Maria Runs - Maria Runs

Brighton Brooks 10k 2016 (nearly- thanks Angus)

So after parkrun and delicious pancakes on Saturday, we got the train to Portslade- a few stops along the line, basically on the outskirts of Hove. We wanted to look in a flooring shop (as you do) and then thought a walk back along the seafront would be lovely. At first the weather was great, but as we got closer to Brighton the clouds were really rolling in.

img_20161119_130244670_hdr It did make for some dramatic scenery.

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Of course we found more Snowdogs- I could not work out why I had not seen this one last time, but a lady taking a photo (she had been looking for them all, and only had 2 more to find) told me it had been in London until a couple of weeks ago.

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I also got a bit over-excited seeing the km markers up for the race.

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I also thought it was crazy when we got closer to the old pier- so much of it has fallen into the sea now.

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As the clouds were fast approaching we headed up into town to the shopping centre, and got there just after it started pouring. We then mooched around the shops for a bit, before buying a few snacks (we shared some hummus and carrot sticks, crisps and mango) as we didn’t fancy lunch, and went back to the hotel to have them as it was very wet outside.

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As the rain eased off, we headed out for a wander around the lanes, and treated ourselves to a big pot of tea and some lovely chocolate mint cake in Catwalk Cakes- they do such lovely flavours in there. Our dinner wasn’t until late (8.15- that’s very late for us!) so we went back to the hotel yet again – I did my pre race prep of painting my nails, getting my kit out, putting my number on my vest etc. Dinner was so good- we went to Food for Friends as they do such good veggie food- I had lovely baby aubergines stuffed with various things and served with some sort of tomato and bean thing. I also had such a lovely drink, called a ginger zinger (maybe)- ginger and star anise and lime juice, warm, with probably some other things too (I think a slice of orange?)- anyway it was so warming and festive.

The race organisers had posted on facebook on Saturday about watching out in case the storm was bad, but I didn’t really think they would cancel. I woke up on Sunday before my alarm and saw I had a text message from them- it said it had been cancelled, but also it said more news to follow. There was a similar message on facebook, but I looked outside and it didn’t look too bad. I put my running things on, so I decided I would head out just in case- not sure what I was thinking.

The wind in town was fine, but as soon as I got along the seafront it was crazy.

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Huge waves were smashing up over the marina and groynes, and the trees were flapping wildly.

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I thought I would prove I went running along the seafront, although not for long! I saw all the marshals for the race out, turning away runners that had not heard the message. It must have been so hard for them to decide to cancel, and the poor volunteers were still out in the bad weather although luckily it wasn’t raining.

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I ran along to the marina (seeing more Snowdogs) and then decided to cut in and run back through Kemp Town (where we stayed when I did the marathon). Normally I would not just make up a route, but I feel I know my way around Brighton quite well, plus I knew that I was heading back parallel to the seafront, and at each intersection I could look left and still see the sea.

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I was originally planning on running for 6 miles but in the end I did 5 before calling it a day, stopping off at Pret to get us each a warm drink.

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I looked on Strava after and could see where the wind was behind me- so much faster! (9.55 vs 11.12 minutes per mile!).

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It was a shame to not run the race, as I don’t think it would have been harder than the crazy wind they had last year, but I got to go out for more pancakes which is never a bad thing!

They sent an email later explaining their reasons- the race has always been along the prom before, but because it’s getting bigger they had permission to close the road along the seafront. However, the police would not let them do this (I suppose because of access for emergency vehicles) plus the wind meant that they would not get the port-a-loos to the start/finish area (which would not bother me, but of course would bother a lot of people). They have said we can get money off next years entry, as they can’t find a date to hold it a second time, and seeing as it’s fairly cheap (I think £14?) I don’t mind too much. Although I wonder what they will do with the medals, as they have the date on them usually.

After breakfast and a quick walk along the pier to see yet another snowdog, we headed to the train station. Another lovely weekend in Brighton, although not quite the result I was hoping for!

Have you ever had a race cancelled? What is your hot drink of choice? We went for Earl grey tea on Saturday, because tea goes very well with cake, but on Sunday morning I went for a chai latte (hooray that Pret do them now) because there is something more warming about that sort of drink.

Loving yoga!

Who would have thought it? One of the least flexible people ever actually enjoying a yoga class.

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I have been trying very hard to relax more (is that an oxymoron?). Work just always seems so busy, and there is always something that can be done, so it can feel hard to switch off. I recently bought a diffuser (I had some amazon vouchers) as I’ve been going to have a massage around once a month (more attempting to relax, although last time she asked how I was, and I said I thought I was less tense, and after about 5 minutes she said to me “do you think you were just kidding yourself?”- they can be fairly painful at times as she tries to sort out my back and shoulders…) and in the room she always has on a diffuser and it is just so lovely. I like scented candles but I am not always sure about burning them- I try to get more natural ones but also I worry if I wander out of the room for a bit they might set something alight. So anyway this seemed a good option, and so far it’s fab. Yoga has been another angle- I love running but at times it just adds to me feeling of being rushed- I get annoyed in traffic driving home that I’ll be late for my run, I hurry through the door, get changed as quickly as possible and then head out again- rush rush rush!

I’ve been going each week since some time in October, and it is so fantastic. It seems that all yoga classes are different, and as I have always found with fitness classes, the instructor can make it or break it. Luckily, I think the lady (Josie) who does the yoga class is brilliant.

I was so nervous about the first class, imagining all of these super slim and flexible lululemon models with their long limbs and weird bendy poses. Someone else from my running club said they would be there and meet me, so at least it wasn’t all unknown. I didn’t even realise I would need bare feet and arrived in my trainers! There’s a mixture of people (men and women)- some very experienced, and some closer to my level, and everything is adjusted for the different needs. Anyway, the class tends to go like this (and please excuse my names for the moves/ poses- I’ve not got a clue!):

We have a gentle warm up, do some breathing and also say (sing?) some oms. I was not expecting this, but it’s very calming and helps to focus on the breathing.

Each class has a different focus- it might be twists, back bends, hips- and so then we move through a range of postures. Now I have been going a few weeks, I am getting the hang of some of them (we often go back to the downward dog between other movements). Sometimes we hold poses for a long time (the pigeon pose, which we have done several times but I still would not be able to do it without instruction and a block), and sometimes we move fairly quickly between different poses, not really stopping at all. It gets quite sweaty!

I find it brilliant for strength, which is good as I have now stopped going to Body Pump, and needed something to replace it. I do ache a lot the next day. It’s also brilliant for a challenge- the last couple of weeks we have practised a tripod headstand- last week with help I managed to get my legs onto my arms, and this week I managed it by myself, which felt amazing. I’ve a long way to go before I could imagine putting my feet up into the air, but it’s something to build on each week. We also did what I called a bridge (from when I used to do gymnastics as a child)- again I needed a little bit of support to push up as my arms aren’t that strong, but I was impressed that my back bent that way. It’s very encouraging- when we were doing the headstands one of the ladies cheered me on, and then had a go herself- before she had only managed one leg or the other. We then congratulated another person who managed to hold the pose with their legs up.

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This is where I can get to in my headstand now! Image from YogaDownload.com

Josie the instructor comes around and gently adjusts everyone if they need it, and she has foam blocks and little cork bricks to help with different poses (I can’t even get my forehead to the floor in the child’s pose, so I use the block for that), but I never feel self conscious about not being able to do something as well as some of the others. Some weeks we have worked with a partner for some of the poses- we did a paired downward dog once which I cannot even begin to describe, but as I was not confident on my upper body strength I was in the normal pose with the instructor resting on me. As always though, if you are not confident in trying something, Josie will adapt it or give you something else to do (or be your partner).

The class finishes with a lovely cool down- gentle stretches, poses held for longer. The lights are dimmed, a candle is lit, we can have a blanket to lay under, and this part is just total bliss. I think last week I just about drifted off. Sometimes we sit in a circle and look at a candle, and then close our eyes and picture the candle. This may sound strange but I often don’t sleep well, and since then I have tried to picture the flame when I am awake in the middle of the night. I think it helps.

Josie also had some lovely geranium oil which she dabs onto your forehead as you lay there. It’s such a lovely feeling, and for me, just what I need. I can’t be thinking about work when I am there as I need to concentrate on the moves, I like the strength and flexibility side of things, but the cool down at the end is so comforting- I always feel fantastic afterwards. Very tired, but in a calm way.

It’s funny how my opinion has changed- I thought I should do it because it would be good for me, but I actually enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would, which is even better. Before I really thought about yoga in a physical sense (it will be good for flexibility) whereas now I see it has more of a holistic approach.

Have you ever been surprised by something you didn’t think you would like?

Preston Park parkrun

So this weekend, on Friday evening after dinner at home, we got the train down to Brighton. The last few times I have been to Brighton, I’ve been to Hove Prom parkrun, mainly as it is easy to find (find the sea, and turn right and run along the seafront). But when I looked last time, it turned out Preston Park was marginally closer, and although I thought it would be complicated to find, Andy reminded me that it was where the marathon started, and basically from the main road near the Pavilion (very close to where we stayed) I had to turn left and keep going straight. Simple.

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A Snowdog by Preston Park

It turned out to be a very good idea for many reasons:

It was my 12th different parkrun (or 11 if we don’t count San Fran), so now I’m over half way to 20.
It was very windy and running by the sea would be tough.
I got to spot more Snowdogs on my way as we had not walked in that direction.
They were having a pacing event (or maybe they have pacers there a lot? I was looking on their facebook page as I always check in case of cancellations, and there was a discussion about pacer runners as recently they had an event and had some uncomplimentary feedback about having a 37 minute pacer- for goodness sake if you are a speedy runner does it really matter how many pacers are running behind you???? Argh! Anyway, the overwhelming number of comments were about how great it is to have a range of pacers- I digress…)- so I could choose a pacer to follow and try to stick with them.
I had forgotten to pack facewipes but I ran past a Boots so I popped in on my way back.

Saturday morning was beautiful- so frosty and clear, with such blue skies. As I took a little detour looking at more snowdogs, when I arrived I had run 1.8 miles, so I pottered up and down the path a couple of times to get it up to 2 miles, and to stay warm. I had worn a long sleeved top over my t-shirt, planning to take it off but it was so cold I kept it on the whole time.

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The park seemed busy- of course when I first got there I had no idea where in the park it started, and ended up getting lost in some sort of maze bushes. I’d seen some runners in the distance heading for the top of the park, and luckily I found it!

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They even have high viz jackets for their bollards! How brilliant!

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The new runners briefing was friendly, although another person “won” (coming from a further distance) and then the full briefing was as usual- clapping for people’s 50th/100th runs and so on. All good.

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It was so frosty, and the path was covered in a thin layer where it was still in the shade, but I knew the runners in the front would sort that out! They had pace posts (?- numbers on posts to help you line up in the right place), although I lined up by the 28 minute sign and behind the 30 minute pacer.

The route sounded a little confusing (and the new runners briefing didn’t totally help- in the end he said unless you’re planning on running sub 17 minutes, just follow the person in front) but in fact it wasn’t too bad- you started off facing anticlockwise, and ran half a loop of the park, before turning around at a cone (and a marshal) and running clockwise back to the start. Then you did two full clockwise loops, with the finish funnel being a peel-off from the main loop. I started off fairly steadily- as my watch had been running since the hotel I had no idea of pace, but I went past the 30 and 29 minute pacers just fine. I could see the 28 minute pacer up ahead, but on my second time running up the hill I managed to drop back a lot (I had a bit of a cold so needed to get a tissue out of my pocket which did slow me down). Anyway, there was a nice long gentle descent so I managed to catch up and then overtake him before the final hill (it’s only a small hill). I had seen my watch said 9.02 as we crossed the start line, and it was bang on 9.30 when I finished, so I was hoping for sub 28.

I got my chip scanned, and to my surprise the scanner didn’t keep my chip, she gave it back to me. I asked her where to put it, but she didn’t know. So I wandered back to the finish line and asked another volunteer- they pointed out a table, a bit further from the finish line and scanners, with a parkrun banner. Here I joined a queue and people had to put their tokens into the right section of the token sorting box (e.g. mine went in the 190-199 section). Now, I have no problems with this at all, but it wasn’t totally clear. They actually put a message up on their facebook page saying they had lost a lot of tokens this week, but I am not surprised by this- if it was my first parkrun I may not have asked where to put it. I’ve seen this sort of token sorting at Wimpole Estate, but they had a huge board and it was pointed out at the main briefing, and then at the end the scanners were close to it, and you were directed over once you had been scanned. Anyway, a small point.

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When the results came through I had managed 27.54 for my 85th parkrun- I feel like the 100 is now in sight which seems crazy!

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I didn’t hang about as I didn’t want to get cold, so I headed back to the hotel, running nearly 7 miles in total for the morning.

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Cafe Coho was also calling- after a shower it was time for delicious pancakes with Greek yoghurt and berries.

Have you ever seen people running wearing crazy costumes? I ask because one guy was running the parkrun wearing chain mail. An actual top made of metal. Mental. How does your parkrun collect in the tokens? Ellenbrook has little buckets and then the people empty them every few minutes and sort them.

Why An Evening Class Could Keep you Curious And Teach You New Skills*

I have a contributed post today, all about evening classes:

Are you looking for a new hobby? An evening class could be just the thing for you! It may seem as though you never have the time, but make the time to take a class you’re excited about. There are so many classes available that you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. Whether you want to learn a new skill, get fit, or just have fun, an evening class is a great way to achieve that goal. Take the time to look around and see what’s available. Most towns and cities have a wealth of things going on. If you’ve got something specific in mind, look for a class focused on that. If not, get stuck into a little research. You might just find something you never knew you were interested in! Here’s a list of a few classes that are available most commonly. Take a look and get the ball rolling!

FITNESS CLASSES

Most local gyms host a variety of classes that you could sign up for. There are classes for most exercises. From running, to yoga, take your pick. Take this opportunity to get fit and meet new people at the same time! If you’re after something that’s fun and fast paced, zumba dance classes at fitness centre can be a great option. It’s worth noting that most gyms won’t accept you into a class unless you’re already a member. That stipulation might just give you the motivation to stop putting it off!

LEARN A LANGUAGE

Most of us would like to learn a foreign language, but many of us never get around to it. Change that now by signing up for a language class. There are usually classes available for people at varying levels. Don’t worry about everyone else being more knowledgeable than you. Learn French and take that trip you’ve been putting off. Maybe you’re after something a little more exotic. Why not get to grips with Japanese, and learn a whole new way of using language? Whatever you fancy, don’t put it off any longer!

DANCE CLASSES

Dance classes are another excellent way to get fit and have fun. Why not get a little sensual and learn salsa? These classes can be a great bonding experience for you and your partner to attend together. You’ll be the couple everyone’s talking about the next time you go to a party! They are also fantastic for socialisation and building confidence. You’ll get the chance to dance with a variety of partners. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut with your friendship group, take the plunge and meet some new people!

This list doesn’t even skim the surface of the options available. There are more practical things like woodwork or pottery. You could go back and do an evening class in a subject you enjoyed a lot during school. There’s something satisfying in going back to the classroom and learning something new. It’ll surprise you how invigorating the experience can be. Keep your curiosity alive and learn something new!

Would you like to go to an evening class? If you could choose something, what would you do? I always wanted to learn German, as some of my family are in Austria, and when I moved secondary schools I had missed the first year of German so struggled to pick it up. Although right now, I think something therapeutic like modelling with clay would be more relaxing.

Time keeping at parkrun and a little trip to London

This week the running didn’t go quite as planned. I went out with the club on Tuesday for a nice (but cold) 5 miles, and then had yoga on Wednesday (in which we worked towards a tripod headstand- I managed to get my elbows to rest on my legs so am maybe a quarter of the way there!) I had a headache on the Wednesday but after yoga I felt so much better. All good. On Thursday I felt rubbish- a faint headache all day, achy neck and shoulders. I had a meeting to go to after work (at another venue) which had bad traffic getting there and home, and by the time I got home going on a run or even a walk was the last thing I fancied. I had thought of running after work on Thursday and Friday, as I was volunteering at parkrun on Saturday so knew I could not run then. But those plans went out of the window- we did have a walk after work on Friday to get some fresh air and that helped a lot.

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The view of the finish funnel from the gazebo

Luckily on Saturday morning I felt OK, and I wrapped up in many layers as I had volunteered to do the timekeeping. This would involve standing around, and it was cold and pouring with rain. The team at Ellenbrook have a gazebo, which they had put up by the time I arrived, so I sheltered under there for a bit.

I did feel the pressure with timekeeping, but luckily they have two people doing it, and the other person had done it many times before. The laminated card that you are given had very clear instructions (because to reset it you had to press many combinations of buttons and wait for different things to appear on the screen). All I had to remember was to press “start” at the beginning, and then the “lap” button each time a runner crossed the finish line.

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Thankfully all went well- every now and then we would check that we had the same number at the top (it clicked over each time we pressed it)- it was a bit confusing at times as you are anticipating when a runner would cross, and a few people ran back to run in with someone else, and they would duck out at the last minute. No mistakes though! My dad had come along and because of the nature of the course (one small loop that goes back to the finish area, and then one large loop) once we had pressed start, we could stand at the end of the loop and cheer everyone past before going to the finish line- we had a good 5 minutes after the tail runner went past before we had to worry about people finishing. My hands were so cold though, as I could not press the buttons with my gloves on. The RD asked one of the marshals to hold an umbrella over me to stop my hands getting any wetter- I felt like royalty having it held over me!

The runners were fairly speedy- I think the tail runner came in just past 40 minutes, and it was only a small field of just over 60 runners- I think the rain had put a lot of people off. There is a storage locker so we packed all the bits away before heading home to warm up and dry off.

My parents popped over mid-morning, and then we headed off into London as we wanted to visit Loaf to look at a bed- we’d seen it online and liked it, but we wanted to see it in the flesh as it were.

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This week I had watched a documentary (on BBC4 I think) about hipsters, and this shop was definitely hoping for that sort of customer- it even had an ice cream parlour inside- weird. It was in the bit of the middle of nowhere- we got the tube to Vauxhall and then had a mile walk in the rain (we were going to walk along the river, but the path was closed), and when we finished we called an uber- a few people leaving just before us had the same idea and they were queuing up!

We had a walk through Hyde Park (and saw all the Winter Wonderland stuff being built- not my kind of place it seems) before braving Oxford Street. It was so busy, just horrible. I wanted to see the Christmas lights (and we had a John Lewis cake voucher only valid in London, so…), but that was enough! We were home by half 6 and that was long enough!

We watched a documentary on Netflix about The Barkley Marathons- I had heard a bit about it on MT before, but seeing the weekend evolve was just amazing, and totally mental- that’s one race not on my list! Although I did like the low key nature of it, just not the crazy length, the map reading, the thorns, the steepness, the night time navigating…

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And what a difference a day makes! I had a long run planned for Sunday, and the weather was fab, not a drop of rain in sight. The run wasn’t great as half way through my leg started cramping, like it had in the Bright10, so I had to keep stopping to stretch, and then I got a stitch when my leg was OK, so was quite glad to be finally home!

Do you like watching documentaries? If you, what would you recommend- I love them!