Maybe you hadn't missed me and realised I'd been away?
Maybe you've not seen me in person so not noticed the excess pounds gathering?
Maybe you were just too diplomatic to comment? (don't be!)
Maybe you were too polite to ask how the training was going ?
Maybe you thought in spite of my silence I'd completed my half marathon challenge? (you should know me better!)
As for me - I've no excuse!
Pretending that I was still a plodder whilst only crossing the doorstep once a month - was never going to work!
Pretending that by packing my trainers each week I was still a plodder - was never going to work! (you actually need to put them on!)
Pretending that my clothes were not getting tighter whilst buying bigger ones - was never going to work!
Pretending that I was a runner because I read Runners World was never going to work!
So January 2012 meant New Year, New Start!
Putting plodding back into my life has not been that difficult. I've quickly fallen back into the habit of planning my plodding week to fit my other diary commitments.
However, the plodding itself has been hard, very hard - much harder than I thought it would be!
Motivated by a new mantra "Run, Fat Bitch, Run" (taken from the title of my latest running book and seems to be working wonders) I've got out there and huffed, puffed and pushed myself round my planned routes. Pedestrians have given me a wide berth and some very odd looks, with more than one appearing truly concerned as red faced and breathing heavily I slowly stagger by!
I've learnt the hard way what having the best part of 6 months off means; you can't just pick up where you left off. I've slowed significantly (probably all the excess baggage!) and my time over 3.2 miles is currently about 4 minutes slower than it was last June....... and even worse about 8-9 mins slower than my best time .........Thanks to Garmin all stats readily available for comparison!
But I'm not deterred - because I know I'm back for the long term. I've missed it - I just hadn't realised how much. It's not been fast, it's not been pretty - and at times it's been downright ugly. But I'm already feeling the benefits .....both mental (me time away from the phone and laptop) and physical (the scales finally taking a downward turn).
So welcome back to my blog - join me on my plodding journey, with all it's ups and downs - but if you don't see me around for a while - do ask why not!!
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Thursday, 2 June 2011
PPP!!!
As an ex-military colleague of mine once said "Piss Poor Preparation leads to Piss Poor Performance". How right he was!!
On bank holiday Monday earlier this week I took part in my second BUPA London 10k. Last year this was my favorite race, with great atmosphere and the added benefit of an afternoon free to enjoy London post race.
This year I arrived in London down on training, but naively optimistic, believing that I could get round on atmosphere and enjoyment alone - much as I had in Manchester two weeks previously!
Race day started well as I enjoyed an early and nutritious breakfast before reading the paper whilst relaxing in my hotel room fairly close to the start line. I made a strategic decision to relax to the last minute and only head out just before my wave was called.
The first challenge arose when on dressing I realised I had forgotten to pack any socks! Disaster!!! I couldn't embark on a 10k run with no socks - and no time to visit the shops!! Fortunately, I had a thin pair of pop socks and a tub of Vaseline with me!! They would just have to do - and hopefully with plenty of Vaseline I'd avoid blisters!
So, finally ready (or so I thought!!) I headed out for the start line. I enjoyed a few minutes of taking in the atmosphere ambling though Green Park. Just as I approached the start I overheard the announcer say " Don't worry you'll get an accurate race time from the timing chip attached to your shoes!".
Bugger!!! I'd completely forgotten to attach my timing chip and it was still in my hotel room. Damn!! A quick dash through Green Park and a frantic hunt through the race pack followed by another quick dash back to the start this time with timing chip ensued!
I made it to the start but am not sure sweating before crossing the line is ideal race preparation!
It was hot in London on Monday, very hot! I've never been so glad of the fact there were two water stations on a 10k course - much needed.
I did enjoy London this year. The bands round the course were excellent and provided a much needed boost. The crowds - particularly over the last mile or so - were absolutely fantastic!
That said I had a dreadful, dreadful race.
I'd like to blame the weather - too hot; I'd like to blame the lack of socks (although toes were hurting over the last 2 miles!); I'd like to blame the frantic dash back to the hotel before the start; but I can't!
There was really only once reason for my piss poor performance - lack of preparation! Not on the morning of the race but over the last few weeks when there have been too many times when I've sat on my increasingly wobbly ass instead of getting out there!
June is the month that has to change if I stand a chance of completing a half marathon in October!!!
Plod on!!!
On bank holiday Monday earlier this week I took part in my second BUPA London 10k. Last year this was my favorite race, with great atmosphere and the added benefit of an afternoon free to enjoy London post race.
This year I arrived in London down on training, but naively optimistic, believing that I could get round on atmosphere and enjoyment alone - much as I had in Manchester two weeks previously!
Race day started well as I enjoyed an early and nutritious breakfast before reading the paper whilst relaxing in my hotel room fairly close to the start line. I made a strategic decision to relax to the last minute and only head out just before my wave was called.
The first challenge arose when on dressing I realised I had forgotten to pack any socks! Disaster!!! I couldn't embark on a 10k run with no socks - and no time to visit the shops!! Fortunately, I had a thin pair of pop socks and a tub of Vaseline with me!! They would just have to do - and hopefully with plenty of Vaseline I'd avoid blisters!
So, finally ready (or so I thought!!) I headed out for the start line. I enjoyed a few minutes of taking in the atmosphere ambling though Green Park. Just as I approached the start I overheard the announcer say " Don't worry you'll get an accurate race time from the timing chip attached to your shoes!".
Bugger!!! I'd completely forgotten to attach my timing chip and it was still in my hotel room. Damn!! A quick dash through Green Park and a frantic hunt through the race pack followed by another quick dash back to the start this time with timing chip ensued!
I made it to the start but am not sure sweating before crossing the line is ideal race preparation!
It was hot in London on Monday, very hot! I've never been so glad of the fact there were two water stations on a 10k course - much needed.
I did enjoy London this year. The bands round the course were excellent and provided a much needed boost. The crowds - particularly over the last mile or so - were absolutely fantastic!
That said I had a dreadful, dreadful race.
I'd like to blame the weather - too hot; I'd like to blame the lack of socks (although toes were hurting over the last 2 miles!); I'd like to blame the frantic dash back to the hotel before the start; but I can't!
There was really only once reason for my piss poor performance - lack of preparation! Not on the morning of the race but over the last few weeks when there have been too many times when I've sat on my increasingly wobbly ass instead of getting out there!
June is the month that has to change if I stand a chance of completing a half marathon in October!!!
Plod on!!!
Sunday, 22 May 2011
If you body were a car.......what would it be?
On Thursday this week waking in London for a long day of business meetings I took advantage of the early morning sunshine to clear the head and ventured out for a lap of the Serpentine in Hyde Park.
Running at home I can often be out for an hour and only see one or perhaps two fellow runners. So it comes as somewhat of a shock to find yourself at 7am in the morning surrounded, literally surrounded, by fellow runners. There were tall runners, short runners, thin runners, fast runners, slow runners, serious runners, club runners, tourist running. Looking out over the spectacle the Serpentine appeared to have transformed into a race track and I found myself pondering the question "If your body were a car what would it be?"
Evaluating those around me I saw at the front of the field the club runners; their sleek and efficient bodies finely tuned for performance and speed representing Formula 1 race cars. Equally visible were those appearing as Mercedes saloons; luxury models designed for style and comfort but clearly delivering an exellent quality of ride. There was a large mid field of family saloons, Ford Mondeos perhaps - designed for economy, performance and comfort. Towards the back were a number of Citroen 2CVs or VW Beatles, perhaps best described as low cost, simple to use and reliable; whilst never going to win the race they are always going to finish. Due to the sunshine a number of convertible models were out in force where perhaps there was more focus on the look than the quality of the ride.
So back to"If my body were a car what would it be?" . It's a question still troubling me. This is perhaps because there seems to a gap between the reality of what it is versus the aspiration of what I would like it to be!! The engine, whilst much improved, is definitely in need of some work and attention to bring it back to prime condition. There is also an undoubtedly for some serious body work. Even when running well it's never going to be at the front of the race so definitely not designed for speed. Equally right now it's not even built for long distance journeys - more akin to today's new electric cars rather than the classic car some of the other attributes appear to suggest. All very perplexing to say the least!!
However, my pondering does allow me to understand that whilst I may never make a Formula 1 model I could be improved to be at least more Mercedes like - although perhaps a convertible one!
The ongoing restoration may take a while - but I know it will definitely be worth it!!
Running at home I can often be out for an hour and only see one or perhaps two fellow runners. So it comes as somewhat of a shock to find yourself at 7am in the morning surrounded, literally surrounded, by fellow runners. There were tall runners, short runners, thin runners, fast runners, slow runners, serious runners, club runners, tourist running. Looking out over the spectacle the Serpentine appeared to have transformed into a race track and I found myself pondering the question "If your body were a car what would it be?"
Evaluating those around me I saw at the front of the field the club runners; their sleek and efficient bodies finely tuned for performance and speed representing Formula 1 race cars. Equally visible were those appearing as Mercedes saloons; luxury models designed for style and comfort but clearly delivering an exellent quality of ride. There was a large mid field of family saloons, Ford Mondeos perhaps - designed for economy, performance and comfort. Towards the back were a number of Citroen 2CVs or VW Beatles, perhaps best described as low cost, simple to use and reliable; whilst never going to win the race they are always going to finish. Due to the sunshine a number of convertible models were out in force where perhaps there was more focus on the look than the quality of the ride.
So back to"If my body were a car what would it be?" . It's a question still troubling me. This is perhaps because there seems to a gap between the reality of what it is versus the aspiration of what I would like it to be!! The engine, whilst much improved, is definitely in need of some work and attention to bring it back to prime condition. There is also an undoubtedly for some serious body work. Even when running well it's never going to be at the front of the race so definitely not designed for speed. Equally right now it's not even built for long distance journeys - more akin to today's new electric cars rather than the classic car some of the other attributes appear to suggest. All very perplexing to say the least!!
However, my pondering does allow me to understand that whilst I may never make a Formula 1 model I could be improved to be at least more Mercedes like - although perhaps a convertible one!
The ongoing restoration may take a while - but I know it will definitely be worth it!!
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Inspirational!
Today I completed my 3rd BUPA Great Manchester 10k. I have a particular affinity for this race as without it, it is unlikely I would have ever become a runner. Three years ago my brother entered and I decided if he could do it so could I! At the time I could barely run to the end of the street, how things have changed in the ensuing 29 months.
However, I went into the race this year struggling for motivation and hence light on training. I was definitely under prepared compared to 2010. Race preparations were further challenged by a friend who has run with me in the last 2 years organising his 40th birthday party for last night! It would have been so very easy to rollover this morning and enjoy a lazy Sunday.
But no!! I'm made of stronger stuff than that.
Fueled by thoughts that "I've paid so I might as well go" I hauled myself out of and headed for the station for the short journey into central Manchester.
Boy!! Am I glad I did!!!
Arriving at the local station I found myself surrounded by other runners, but nothing prepared me for the inspiration - and kick in the butt - I received on the train! I found myself sat with a large group of runners, running for Cystic Fibrosis. As we joked about how were we going to get round, it came to light that the teenage girl sat next to me was a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer and these were her family and friends, raising money for a charity to close to their hearts. How could I worry about my hangover and the challenge ahead of me, when others face such greater challenges!
This was the first of many truly inspiring moments today, there was the 4000 runners participating for The Christie. many with "In memory of ...." pinned to their back, there was the runner pushing a cancer suffer in a wheelchair smiling as he overtook me, there was the man in his normal (as opposed to racing) wheelchair propelling himself round, there were the runners so overcome with emotion for their causes they ran with tears running down their cheeks, I could go on, but believe me.............. it was so very humbling and hugely inspiring!
For the first time ever today I ran without music. What a difference it made - I took in the atmosphere!! I enjoyed the banter with the crowds, I was encouraged by many as they passed me, I encouraged those around me who were struggling, I enjoyed the bands on the run (particularly encouraged by the one playing "Chariots of Fire"!!)
I didn't break any records, I didn't run a PB (although I will blame last nights Sauvignon Blanc for that!), but today I definitely blew the running cobwebs away. Today will remain with me on the next hard training run. I need to remember there will become a time I can no longer do this. Until that day comes I have no excuse not to enjoy and remember how fortunate I am!
However, I went into the race this year struggling for motivation and hence light on training. I was definitely under prepared compared to 2010. Race preparations were further challenged by a friend who has run with me in the last 2 years organising his 40th birthday party for last night! It would have been so very easy to rollover this morning and enjoy a lazy Sunday.
But no!! I'm made of stronger stuff than that.
Fueled by thoughts that "I've paid so I might as well go" I hauled myself out of and headed for the station for the short journey into central Manchester.
Boy!! Am I glad I did!!!
Arriving at the local station I found myself surrounded by other runners, but nothing prepared me for the inspiration - and kick in the butt - I received on the train! I found myself sat with a large group of runners, running for Cystic Fibrosis. As we joked about how were we going to get round, it came to light that the teenage girl sat next to me was a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer and these were her family and friends, raising money for a charity to close to their hearts. How could I worry about my hangover and the challenge ahead of me, when others face such greater challenges!
This was the first of many truly inspiring moments today, there was the 4000 runners participating for The Christie. many with "In memory of ...." pinned to their back, there was the runner pushing a cancer suffer in a wheelchair smiling as he overtook me, there was the man in his normal (as opposed to racing) wheelchair propelling himself round, there were the runners so overcome with emotion for their causes they ran with tears running down their cheeks, I could go on, but believe me.............. it was so very humbling and hugely inspiring!
For the first time ever today I ran without music. What a difference it made - I took in the atmosphere!! I enjoyed the banter with the crowds, I was encouraged by many as they passed me, I encouraged those around me who were struggling, I enjoyed the bands on the run (particularly encouraged by the one playing "Chariots of Fire"!!)
I didn't break any records, I didn't run a PB (although I will blame last nights Sauvignon Blanc for that!), but today I definitely blew the running cobwebs away. Today will remain with me on the next hard training run. I need to remember there will become a time I can no longer do this. Until that day comes I have no excuse not to enjoy and remember how fortunate I am!
Thursday, 12 May 2011
150 days to go!!!!!
YIKES !!! This morning on Facebook I was greeted with the news that there are now only 150 days to go to the Royal Parks Half Marathon!
Once I'd stopped saying OMG (or similar!) and got over the shock I started to apply some logic through the panic. I realised that this is still an achievable goal - with some dedication, focus and hard work - and I've never been afraid of hard work!! I realised that even for me with all the other distractions in my life - work, holidays, food & partying (to name but a few) I can and will do this!
So today I've had to have a serious word with myself ; The dedication and the focus does have to start now. That is today.....not tomorrow, this weekend or even next week (a particular favorite of mine!)
and hence my mantra needs to be " You MUST get off your FAT and increasingly wobbly bottom and get out there!!"
150 days and counting!! Remind me if you seem me!
Once I'd stopped saying OMG (or similar!) and got over the shock I started to apply some logic through the panic. I realised that this is still an achievable goal - with some dedication, focus and hard work - and I've never been afraid of hard work!! I realised that even for me with all the other distractions in my life - work, holidays, food & partying (to name but a few) I can and will do this!
So today I've had to have a serious word with myself ; The dedication and the focus does have to start now. That is today.....not tomorrow, this weekend or even next week (a particular favorite of mine!)
and hence my mantra needs to be " You MUST get off your FAT and increasingly wobbly bottom and get out there!!"
150 days and counting!! Remind me if you seem me!
Thursday, 5 May 2011
GREEN WAVE!!!!!
Help! I've just received my race pack for the BUPA Great Manchester Run on May 15th. To my horror I find I'm not in the final wave!?
In my 2 year running "career" I have consistently been in the final wave of every race I've entered. I take great solace that I will be running at the back with the other "fun" runners. Although in my opinion anyone making the mistake of calling us fun runners has never donned a pair of trainers and taken to the streets themselves and has little appreciation of the efforts we go to even be able to complete 10k!
The final wave always has a certain camaraderie where no-one minds being overtaken by numerous fairies, Batman and Robin, Fred and Wilma or even the giant panda. There's never any pressure in the final wave - no one is looking to win, everyone is enjoying the taking part.
I guess I'll find out how much more serious the penultimate wave is. Who knows I may be surrounded by club runners and the delightful aroma of deep heat, rather than charity runners in fancy dress.
And one more thing I'll now need to do as part of pre-race build up - buy a new T-shirt to ensure colour co-ordination with my GREEN wave race number on the day - I usually run in pink!!!
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Bolstering my training efforts!
Running has become part of who and what I am. I'm not sure I meant it to happen. I'm very glad it did.
Equally running, at least for me, is as much about the head, as it is about the legs, heart and lungs.
I'm not a natural, every run is hard, just some harder than others. My Garmin tracks the miles, the calories and the speed, but I've decided to help my head and record it's journey here.
As it's about my head it could be an interesting ride - but do enjoy the highs and the lows as I train for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2011
Equally running, at least for me, is as much about the head, as it is about the legs, heart and lungs.
I'm not a natural, every run is hard, just some harder than others. My Garmin tracks the miles, the calories and the speed, but I've decided to help my head and record it's journey here.
As it's about my head it could be an interesting ride - but do enjoy the highs and the lows as I train for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2011
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