Alice's Adventures in Running Land
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Doncaster 10k 2017

11/27/2017

0 Comments

 
Just over two years ago my best friend, and running partner in crime, moved to Australia. Having your closest friend on literally the other side of the world has been hard at times, but seeing her for the first time this weekend, with the extra bonus of managing to get a race day experience in together, made it all worth while.

It seemed like fate that the first ever Doncaster 10k had fallen on this weekend, and in my friend's hometown. The race was within minutes walk of my friend’s Mum’s house, meaning it was very stress free in terms of logistics, plus it was a nice distance to race and meant my friend’s Mum could also take part and complete her first ever official 10k race. I was not really taking the race too seriously in terms of running, possibly emphasised by the fact I sat and ate a huge slice of cheesecake and a good sized mountain of chocolate profiteroles the night before! I simply just wanted to enjoy this day. Before my friend moved to Australia we loved a ‘race day’, travelling to random new places, running a race and then celebrating usually with one too many fruit ciders afterwards, and I have missed sharing times like this, as well as just missing her.

Sunday morning was one of those beautifully blue skied but bitterly cold winter days. Not quite the sunshine and beaches my friend has been used to of late! Before leaving for the race I had given my friend her early birthday present, matching ‘Best Running Friends’ running vests, which were perfect for the occasion, but maybe not quite the weather! We had to brave them though, although I did wimp out a little and put a long sleeved top underneath mine! I also included two bottles of our favourite ‘Old Mout’ cider and a giant bar of chocolate in my friends’ birthday package,ready for post race celebrations – we would be celebrating regardless of how the race went!

The Doncaster 10k started and finished at the Doncaster Race Course, which seemed a lovely place to host a running event. The atmosphere was equally as pleasant, although looking around pre-race everyone simply gave the impression they were absolutely freezing! My friend and I slotted into the race pack, keeping our jumpers on for as long as possible before revealing our coordinating race gear. My friend is a speedster and my aim was to try and keep up with her, not for time purposes, but we both just wanted to try and run together if we could. As the starting gun was fired we sped off, it was numbingly cold and I could not really feel what I was running, I just ran! My friend agreed it also took her about 3k to even begin to feel warm!

I had not really seen too much of Doncaster before and I really enjoyed the first half of the route which left the racecourse and took in some residential streets and the town centre. It was quiet in terms of spectators – not sure many would voluntarily rise early on Sunday morning in icy temperatures to cheer random strangers! – but I found the variation of the surroundings interesting and the relatively flat route good for keeping a run tempo going. Running through the streets of Doncaster with my friend felt surreal at times – in a good way! We had not been or ran together in so long, but here we were. My friend also made me laugh as we ran, insisting we kept running on the same side to each other so the split heart graphics of our vests made sense!
Picture
Picture
Just after half way we looped back past the race course and headed out to complete the final section, which was out and back on a longer road. I glanced at my watch at this point and could see we were running well. My friend was pushing me to keep going and her pace was admirable considering she had been at a Hen Do weekend and a wedding in the days leading up to this race! An out and back section may sound uninspiring, but I found it quite motivating knowing what I had left to run, and I liked seeing and cheering for runners on the other side of the route. We even managed to spot my friend’s mum and encourage her loudly.

As we entered the final half mile the power in my legs was fading, I think if my friend really wanted to she could have injected some of her enviable pace and sped away from me at this point, but she stayed with me and I was equally determined to keep my legs turning over as quickly as possible so not to slow her down too much. The final 200m of the race entered the race course itself, with the finish line placed next to the Grandstand. I was not sure for definite what time we were heading for, but I knew it was much better than I might have anticipated at the start. We crossed the line side by side ending in a massive emotional hug at the finish; there was both race and life emotion fuelling that embrace. Running with my friend really pushed me and I actually managed to set a new PB of 44:02, which was a real bonus, and meant my friend was also only seconds away from beating her own PB (judging by her performance, I am very confident she can beat this in the future!) We then took our free finisher pies (well quiche for us vegetarians!) and went to find a space along the finish to watch my friend’s Mum come in. She absolutely smashed her first official 10k race, not stopping once and running a PB – I felt really proud cheering her over the line.

​For a first ever event I cannot fault the Doncaster 10k. Well organised, a great route, a lovely atmosphere and venue, a nice bit of bling, and the novelty of the free finish pie making it extra unique. It seemed the event had really brought a lot of people together too with a bumper, friendly field. Setting a 10k PB was totally unexpected, and I definitely have my friend to thank for pushing me to that time, and I am pleased what I managed without having really completed too much focused training of late. However it is the memories of this day and the meaning of it which matter to me most, and as I hugged my friend at the end it felt like we had never been apart - a real friendship. We then celebrated with a fruit cider (or three) of course!
0 Comments

The Week Of The Reunion

11/26/2017

0 Comments

 
This week was all about the countdown to the weekend (I must add - I do actually love my job!) It was for a good reason though. My best friend, and running partner in crime, moved to Australia two years ago and this would be the first time I had seen her since she left. Having your closest friend on literally the other side of the world has been hard at times, but this weekend would make it all worth while. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: after a busy day at work my urge to run was low. I eventually stuck my run gear on though, and my procrastination did at least mean the rain had stopped lashing by the time I got out the door, and I logged a steady 5.5 miles at 8:09 min/mile average pace.

WEDNESDAY: my energy levels were a little low again today, but I knew I wanted to run a few extra miles today since my weekend plans meant I would be missing out on my traditional 'Sunday long run'. I targeted 7 steady miles and finished at the gym for Body Pump - feeling much more energised for completing both. 

THURSDAY: Body Attack class

FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: the start of a bitterly cold but exciting weekend. If I thought last Saturday's Lincoln parkrun was cold, today it was absolutely Baltic, with a sparkling of frost gracing the park. Although the conditions were harsher, I seemed to cope better with the weather today. Whilst it was still a shock at first as I started to run, I seemed to adapt quicker, and I pushed myself to an improved 21:13 finish. My quest to return to a sub 21 minute time before the end of 2017 remains, but I shall keep trying! Post parkrun I then headed to Doncaster to meet my friend; a bundle of nervous, emotional, excitement - somewhat like heading to a big race!
Picture
SUNDAY: after spending Saturday afternoon and evening catching up with each other, today my friend and I took on the Doncaster 10k. It seemed like fate that the first ever Doncaster 10k had fallen on this weekend, and in my friend's hometown. The bitter weather was a bit of a shock for my friend (and still me!), and I had also rather optimistically bought us matching running vests to wear (see image) which were so perfect for the occasion we just had to brave them (my friend especially so!) My friend is a speedster and my aim was to try and keep up with her, not for time purposes really, but we both just wanted to try and run together if we could. A full race review will follow soon, but in short we achieved our goal, running through the streets of Doncaster together and finishing side by side, ending in a massive emotional hug at the finish line (seems a bit of a theme for me these days!) Running with my friend really pushed me and I actually managed to set a new PB of 44:02, which was a nice bonus! The memories of this day and the meaning of it matter to me so much more than my time though, and as I hugged my friend at the end, and throughout the whole weekend in fact, it felt like we had never been apart - a real friendship. 
0 Comments

The Week of Weekend Therapy

11/19/2017

2 Comments

 
This week has been pretty standard in terms of running, however the weekend offered an extra reminder of the pure joy that running can add to life, and has added to mine. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I had a long and busy day at work today, but managed to find an opportunity to squeeze a quick 5 mile run in. When I can just about fit a run into a day I am grateful to have that chance to get my endorphin hit, so in these situations tend not to put any pressure on myself in terms of pace. With no expectations I was therefore pleased to naturally hit exactly 8 min/mile pace. 

WEDNESDAY: a pre-Body Pump class 5 mile run, which was almost an exact copy of yesterday's run, with my legs seeming to revert comfortably to 8 min/mile pace.

THURSDAY: Body Attack class - the endless squat jumps and lunges killed my legs this week and walking home I felt like I had just stumbled across the finish line of a race, with that feeling of having very little left in the tank!

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: this Saturday marked my local parkrun's 4th Birthday. Lincoln parkrun has grown to become a near on permanent fixture in my week, and thus has had a huge positive impact on my life. I know I am not alone in feeling like this, and I am bias to say we also have a very special community at Lincoln. It was therefore heartwarming to stand listening to the celebratory run brief, with this all in mind, and feeling a small part of something so special. The morning itself was very cold, and in the first mile I felt the effect of the wintery weather, with my body feeling a bit shocked by the conditions the air seeming harsh to breathe. The following miles I adapted a little better, but could sense I was not going to achieve my sub 21 minute time goal without even needing to look at my watch. I clocked a 21:25 finish time, which I was content with in the conditions; after all time is not everything at parkrun and there is always another week! I then went and left a message on the white board which had been brought along to the event this week and asked us to describe Lincoln parkrun in no more the 4  words (see images) - 'my happy place' - I wrote, and I really mean it.  

SUNDAY: across the last few weeks I have been completing a longer run on a Sunday without any set time or distance in mind, which after months of marathon training has offered a bit of a break. Today was much the same, albeit on a much colder morning, and I headed out for a no-pressure long run with my friend. For some reason though I just really loved this run, more than any of the Sunday's runs throughout the past few weeks. 
Picture
Picture
I never looked at my watch until we had finished our route, and I didn't really think too much or pay attention to how my body or legs felt. I simply enjoyed the tranquillity of an early, frosty morning and the conversational company of my friend. To me it felt like a slightly unconventional form of relaxation, and the therapy that running so often gives me. Taking it back to the facts, I finished with 12.75 miles in the bank (I wasn't even fussed about making it up to 13 miles like I may usually have been!) and an average pace of 8.35 min/mile.

Looking ahead to next week, I am excited as I am seeing my best friend as she visits the UK for the first time since moving to Australia. I have not seen my friend in two years - which writing I find hard to comprehend how I have coped! - and this also means we also have not ran together in two years. So there is some serious catching up on both life and miles to be had - I can't wait. 
2 Comments

The Week of Realisation

11/12/2017

0 Comments

 
This week I have realised two things. One; it is definitely getting cold/into winter running season now! Two; at some point before the year is out I need to give my body a bit more of a break - a real break. I have not really rested at all since September's Berlin Marathon, and whilst I am pleased I have been able to maintain a good base of fitness in terms of both endurance and speed, I also want to be refreshed for January when my training for the London Marathon starts. Running is such a massive part of my life though it is no secret I find it hard to rest, but am hoping the rapidly approaching festive season will bring me some down time. Lets be honest, I am not going to be putting my feet up for an entire week - but I think even a couple of extra days out of routine will do me well before the year is out.

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: it rained almost non stop today, and as I headed out for a cold, dark 6 mile run, prepared  for a soaking, I felt a little mad! At first as the cold rain droplets pelted my face and limbs (I always wear shorts!) I was leaning towards the fact I was actually insane, but then the running endorphins kicked in and suddenly it felt weirdly refreshing. I ran quick, as whilst feeling refreshing, it was still not quite the conditions for a gentle plod!

WEDNESDAY: the rain had disappear but today was simply cold, with a slight bitter edge. Again the conditions urged me to run quick, as opposed to this being a conscious decision, and I ran 5 miles at around 8 min/mile pace. Body Pump after at the gym. 
Picture
THURSDAY: after a week's break I returned to a Body Attack class, which I felt instantly on my body. The plyometrics particularly challenged my glutes and left me with noticeable DOMS for the rest of the week!

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: I walked to Lincoln parkun today and as I made my way down to the park I did not feel too energetic, and as I ran the first mile I was thinking this was going to be a bit of a tougher run. Unsurprisingly, my first split was not as quick as I can be and I nearly thought about just easing off. I didn't, and in that mental decision I found some strength in my legs. My final two miles were consistent and quick, and I pushed hard for the finish funnel, forcing a final demand from my legs. My time was 21:05 which I was pleasantly surprised by; I thought I had rescued a better time than I may have expected, but not that good! I really want to try to go sub 21 minutes again before the end of the year, and this was my closest yet!

SUNDAY: I did not feel very lively again today; I had not ran or exercised any more this week than the the past few weeks, but maybe it was a culmination of things. My body seemed jaded and I had suffered from restless legs overnight, which usually only strike during peak marathon training. This made me think about needing more of a rest before January, and I therefore also knew I should take today's run steady. It was a cold morning, with a strong wind that had a slight icy edge to it and made running feel extra tough at times. I  made my way around an 11 mile route and my average pace at the end was actually pretty respectable at 8.27 min/mile. I had ran to feel and this was a surprise as it felt much slower. So two runs this weekend where I have not felt my best, but performed ok - running is strange sometimes!
0 Comments

Robin Hood Trail 10k

11/6/2017

0 Comments

 
Stood in a patch of warm sunshine which had managed to find its way through the tree canopies at Sherwood Pines, it was hard to imagine that a few hours earlier I had been soaked to the skin, pushing my rain splattered limbs around Lincoln parkrun. I was stood with my friend waiting to start the Robin Hood Trail 10k race, which was slightly unconventionally held on a Saturday afternoon. This timing had therefore left a nice little window of opportunity for me to squeeze in a Lincoln parkrun still, as well as running there and back to the parkrun location itself. I had not held back when running parkrun and had attacked it with my usual vigour, probably because I was really seeing this afternoon’s race as a bit of a fun challenge, as opposed to something I was taking too seriously.

​With the autumnal sun now dominating the crisp blue sky, we really could appreciate the beautiful surroundings of Sherwood Pines, and as my friend and I huddled amongst the relatively small field of runners about to take on the 5k or 10k distance, the situation actually had a bit of a parkrun feel about it; there was no pressure and the atmosphere around was friendly and light-hearted. As we listened to the announcer give a small pre-race briefing I was a little disheartened to hear the course was two 5k loops, as I sometimes find this a bit demoralising. My surprise at this fact demonstrated how little I had really looked into the race details; however I was prepared in the sense I was at least wearing my trail shoes! As the ‘go’ signal was given I was certainly pleased to be wearing these shoes as I carefully weaved through the mass start and also the boggy patches of grass underfoot.

During the initial half a mile or so my legs felt quite heavy, especially as we ran up a long incline, and I did start to debate whether I was being completely mad now asking my legs to run a fast 10k. However, as the race to thinned out a little and I found a comfortable running spot, I seemed to settle and any discomfort in my legs faded. I was not really sure what strategy I was adopting for the distance; I wasn’t naïve enough to go out like a 5k parkrun, but I was going to push myself to suit the environment, and maybe see how 5k went before committing to any form of 10k goal. The first loop really seemed to go by quickly; I enjoyed the route with a nice mix of longer steady inclines which tested you without being too brutal, and some downhill sections which allowed your legs to recover. It was also a little less ‘off roady’ then I had imagined, with the course mainly being set on well trodden woodland paths, which was probably not a bad thing considering the morning’s rainfall!

As I started loop two the field was a lot thinner and I felt I could really begin to appreciate the beautiful autumnal surroundings. It really was a glorious place to be running, and I think this continued to make it feel a lot less like I was running an actual race. My shoe lace came undone on one foot and this bothered me momentarily, with visions flashing through my head of my shoe being left behind in a patch of sticky mud. Thankfully I survived, with my laces seeming tucking themselves back inside my shoe in some kind of miracle blessing! Even though I had contemplated using the first lap as a bit of a tester, I did not actually glance at my watch or pace as I started this final 5k, or even throughout the race really, and just continued running to feel. This run was not about a time for me, it was about challenging myself on the course, and I knew I was doing that. I found myself in a bit of competition on this second lap, I overtook a guy who clearly was not keen to be beaten by a female as he attempted numerous times to re-overtake without much success - and it did make me smile. 
Picture
Picture
As I hit the 9k marker I tried to have my first real study of my watch to give me some vague idea of what time I may be aiming for. This proved to be pointless, as I have no idea what sort of time I can run a kilometre in anymore, as I always operate in miles! I had to hold off my new found male running buddy though I knew that! My legs did feel a bit wobbly during the final kilometre, especially as I pushed up a shorter climb toward the finish, and then again when I battled through the boggy grass which led to the finish line. I just wanted my legs to hold out now and also my shoe to hold on for these final steps! I beat my ‘friend’ who did not want to even look at me as I went to speak and congratulate him on the run – so in that sense the race definitely did not have a parkrun feel anymore! After crossing the line I then only had a quick check of my finish time, before I rushed around the barriers to catch my (real!) friend finish - she just loves me getting an action shot of her running (or is learning too..!), so I couldn’t miss the opportunity!

Reviewing the race after, I realised I had ran much better than I anticipated, finishing in 45:29, which it later came to light saw me finish as third female overall. This is my second fastest 10k time to date, and with the course not being on my more accustomed road surface, this was very pleasing, especially with a fast parkrun and a 4 mile run commute in my legs already that day. My friend and I agreed we had really enjoyed the run and that the course was especially pleasant, and we both did not mind running two loops, which is a big testament of support. As we gathered under a tree canopy, now trying to get out of the sunshine to take a post run medal selfie (without having to squint!), I realised it was our last race together for 2017. This made me sad, but not in an upset way, in a kind of wistful and reflective way. It has been quite a year of running for us both, and I know I would not have been able to achieve what I have or enjoyed what I have done quite as much without my friend’s unwavering support and companionship. In that sense, the Robin Hood Trail 10k really was a lovely way to sign out the racing year together.
0 Comments

The Week With A Mileage Jump

11/5/2017

2 Comments

 
After last week felt a little stagnant in terms of running and training, this week has been anything but. Somehow along the way I have managed to log 40 miles worth of running, which sounds a bit ridiculous to say this happened almost unintentionally, but everything mounted up without me really being aware of the overall mileage. Ignoring slightly tight hamstrings, my legs feel alright with this mileage leap though, which is pleasing and makes me itch to start marathon training in January even more!

MONDAY: my usual Body Pump instructor was away so I tentatively tried the replacement class. This turned out to be a CrossFit style session, which is something I have never experienced before. It was very different to Body Pump, which focuses on moderate weights and high reps, instead using lower reps and heavier weights. It challenged me, but I really enjoyed the change - and it certainly made my body ache for days after!

TUESDAY: a 6 mile run dodging the groups of people out on the streets 'trick and treating' for Halloween. I felt good tonight so decided to push the pace a little and ran roughly 8 min/mile on average. 

WEDNESDAY: with a 10k race planned for the weekend, I consciously kept today's run a little steadier, running one of my familiar 5 mile loops before trying a different Body Pump replacement class at the gym. This was again a weights based class, but (thankfully!) was a little less brutal than Monday's CrossFit beasting!

THURSDAY: the 10k race at the weekend was a trail run, so I wanted to dig out my trail shoes beforehand and just make sure they were still comfortable to run in, as it had been a while! With this in mind, I rose early today and headed to the local common near my house for an early morning 5 mile run, reacquainting myself with my forgotten trainers. The morning was cold, misty and mysterious looking, and the conditions felt quite apt to be venturing through the off road landscape. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day
Picture
SATURDAY: a big day of running. Today was the Robin Hood Trail 10k my friend and I had entered, which was slightly unconventionally held on a Saturday afternoon. This therefore left a nice little window of opportunity to squeeze in a Lincoln parkrun still! It was a truly miserable morning, with heavy non-stop rain, and I felt a little mad as I laced up my trainers. I ran to parkrun, which is about 2.5 miles, and was instantly drenched. I found the combination of running down to parkrun and the fact I was so wet made it hard to get my legs going again when the 9am parkrun start time struck. I did not have my usual energy from the start, and I felt a little lethargic throughout. I knew I would not be challenging my low 21 minute times of late, but I was happy I still logged a good 21:30 time. I was then faced with an even wetter run home, my legs now completely splattered with parkrun mud! (Big thanks to the parkrun volunteers for braving the conditions today - such dedication!) A quick shower and change of run gear and it was then time to head to Sherwood Pines for the 10k race... it felt a little crazy, but who can really complain about a day crammed with running! I will write a full blog of the 10k soon, but in short it was a lovely little race, set in beautiful surroundings, which thankfully we could enjoy as it had stopped raining and the sun had decided to grace the now blues skies. I ran much better than I anticipated, finishing in 45:29, my second fastest 10k time to date, and with it not being on my more accustomed road surface, this was extra pleasing (see image).

SUNDAY: my legs were a little tight and sore today after the two fast run efforts of yesterday, so I was pleased to run a steady 10 miler with my friend, on a somewhat chilly but beautiful sunny morning. By now I was actually aware of how many miles I had logged this week, so kept it no more than 10 miles and didn't even look at my watch for any idea of pace until I was home. I love testing and pushing myself running and training, but sometimes nothing beats a long run without any pressure - just running. ​
2 Comments

    Alice's Adventures In Running Land

    Read about my adventures in running land...


    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    2019
    2020
    2021
    Ashby 20 2019
    Bassingham Bash 2015
    Bassingham Bash 2016
    Bassingham Bash 2017
    Bassingham Bash 2020
    Berlin Marathon 2016
    Berlin Marathon 2017
    Boston Marathon 2017
    Brighton 10k 2015
    Brighton Marathon 2019
    Cambridge Half Marathon 2018
    Cambridge Half Marathon 2019
    Cambridge Half Marathon 2020
    Chicago Marathon 2019
    Clumber Park Half Marathon
    Doncaster 10k 2017
    Doncaster 10k 2018
    Doncaster 10k 2019
    Finsbury Park 10k 2015
    General Running
    Great Newham Run 10k 2016
    Great North Run 2015
    Harewood House Half Marathon 2017
    Hedgehog Half Marathon 2018
    I Am Team GB
    Leicestershire Half Marathon 2018
    Leicestershire Half Marathon 2019
    Lincoln 10k 2015
    Lincoln 10k 2016
    Lincoln 10k 2017
    Lincoln 10k 2018
    Lincoln 10k 2019
    Lincoln Colour Dash 2015
    Lincoln Half Marathon 2016
    Lincoln Half Marathon 2017
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 2015
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 2016
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 2017
    Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Marathon 2018
    Lockdown 2021
    London Marathon 2015
    London Marathon 2016
    London Marathon 2017
    London Marathon 2018
    London Marathon 2020
    Manchester Marathon 2016
    Milton Keynes 20 Mile Race 2018
    Newark Half Marathon 2017
    Newark Half Marathon 2018
    Newark Half Marathon 2019
    Newton's Fraction Half Marathon 2019
    Normanby 10k 2020
    North Lincolnshire Half Marathon 2018
    North Lincolnshire Half Marathon 2019
    Nottingham 10k 2016
    Oxford Half Marathon 2015
    Parkrun
    Park Run
    Robin Hood Trail 10k
    Round Sheffield Run 2016
    Round Sheffield Run 2017
    Round Sheffield Run 2018
    Round Sheffield Run 2019
    Royal Parks Half 2016
    Santa Run 2014
    Santa Run 2015
    Santa Run 2018
    Santa Run 2019
    Sleaford 10k 2019
    Stamford 30k
    Sydney Marathon 2018
    The 401 Challenge
    The Royal Parks Half Marathon 2016
    Thoresby Half Marathon
    Winter Run 10k Liverpool
    Woodhall Spa 10k 2018
    Woodhall Spa 10k 2019
    X Runner 2015

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from marksteelenz