May, 2013 - Maria Runs

Recycling my clothes

Hey everyone

I hope you are all doing well. my legs have been quite sore today (after that run yesterday) but in strange places. My hips have felt tight whereas usually it’s my hamstrings. Who knows why. But I did get to go to the waffle house after work as it is my students last week (and she is a fan too)- I had a lovely waffle with pecans and butterscotch sauce- delicious (and will surely help with recovery).

I have been loving this snack this past week! I was inspired by Claire to try some cocoa/cacao nibs (are they the same thing?)- this was vanilla soya yoghurt, cocoa nibs and some trail mix. So tasty! I thought the cocoa nibs would be bitter, but they add a lovely crunch and a sort of cocoa flavour too. Now I am sad because I used the last of the yoghurt yesterday and have nothing else to add sprinkles too.

Well anyway, I mentioned before that one of my jobs for the weekend was to sort out the clothes that I don’t wear any more. I normally leave them out in one of those charity bags, but I have not been sent one of them recently. And someone mentioned (Lara possibly?) that she used a clothes recycling company, where they pay you for each item, or a certain amount per kilogram.

So that was me on Sunday evening- pairing up old boots and shoes, and folding up all my old jumpers and things. The link above pays per item, so if you had designer things it would be worth entering each one. I went for a pay per kg website in the end, as I don’t buy expensive clothes to begin with really.

I am not quite finished. I need to go through my jeans- I have so many pairs and really only wear a few on rotation. Last year after I came out of hospital I had to buy a bigger pair (partly because I had put on a little weight after being pretty sedentary for months, and also because my scars were right around my waist) but they are a little too big now and not very flattering either. I have some others that don’t fit that well but I like to keep a spare pair for gardening in, plus some are better with boots and some are better with trainers. That will be a mammoth trying on session I think.

I have some jumpers in a box in the wardrobe- I put them in there to see if I will ever need to wear them. Then, if I don’t then after a few months I know they can be recycled.

So now instead of a pile of clothes in the corner of the living room, we have a big filled with clothes, waiting for me to finish sorting them out so it can be collected. Ah well, I did get closer to the end of the job now! I love that feeling when I have had a big sort out, so that is my incentive at the moment.

Do you love a good sort out? Cocoa/ cacao nibs? Is there a difference?

Wheathampstead 10K done!

Hey peeps!

Thanks for all the well wishes from yesterday. I was ready this morning to aim high and push for a sub 60 min 10k. My fastest time (from 2010, and on an easier course) was 1.01.28, so I wanted to beat that. I went to the lucozade website and copied down the split times I needed per mile (9.29 per mile basically) and then I wrote down the km splits too as it suddenly occured to me that there would be km markers and not mile markers. They ended up being 5.54 per km, but seeing as I never pay attention to km times it was just for me to check at each marker.

The course starts off on a small country lane (I lined up at the back of the 55-60 mins time section, along with my brother who was also running), and then right after you cross the start mat you go along an old railway line (basically a muddy and stony path), a very steep uphill section, and then through a lot of fields, some woods, and finally back along some of the first section, across some playing fields to the finish. It has always been seen as a tough course, and they had changed the route this year to make it a little easier. There were supposedly no bottle necks (there used to be a style, and a few cow gates, steep downhill steps and a few other countryside things), but there was one where you had to go through a narrow gap in a hedge row to get onto some fields.

I kept checking my watch, and I kept the little bit of paper in my hand so I could check it at each km marker. For the first few kms, I was ahead by about a minute, but then I lost that time as I had to queue to get through the gap in the hedge (I met one of the Sweatshop runners there, and she said she had seen my brother a bit further back too). After that there was a long uphill section through some fields and I found that very tough indeed- the sun came out and it suddenly got very hot (I only had on a t-shirt and capris, but no visor or anything)- there was no shade and the mud was hard and rutted which seemed to make it tougher still. I was still doing OK for the times, although I am not sure that the markers were in the exact right places (which I am not complaining about, but the 5k marker for example was before I got to 3 miles on my watch- even allowing for a bit of weaving they are probably out by a bit)- I think I had around 30 seconds of leeway. I gave the water station a miss at around 7 kms as by that point I decided I would just wait until the end. There were some very narrow sections across fields and I could feel myself being very put off by the people overtaking as they were breathing very hard and sounded so close! I tried to move over when I could, but at some points the path was barely wide enough for one person to run across. At one point we ran across a field (of wheat perhaps?) and I found that off putting as the leaves kept brushing on my legs and I was convinced I was going to tread on one long leaf with one leg, and then trip over it with the other foot. Anyway, one thing I find hard at races is controlling the adrenaline. When we got to the 8km marker there were a few more people out, and I get that surge, which then leaves my legs feeling a bit wobbly. I am not sure how to deal with that really. There was a very steep downhill section (very stony too!!) and I did try to speed up, as I think my then I was cutting it fine, but I think I was being a bit cautious still.

Finally we reached the path near the fields, ran over a little bridge and then I could see the end! Just the edge of the playing fields to go. I think I had a minute to go on my watch and didn’t think I could make it, but I pushed as hard as I could!

Photo: Wheato 10K !

I stopped my watch as I crossed the chip mats, and I was amazed to see I had made it in one hour (and about 30 seconds I think it says- very blurry pic!). I walked around for a bit, put on my medal and had some water, and waited for my brother as I knew he was a bit behind me.

There is the finish line! Excuse my finger in the way- I didn’t notice that when I took it! I really like the race as they have a 2k kids race earlier on, and a few stalls on the field and a bouncy castle too! A nice family morning out.

The medal has the race name and year engraved on the back. My Mum picked us up (Andy had dropped us off) and dropped me off at home as the parking can be very busy there.

Yes, I am awful at taking my own photo, but Andy has gone to the football today (otherwise he would have run the race too) so no-one around to do it for me. My face was all salty- I have not had that feeling in a while. I think it is actually quite warm out there, despite the cloudy weather.

I had some mango coconut water (my fave), a cereal bar and a little chocolate (we brought this back from Nice last May- I had forgotten all about it!) before a shower, and then had some lovely sourdough toast and an apple.

I checked the official results- 1 hour and 34 seconds! I will take that! It is a pb for me, and as Rose pointed out to me on facebook, it was an off road course so it was tougher than the same distance on roads. The last time I did that course was back in 2010 where I finished in 1.03.55, and my most recent 10K was the one in Nottingham in 2011 (1.01.33- that was on a gentler course too), so I am really pleased to beat all those times and get myself a new 10k pb!

I need to pop to the shops now, and then I have some work to do but at least I can do that sat down! Happy Sunday folks! 🙂

Getting 10K ready

Hey peeps!

Happy Saturday!

Look what came in the post yesterday:

Eeek! Only a few weeks until the half marathon! Although I have realised I have an extra weekend- for some reason I thought all I had was next weekend, but I have the weekend after that too. So, 10K race tomorrow, 8 miles next weekend and 9 or 10 miles the weekend after. It’s all going to be fine folks!

On Friday after work I went on a run. I could not decide what route to do, but when I got up near the fields I decided to go on that loop as it is about 4.5 miles which is what I fancied.

I took my phone with me in that new belt (which by the way I got on really well with- it is basically like an elasticated belt, so I didn’t adjust it. I wore it more around my hips with the little compartment on my lower back, and I basically forgot I was wearing it) so I could take some photos. A grey day, but still the fields are so relaxing.

Pretty bluebells along the way.

That is where I fell over the other week. It does not look that bad but it is downhill and the ground is very solid and rutted. I walked that bit just to be on the safe side!

After that we had some dinner and chilled out in front of a film (In Bruges, which I found very funny, except for the gory bits)- I painted my nails which takes a while. I have found that if I use the base coat it stops my fingers from getting stained, then on top of the polish I use that top coat which not only means they dry quickly, but also means that the polish lasts for about a week before chips start appearing. (Also I got my next free drink voucher from Starbucks through, how exciting).

This morning I was up early as my brother and I were helping out at Parkrun. I was originally going to be scanning the barcodes at the end,but my brother got that job, then I was going to be handing out the chips as the person hadn’t turned up, but then they did, so I ended up collecting in the chips and writing down the barcode numbers of any ones that would not scan.

I really enjoyed it- seeing the people at the front charge back to the finish line after about 16/17 minutes was amazing. There was a man who had turned 65 and finished in about 20 minutes- so amazing. All the people watching clapped and cheered the runners over the line; there were kids running who were urged to sprint finish, there were first timers who had managed to run much faster than usual, and there was a teenage volunteer who ran as a back marker. One of the volunteers (who had a pb of 21 mins or something) had made her child come and help out even though he usually runs, because she felt that the community aspect of it was important for him to learn. The time whizzed by- suddenly we were collecting the chips from the last runners- it felt like ten minutes but it was forty minutes after the run had started. One of the marshals was chatting and it turned out that he wasn’t even a runner- he had just signed up to help. I just think that is wonderful that people will give up their time each week (the runners helping out is one thing as they ask you to help out three times a year, but the people who don’t even run it are the ones who really make the event a proper community one).

When I got home I needed to warm up a bit so had a big cup of black tea with mint (not that minty though).

I has to wait for Andy to get back from his run (he did 8 miles as he is not doing the 10k tomorrow) and then made us some breakfast.

I used my new blender for the first time! It has been a bit chilly, but I wanted to use it, and Andy wanted something refreshing after his run. I blended a couple of cups of frozen cherries, a few chunks of frozen mango with some almond milk, a little cocoa powder and vanilla extract. We had that in a bowl with chopped banana, papaya and strawberries, and added some muesli in too.

Super tasty.

I have quite a chilled out day planned- a bit of housework, maybe planting some fruit bushes later, maybe a bit of baking.

Tomorrow I am hoping to get that sub 60 min 10K. The route has changed from previous years, so who knows if that is realistic, but I think I am capable of it- I’m going to look at the pacer bands on the lucozade website (I need to do 9.29 miles which I think I should be able to do)- I might look at the km splits too as I am not sure whether they have mile or km signs or both.

What are you up to this Saturday?

Hoodies for the win

So, when is the summer coming? Or, was that it over the bank holiday weekend? I was feeling optimistic and prepared a breakfast of lovely overnight muesli (soak muesli, chia seeds, almonds, cinnamon and strawberries in soya milk overnight in the fridge and serve with a little drizzle of peanut butter and some puffins in the morning).

Very tasty, but cold! I was back to porridge after that!

This week we have even had the heating on in the evenings- only for an hour to take the chill off, but still. Right, where have I been?

On Monday after work I decided to go out on a short run and test the waters. My shoulder is loads better, and by then it was all properly dry so I thought it would be OK. I wore a t-shirt to give it some extra protection. During the first half a mile I was wishing I had worn a long sleeved top or a jumper, as it was so cold! The wind was very strong, but once I had warmed up I was fine. I felt like I was taking extra care to look very carefully at where I was treading. What I actually need is a sort of zimmer frame with wheels that I can run with, and will catch me if I fall. No?

Anyway, I only did a short route, just under 3 miles, as I wanted to check I was OK before going out with other people on Wednesday. I was really nervous! Silly me.

My little belt arrived (thanks to Lara for the recommendation I got right on Wiggle to order one) and my phone fits, so I shall be trying it out tomorrow. On Tuesday after work I went to see my parents, and then on Wednesday it was time for my sweatshop run (again I was really nervous). I wore my new 30 runs t-shirt (partly to cover up my shoulder) and made sure I got there nice and early. We had a new (to me) route along some country lanes and an old railway line, which was lovely, although there were little flies everywhere! I have been trying to breathe through my nose when I run, but once I speed up I find that hard.

Anyway, the run was good, and we all spent time after chatting about forthcoming events, and general training/ running chat. I could have stayed for hours, but I had to rush back as we were going out for dinner after. I have too much hair to be able to dry it all in a short space of time! At least I could wear comfy clothes (well jeans and a nice cardi- who sees the jeans when I am sat down anyway?) to the dinner as we went to Prezzo (I love that they sell peach iced tea, and also the most amazing salad with goats cheese and all sorts of veggies). It was lovely- although it was a rush to get there it was nice going out in the week, although it has meant I have been more tired today.

Today I didn’t go to pump (I know I keep going on about my shoulder!!) because I didn’t want to be resting the bar on it, or lifting my arm above my head. Turned out that they have suddenly limited the class to 10, and I couldn’t have booked on even if I had wanted to, plus I had a long staff meeting so I came home and did some work, and later we went out for a walk.

Usually as soon as I get home from work I change into comfy clothes, which for me means jeans and a hoody of some sort. I have a drawer full of them, but I always get tempted with different colours, some with zips, some without.

Blue (Blue) Brave Soul Blue Panthers Sweater | 279379140 | New Look

I am loving this style at the moment (which I suppose is not technically a hoody seeing as it does not have a hood..). I have a similar one and it has been fab with my bad shoulder, as the neck opening is wide so I could have it sort of off the shoulder( blah blah blah- sorry!) -I tried sitting around in a vest but I was too chilly. Honestly I don’t even want to count how many I have- I bought a nice blue one on holiday, and a stripy one from Fat Face in the sale just before then. But they are so comfy! And warm! Plus (my favourite reason) they don’t have to match the top you have on underneath because it is all covered up.

I am trying to have a policy of one in, one out with clothes which turns into more like, when the drawer can’t shut any more/ when I run out of hangers, sort some out for the charity pile (more on that another day)! Anyone else like that? What do you get easily tempted with? I am worse with tea though!

*Post contains a sponsored link, but of course all rambles are of my own making

Guest post- What stress can do to your body

Hey peeps

I hope you are all doing well. I was sent this article for my blog, and I was really interested to read it. I am someone who can get stressed very easily indeed. Generally I think a lot of it is to do with my personality- I can be a bit of a worrier and a bit jumpy, and very nervous about things too. I have got a lot better at dealing with stressful situations- I remember reading once to ask yourself “will this matter in a year?”. That really helped me, as I find it helps me to realise that I need not worry about a lot of things. But I still get that feeling of being overwhelmed with things on my “to-do” list, and worry about having time to fit everything in.

Anyway, read on and let me know what you think (or if you have any good tips of your own).

What can stress do to your body?

Your kids are arguing. The house payment is overdue. The cat’s sick. Your car needs a tune up and the hours at work aren’t enough to keep anything extra in savings.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. The day to day stresses of life can pile up and it can be overwhelming. Not only does stress make you feel frazzled and anxious, but it can also lead to serious issues with your body. Stress is a normal part of life and to an extent our bodies were made to handle it. But when stress goes overboard and becomes a dominating force in your everyday life, your body and your mind will suffer. Often, stress may be affecting you and you won’t even know it!

When you’re stressed, your body changes secretions of chemicals and hormones in your body to react to it. Your adrenal glands are the main part of your body that controls your “fight of flight” reaction –this is where cortisol is released. The adrenals also help maintain blood sugar and normalize your body’s balance of salt and water. It doesn’t matter if you are running for your life, or just trying to finish your next series of deadlines at work – your body doesn’t know the difference and it will respond in the same way. If the adrenals are in constant overdrive, there can be huge negative effects to the rest of your body. Our bodies simply weren’t designed to be stressed all the time.

Did you know that when cortisol is released on a regular basis, it can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to sickness? It can also suppress your appetite and increase your levels of blood glucose so you’ll naturally desire unhealthy carbohydrates and fats. If you’re stressed, your body also releases adrenaline into your bloodstream. Imagine you’re being chased by an angry colony of bees. What happens? Your body reacts: your heart starts pounding, you feel a rush of blood to the head and heart, and there is a natural burst of energy. You’re ready to run. Well, even in your daily activities, stress can cause adrenaline to course through your body. And if this is happening for an extended period of time, you’ll see effects on your body: acne, back pain, muscle tension, throbbing headaches, and even increased blood pressure or high cholesterol.

In men, stress can affect testosterone and cause fatigue as well as a lack of sex drive. For women, stress can cause increased cortisol and decreased oestrogen production. This is a recipe for painful and irregular menstrual cycles.

Furthermore, stress will affect your sleep. In stress mode, your body is in that fight or flight state – it’s going to have a hard time shutting down enough to rest calmly. So, not only are you dealing with stress, but you’re dealing with fatigue, which can affect your brain’s ability to think clearly. And without sleep, your body isn’t given the chance to recharge or refuel to keep your immune system strong.

If you feel that the stresses of your life are starting to control you and are seriously affecting your quality of life, look closely at your health insurance policy and find a doctor that specialises in stress disorders. Be sure to explain to your doctor your detailed medical history so a thorough plan can be made based on that.

It’s time to get out of survival mode and into a life free of constant stress. Talk to your doctor about ways you can reduce stress while still living a healthy, active lifestyle!

Do you feel that you get affected by stress? What are your top tips for staying stress-free?

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