Maria Runs - Maria Runs

Club parkrun outing!

On the Saturday before the St Albans half, our club had arranged a little outing to the local parkrun. One member had never been to a parkrun before, and after a few of us weighed up the pros and cons of the two closest ones, beautiful Panshanger was chosen.

It was drizzling quite a bit when we met up at 8.45am, but luckily it didn’t dampen spirits and everyone was keen to have a go at the course.

Some people had brought their children along, and a couple of those were very speedy! I didn’t run with anyone, although the lady who did her first sub 30 on my birthday was a bit ahead of me so it was good to try and keep her in my sights (but at the same time remind myself that I had a half tomorrow).

Credit to Carrie- thanks. Makes me realise I really need a haircut!

The leader of the club wasn’t running, so she looked after bags and took photos of us as we took on the final hill. I think this picture nearly shows how tough it is- the 3 mile point is at the bottom of this so you can see the finish at the top of the field and just have to try and keep going- a sprint finish is not easy!

We stayed and chatted and cheered everyone over the line- it was so lovely to see people that I knew, and also meet a few OH ladies. There are a few more parkruns popping up fairly near, so we might even go on tour!

After that I had to rush home as we were going to The Waffle House for brunch for Andy’s brothers birthday- very nice.

Then I picked up my new car- this is very exciting! I had had my old car for 12 1/2 years, and although it was still going fine, I had fancied a few more mod cons (height adjustable seat= I don’t need a cushion any more, air con= amazing, CD player is way better than the tape player I had). It was a bit nerve wracking driving it home, and putting it in the garage though.

I was meant to be picking up my new top and hoodie, but they had been forgotten, so our lovely leader kindly dropped them off for me later- the top is a perfect fit but the hoodie is huge- perfect for around the house when the weather was chilly and rainy.

It’s funny because the idea of a running club did not particularly appeal to me. I like running on my own, with my own thoughts or with podcasts, and at a time convenient to me, but actually having a run for a different reason (time to catch up, or encourage others, or share race stories with) has been brilliant, and I really love it. After doing Brighton I got so many messages on facebook from people in the club that I had never met- it really is so supportive and welcoming.

Do you like the idea of a club?

How many parkruns have you been to? I have only been to the two local ones, but there are a few newer ones around so I might add to them at some point.

Disney!!!

So, here is the next holiday recap. No running, but there are some cakes so I feel it fits the theme!

On Tuesday after going to the Kennedy Space Centre we drove to Orlando. We did a spot of shopping, and then went to Downtown Disney- basically a lot of shops, restaurants and entertainment things (like bowling, cinema etc). It was really busy, and we were very hungry as we hadn’t had lunch, just a banana and half a cereal bar each, so we headed straight for the Earl of Sandwich (I wish they would catch on over here- so much nicer than Subway) for dinner, before walking around, having a mooch around the shops, and then finally driving to our hotel to check in.

We stayed in the Art of Animations resort, a fairly new one, with different buildings based on Nemo, Cars, Lion King and Little Mermaid.

Can you guess the theme of our room?

Yup, the chair is a shell.

Shower curtain!

The next day we were off to the Magic Kingdom. Because we wanted to do a few rides we got there for the park opening and went on a few (Philharmagic- I love it- a sort of 4D show with songs from different films, lovely smells- it sounds weird but it’s great), before having breakfast.

The size of that cinnamon roll! Nearly as tall as the coffee cup! We shared that and some fruit to balance it out.

The weather was fab- hot outside but not unbearable- we have been in August before where you almost can’t stand being outside in the middle of the day.

We went on plenty of rides (no rollercoasters though- that’s why I love Disney so much- they know they don’t need a thrill ride to make a great ride), had a lovely late lunch (an immense salad for me with spinach, apples, pecans, beetroot, smoked cheese, cranberries…), went on more rides…

Gotta love the Enchanted Tiki room.

Especially because it means a pineapple Dole whip is close by! It melted very fast!

I got a bit excited over the Starbucks in the park (sorry)- I don’t like fizzy drinks so unless we go to a restaurant and I can have some iced tea I just have water- sometimes it’s refreshing to have something else.

Got the last boat ride at sunset, watched the Electrical parade, watched the fireworks, and then did a couple more rides before heading back to the hotel. We walked over 22,000 steps that day, not bad!

The Wednesday was our “day off”- we had a lie in, went shopping (I got a new pair of trail shoes for about £40!) and then it was time for my birthday present from Andy- Afternoon tea at The Grand Floridian (a very very fancy Disney hotel).

They had a tea menu which is always a hit with me- I had an Earl grey blend with vanilla. They even had tea cosies! There were choices for the sandwiches but we both got the veggie ones- cucumber and dill sandwiches, roasted beet and goats cheese open sandwiches, crackers, cheese, and loads of fresh fruit.

Later (no rush) they brought out a warm scone with lemon curd (weird but good choice), apricot jam and cream, plus a jam tart.

Then later still (again, no rush- they just said to ask when you were ready) the dessert- chocolate dipped strawberry, some sort of chocolate thing, and a pastry with pomegranate mousse.

(It was called The Garden View Tearoom).

While we were there someone was playing the grand piano in the lobby too.

We had a walk around the hotel and some of the grounds afterwards.

We had a wander around the grounds of our hotel to marvel at all the theming, before heading to Downtown Disney for the evening. 20,000 steps done- not bad considering we probably sat down at the tea for a couple of hours.

On Wednesday we were off to Epcot- my favourite.

As I have said, I am not a rollercoaster fan at all. But that doesn’t matter at Disney. The best ride ever is Soarin’. Hard to describe, but the idea is that you are paragliding over California- you are suspended (gently) in the air while on a huge IMAX screen it shows you flying over Yosemite, San Francisco, the pacific coast. As you fly over orange groves or through pine woods, you can smell it too. It really is just brilliant. A gentle thrill ride. Plus brilliant music.

Anyway, Disney have had a system of Fast Passes, where you can insert your park ticket and select (for free) a timed ticket, so you don’t have to queue. Normally you had to use the machines by the ride, but on this visit we got to use the magic bands.

They worked as our room key, as a charge card (if you entered a pin number) and park tickets. There was an app which was great- it told you current queue times for all the rides, and you could edit dining or pre-book fast passes for each day. Anyway, because Epcot doesn’t have many “big” rides, they were tiered, and of course Soarin’ was in the top tier meaning we could only go on it once. Normally we can play the system and go twice! Ah well.

So anyway, as soon as we arrived we headed to Test Track- the other “big” ride (well I think the mission space one might also be a top one, but I wasn’t a big fan of it so we didn’t bother this time), and then got some breakfast before going on some other rides.

Spaceship earth is aways good for some laughs (and some annoyance as Judy Dench says “math” and not “maths”- argh!). This is my future apparently:

We did the little boat ride through their gardens- that is a peanut butter tree. Where can I buy one????

The best ride!

Then we had a walk around the world showcase in the sunshine, watched the film about Canada (makes me want to go back there asap), had a lunch/ dinner of proper Italian pizza.

It’s always fun after holidays to play the game of Venice/ Disney/ Vegas.

It’s like being in a fairytale.

I think we walked around here at least twice.

Then it was time for the best fireworks show in the world. Also a fact. The Magic Kingdom ones are good with all the Disney music, but the one at Epcot is just amazing- they have fire torches, they light up buildings, they have a spinning globe thing in the lake, amazing fireworks and brilliant music (not Disney music either).

24,000 steps that day.

Our last day was at Hollywood Studios- they have Star Wars weekends in June and July so Andy was very excited.

Excuse the thumb! There was some sort of show on the stage, at one point with rather humorous storm troopers.

The worlds most dangerous frog. Gotta love the Muppets 3D show.

Of course there were characters dressed up as star wars characters. And loads of people visiting were also dressed up, some had gone to a lot of effort.

LA or Disney? Add to the fun game.

This is such a fun ride! You are moved around a sort of games hall in a little car, and you keep stopping at different screens- you wear 3D goggles and at each screen do different things- knock down plates, pop balloons (all virtually, not really).

A big lego R2D2.

We went to a show by Warwick Davis- a special Star Wars one (he was an Ewok).

We visited the Darth Mall (get it? Maul/ Mall).

And then, because we had reached Star Wars saturation point, we went to this:

Yes. You have read that correctly. It was quite fun, and luckily they played the music loudly enough to drown out the noise of all the kids singing along!

They had some Star Wars fireworks so we watched those too, before heading back to pack.

19,000 steps that day.

The next day we flew to New York. Originally we were going to go in for the afternoon, but our flights were moved, and we only ended up with about 6 hours, and all the guidance said you needed 12 to allow enough time, so we used our air miles to stay in a hotel by the airport for the afternoon, as our flight home didn’t leave until 9pm.

A whistle stop tour, but a fab way to spend half term.

Are you a fan of rollercoasters? Or Disney? Or Star Wars? Or afternoon tea?

St Albans Half 2015- for the love of an ice lolly

They do love advertising this as “the lolly run” as you get an ice lolly at the end.

Now, I don’t want to sound like a sandbagger (and you will see from my time, I am not one) but I knew my training hadn’t been perfect. I was gradually building up my long runs after Brighton, and a month ago did 12 miles. But then I had a holiday, so missed two weekends of longer runs, and then last weekend did the 10K stampede, so no long run that weekend either. I did manage 8 miles on Tuesday, but I knew I was not in pb form.

I was aiming to meet my course best, of 2.10.09- set in 2013, so I looked up the pacing and tried to keep the number in my mind. It was 9 something miles- helpful.

Anyway, added to the usual pre race nerves, I had a new car to drive which I had picked up on Saturday. I had my last car for 12 1/2 years, and so getting used to the new gears and things was adding to my stress. Not perfect timing! Anyway, I drove to a town centre car park and the walked down the hill with all the other runners. Some other runners asked me for directions so I chatted to them as I walked down the hill, which helped to keep my mind off the miles ahead. The race is pretty well organised, but for some reason the bag drop queue was immense- I was in it for 25 minutes! I had 5 minutes after that to get to a starter pen, although they the announced they would delay the start by 10 minutes.

I was so cold! It was drizzling, and a bit windy, so although good conditions for running, not good for standing about and waiting. I’d only packed my long sleeved top for the finish, but wore it until I had to sort my bag for the drop.

The course goes through the park, up a hill to a golf course (at this point there was the first water station, with a Hawaiian theme- they all had flower leis and grass skirts!), before going back down, past the end of the park, and then up a long hill. In fact, up and down is the theme here. I never think it is too bad (I have run both Berkhamsted and Ashridge which are both way hillier) but it is not a flat course, and some of the hills are particularly steep.

I was doing OK, and got to the half way mat in 1.04, but then I just struggled a bit. I have had a bit of a cold, so I had to stop and get tissues out of my waist pack thing. The drizzle stopped and then it seemed to get so muggy- I felt like the sweat was just staying on my face and not coming off at all. I stopped at the final two water stations to have a proper drink- one of these was on a hill so I walked up that one instead of running. In the end I wanted to enjoy it, so I didn’t mind walking for a bit. I had a few jelly beans too, but they made my stomach ache right away, so only had about 4.

I never have any idea where I am in the lanes, so tried to enjoy the views of the countryside. I passed a few of the walkers (the walking half marathon set off at 8.30am so the speed walkers finished just after the runners started). Just after 11 miles (or maybe 12) we came out at the top of one of the biggest hills- I knew were we were! Just run down this hill (much more enjoyable than running up it at around mile 3), double back, run up a bit, into the park, and head for the finish.

Andy was waiting near the finish line and I managed a wave before heading under the archway to receive my medal and lemon ice lolly. My mouth was so hot that when I first tried to lick it, my tongue and lips kept sticking to the lolly and I had to peel them off with my hands! Not good. I had packed a nuun tab in my pocket, so added that to the water, collected my t-shirt (a gorgeous purple technical top) and then headed to the bag drop.

I didn’t have high hopes, but while I was waiting in the line someone brought my bag out to be- much better! Then I changed, used a face wipe and met up with Andy, before walking up the hill (that was tough) into town.

My watch said 2.11, and Strava agrees, saying 2.11.03 (although moving time was 2.08 something- I am not sure why that is so different). Not quite what I was aiming for, but close. My chip time was 2:11.03, so only a minute slower than the last time (probably due to walking in the water stops near the end). I am pretty pleased with that.

I love the t-shirt! I don’t normally wear purple but I would for running in.

After getting into town I fancied a warm drink, and while I was in the queue a lady behind me complimented my hair (I sort of french plait my fringe out of my eyes on one side), and then asked me if I had done a marathon (I was wearing the medal and top)- I told her I had run Brighton earlier in the year, and her first question was my favourite- how long is it? The same as London?

It’s funny, while I was running I did enjoy it, but the middle part is fairly hilly and I was thinking that I have run it 3 times now, and perhaps that is enough. But of course, as soon as I finished I was thinking about the good things- it’s so local, it is quite pretty, and now the t-shirt is technical it is better value (they introduced that last year, so the other times I ran I got a big old cotton one).

Will I sign up for it next year? I am not sure!

What are you favourite questions that non-runners ask you?

Would you be tempted to sign up for a walking half marathon?

Everglades and Kennedy Space Centre

Hey peeps,

Hope everyone is well. I have a half marathon tomorrow and am not quite feeling prepared! I did manage 8 miles on Tuesday evening, so at least that is over half way, but my 12 mile run seems a while ago now (I think it’s a month ago). Partly because of this holiday! Which was awesome.

We booked flights to Florida from Madrid (because the passenger duty is much cheaper from European cities- no way we would have managed in the school holidays otherwise), so on Friday evening as soon as I got home we had to head to the train station, go to Gatwick and then fly to Madrid.

Friday evening flight

I bought a lovely salad from Pret to enjoy on the plane, along with a spiced orange hot chocolate- starting the holiday off in style! After a short stay in the airport hotel, we were back in the airport bright and early on Saturday morning ready to fly to Miami.

Flew over the Bahamas

After picking up the car we had about an hours drive to our hotel, and had a walk in the evening to get some dinner before trying to stay away beyond 8pm!

Usually I would wake up early, but I was shattered from a week of work so slept for 12 hours-crazy!

We then drove into the Everglades National Park. By the way, the American National Parks are the biggest bargain in the entire world. For I think $80, you can get a ticket, for a year, for a car load of people, Valid for any park, and unlimited entries. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, plus loads of other amazing places.

We drove into the Everglades, visited the Visitors Centre, and then headed out on a few walks around the water.

We saw these huge grasshoppers.

An alligator (we saw a couple, but they were so hard to photograph as were so well camouflaged)

And a turtle!

We did a few walks in different parts of the park, and then headed to our next hotel, closer to a beach.

After checking in, we had a wander around the town (which was very empty) and the headed to the beach (along with everyone else). We sat outside at a bar, had some dinner while live music was being played at the place next door.

This was the view at dinner. Perfect.

Then we walked along the beach a bit, and sat for a while watching the pelicans diving.

Just after seeing this, we saw a manatee in the water! I was so excited by this, as I have only seen them in rescue centres before. But it went underwater before we could take a photo.

The next morning we were off to Kennedy Space Centre. We had been there years ago (possibly 12 years ago?) so a lot had changed.

As soon a we arrived we got on the bus tour which takes you around the various launch sites and buildings.

That is what a launch does to metal!

It is hard to imagine the scale of the rockets.

I even got to touch a piece of moon rock! How exciting!

We saw some more rockets, and then went inside another building for an IMax film about the space shuttles, which was brilliant. The most amazing part was going into the room afterwards and seeing one of the shuttles.

Very cool.

They had a ride, which Andy did, but I didn’t fancy, so I looked at some of the other exhibits- it’s a bit like the Science Museum space section, with astronaut suits, the car they ride in to the launch and other paraphernalia.

It was interesting to hear about the new companies (like Space X) and what they are building. We saw information about inflatable domes to be used potentially on Mars, or as additions to the Space Station.

Even though I would not fancy being an astronaut, I always loved astrophysics and it was inspiring to see all the obstacles the engineers had to overcome.

It was a great place to visit, and I am very glad we made the time to go there this time.

We left mid-afternoon, for the drive to Orlando. During the drive we went across a long causeway (I think) and saw lots of dolphins leaping in the sea- very exciting! Once in Orlando, we stopped at a few shops, and then drove through the gates…

But I will save that for another day.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I was too practical for my own good I think. I considered being a zoo keeper until I realised I would have to clean up the muck, and I didn’t like the idea of breathing through a tube so astronaut was out pretty quickly.

Whipsnade stampede 10K (run like a bear has escaped)

I was really looking forward to seeing some funny signs at this race, but, alas, there were none to be seen.

On the plus side, it was a great race, with the added bonus of the race entry fee including admission to the zoo, so it was a proper day out.

Luckily it was not too far away, so after getting up at 7.15 and having some toast, I could take my time to get ready. I had taped the timer chip to my shoes, as it was one of the plastic strips that is meant to slot together, but in reality will come off fairly easily. I am still loving the event clips for numbers, instead of safety pins, too. We left at around 8.15, and arrived ready to park at 8.45. A small gripe is that spectators were meant to be able to buy tickets at a discounted price, in advance, but yesterday when we tried to book a ticket for Andy the discount code wouldn’t work.

Anyway, having a race somewhere like this meant ample real toilet blocks, and no queues either.

While we were waiting we looked at some of the photographs from a wildlife photography exhibition, and also watched the muntjac deer resting in the sun.

The race had a jazzercise warm up (no, I didn’t partake- I just kept my top on until the last possible moment as it was a bit chilly in the breeze), and then we were asked to line up by approximate finish times. I went for 55-60, as yesterday I did parkrun in 29.59, so thought that would be realistic. Promptly we were walked to the start line, and then we were off. I was glad I had read the instructions- it was a three lap course, and I didn’t hear the megaphone that clearly so I am not sure if they reminded everyone. Although to be fair there was a marshal at the end point asking you to keep right for laps 1 and 2, and turn left for lap 3.

The course was around the main loop of the park. After a few minutes a lady screeched and jumped out the way as a little deer came running in the other direction! I enjoyed spotting the animals as I ran past the paddocks. Although I was so busy craning my neck to look at antelope I almost ran into a photographer crouched in the middle of the runners!

Probably 1k in you had lovely sweeping views across the Dunstable downs. It was almost like a trail run, but run on tarmac if that makes sense!

In my mind I thought I knew the course, but in fact the last time we went to Whipsnade was March last year, and so where I thought was half way around the loop was more like a quarter or a third. The road was a bit undulating, but nothing steep, although towards the end of each lap was a slight hill where you were running into the wind, which did make it feel tough. There was a water station (with cups- I approve) but even though it was getting warm, I didn’t stop.

At the end of the first lap I saw Andy and gave him a wave, and headed off on the second loop. I was still enjoying the views and the animals- some sort of antelope were galloping about which was entertaining for a bit. I also saw a bear (un-escaped), and lots of other herds of deer and things. The fastest runners lapped me at this point, but there were huge gaps between them, and I think probably only a handful went past.

The km markers were very clear, although number 4 surprised me as I hadn’t seen number 3 (it was there, I was it on a later lap)- it was a bit strange reaching the 7km mark before the 1km marker, but it seemed to make them come faster too.

The third lap was a bit tougher- I have not run that far in a few weeks, and I think my legs were feeling it a bit. Plus the sun was getting stronger. Some of the route was shaded, but some of it was right in the blazing sun and my hair was starting to get all wet from the sweat on my back- I hate it when that happens. I saw Andy further around, so that gave me a bit of a boost. I had glanced at my watch a few times, but I didn’t really have much of an idea, apart from to keep under 10 min miles, and each time I had looked it had said 9-something, so I thought I was OK.

After the 9k marker I was trying to pick up my pace, but I was just struggling a bit- my heart felt like it was going as fast as it was going to thank you very much- and I was overtaken by loads of people sprinting for the finish.

The very helpful marshal who was directing runners was shouting “you can get in under the hour if you shift it” so I tried!

My watch said 59.19, and I am very happy with that. I think my 4th 10K to finish under the hour. The official results have not been published yet. (Edited to add- chip timing was 59.19)

The finish area was well organised too- people were waiting to hand out medals, and more people were handing out bottles of water. I had packed a nuun tab in my pocket, so I added that to my bottle right away. There were tent with boxes of bananas, and Eat Natural cereal bars for you to help yourself too. (I much prefer this to a goody bag- I could at least choose the flavour I liked the sound of, plus no annoying leaflets for things I don’t want to know about).

I met up with Andy, and had my banana sitting in the sun.

I then went to change and make use of the baby wipes I had packed, and then we headed off for another, more leisurely lap of the park!

The annoying chip.

Penguins!

After this I bought a cup of tea too- even though it is sunny, it gets pretty windy right by the Downs so it was fairly chilly.

Pygmy hippos! (There was a baby one inside but I didn’t take a photo)

Giraffes! We sat here for a bit while I had some lunch- I had bought a lovely butternut squash salad thing from M&S yesterday as I knew I would get hungry.

Zebras.

Spot the red panda (right in the middle).

Elephants! And a baby one!

After a few hours we had completed a leisurely lap, so headed back to the car.

After a shower at home, we had some tea and lemon cake.

And then fell asleep watching Have I Got News For You- all that fresh air I think!

All in all, it was a really enjoyable race. It was well organised, and the scenery was lovely too. It was a bonus being able to go around the zoo afterwards too.

Where is the most unusual place you have raced?