Running - Maria Runs

Midsummer 5 mile series round 1

Some of the event team at Panshanger parkrun launched a midsummer series of two 5 mile races on Thursday evenings. The first one was last Thursday, in the ground of Hatfield House.

It didn’t start until 7.30, but I didn’t want to have dinner before. We had sports day at work and then went out for lunch, but I didn’t fancy any of the vegetarian options (a brie panini- I don’t like brie, or a cheddar baguette, which didn’t sound that exciting) so I had a huge iced bun instead, and some tea. I didn’t get home from work until nearly 6pm, so I had a few nakd nibbles, a couple of crackers and some coconut water, before changing and heading out.

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As it was so local, lots of the club were running and supporting. They also had a kids race which is always a nice addition.

I had not really thought about time at all, and I was chatting to my running buddy Elaine when the race started- we were right at the back but I think that is always best, especially when it is chip timed.

I had looked at the map but as I have only run in the grounds a handful of times, I didn’t really know the route at all. It started off uphill towards the house, then down, parallel to the start. Then the route went through some fields, gently uphill for the first mile. Then came a bigger hill- it was only when I got to the top that I realised it was a hill that we ran down on our Tuesday night club run- I a glad I didn’t know at the beginning as I think psychologically it would have been tough knowing how long it went on for. As I had started right at the back I was steadily catching up with some of my club mates- it is lovely to know faces at events like this and gasp a quick “hi” between breaths.

After the longer hill (which I think finished around the 2 mile point) it was a flat path through woodlands- it was a very scenic place to run, with foxgloves towering over the ferns and shrubs in the woods- some of them were well over 2 metres tall! I was smiling all the way through! I had managed to keep Elaine in my sights (she is normally much quicker, but has been training to swim a relay of the channel so has not done as much running recently) and eventually caught up with her. We had some lovey downhill sections too, although I did feel like I was being cautious and was overtaken by quite a few people here- I think I am still worried about falling. The loop finished on a track through more fields (more lovely scenery) and then we re-traced our steps for the final mile- an uphill section to the front of the house, and then a lovely downhill to the finish. On the uphill I was really gasping, and running alongside me were some other girls who were equally noisy! On the downhill I could see the cheer squad and so I tried to really push on and I felt like I was sprinting- the photos may suggest otherwise!

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At the finish someone cut the chip from my shoe, and then I got a bottle of water and a banana (hooray!)- Elaine finished around the same time as me (I can’t remember which was we finished) so we had a little chat and a photo (of course). I got my print out right away- 45.25 was my chip time, so in fact I think that was only 40 seconds off my 5 mile pb (which was from a very flat course)- not too shabby!

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I then wandered over to the club cheer squad where I was given the most amazing flapjack- it had caramel sauce, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate chips on the top. So good.

So it seems like the iced bun was a good option in the end! The next one is in two weeks time, at Panshanger, so I think it is likely to be a bit more hilly…

By the time I got home and had a shower, it was gone half 9, so I had some toast and watermelon- it felt very late to be eating though. I don’t think I have ever done an evening race before- the Bournemouth 10K was at 4pm I think, so a bit too close to lunch time. This was better being later, although personally 6.30 or 7 would have been preferable.

Have you ever raced in the evening?

WR10K 2016- my, that was hot!

This was my third time of running the WR10K event. I really enjoy it- the setting is nice (around a lake), it is easy to find (not far from the motorway, around a 50 minute drive), there is great support, the marshals are fab, the goodie bag is full, you get a medal and a technical t-shirt- lots of positives!

For the last couple of years it’s been the same day as the British Grand Prix, so one year Andy dropped me off on his way, and last year I drove myself as I didn’t want to wait around for him to finish. But this year the Grand Prix is next weekend, so he drove us up there. It was such a warm day- we are not used to this! I had put on sun cream but once we were out of the car and walking around I wished I had brought my visor with me as it was so bright.

They had the warm up but I stayed away for that, although to be fair it is a proper warm up and not static stretches and Mo-bots. The start was not that organised this year which was a shame- they have pacer runners for 50, 55, 60 and 70 minute 10K times and there is a 5K too, which is one lap, so you divide the time by two if you are doing the 5K. In previous years they called groups over, but this year the 50, 55 and 60 minute pacers were all at the start line, and only the 70 minute pacer was further back. I didn’t want to fight my way through, so I just thought I would use my Garmin. I had planned on keeping the 60 pacer in sight for the first lap and then seeing how I felt, as I ideally wanted to finish in under 60 minutes, and maybe beat my time from last year.

I enjoyed the first lap although it was very hot, so I was mindful of not going too fast. I was overtaking a lot of people at the start and it seemed more congested than previous years. The marshals all had cowbells which was great. It also had the friendly feeling of a parkrun with lots of runner thanking the marshals which is always great. The scenery was lovely, especially in the sunshine, and I loved seeing all the geese and goslings. At the half way point some of the 5k runners were finishing, and I saw one of the girls from my running club (she thought she was marshalling, but they didn’t need her so she just came to watch)- I think I shouted to her “it’s so hot!” as I ran past.

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The second lap felt tougher because I was just getting hotter. There were some parts in shade, but a lot was very exposed with little breeze. I saw some people in full length tights and long sleeved tops which made me feel hot just looking at them! There were a couple of water stops but I didn’t have any as I knew I would be given some at the finish too. Around the 8k mark I suddenly felt really tired, my stomach ached and although the time on my watch meant I could still make it in under the hour, I really felt like I could not be bothered, which is not like me. I had to tell myself that I didn’t feel sick, I was just imagining it. At 9k I thought we were going through the woods but we had another out in the open bit first, so I started counting to 100. As you come up to the finish you run in front of the hotel and pub, and so there were lots of people out supporting which was great. I had really wobbly legs and tried to push through the finish line, but Andy told me I looked like I was taking it easy! Not sure if that’s a complement or not, because it didn’t feel easy!

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I was then given so many things! Water, a medal, a goodie bag, a t-shirt (I chose a medium which is perfect- it’s lovely and soft but also technical- and a much nicer fit than last year), a WR magazine, a Buff bag and some leaflets.

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The medal is engraved on the back like last year too, which I love. I had some water, caught up with Donna from my club, and then found Andy and we headed back to the car. It was pay and display and I only had 2 hours so we only had around 20 minutes after finishing. I changed my socks and shoes, and wiped my face, but the rest of my change of clothes would have to wait. I had a nuun tab in some water, and then we drove to the shopping centre. In the toilets I used more face wipes (honestly I cannot tell you how much I love to use a face wipe after a race- especially in the heat I get salt all over my face and it feels so good to wipe it away), changed into jeans and the t-shirt I had just been given, and looped up my hair (my ponytail was sopping wet). We bought lunch (I had the lovely super greens and red sandwich from Pret which is my absolute favourite- baby kale, avocado, red pepper, red tapenade, flaked almonds) and did a bit of shopping. We then braved Ikea as we needed another bookshelf and wanted to look at armchairs and a few other bits, before finally driving home.

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I surveyed my goodies! There was also a little pack of Urban Fruit dried pineapple, which I had in the shopping centre before lunch.

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I had looked into marshalling the London one, but it is the same weekend as the Disneyland Paris half marathon, so I can’t, but maybe next year. I loved the look of the cowbells!

After a shower and a cup of tea, we chilled out for a bit before walking into town and going to Bill’s for dinner- the novelty of being walking distance to town is not wearing off at the moment!

When I looked at the results later, my official time was 59.15, so I was pleased to be under the hour in that heat. It was not as quick as last year, but I am happy that I enjoyed it and still managed a decent time (for me).

Speed training, Canada and more parkrunning

But first, afternoon tea (sort of). When we had breakfast at Bill’s in Manchester we were given a voucher for a free piece of Victoria sponge or scone if you bought a hot or soft drink, but it was only valid in June, so on Monday after work we met in town and enjoyed some afternoon tea. I chose a scone, which turned out to be two, warm from the oven- lovely. Andy had the cake (which came with a little bit of cream and a pot of fresh strawberries). I had driven as it’s on my way home from work, so once we got home we managed a walk before it rained.

This week our Tuesday evening club run was speed training. Of course it had been pouring with rain most of the day, so our leader decided to change it slightly. We ran the larger loop of the parkrun course (around 4k I think), and then some of our runners were running 100 miles in June, so they headed off to do some more miles, and a few of us stayed for a bit of speed training. We used the old taxi-way to do various things- a single file game where the person at the back has to run to the front, then we used the gaps in the concrete to run out to the first one, then back, then out to the second one, then back and so on. This was tricky as the floor was slippery in places so the stopping to change direction made it harder. We practised pumping our arms for a bit (which then gave me aches for the next few days) and a bit of core strength balancing. Finally we did a time trial where we ran out for a minute as hard as we could, and then turned around and tried to get back before the next minute was up. We then did this for 30 and 15 seconds. I think I managed it once! Need to work on the pacing! Again the turning was hard- we had been warned to be careful but I was being very cautious as I didn’t want to fall. It was dry for most of it, but near the end it started to pour and I had left my tennis visor in my car. Whoops. I struggled to get my jumper on over my soaking wet skin and clothes, and then realised as I was half way home that my watch was still on. Whoops again! I did manage to edit it later in Strava, and delete the last bit, otherwise it looked like extremely speedy speed training!

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And if you listen to this week’s marathon talk you can hear a little discussion about tennis visors- honestly those guys don’t understand how annoying rain is when you wear glasses! (I feel I need to email this to them because it’s not a green plastic thing, it’s nice).

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In support of Canada day (or just a coincidence) I bought a lot of Pip and Nut peanut butter- EarthMiles had an offer for 15% off (you earn earth miles by linking up to Strava or Garmin etc- activities earn miles to be exchanged for deals on various health and fitness products), and they had some limited edition crunchy pb with maple syrup. It is pretty amazing. I also got some of the normal peanut butter, and a little mixed mini case with three types (I think maple, coconut and almond, and one other)- I shan’t be running out of peanut butter for a while.

I normally run after work on a Wednesday, but my arms were aching and it was raining, so I decided to have a walk instead, and enjoy spending a bit more time at home- I feel like I hardly sit on my sofa at the moment. I had also started thinking about the 100 mile challenge, as some of the girls had already signed up to run it in July. So resting before that started would be a good idea.

On Thursday I was off to Pump- our instructor was away so they had a replacement, who does a lot of the 30 minute pump classes. She was a bit scary at first- we asked her if it was the new or old release, and she told us that our instructor should not be doing the same release each week, but changing it all of the time. This made me nervous as I had only been once since falling over, and I got a gauge for the weights I should be using, but as soon as it is something new I tend to go for lighter weights to see how I am, as I can add more the following week. So I was fairly conservative in the end. It was still good, and the instructor was encouraging, but I really prefer to do the same one for a while so I get the hang of it.

On Friday I decided to sign up for the 100 mile challenge (here if anyone is interested). I figured that as I finish for the summer holidays on the 22nd, I will have a week to catch up any mileage if I get behind. I do have a few races coming up, and I can always add a mile or so on to a parkrun to get the distance up too. So when I got home I headed out on a run (later than planned because I had not used the Bluetooth headphones with my new phone, so I then had to find the box, do the activation code, pair them together…). Anyway, the run was fab- nice and sunny but a breeze so I wasn’t too warm.

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I did some stretching in the garden when I got home too (also I noticed that my nails matched my shoes). It is so lovely to be able to cool down outside in the privacy of our back garden.

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I have been sent some Savse smoothies to sample, so I had one of them after- this one was made with purple carrots, plus berries and it was lovely (I will do a proper review later).

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My personalised vest also arrived on Friday- perfect timing as I was down to tail run and do the new runner briefing at Ellenbrook. (I have a Panshanger t-shirt, so I thought it was only fair to get an Ellenbrook vest- I had to wait about a month though). It’s a perfect fit- nice a long, and loose- it is a small but they are generous, like the milestone t’s are.

Because of signing up for the 100 miles in July, I decided to get to parkrun early and do a mile or so before it started. I passed a few of the people setting up who looked a bit confused to see me going the other way! I think I ran about 1.6 miles before going to get my high viz vest and tail runner lanyard. I had to shout to attract the new runners as the RD was positioned at the entrance to the field and not at the start, and I had a big group of people (37 first timers listed on the results), and it was windy so I felt I had to use my best teacher voice! I am so glad I plucked up the courage to do the new run briefing last year at Panhanger, because it is really enjoyable to welcome brand new parkrunners, and interesting to see where the tourists come from. I had a few late comers asking about barcodes- I think when I first went I imagined I had to run through the finish tunnel waving my barcode, so I can sympathise with how it is hard to understand how it might work.

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My tail runner view of the start.

Then it was time for me to switch roles and stay at the back to tail run. I wanted to do this as I have a 10k race tomorrow, so didn’t want to be tempted to push myself, and I’m doing the same next weekend too, as it’s the 10 miler next Sunday. I ended up walking around, accompanying a lady who had been to a couple of parkruns before, and had been doing a new to running group at a local running club. It was lovely to chat with her, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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Beautiful!

As we came up to the finish, one of our club members shouted for her name, and then all of the people at the finish gave her a big cheer as she crossed the line- it was great to see. I quickly got my chip scanned, and then jogged back to my car- my watch beeped for 5 miles on the way- only 91 to go!

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I was very pleased with my new top! I might even get another vest as I much prefer running in vests to t-shirts.

I then rushed home for a quick shower and breakfast before going to school, as I was manning a stall at the summer fair. I bought some plants on the way home, so after a late lunch and a walk into town, I spent some time outside doing some weeding, and planting a few flowers (poppies, foxgloves and cornflowers) to add some colour to our garden. I also got scratched by a very evil rose bush.

Would you be tempted by a distance challenge? I know a lot of people like run streaking, but I know it is not good for me to run every day. I did the poppy challenge last year (run as far as you can in October) and that was good as it encouraged me to go out for maybe a bit longer, but without being silly.

If you volunteer at parkun/ races, what is your favourite role?

Rain rain go away!

Not to sound totally British, but really, we have had quite enough rain.

Hard to see, but it was a sheet of water coming down as our guttering was overflowing.

Last week I went to body pump for the first time in months. I stuck to very low weights as I was feeling very paranoid (plus my arms just have no strength) but I enjoyed it and was so glad to be back.

After our weekend in Manchester I had a run on Monday after work- I did a 4 mile loop (didn’t have to stop and walk this time)- it was so muggy though, but the rain was saved for when I got home. I wore my new trainers – I keep meaning to get them out as I want to rotate my shoes a bit more. They were nice and springy. On Tuesday it was a club run, and I had such stiff calves- not sure why but on some of the hills I really struggled. A few of us were finding it hard so in the end a couple of people went on ahead and the rest of us went slightly slower. The route ended up being nearly 7 miles. Next week is speed training so shorter distances (but my muscles will ache!).

I had bought a new phone and needed to collect it so when I got home on Wednesday we risked walking into town, even though there were some huge clouds about. Again we were lucky I carried my rain coat over my arm the whole time but didn’t need it. (It has rained a lot at work- wet play is no fun!).

Anyway, on Thursday our luck ran out and it poured with rain. As we were eating dinner it got even heavier and we could not properly see out of our windows. I had booked onto pump and left with a bit of extra time. I drove down the road, only to come across cars turning around due to flooding. I went back up, chose another road, and in that road I had to turn around in a pub car park as abandoned cars blocked the road, and people were wading about in wellies. I looked at a third way but that had flooding too, and the rain had not stopped so I reasoned that if it carried on during the class I may well really struggle to get home after. So, I went home. So much for my return to body pump. I called up and they have transferred my booking over to next week so that’s something. We were lucky though as some houses close by were flooded, and a road out the back was closed.

On Friday I went to the waffle house after work- we sat inside but didn’t have any rain at that time. Once I got home I fancied a walk so we found a nice loop around our new neighbourhood (we even discovered a new library near by). It’s been great getting to know all the streets and parks nearby.

On Saturday I was down to marshal at Panshanger, and later was going into London for afternoon tea. But our booking was not until 4pm, so I decided to wear my running clothes and then go for a run after marshalling.

I borrowed a tambourine from my classroom to take, so I could cheer all the runners as they went past.

I had one of the best spots- on the corner of the lake- at this point the runners only have one mile to go, and a lot of that is flat.

I had to stand and direct them on the curved path that follows the lake, not the track heading towards me.

They then run alongside the lake before going alongside a field. It was great! I saw my dad and brother and gave them a big shake of the tambourine- I alternated between shaking it and banging it against my leg, and had a bit of a sore patch on my thigh after! It seemed to make a lot of the runners smile, and a few of them had a bit of a joke- one person asked me to sing (I did a parkrun chant) and another asked me to dance, but that was a step too far so I just waved it about a bit more!

It was very bright! All of the little thunder flies were being attracted to my orange top and high viz vest too!

After walking back with the tail runner and another marshal, I put in my headphones and headed off on a run- as I had already seen the second part of the course, I ran along from the start, up the hill, around the top, and then back to near the start (instead of carrying down towards the lake). I ran up the hill a second time and then ran along a new to me trail, before turning back and going back to the car park. I had put my Garmin on at the start of my marshalling as I wondered how far away the point was, so I walked 2 miles and ran just over 3 in the end.

The hill that I ran up twice- it’s covered in large pebbles so it is hard to get traction on as you feel like your feet keep slipping back too.

One of the “water features” was fairly full, although not as bad as Ellenbrook parkrun- that run finishes along an old air taxi-way and it was totally under water- people were splashing through it!

From their facebook page.

After heading home, having breakfast and a shower, plus some pottering (and helping Andy with the garden- he went to mow the lawn and it turns out the shed is not waterproof, so what was going to be a quick job ended up taking ages because he had to get everything out to dry on the lawn, and then of course it began to rain…) it was time to head to the station. I was going to walk but it was pouring with rain and Andy needed to buy a few bits so he drove in. I had a lovely catch up with my friends. We were near to Paddington station and wanted to look at the statue in the gardens nearby, but it was bucketing down so we just headed for the station after. Luckily by the time my train got back, it had stopped so I walked back home- it’s just over a mile so not too far at all- I just listened to some podcasts.

On Sunday morning I had to be up early as my parents were coming over, and I wanted to do a long run of around 10 miles. I have a 10 mile race in two weeks time, but a 10k next weekend so it was my last chance to get those miles up. It wasn’t raining when I left, but around 3 miles in it started. Thankfully it wasn’t too hard for most of it, but it was making the sweat run down my face more, and made my vest all soggy which was not so pleasant. I ran a similar route to a few weeks ago, but added a bit more on. Again, it’s nice to start to have a few more options and to get to know how smaller loops can be added together to make a larger route.

And look what came in the post! It’s for my 10k next weekend, and it was redirected. I thought I had changed our address on most things, but now I realise I need to go through my emails and find out which races post out numbers and which you collect on the day, and make sure I change the address with the races as otherwise I shall be missing out.

Did you have much rain or flooding?

Heading up to Manchester

Last weekend we were off to Manchester. We had originally looked at driving up most of the way on Friday, and then doing some parkrun tourism before driving the rest of the way, but we could not find anywhere suitable (eg a parkrun close by to a hotel) on the way, and didn’t really fancy that drive, so we booked train tickets instead.

It meant I headed to Panshanger parkrun- now it’s very local to me and took me 6 minutes to drive there! I think it’s about 5 miles away so potentially I could run one way (and get a lift back if my dad is going) but the only way I know is on dual carriageways with no pavements, so I need to look into that. Anyway, I was still aching after body pump, so I started at the back, although this ended up being very stop-start as it’s very narrow. I enjoyed it though. 31.20 (my 72nd one).

Then it was a bit of a rush to get showered, finish packing and drive to the train station (Milton Keynes)- we stopped on the way to get some lunch for the train. We had a bit of a panic in the car park, as it was pay and display (honestly, what a stupid idea for a train car park- what if the train is delayed…), and the machine would only do one day tickets, not the weekend rates as advertised. I tried to call them but got no answer, and I didn’t want to miss our train so I took photos of the signs and then rushed to the platform. (I called them later and they were not worried and said we could buy a new ticket online after midnight).

Anyway, the train journey was lovely- we had seats in the quiet carriage so we listened to the film podcast and looked out of the window.

After checking in to our hotel (this took about 30 minutes- Disney has shorter queues!) we headed out for a little wander and to find some dinner- in the end we went to Northern Soul for an epic grilled cheese sandwich- they are so massive we easily could have shared.

Then we walked out to the city stadium to see The Stone Roses.

First up were Public Enemy, which was just very confusing- a lot of shouting the names of people in the group- I don’t think Flava Flave even knew what day let alone what time it was (and yes, he still had his massive clock on).

It was lovely as the sun was going down – a bit like a festival.

Then the main event- they were awesome although there were lots of idiots in the crowd letting off flares the whole time. Ian Brown even had a go at some of them- they are really dangerous, but people still kept doing it. It was so weird though as so many people were getting up and going to get more drinks the whole time- seeing drunk people try to negotiate steps carrying four pints was amusing at first, and then got annoying as I was right by the steps so kept having to move so I would not get soaked. Plus even though they claimed it was a non-smoking venue (even electronic ones) but so many people were blatantly ignoring it. We saw one person told to stop, even though the same marshal was watching the whole time. Anyway, the band were great- my ears were ringing after.

We walked back to the centre as the trams were totally rammed.

The next morning we went to Bill’s for breakfast- I was very sad to see they don’t do the peanut butter French toast any more, but they still did the pancakes and they were super.

We then checked out of our hotel and had a few hours wandering around the shops before getting the train home- another good journey with podcast listening.

Do you like train journeys? It is so much easier than driving, plus you get right to the city centre.