The Rio 2016 Olympics were a phenomenal success for Great Britain and Team GB - standout athletic performances, an array of new sports getting showcased (anyone else feel like a Diving expert now?), an unprecedented medal haul, and an even more unexpected second place finish in the medal table. I loved it, and joined many in setting alarms for silly o'clock in the morning to watch the likes of Mo Farah and Jess Ennis-Hill compete. 

So how should we celebrate our Olympic heroes? Well Saturday saw what was billed as the nation's biggest sports day take place in association with the 'I Am Team GB' programme, an event which encouraged people to get active in a series of local sports events. Historically, ITV also switched off all its channels for an hour during the morning in the hope people would literally get off the couch. Some were skeptical of whether this move would work with people simply being able to switch to another of the multiple TV channels we have (its a shame the BBC did not follow suit being the Olympic broadcaster after all!) But in my option what is the harm in doing it? If it means any number of people got active as a result then it was worth it, and the act itself has certainly got people talking about sport and physical activity for a start. 

So on Saturday morning I joined in with the rest of the country in celebrating our Olympic success and headed to Lincoln parkrun for an I Am Team GB themed event. We were encouraged to wear red white or blue (all three if you could!), and whilst my addiction to purple exercise wear meant this was a bit of a struggle, I did manged to dig out my red running vest. Many other runners had got into the spirit too, you will see from the start line photo (can you spot me?!) that there is very strong red, white and blue presence! Boultham Park itself was also adorned with some Team GB flags and bunting which set the scene nicely. 

As for the run, I do not think there was any danger of me running a Mo Farah-esque 5k time, but I did hope I would be able to emulate my own recent return to 5k running form and try and keep sub 23 minutes. My last parkrun had been a new PB of 22:28, so if I could get near to that again I would have been happy, and it would also demonstrate some consistency. As I ran my legs felt great; powerful, light, and importantly fast.

With four weeks to go until the Berlin Marathon I feel like the reality is just starting to hit that I will actually be running in Berlin. Obviously all the training I have been doing has felt like I am leading up to some form of event, but I am actually going abroad for this one! To say I am more accustomed to marathon running than travelling is probably an underestimation! Ignoring the fact I probably should start searching for my passport, things have gone well this week...

MONDAY: some easy cross training to loosen my legs, followed by my Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: I ran early morning today as I knew I would be finishing work later than normal. This proved to be a good decision on what was a very warm day - even at 7am it was still registering as 21 degrees. Needless to say 8 miles with 5 x 1 mile intervals was tough. I was aiming for 8 minute mile pace on the intervals and just managed it for the first four (about 8:03/8:04 - but close enough). The last interval though I was truly knackered and recorded an 8:11 - not a disaster by any means, but a sign my legs had had enough. 

WEDNESDAY: on another warm day I was pleased my plan was for 7 miles at a nice, easy pace. I enjoyed a steady run to my gym, where I discovered my usual Body Pump class was changed to a different barbell class due to the instructor being away. At the time, the replacement class felt a bit easy, but I should have known better...

THURSDAY: I was sore today from the barbell class; my hamstrings were especially tight from the countless deadlifts we completed. Great. I did not know how my five mile tempo run would go, and on my first warm up mile I really doubted my ability to run the middle miles at 8 min/mile pace. The route I chose was also mainly uphill, which challenged me to stick to the pace further. Drawing up some determination I managed it, and if anything my legs felt a bit better afterwards.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

Last year I took on the Bassingham Bash 5 Mile road race for the first time. I had never raced a 5 mile distance before and had enjoyed the challenge greatly. For me, 5 miles is akin to pushing yourself hard at a parkrun, but then having to find that little extra; it’s tough but something all can strive towards. The Bassingham Bash itself is set in beautiful rural Lincolnshire near to my hometown, and this along with the quirky medal themed mug each runner receives, and the lure of cake at the finish, meant I did not hesitate to sign up for 2016.

Saturday afternoon still feels a little odd for a race – I found myself rushing to get sorted after volunteering at parkrun in the morning and then coaching football until lunchtime – but I got there! It was a warm day; however it soon became clear that the biggest challenge for us runners would be the very harsh wind whipping across the fields. Last year I had set myself a time of 37.30 and I was a little apprehensive of my chances of matching this again. This year the race landed in the middle of my current marathon training programme, add to this the conditions on the day, I knew I would need to really push my legs if I were to get close to my time.

I ran hard from the gun, picking up speed quickly and forcing my legs to fight against the strong wind. The wind was actually welcomed at times, as in brief sections of shelter the sun felt uncomfortably hot. Glancing at my watch I was pleased with the mile splits that ticked over, there was only very small variation between the miles and my legs showed no signs of slowing. I was enjoying the challenge of forcing myself to keep up the pace, and I knew I was running well, I could feel it without even really needing my watch as reference. 

The last 400m or so were the biggest battle, my teeth were actually gritted as I fought the clock, and I longed to see that finish line. My watch stopped at 37.17 - a new 5 mile PB. I was very pleased and a little shocked at what I had achieved. Once all results were published I noted I had finished 12th female. Seeing some of the incredibly speedy times which were recorded by other females on the course I felt even more satisfied with my performance.  

​The Bassingham Bash proved once again to be a wonderful event; I especially enjoy supporting it as it is great for me to have a race like this so close to home. I often end up travelling all over the country to take part in running events, and whilst Lincolnshire does have a few, a 5 mile road race is one which you can slot into your training plan regardless of what race or event you are working towards. Thanks to Witham Runners, for organising and hosting the race again, and for doing another fantastic job of marshalling and supporting – see you in 2017! ​

​This week my mileage has been high, with the peak weeks of marathon training starting to hit and the long runs becoming really long. Taking this into account, I am pleased with how the week has panned out...

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: my plan was for 7 miles of fartlek, and although at times I hate them, I would actually have preferred to run some scheduled intervals. I find fartlek difficult to complete, but I attempted it, opting for a hilly route and intending to run the hills hard then recover afterwards so to mix up my intensity levels. However, my legs felt so strong on the hills that I did not really stick to my plan; I attacked the hills but then didn't feel the need to recover. I virtually put in maximum effort for the whole run - not fartlek. Next time I am planning my own intervals!

WEDNESDAY: today's run was supposed to be a slow six miles, but I really struggled to drop my pace, which sounds silly I know. I was running relaxed but was averaging 8.30-8.40 min/miles still, much quicker than my plan suggested. After my initial frustration, I just went with it, as it felt almost more of a strain to try and forcefully slow down. Body Pump class after.

THURSDAY: the challenge set today of running 8 miles at 8 min/mile pace daunted me a little. It seemed a quick pace for me to maintain for such a duration. I went out with the mindset of trying to stick with the pace for as long as possible, if I slowed towards the end so be it, but I wanted to get in as many miles as possible on the 8 minute mark.  As soon as I started running however a huge surge of determination took over me, I settled to 8 minute pace quickly and then continued to run hard and on pace. Six miles felt good, but the last two were tough, and it was purely the mindset I found myself in that kept me going and refused to let my legs slow. I finished with an average pace of 8.01 min/miles (see image) - I happily took that!

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: Saturday this week meant race day as I took on the Bassingham Bash 5 Mile Road Race. I ran the event and also raced a 5 mile distance for the first time last year, and from this had set myself a time of 37.30. I had been apprehensive of my chances of matching this time so late on in my marathon training; although a recent return to some speed had given me a glimmer of hope. 

I ran hard from the gun, pushing my legs to fight against the very strong wind bracing us runners. I knew I was running well, I could feel it; and like on Thursday, when things began to feel a little tougher, my mental strength refused to let my legs tire. The last 400m or so my teeth were actually gritted as I fought the clock, crossing the line in 37.17 and a new PB. I was very pleased. 

​SUNDAY: a 20 mile run was also going to be tough but it felt a real challenge today. I was tired before I even started to run, and once I had begun I really struggled to get myself focused on the task in hand. My mind wandered, my legs could not settle to any sort of pace, and I knew I was in for a battle. I think mentally and physically I was fatigued from the Bassingham Bash and also Thursday's run, as on both occasions I had pushed not only my body, but had also drawn heavily on my mental strength. It just was not coming together today. The run could have been worse, I was still ahead of my plan's suggested pace of 9.30 min/mile, averaging 9.14 minute mile pace, and my legs actually felt their best during the final 5 miles. In a week where I have exceeded my own expectations and showed some real mental resolve I must not complain! ​

On September 1st 2015 Ben Smith began an epic challenge which will see him run 401 marathons in 401 days across numerous locations in the UK. You may ask - why would anyone do this to themselves?! However Ben's aim is notable, with him seeking to raise £250,000 for ‘Stonewall’ and ‘Kidscape’ in the process. It seems however that The 401 Challenge is also inspiring many to run with Ben and set a challenge for themselves - including myself!

Ben brought his 347th (!!) marathon to my hometown of Lincoln and I knew I wanted to join him. It was a beautiful day, and after running a brisk four miles down to the Boultham Park starting point I was really pleased to see a lot of other runners had chosen to do the same. I joined the back of the long line queuing for a selfie with Ben (who it seems is almost becoming a bit of a celebrity!) as well as posing for some large group photos for local media. I had been a little nervous turning up on my own, but I already felt at ease.

A large group of us set off from the park, snaking our way through the central part of Lincoln, much to the bemusement of some passers by who probably had no idea what was going on! I had already began chatting to a number of different runners and was enjoying the nice easy running pace which allowed conversation to flow. As the distance grew some runners reached as far as they were going, many recording PBs for the furthest distance they had ever run. We all stopped and applauded these achievements and it was inspiring to see people pushing themselves just to get one more mile under their belt. There were quite a few stops along the way as we made sure we did not leave anyone behind, and we also needed frequent fluid breaks, but this didn't bother me at all. This was a group run, not about my pace or time. It was great to see how supportive Ben was to all runners too, chatting to as many as possible, laughing, joking and creating a warm and positive atmosphere. 

We reached virtually half marathon point and stopped for lunch (although I could not stomach anything major like some others seemed to be able to!) Here I decided to run a few more miles until I was near to my house, then I would say goodbye; I did not intend to do the full distance and had already gone further than I initially thought I would. However, as the run progressed we had now reduced to a smaller group, and in the company of these new, friendly and supportive runners I found myself truly caught up in the occasion. I wanted to see this through, and I wanted to see everyone around me achieve the feat too. As I had already ran four miles to get to the start of the route I knew if I ran the full 26.2 miles I would complete more than a marathon; however the runners who had notched up distance PBs along the way had really inspired me, and I suddenly wanted to see what I could do and if I could push myself that little bit more. 

The last few miles were a bit of an effort, we had been out running in the sun and heat for many hours by now, and tiredness, hunger and extreme thirst had really set in. I did it though, finishing the marathon and racking up a total of 30.2 miles for the day - my longest ever run! I was rewarded with a trademark PB photo with Ben - proudly putting our 'number 1' fingers in the air (see image). 

As the I hope the photos and my smile illustrates, I loved the day so much, my body felt strong and although the pace was easy, I was pleased by how well it coped with the length of time I was out running. I am also now an ultra runner I guess! The following day I was not too sore, but I did feel absolutely shattered, there was no way I could have ran another marathon - Ben you are insane!

It is clear that The 401 Challenge is an amazing feat and is also having an equally amazing impact on the runners and communities it reaches; let alone the benefits it will bring to Ben's chosen charities. Thank you Ben for choosing Lincoln as a 401 location and giving me a wonderful day and new running experience. Thank you also to Lincoln and District Runners who planned the route, which despite me having ran so many different paths in and around the city, left me feeling inspired. I urge anyone yet to get involved with The 401 Challenge to check it out and find your opportunity to support and run with Ben - you will not regret it! ​

MONDAY: after completing my longest training run so far on Sunday I felt a little jaded when it came to exercise this evening. I managed some light cross training and foam roller work before my Body Pump class though, and definitely felt better for it.

TUESDAY: this week's interval run saw the return of longer intervals. After a few weeks of shorter, sharper bursts I found this a bit of a shock to the system. The plan was for 7 miles with 3 x 1.5 mile intervals, each to be completed in 12 minutes. I was pleased to run all three intervals in under 12 minutes, even recording a new record on my Garmin during the process for my fastest mile (6.67, see image); it was tough though. I felt really sick after the second interval, and actually stopped for a few seconds as felt myself beginning to physically gag! Thankfully, I  was able to gather myself and could continue, as I really did not fancy the long walk home!

WEDNESDAY: after finishing work late and then getting stuck in a tailback of traffic I switched my 3 mile run for today in order to fit in my Body Pump class still. I kept the run steady, as I am aware that a lot of my running has been quite quick recently, averaging 8.30 min/mile pace.

THURSDAY: a five mile tempo run, squeezed in before heading to play tennis with some work colleagues. My plan said the middle three miles should be at 8 min/mile pace, and at first I struggled to get going, running the first at 8.05 pace. I then seemed to wake up, becoming progressively quicker for the final two tempo miles and recording paces of 7.51 and 7.44 respectively, even when battling into a powerful headwind during the latter stages. 

Eight months into 2016 and I have finally been able to change one of the PB’s on my medal board. I love my medal board, handmade by my friend, it was the first thing I hung up in January this year when I bought my own home. In fact, it is probably the most precious item in my house with all my medals and race numbers adorning it. Recently though I had begun to doubt if I would ever actually be editing any of the chalk numbers which display my best times over 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon distance – but this weekend the time came to get the chalk out.
 
Following on from last week's trip to Lincoln parkrun where I found myself in 22 minute territory for the first time in 2016, I headed to parkrun this week with a new sense of expectation and a certain level of pressure. Could I match this very surprising time? I found the run tougher this week. The weather was warmer and I was pushing myself even harder with this new knowledge of what my legs could do. Like last week I didn’t really pay attention to my watch at all, instead I ran to feel and using the reference of others runners around me. I didn’t even look at my watch as I entered the final sections of the run; finding myself instead in an intense sprint finish battle with a rapid junior parkrunner (she pipped me to the post – although we recorded exactly the same time in the parkrun results!) In the finishing funnel I was spent, and in my tiredness I didn’t really take in the fact my watch read 22.28. It was only when I collapsed on the grass next to my friend that I fully took my time in; a new PB! I had ran thirty seconds quicker than last week and taken nearly ten seconds off my old PB, which I has set over a year ago.
 
So where on earth has this PB come from when just two weeks ago I was struggling to complete 5k in anything under 24 minutes? Whilst I am in the midst of training hard for the Berlin Marathon, I am not focusing on speed, so although I am sure my training is playing some part I do not think it is the biggest driver. Usually marathon training saps me of my speed too! I am now beginning to believe that conquering one of my biggest fears has played a huge part.
 
Stemming from my youth I have a considerable level of apprehension when it comes to attending the doctors or seeking medical advice. I had not been registered with a GP for many years and was known for saying the only time I would go was if I thought I was dying! But a month or so ago I faced my fear, nervously signed up to my local GP and booked myself an appointment. 

I knew something was physically wrong with me, I was tired and my body was not performing well in running. My times had dropped dramatically and everything was much more of an effort than it used to be, even when I tried to take things easier. I obviously knew I wasn’t dying, but it had got to the point where one of the things that brings me the greatest pleasure in life – running - was making me feel low. I believed I might be anaemic and following blood tests (which involved me having to attend a hospital appointment and face yet another of my fears!) the results proved my suspicions were correct.

​At first I did not take the diagnosis well. It was not the end of the world I know, but I felt that I had let myself down. I control what goes into my body and I had clearly not been doing this right. I was annoyed with myself and upset to have to label myself as anaemic. My initial reaction may have been a bit over the top, and when I admitted my anaemia to people and researched online I began to realise it is common amongst many female runners who like me are also vegetarian. Since getting my results I have been taking iron tablets and now as I come to reflect, I can feel a change in my body. I have been working some long hours at work recently meaning I have been getting up early or going out late to run. But I have managed it and not felt like a zombie, as I was beginning to become. Running hills were my biggest indicator something was wrong. I had been struggling up any incline, legs having nothing in them, breathing unusually rapid, and then never being able to recover from the effort. But now I am finding hills back to their usual more manageable level of difficulty.  My parkrun times have to be another indicator of improvement in my body – for now I am back within 22 minute time zone, whereas previously I could not shift my time not matter how hard I tried.
 
I am really proud of my new parkrun PB, especially as it took me so much by surprise. However, I am also proud that I went to the GP and faced my fears, especially as it seems to be paying rewards in my running. ​

This training week has been another good week; I feel almost scared to admit this for fear of jinxing things! I have really began to feel like the old me; the runner who I thought I might not ever get back to being. My legs feel like mine again. Don't get me wrong, things are still tough as you would expect in Week 9 of a marathon training programme, but I now feel like I am able to cope and deal with the demands much better. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class to start the week.

TUESDAY: the prospect of running 7 miles with 10 x long hill repeats instilled me with some fear. Only a few weeks back I had struggled up any form of incline, which my legs then battled to recover from for the remainder of a run. I was thus fearful of how I would cope with so many lengthy hills. The first five hills I however felt strong on; hills 6-8 began to feel a bit harder, but it was only really the last two inclines which truly made my quads burn. I completed the run with a lot less of a struggle than I expected. A further highlight of the run was the man who asked if I was lost - clearly running repeatedly up and down the same road ten times had caused him to question my sanity!

WEDNESDAY: I had to split my run today due to finishing work late. I say 'had to' more like 'chose to'. I did not want to miss my Body Pump class so I squeezed in a fast three miles before the class, then added the remaining 4 miles afterwards. I thought I would suffer more on my second run after an hour's weights class in the middle, but pleasingly my legs coped well.

THURSDAY: a weekday ten miler, which my plan said should be completed at 8.30 min/mile pace. This pace seemed to be a big ask for me, and was not a pace I had been able to sustain over a long distance for some time. I went out optimistically though and got myself into a determined mindset where slowing down was just not an option; and luckily my legs seemed to comply! In the end I finished with a much better then expected average pace of 8.16 min/mile.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: Following on from last week's trip to Lincoln parkrun where I found myself in 22 minute territory for the first time in 2016, I headed into this week with a new sense of expectation. Could I match this very surprising time? I couldn't match it... instead I bettered it, running thirty seconds quicker than last week and finishing with a new PB of 22.28! Where on earth has that PB come from!? Just two weeks ago I was struggling to complete 5k in anything under 24 minutes! I was one happy runner!

​SUNDAY: to finish a week where the demands of my plan have seemed that tiny bit more, I had my longest run of this programme to date, 18 miles at a suggested pace of 8.30 min/mile. I ran with my friend who was also completing her long run as part of her Berlin Marathon training. Running together not only helped me tackle both the distance and the weather conditions we faced, but also helped me attempt to go faster than I have been running on long runs. Our first five miles were quick; with a strong wind behind us we managed 8.20-8.25 min/mile pace. The wind was not always going to be in our favour though and certain sections were a battle, with some miles seeing us really fighting against an intense headwind and an increasingly hot sun. Naturally our pace slowed in these sections and towards the end my legs were also tiring, but a finishing average pace of 8.53 min/mile pleased me. For a long run this was a massive improvement from a few weeks back where I was running 8-10 miles at around 9.20 min/mile pace; especially when the conditions were a lot more challenging today (see my beautifully windswept post run photo!) A good run to end a good week. ​

Since the start of 2016 I have been running a lot slower than my parkrun times from the latter end of 2015, which were in the 22 minute time zone. I started the year thinking I would get back into it quickly, then marathon training came along and I slowed down still. After the Manchester Marathon was complete I thought I had an optimal window to regain my speed before I began my Berlin Marathon training, and thus set myself the quest of returning to running a 22 minute time. Since I set this challenge I have however still languished in the 24 minute area, sometimes getting close to going sub 24 minutes, and other weeks being back to square one. I have patiently persevered in my quest though, rather than get annoyed with myself I have just kept at, and this week I completely unexpectedly achieved my goal. 

After a Friday night tempo run in which I managed to run a sub 24 minute time for a three mile distance, I headed to Lincoln parkrun with the belief I could repeat this feat - which would be a positive start in my 22 minute quest. I believed it so strongly I was in fact nervous as I stood waiting to start. I was not dreaming of entering 22 minute territory at all, I just wanted to run something in the 23 minutes. The start was congested, I didn't let this bother me though, it instead just made me smile at how many people now regularly take part in our Lincoln event. I darted in between runners jostling for some free running space without even considering my pace. It wasn't until the runners had thinned out a bit that I spotted my friend a few metres in front of me. My friend is a consistent 22 minute park-runner, which means this year I have been completely out of touch with her. I was shocked to see her, but I felt strong so didn't let this impact my running. As I turned into a wooded section of the course I found myself running closely behind another female runner who I have been trying to keep up with for weeks, knowing she usually finishes around 23 minutes. I was on her heels and found myself holding back. A brief debate went on in my head - do I slow down, keep with her and hope to secure my 23 minute time? Or do I overtake and run faster as I feel I could? 

I went for the overtake, which on the first lap of the three loop course was a brave move. If she caught me up later I knew this would knock me and possible throw any time out the window. There was absolutely no choice now but to keep running hard. I didn't really look at my watch from here in, only when the mile markers ticked over. I knew things were going well by the sheer fact my friend was in my sight still. On a section of the course where you double back on yourself and can see other runners I guessed I must have been about 20/30 seconds behind her - which was more than good enough for me! 

The second lap flew by and I entered the third a little nervously. I was sure to collapse now. My legs held though, and I ran with a power in my stride that I had not felt in a long time. As I hit the final sections of the course I glanced at my watch and saw I had a minute until 23 minutes was reached; my goal posts suddenly changed and I sprinted as fast as I could to the finish.

​The clocked stopped at 22.58. My quest was complete, but I was in total disbelief. I almost felt like it could not be true. I had expected that when I finally hit 22 minutes again that I would be ecstatic and uncontrollably pleased with myself. Instead I was literally in shock. I felt like I had to wait until I received my official parkrun text/email to fully acknowledge the time was true. When the email hit my inbox it was only then the joy hit me and I actually jumped up and down on the spot! Somehow I had managed it, and I was in fact only 20 seconds away from my PB of 22.37. 

So why this week? The weather was cooler which definitely helped. I felt confident too, not 22 minute level confident, but assured I could do better than 24 minutes. Other than that I literally cannot pin point the sudden change. Will it last is the real question! Regardless, I shall certainly enjoy this moment for now. It has been disappointing running in my eyes so poorly at parkrun this year, but I have never given up and I have also never not enjoyed a trip to parkrun. So perhaps that's the formula - a combination of determination and enjoyment will eventually lead to success. ​