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

Adapting To It All...

3/22/2020

0 Comments

 
​Well, where do I really start with this week?! It is hard to even comprehend how things are right now. There are moments when life almost feels normal, and for me, these have stemmed from when I have been able to get out and run and that feeling of escapism across the miles. Then I return home and the reality hits that things are definitely not normal!

It has been a week of adaption for me personally, as my work switched to being home based from Monday. Working from home and the impacts this has on my day-today job function I think was also the main trigger for me to realise how serious this situation is becoming. Since Monday I have only been going outside to run or go to the shop for food – it is not easy trust me, but it has to be done.

Monday was a tough start; I didn’t leave the house all day and spoke to no one – I felt like I was self-isolated! How was I going to cope with this? I have though, and as the days have progressed, I have found ways to cope more effectively. In a work capacity we have got better at having work video calls, and it has been good to share a few words with colleagues and check in with them. I also made the conscious decision (prior to the government making it compulsory) to stop going to the gym – it did not feel right to gather in a large group in that way, and have therefore begun to open my mind to home exercise options. 

Running wise more cancellations inevitably came this week; races are virtually non-existent now until June (can we even guarantee this?!), England Athletics called a halt to all running groups which meant my Run Club had to stop, and then parkrun was cancelled. It may appear difficult to find some positivity amongst this, especially as these aspects form such a large part of my life. However, I do not feel too bad; yes I have moments when I lie in bed and think what the hell is happening and what does the future look like! But I think if we are honest, we all feel like this at times right now. However, across this week I have truly realised what a wonderful life I do have in Lincoln, the friendship networks I have, the communities I belong to, particularly in a running sense, and how much I genuinely love my job. My positivity comes from the joy I have about eventually being able to get back to all this and how much more I know I am going to appreciate my life.

Amongst the madness and uncertainty, I have managed to log 46 miles of running this week – which is almost akin to what I would have been doing as part of my marathon training! It was not intentional, but I have just relished any opportunity to be outside, and its all mounted up. I have not pushed myself though, I had already decided at the start of the week this would just be a finding my feet week, and I had no plan or structure to follow. I want to say a huge thank you to my friends from Lincs S&C Run Club who have joined me for some runs this week – some people may disapprove of me buddying up with people to run, and I admit it’s probably not perfect – however on all occasions we have kept well distanced and stuck to non-busy, mainly rural routes. I also think I would have lost my mind if I had gone without any form of personal contact these last few days, especially as I have been adapting to this new way of life. Guidance may change soon, people’s circumstances may change, and I may be required to run solo or not run at all, so I appreciate the time we have shared.  

All my days appear to blur into one at the moment, so I am pleased I can recall my running at least!

MONDAY: a bit of a rest day and slight try at setting up a home exercise area – which basically meant dusting off my gym mat and playing around with some resistance bands I have!
Picture
TUESDAY: after nearly two days of being indoors and on my own, tonight was a much needed run with a couple of Run Club friends; I logged 7.5 miles in total but to be honest could have kept running all night as it just felt freeing.

WEDNESDAY: I went out running early today, not my usual pre work 5:30am early, but I logged my miles before settling down for a day in the home office (aka my kitchen table). It was a good head clearing session; 6 miles with a few hills, just to set me up for the day.

THURSDAY: 6 more miles sharing a few with Run Club friends.

​FRIDAY: Friday is usually my rest day, but I was not going to turn down the offer a run with another friend from Run Club. We headed out mid-afternoon in some lovely sunshine; it was great to get out of the house in daylight and is one perk of home working! We initially planned 10k but when my friend suggested we could go further I was more than happy to stay out longer. I logged 11.5 miles in total, a bonus long run, and all whilst keeping well spaced along the cycle path.

SATURDAY: today became a double run day; I woke up first thing and headed out for my own solo version of parkrun with my Lincoln parkrun vest proudly adorned. This was the only time I really tried to push the pace this week, it was tough with some headwind and also without the parkrun support, and I was way off usual 5k time, but it still felt good to stretch my legs out a bit. Sat at home, another Run Club friend messaged me asking if I wanted a run (I truly am thankful for all these offers) I admitted I had already ran, but again was keen not to turn down the chance of chat and fresh air. We ran a 10k together, and although fearful I would be a little weary, I could have kept running all day again.

SUNDAY: my legs were tired today, I think the week and my mileage hit me, so I was never going to run long despite it being traditionally Sunday long run day. I headed out for another 6 miles, out and back along the river, literally just enjoying being out and not pushing my legs. I could feel I was tired and the last thing anyone needs to do now is open themselves up to any form of illness.
​
I have no idea what the next 7 days will hold – does anyone? But again I really want to thank people within my network for their support this week, whether its been sharing some socially distanced running or messaging me, its all helped. We are in this together – its cheesy but we are – and I too have tried to reach out to as many people as possible across the past few days. If I can help anyone I will try.

​Keep safe, keep positive, keep running.
0 Comments

Cambridge Half Marathon 2020

3/19/2020

0 Comments

 
It has taken me a while to sit down and write a review of the Cambridge Half Marathon. Firstly there has been so much going on in the world since the event on Sunday 8th March, and subsequently there has been a lot to get my head around, not just in a running sense. Secondly, it feels a bit bittersweet thinking back to this weekend, as I am not sure when I will get another weekend like this for a while now…

I had planned to take on Cambridge Half Marathon as part of my London Marathon training, but it was also an opportunity to have a weekend together with my sister and her boyfriend, themselves keen runners. They travelled down to visit me and on Saturday we had volunteered at Lincoln parkrun as part of the Barcode Scanning team, and then had gone to watch Lincoln City’s match in the afternoon. We fuelled up in the evening on pasta ready for an early start to drive down to Cambridge on Sunday morning for the half marathon event.

I had taken part in Cambridge Half Marathon twice before, but it was a new event for my sister and her boyfriend. The past two times I had ran had seen some pretty dire weather; the first year the ‘beast from the East’ had threatened to thwart the event, and last year it was wet, grey and miserable. Despite the conditions, I have always ran well at Cambridge Half Marathon and enjoyed the event; it’s a very large and popular half marathon and whilst I tend to head to more local events these days, it is sometimes nice to experience that ‘big event feel’. I was also looking forward to racing 13.1 miles again, after a period of longer runs mid-marathon training, it felt like a nice challenge to have and a bit of a test of where my body was at.

Despite being a previous participant, this year the half marathon featured a brand-new route. I have to admit I paid very little attention to the route change prior to taking my place on the start line; I just like to go out and enjoy a race rather than over analyse the course! However, my only slight complaint about the Cambridge Half Marathon in previous years had been just how congested it was at the start. I was therefore pleased to see a waved start had been implemented for this year, and it proved to be far more effective.

Huddling on Midsummer Common waiting for the start of the race I briefly discussed race goals with my sister and her boyfriend; I wanted a sub 1:40 time and for once I was very clear about my focus. I intended to start steady and try and have something left to push at the end - you know, that famous race strategy..!

After the ‘go’ signal was given for my wave, I spent most of the first 4 miles taking in just how different the course was – perhaps my lack of pre-race course studying paid some benefit here as it completely kept me away from thinking about physically running! We ran through some residential streets before weaving through the stunning campus of University of Cambridge’s King’s College. I was running well, maintaining a good pace and my confident start had definitely been boosted by the well-lined streets and enthusiastic support from the crowds.

At around 5 miles the course headed out to the village of Granchester, as it has done before, but this time in the reverse direction – for me it felt a bit like the novelty of running one of your usual running routes in reverse! After a confident start however, miles 5-7 were tough; there was a strong head wind and running along an exposed road meant for no shelter. I was joking with a friend the weekend before the event that a half marathon was actually my least favourite distance to race and I had no idea why I sign up to so many, and that conversation was at the forefront of my mind – I felt like texting her and saying this is why I hate half marathons! Turning out of the wind and with a slight downward descent into Granchester I found my rhythm again and after hitting 8 miles I solely focused on maintaining my pace until the 10 mile point and reviewing how I felt here.
Picture
Picture
I am not sure what changed, but at 10 miles I felt like a new runner, the remaining 3 miles felt like a small number to tick off and I could feel the energy lift both in my legs and mentally. I began catching runners up and setting targets of people to overtake. Between 11 and 12 miles the course then returned into the centre of Cambridge and the crowds lifted me even more. I was also strangely helped by a police motorbike who seemed to decide it was going to ride alongside me or a while and without knowing became a bit of a personal pacing vehicle! At 12 miles I got my biggest boost though, I turned a slight bend and saw someone I thought I recognised in the crowd. As I was squinting at the faces, they then burst up like a jack in a box and shouted ‘Go Alice!’ It was my friend from Run Club and I was quite impressed I had actually semi-identified them before they made themselves known!

​With a mile left to go now I really pushed the pace; I knew I was running very strong as I passed a lot of runners (I actually ran a 7 min/mile for my final split it turns out!) The final stretches looped past another University of Cambridge campus,  Jesus College, before turning into the home straight. I was pleased this section of the old half marathon route remained; a long, straight and wide road heading toward the finish archway. It reminds me of The Mall at the London Marathon every time and I feel such energy as I run along it. I knew a sub 1.40 time was in the bag at this point, I was just chasing down any last remaining seconds.

I crossed the line in 1:37:48 and instantly felt really happy, especially with my strong finish. My half marathon PB is 1:35:23, so I was a little away from that, but then I had not expected to be on form for this either, so was not disappointed. I waited just after the finish arch for my sister to finish and we went and found her boyfriend, who had crossed the line a while before me. Perhaps my only slight gripe about Cambridge Half Marathon remains this finish section; you have to walk a long way before being offered water and some people may be in urgent need of drink. Eventually mulling over the race over our plastic cups of water (maybe another area of improvement here too!) we were all pleased with our performances, although my sister who is generally pretty hard on herself perhaps wanted a little bit closer to the 1:40 marker!
​
I have to say, the new Cambridge Half Marathon route was great, keeping the same atmosphere and also incorporating some great landmarks and spectator points. With the new waved start, I definitely recommend it as a half marathon to experience. Cambridge Half Marathon is not cheap to enter however and the hefty entry fee nearly put me off this year, but maybe as a special treat it can be one to include in your racing calendar.

Looking back now Cambridge Half Marathon weekend certainly feels like a treat, and I hope there will be another race for me to enjoy sometime in the months ahead and when the world is ready. ​
0 Comments

A Blog About It All...

3/15/2020

0 Comments

 
This should have been a summary of week ten of my journey to the London Marathon, but instead I find myself reflecting on what is a very strange and uncertain time for the world. No one's lives are being unaffected by the spread of the Coronavirus, and as this week progressed, I knew the chances of the London Marathon happening were fading by the second. To be honest I am glad it has now been postponed; and postponed is the key word for me. A cancellation would have been devastating for myself and others, especially those who have longed to complete the London Marathon for many years. It was also starting to become a very anxious time waiting for announcements on the race, and every time someone mentioned the virus I felt my own anxiety levels rise, waiting to hear what the latest development had been and how it would affect me. Lastly, it was also the right decision to postpone the race for the well being of all; I would have not wanted to take part under such uncertainty and under the fear of putting others at risk; it would have tainted the experience.

Friday 13th March was a tough day for the news to hit as many Spring marathons were also postponed on this day. In fact marathons seem to fall like dominoes and I found myself messaging a lot of my friends throughout the afternoon as each of our respective races announced their postponement. I had not even had the chance to see the decision had been made on the London Marathon myself, as friends and family messaged me the news. Although not the best news to be passing on to me, I was touched at people's care that they knew this would mean something to me, and that they also had a desire to check I was ok. 

So am I ok? The truthful answer is yes; in marathon terms I am totally fine with the news. To be honest, how well I am coping with the fact my main focus in life has suddenly removed is a really big thing for me; had this happened maybe last year I think I would have slipped into a very sad place very quickly. It is a testament to how I have progressed personally these past months. I am sad of course about a few things, mainly being unable to share what would have been the next six weeks of training with my Run Club friends. I have honestly loved my last ten weeks of training, my own solo training runs and my recent running adventures with friends, and I do not feel my efforts have been wasted at all - I am developing as a runner but also have made a lot of happy memories along the way. I am also sad I will not be able to cheer my friends on at their own Spring marathons, and in particular we had planned to go on mass to spectate at Manchester where a large number of Run Club members were due to be running. Hopefully we may still be able to in Autumn. I am also sad for my friends, especially those who had their first ever marathon lined up - none of them are disputing the decisions which have been made, but there are still emotions they are feeling which they are entitled to have. I have tried to be there for people and offer as much positivity and words of encouragement and support. I would have needed those a while back. 
So where does this leave me? I will be taking up my place for the rearranged London Marathon date in October, and I am very pleased my fellow Run Cub friend who was also due to run London can also make the new date. I was looking forward to a race weekend together, and now it has just been shifted back a few months. In terms of training, I feel like at the moment until things become clearer in the world, there will be no races and I will not seek anything either. My next booked event is a local half marathon at the start of May, followed by a 20 mile trail event which we have entered as a group from Run Club later in the month. Therefore I have a need to keep some distance within my training, but I will undoubtedly scale back a little, especially without the drive of my big goal race. 

Personally, the uncertainty in the world across the next few weeks does scare me a little. Forget marathon training, but I do need to be able to run for my personal well being, and the thought of any form of 'lockdown' and being house bound is something I fear. Since Friday, I have also been instructed by my work that I must work from home for the next three weeks, and have to cancel virtually all face to face meetings and events I had planned. It was tough walking home on Friday having lost my marathon and what felt like losing my job; I love running and I love my job, so it was a double whammy almost. I also live by myself and it feels quite lonely to think of being at home for that length of time. I am being honest about how I feel with people though, and have already had offers from friends to join them for runs in the week so I can at least see and talk to some people! Its a very weird time, and I completely appreciate the need to try and protect vulnerable people in particular, but I do also want to try safeguard my own health and happiness as much as possible, especially after working so hard to feel good again. 

Anyway, enough 'virus talk' - I feel I need to sign off London Marathon training (part 1!) with a bit of what I achieved this week, as I most certainly did not give up! 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: a tough session of 7 miles with 3 x 1.5 mile reps - a mile and a half is a long way to push the pace and it certainly asked a lot of me!

WEDNESDAY: after a very long day at work on Tuesday and a tough run, I was grateful of 'just' 5 steady miles today, although was shocked to see these averaged 8.15 min/mile and still felt comfortable. 

THURSDAY: a double run day with 8 morning miles at easy pace, followed by a precise 3.6 miles later during a continuous hill based session I led at Run Club.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: a very pleasing morning at Lincoln parkrun, as not only did I get to share my happy place with some of my colleagues and friends from work, but I also ran a sub 21 minute time (20:53!) and finished as first female, feeling strong and possibly running off Friday 13th's frustrations. 

SUNDAY: I was due to be running Ashby 20 today with a few friends from Run Club, however it was cancelled, and I instead I found myself heading out for a solo 20 miles of my own. The organisers of Ashby 20 had set up a virtual Facebook group encouraging people to log their own 20 miles, and to be honest that was enough of a challenge and incentive for me. I could not quite motivate myself enough to push the pace like a race, but I was pleased to see that I held 8:30 min/miles quite consistently throughout. There were a few slower miles in there, which directly correlated with when my motivation started to waiver, meaning my end average pace did end up at 8:40 min/mile, but it was my commitment that impress me the most. 

What a week... and I do not fully know what the future weeks will hold. I do know I am going to try and keep as positive as possible, and reach out to others if I feel I am struggling. The offer of my time and support will also be there to anyone out there too. Keep safe and keep running x
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 9

3/8/2020

0 Comments

 
This week has presented more of a mental challenge than previous weeks, which has solely been due to the press coverage and constant debate surrounding a certain virus which is in the UK. I am not going to add to the talk too much here, however the speculation around the potential cancellation of the London Marathon is hard not to worry about, and I feel for everyone in the same boat as me with upcoming marathon events that they have dedicated so much time and passion towards. I know I have to just focus on what I can control, and that means putting all my energy into my running and remaining positive.

MONDAY: I was due to be away with work on Tuesday so knew I needed to fit a run in today, which I usually like to leave as a running rest day after Sunday's longer run. I chose the shortest option on my plan; 3 easy miles before my Body Pump class. 

TUESDAY: slightly annoyingly after rearranging my entire training week, my work trip was cancelled today..! I stuck with an interval session though, wanting to get my harder workouts logged early in the week to allow for maximum recovery ahead of the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday. This week involved hill repeats and I will admit the prospect of tackling these without my Run Club support (we incorporate regular group hill sessions into our programme) was a little less enthralling! I opted to run a well known route within Lincoln called 'Rolling Hills' which is 10k consisting of the major inclines within the city centre region. I chose this as I knew once I started I would make myself stick to the route! It was tough, some of the hill climbs it involves are very steep, but I was pleased I did not stop on any of them and that despite my initial unwillingness, my mental strength came through. 

WEDNESDAY: an easy paced 8 miles on a very chilly morning. The icy air meant I kept my watch well hidden under layers, and despite feeling like I was plodding along quite slowly, I was somewhat surprised to see at the end I was running around the 8:30 min/mile pace.  

THURSDAY: my Run Club session this week was at the track, and I knew I had to be strict on myself and not push too much as my legs would pay the price in the following days. Thankfully, we had a session which I could hold back a little on, with 2km repeats planned. I aimed to run these around 8 min/mile pace and just see how many I could log. In practice I seemed to naturally slot into the 7:45 min/mile region though, so chose to hold this pace across the reps I completed, finishing with 5 miles distance in total. I had ran steadily, but not stupidly. 
Picture
Picture
FRIDAY: today's miles were just for me really; I did not want two consecutive rest days and also wanted to maintain a certain weekly mileage level, so laced up for 4 easy miles, again finding this to be around the 8:30 min/mile region.

​SATURDAY: Rest Day - and a lovely morning volunteering at Lincoln parkrun on a specially themed International Women's Day event (see image).

SUNDAY: Cambridge Half Marathon beckoned today and a chance to test myself over a slightly shorter distance than of late. I knew I wanted to race this event and give it my best shot, and I was pleased with how my body performed. I wanted a sub 1:40 time and met my goal by finishing in 1:37:53. This was my third Cambridge Half Marathon, but first on the brand new route, and I really enjoyed the fantastic support and atmosphere the new course offered. Full blog to follow - but a positive step forward in my training again. All about keeping positive. ​
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 8

3/1/2020

0 Comments

 
Eight weeks of training under my belt means I have hit the half way point in my sixteen week training plan. This milestone feels a good time to be reflective, both of where I am in my running and also how I am feeling in general. Training wise I have absolutely no complaints; my focus for this plan was to build upon my endurance, get more longer runs in and feel strong and comfortable across longer distances. I feel I am achieving this so far; I increased my long run distances much earlier in my plan than normal, and at this half way point I already have two 19 milers and a 20 miler under my belt - on all three I felt strong too. In terms of my own personal feeling; I probably feel the happiness I have felt in quite a long time - this fact actually hit me this week. After a couple of years in which sometimes my big cheesy grin was a little less genuine that perhaps it appeared, this realisation felt truly freeing and a moment I feel quite proud to admit. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: today was a very long and busy day in which I crammed a lot of different elements in - someone at work even commented how many different hats I was trying to wear in one day! It started with my 5:30am alarm for intervals and ending getting home just after 10pm following my Run Club's AGM. It was a fulfilling and productive day, however it did knacker me and led to an unscheduled rest day on Wednesday. Running wise my intervals were strong and I headed to my now favourite paved circuit near my house to run 5 miles with 12 x 200m reps and 200m recoveries; a lot of my paces were in the low 7 min/mile region or just under.

WEDNESDAY: Rest Day - I had some easy miles on my plan, but waking up feeling tired, under fuelled and with a headache, I just knew there was zero point in putting my body through something which would probably only make it feel worse, rather than enhance my training. 

THURSDAY: after a break yesterday I came back strong today with a double run day; starting with 5 easy miles in the morning and adding a further 3.5 miles at Run Club in the evening. Our Run Club session was some very testing steep hill repeats, the kind you would really struggle to commit to unless running in a group! I have to admire everyone's determination to tackle the gradient - it certainly was not easy! - and my fellow club mates definitely inspired me to push myself. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day
Picture
SATURDAY: as I crossed the finish line at Lincoln parkrun today I felt a little like I had missed an opportunity - my watch read 21:02 and I was so close to a sub 21 minute time again. I had not looked at my watch whilst I was running, instead using others around me as markers and running to feel. I felt I was running consistently but not necessarily that speedily, hence not paying attention to my watch! I had something left at the end and I feel I could have snatched those few seconds if I had pushed that little bit earlier! It is by no means the end of the world, and in fact I should really feel pleased that I was close to a sub 21 minute time without feeling like I was pushing myself 'all out.' One opportunity I did take today though was to run a Leap Year parkrun - the first ever one, and the next will not take place until 2048. I hope I will still be running laps around Boultham Park then. 

SUNDAY: my longest run of training so far - the first 20 miler. I did not feel daunted by this though; having a couple of 19 milers already banked it felt achievable and I knew I was ready for it. However, as has been the pattern for the past few weeks now, Sunday appears to be the day when Storm something-or-other decides to really batter the UK. Strong winds prevailed yet again today and certainly made the run tougher than it could have otherwise been. My absolute saving grace was running the full 20 miles with my friend from Run Club - we took it slow and steady, pacing according to the conditions and enjoying chatting. The miles passed so quickly, and I know if I had been out there battling away alone this would not have been the case. The toughest part was the final 5 or so miles which were almost all directly into the strong headwind. It felt like at times we were running literally on the spot and getting nowhere fast! I tried to keep the mood light at this point by finding as many positives about the situation as possible - I actually amazed myself how well I achieved this! The most obvious one though was that the conditions, although testing, were good training and will prove beneficial on what will hopefully be a perfectly still and tranquil marathon race day in eight weeks time...!
0 Comments

Stamford 30k

2/24/2020

0 Comments

 
‘Love Running? Love the 30k’ was the message printed on the ribbon of the Stamford Striders St Valentines Day 30k race medal – some may say it’s a bold statement to make, but I have to say after my first experience of this event, I agree.

I am sure February 2020 will be remembered by most of the running community as a month of storms and strong winds, especially those in marathon training! The Stamford 30k itself is usually held on the Sunday closest to Valentine’s Day, however with Storm Dennis raging strongly, the event had to be postponed by one week. I did not originally have a place in the race (too slow to register before it sold out!), however the new date fell in my favour as a few spaces became available. I was really looking forward to my first race of 2020, especially with several friends from my running club also taking part, and even the warnings from a number of previous participants about the ‘hideously hilly’ course profile did not dampen my enthusiasm. 

As race day arrived the wind still prevailed, and the forecast was for up to 40mph gusts – great! Rain also threatened, and on what was due to be a rather exposed rural route I began to think I could be in for a tough time! I travelled to the event with some friends from Run Club and we remained relatively relaxed though; we all were treating this event as part of our marathon training cycles, so not necessarily approaching it as an ‘all out’ race or chasing a particular time. The race start area, set at local school in Stamford, was a bustle of runners and it felt good to be back in that environment again. Our biggest debate was what to wear; it felt milder than of late, however the wind would be cooling, and if we got caught in heavy rain showers it would certainly add a chill factor.

After a busy week I welcomed the 11am race start - which meant for a little bit of extra time in bed! – and as we huddle by the start line, the sun suddenly decided to shine boldly through the clouds. I already knew I was going to be too warm! As usual, it is only really when I am stood in the start pen that I begin to contemplate seriously my strategy for the race ahead of me; I never like to overthink it too much! I chatted to my friends and commented that I thought I could run between 8:20-8:30 min/mile pace, which would be steadier than a long, slow run pace but not too ambitious considering the weather and the course - although this would depend on how strong that wind really was and if the hills completely destroyed me!

The Stamford 30k course is indeed very rural and to be honest a lot of the course blurs into one in my mind; countryside roads and open landscapes. The hills however cannot be forgotten as they are pretty much relentless, constantly up and down with very small sections of flat in between. The wind was apparent, particularly in the first couple of thirds where it was either whipping from the side, or for a few a few miles, coming head on. It doesn’t sound like I would be ‘loving the Stamford 30k’ at this point, but I was, and my body felt strong against both the challenges.
Picture
Another factor which boosted my enjoyment of the race was running the whole duration with my friend from Run Club. We had not specifically planned to run together, but just slipped into a natural pace alongside one another, and we chatted almost constantly as we ticked off each kilometre marker. My friend had taken part in the event a couple of times before and as we neared the final few kilometres assured me we had beaten the worst of the hills by now. However, as I turned a corner to see another long climb looming on the horizon, I pointed and laughed ‘what about that one then?!’ This sums up the Stamford 30k, there are so many climbs it is virtually impossible to recall or remember each and every one of them!

As we hit the final couple of kilometres I was pleased with the strength I still felt in my body; at no point had I wanted to stop, give up, walk or thought I would not make it to the end. Weaving through some residential streets as we headed back to the school to finish, I enjoyed the shared sense of power between my friend and I. A marshal on a bike was also following us into the finish and his enthusiastic support towards us both (which almost bordered on the comically scary!) caused me to beam a huge smile across my face. The marshals on the entire course were all actually incredible and must be applauded for standing out in those conditions!

The final few hundred metres of the Stamford 30k is around the school field; it is a tough little test at the end and the uneven surface demands some concentration on tiring legs. The actual finishing metres were directly into the strong headwind; ensuring no sprint finish could be mustered! I headed toward the finishing mat still side by side with my friend and the commentator urged us on, trying to encourage one of us to beat the other. We were so in sync now though that even any attempt at a surge to the finish meant we crossed the line at the exact same point.

Reviewing my watch, I could see we ran an average pace of 8:23 min/mile, which for that course and in the conditions we were met with, I was very pleased about. The Stamford 30k was indeed an excellent training run, and my performance has given me confidence that my current endurance is developing well. Running with my friend certainly increased my enjoyment levels too, and being able to meet other friends from Run Club afterwards and share race stories also added to the experience. My favourite comment was from one of our members who said she never would have felt as good running that course if it had not been for the confidence hill sessions at Run Club had given her, which was really good feedback to hear.

Stamford 30k means I have my first race of 2020 under my belt, a new medal hanging on my medal board and a pretty cool long-sleeved finisher top to add to my running gear collection. I have started the year positively and I now look ahead to a few more evens I have scheduled as part of my London Marathon preparations - I do indeed love running. ​
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 7

2/23/2020

0 Comments

 
I started this week feeling a bit run down; a cough niggled, my head hurt and I was tired. After a 50+ hour working week previously, as well as 40+ miles of running I think my body was just telling me to slow down a bit. I listened, which meant taking the first few days of this week steady, especially as I knew I had a big weekend of work and running ahead. Managing life and training can be tough, and I am sure I have far less variables to juggle than some people do!

MONDAY: Rest Day - I felt fatigued today, and with some flexibility in my usual working schedule, decided to shift my weights class to tomorrow and have a complete day of recovery. 

TUESDAY: a day of rest meant I felt far more prepared to tackle today's interval run, which was 6 miles with 10 x 400m reps. Perhaps it is down to the track work I have been doing in recent months with my Run Club, but I am finding intervals far less intimidating than previous training cycles, and I actually look forward to them! I ran well and logged a few sub 7 min/mile paces for some of the interval reps. Body Pump class in the evening. 

WEDNESDAY: with less evening work commitments this week I chose to allow my body some extra time in bed in this morning and went running after work. I still much prefer morning runs, but I felt any chance to maximise extra rest was needed. I had 7 miles on my plan, suggested to be at 8 min/mile pace. For now the third consecutive week, the wind was rather blustery and made the first few miles a real challenge to hit this pace. Turning away from a direct headwind, I managed to find some rhythm though, and some quicker miles meant I finished the run with an 8:05 min/mile average pace - I will take that!

THURSDAY: 8 easy miles, made a little tougher by (you guessed it!) the wind. I had ten miles on my plan, but 8 miles felt enough today, and I was also conscious I was increasing my mileage more than my plan suggested at the weekend due to taking part in the Stamford 30k. In the evening I led a track session for Run Club, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I was grateful of the personal rest from any further miles. 
Picture
FRIDAY: a steady 3 mile progression run, starting at closer to 9 min/mile pace and finishing nearer to 8 min/mile pace, shaking the legs out a little in preparation for a Sunday's race.

​SATURDAY: Rest Day - in which I was pleased to still be able to squeeze in volunteering at Lincoln parkrun before heading to work. I hate to miss parkrun in any capacity!

SUNDAY: my first race of 2020; Stamford 30k. After the event was rearranged due to storms last weekend, I was really pleased to gain a space in the race, and had opted to run it instead of a half marathon I had originally entered. I felt the longer distance was more suited to my current training stage, I had never tried the event before, and I also had a few friends from Run Club I could share the day with (see image). The wind still prevailed (honestly - enough of the wind now!) and the hilly course profile I had been warned about certainly lived up to its expectations, but I was really pleased with how strong I felt. I didn't push myself 'all out' but ran steadily, logging the full near 19 miles running alongside my friend from Run Club. Considering the wind and the hills I was very happy with an 8:23 min/mile average pace and the distance flew by with my friend's company. Full blog to follow - but I really enjoyed another long run and sharing the experience with friends; I cannot emphasise how good this feels compared to the relative struggle I faced with long runs during my last marathon training block. A happy ending to a tough start to the week. ​
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 6

2/16/2020

0 Comments

 
'I love running in the wind' said no one ever - this has been one of my favourite quotes of the week. If anyone truly likes running in the wind then fair play to them! I personally hate the way the wind makes everything feel so much harder, and especially when training for a marathon, I do no think any runner needs that! After Storm Ciara last week, the windy weather remained throughout this week, and by the weekend Storm Dennis decided he wanted a piece of the action..! Despite the disruption I have managed to log 43 miles for the week and am feeling strong and happy; just no more storms now please!

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: this was the worst day of the week in terms of battling against the wind. It was very strong and meant I had to dig deep to produce a tempo run. I had 6 miles on my plan, with the 4 middle miles at half marathon pace. Ideally I wanted closer to the 7:30 min/mile region for the tempo section, but it was such hard work, and I settled for just trying to log some sub 8 min/mile splits. I managed this feat; but even that was not easy, and it felt at times like I was running against sheer resistance!

WEDNESDAY: a midweek ten miler is always a sign for me that marathon training is getting serious. The wind persisted, although slightly less strong, which meant a few miles were a bit more challenging than they should have been. I kept my pace easy though, focusing on mileage and form rather than speed. 

THURSDAY: my interval session for the week was a due to be hill repeats and this coincided perfectly with a hill session we had planned at Run Club. After a mile warm up it was then into a very challenging block of hill repeats, sprinting as fast as possible up a steep incline and recovering on the downhill. We completed four sets of 8 minutes and as each set passed I could feel my legs tiring and having to push myself more to maintain pace. It was tough and certainly not a session I would have attempted without the support and motivation of being in a club environment. A recovery jog home left me with 5 more miles in the legs - and ready for tomorrow's rest day! 
Picture
FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: my efforts during Thursday's hill session were still in my legs today; I was a little tight and stiff. I gave parkrun my best shot, but I think I knew I would need fresher legs to really be challenging a good time. The wind was also starting to build again and the rain started to lash as I made my way around Lincoln's Boultham Park - Dennis the Menace announcing his arrival! I finished in 21:21, which I think was the best my body was capable of this particular week. 

SUNDAY: during the night I had been woken by the wind howling and rain splattering violently against my window, and as I buried deeper into my duvet I thought to myself that planning a long run on Sunday was probably a stupid thing to do. The only reassurance I sought was from the fact I knew I would be running with some of my friends from Run Club; their planned race had been postponed, so their loss had actually meant I gained some much welcomed long run company (and a place at the rearranged Stamford 30k for next week!) Meeting up with my long run crew on Sunday morning the wind had actually settled a little and the rain had stopped; maybe we were not so crazy after all! In fact, throughout the vast majority of the 19 miles we completed, the weather was far kinder than we could ever have hoped; some sections were windy, some rain did fall, and certain paths were very wet and boggy, but it could have been so much worse! 19 miles is my longest run yet of this training cycle, but it did not feel it; the company and chat meant the miles flew by, and my legs really felt strong. By the end of the run I was tired, but still had more to give. My overriding emotion was actually contentment rather than fatigue; it is amazing what an enjoyable few hours chatting and doing what I love with like minded friends can result it. Dennis certainly did not defeat us!
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 5

2/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Another week has passed, and I will be honest, it has flown by! It has been a very busy week for me work wise and I knew I would need to make conscious effort not just to get my running in, but also to make sure I looked after myself. It is something very easy to let slip in the whirlwind that is life - let alone when you throw in running 40 odd miles a week into the mix!

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: rather than a form of interval run, this week my plan specified 7 miles of fartlek aka 'speed play' (I learnt this way back in GCSE PE!) On runs like these I tend to plan a hillier route which naturally demands my body to work harder on different gradients/run at different speeds. I quite enjoyed the change, and I personally find it much more effective way of approaching fartlek training than just running and trying to make myself go faster on certain streets etc. 

WEDNESDAY: Tuesday had a been a long day work-wise; I got to work for 8:30am and arrived home just before 9pm. When my alarm went of this morning to run I just did not feel refreshed, physically I probably could have ran, but mentally I was tired. I was not due to be working in the evening, so decided to try an evening run. Post work it was then a different story, mentally I felt much more recharged to take on 8 miles, but physically I was weary from a busy day. My 8 miles were supposed to be slow/recovery, and it was just as well, as I could not have upped my pace from a steady plod even if I wanted to!

THURSDAY: it was track night at Run Cub tonight, so I was pleased to allow my body the extra recovery and to be able run in the evening again. I am much more of a morning runner, but with club it is different as the inspiration and motivation of others pushes me. Having said this, after another full on day at work, as I sat in my car at the track I felt I had no energy, a weary mind and it was also flipping freezing! I did not feel 'up' for the session, and even less so when the pyramid set we were running was outlined to me; it was tough. This is when the magic of running kicked in though; as soon as I started to run everything was forgotten and suddenly I became focused on just me and my strides. I slotted in with a few other club mates and  we tackled a 1600m, 1200m, 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m descending pyramid, with 400m recovery in between each distance. Together we kept a strong pace throughout and I was really pleased with my splits. I left the track feeling energised and strong, very different to how I arrived. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day
Picture
SATURDAY: my original plan for this week was to, as usual, run my long run on a Sunday. I was already dreading this a little though as I was due at work for 10am, which would mean needing to be out the house for 6am and getting up at 4am to eat... slightly crazy I know. I was then alerted to the predicted arrival of Storm Ciara on Sunday with a threat of 'danger to life' winds. It was all sounding a little dire! Thankfully I was saved by the offer of a long run on Saturday; and it turned out to be a really good alternative in many ways. Some of you may have read in past blogs that my workplace, Lincoln City Foundation (who I love working for even though sometimes I am very busy!), have partnered with Curly's Athletes to hold the Lincoln City Half Marathon in September 2020 (more info here: www.lincolncityhalfmarathon.co.uk) On Friday, one of the guys at Curly's said they were coming to Lincoln to try the parkrun and did I fancy doing a recce of the half marathon route after wards. It may as well have been a rhetorical question! So that is what I did; I ran my Lincoln parkrun (in a conservative 24 minutes, which was actually really enjoyable) and then headed out for 13 more miles testing out the event route - which will all be revealed in the forthcoming weeks! I loved running with someone and the distance flew by, and it was also exciting to imagine thousands of people running these steps in a few months time. I ran quicker than my normal long run pace of late, around the 8:20 min/mile marker but felt really strong. I loved the route too - but maybe I am slightly bias!

SUNDAY: with 3 miles left to run this week I had the intention of getting these logged before going to work. However, Storm Ciara sounded scarily violent outside my window and I decided to wait until later in the day and review the conditions. When I got home later on it was still very windy, however I was mentally a bit worn out from a sixth day at work and I really just needed some form of release and I guess some 'me time'. I laced up for 3 easy miles, with my pace very much dictated by the wind direction! It was what I needed and a nice way to end a busy but rewarding week. ​
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 4

2/2/2020

1 Comment

 
Four weeks of training logged and 40 more miles of running achieved this week.  A few people have asked me how my training is going and I can only speak positively. I also feel a change in myself this marathon cycle; I feel more relaxed about training, and whilst I am pushing hard in the physical running sessions, away from pounding the streets, I am calmer in my mind, more content and just generally happier. It is a balance in past years I openly admit I may have lacked a little. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I was eager to attempt my intervals today as I was giving my new trainers their first run out. I had 6 miles with 6 x 800m reps on the plan and really enjoyed it; I have found a nice stretch of pavement which I can run in loops, and whilst some may find this boring, I like being able to just focus on the session. My trainers felt great and I hit good splits for the interval reps, the majority sub 7:30 min/mile pace.

WEDNESDAY: I was joined by my sister and her boyfriend for this morning's just over 7 mile recovery run, as they were staying with me in Lincoln to deliver a sport science presentation to my Run Club. It was good to have company, especially over chatty, easier miles, and it helped to make recovery miles feel a little less laborious and was much easier to keep pace under control. 

THURSDAY: a day of two runs; up first, my own 5 mile tempo run, with the middle 3 miles hitting half marathon pace. Later it was my turn to lead at Run Club and I had a hill session planned, incorporating loops to challenge all members (see image). I love taking my turn to lead; it is not abut my own miles (although I do log some of course!) and I genuinely get real joy from supporting and encouraging others to achieve and progress in their own running goals. 
Picture
FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: a breakthrough in parkrun terms, as I logged a sub 21 minute time again, finishing in 20:53. Importantly, I felt really strong in doing so. For me this shows my training is coming together; time is one thing, but the feeling of power and strength in my body is more satisfying. It is always helped being encouraged by the parkrun volunteers on the course too, and I was lucky to have support on a number of twist and turns around the Lincoln parkrun course today, which helped give me an extra push.

SUNDAY: I am keen to build my endurance base more than ever during this training cycle, so today was another 16 miler, trying to get my body comfortable with running for longer. I felt strong for the vast majority of this run, which pleased me, and I did not look at my watch and just let my legs turn rhythmically around. I had a couple of miles where my legs tightened, but towards the end I felt like I could even have pushed the pace a little more. I averaged exactly the same time as last week, 8.30 min/mile, and the consistency in my longer runs is also a marker of progress in my mind. ​
1 Comment

London Marathon Training: Week 3

1/26/2020

0 Comments

 
It may only be the third week of my training, however the demands have already started to increase. I am following a new training plan for this sixteen week block, and have made some tweaks and changes from the previous plans I have followed. As part of this, I knew to expect things to 'ramp up' a little sooner than maybe I am used to. I have coped well this week though, and I can feel my body adapting, which is what I ultimately want to happen!

MONDAY: Rest Day - due to work commitments I had to switch my usual strength session to Tuesday.

TUESDAY: so far, this winter has been relatively kind to us runners; however it does mean when a cold spell hits it does shock and frustrate me a little! I woke feeling refreshed and motivated to attack some intervals, however stepping outside early before work I was disgruntled to see sparkling icy paths and some white patches. I stuck with my intervals; running 7 miles with 4 x 1 mile reps, but had to be cautious, pushing when I felt safe to do so, and reining things in a little when I was unsure. My paces were not what I would have liked, but I think they were realistic in the conditions. Body Pump class in the evening.

WEDNESDAY: another cold morning, but thankfully no frost or ice. 7 more miles were on the plan, this time at an easy pace. Easy pace running can be tough sometimes in the real cold weather; you almost feel like you want to go quicker to try warm up! I kept disciplined though, letting my legs turn round steadily; easy miles are just as important. 

THURSDAY: today was track night with Run Club and with a tough session of 400m reps planned, I rested in the morning rather than running a handful of 'junk' miles. I also wanted to keep my legs fresh to test myself on the track. I felt able to push hard; and was really pleased with the consistency and speed I managed across the 12 x 400m I ran; logging splits of 6.04, 6.04, 6.08, 6.04, 6.04, 6.04, 6, 6.04, 6.16, 6.12, 5.56 and 6 min/mile. I would not have ran as well without the support of my club mates though; the first 8 reps I ran with a fellow female, who is quicker than me, but we worked together to pace the laps and time the rest periods, and she both challenged me and kept me consistent. She rested after 8 reps, and I aimed to do 'just' 2 more. Without someone to run with these next two reps felt harder, and my pace dipped by a few seconds. I was going to call it a day at 10, but a few other guys convinced me to run another two reps with them; in a pack of runners I found some pace again and I actually ran my quickest 400m of the lot. A tough session, but I enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie. 
Picture
FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: lining up on the start line of Lincoln parkrun today a fellow parkrunner I usually run close to asked me if I was 'going for it' today; 'yes' I answered confidently. After a few weeks of being a bit off the pace, I really felt like I had to try attack parkrun today and wake my legs up! My first lap was very quick and although I tried to hang onto some other runners, I knew I had to slow down. I did, but gritted my teeth to hold my pace for the final 2 miles, finishing in 21:06. This was my best time for a while, over a minute quicker than previous weeks and was also enough to see me finish as first female. This week was also my friends 100th parkrun - I love seeing people reach their milestone achievements at parkrun; I know how much my weekly 5k fix has changed my life and seeing others reach a milestone I guess it feels like a bit of a celebration of how it has impacted their life too. 

SUNDAY: a sixteen mile run in week three of training is certainly a step up for me; however I felt pleased with how I coped with today's long run. Considering a few weeks ago I was struggling to run more than 3 miles without coughing my lungs up, and a couple of weeks ago I ran with stabbing pain in my side - its all good progress! My legs felt a little tired from the week so far, so I aimed to log some easier miles. Again what really pleased me was my consistency in pacing; I ran splits with only a few seconds variation throughout, sticking close to 8:30 min/mile. Passing 13 miles my legs tightened for a short period, but mentally I was strong enough to stay calm and head for home. I want to log a few more longer runs this block to build my endurance, and this was a good start. ​
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 2

1/19/2020

0 Comments

 
Entering the second week of training and I am already starting to feel some small improvements in my running. It may only be week two of training but I have also logged 39 miles of running, which is quite a step up. I feel good for it though and have even manged to balance some non-running life 'stuff' within the week. I am proud of this too - in the past I would sometimes let marathon training dominate my entire life, but as I become more experienced as runner, I am also learning to find that balance.

MONDAY: a return to Body Pump after a few weeks break. This week my coughing has virtually gone (thank goodness!) and whilst some soreness remained in my side at the start of the week, I felt able to return to doing some strength work.

TUESDAY: a return to strength training felt good, however inevitably I also felt the effect of it today. DOMs hit almost instantly - forget any delay! I had 5 tempo miles on the plan, but found it tough to hit my desired half marathon pace for the middle three miles. I did scrape under the 8 min/mile marker at least, and I was no too hard on myself due to the soreness I was feeling in my legs.

WEDNESDAY: 6 easy miles, which felt needed for my legs and I easily kept the pace toward the 8:40 min/mile region.

THURSDAY: with my muscles feeling less sore I attempted a double run day, with my own interval run planned for the morning and a Run Club session in the evening. Despite messing up using my watch on the intervals (it has been that long since I last did any I was out of practice!) I was really pleased with how I ran. I ran 6 miles with 4 x 1 mile reps; I focused on effort rather than pace for the reps and logged some respectable splits of 7.33, 7.15, 7.18 and 7.39 min/mile repeated along a circular loop which did include a slight hill! Later at Run Club I added 5 more miles during an 'out and back' route battling some interesting headwind!

FRIDAY: Rest Day
Picture
SATURDAY: this week Saturday became long run day as I had a friends birthday Saturday evening with the promise of homemade cocktails. I wanted to celebrate my friends birthday, I wanted to drink cocktails, I wanted to have some fun and I simply did not want marathon training to stop this. Amongst my own demands I also did not want to miss parkrun! The solution was to incorporate parkrun into my long run - something I have never actually tried before. I ran 4 miles down to Lincoln parkrun, completed parkrun, and then 7 miles home after. It certainly made 14 mils go by very quickly, and was a bit of a new challenge. I tried to keep the 4 mils down to parkrun steady, and the fact it was a very icy day helped me keep my parkrun pace in check a little (I am not very confident running on ice at the best of times!) The post parkrun miles were not as comfortable and I could feel that fact I had some extra pace exertion in my legs. I dug in though, embracing what was turning into a lovely day, and finished with an overall average pace of under 8:20 min/mile. With my long run banked, I was then able to enjoy my evening (which did include a lot of cocktails!) 

SUNDAY: after a lovely Saturday night it felt good to 'only' have 3 miles to run today. I enjoyed these later on, when I felt a bit more myself, keeping it easy paced and shaking the legs out a little. 

As you will see in the photo included, this week I have also been looking after my friend's kitten at my house. Through my cat sitting, I have learnt that if you want some procrastination for getting out the door and running a kitten playing with your shoelaces is certainly a good one!
0 Comments

London Marathon Training: Week 1

1/12/2020

0 Comments

 
There have been a few 'London Marathon Training Week One's' in my life across the past years; of which I am really grateful for. This latest 'Week 1' did feel a little different though with the remnants of a four weeks worth of illness in my body, as well as painful ribs on the right side of my body brought on from relentlessly coughing. I was therefore not going into Week One of training feeling physically at my most prepared. This has meant what normally has been seen by me as quite a 'light' week of training has felt a little more challenging than normal as I fight my way back to full fitness. I know I am not far from it though and I just need to be prepared to work that little bit harder, endure a bit more discomfort and keep my goals fresh in my mind over the next few weeks. If anyone has a cure for a cough though please also let me know - my ribs would certainly appreciate it!

MONDAY: Rest Day - I wanted to go back to Body Pump this week, but I knew it was not wise with my ribs. I did not feel assured in my physical ability and also was scared of making myself worse. 

TUESDAY: an easy paced 4 miles to kick start the running element of training - it was not hard for me to run easy for once, as this pace has formed the majority of my running the last few weeks!

WEDNESDAY: this run felt a little more like marathon training; 7 steady miles. I wanted to run sub 8:30 min/mile pace, but at first I struggled to hit this, which worried me. I did find my stride though, averaging 8.22 min/mile overall, although it took more effort than I would like. Reflecting I think it was a combination of my recent pattern of just running easy pace, and also the fact 7 miles is the longest I have ran early morning for a while - so the run was a little bit of a shock to my system. 

THURSDAY: back at Run Club and back at the track. As many members were beginning to restart their running after a bit of a Christmas break, we had opted for a slightly lighter session on the track, focusing on form and with some repeated reps at the end. This was good news as I am not sure my body would have coped with all out track efforts! I had 3 miles on my plan, and almost to perfection, logged just over this throughout the session averaging around 7 min/mile pace.
Picture
FRIDAY: Rest Day and an opportunity to visit my Sport Therapist to look at my ribs. As I had correctly guessed, the muscles on my right hand side were strained and in a state of spasm from my cough, and she worked her magic (in a fairly painful way!) to help relieve this and restore a little bit of postural correctness. The area is still sore, and the fact I cannot rid myself of this cough doesn't help it recover, but its improved. 

​SATURDAY: a struggle of a run around Lincoln parkrun. It was a blustery day and I just did not have the strength to fight the wind; each time we met it on the course I just felt it push me back - I could barely even muster a sprint finish which I usually am able to find from somewhere even when I think I am dying! I ran over 22 minutes, which for me is far from my best. The run emphasised to me the strength/power I have lost in the past weeks; not enough for running to be impossibly hard, but enough to mean when met with challenges like this I am not quite back to top form yet.

SUNDAY: after yesterday's hard run I kept my expectations for today's longer run realistic. I would also be taking on 12 miles; my longest run for weeks. I got off to a tough start; my rib area hurt badly, stabbing into me as I breathed - it really was quite awful. My muscles needed to warm up so I knew I just had to try and override the pain and allow the muscles to relax a little and then I would be ok. Easier said than done! It did work though, as well as me massaging the area (and trying to hide the pain on my face) as I stopped at traffic lights. I have to say the run really exceeded my expectations; I ran along comfortably (ignoring my ribs!) and didn't look at my watch much, and was therefore surprised that the odd glance I did take saw a few sub 8:20 min/mile splits being logged. I maintained this consistency throughout the run, and whilst passing ten miles my legs did feel a little heavier as I asked that bit more from them for the first time in a while, I was really happy overall with how the run went. I finished with an average pace of 8:20 min/mile - which felt natural, despite being much quicker than I imagined and probably should have ran! 

Next week the mileage picks up a little more - lets hope my ribs do too!
0 Comments

The Start of the Next Adventure...

1/5/2020

0 Comments

 
​Tomorrow marks the start of my 16 week training pursuit ahead of the London Marathon in April. It feels like a while since my last marathon training block ahead of Chicago Marathon in October, and mentally I feel refreshed and ready to work hard again – I am even prepared for those 5:30am training alarms! Physically the last couple of weeks have not been perfect prep though; I have been battling on with a cold/cough/flu like virus which seems to be widespread this winter. Over the festive season running has not been as consistent as I would normally like, although on the flip side, perhaps you could say if I had perhaps rested more from running then maybe I would have shaken my germs a little quicker... I could not resist the plethora of parkrun opportunities which were presented to me over the past two weeks though, and these have formed the majority of my harder intensity runs. In between I have managed a few runs, not much in distance and keeping the pace comfortable – mainly because the longer I tried to run the more my cough threatened to take over my body!

The highlights of my festive period of running have been my parkrun trips which included Ipswich on Christmas day – a festive blast around Chantry Park, which I remember well from Cross Country at School, and Bury St Edmunds parkrun in the ‘betwixmas period’ - the muddiest run I have possibly ever completed, with a sticky, boggy course creating some fun challenges whilst also highlighting my road running abilities!

On New Year’s Days I took on the parkrun double at Normanby Hall and Scunthorpe which both saw huge numbers, the latter 919 runners, which is the biggest parkrun I have been involved in. I ran well at Normanby, feeling like my cold was shifting, however got a bit stuck in the crowds at Scunthorpe and wasted far too much energy trying to catch up with the frontrunners and found it a tough little leg test. I was really pleased that my work colleague who lives near Normanby also challenged himself with the parkrun double; he normally swears that 5k is his max but proved himself wrong. In term of longer runs for myself, I have managed a 6.5 miler with my sister; when we both didn’t feel that great but each other’s company spurred us on, and a couple of 5 milers.

This weekend felt like a bit of a breakthrough with my virus though; I felt and ran better back at my home Lincoln parkrun in the first event of 2020, finishing in 21:30 – by no means my best time, but getting back closer. Today I then managed my longest run for a couple of weeks; 8 miles at a better pace too. The only niggle which still remains is a rather pathetic coughing induced injury. After relentless coughing, on New Year’s Eve I finally felt my body give up a little, as the muscles downs my right hand side strained and pulled. It hurt a lot at the time and at one point I debated whether I would actually make my New Years Day parkrun plans, but I have managed to keep running. I think the adrenaline of running overrides the pain slightly, although certainly not completely, however day to day the pain has often been very intense, like a sharp stabbing. Its not pleasant I have to say, and I can tell my body is not aligned right as I try compensate the muscle imbalance. Physio is booked for Friday needless to say!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Looking ahead to next week and the start of my training, it feels good to have a plan to follow, as whilst I have enjoyed some relaxed weeks, I am ready for structure again. My goal for the London Marathon will be to try and hunt for that PB again – so something in the 3:30 region! It will require hard work and determination, but I have been close before, so I have to remain confident, learn from the past and draw on the experiences of others around me. I will be committed to training and developing myself as a runner, whilst also continuing to develop my life around running - there is one I promise!
​
The next adventure begins... ​
0 Comments

2019: A Year of Running

12/31/2019

1 Comment

 
2019 – the end of a year and the end of a decade. In the past ten years so much has changed for me, but the biggest impact on my life has been running. In 2009 I had never ran a race before and only took part in running as part of playing and training for football; now ten years on and I have 70 race medals hung from my medal board in my home, have travelled the world to complete marathons, and cannot imagine a weekend passing without attending parkrun. I am a runner; it defines me and has enhanced my confidence in myself, my body and opened my life to a whole community of people and friends. I cannot imagine life without running now.  

2019 itself had a lot to live up to running wise after 2018 was a year in which I set PBs at every distance and achieved more than I ever could imagine. However, if I am honest 2018 was tough personally; it tested me, knocked me down a few times and for periods left my feeling quite sad and lost. Running was a times intertwined with this, simply because my personal life and running life cross over quite closely. I knew this year I had to be ready to make some changes and also accept change – which I am not always keen to do! By far the biggest change I made was to take the step and join a running club – Lincs S&C Run Club. I never thought I wanted to be part of a running club, however I was wrong. This group has given me a network buddies to run with during the week, friends to attend races with, people to be inspired by and push myself alongside, and being a run leader has ignited my coaching passion again. I want to thank my Sports Therapist for encouraging me to get involved with this group; through our chats over the massage bed I think she knew what I was missing from my running, and suggested I get involved with her and others in setting up this new club. My Sports Therapist also encouraged me to meet up with another one of her coaches for some runs, and this year Tom has become my Wednesday morning 6am run buddy and given me a mid-week training boost many a time.

It has not always been easy though; by June/July personally I truly felt like I had everything falling into place again, only for my happiness to be rocked slightly. I wobbled in the lead up to my Chicago Marathon in October, things changed in my life again which made me doubt myself, and this also transferred into my running a little. I lost confidence in myself and personally I had to come to terms with the fact I had also lost people I cared very much about from my life. The last few months though I have been rebuilding myself again; its not easy to admit that you have become detached from people you once felt so close to, but sometimes you have to accept it in order to restore your peace. Sounds deep - but it is true.

Back to the running, and whilst the PBs have not been as extensive as in 2018, its been another memorable year running wise as I have revisited favourite races and experienced new challenges.

Leicestershire Half Marathon - 1:35:23
I started the year on a high with an unexpected PB at Leicestershire Half Marathon. It was one of those days when my body and mind were all in sync, and despite pushing hard, running seemed effortless. I can still recall feeling such a surge of power in my body as I ran a 7 min/mile split to finish 13.1 miles – I think this amazed me just as much as the PB!

Cambridge Half Marathon - 1:37:49
On a miserable, grey race day, I battled hard at Cambridge Half Marathon for another sub 1:40 time. In the midst of marathon training I was tired heading into this event and I definitely did not feel that effortless running that I experienced in Leicester! I was spurred on by my parents’ support though and it is always great to share my running with them.  

Ashby 20 - 2:43:22
This was an event I had heard much about but had never taken part in, so I was really pleased to get a chance to run it this year. I loved it and ran so strongly; it has to be one of my best performances of the year. I averaged 8:10 min/mile across a hilly course and it gave me such confidence in my marathon training.
 
Lincoln 10k - 55:01
With my hometown event falling a week before the marathon I had been training so hard for, I knew I did not want to race the 10k, however I also did not want to miss it either. I was therefore so pleased to be able to pace my friend on the day to a new PB; it saved my legs but also allowed me to embrace the event in a different light. I ran with such a smile and still remember the joyful hug we shared at the end and being able to share my friend’s moment of triumph.   

Brighton Marathon - 3:43:38
I gave everything across these 26.2 miles – I had trained so well and knew I had to be willing to take a risk to get the ultimate reward I wanted. I ran bravely, and whilst the course was tougher than I anticipated, it was the brutal headwind in the final few miles along the seafront which saw my PB dream slip from my grasp. I was not disappointed however, just very drained!
 
North Lincolnshire Half Marathon -1:41:02
My efforts at Brighton Marathon hit my body hard and this race was very much an event for the mind rather than for any specific finish time. I ran consistently and happily though and this helped to restore faith in my body as well as being able to enjoy a race day experience with friends.
 
Woodhall Spa 10k - 45:11
I enjoyed this event, which is very popular in the local running scene, just not really for running reasons! It’s a lovely social race, but this year it was just too warm and my body too sore to actually be able to enjoy racing it properly. I struggled running and I could not wait for it to be over from early on – but these experiences make you stronger eventually.

Round Sheffield Run - 1:43:50
I love this race, although I feel I need to stop shouting about it as it is becoming so popular now! It is my annual venture into trial running, and the multi staged aspect of the event presents such a unique and different challenge. I always run Round Sheffield Run with my friend as a pair, and this year it was one of the rare times we ran together in any form; this fact makes me sad, but also means this was an extra special year to remember.  

Sleaford 10k - 44:22
A Friday night spent running with friends and finishing with a banquet of cake – why had I never taken part in Sleaford 10k before?! This 10k is another popular local event and now I know why. In very windy conditions I ran strongly and thoroughly enjoyed the course, even managing to grab myself a little trophy for finishing second female overall.

Newark Half Marathon - 1:38:52
Held just two days after Sleaford 10k and with a mixed bag of weather to contend with, I was exceptionally happy to log another solid half marathon time again in Newark and go sub 1:40. With marathon training well underway again it was a good marker of my fitness.

Newton's Fraction Half Marathon - 1:43:36
This race formed part of my marathon training, and although I had never taken part in it before, I had heard much about the big hills which formed part of the course. The hills were indeed testing, but my legs felt strong to their challenge, even if I lacked a bit of speed, and I felt my time was a fair reflection of the event.
 
Chicago Marathon - 3:49:50
I find it hard to pick a favourite race from this year as all have been special for very different reasons, however travelling to Chicago on my own to complete my 10th marathon is probably the feat I am most proud of. It scared me, but I did it; and as a few people have pointed out to me since, it actually took great courage to undertake this particular running adventure. A personal and highly memorable marathon.

Doncaster 10k - 42:42
This year saw me complete a hat trick of 10k PBs at this event. I did not feel in shape for a PB at all, with my post marathon running mainly consisting of steady and easy runs. However, on the day the strength in my body amazed me, and the support I got from sharing the event with many friends from my Run Club and beyond was fantastic and really spurred me on.
 
Santa Fun Run, Lincoln
Signing off the racing year by successfully defending my Lincoln Santa Run title – I mean what more could I want..!
 
parkrun
My parkrun running tally continues to rise as I attend my beloved home Lincoln parkrun event each week, along with new tourism visits notched up at Scunthorpe, Croxteth Hall and York, and other parkrun events revisited at Clumber Park, Normanby Hall, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. Perhaps most significantly I proudly completed my 25th volunteering milestone this year, and sign off 2019 on 31 volunteer stints and 157 parkruns. It is safe to say both these tallies will only rise next year and in the decade ahead. 
Picture
I look back at 2019 feeling proud - proud to have accomplished all the above in running and proud to have created a life for myself across the last decade in which this is all possible. I regard myself as a fairly independent person, however I cannot ever sign off a year without acknowledging the support, care and kindness I receive from friends, family and fellow runners across my life and running adventures - it really does mean an incredible amount and never underestimate the power a few words of support, wisdom or advice have on me. Thank you. 
Let's see what 2020 and the next decade brings...
1 Comment

The 'Under The Weather' Week

12/22/2019

0 Comments

 
I was going to say that this week has been a bit of a running write off, and my heart does still feel a bit like that, but my head tells me I have still manged a fair bit despite feeling considerably under the weather. I am rarely ill (thankfully!) and I do not cope well when I am not 100%. Pretty much all week I have been struggling with a form of cold which has given me at times headaches, earaches, a feeling of never being able to be warm, nausea, loss of appetite and most annoyingly, a chesty cough. With this in mind I should be thankful I have logged the miles I have done and also managed to keep going into work each day! I think I only have myself to blame for succumbing to winter illness; its been a busy few weeks recently, not even particularly in a running sense, and I have simply worn myself out and allowed myself to become more susceptible. Lesson learnt - usually the hard way!

MONDAY: this was the one day of the week when I felt good and completed my usual Body Pump class as normal. 

TUESDAY: I enjoyed a nice run this evening, logging a comfortable 8 miles achieved through running to meet some members of my Run Club for a social run and then home again afterwards. However when I got home I began to sense things were not quite right; I could not get warm and was almost to the point of shivering in bed...

WEDNESDAY: I woke today feeling ok, but with ice on the pavements and no plans for the evening, I decided upon an evening run when I at least thought I would be able to run with a bit more freedom on the footpaths. It seemed a great plan at the time, however throughout the day I could feel myself deteriorating; a cough developed and my body temperature seemed all over the place. After walking home from work I literally had to jump into a hot shower and then straight into bed - which is not like me at all. No running needless to say.

THURSDAY: after succumbing to my bed for all of Wednesday evening, I tried a few miles this morning with no ambition other than just to see how I felt and assess whether I would be able to join in my Run Club session later that evening. I ran 3.5 miles very gently, and to be honest I could not up the pace even if I wanted to as my cough threatened to battle through my breathing as if to remind me I was not 100%. The run gave me confidence to join Run Club later though, which I really did not want to miss as it was our final session of the year and we had a social run planned to give Christmas gifts to residents at a local care home. It was only 2 miles, so I did not overdo things too much with a double run. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day - if I felt better I had toyed with the idea of making up for missing Wednesday with a few miles today, but I was honest with myself - I felt no better and also wanted to try and feel some improvement to be able to enjoy parkrun on Saturday, as well as my work Christmas party on Saturday night!
Picture
Picture
SATURDAY: I made it to a Christmassy themed Lincoln parkrun, but I did not feel great. It was still lovely to be there though and see people in their festive dress; I had my own Santa hat hair clipped to my head, which I am always determined I will keep on throughout my run! Running was ok for the first couple of miles; I was going steadily, not as speedy as I can be, but not as much as a struggle as I thought. The final mile however was really hard; I felt all my energy drain from my body almost instantly, which considering my food intake has been pretty poor all week, was not really surprising. I finished in 22:02, which was good all things considering, although my cough and body soon reminded me that maybe even that was a bit too much of an ask today as I spluttered next to the finish funnel trying to get rid of the taste of blood in my mouth. Delightful I know. I managed to wish most of my parkrun friends Merry Christmas though - so I was still pleased I had ran.

SUNDAY: when looking at my calendar a few weeks ago I had thought today's run may be shorter and easier due to Christmas festivities on Saturday night as part of my work Christmas party - but to be honest our party was not that wild or late and if it had not been for my illness I think I would have woken feeling virtually normal. My lurgy still remained though, and sadly it seems neither running or gin is a cure for a cough! I had very little energy today but felt like I really wanted to try some form of run. It was not great, my chest did not enjoy it and any demand on my legs other than a nice flat pavement felt like a huge test. I called it a day at 4.5 miles; it seemed pointless to try more as there was no real benefit. It bothered me a little as I want to try and keep some consistent mileage during this non training period; but I have to be realistic as to what is best and actually beneficial for my body. I have probably done too much this week as it is! 

I hope my germs will disappear quickly, especially as we head into Christmas week. My festive season features a lot of parkrun plans and I want to enjoy these runs, as well as simply Christmas itself! ​
0 Comments

The Week of Christmas Craziness

12/15/2019

0 Comments

 
Christmas craziness has hit me this week - its been very busy and full of lots of different elements; one of which still remains running of course! Work has dominated proceedings and I have worked a lot of long days, late evenings and had something work related on all seven days of the week. It is easy to see how you could let running slip from your agenda during times/weeks like this - but for me its the one constant that keeps me sane. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I am not really sure why, but Monday night's weights class really hit my body hard this week, and I woke with bad DOMs. An easy 5 miles was therefore in order trying to shake out my legs a little.

WEDNESDAY: after a late night working Tuesday and another long day ahead taking some young people bowling in the evening as part of their Christmas social, it was tough to get out of bed this morning. I wanted to push myself a little more on my run but knew I needed to find the challenge from somewhere other than my own motivation. On occasions when I feel like this, I like to take to the hills; you cannot hide from the challenge on the inclines! I logged 4 miles with 5 hills tests. 

THURSDAY: tonight's 6 miles were split into two runs; 3 by myself with some steady loops incorporating a couple of hills again, followed by three more sociable miles with my Run Club, taking part in a Christmas photo challenge (see image) ending in chocolate orange and drinks at the pub. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day - although working from 7:30am-9:30pm did not feel like much of a break, and after an already busy week, by the time I got home I was knackered. I had also felt a bit ill during the day, which is unlike me, but I certainly felt like I was struggling a little. 

SATURDAY: for the first time in what feels like forever, when my alarm went off this morning I did not instantly want to go to parkrun. The tiredness remained and the thought of just rolling over into bed and hiding in the covers felt very appealing. Of course, I still found myself stood in the chilly wind whipping across Boultham Park, and what motivated me to be there was getting my weekly hit of chatter and friends, not really the running! As I walked over to the start area with the other hundreds of runners I suddenly remembered I had set myself a goal for this week's run. Last week I had been chatting to a fellow runner I am often running near to at parkrun and had mentioned how I wanted to try and get back under 21 minutes before the end of 2019. My fellow parkrunner had told me to stick with him next week and he would try pace me under the time. I had forgotten his kind offer until he smiled at me from the starting line up this morning. 'Ready?' he asked. Well I wasn't. but I nodded anyway!
Picture
Picture
I stuck with my running friend on all three loops of the course, focused on nothing more than following his footsteps and trusting his pacing. My mind was tunnelled almost, nothing registered about how tired I was or how my legs felt, I was just running. Stopping my watch in the finish funnel my pacer turned and gave me a high 5 before I even had chance to look at the screen; I knew I had done it. 20:56 is not a PB, but I was really happy to meet my target, and very thankful of my pacer too, as I truly would not have done that this week without him.

​SUNDAY: today was another double run day, with a festive 3 mile spin around the Lincoln Santa Run in the morning, and a steady 5 miles later in the day. I took on the Santa Run last year with work colleagues, as the charity I work for is one of the causes people can chose to fundraise towards as part of the event. This year again the run had a slight work tinge to it, as I arrived early with 'Poacher' our mascot to entertain the crowds. It is lovely seeing all the families and friends join together in a sea of red and I hope our presence added a bit extra to the event. I ran fast around the 3 mile course, chasing after some speedy young lads (and trying just to warm up!) and placed first female for the second year running - its not a race really though! I think what shocked people more was to see me running in trousers rather than shorts..! After packing away all work related items I will admit I crashed a little in the afternoon, I think the whole week hit me a bit, but a few mind clearing miles were needed and I was pleased I did lace my trainers up again. 

Next week is a bit quieter - thankfully!
0 Comments

The Week of Focusing Forward

12/8/2019

0 Comments

 
2019 is drawing to an increasing close, with just over three weeks left until we enter the next decade. I have found myself a little reflective this week, and thinking about certain things which have changed in my life this year did leave me feeling a little down on a couple of days. I can always rely on running to lift my spirits though, and this week has been boosted by some happy running and exciting forward planning for the new year...

MONDAY: the week started with my usual venture to a Body Pump class, however my working day featured some exciting new running plans for 2020. The charity I work for - Lincoln City Foundation - along with event organisers Curly's Athletes are holding the first Lincoln City Half Marathon event in September 2020, and entries launched today. It comes after a lot of months of hard work (which have truly opened my eyes to the behind the scenes aspects involved in organising running events) and is something I have become very passionate about. It feels special to be involved in delivering an event for my home city, which I know will have such a positive impact on so many people and communities. I never thought I would find myself in this position, and its an opportunity I am relishing. Feel free to take a look here www.lincolncityhalfmarathon.co.uk if you would like to find out more. 

TUESDAY: a quick 4 mile spin around the centre of Lincoln which ended up being a fartlek style session where I pushed the speed on some flatter sections, but also tested myself on a couple of hills - I did not plan it particularly, just went out and had a bit of fun!

WEDNESDAY: this morning's run was spent chasing after my Wednesday morning running partner - he was just too quick for me this week! Our first three miles were around 7:30 min/mile pace and this pace probably shocked my legs a little too much, and I found myself hanging on for the remaining 3.5 miles we completed. Trying to keep up with him was a motivation boost at least!

THURSDAY: tonight's Run Club session was a time trial on the track - however when we planned the session we probably did not expect it to be a very windy evening... A couple of warm up laps highlighted very obviously that the home straight and the preceding bend were pretty much into a direct headwind, which just added to the challenge ahead of us! Did I think running time trials would be as hard as it was - short answer, no! We all ran 800m, 400m, 200m and 100m distances trying to set the quickest time we could, and it truly wiped out my legs! 800m was first and it was disgusting; the second lap felt like 400m of running on empty, especially battling that head wind twice; my time was 2 mins 59 seconds. 400m seemed slightly more bearable and I managed it in 1 min 19 seconds, however coming off the track my legs felt almost like I had just run a marathon! For someone who prefers distance running, strangely I felt stronger running 200m and 100m, managing the former in 36:39 seconds and 100m in 18:58. I am not going to be breaking any track records in my lifetime, but I enjoyed the different test and also the camaraderie among our Run Club members as we cheered each other on from the track-side. 
Picture
FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: although an improvement on last week's time, my parkrun performance at Lincoln today was still not back to its best. I felt I ran better, but some tightness and DOMs still lingered from the track session, which I am sure held me back a little; however 21:22 is not horrendous by any means. I had a really happy morning though chatting to lots of people as usual, and that is really what my Saturday's are about to be honest, it is much more than just how fast I can run a 5k. 

SUNDAY: I woke early this morning for 10 miles, setting off in darkness and heading for home just as the sun was rising. It was nice, steady run, hovering around the 8.30 min/mile marker, just focusing on keeping some distance in my legs. My early run was planned so I could be sorted in time for a big Run Club meeting which was being held between my fellow Run Leaders to discuss our plans for 2020, which will include us becoming an affiliated club. I have never been in a running club before, and as I have said before, it has been one of the better things to have changed in my life this year. Run Club has opened my running world even further and given me many new friends, people who support me and people I hope I can offer the same level of support to back. I left the meeting feeling very positive about 2020, and it was really what I needed.

I sometimes find change hard, especially when it is something that has changed in my life which I have not wanted to happen or have had no control over. I think I will always struggle with this, however sometimes change and things happen for a reason, and I shall aim to embrace that looking ahead into 2020. 
0 Comments

The 'Downtime' Week

12/1/2019

0 Comments

 
I say this is the week of 'downtime' however it has in fact been incredibly busy, with lots of positive things happening professionally and personally. I use the term 'downtime' more to refer to my running this week - I gave my all in one final push around Doncaster 10k on Sunday, and I have just felt the need to press pause again these past few days. There are five weeks until my London Marathon training starts and I will then be back in full marathon mode. I need to enjoy the rapidly approaching festive season, relax and feel refreshed ready to tackle the training challenges, both physically and mentally, especially as I want to be chasing a big goal. I am not going to be slobbing out on the sofa for the next five weeks - I do not think I could ever do that! - but I am going to allow myself as much freedom as possible. 

MONDAY: I was sore after Doncaster 10k - a level of DOMs which shocked me at first, but then made me reflect on how much I must have challenged my body on the day. It was perhaps a good omen that my intended Body Pump class was therefore cancelled. 

TUESDAY: tonight was something very different for me running wise as I volunteered along with other members of my Run Club to support a local Hospice with an event they hold to remember loved ones during the festive season. As part of their planned Torchlight Procession they require a number of runners to run from a local church carry lit torches, to then light up the torches of the thousands of people gathered to take part in the procession. Running is only a very small part of the event, and I did not volunteer because I wanted a running challenge, it just seemed like a lovely thing to support, and  I ran to the meet point and home again after logging 5 miles of my own 'training' away. The event itself was wonderful, although a little scary at times carry what essentially are these massive wooden ticks which are set on fire! 

WEDNESDAY: with my legs still a bit sore from Sunday's race, this morning's 5 miles were taken easily, whilst squelching through huge puddles and embracing the downpours of rain.  

THURSDAY: after some pretty easy paced running so far this week, I was looking forward to some speed work at Run Club. On the agenda were minute reps completed as many times as possible during the time duration. It was a great session, with a mile warm up and cool down allowing me to catch up up with a few members, with then the 'all out' efforts in the middle. I managed ten reps, with a recovery jog in between, and despite completely messing up my Garmin programming, I was able to decipher later that I had been very consistent with the amount of distance I was able to achieve each time, averaging roughly 6.20 min/mile during the effort periods.
Picture
FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: when it takes you over ten minutes to de-ice your car you know it is pretty Baltic outside! This morning's parkrun was indeed cold and frosty, with a glisten of ice and frost on the paths and grass. 'Not a day for PBs' our Lincoln Run Director rightly warned us! I did not run too bad, finishing  in 21:38, but just did not feel confident enough with my footing to push myself fully at certain points on the course, especially as the footpaths become a bit slipper the more people had ran on them. I would of course rather run parkrun safely than not at all though!

​SUNDAY: Saturday night was our Run Club Christmas Party and we had a wonderfully jammed packed evening, starting at an Escape Room, followed by drinks and nibbles at a Board Game Cafe, and then a few of us headed out for some more drinks in other bars across Lincoln. Somehow I did not get home until nearly 3am - I am not even sure how that happened but shows you how much i was clearly enjoying myself! Time just flew by and a fair bit of gin was consumed along the way.... needless I was not really feeling Sunday morning's longer run. I do not really drink much anymore and also seem to need my sleep - so a double whammy of too much of one and not enough of the other knocked me for six a little. I eventually got out for some miles - settling on an easy 8 miles quite quickly as it felt a bit of an effort to keep my legs moving. It was nice to have the freedom to be able to enjoy a night with my Run Club and not have the fear of things affecting a training programme or race. ​
0 Comments

Doncaster 10k 2019

11/27/2019

0 Comments

 
To run a race multiple times can only mean one thing - it is worth entering! I love the Doncaster 10k simply because it is a fantastic running event; well organised, excellent race facilities, bespoke bibs and medals, a post race area filled with thoughtful free refreshments, and a great running route. This was my third consecutive year at Doncaster 10k, and on the previous two occasions I had not only ran a PB, but had also had two very memorable days shared with friends; in 2017 my friend when she was visiting from Australia, and then the following year with her mother. I just love sharing running experiences, and to be honest the thing I was most looking forward to about this year's Doncaster 10k was to have a first real group outing for my Run Club - Lincs S&C Run Club.

Doncaster 10k was the first time I had pinned a race number on since Chicago Marathon. In the weeks since this race I have been running pretty much just for enjoyment, no real structure or plan, just doing what I feel. It has been what my mind and body has needed, so I felt no pressure to meet any form of goal at this 10k. Driving to Doncaster with a fellow Run Club member who had also ran an Autumn marathon, we both seemed to be in the same boat - just planning to go with the flow and see what we could do on the day! On arrival we met with other club members inside Doncaster Racecourse, which is the hub of the event and where the route starts and finishes. We stood and chatted, took a few photos and I just felt completely relaxed. I was also so pleased it was such a pleasant November day - I stood in shorts and a vest quite comfortably and I knew it would be great running conditions.

My happy mood continued as we made our way to the start line; I could have stayed chatting with friends in the start pens all race, but I eventually realised I probably needed to position myself somewhere suitable in the time zones. I opted for in between the sub 40 and sub 45 minute pacer - whilst I had no strict time goal for Doncaster 10k, I do believe you have to have some form of notion about what you may be capable of. I think I thought I ought to be running a sub 45 minute time, but I also probably thought I would just about squeeze in under this marker considering my lack of focused 'training' of late. After a poignant minutes silence to remember a fellow runner who should have been on the start line among us, but sadly passed away before race day, the start gun pierced the air and it was time to race. 

Doncaster 10k almost feels like a race of two halves - the first 5k is a section into Doncaster town centre, followed by a weave around some of the main streets, and then back to the racecourse. The second 5k is then virtually an out and back section heading away from the racecourse again, before returning to finish inside the venue and next to the main stand. During the first half of the route I ran hard and allowed the runners around me to sweep me along. I remember seeing the splits tick over on my watch and scarcely believing them; sub 7 min/miles were being logged, yet it did not feel like I was pushing that much. I used this confidence as I passed through the half way point and another sub 7 min/mile split ticked over. Half the race was in the bag now and I was just telling myself to hang on for another 3 miles. I guess my mentality was that I have pushed myself for a much longer duration and asked more of my legs for lengthier miles before, so I had to keep believing I could sustain this for a just a bit longer. 

The out and back second half of the Doncaster 10k is actually something I really enjoy - I seem to feed off seeing runners on the other side of the road. The turn around point at end of this 'out' section is however slightly less enjoyable, featuring a short but noticeable incline; I knew it was coming, but I was still not prepared for how much it tested me this year. I felt like I was running through treacle going up it; it really took the momentum and drive out of my stride and I could feel my speed plummet. 
Picture
Picture
As I neared the top I had pretty much prepared myself for my race now to be over and I presumed I was going to come off this hill completely spent - I had rode my luck for some miles and now the reality would hit. It didn't though, and as I turned to head for home, I felt my body almost restore in strength with each step. Along this return to the racecourse I was now able to spot lots of Run Club members and friends on the other side of the road and we cheered each other; it really motivated me to dig in that little bit more.

​With the final turns approaching I was asking everything from my legs; it was hard but I also loved the sensation of pushing my limits and feeling powerful and strong. I did attempt a few glances at my watch, but to be honest it felt like wasted energy, and I just needed to focus on chasing down the finish archway on the horizon. Running across the finish line and stopping my Garmin I ground to a halt, hands on knees, feeling that pulsing effort in my body - a bit like how I seem to feel at the end of parkrun each week when I have pushed myself over 5k! However this was double the distance, and when I had gathered myself to read my watch face I could not quite believe what it said - 42:42 - a new PB and my first time running sub 43 minutes.

​I was honestly shocked by that time, and maybe even a little embarrassed. I had been very open before the race that I did not feel I was in shape to challenge a PB and that it would be very surprising if I even got close to one, yet here I now was with a new PB and a time I probably never dreamed of running a few years ago. I guess my marathon training strength is still in my body, both mentally and physically. I felt determined during the race; I had a tenacity to keep pushing and I almost overrode the discomfort I felt, which I guess comes from challenging myself across all these races I have ran! I drew on experience and determination rather than any recent specific training, and today it just worked!

What made Doncaster 10k an even more memorable day was how many of my fellow Run Club members and friends also ran new PBs, or met their specific pre-race target,. It was a fantastic feeling being stood at the finish waiting for people to cross the line and seeing that joy on their face. Being able to share Doncaster 10k with a large group from my Run Club seemed a fitting way to sign off my final race of 2019, as joining the club has probably been the biggest change in my running life this year. I have never been part of a running club before, and if you had asked me a year or so ago I would have said I did not want to be part of one. Things changed in my life though, and I found myself missing the social element of my running - Run Club has given me that, as well as the chance to be a Run Leader and play a small role in supporting others on their running journeys.
​
I can run, train and race to my heart's content, but what makes my heart fuller is sharing my passion with others.
0 Comments

The Final Race Week

11/24/2019

0 Comments

 
This week I signed off my 2019 racing year with a final 10k blast around Doncaster. The days preceding this were busy; work is a little full on at the moment with some long days, in addition to me trying to stick to some form of running schedule (thank god I am not in full scale marathon training at the moment!) It has been tiring; but I find it hard to truly complain about it when I am doing things I love. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I woke this morning to a glistening frost on the ground. Peering from my bedroom window I could see the footpaths sparkling and that car windows were quite thickly iced - real winter running time. I opted for a cautious 5 miles; the footpaths themselves were not actually too bad, but patches where leaves had accumulated and extra water remained were very slippery and could easily catch you out. Simply put, any form of speed was just not worth this risk!

WEDNESDAY: after a few weeks where our schedules had not quite fitted, I rejoined my friend for an early Wednesday morning run and we had decided to test ourselves with 10k of 'rolling hills' which is a fairly well known running route in Lincoln incorporating a lot of the city's steepest inclines, including the infamous Steep Hill. I had one aim and that was not to stop on any of the hills! I am pleased to say I accomplished this, and whilst it was a indeed a test, I actually felt stronger than I expected and was able to recover quickly between the hill challenges.  

THURSDAY: this week's Run Club session was planned for the track and I knew sensibly I should not take part; I have not run on the track for around 6 weeks now with marathon running and recovery, and with a 10k race on Sunday I knew it would just trash my legs! I was so tired after a long and jammed packed day on Wednesday, instead of a morning run I planned to run to the track after work and help with the session, then run back to work after to drive home; what I had not planned for was another very cold day, and after spending all day outside at work I just could not face being stood in the cold again. I chose to take part in the track session instead, but took it very easy, and it was more a case of me running laps to keep warm rather than to train! With my run to and from the track I accumulated 6 miles - along with some very cold hands!

FRIDAY: before resting ahead of Sunday's race I decided to give my legs a bit of a stretch with a quicker 5k. The run was not quite as speedy as I would have liked, hovering around the 8 min/mile mark, and I was just feeling a little drained. I think a busy week and the cold conditions throughout had took some of my energy from me; it was good to note this though, and I made sure I focused on having a quiet Saturday before Sunday's race. 
Picture
Picture
SATURDAY: Rest Day - including a soggy but happy stint of volunteering at Lincoln parkrun

​SUNDAY: my final race of 2019 - Doncaster 10k. This was my third consecutive year at the event, and on the previous two occasions I had ran a PB... no pressure then! I actually had no expectations about my performance today; my post marathon running had been fairly mixed and I was more looking forward to spending a morning with a number of members from my Run Club who were also taking on the event. I felt relaxed and happy at the start and by the finish my happiness still remained - with a little bit of added pain! 42:42 on the clock and my first sub 43 minute 10k (full blog to follow) I had amazed myself and was even happier that so many of my Run Club friends had also set new PB's and met their goals. I run better when I am happy - its a fact. ​
0 Comments

The Week of Running Happy

11/17/2019

1 Comment

 
I am really enjoying my running at the moment; I always love running, but currently with no training pressure and having successful made it through the post marathon struggle period, I just feel very happy with how things are. Its a simple feeling, but a good one. 
​
MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I will soon be recommencing with a number of Tuesday evening work commitments, so am making the most of being able to join my Run Club's Tuesday social run whilst I can. This week's run was planned closer to my home, so I ran to join the group, enjoyed a lovely chatty few miles with friends, and then ran home, giving me a total of 6.5 miles at a nice mixture of paces. It is always enjoyable to run with others and also breaks up my normal 'training' routine of getting up early to run before work. I am therefore also enjoying some relative 'lie ins' at the moment, which is giving  my body another form of rest from peak training demands. 

WEDNESDAY: with a slightly longer run bagged yesterday, and the prospect of some tough hills on the agenda for tomorrow, I kept today's run shorter and steadier, aiming to hold close to 8 min/mile pace across the 4 miles. 

THURSDAY: I led my Run Club's session this week and had planned a hill session, with some tough hill repeats completed at maximum effort. I logged nearly 4 miles, but it wasn't the distance I was really after personally, but the intensity. I have been slowly incorporating a few more higher intensity runs back into my schedule lately, but nothing like this. I loved pushing myself up the hills, as well as looping around at times to support other members of the group. I had not tested myself like that for a while, and in the company of others, it was the perfect way to get back into it.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: today marked Lincoln parkrun's 6th birthday and it made for an extra special Saturday morning. I have spent the vast majority of my Saturday morning's over recent years at Boultham Park, running my weekly 5k, but also making friends and happy memories along the way. I openly refer to Lincoln parkrun as 'my happy place' and it is simply for the sole reason that it is there for me every week no matter what is going on in my life, and never fails to bring a smile to my face regardless of how I run, or even whether I run or volunteer. 
Picture
To mark the 6th birthday celebrations all runners were given a hankerchief which we waved at the local residents of the care home which overlooks the park. Every week our very own fan cub sits in the window of the care home and waves to us runners as we make the walk from the bandstand briefing to the start line, and its just one of the little things which makes our Lincoln parkrun community so special. As I completed my three laps I made sure to wave at the ladies each time, my show of appreciation for their ongoing support. In terms of ongoing support, it is on occasions such as this that I feel we have to say extra thanks to the core volunteer team we have at Lincoln parkrun who make our event happen each week (including those who have taken on the roles before), as well as the number of stalwart volunteers the event has - I hope days like this make them proud. Running wise I continued to shave a further few seconds off my recent running times and edge closer back to sub 21 minute territory, finishing in 21:04. I pushed myself, but I actually felt like I had something left in the tank at the end, so I was pleased to feel that strength returning again. 

SUNDAY: this morning's Sunday long run was a bit dreary; as I headed out the door the heavens opened, blowing cold rain into my face for the vast majority of the run. It would have been easy to cut my run short and head for home, but I wanted ten miles, so I stuck with it. I didn't focus on pace at all, just getting some consistent distance in, and the final few miles, when the rain finally stopped, were far more enjoyable. Next Sunday is my final race of the year - Doncaster 10k - I feel a lot more prepared to give it a good go then I did a couple of weeks back, and as ever, I am just happy to be running. ​
1 Comment

The Recovery Race Week

11/10/2019

0 Comments

 
This week has been my best since Chicago Marathon; one month post marathon and I think I can say I am beginning to feel like myself again in running terms – slow and steady wins the recovery ‘race’…

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: I knew this week I was going to be incorporating some more higher intensity runs back into my weekly schedule, so I kept this morning’s 5 miler reasonably easy. The positive for me was my ‘easy’ pace seemed to be back to my perceived normal range, and it did not feel a slog.

WEDNESDAY: Tuesday evening I had enjoyed a slightly abnormal weekday evening, attending some fireworks with my friend, as well as enjoying a few accompanying gin and tonics – the perks of not being in training mode meant I felt no guilt about this! I woke feeling a little tired - I am still used to my 8+ hours of sleep each night! – so decided upon a short sharp run. Heading down to the river near me I made use of the fact the footpath was flooded in places to test myself with some uninterpreted 1k reps. I logged 4 miles in total, with a warm up and cool down, and was very impressed by how my legs responded to some speed work.

THURSDAY: this turned into a Rest Day as my planned return to track running with my Run Club was thwarted by flooding. I ended up staying at work later than intended, add to this the torrential rain and I just decided tomorrow may be better for running…

FRIDAY: today was indeed better for running. I headed out for another 5 miles on one of my routes that incorporates a long hilly start. I ran up this hill well, at a much better pace than previous weeks. I then just grew into the run, naturally picking up the pace to finish with some sub 8 min/miles, which importantly did not feel a test.

​SATURDAY: I spent this weekend visiting my sister in her new home in York – this of course meant the perfect chance for some parkrun tourism. We had intended to go to New Earswick parkrun, which is the event closest to my sister’s home. However, the extensive rainfall in the week meant this grassy course had to be cancelled; so we headed to York parkrun, which is held at the main racecourse in the city. We were joined by over 600 runners on a very chilly, slightly frosty but perfectly parkrun morning. The course followed one and a half circular half loops around the edge of the race course; it felt a little bit like running on a race track (ignoring the massive puddle to splash through!)
Picture
Picture
I ran hard, gulping in the icy cold air and trying to keep the sub 21 pacer in my sights. He was agonisingly close to me, but I just could not quite find the power to make up the distance in the final few hundred metres. It did not matter though, as I finished in 21:07, taking over 30 seconds off my parkrun time last week in Lincoln, and setting my best time post marathon. As I weaved through the finish funnel to the scanners I spotted my sister finish, and she beamed that she had a ran a new PB of 21:33. ‘Smashed it!’ I said, giving her an enthusiastic high five (see image). York parkrun is a fast course and definitely one to try give your all on, but I also loved the friendliness at the end. We stayed behind for a good few minutes afterwards chatting to many different runners. These are the best parkrun mornings; happy running and friends.

SUNDAY: my sister took me on a ten mile tour of York this morning, which is always a great way to see a new city. Both our legs felt a little tight after our parkrun efforts, so it was good to have company and distraction from slightly weary limbs (see image). I did not mind my legs did not feel completely sharp though, as I knew I had ran well all week. As twins, my sister and I have always been close, however it is still extra special when we get to run together and share something I love dearly with someone who will always play a special part of my life. Next year I hope we can run much more together now we at least live on the same side of the country!
0 Comments

The Progress Week

11/3/2019

0 Comments

 
I can't quite believe it has been three weeks since Chicago Marathon already - time has absolutely flown. Looking at the positives, I would say I am doing well in avoiding too much of the 'post marathon blues' feeling which I have sometimes struggled with in the past; I have kept myself very busy - not just with running! - and it has helped. The one negative is however that my legs do not feel back to normal yet, and I am sure this is the longest it has taken me post marathon to feel a little bit more normal. This week things have seemed to begin to improve a little though, and I am happy with small steps forward, as long as things are progressing. 

MONDAY: Body Pump class

TUESDAY: as I was not at work this evening I managed to make my Run Club's Tuesday night social run for the second week in a row - unheard of! I really enjoyed 4 chatty miles, catching up with a few people and not even thinking about pace (see image). Run Club has given me a lot of new friends - people I had never met before, and people whose face I knew from the running scene, but had never spoken to before - and I am thankful for that. Our Thursday Run Club sessions still have a large social element, but tend to also be more structured with intervals, hills etc., so especially in this non training period, I am going to aim to make these Tuesday evening sessions whenever work permits. 

WEDNESDAY: my Wednesday running friend had to cancel on me last minute, so I was faced with trying to push my legs on a steadier run without his motivation. I managed 5 miles hovering in the 8-8:15 min/mile region, which I was pleased with, although it did feel much harder than it used to, which I took as a sign my legs were getting better, but are not quite there yet. 

THURSDAY: after pushing myself a little more yesterday, I aimed to ease off the effort today as I headed out for another 5 miles. Starting my run with a long drawn out hill - just to add a little bit of challenge! - it then turned into a slight progression run as my legs felt looser as the miles progressed. Again, more promising signs. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: after a fairly slow (by my standards I know) reintroduction to running Lincoln parkrun last week, my aim for today was to try get back into the 21 minute region. It was hard, but my legs were much improved from the previous week, and I kept reminding myself this as I ran. My first mile split was actually akin to what I had been running pre-marathon and logged at sub 7 min/mile pace, but I couldn't hold it and slowed for the final two miles, although remained consistent with matching splits. I finished in 21:44, still nowhere near my best, but 30 seconds quicker than last week, so again I was happy. I then enjoyed a post run breakfast and chat in the famous Lincoln Bowls Club with a few members from my Run Club - I have ran Lincoln parkrun 131 times as well as 30 (I think!) volunteer stints yet this was the first time I have ever sampled a bowls club breakfast!
Picture
Picture
​SUNDAY: more steps forward today as I upped my Sunday long run to 10 miles and also ran at a good pace throughout. My splits were within the 8:10-8:25 min/mile region, and whilst like earlier in the week, this did feel tougher than it has done before, I felt my legs did have some strength back. 

On a slightly non running level, this week I was also recognised on Lincolnshire's 30 Under 30 List (more here) as one of the counties young rising stars (see image). My colleague/friend had nominated me and whilst I was extremely flattered to be included in the list, it was however the passage she had written about me which touched me the most. She had written something so genuine, that encompassed all that I try to do professionally and in my personal ethos in terms of trying to help and make a difference to people - as well as getting my parkrun and marathon addiction in there too! -  reading it just made me believe that little bit more in myself . A few things have shaken my self confidence in recent weeks, and this recognition was incredibly well timed. ​I am sure improved self belief can only help me in a running environment too. 
0 Comments

The 'Mixed Bag' Week

10/27/2019

0 Comments

 
I will be honest, I am feeling a bit torn at the moment. Part of me wants to enjoy an easy spell of running, with no training, and relax a little generally, whilst the other side of me fears losing fitness and does not want to lose sight of the goals I am chasing. If I am honest I feel I probably need the former; over the past 18 months or so, physically I have achieved so much in my running, trained hard and raced in a number of events, whilst mentally I have continued to push myself not just in training, but in order to keep going on a personal level when at times life has really hurt me. This week has not given me too much choice in my rest/training debate as my body still feels very indifferent post Chicago Marathon. I feel tight in my muscles and a bit tired still - which probably confirms my thoughts about what my focus ought to be now. It is not always that easy though!

MONDAY: I returned to my Body Pump weights class today after a two week break. I knew the class would make me sore afterwards as it does not seem to take much for my body to lose any strength I gain. I was half tempted to lower my usual weights, but once stood in the class, my desire to try get back to where I was before fitness wise was too strong, and I whacked my usual weights on the bar. I actually managed to complete the class without problem, but the next day my body paid me back for my overenthusiastic approach...

TUESDAY: my DOMs were very bad today, not post marathon level DOMs, but still 'cannot bend down to tie my own shoe laces' level. My own fault really! I was covering the weekly social run which my Run Club hosts tonight; usually I find myself working late on Tuesdays and cannot make them, but this was quite well timed. I was able to run nearly 6 miles with friends at a nice and comfortable pace, which suited both the soreness in my legs and my post marathon recovery. 

WEDNESDAY: 'I will be slow!' I had warned my Wednesday morning running partner after we agreed to meet for one of our 6am runs. Although my soreness was a lot less, I still knew I was not up to pre-marathon speed levels yet. Our first mile ticked over at 7:45 min/mile pace - a bit quick for my limbs - but we then settled around the 8 min/mile region, which to be honest I was shocked to be able to hold. However the final mile of our route featured a long drawn out hill which my quads simply did not have the power to drive up. I plodded up it, pleased not to stop at least, but once flat path resumed it was clear the hill had wiped my legs out a little, and it was a slow finish for the final half mile or so. Our average pace was 8.11 min/mile - which although it was a tough ending, I was really pleased my legs had managed. I hoped it may have been a turning point. 

THURSDAY: yesterday's run had buoyed me, however I was conscious not to overdo things. Unable to make my Run Club in the evening due to work, I headed out for 5 easy solo miles. My pace was slow, and even though I was not zooming, it did not feel easy; my legs were tight and each stride just did not feel normal. I was a bit sad at how much of a contrast it was compared to yesterday's seeming progress, but tried not to let it bother me. 
Picture
FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: back running at Lincoln parkrun in the absolute pouring rain (see image). The conditions and World Cup Rugby on the TV meant for a much smaller field size to normal, and I must applaud all those who decided to come run today, as well as volunteer, as it was pretty hideous! I was absolutely soaked to the skin when I finished running, and the course even featured a very large water obstacle puddle, which emphasised the amount of rainfall we have had of late. I did not run very well to be honest, I gave my all, but my legs were just not there. My quads were so tight and I did not have my normal leg lift and ability to drive forward. My first mile was vaguely ok, but I faded badly, finishing in 22:15; which for me is a lot slower than normal. I was not too down, there is nothing I could do if my body was not ready to go any quicker, and I did try my best. It is also hard to feel too down after parkrun anyway with so many people to chat to and lift your spirits - despite the downpours I still found myself stood around the finish area in shorts and t-shirt chatting to people like a mad woman!

SUNDAY: my 'long run' last week was 6 miles, so this week I aimed for 8 - a sensibly steady approach. I set out to explore some new routes in Lincoln on a beautifully autumnal morning, and tried to let this take my mind off how my legs felt. It was real mixed bag of miles, some I ran well, in the 8.20 min/mile region, but there were a couple of much slower ones when it was like my legs just stopped working. Despite some pace improvements, I have to say it did not feel totally comfortable throughout. That tightness and limited range of movement in my limbs was still there. 

So this week has been a bit of a mix bag in terms of running. Next week I feel I will just have to continue to listen to my body and see what I am capable of; I need to try accept the easy weeks I need. ​
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Alice's Adventures In Running Land

    Read about my adventures in running land...


    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
    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
    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