping with the hill theme of the week, I ran my hillier ‘not parkrun course’ pushing hard up the inclines. Next week I may be brave and attempt a flatter, faster time… I am just a little scared to try as fear I will be so far off my desired time!

SUNDAY: with actual plans on a Sunday and the forecast for a warm day I got up and out relatively early for my long run of 19 miles, which as the day heated up, I was very thankful for. With the warmth and distance, I took the run steadily from the start and the first ten miles passed relatively quickly. As I edged into the ‘teen miles’ however my legs lacked power; they did not feel like lead or ‘planks of wood’ as I described them a couple of weeks ago, I could keep running, but I had no drive and I could physically feel my quads tiring. Maybe it is in my mind now as I know I have lost strength over lockdown, but as I finished I felt a realisation dawn on me that if this marathon does take place, I may not be in my best physical condition regardless of how hard I try; I have catching up to do in areas that are not just pounding the pavements.
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So who knows what the next London Marathon announcement will bring and how this will influence my running and life over the next weeks/months… more waiting. 
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London Marathon Training Week 4 #2

7/19/2020

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Last week my body felt tired. I did some maths and worked out that so far this year I have ran 1,077 miles, which is definitely a lot more than my car has managed this year! Usually after a marathon training cycle I would have a bit of a break, people who know me will know this is definitely an ‘Alice version’ of a break, but I do tend to drop my mileage for a least a few weeks as my legs recover. This year I have gone straight from full on training for a marathon, to a consistent period of lockdown mileage of around 35 miles a week, and now into the start of marathon training again. I feel fit, there is no denying that, but at the end of last week my body also felt a little knackered.

Thankfully this week was a bit of a ‘cut back’ week in my training plan and I was also able to finally see my Sport Therapist, who confirmed what I already thought may be the case – my legs are struggling under my high mileage without any strength training. Yes, I have been doing weekly home exercise with body weight and resistance bands, but it doesn’t quite match up to the gym work I normally ensure I incorporate into my training. The gyms reopening gives me a chance to build some of this back up at least – I will need to make sure this is done steadily though, else I won’t be able to walk for weeks let alone run!

MONDAY: some adapted home exercise; my quads were still so sore from my long run on Sunday I tried to give them a bit of a break.

TUESDAY: a steady 5 miles – the first mile my legs felt really stiff still, but I loosened up with each mile, unintentionally getting quicker.

WEDNESDAY: although yesterday showed some promise, today my legs were stiff again, and an easy 8 miles definitely had to be taken easily. I was now practically counting down the hours until my Sports Therapy appointment on Friday!

THURSDAY: speed work this week was a little less demanding, with 8 miles of fartlek on my plan. This fitted well with the Run Club session we had planned, and I was able to incorporate my own miles with some leading my ‘running bubble’. For once working from home proved useful as I made myself close my laptop at 5:30pm and was out running within a few minutes. I ran four miles solo, with some quicker sub 8 min/miles, and then met my Run Club friends for another 4 miles including 5 x 1k reps. Running with others is a joy at the moment anyway, but it also really helped take my mind off my legs!

​FRIDAY: Rest Day – and ending my five month wait for a sports massage!
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SATURDAY: although my legs felt much improved after some treatment, I did not want to instantly push them, so kept this week’s ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ attempt ‘confortably hard’ and with a couple of gradual hills thrown in.

SUNDAY: this week’s long run was a refreshing change which saw me run with someone else, leave Lincoln, and also run on trails! I ran as part of an organised trail run through my friend’s business Remarkable Running, and he had plotted out a 30k route starting in Woodhall Spa and venturing out into the Lincolnshire countryside. I loved getting out exploring, and the route had lots of different elements from tracks, to fields and woodlands, which were all cleverly mapped together. I switched off from pace and distance and simple enjoyed being outside. I would never be able to plan a route like this on my own, and part of the enjoyment was the fact I didn’t have to think about where I was running and could simple enjoy the experience. We finished back in Woodhall Spa around lunchtime, and on what was now a gloriously sunny day, enjoyed post refreshments in the town centre. It was a great day and adventure, and something I highly recommend others try if they find themselves a little lost or lacking with running focus at the moment what with everything going on in the world!
 
Next week should be the final full week of training before the next announcement from the London Marathon is due. I will approach it with focus, but I am very open about the fact I hope this is my last week of marathon training for 2020. ​
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London Marathon Training Week 3 #2

7/12/2020

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This week my running has fallen into one of either two camps – felt really good or felt really tough. There has been no middle ground! The tough runs my legs have just felt so tight; I bang on about a Sports Massage, but I am used to having one every month or so, and thus it’s been hard going without for nearly five months, especially when I have probably been running more cumulative miles than ever before during lockdown. I think my legs are hitting their limit! My prayers seem to have been answered though as the announcement this week regarding the further relaxing of lockdown restrictions means that Sports Therapists are now able to do hands on treatment. With my quads now at the ‘unbelievably tight’ stage I am literally counting down the days until my appointment, which I have managed to book for Friday.

MONDAY: home exercises and strength and conditioning - seems I may also be able to return to the gym soon!

TUESDAY: despite being ‘easy’ miles, this run fell into the ‘tough’ camp. My legs just had no energy, which meant that even though I was meant to be keeping the pace down, 8 miles still felt like a bit too much of an effort.

WEDNESDAY: I met my friend again this week for another 6am run out in the countryside just outside Lincoln. Considering how rubbish my legs felt yesterday I was a little doubtful if I would be able to keep up with him this week! However, my body felt like a totally different person, and I ran along strongly, keeping to the quick rhythm. A few times I glanced down at my watch and saw for sections we were even edging into sub 7-minute mile territory! We finished with 6 miles and an average pace of 7.18 min/mile – I could not have done that yesterday.

​THURSDAY: this was both a ‘good’ running day and a double running day, with the long-awaited return of my Run Club in the evening. My solo morning run was intervals; just over 4 miles with 6 x 800m reps. I actually ran these on a very small loop of streets near my house, logging laps almost like at a track – I prefer this approach for interval running as it means I can switch off thinking about where to run and put all my energy into just running. I was pleased with my splits, which logged 7:16, 6.50, 7.06, 6.26, 7.06, 6.50 respectively, and my legs felt powerful throughout.
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Then, after another day of the dreaded ‘working from home’, I could not wait to get out again and meet some of my friends from Run Club! It had been four months since our last Run Club session, and despite the fact we were all split into small groups across Lincoln (following Government guidance of course!) it was great to be able to run together again. A miserable, grey and damp evening brightened instantly by being amongst and running with friends! I have missed it, and I look forward to when we can become our bigger community again.  

​FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: I woke this morning and even lying in bed I could feel my legs were heavy and tight. With a long run looming tomorrow, I did not even attempt a quick ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ and instead plotted a completely new 5k loop, with a couple of gentle hills, which I ran steadily. As I ran, I knew my decision was wise - my legs definitely had no speed in them!

SUNDAY: my slightly more cautious approach yesterday did not pay off today. Whilst my legs felt better pre-run, during the run they were not great at all. From mile one they were tight and never loosened – I likened them to planks of wood which I stiffly had to try bend and keep moving. At times my quads reminded me of the final few miles of a marathon; that heavy tightness that doesn’t get any worse but just makes each step feel like a monumental effort! Somehow, I got through 18 miles; there was just this little voice inside my head willing me to keep going on! At one point I was at a section of my route where I could turn for home and cut the run short at about 9/10 miles, or start another loop which would mean I was ‘all in’ for the full 18 miles. I paused for a second, but found myself heading for the loop – am sure others may have headed for home, especially with the fact that the marathon I am training for is by no means certainly going to happen! Whilst my legs felt rubbish, my pace was slow and it was a tough few hours out running, I am pleased my mental strength is still apparent. 

So that's Week 3 of this second version of training complete and another 43.5 miles in the legs. Two more weeks of training until the promised next announcement from the London Marathon… ​
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London Marathon Training Week 2 #2

7/5/2020

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​Despite the complete lack of certainty about whether the London Marathon will actually take place or not, this week I have continued to find myself motivated to follow my training plan and have ran well despite the distinct tightness in my legs (have I mentioned I REALLY need a sports massage!) Outside of running life, things have felt a little frustrating. Again I may have mentioned once or twice (!!) that I really do not enjoy working from home and there seems to be no end in sight in that respect, which feels a little suffocating, especially when other industries and offices are starting to move forward. Secondly, I realised that despite this week seeing the latest easing of lockdown restrictions from Boris, the things I really love still cannot happen – parkrun, going to races with friends, going to the gym and obviously being able to do my job normally. So, I have not met being able to go to the pub with any great euphoria at all! On the plus side though, we are starting a social distanced/bubble version of my Run Club next week, and whilst it will not be perfect being unable to see everyone and run altogether, I cannot wait for Thursday night.

MONDAY: some ‘at home’ exercises and strength and conditioning work.

TUESDAY: five easy miles to start the week; my legs felt like they wanted to go quicker, but I reined them in knowing I had some quicker runs ahead. Marathon training does require a bit more thought and discipline!

WEDNESDAY: I met my friend for a run today who I had not seen in months, we used to meet every Wednesday for an early morning run, but after my Chicago Marathon recovery period last year we slipped out of the habit. It was great to catch up and even when he mentioned he still needed to run early due to being at work it did not bother me; I welcomed some structure. Early did in fact mean 6am and I agreed to meet him where he lives just outside Lincoln. This meant I woke up at 5am and was running by 5:56am – most definitely the earliest in a long time! We ran nearly 6 miles mixing some country lanes with trails – my friend is still quick, so we averaged 7:46 min/mile which was conversational for him, but a bit more challenging for me, especially on trails!

THURSDAY: intervals this week were the same as last week; 7 miles with 4 x 1 mile reps. Thankfully it was nowhere near as hot as last week and actually had a fine drizzle in the air for some parts. Like last week I aimed for as close to 7 min/mile pace as possible on the reps and started well, kept the middle two reps fairly consistent, but again tired on the last, with splits of 7.08, 7.14, 7.15, 7.24 min/mile respectively. I was happy though and I had given my all; a passer-by seemed to agree with me and nodded approvingly saying ‘commendable running!'
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FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: my Garmin annoyed me during this week’s ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ attempt. I tried my luck on my flatter, faster course, and despite the wind, I felt I was running relatively strong. My Garmin just never grasped GPS properly though and I ran much further along my normal out and back loop than normal. My time was therefore a little disappointing compared to how it felt – but there’s always next week!
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SUNDAY: getting my things together ready to run I could hear a wild wind causing various disruptions outside my window; another wind battering long Sunday run beckoned – great! With my sensible hat on I started steadily, not wanting to tire myself out and end up battling the wind, and my strategy worked. Throughout the 16 miles I logged my splits were very consistent, hovering around the 8:30 min/mile region. Less consistent was the wind which seemed to blow in all manner of directions (I think my post run hair justifies how wild it was!) but to be honest I felt able to cope with it tests. The miles also passed quite quickly, and overall I was pleased with how I coped with the next step up in long run mileage.

Onto Week 3... running well, but still not at all hopeful of the end goal! 
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London Marathon Training Week 1 #2

6/28/2020

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Week one of London Marathon 2020 training – take two. Its been hot, its been hard at times, but overall I have been impressed by how I have mentally applied myself to this second version of training; especially as I am still not optimistic that the race should or will be able to go ahead. The heatwave and a slight ramp in intensity has hit me a bit – this weekend I have been tired, not just in a running sense, but from lack of sleep and the general effort required to keep myself motivated and cool whilst working from my rather hot little house (this week has made me hate working from home even more!)

MONDAY: I switched up my home exercise routine a little this week, not only to relieve the monotony, but to focus a little more on some strength and conditioning exercises to compliment my running. I am missing the gym and also being able to have a sports massage, so I want to try and limit injury as much as possible.

TUESDAY: 5 very easy miles – the sudden rise it temperature caught me a little unaware and I realised I was running far too late in the morning to be able to do any of my other planned higher intensity sessions.

WEDNESDAY: I have not ran a tempo run since lockdown began, so initially I was a little nervous about this morning’s 7 miles, with the 5 middle miles aiming for 8 min/mile pace. I then reminded myself that I have actually been running a lot of my runs close to 8 min/mile without consciously trying during lockdown, so I had to be more confident in my current fitness level. The warmth did make the run a little more challenging, but I hit my target, with the middle miles all in the 7:50 min/mile region.

THURSDAY: this morning was a rather harsh introduction back into running some intervals; 7 miles with 4 x 1 mile reps is never easy, but at already nearly 20 degrees it was going to be an extra test. I was saved slightly by the fact the loop of streets I like to run intervals around was well shaded and I made sure to actively stop after each interval for a few seconds of the recovery period to try and keep both my composure and temperature down. Ambitiously I was aiming for the mile reps to be as close as possible to 7 min/mile pace, and I was quite pleased with my splits; 7.08, 7.00, 7.12, 7.17 min/mile respectively – my legs were feeling it on that last rep and on the cool down home afterwards!
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FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: my not Lincoln parkrun attempt this week was a struggle; I was just so tired. I could feel it all over as I tried to find some pace. Unlike last week where I felt real energy and power running along my hilly course, this week I had to battle up the hills.
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SUNDAY: whilst the heat had significantly reduced today, a gloriously gusty wind replaced it instead. Owing to how tired I felt yesterday and with the conditions I knew to keep today’s longer run steady. I had 14 miles on my plan, which was not too much of a jump from my usual Sunday half marathon I have been logging during lockdown. The first 3 miles were awful though; my legs felt energy-less and my little rucksack filled with water felt like a huge weight on my back. I feared a long slog ahead. I tried to keep positive though and I did in fact grow into the run, my legs feeling a bit more life. I would not say I felt amazing and during those initial miles a few thoughts flashed through my head about just cutting the run short. However, that lingering prospect of the London Marathon actually happening kept my head in the game. How long can I keep it up... or will I need to keep it up for?
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Marathon Madness

6/21/2020

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So, the week I was waiting for arrived – the week London Marathon would be announcing their plans for the 2020 event. The Great North Run was postponed early in the week, and logic seemed to suggest a similar announcement would be arriving from the London Marathon organising team. However, for some reason all week I felt anxious about the announcement. I had a feeling deep down that it was not going to be what I wanted to hear – and if I am brutally honest what I wanted to hear was that they were postponing this year’s event and rolling all entries to 2021. My fears were unfortunately met, and on Friday morning I received a rather waffling email from the London Marathon about there ‘still being hope’ and how they were planning ‘creative ways to social distance’ and that ‘the world will be a different place in October’ – basically the London Marathon were again making no decision on the event and would update us further in late July.

If you know me and/or have been reading my blog you know I love the London Marathon, it holds a special place in my heart and has given memories and experiences that I will treasure for life. However, I no longer feel it is right to hold the event this year, we do not know what the world will look like in October, but I am pretty sure it will not be ready for gatherings of tens of thousands of people. As for creative ways to socially distance the event – I am also not sure how this will help keep the ethos and feel of the London Marathon, which we love for its spectator lined streets and the general mass participation craziness of it all.

​Perhaps my biggest frustration at the announcement was the seeming lack of consideration for the impact that marathon training has on people’s lives – we are now effectively faced with needing to start training for an event which still may not even happen. I am relatively lucky in the sense that I do not have too many other external factors to consider in my training, but I feel for people with families to juggle, work schedules which are currently nothing like normal, and even those who may currently not even be able to run outside – having to think about training amidst the current uncertainties we are all facing is tough.

I also have seen a few people commenting that if we love running, we should be pleased the London Marathon is trying to make the event happen. There is a difference between running and training for a marathon though, which probably only those who have trained for one will know what I mean. It becomes your life for 16 or so weeks and is much more than just doing a daily run. 
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So with five weeks until the next announcement I have today sat and looked at a training plan – it feels strange, that excitement is not there, I almost do not feel ready to commit, and being able to imagine race day seems a hard imagine to conjure up in my mind. Following my plan will also see me reach nearly 20 miles for a long run by the time of the next announcement – which could all be for nothing. I am too nervous just to say ‘sod it’ and sit back and wait for them to cancel; I do not really trust their decisions anymore if I am honest! I know I will train, but I also know my heart will not fully be in it. 

That’s my rambled rant about the future – who would have thought I could be so frustrated by a marathon still taking place! I think it shows the perspective that Covid-19 and lockdown has given me on life.

My head has been a bit all over this week, anxiety about the marathon, a sudden surge in work meaning my work/life balance was next to nothing for two days, and for the first time in ages I felt ready for a weekend to try switch off! Is it bad I cannot even remember where I ran on Tuesday or Wednesday? My watch tells me I ran two 6 milers, but I would not be able to confidently tell you my routes! Thursday I did enjoy a much needed run with a friend, an evening 8 mile loop which took my mind off lots and just felt fun and freeing. Saturday I also knocked 44 seconds off my hilly 'not Lincoln parkrun' course record; I ran with a real drive and could tell I was powering up the hills. My Sunday long run was a 13.1 mile muggy meander through Lincoln, contemplating the longer runs ahead of me  and how I really must start getting out earlier to beat the heat! 
 
So next week marathon training beings – in a week which is also predicted to be a heatwave. You just could not write it..!
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Time To Train?

6/14/2020

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This week has seen me pass the three month marker of working from home/lockdown life. It is crazy when I think about how different my life has been during this time, and whilst there have been challenges, I continue to be upbeat and have been quite reflective this week about the positive parts of lockdown and the things I have learnt to appreciate and value much more.

Running wise, this week should also be my final week of ‘no training’ with the 16-week countdown to the rearranged London Marathon starting on Monday and consequently the beginning of my usual marathon training plan. Am I starting marathon training on Monday? The short answer is no. We have been promised an update from the London Marathon next Sunday and I am both hoping and expecting that they tell us this year’s race will not take place, which feels quite strange to admit. I do not want to run the race if it will not feel like the London Marathon we all know and love, and, most importantly, I also do not want to put myself or others as risk – sadly I cannot see a way the race can safely go ahead this year. Whilst the announcement is due to be made only one week into training, I do want to exert any level of emotional attachment to training or to psychologically begin to think about the weeks ahead – it feels like wasted energy. If by some miracle the announcement is that the marathon is going ahead, starting training one week later will have no real major impact on me, especially when I am running well at the moment anyway. So, I await next Sunday’s news, as I am sure many thousands of other people are too.  

MONDAY: online exercise classes

TUESDAY: an easy paced 10k to kick off my weekly running

WEDNESDAY: speaking of marathon training, this morning I opted for a 7 mile loop I run often during my marathon training cycles due to its relative flatness and the long straight roads which allow you to build up some rhythm. I aimed to run a bit quicker today, keeping my splits in the low 8 min/mile region.

THURSDAY: this morning I had to get out running earlier than normal as I had scheduled myself a 9am video meeting at work (what was I thinking?!) I wanted to do some speed work as I have skipped speed sessions a little bit of late, and thought some hill reps would be a good way to motivate myself. I ran to a steep hill fairly near to my house and logged 10 x sprints uphill with a slow recovery jog down. It was short, sharp and intense and afterwards as I ran a cool down mile home my legs were knackered!
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FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: another Saturday and another week of missing parkrun – after however many weeks, I can safely say a Saturday morning 5k on my own is never going to be the same as going to my much loved Lincoln parkrun! The weather was calmer this week at least, so I reverted back to my flatter 5k course and tried to test my speed. It was hard work, especially on a surprisingly muggy morning when the air felt thick to breathe. I ran 21:35 which is a fairly reasonable time, but I cannot believe I managed 20:40 a few weeks back – my legs felt nowhere near up to that this morning!

SUNDAY: it was muggy again today and I tried to keep my long run steady from the start – I did not fancy struggling in the heat. I had mapped out a half marathon route and wanted to complete it and not feel the need to cut it short if I got too hot and bothered. My sensible approach paid off, and my paces were reasonably consistent in the 8:20 min/mile region. This meant that even when the sun broke out in the final stages of the run, making the heat suddenly soar, I did not suffer too much. If I am to be marathon training this summer a sensible approach is always required on hot long runs – so maybe this was good practice...?!
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Let’s see what next Sunday brings…
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Lockdown Lessons

6/7/2020

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I think it is safe to say over the past weeks we have all come to appreciate things in our life a lot more than we did before, or we have started to appreciate them in new ways. This week has emphasised to me just how important becoming part of a running club has been in my life. I have written about it before; but I was so apprehensive about belonging to any form of club for reasons I cannot really put my finger on, it just did not seem for me. However, being a member of Lincs S&C Run Club has added so much to both my running and life in recent months, and this week, despite not being at the stage yet where we are physically meeting as a club, I have really felt that sense of community and belonging.

One of our members - Tom - was undertaking a challenge to run seven half marathons in seven days to raise funds for the NHS, and throughout the week various members of the club were able to join him for socially distanced running. We also tracked his progress each day virtually on social media. His challenge really brought people together, gave us something to look forward to each day and to feel good about, and as someone else put, they had not seen so many happy smiling faces in so long. It is certainly something I will remember as a highlight when I think back to lockdown in years to come.

MONDAY: online exercise classes – I did these first thing in the morning today before my living room had a chance to warm up. That was the plan anyway – although it was still boiling. Is it too much to install home air conditioning during lockdown…!?

TUESDAY: today continued to be very warm still and I got out running a bit earlier to try beat the heat. I logged a steady 10k in the low 8 min/mile region, but what really struck me about running slightly earlier was the traffic on the roads! A few weeks back I had been weaving through an almost ghost town and now cars were whizzing past me almost disturbing my running zone. Again, perhaps I have taken for granted the peace lockdown has offered.

WEDNESDAY: with the knowledge I was joining Tom for a half marathon tomorrow as part of his challenge, today was supposed to ‘just’ be an easy 5 miles. I hit a quick rhythm from the start though and just never seemed to slow down. I was unable to join Tom until Thursday due to work commitments, but I did manage to get out and cheer him after my run as he ran past the top of my street. Stood at the top of my road scanning the horizon, waiting for a running figure to appear in the distance it almost felt like I was stood on the side-lines of a race again. I enjoyed my brief moment of overzealous cheering as he passed me and then headed back to the reality of a Zoom call!  
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THURSDAY: after a hot start to the week I was really pleased today’s weather was pretty much perfect for our half marathon – a cooler air, but still mild, and no wind. I am honestly not sure where the 13.1 miles we ran went to though; we were joined by another club member on their bike and later another runner for the final miles, and it all just passed so quickly. I also had no idea what pace we were running as it just felt really comfortable and chatty, and as long as Tom was running ok (which he was, despite this being his fifth half marathon!) that’s all that seemed to matter. As I jogged home afterwards I felt really energised and positive; it felt like a good thing to be part of and had given me a buzz that we all have probably not felt for a while. Tom went on to smash the remainder of his challenge and has raised over £1,500 in the process.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: this week’s ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ was practically a 5k swim. I stepped out the door in fairly heavy rain, which then proceeded to quickly become torrential for pretty much the entire 5k – I could barely even see coming down one road as the rain lashed into my face! Despite it sounding pretty horrendous, it was actually quite invigorating in a weird way. I opted for my hilly 5k loop and shaved another couple of seconds off my course PB – so maybe the rain encouraged me to get home a bit quicker at least!
 
SUNDAY: having already logged a longer run for the week, I planned today’s Sunday run to round off my mileage. I set a target of 38 miles for the week, which left me a precise 10.6 miles to run. I pushed the pace a little more than a long, slow run as it was cool and drizzly, and for some reason ten miles also seemed short in my mind! It felt good just to turn the legs over a bit quicker though and I ventured onto some paths I had not ran on for a while, knowing the rain would make them less busy.
 
Amongst the positive running this week, personally we also had to announce the news that the Lincoln City Half Marathon was being postponed until 2021 due to Covid-19. I have been involved with bringing this event to Lincoln heavily through my work, who are one of the joint organisers, and it has involved a lot of time, energy and passion from myself and my colleagues. However, we know this is the right decision for the safety of all and to ensure a positive event can take place, so I do not feel too disappointed. Perhaps I even feel relief that I now know we do not have to worry about how to make sure we keep thousands of runners safe, that's if mass participation events are even allowed to take place by September.

2021 will be special in many ways, but let’s also keep embracing the positive moments and good in what we have now too. ​
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Finding Happiness

5/31/2020

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Friday 13th March was when I entered a ‘lockdown / non-normal’ way of life (a whole week earlier than most!) and after eleven weeks I can safely say this one has been my most enjoyable. Life is not perfect, but I find the small ease in restrictions that allow me to meet a few people and get out the house more often are a massive boost for my happiness. This is possibly why it makes me feel very frustrated when people are blatantly disregarding the fact we are still living in a pandemic, and I worry about repercussions down the line… I am still shopping each week for a vulnerable lady on a Saturday morning who has not left her house in all this time – it is not fair on people like her who are quite frankly becoming scared of the outside world and the behaviour of others. But I can only do what I can and try play my part.

Ignoring my Covid grumbles, this week I can say I have felt happy, the weather has been beautiful, and although it does make running a bit tougher at times, it has meant I can enjoy seeing friends outside and just generally being outside (which is good, as after so may weeks at home I have well and truly exhausted the tidying, cleaning, sorting, painting etc. I can do!) I have managed to log 35.5 miles and enjoyed a nice mixture of running experiences.

MONDAY: online exercise class in a hot living room

TUESDAY: I had planned to meet a friend for a run this morning and explore some local trails. The excitement setting my alarm the night before for an early morning run was real; it was great to be looking forward to the next day arriving. We met just outside Lincoln and proceeded to run a 10.5 mile route through some lovely local landscapes. I am not overly experienced on trails (I practically dust off my trail shoes each time I do have to wear them!) but I do enjoy them. It is running with no pressure, taking in your surroundings, concentrating on navigating along intricate pathways and just enjoying being outside and running. We were treated to some great views back across towards Lincoln that simply made you stop in you tracks – and the beauty of trail running is that stopping does not really matter.

WEDNESDAY: after yesterday’s slightly longer mileage and with the knowledge I had a rather tough looking interval session planned for tomorrow, I tried to keep today’s run easy, reverting to a familiar 10k loop.

THURSDAY: I had more plans to run with a friend today and we had agreed to meet in the evening to attempt a Run Club session of 14 x 400m. I would not have opted for this on my own that is for sure, especially on what was a warm evening of around 20 degrees. I loved it though, and although I was pushing myself and it did feel tougher at times, there was that shared experience and the chat we shared during rest periods which, some may say weirdly, made it pleasurable. As we ran up and down the same stretch of road we even made friends with the woman whose house we were resting outside and who seemed to rather enjoy chatting to us each time. ‘Are you training for the marathon?’ she asked (by which I guessed she meant London!) ‘Supposedly’ I said, practically rolling my eyes ‘but can you see it going ahead?!’ That’s another story…
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FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: after a good week of running so far, today was less great. Another ‘not Lincoln parkrun’ but it was tough on a warm morning and with a hidden wind which caught me out along the river. I finished running and instantly thought – I miss parkrun!

SUNDAY: after finishing running today my instant thought was ‘I need to get myself into gear much quicker!’ Although I was out running fairly early, it was nowhere near as early as I would have been if my mind was fully in ‘training mode.’ It was 21 degrees by the time I was finishing and just too hot. I knew as soon as I started running it was warm so kept my pace nice and easy, stopping in the shade for a couple of water breaks. I ran 10.7 miles, which I planned to round off my mileage for the week at an even number, and the run served to remind me of just how testing long runs are during training in the summer months. Getting up early may seem strange at the moment when I never really have much planned for the rest of the day, but it will make running in the heat much more bearable!

Next week I am looking forward to joining another fellow Run Club member who is taking on a challenge to raise funds for the NHS by running seven half marathons in seven days – I am joining him on day five and am hoping for a slightly cooler day for us both! ​
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Running For The Mind

5/24/2020

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This week is lockdown week number 'who even knows anymore' and also another Bank Holiday weekend - really another one!? Perhaps more importantly, this week has also been Mental Health Awareness Week, which considering what collectively we have all been through in recent times, is probably more appropriate than ever. My work created a week long feature of articles and support, ending with final tips from our own members of staff on how we have been maintaining our mental well-being during lockdown. It did not take me long to think of mine, aside from being able to keep working (even if working from home drives me mad some days!) it has been running, and my friends and family who have helped me cope with the challenges presented. Running has always been key for my mental health, but perhaps more than ever it has mattered so much these last weeks in giving me freedom, a chance to feel a small sense of normality and an essence of control, and to simply feel like me. 

MONDAY: exercise classes with Run Your Marks, who somehow read my mind and incorporated some upper body exercises, which hurt but felt great at the same time!

TUESDAY: the weather started to warm up today, but getting out fairly early meant I was able to enjoy a steady 6 miles mainly at sub 8 min/mile pace. My 'normal' work schedule would see me setting off to run between 5:30-6am in the morning, but during lockdown it has been more like 7:30-8am - which will have to change as the temperature ramps up!

WEDNESDAY: today the temperature did indeed ramp up, and it was already nearly 18 degrees as I headed out to run. I knew I needed to keep this an easy run as I am not acclimatised to pushing myself in the heat yet. I ran a 10k at about 8:30 min/mile pace, but it felt a tougher; I was just so warm! I will adapt better, but these first runs are always a bit of a shock to the system, especially when the temperature suddenly changes. 

THURSDAY: I made myself get out the door earlier today as I wanted to do some intervals and it was still fairly warm. I opted for 10 x 200m reps with a minute recovery in between, and whilst it did not feel like I was flying along as sometimes it can during speed work, I actually logged some good times, including a couple of sub 6 min/mile paced reps.
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FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: this weekend was windy - again. In fact it was very windy today, perhaps not the same gale force levels we saw back in February, but enough to not even make me consider attempting to push myself for an all out 5k along an exposed river. Instead my 'not Lincoln parkrun' was my city centre hillier route which I managed an unofficial course PB on. Not a bad alternative!

SUNDAY: when I woke this morning I was pleased the wind had died down a little, although it was definitely still present. I tried to plan a half marathon route which would not be too exposed, but in reality I knew that it was still going to be windy wherever I ran! In fact it seemed like I had a headwind for virtually 10 miles of my run, with the final 3 offering some shelter/tailwind. Why is it always the case that headwind seems far more apparent!? Despite the conditions I actually ran fairly well; I did not focus on my pace, but after finishing was pleased to see it had ranged between either just under or just over 8:20 min/mile. 

Next week I have a couple of arranged socially distanced runs with friends which I am looking forward too - actual plans during 2020! Combining running and friendship I know will be excellent for my mental health too. ​
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A 'Road Map' Forward

5/17/2020

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It has been a strange week – I feel like a lot has happened and changed, but at the same time things are still the same… if that makes any sense! I am sure everyone has their opinion on Boris’ address to the nation on Sunday night regarding the ‘road map’ for exiting the lockdown in the UK; personally I found it unclear and worrying at the same time – so open to interpretation with a reliance on common sense, which I am not sure some people do actually have these days! I was sat cringing at my TV as he waffled on, whilst also trying to make sense of what this meant for my life.

It was however a relief to hear I could now ‘exercise unlimitedly,’ which does not mean I will now be running multiple times a day, but does mean I can at least run in the morning before work and then go for a walk in the evening again to escape my house a little more. It was only on Monday when slightly more clearer guidelines were published by the Government that I realised you could now actually meet one other person for exercise providing you social distanced – it almost felt too good to be true; I could actually run with someone!

I have spent a lot of this week getting my head around the new guidelines. Strangely I have realised I have almost become used to the lockdown way of life and to being by myself; I have formed habits and ways to cope over the past two months that have started to become quite engrained. I also do still have in my mind that whilst I want more freedom and I want to do things I used to be able to do, Covid is still very much apparent, we have to still respect this, and the last thing anyone needs is a second wave.

Anyway, enough virus talk! I have run well this week, logging just over 35 miles. My legs do sometimes feel a little tight at the moment, and I really am missing my sports massage, but know I probably need to try and spend a bit more time on the foam roller – I literally have no excuses at the moment!

MONDAY: online exercise classes at home. These have been great over the past weeks, but I will admit I am starting to miss the gym a bit now – I know in particular my upper body strength is declining and I lack both the equipment and motivation to try address this at home!
 
TUESDAY: lately I have been running a lot of new routes, so this week I reverted to one of my old 10k loops which I had not ran for a while. I ran just to feel, finding I sped up naturally as the run progressed to log some sub 8 min/miles, which felt comfortable.
 
WEDNESDAY: after enjoying revisiting some hill work last week, I have told myself to incorporate a few more hills into my running; I live near plenty so hardly have an excuse! This morning I ran a 6 mile loop with four different ascents in it; two longer, drawn out hills, and two a bit shorter and sharper. It was a great test and I find hills always motivate me to work harder when maybe I do not feel like trying to do this through running quicker on flatter terrains.
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THURSDAY: I joined forces with my sister today for some speed work – and by joined forces I do not mean we physically ran together sadly as she lives in York! However, we planned a session we could both try involving a pyramid of 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m reps with a mile warm up and cool down either side.  It was motivating to know someone else was out there doing the same thing and it was also reassuring when I got home and messaged her to say ‘that was flipping tough!’ that she felt the same! The final 800m was a real push on the legs, but that moment when the session is completed still feels so good.

​FRIDAY: Rest Day
 
SATURDAY: after 8 weeks of solo pavement pounding, today I met a friend for a run. I woke up looking forward to the day ahead and could feel almost a level of excitement about the prospect of running with someone – I have missed it a lot. We met in the afternoon at Boultham Park where Lincoln parkrun is based, although I planned an 8 mile route which meant we did not got through the park, as I want to save this moment for the first parkrun back. Although I planned the route I barely even noticed what streets we were running on, I just got lost in the rhythm of running and the conversation. It did not feel like 8 miles at all, and to be honest it was not hard to keep the 2 metre social distance required; even when we met other people on the same footpaths we simple moved to the road or single file (staying alert!) The run ended up being just over 8 miles and most of our splits were under 8 min/mile pace, although none of that really mattered today – it just felt so good to be doing something which resembled normality! Sat after my run at home I felt both a longing for my old life to return quickly, but also an appreciation and renewed hope that things will return slowly but surely.
 
SUNDAY: I woke this morning feeling a little less excited by the day – understandably! My legs also felt quite tired so I decided not to push my usual Sunday half marathon distance, which would also have seen me edge close to 40 miles for the week, but to run a 10 miler instead. It was a wise decision as it was warm out and my legs were not sharp, which was to be expected after some good runs all week. I knew I needed an easy run and just enjoyed some no pressure running.
 
Hopefully next week holds some more socially distanced running opportunities, as well as the chance for me to continue with running and walking during the day – it certainly helps as I am rather sick of working from home now and the sight of my kitchen table!
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Lockdown?

5/10/2020

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I question lockdown as this week has been almost as unpredictable for me as the weather this Bank Holiday weekend (one day 24 degrees and feels like summer - the next day 21mph winds and lashing with rain...!) Some days have passed quickly in my now near normal life routine, and I can almost forget that I am acting under restrictions about what I can do. Other days have drained me a little energy wise, despite spending far more time sedentary than before! I know its that constant mental requirement to keep almost pushing yourself to keep going - and the now seeming endless work zoom calls! I also question lockdown as other people's behaviour has started to bother me. I can honestly say I have adhered to the guidelines fully and despite spending nearly two months working from my kitchen table and barely seeing or speaking to anyone, I know its what I must do. It frustrates me when others are not.

Deep down I do feel positive though, my new appreciation for the things and the people who really matter to me means I am looking forward to the future. Daily doses of positivity as I like to call them (like baking delivered to my door by friends - see picture) also makes me feel the warmth and care from the communities and people I have around me. I also know I will come out of this stronger than ever - maybe not physically, as two months without the gym is going to hit me hard! - but mentally. Looking back at certain points in my life I would not have coped with lockdown, and whilst it still tests me, I am coping now. 

MONDAY: online exercise classes with Run Your Marks - who deserves another mention for delivering these free classes each week for the past months for anyone to access. 

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY: both these runs followed the same kind of pattern; I headed out the door and did not really know what I was aiming to do - run fast? run easy? run steady? - I literally just ran. Both times I logged 10ks and each run was about the same average pace (8.13 and 8.11 min/mile respectively). I could not find any extra drive within me to make anything more focused from these runs, and I think I just wanted to embrace the freedom and time outside instead. 

THURSDAY: despite having a planned Run Club session I could try today, again I struggled to find the desire to push myself. I wanted to run, but I didn't have the mental energy needed to make a 'session' worthwhile. I found myself instead running to the local Common not far from my house and doing a large 5 mile loop around here. The uneven ground and trail like conditions tested me, but it was a break from the streets which I enjoyed the most. 
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FRIDAY: today should have been a Rest Day, but faced with a long three day weekend ahead of me (weekends are not my favourite at the moment!) I knew I wanted to get out and run in the morning as it would mentally set me better for the day. It was a beautiful day too and this motivated me to revisit the Run Club session I skipped yesterday, which was hills. I ran to a hill we have often used as a club and tested my self with 10 x continuous sprints, followed by a cool down loop home. I actually quite like hill sessions, and although at first it did feel a little odd running up and down on my own without club mates to motivate me, I was pleased I did it. 

SATURDAY: after enjoying yesterday's hill session I decided to mix up my 'not Lincoln parkrun' this week and planned a hilly 5k circuit. I ran as hard as I could on the hills still trying to push the pace as much as possible. It was tough but I enjoyed the burn in my quads - why I like hills so much I really do not know! I would take hills over running in the wind any day!

SUNDAY: speaking of wind - today was a dramatic change in weather with the aforementioned rain and a strong gusty wind. I held off going out for my run until at least the rain had eased and hoped it would not be too miserable out. It was gusty, and certain roads with a strong headwind did make me wryly laugh at times, but I ran well and it was one of those runs where my legs hit a rhythm which was so natural I barely had to think. This enabled me to take in some of the wonderful VE displays still adorning houses and just appreciate the cooling fresh air. I logged another half marathon distance with a 8.23 min/mile average pace. 

I am writing this blog pre the Boris 7pm address to the nation - so what lockdown looks like going forward may now be clearer (or not!) depending on when you are reading this. The current lockdown rule which has enabled me to continue to run has been an incredible bonus these past weeks, and this week I have managed just over 37 miles. Whatever Boris has to say, I hope we should all be able to continue to run going forward - keep our running strong and our heads stronger. ​
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A Stalled Journey

5/3/2020

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After last week seemed to pass by quickly, this week has stalled a little in the unknown lockdown countdown. It has not felt horrendously tough, it has just seemed long, and the routine I have been developing suddenly a little tedious at times. My pattern of morning running and then having enough work to do at home keeps me going, however it is the weekends which are becoming more of the dread - motivating yourself to get up and find things to do to fill a day is weirdly tiring. I am thankful I shop for a vulnerable couple on a Saturday morning as it gives me a reason to get going; they are always so appreciate of me doing their weekly shop, but I do not think they realise how much it helps me too. Sunday morning this week was a struggle though - I woke up and just felt so flat and it took me a while to find the energy to go out for a run, half putting it off, as I knew once it was done I was faced with finding more things to do at home...

MONDAY: if the 2.6 challenge was supposed to replace the London Marathon then the running challenge I set myself on Sunday did a pretty good job of replicating the intense DOMs and impaired mobility I usually get post marathon! Shuffling around my house during the day I was not sure if I could attempt my evening online exercise classes, but I gave them a go, taking comfort from the fact at least no one could see me! I actually fared better than I thought and went out for a walk straight after whilst my muscles were warmer to try and loosen up my body further. 

TUESDAY: my legs were better but still sore today, so easy miles were on the cards. I planned another new 10k loop and just enjoyed allowing my legs to move - it was a bit like a post marathon recovery run, although thankfully slightly less sickening than some of mine have been in the past!

WEDNESDAY: I decided to try and keep running a bit easier again today, Sunday's challenge clearly had tested my body and I needed to respect this. I ran 7 miles, and whilst my pace crept up a little, generally it felt a comfortable run. 

THURSDAY: I opted for a slightly easier (maybe on paper!) speed session today rather than our set Run Club activity and ran 5 miles with 10 x 300m reps and 100m recoveries. My sister gave me the session to do from one of her old training plans and it appealed as it was a different interval distance to run. The short recovery period meant the intervals came thick and fast, but it did make the distance fly by. My paces were also good and it made me feel like my legs may be back to normal again.
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FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: maybe I was a little optimistic thinking my legs were 100% or maybe I was a little over confident buoyed by last week's speedy 5k. Whatever the case, this week's 'not Lincoln parkrun' was tough, and not an enjoyable tough. I started quick and it felt like hard work within the first mile, there was also a brisk wind whipping along the river which didn't help on the return of my 'out and back' route. I struggled home in 21:28 - which I know is not a horrendous time by any means - it just felt horrendous!

SUNDAY: after my battle to get out the door today my legs seemed to feel equally as lucklustre as I did. The 13.1 mile route I planned felt like a plod at times, and I just let it be that. My pace was not actually that slow for a longer run, hovering in the late 8:20s/early 8:30s but sometimes numbers do not correlate with how something felt. 

On a positive note, we did announce the full route for the Lincoln City Half Marathon this week which can be found here. I hope people appreciate how hard myself and colleagues have worked to create a diverse route, central to the city, which also has had to account for the nightmare that is the road network in Lincoln! The event is due to be held late September and I hope things will have calmed by then to allow it to happen, as I feel it will be a real celebration not just for runners but the city as a whole. Time will tell, but for now we remain positive. 
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The WeeK 26.2 Became 2.6

4/26/2020

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This lockdown thing is starting to scarily feel a bit too normal now isn't it? Maybe it is just me, but my life seems to have slipped into a routine of waking up, lying in bed for what feels like forever not particularly looking forward to the day ahead, but then somehow getting back into bed that evening and wondering where on earth the day has gone! Needless to say this week has passed quickly, which I know is due to the fact I have been busier 'at work' (aka my kitchen table). It is bittersweet really, as my extra workload comes from the fact we have had to furlough other staff and I am now taking on other's roles. There have been points of struggle though do not get me wrong; I am worried about a few friends who are finding things tough and yet I feel helpless to reach them. This week was also due to be the London Marathon and the influx of 'memories' I had popping up on social media from past events made me a little wistful. Berlin Marathon also announced its cancellation this week, and this was due to be held the week before the rearranged London Marathon date in October. This made me fearful of further cancellations ahead, and whilst I spoke last week about not minding races being off for a while, it was more the feeling of not having anything to look forward to which hit me - I guess it would just be nice to have something in the future to feel happy and confident about!

MONDAY: home exercise classes 

TUESDAY: I am enjoying creating new running routes at the moment; all too often when I know I am waking up to fit my run into a precise schedule before getting ready for work, I revert to similar pathways to save time and out of ease. This morning's 10k was therefore a joy; a new route and my legs just happily ticked along at 8 min/mile pace which felt so natural - if only it was London Marathon week after all!

WEDNESDAY: easier miles today, again winding through Lincoln on different roads to cover nearly 7 miles. 

THURSDAY: with the motivation of a planned Run Club session I seem to be using Thursday's as my chance to do more of a 'session', usually taking the form of intervals. This week I ran 5.5 miles with 12 x 200m reps and 200m recoveries. My paces were good again and maybe that sense of being outside and freedom right now makes pushing myself to go quicker feel more natural, rather than a chore or something which has to be done. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day
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SATURDAY: I am not sure what came over my legs this week but I ran my fastest 5k time for over a year at my 'not Lincoln parkrun' attempt. I have been off pace across the past however many weeks of lockdown when I have tried to go 'all out' for a 5k, but this time something just clicked. My first mile was quick, as was my second, and I then fought really hard to hold on for the final mile, sensing a good time could be had. I finished in 20:40 which I was very pleased about!

SUNDAY: obviously today should have been the London Marathon, but instead of feeling sad about it, I took on the 2.6 challenge the organisers of the marathon and other race companies have promoted to offer support to charities during this time. I work for a charity and I know the struggles we are facing, so it was logical for me to do something on the day I should have been testing myself over 26.2 miles. After a lot of brain storming I came up with the idea of running the 'Lincoln 26' which would be 13 miles with 13 of Lincoln's toughest, steepest hills included. I was worried when I planned the run that it may not be enough of a challenge and not fitting of asking for donations from people, however I was very wrong! I planned a 6.5 mile loop which I repeated to incorporate my chosen 6.5 hills twice. The centre of Lincoln features a number of steep and quad killing climbs, notably the famous 'Steep Hill' but also some hidden gems like 'Motherby Hill' and 'Carline Road.' After the first loop my legs were already tired and running back to tackle some of these hills again I knew would be a test. The challenge really motivated me to keep plugging away though and ticking off the inclines. Weirdly it did not feel like I had ran that much distance, but I felt those hills for sure, and arriving home my legs felt spent, pretty much like stopping at the end of a marathon! 
If you would like to put a few pounds in my fundraising pot then please visit here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/my-2-6-challenge-e6889c19-5ba9-4c2b-a7a0-27922ed57d7d
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What does next week hold - who really knows! I just keep trying to take it all one day at a time. 
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The Power of Running in Lockdown

4/19/2020

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It is hard to describe how life is at the moment; some days I almost surprise myself by getting through the day like this has always been my life, and it is quite normal to only speak to people via a 'Zoom' video call. Other days I wake up and lie in bed and really struggle to want to get up and try tick off another day in this countdown with no fixed end point. This is where my running really helps me, and I have perhaps realised this more than ever across the past week. 

When I have been lying in bed thinking 'do I really want to get up?' it is the desire to feel that rush from running which makes me throw back the covers and get my act together. When I arrive home after a run I feel far more equipped to face another day; mentally stronger, I have more energy and I feel more like myself. Running itself I therefore do not miss - I still have it and it is still something I love very much. I have also reflected this week that it must be the first time in perhaps 5 years that I have not been training for an event or having a few weeks of recovery before another training block starts. I am enjoying this freedom and perhaps it is what I actually needed (shame it took a worldwide pandemic to make me realise it!) What I do miss from my running though is being able to share it physically with others, there is something so powerful about that and I know as soon as we get back to being able to go to parkrun, run with friends, and take part in Run Club sessions my passion for running with be heightened even more. Races may be further away on this unknown timeline - but I can wait for these. 

MONDAY: home based exercise classes with a big focus on working the glute muscles (it hurt!)

TUESDAY: when I woke I was already sore from last night's online classes, so I laced up my trainers with no pressure other than logging some easy miles. I started steadily, my sore muscles taking a couple of miles to warm up, but then I hit a real rhythm and found myself picking up the pace naturally. A few glances at my watch told me I was heading towards logging a near perfect progression run, and that then became my focus. I logged six miles starting at 8:33 min/min and ending at 7:32 min/mile. It felt effortless, whereas if I had gone out with that intention in my mind I think it may have been a different story!

WEDNESDAY: after yesterday's run turned into a bit more of a harder effort than I had planned, I really tried to keep my pace comfortable on this morning's loop - I do not want to knacker myself out, especially when running is so important to me at the moment. I enjoyed a nice 7 mile meander around the historic quarter of Lincoln; it is so quite and peaceful it really is the time to appreciate the beauty of my city. 

THURSDAY: my Run Cub continues to support our members by posting weekly run sessions which we can complete and share our results/how it felt with each other. This week was a tough little interval session of 10 x 400m reps. The cycle path along the river near me is perfect for this type of run, and I can run a mile exactly to the start of the long straight section as a warm up and cool down - it is almost as good as the track (almost!) Speedwork felt a bit more challenging this week, but looking at my splits afterwards they probably told me why; I logged some really quick times on the efforts and with very little variation throughout the 10 reps. I was pleased, and the feeling after a hard run is still very rewarding. 
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FRIDAY: Rest Day - my mood on rest day is noticeably very different at the moment, I wish there was something that gave me the boost that running does but which also gave my body a chance to recover!

SATURDAY: after being nominated by a few people in the 5k challenge raising money for the NHS, I decided I had better give my 5k 'not Lincoln parkrun' a good shot today. I took a mile to get up to speed, but my final two splits were much more akin to my most recent parkrun times, logging at 7.02 min/mile and a pretty rapid final mile of 6.38 min/mile, leaving me with an overall time of 21:45 - my best since lockdown started. 

SUNDAY: a half marathon seems to have become my staple Sunday distance since lockdown started; I like the challenge of plotting a different route each week around Lincoln! I have no time pressure on these runs and just enjoy being out and actually seeing different scenery other than my house! I counted how many other runners I saw this week - 30 -  and it also made me feel less alone. The 'no pressure' approach seems to be working as I ran a 8.23 min/mile average comfortably and finished in 1:49:49. A few years back this was my half marathon PB, and now I can run this for 'fun' - I guess personally it was a bit of a sign of how I have developed over the years and a bit of a reflection of where running has taken my body and my confidence. It really is so powerful. 

Three further weeks of lockdown were announced this week, which I do not think came as a shock to anyone really. I do not feel too daunted by the days ahead, I know they will not all be easy, but I also know I will get through it. What the long term future looks like is perhaps more scary for me right now; I do not want this way of life to become the 'new normal' and I personally worry about my own employment, which I realise will be a concern held by so many. We can only control what we can at the moment though - and I know being able to run will continue to be a crucial part of my coping mechanism. 
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One Month On...

4/12/2020

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A month has now passed since Friday 13th March, when the impact of the Coronavirus really started to make itself known on my everyday life. On this day my workplace closed down its normal functioning and my Spring marathon was postponed; I can still remember walking home that day feeling like a massive part of my life had been taken away from me. Little did I know what else was to come. Now the impact of said virus is being felt with such impact in everyone’s lives, and in particular the postponement of a running race feels a lot less significant.

Lockdown does not get easier for me, but I am continuing to find better ways to cope with it. This week I have been helping a number of vulnerable and isolated people with shopping; I am volunteering my time through Run Your Marks Community Champs, a scheme my friend is coordinating to mobilise local runners, and we have also created a Community Response Team within the charity where I work. Shopping often takes up to two hours for one trip with the queues both outside and inside supermarkets; it is surreal really, but already I am coming to expect that ‘nipping’ to Tesco for someone will take up my whole morning. Not that it really matters, it helps me to get out of my own space for a while and being able to reach out to someone who is struggling makes my day feel a lot more worthwhile.

Although I am adapting to the ‘new normal’ there is a part of me that also does not want this all to become too normal – I miss my ‘old life!’ Technology is great, and I continue to keep in touch with people via messages and have ‘Zoom’ calls through work and with friends and family, but it is not the same as being able to spend time with people you care about and doing things you love together. It really brightened up my day this week when a couple of friends dropped some Easter treats at my door and I was able to talk (from a distance!) to friendly faces for what felt like the first time in weeks, I do miss that the most whilst being on my own. 

Being able to get out and run this week has felt even better in the improved weather we have been experiencing; warmth is still a bit of a shock to the system, but again I adapt – changes in life is something we all have to get used to, especially at the moment!

MONDAY: home exercise classes – even jumping around my living room is feeling a little less random now!

TUESDAY: my body felt sore and weary from yesterday’s classes, which were quite leg heavy. Perhaps the joyful thing about not being in training for anything is that there was no plan telling me I needed to try and run some intervals etc., and instead I headed out for a steady loop, which ended up being 6.6 miles. The first two miles were ploddy, but then it suddenly seemed like my body woke up and I found myself running more like 8 min/mile pace toward the end.  

WEDNESDAY: this week we were able to announce some hopefully brighter news in the running world – the next stage of the Lincoln City Half Marathon route. I have been working on this event with colleagues at my work for over a year now, and it is due to be held in September. We are hoping we still stand a good chance of bringing it to Lincoln and feel that both runners and the city itself will actually embrace something celebratory like this even more by this point – more information about the event and the route can be found here. However, in order to release this news, we needed some accompanying photos – which we did not have. ‘No worries’ I said, and laced up my trainers and headed out to run some of the route and take selfies with key landmarks. This run therefore was not about anything other than photos, and I enjoyed an interesting new challenge! I still logged 10k in distance – although it was very stop start!
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THURSDAY: after a couple of days of easier running I felt ready for some speed today and headed down to the river path near me for some intervals. I like shorter reps, so chose to do a 5 mile session featuring 8 x 400m reps. I just loved it; a warm morning meant for running in vest and shorts, and whizzing along a completely empty cycle path in the sunshine I felt free. My enjoyment probably reflects the paces I hit during the efforts, which were all well under 7 min/mile.

FRIDAY: Rest Day – still one of the hardest parts of Lockdown is resisting the urge to run all the time, especially with the prospect of a four-day weekend looming.

SATURDAY: on another gorgeous day I headed out for another attempt at ‘not Lincoln parkrun’. I really went for it this week and pushed myself hard but was a little disappointed to run a time well off my usual parkrun range. I think I find it tough to almost race on my own and on random streets, I need the buzz of being around others, the support they give me etc.

SUNDAY: I loved today’s long run and it was my best for a while. It was very warm again, but I prepared well and took water with me, which is such a mental boost. I planned a half marathon route and set off nice and steadily, knowing I needed not to overdo things in the relative heat. My legs just slotted into a natural rhythm the whole way round, and my pacing was spot on without me even thinking about it, keeping in the 8.20 min/mile region. I was thinking about other things though as I ran. One was the sheer number of other runners I saw out (all adhering to guidelines, running solo, and giving other walkers lots of space). There must have been over 20, when it is quite common for me to only see a couple of others on a Sunday morning. It made me think that I hope these people are finding some comfort from running in this time and realising its therapeutic power. I also ran past the hospital and I could not help but feel a little emotional as I thought about what it must be like inside. Slightly more light hearted, I could feel the sun burning my shoulders and thought I definitely should have put sun cream on! Whilst I also dreamt amount the Easter chocolate I was going to enjoy later at home.

I seem to be running between 30-35 miles a week at the moment; this feels ok and like what I need. Will things change in the weeks ahead in terms of how/if we are allowed to run… maybe, so for now I embrace it and face the prospect of adapting to more change if and when it comes. ​
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Lock Ups and Downs...

4/5/2020

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Another lockdown week passes - although it feels far longer than a week to me! This is however my third week of 'abnormality' with my work having closed normal operation a week ahead of the UK, so maybe that's partly why. Although I am adapting in many senses, there are still days or moments within days when I literally just lose that forward thinking/positivity for a moment. It feels tougher and especially the inability to be able to count down the exact amount of time we will be in this situation - the unknown. I think what I miss most at the moment is waking up and truly looking forward to my day; I was in a lucky position before where I was actually able to say this was the case, but now its more a case of getting through the day, sometimes wishing hours away. It still also remains challenging being alone and the lack of 'real life' human interaction - but through my virtual networks we continue to check in with one another, and this is support which will never not help. 

Running has been helping me keep that consistent routine and I feel much more ready to face a day after some morning miles. That moment when I get home from a run and soak in the post run endorphins is probably when I feel most like my usual self at the moment. I am not really following any plan with my running, although I am trying not to over do things, as it could be very easy too, especially with the amount of home workouts being thrown in my face every time I log onto my phone! It almost makes you feel like you need to be doing tricep dips on the bottom of your stairs every spare minute of the day! I guess I am simply just doing what I want and at whatever pace I feel like on the day. I am doing some home based stuff to try and keep my strength up, although realistically nothing I can achieve at home will replicate my usual weights class at the gym (that first class back is going to hurt!)

MONDAY: home exercise classes from 'Run Your Marks' - I am still enjoying the fact these are streamed live and therefore gives a structure in my day and a feeling of being in a class with others. It helps get the week off to a good start. 

TUESDAY: a lovely 10k run where I went out with no pace in mind, but found myself getting progressively quicker and enjoying that sense of pushing my body a little.

WEDNESDAY: I planned a 7 mile loop today and as soon as I started I could feel my legs were a little weary, so I kept it comfortable, enjoying being outside and the fresh air and freedom!

THURSDAY: this week we should have been on the track at Run Club, but we shared the planned session anyway and I tried to replicate it on the streets. I got out early when I knew the river path near me would be virtually empty and logged 10 x 200m reps up and down. After my first 200m sprint along the path I did think to myself that this was going to be quite an easy session - by the 7th I had other thoughts! My splits were really consistent though which I was pleased with despite the dramatic change in perceived effort, and it was certainly not a run I would have attempted without the virtual Run Club motivation. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day 
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SATURDAY: I tried something different for this week's 'not Lincoln parkrun' and incorporated my run into doing some shopping for a lady called Hilary who I had been connected to through the Run Your Marks Community Champs scheme. It felt so rewarding to do something for someone else, and also quite entertaining wandering around a supermarket trying to locate items on a list - like I was in some very strange gameshow! Utilising running miles to help others during this time is a great idea and something I was very keen to sign up to - a bit of parkrun community spirit channelled into my Saturday morning!

SUNDAY: the weather was glorious today; blue skies, sunshine and a warmth we have not felt in months. Tough during a lockdown really, but even more reason to celebrate a run. I mapped out another half marathon route, and whilst I enjoyed the Spring like sounds as ran a little more rurally - I am definitely not used to warmer weather for running yet! I found it much tougher even at a comfortable pace and was dying for a drink for the final 4 miles! It should have been Manchester Marathon today and I had planned to go and watch friends take on the race - I kept thinking as I ran it would have been perfect spectating weather, but I was pleased it was not the day for my planned marathon - too warm (how did we all run that London Marathon in 2018?!) I also spent a lot of my run hoping people were adhering to the Government guidelines despite the weather - I live in a terrace house with a backyard just about big enough for a small table and chair (not even sure if when I sit there I am actually 2 metres away from my neighbour over the fence doing the same!!) and whilst I would have loved to be enjoying the wonderful weather out with friends - there are much bigger things at play now, which infuriates me that some people still cannot see. 

As we enter another week I do not expect it to be straightforward and I am sure some challenges will present; everyone out there probably has their own different battle depending on their circumstance. Try and keep as positive as you can - I do not think it is possible 100% of the time, but do not let those moments when you feel a bit lost with it all overwhelm you, that is what I am trying to do. 
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Entering Lockdown...

3/29/2020

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I think it is apparent that my running blog is going to turn more into COVID-19 survival blog over the foreseeable weeks (months?) - it is hard to focus on much else right now! The past seven days have seen the UK enter a period of 'lockdown' which has further impacted by life and running. It had to be done, and despite the challenges I now face, I am pleased the Government is taking these measures to essentially save people's lives and protect the NHS - I have friends who work at the local hospital, and they are always in my thoughts. 

Lockdown rules thankfully permit daily exercise, which as I watched the Prime Minister address the nation, I have to say I was immensely relieved about. It might sound selfish to essentially be pleased to be able to run still, but it certainly helps safeguard my own mental well being in this all. The rules did outline however that exercise can only be completed with members of your household - when you live by yourself that is not a massive difference! So sadly runs with friends have now stopped, and I do miss them. The extension on my Run Club sessions being cancelled, as well as parkun bring cancelled was also announced this week - I miss these too - and my next race currently looks like it may happen in June (although I think this is still optimistic). But I can still run, and that morning escape out the house is something I am very grateful of right now.

Personally, this week has been a bit tougher - there is the obvious lack of social contact (living by yourself in all this really is rubbish!) and then there have been concerns around my work. Socially, I again have to be so extremely grateful for the network of friends I have who do keep checking in on me; it is not as fulfilling as seeing people in person, but it certainly is comforting. My work situation did for the first time in all this bring me to tears this week though. I was faced with discussion around being 'furloughed' for three months, and the notion of losing my job even temporarily felt gutting, let alone the financial implications despite the Government support on offer. Thankfully as I write this, I still have my job, although some of my colleagues have been furloughed. I worry for them, I still worry about my own small workplace, but I am going to do all I can to try and help us survive this. 

Running remains key to my own personal 'survival' and I have managed a good week of 36 miles and moreover, can say I enjoyed every step.

MONDAY: shifting some furniture around in my living room I made space to complete my first home gym session following a couple of Faecbook live exercise classes from my friend 'Run Your Marks' I liked tuning in with others, it gave a small sense of being part of a group still and I also felt less ridiculous for jumping around in my living room!

TUESDAY: I had DOMs already from my home exercise classes, so opted for a steady run. The first mile I was stiff, but once I warmed up I found I was hitting low 8 min/mile paces really naturally and enjoyed a lovely 10k run. 
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WEDNESDAY: again I surprised myself today, heading out once more for a planned steady run, I logged 7 miles with an 8:15 min/mile average pace. I probably have some marathon training benefits in my legs still, but it is also funny what you can achieve when you do not obsess over pace all the time!

​THURSDAY: as if to tease us, this week has seen some warmer Spring like weather - so in order to maximise this, I headed out a little later for my run today, enjoying the sun along the local river bank. I intended to push myself and took on the weekly planned session from my Run Club, which was a 50 minute 'out and back' run aiming to get back to the same start point, or further. I made it exactly back to the bottom of my street and was really pleased with my splits and pacing, mostly in the 7.20 min/mile region and achieving 6.6 miles in distance. I do not want to push myself too much at the moment, but a bit of hard effort still felt good. 

FRIDAY: to make sure I do not over do things, I want to try keep one rest day a week still. This is tough as I also want to not feel too trapped in my house. A daily walk is permitted though - although I have to say it does not quite bring the same mental benefit to me as running!

​SATURDAY: another 'fake Lincoln parkrun' mixing up the course to try and avoid the strong winds! The wind was unavoidable and where I live in Lincoln it is also hard to avoid a hill unless I just run up and down one road - and we are not at that point yet! - so whilst I found it hard to find much pace, I was pleased to spot a few other parkrun faces out (from a distance!)

SUNDAY: back to Sunday long run days and I set myself the goal of running a half marathon today - just for some purpose really! The weather was so mixed, I started in sunshine and although I had actually hid away my watch, I realised after I was running quite quickly. Then came the hail/snow, and then the wind really picked up for the latter part! I embraced it all though, just winding through the streets, which I have to say were eerily empty. I felt much more tired after my longer run than I expected - so good job I had to stay at home!

I hope the week ahead allows me to keep running, if further restrictions come into place I respect it will be for good reason, and I shall embrace my miles whist I can. ​
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    Alice's Adventures In Running Land

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