Running - Maria Runs

Fred Hughes 10- freezing my crumpets

I ordered some crumpets this week, but they had a short date so I put them in the freezer- Andy asked what I was doing and I told him the same as I would be doing on Sunday- freezing my crumpets. That is what happens on cold runs.

So a while back I did the Hatfield 5 and at the end was given a leaflet advertising the Fred Hughes 10. I had looked at it a few years ago but it was cancelled due to ice and snow, so then I was pretty glad I hadn’t signed up. But the 10 mile distance fitted well into my marathon training plan, and at £18 (including a technical T) it was good value, and pretty much on my doorstep. I think it was also the first race I signed up to and got the affiliated discount! How exciting!

Earlier in the week I saw the weather which forecast heavy rain for all of Sunday morning, so I was not looking forward to it. Then we had a bit of snow yesterday, and I was then worried about icy pavement. Luckily this morning was cold, but there was no ice, and no rain.

I had a clif bar for breakfast, as the race didn’t begin until 10. Normally now I would run 10 miles and then eat, but I thought it would be a bit too late to eat by the time I got home.

The race HQ was in a school- a bit of a faff as I was told the car park was full, but as I was leaving a marshal came and told me they had opened up a new car park so I had to try and turn around in the road with cars trying to turn in- not so easy!

Anyway, I picked up my number, chatted to some running buddies, and then went back to my car to sort out what I needed to leave behind (extra jumper etc) and what I needed with me (gloves).

Then I walked to the race start, which was 400m up the road. It was very very cold- I had worn a long sleeved top with a t-shirt over the top, my buff (neck thing) and a thin head band for my ears, but I was wondering if I should had worn more.

The starter horn went and even though I had started at the last possible time marker (100-110 minutes) floods of runners were overtaking me. I spent a bit of time feeling a bit inadequate as all these speedy club runners whizzed past, but then gave myself a bit of a talking to. There was a 2 hour time limit, which I was perfectly capable of doing. I didn’t need to get a pb, I was running to get my distance up as part of my training. I wanted to enjoy it. According to the website it was the County Championships, so probably attracted more club runners than most, so I spent a lot of time looking at the vests and wondering where they were from. There were plenty from London as well as Herts, Beds and Bucks.

My mind wandered for a while, pondering the names of the clubs. Near me there are the Ware Joggers (they organise the Ware 10 which is possibly my favourite race)- their tag line is “we run for fun” or something, and I think they sound welcoming. To counter that, there are the Harpenden Arrows, which just sounds too competitive to me- I can’t run as fast as an arrow so the name puts me off (I do know someone in that club, and he is friendly, but also pretty fast). A few others I noticed- Leighton Fun Runners (I like the sound of them), lots of .. Road Runners (I like roads, but I like fields too), and the one that kept confusing me, Fit 4 Fitness- shouldn’t it be Fitness 4 fun, or fit 4 life, or something else?

Anyway, back to the race. It was pretty undulating- you ran out for 1.5 miles, then a loop of 3.5 miles twice (not so good seeing the 8 mile marker on your first loop, especially when being overtaken by people on their second lap!) then back to the finish. It was good though- country lanes mainly, so there was nice scenery. But there were a few hills that were not my friend- one had a photographer right at the top- what lovely grimacing he would have captured!

The sun came out, and then my arms were warm (as my top was black)- I even took my gloves off for a bit. But for the final couple of miles the clouds came over and it got so cold- I was back to seeing my breath again. I was glad to see the 400m to go sign, and had enough energy to finish strong.

I then picked up my t-shirt (you could even choose your size), got a banana and a cup of water, and then began the walk back to the HQ. That was the only downside I think, as it was so cold, and as soon as I stop I cool down really quickly. I could have put the t-shirt on for an extra layer I suppose, but I didn’t think it would do much. They did have tea and cakes inside race HQ, but I stopped at my car to put on my jumper and coat, and just wanted to head home at that point.

After a cup of tea and a hot shower I had some of my pre-frozen crumpets and yet more tea to try and warm up, before heading to the shops to pick up some bit for dinner.

I am really glad I signed up for this- I think had I not, I would not have got my long runs up to quite this distance just yet, whereas now I am pretty much level with my plan.

Official time: 1:37.41 (Position 636 of 732)- not a pb (stays at 1:36.12) but pretty close.

Which running club names do you think sound friendly/ elitist?

Jantastic 2015 Week 1- Feeling optimistic

So Jantastic started this week. In case you didn’t know, it is a (free) motivational challenge organised by the Marathon Talk boys, although this year it’s bigger, better, happier, more productive…. I mean, more companies are involved and stuff. They have linked with Strava, so I have now signed up with them. I was on Daily Mile (I like to see the stats of how many miles per week/month/year) but for 2015 I thought I would start with Strava instead.

In January you pledge how many runs you would like to do each week (I have chosen 4, as that is what I feel I should be doing but it is easy to let the 4th one slide). You can also add other sports like swimming and cycling this year.

In February you do this, and also state the length of your longest run each week, and in March you do both of those things, and predict your time over the distance of your choosing.

The spooky scary cows on my run last Sunday- I ran through that field very fast I can tell you!

Since joining the running club I have been mainly running on a Tuesday with them, so generally my week will be:

Monday: Rest. Possibly a walk if I don’t get home from work too late.

Tuesday: Running club run

Wednesday: Sweatshop run. Run there and back various routes to make it longer.

Thursday: Body pump

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Parkrun

Sunday: Long run on my own or with the club depending on the route.

So before it began I did parkrun on New Year’s Day, then 6 miles on my own on the Friday, a rest on the Saturday, and then on Sunday I was going to go out with the running club, but it was cancelled due to the ice so I went around the fields later on, for 7 muddy miles. The first parkrun back was not the best- better than my 25th one, which perhaps was not such a good idea, but I struggled to get my breath and although I loved it, I was much slower than usual.

But this week I have been getting closer to my normal running self.

On Monday I was home nice and early so we had a walk before dinner.

On Tuesday I did a club run- there were loads of people there, so we paired up and then every now and then ran back to join on the end again, so no-one got too seperated. 4 miles complete.

On Wednesday I went to Sweatshop. My marathon plan said 6 miles, but it started back in December so I am playing a bit of catch up at the moment. I didn’t get home too late, so I left with enough time to run the long way to the shop- 2 miles before it even started. Then 3 fast miles, before running home, for 5.55 miles. Not too shabby, and close enough to my plan to keep me feeling happy.

I won this hand torch on Beki’s blog so I tried it out that evening. I was really impressed- most of our runs are well-lit but in a few areas the trees cast shadows on the pavements so it was helpful then. It has a rear red light too, and an alarm. I don’t think I would take it out all the time, but on club runs I would as I never know the route we are going to do.

Thursday was body pump. This has nothing to do with Jantastic (although I have worked out how to add it onto Strava which I am quite pleased with). Anyway, it was the new release, and I hadn’t been at all in December so it was quite a shock. Plus loads of new people came so it took 75 minutes to get through! The back track was so tough as you had to keep on adding more weight, and although I only finished with my normal weight it felt super super tough.

Friday was a rest day. I went straight out from work and got home at midnight so not even a walk after work.

Saturday was busy. I did parkrun first thing (31.41- beating my 32.19 on 1st Jan)- the weather was actually pretty kind- it was misting with rain (not even drizzling) on the drive there, but after the first km it stopped. There was wind, strong wind, but we were running into the wind on the downhills, and the wind was behind us for the final uphill slog to the finish. I treated myself to a chai latte from the coffee van, as I was pretty cold and had to walk back to the car. After driving home (in the pouring rain- it waited until I got back to the car at least), having a shower and some porridge, we went into town to pick up an online shopping order, and then after lunch we walked up to the shops as Andy had ordered something to be delivered to the amazon lockers (which by the way are the best invention). I was pretty shattered after all that walking (we probably walked about 4 or 5 miles).

Sunday I was up early but this time opted for a solo run. I am so behind on my marathon talk listening that I heard my “rate your run” from the Brighton 10K back in November! It was beautiful weather- cold, but clear and bright, although as I ran the wind picked up and my last couple of miles were quite tough. I just wanted to get some distance under my belt, as I have a 10 mile race next weekend. Originally my plan said 11 miles for this weekend, but that was with longer runs the previous weekends. Anyway, in the end I did 9 miles so I am really happy with that. It wasn’t my fastest (in fact it took me the same time as my last 10 mile race) but the distance is what counts at the moment. I needed the confidence before next weekend that I can do 10 miles, and they have a 2 hour cut off so I was a bit worried that if I needed to walk I wouldn’t make it.

So, week 1 done. 4 runs completed (and logged- peeps if you are doing Jantastic don’t forget to log your runs) for a total of 21.9 mile (how I love Strava for all their stats) and a much more optimistic feel about marathon training now. Phew.

How has Jantastic been for you?

Anyone else on Strava? Which websites do you like to use to track workouts?

2014 Running review

So, I am a few days late, but better late than never I suppose.

I have enjoyed reading the recap post that have been popping up all over blog-land, and I like to look at my own race calendar and see what I have been up to this past year (I won’t link to any of the recaps here, but if you have a burning desire to read them, then they are all linked from that race calendar link). When I looked, I was surprised to see that I did 10 races last year. That sounds a lot to me.

This year I really wanted to speed up. I think I mentioned before that I really wanted to do another marathon, but before I signed up to one I wanted to get faster. Of course I love getting a pb, but I am never going to be at the front of the pack (unless the pack is very small), and to me finishing a race and enjoying it is what is important to me. But running non stop for nearly five and a half hours is pretty tough, so I wanted to work on speed before aiming for that distance again.

Anyway, the year started well with the Bath half, although that would be a race I would not do again. I had wanted to run it for a few years, but a combination of things (late start, awful weather, no foil blankets at the finish, finish line being away from the bag drop, expensive cost and rubbish cotton t-shirt) meant that I didn’t massively enjoy it. But I ran my fastest ever half, and the closest to the 2 hour mark I have ever been. On a side note, when I trained for my first half (before I even started this blog) I read that if you finished in 2 hours you would be with the average runner and that had stuck with me. And after all this time, I am still not there. I can’t remember where I read it (it was a magazine but can’t remember which one) but it annoys me that it has stuck with me.

After that was the Sports Relief 6 mile run- loops of a 400m running track! I ended up being the first female finisher, due to most people doing the 3 mile option instead. It was a good run though, and surprisingly I enjoyed the repetitive nature of the track. I just hope if they do it again it gets a bit more publicity.

I was meant to do the Oslo Rock and Roll half (such a cool medal) but it got cancelled, so I signed up to a trail half marathon instead. Wow it was tough. But really enjoyable. It gave me a glimpse of ultra running I think, as people were stopping to walk, check maps, and everyone was very friendly. It was all about finishing, and I did, in my slowest ever time, but that didn’t matter as the scenery was just beautiful.

I did a couple of 10K’s, including the Women’s Running one- I wasn’t sure I would like a women-only event, but the scenery around the lake was lovely, and there was a good mix of club runners and first timers.

October was my busiest month, with 3 races. My beloved Ware 10 miles (how all races should be- small but perfectly formed)- I managed a pb which really boosted my confidence, as since March and Bath, I hadn’t managed pb’s in any races and was starting to worry I was slowing down again.

The 15K breakfast run (which changed to a Women’s run or something) was enjoyable to run (I saw deer and parrots!) but it reminded me that the hassle of getting in and out of London for a race is not generally worth it for me.

I did a 5K Poppy run which wasn’t timed, but a really lovely event with lots of families taking part.

In November I finished the year on a short-but-speedy streak, with a new 10k pb of 55.23 in Brighton, and then a new 5 mile pb of 44.44 (the coolest time).

So there we have it. I really should look into getting a medal hanger, as they are still just hanging on the door handle of our living room door.

I think best medal goes to the 15K (that cool pink shoe with the deer on it), best goody bag goes to the WR 10k, with an honourable mention to the Poppy run, best scenery goes to Ashridge, best pb potential goes to the Brighton 10k, and best overall race goes to Ware.

I am really pleased that I have managed to speed up some more. I know that running with Sweatshop helped, and I think I have a bit more belief in myself now. Before the 5 mile race I knew that I could hold a certain pace as I had achieved that in the 10k, so although it sounded fast, I also knew it was do-able. I went to parkruns a bit more regularly too (and achieved 25 in total by the end of the year) and I want to keep that up, although my new favourite parkrun course is really cross-country so not really speedy.

I am also looking forward to more runs with the club I have joined- I know running with other people helps. My fitness has taken a bit of a dive recently, but I am pretty much over the cough now.

I am going to have to work pretty hard though as I have a 10 mile race in a few weeks time (and 6 miles was very tough yesterday), then the Brighton half not long after that, and then the Brighton marathon in April (I didn’t quite get my 2 hour half, but I was only 6 minutes off so decided to have another try). So 2015 is going to be about running long (until April anyway) and then running for fun.

What are you looking forward to in 2015?

25 before Christmas

So a while ago I mentioned that I wanted to do 25 parkruns before Christmas. When I told Andy, he thought I meant run a sub 25 minute parkrun (although he did think that was possible)- but no, I meant run a total of 25.

But, for the last few weeks I have done no running at all. I had a cough, it cleared up, I did the Hatfield 5 mile race, and a run on the Tuesday and Wednesday of that week, and then the cough was back with a vengeance. One Thursday I could barely speak (made for amusing times at work asking the children with the loudest voices to say things like “tidy up time” ), and from there it got worse. I even went to the doctors last week but depressingly was told that I could have it for 6 or 7 weeks and not to worry, just do the steam inhalations to help get things out.

Anyway, by the end of last week I was feeling loads better- I actually had energy again, and after seeing my dad on Friday night we agreed to go to parkrun in the morning.

I felt fine, and I wrapped up warm as I knew I would be doing a gentle jog at the back, no chance of warming up. But as soon as we started running, I didn’t feel so good. Every step was hurting the back of my ribs- I think they are a bit bruised from all the coughing, and because of that I was then not being able to take really deep breaths. The parkrun course is beautiful, and again it was lovely weather- sunny for the most part but cool. I felt like I was right at the back, but I kept telling myself that it didn’t matter where I finished- the lovely volunteers would wait. I was trying to take longer strides to minimise the pain (it only happened when my foot hit the ground) but that didn’t really work. I did feel a bit fed up when I got to the 4k point at the same time as when I usually finish, but quickly talked myself out of that negative thinking.

When I got to the finish line my dad was waiting for me- I think a bit worried as I was so much slower than usual. But once I stopped I felt OK, and we had a good chat on the walk back to the car and the drive home. I still can’t decide if it was a good thing or not, but it did help me decide about what to pack. (Andy and I are off to Spain for Christmas, and I was considering taking running things just in case, but after that I decided that enforced rest would only be a good thing).

Anyway, I do love getting the text results through, and when I got mine this week I felt pretty pleased. My time was 35.35 (I do like repeating numbers) and I was 125th out of 133 runners. When I first started running, I did a 5K race for life, and my finish time then was 35 mins- it was the first time I had run without a walk break, and the furthest I had ever run, and I was so proud of myself for doing something that I didn’t think I could do.

I think what I realised this weekend is that finally my mindset has changed. Even though I have now been running for years, I still felt like someone just starting out, and a bit of an imposter at races. But this weekend I felt like, even though I had not run for a few weeks, in fact I am a runner, I have just been out with a bad cough, and once I am back to full health I will be running regularly again.

And here, for fun, are candy cane cupcakes that I made last week. They are chocolate cupcakes (the Hummingbird recipe) and then butter icing with some peppermint extract and pink colouring. I saw on TV how to do swirls, and thought I would give it a go. Inside the piping bag you paint strips of colouring (which got very messy indeed) and then put the pink icing into the bag. Then, as you pipe, the swirls appear.

I am not the best at piping, but I thought they looked quite pretty. I added some crushed candy canes to the topping, and then sprinkled with edible glitter (or non-toxic glitter as I think it is officially called).

Wow, look at that, a post about running and cupcakes! Who would have thought it?

Can’t get more local than that (Hatfield 5 recap)

So this morning I was up again fairly early, ready for the Hatfield 5. This was the inaugural event, and a pretty small field of 400 runners. I was hoping it would be pretty low key, but it seemed that running clubs from all over had travelled to be there.

I decided to drive, even though the start was only about 2 miles away. I think had I been well all week I would have run, but I still have a bit of a cough and I thought that if I was struggling on the way around I would not want to have to run another 2 miles to get home. It did feel a bit lazy though!

Anyway, it started at the uni campus, and parking was fine (they have a multistorey car park) and then race HQ was inside one of the buildings which was great – I had left my jumper in the car so it would have been a bit cold to stand about in a t-shirt for 45 mins. The numbers were available to collect- no safety pins but I had brought my own!

The timing tag was not very secure- it had nothing sticky on it, it just sort of looped around, but luckily one of my friends had some tape so I used that to tape it up. A well as my Sweatshop friends I also saw a lot of ladies from the running club I have just joined, so the 45 mins before the race flew by as I was chatting to them all.

I was feeling pretty nervous- there were so many people in club vests I really think that hardly anyone was not a club runner (and yes, I know now officially I am one, but I wasn’t a registered one as I had not joined when I signed up to the race)- it really felt like I would be right at the back which is silly because although I am not the fastest runner, I have sped up and I think I am sort of running average speeds now.

Anyway, just before 10 people began walking outside to the start- I tried to stand near the back, and then we were off! The route was quite nice actually- they had put a map of it online, but I wasn’t quite sure where all of it was. We ran along roads initially, then along the old railway line (now a path/ cycle way), through some country lanes, a bit alongside a dual carriageway (part of some of my longer running routes), then the final mile was repeating the first mile in reverse, through the country lanes and path again. I was not sure what to aim for, especially as since doing Brighton two weeks ago I have only run once- the first week I was just so busy with work, then we were away at the weekend, and then I had this bad cough, so on Friday I did a 2.5 mile run to check I would be OK, but that was all. I looked at my past 5 mile times- one was a 5 mile cross country mudbath in 2010 that took me 52 mins, and then the other was the Olympic Stadium 5 miles in 2013 which I did in 48.19, so really I wanted to beat that time, but if I had a massive coughing fit then I would have to adjust my expectations.

I decided to aim for 9 minute miles to aim for 45 minutes, as I managed that sort of pace at Brighton the other week, so I knew my legs could take it. At first when I was glancing at my watch I was a bit too slow, but later on when I looked I had managed to get 8’s at the start, which is always good!

The final mile was pretty tough as the sun had come out (a really gorgeous wintery pale sunlight) and even though I was just in a t-shirt I was really hot. My worries about the club runners were of course unfounded- I mean, there were lots, but everyone was very friendly (in fact when I had finished someone came up to me and said “great running”- I think I may have passed her towards the end but I don’t know). I caught up with one of the club girls with half a mile to go, and had a brief chat (more like gasps) before heading to the finish line. The rest of the Sweatshop crew had finished ahead of me and were right on the finish line waiting for me, so once I had put on my medal and had a drink (we all got given a water bottle with water in- you know, a memento bottle and not a throw away one) we had a group photo.

It was so sunny by then too. My watch said 44.48 so I think I got in under 45- shall have to wait to see what the official time was. Looking at my Garmin my miles were 9.00, 9.06, 8.50, 8.54, 8.48- pretty pleased with that! (EDIT- chip time was 44.44- how cool!).

There was a Starbucks in the race HQ building, so I got myself a warm drink as I had left my jumper in the car and it was a bit chilly.

The race organisers also do a local 10 mile race in January, so I signed up for that this afternoon.

After a shower and some work I had pancakes for lunch- yummy buckwheat ones with Meridian mince pie filling and a cooked apple- delicious.

All in all, a great race, and one I would certainly do again. It was not costly, you got a medal and a water bottle (with water in it) at the finish, it was local, quite a nice route (apart from a small section by the dual carriageway but even that was OK), and 5 miles is a good distance too.