Saturdays's trip to Lincoln Park Run with my friends was a bit of a milestone for us. We were not collecting our '50' t-shirts (we each have a fair way to go to be worthy of earning one of those sadly!) but we were using the event to celebrate the last time we would all be running together, with one of my friends Australia bound in a few weeks. Unfortunately my jet setting friend could not actually run due to injury, but was still able to participate in the morning as chief photographer and number one supporter!

Park Run has held a lot of memories for us during 2015. It all started on Valentines Day, the first time we ran the event together, and when I was too nervous to even take a bar code and have my time recorded! We clearly enjoyed it and went back two weeks later, when I slumped to a 26 minute run with tired marathon training legs. I somehow managed to accept this time though, due to the unique environment of Park Run meaning I was too happy being able to celebrate the achievements of my friends that day - this was when I really realised what a wonderful event Park Run is, any other run I would have been severely disappointed in myself!

There can be no greater achievement than the week we ran Park Run on my friend's birthday and recorded a female 1-2-3, with the birthday girl finishing first. This I am sure will be the greatest Park Run we will each ever participate in. Then there is the individual greatness which we are able to witness each other reach. My speed queen friend zooming around the Park Run course with seeming ease on each visit, racking up PBs regardless of what she ate or drank on the Friday night before! My 'machine' friend who consistently pulls out impressive times, even when marathon training - which puts my 26 minutes rather to shame! I personally was also proud of the way I bounced back after marathon training, taking nearly three minutes off my Park Run PB in my first run after the London Marathon. We also went through a spell of doing the Saturday 'triple'; Park Run followed by a Body Attack class and then a Body Pump class - a mad feat in itself! 

I had no idea how this week's Park Run would go as Friday night I had consumed a lot of cake and alcohol as part of a leaving party for my friend. I was contemplating taking it easy, but as I arrived the competitiveness within me came out, and I knew I would have to give it my all. The first lap of the three loop course felt great, no pain in my legs and with the added motivation of posing for my friend on camera duty! On the second loop, much to my shock, my legs still felt fine, however my stomach was starting to feel a little odd. The only way I can describe it was it felt as if someone had punched their fist into it and wouldn't stop the pressure! Delightful! I told myself it was fine though as it didn't really matter how my stomach felt as long as my legs would keep going! This mentality worked, and on the third lap I gave it my all. I could spot my friend in the distance and knew she was due to finish third female. There was a female runner between us, meaning I was 5th. I had no idea if there was another woman close behind me or not, but I did not want to take the chance, and was determined to maintain my position. Sprinting to the finish I did it; although on stopping it felt as if my stomach was severely bruised and I actually had to double over to catch my breath and ease the pain - maybe a little too much cake and alcohol was to blame! 

My official time was 22.39 - exactly the same as the last time I ran Lincoln Park Run and once again two seconds away from being a PB! I was also, once more, in awe of my friend, who ran a 22.10 Park Run PB even though next week is the New York Marathon she has been training for! 

As is clear, our group trips to Lincoln Park Run have all been memorable in different ways, and I did feel a little sad knowing it would be a long time before we were all running a Park Run together again. However I know we will not let this week's trip be the last ever time we all attend a Park Run, and that's the main thing! ​

This week marked the start of a period of 'non training' for me. With no races until 2016 and marathon training due to start mid December, I am attempting to take my foot off the gas a bit. The ideas is to let my legs and body have a real chance to recover from the year, and also to ensure I am in the best shape to tackle my forthcoming marathon programme.

MONDAY: I enjoy a run before doing a Body Pump class, so I plan on sticking to my usual routine of running around 8-9k before the class. This week I ran 8.5k, an enjoyable run on a pleasantly mild Autumnal evening.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class 

WEDNESDAY: For the third week in a row I was up early for the 7am Body Pump class, as the evening session was not on. It was a bit of a struggle this week as my legs and glutes were feeling the effect of new exercises from the previous night's Body Attack class. When it came to the evening my legs felt really tired and my 8.5k run therefore felt a lot tougher than Monday's venture.

THURSDAY: Rest Day

FRIDAY: Evening commitments meant another early trip to the gym, which I chose instead of going for a run and to be in keeping with my plan of taking things steadier. I flitted from one piece of cardio equipment to the other, doing ten minutes of intervals on each. I find it hard to stick to one machine for long periods (aside from a two hour stint of the cross trainer during marathon training this year!), so I rather go all out for shorter amounts of time and mix the machines up. I also spent a considerable amount of time stretching as I want to improve my, quite frankly shockingly poor, flexibility to see if this will benefit my running.

SATURDAY: Together with my friends, I attended my local Park Run today for the first time in a good few weeks (see image). It was a special occasion, for us anyway, as it was the last time we would be running together for a long while, as one my friends is moving to Australia. It is thus an occasion which will be worthy of a full blog to follow shortly! 

SUNDAY: After a leaving party for my friend on the Saturday night and a bit too much wine consumed, I was not in quite the right state to get up for a Sunday morning run! I waited until later in the day, which due to the clocks going back meant it was virtually dark. Despite a rare (for me) weekend of eating and drinking, and the slightly strange feeling or running in darkness, the run felt amazing. I opted for a 10k loop rather than attempting too much mileage, and found my legs to be completely pain free and full of energy. I managed sub 5 minute kilometers throughout and a sub 50 minute run overall. Maybe alcohol and cake is the way forward! ​

I knew after crossing the finish line at the London Marathon this year that I wanted to run another marathon. Yes the pain in my legs was horrendous and the thought of just having to walk to find my friends and family felt like another whole marathon in itself, but I knew I wanted to do it all again. 

Not getting into the London Marathon this year via the ballot was a disappointment, and the prospect of securing another charity place although appealing, felt a little too daunting to try and raise that level of funds again. So the hunt was on for my 2016 marathon. 

I wanted a Spring marathon - I like the idea of starting the year with a clear focus, and also not having the knowledge of a forthcoming marathon training programme hanging over me. The obvious choices were Manchester, Brighton or Edinburgh. Brighton clashed with the Lincoln 10k - my local race. I know I could miss this, but I have ran it for three years consecutively now, it was my first ever race, and it is event I therefore like to support and be a part of. Plus I have also ran in Brighton twice already. Edinburgh clashed with the Liverpool Rock n Roll Half Marathon that I have already booked to run with my sister, and which was also an event I enjoyed so much this year, so that was not really an option. That left Manchester...

I have read only good things about Manchester, the flat course, good organisation, great support etc. The only thing that put me off slightly was the early April date - Sunday 10th April - meaning a sixteen week training plan would translate as starting full training the week of Christmas! But after some thought I decided that this probably would not be too much of an issue, and essentially is only two weeks earlier than if I was starting a training programme for the 2016 London Marathon. So Manchester has been booked!

April 2016 will now be quite a month for me. My Manchester Marathon will be Sunday 10th April, followed the week after by the Lincoln 10k, which I will somehow get round although god knows what my legs will be like! Then it is the London Marathon, which although I will personally not be running, I get to reverse roles and support my friend who has secured a place. I am actually very excited about being a spectator on the day - surely the next best thing to running! Having watched the race on TV for many, many years, I have never actually watched it in person. I know it will be just as special an experience watching the marathon as being one of the thousands of runners, especially that moment when I get to see my friend as I know exactly how that feels!
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So Manchester Marathon 2016 is the next goal - I am aiming for sub 4 hours, after recording 4:09 at London this year. I would absolutely love to be able to run sub 3:45 and get 'Good For Age' entry into London Marathon in 2017 - but that may be asking a little to much of myself, we shall see! ​

For the first time - I think - this year I entered into a week without any race on the horizon. Even if I have not strictly been in a 'training week' there has always been something in my mind, a goal to work towards. But this week there was nothing. How would I cope!

MONDAY: the day after the Oxford Half, and my legs were surprisingly ok... my calves felt a little odd and weary, and the DOMS did increase slightly as the day went on, but nothing too crippling! I decided not to run though just to allow my body to recover fully from the race, and opted for cross training before my Body Pump class.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class

WEDNESDAY: started the day with another stint of 7am Body Pump as I had an evening meeting, which I feared may make me miss the later class. As it turned out, my meeting finished just in time, and without a real desire or need to run, I headed back for Body Pump take two! It was tough going twice in the same day, my arms were knackered by the end - but I enjoyed pushing myself in a different way.

THURSDAY: Rest Day

FRIDAY: A Friday night 10k - I really needed this run mentally, and having not ran all week I actually felt the urge to get out. Everything felt great as I weaved though Lincoln's streets; the only strange thing was the darkness which gradually engulfed me. It seemed like a long time since I had been running in the dark and it took a little bit of getting used to, trusting where to put my feet and judging curbs etc. 

SATURDAY: I attended a Leadership in Running Fitness course today (see image). I was lucky in the sense that my employer was hosting the course and as I work in sport development, I was offered a place. I found the course very helpful in giving ideas on how to lead and support beginners or those returning to running, and personally I loved spending a day immersed with people who shared the same passion - an excuse to talk running all day!

SUNDAY: an attempt at a longer run. I say attempt as I was not really sure what to do if I am honest! I set out and for the first 8k I felt good, I was running steadily and comfortably, and was enjoying taking in the autumnal sights around me. Then my legs tightened once again. Due to this, I decided not to push the distance too far and unnecessarily cause myself pain, instead looping back home for a total of just under 14k. I need to sort out this tightness in my legs as its really starting to annoy me now. On my Leadership in Running Fitness course the tutor had noticed my poor flexibility, and had consequently warned me that one day my lack of flexibility/overall tightness will actually hinder my running and limit the times I can achieve. It feels like this could be happening right now! So my new goal for the next few weeks is to sort out some form of stretching/flexibility plan in the hope this will revitalise my legs. I also need to make up my mind what I am doing in terms of a 2016 marathon....watch this space! ​

The Oxford Half Marathon - my final race of 2015 - arrived. I had mixed emotions about the day. Part of me felt a little relieved that after this race I could spend what's left of 2015 just enjoying running and my exercise routines without any training pressures; whilst I already know the other part of me is going to miss the focus and goals that an event gives you, even if it is just for a few months. I also felt a little sad as it was the last race day experience I would be sharing with my friend before she moves to Australia - literally the other side of the world! 

We arrived in Oxford the day before the race and enjoyed exploring the city with its canal boats and locks, and the beautiful University of Oxford buildings. We were also delighted to find our hotel was situated right in the centre of the main street of pubs and restaurants, with the wonderful bonus of having a nightclub positioned directly below the hotel itself. This is the second time my friend has booked a pre-race hotel above a nightclub - it is clear I will not miss her hotel choices! Thankfully the hotel actually appeared to be well sound proofed from the noisy street below and the thudding baseline of the club's music - either that or the Oxford night life was being kind to us visiting runners - and I actually slept as well as to be expected pre race. My friend was running for a charity - The African Children's Fund - and it seemed we were soon heading to the pre race meet up they had organised for their runners. It was here I met with another runner who I had attended a training day with earlier in the year organised by Virgin Money for a handful of selected London Marathon runners - what a small world we live in, and how wonderful that running can keep you connected with people. 

The start of the race was delayed by 15 minutes due to train issues and runners being stuck on the way to Oxford, and as we stood waiting to begin the nerves started to creep in a little. I was approaching the race with a bit of a 'do or die' attitude - my last event of 2015 so may as well give it my all! As the woman on the tannoy struggled to stall for time we suddenly surged forward and it appeared to everyone's slight shock we had actually started. Watching my friend speed off as she usually does, I bustled my way through a slightly crowded starting section until eventually I hit some clearer running space. Now time to run my race.

The first part of the course wound out of Oxford's city centre and then took us along a down and back stretch of a long straight road. I had feared this may be a little boring, but with good crowds and runners both sides of you it actually felt quite motivating. I managed to spot my friend running on the other side of the road and catch her attention for a brief high five, and as the turning point soon approached, I felt happy she was not too far in front of me. The first 10k of the race actually went by relatively quickly, and as we turned to approach the small village of Marston I was really, really enjoying myself. I smiled at supporters in the village who were sat on deckchairs watching the streams of people pound down their probably usually very quiet street. I high fived a number of children, which I normally avoid doing, as I clearly rode on my wave of happiness. I could even just about tolerate the young boy who was persistently blowing a vuvuzela trumpet, a noise that could be heard for it seemed miles away! I also drew a wry smile as we ran through small tunnel under the road, which brought back memories of the Great North Run. This time however there was no northern chants of 'oggy oggy oggy' but a polite silence - almost marking the stereotypical difference between the north and south of the country!

With the first section of the race feeling almost a breeze, as I hit the ten mile point things started to become a little harder. Just after passing the ten mile marker I was shocked to be overtaken by the 1.45 pacer. I had not released I was runner ahead of this pace, I knew I was running well, but not this well! Although the pacer got away from me, they were still firmly within my sight. From mile ten onwards however my calves, and the tightness and heaviness which has plagued them in recent weeks, made their presence felt. My legs felt an effort to lift, and my comfortable, pleasant running was slipping away with every step. I really had to grit my teeth to keep going as I was for the last three and a bit miles. The final section of the race was also not really in my favour. The route itself was lovely, winding through Oxford University Park and then back into the city through the picturesque University buildings. The terrain under foot was mixed though, and the uneven ground of the park, cobble roads, and fake mating laid out did not help my calves one bit.

MONDAY: Monday marked the start of race week, with the Oxford Half Marathon taking place on Sunday. My mind set for the week was to take things relatively steady, just to ensure that my legs could be in the best possible state come race day. I ran today - the first time I have managed to run following a long run in a month! My legs did feel a bit tight after Sunday's ten miles, but I still recorded a reasonable 5.05min/km average time across the 8k distance. Body Pump class afterwards - the new release of this class is officially a killer and I literally felt drained afterwards!

TUESDAY: my usual Body Attack class was not on, which was probably a good thing on race week. I opted instead for a Spinning class, which I think was the first time I had been to such a class in about ten months...this may also not have been the best idea on race week, however I seemed to survive ok!

WEDNESDAY: I attended the 7am Body Pump class today with my friend, and was then debating doing a double Body Pump session by going again in the evening - not exactly sticking to my overall week plan of taking things steady I know! Luckily my 8k evening run felt so good, and my legs virtually painless for the first time in a long time, that I was quickly brought to my senses and chose not to unnecessarily tire my body by doing Body Pump again.

THURSDAY: my last run before Oxford. I headed to the local Common for what was meant to be a steady 9k, but again my legs felt good and it ended up being a relatively fast run - a feeling which I hoped was a good sign for Sunday.

FRIDAY: I had intended this to be a rest day, but I came home from work with a niggling head ache and knew I needed to get out and do something. My friend, who was also running Oxford on Sunday, and I headed to the gym for a light cross training session (see image) and some foam rolling, which I definitely felt better for afterwards.

SATURDAY: Rest Day

SUNDAY: Oxford Half Marathon - and a new PB! For an unplanned race in which my preparation has been unfocussed and imperfect, and a race in which I have spent the majority of the time feeling unoptimistic about, a PB was a thoroughly welcomed result! I crossed the line in 1hr 47mins 14secs, taking over 2mins of my previous PB. Full blog to follow.

After running the London Marathon this year I thought I would be more accepting of the rejection email that pinged into my inbox on Friday telling me I had been unsuccessful in the 2016 ballot (not even a Spiderman magazine for me!). But no, a huge wave of disappointment hit me and I joined the masses on Twitter venting my misery. By running the race in 2015 I achieved one of my lifetime goals, and having experienced the London Marathon when others have not had the chance to at all, I should really be more understanding. I was fortunate to secure a charity place through vInspired for this year’s event; however it seems just running London once is not enough for me, I have been spoilt by the race, and greedily want to have the experience again! But what makes London so great? I saw numerous Tweets questioning what the big appeal of London is when there are so many marathons to choose from;  which led me to question what exactly makes London special for me…

1. The History 
The London Marathon is somewhat of a national treasure, nearly everyone knows about it whether they like running or not, and it is a predominant event on the sporting calendar. I grew up watching the London Marathon on TV, and like many I was inspired by seeing the thousands of people pounding the streets of London. Paula Radcliffe’s World Record setting run at her home Marathon is also a special part of British sporting history.
                   
2. The Support
The support at the London Marathon is incredible. The streets are virtually lined from start to finish, and this certainly helps get you through those tough times. I loved seeing the variety of people who came out to cheer runners on, the different banners created, and the various forms of fuel/refreshments offered out to tired runners. It’s an event which truly brings so many people from all parts of society together.                         
3. The Capital City
​Running in your home country’s capital city feels a bit like the pinnacle of running. I love visiting London anyway, so be able to run there is just perfect. The course takes in a number of well-known sites, but my favourite part is the finishing straight – and not just because it means the race is over! The sight of runners streaming down the Mall is something I have witnessed so many times on TV, and being one of those finishers and knowing I had successfully completed the London Marathon, was a wonderful feeling.

4. The Stories
It seems every runner taking part in the London Marathon has a story behind why they are running, whether it is a personal challenge or a certain cause they are running in aid of. It can get quite emotional at times hearing why people are running, especially if they are taking part in memory of a loved one or for a charity which they have particularly benefited from. Out on the course, seeing the huge number of charities represented and the corresponding messages adorned to running vests is truly inspirational.

5. The Memories
Taking part in any form of running event leaves you with a wonderful set of memories, but all the above combined together means taking part in the London Marathon becomes one of those most treasured. Being able to share your training journey and the marathon day itself with family and friends means they also get to enjoy some of special moments the London Marathon brings. Running the 2015 London Marathon is certainly an experience I will never forget – and one I hope I will get to enjoy again. 

This was the first week since Great North Run that I have physically felt in a good enough place to be able to look towards the Oxford Half Marathon on Sunday 10th October -  one week away! I won my place in this race, so it was never really part of the long term plan, hence the rather non existent focused training - but I will be giving it my best shot regardless!

MONDAY: following my 10k race on Sunday I decided to be sensible (for once in my life!) and not run today; especially with my sports massage booked in for Tuesday, which I hoped was going to really rejuvenate my limbs! I thus opted for another forty minutes of cross training, with the addition of headphones and my own choice of music to help get me through, followed by my Body Pump class. 

TUESDAY: started the day with my Sports Massage - it felt amazing on my legs and was considerably less painful than I expected, and thankfully also left me with considerably less bruising than normal! It was fascinating to hear that the tightness in my lower legs I had been experiencing had actually caused my feet to turn in a slightly- crazy how the body works! Body Attack class in the evening.

WEDNESDAY: an 8k run before my Body Pump class. Post massage tenderness was more prevalent today, and my legs felt painful with every step, which did take the enjoyment out somewhat! Managed to keep to sub 5min/km pace though.

THURSDAY: the beautiful evening led me to running around the local Common (see image), as it felt more fitting to admire the setting sun than the usual residential streets I like to roam. The Common can slow me down as the terrain is a little tricky, but again I kept to sub 5min/km pace for the 9km, but most importantly really enjoyed the run.