I apologise for the lack of updates on this blog at the moment.
Due to demands on my time I’ve not had a chance to post in quite some time, however I have still been training hard for the marathon.
I’ll be putting up posts over the next few weeks to fill you all in on the main events from the past few months.
Coming soon will be race results and pictures, weigh in results and the highlights of my training to date.
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Saturday 11 September 2010
Week 11 update - Progress!
It's almost 3 months since I started training and I'm starting to really see the progress I'm making. My ankle has thankfully made a full recovery and I was back out again running last weekend.
This week I got out Tuesday and Thursday mornings before work. It's getting darker but there's still enough light in the mornings for me to go for my run. And thankfully there's still other people out and about running and walking their dogs for me to still feel safe.
Today my target was to do 6 miles. I looked up a route online based around the local parks and went for it this morning. However I forgot to account for the distance between my flat and the park and I ended up doing 6.7 miles instead - a bit further than I was planning but it was all good. It was hard work today, so I walked at 2 mile intervals, taking full advantage of where I had to cross roads to recover, but I managed to finish strong which is encouraging.
I'm really impressed with the discipline I've been showing so far. There are days when I really don't want to go running, but I've been good at getting out regularly and pushing through the lethargy and I'm still getting a kick out of going the distance.
I've also given myself an extra helping hand by investing in a Dawn Simulator Lamp to help my body wake up in those dark winter mornings. It gradually turns a lamp on, stimulating the production of those morning hormones which help your body wake up naturally. So far I've only used it one morning and it really made a difference, we'll see how it goes over the next few weeks and months.
This week I got out Tuesday and Thursday mornings before work. It's getting darker but there's still enough light in the mornings for me to go for my run. And thankfully there's still other people out and about running and walking their dogs for me to still feel safe.
Today my target was to do 6 miles. I looked up a route online based around the local parks and went for it this morning. However I forgot to account for the distance between my flat and the park and I ended up doing 6.7 miles instead - a bit further than I was planning but it was all good. It was hard work today, so I walked at 2 mile intervals, taking full advantage of where I had to cross roads to recover, but I managed to finish strong which is encouraging.
I'm really impressed with the discipline I've been showing so far. There are days when I really don't want to go running, but I've been good at getting out regularly and pushing through the lethargy and I'm still getting a kick out of going the distance.
I've also given myself an extra helping hand by investing in a Dawn Simulator Lamp to help my body wake up in those dark winter mornings. It gradually turns a lamp on, stimulating the production of those morning hormones which help your body wake up naturally. So far I've only used it one morning and it really made a difference, we'll see how it goes over the next few weeks and months.
Friday 3 September 2010
Week 10 update - My first injury
After my no-go last Thursday I didn't have another chance to go running again until Wednesday. I spent the bank holiday weekend in Wales on a friend's hen-do where we did horse riding, rock climbing, abseiling and an obstacle course up a stream. My whole body hurt - it was quite a workout!
Wednesday was my first time out running in exactly a week, and although my whole body ached my legs were happy to be out running again. When I first started out I felt full of energy and it felt good.
About 2/3rds of the way round however I HURT! My back and ribs were killing me from where they'd been bashed about doing the obstacle course and I was in a fair amount of pain. I ploughed on as I had to get home anyway and it was just bruised and not a serious injury. However the pain of my back and ribs was masking something a bit more serious and more relevant to my running.
I'd gone over on my ankle on my way home from work and although when I started running my ankle was fine by the time I finished the route it was pretty sore. Thankfully it didn't swell up, but it's been aching ever since.
I called my dad (a qualified medic) and he told me R.I.C.E - Rest, Ice, Compression bandage and Elevation. Since it wasn't swelling I skipped the ice and tried to do the other three as much as possible on Wednesday evening and I've been trying to keep off of it since. It's doing much better so I'm hoping to get back out again this weekend.
Wednesday was my first time out running in exactly a week, and although my whole body ached my legs were happy to be out running again. When I first started out I felt full of energy and it felt good.
About 2/3rds of the way round however I HURT! My back and ribs were killing me from where they'd been bashed about doing the obstacle course and I was in a fair amount of pain. I ploughed on as I had to get home anyway and it was just bruised and not a serious injury. However the pain of my back and ribs was masking something a bit more serious and more relevant to my running.
I'd gone over on my ankle on my way home from work and although when I started running my ankle was fine by the time I finished the route it was pretty sore. Thankfully it didn't swell up, but it's been aching ever since.
I called my dad (a qualified medic) and he told me R.I.C.E - Rest, Ice, Compression bandage and Elevation. Since it wasn't swelling I skipped the ice and tried to do the other three as much as possible on Wednesday evening and I've been trying to keep off of it since. It's doing much better so I'm hoping to get back out again this weekend.
Friday 27 August 2010
Week 9 update
Tuesday morning I was up bright and (very) early and impressed even myself by managing to fit a 3.4 mile run in before work. It was a gorgeous morning with the sun rising over the park and it was lovely and quiet with just the crazy people of the world out and about (some woman feeding the squirrels and us runners). I also managed to do it in under 10minutes/mile which made me really happy.
Wednesday was another beautiful morning in the park and for change of scenery I did the 2.8 mile route - again putting in a sub 10 minute/mile time. I felt really good after the race - ready for the day. And thankfully the rain had the courtesy to wait till after I was done running before arriving. :)
Sadly on Thursday the public transport let me down. To compete in the 5k race I had to get to the venue by 7:20pm at the latest, meaning I had to arrive home from work at 6pm. Due to heavy traffic and then train cancellations I didn't get home till 6:30pm. And by then I was utterly exhausted so decided to get an early night and catch up on some much needed sleep - I'll need all of my energy for this weekend! It'll be action packed so hopefully that'll make up for the lack of running.
As I'm now managing to run my current routes with relative ease I'll be looking to increase my max distance to 6 miles by the 11th of September, even if to start with I have to walk parts. That'll hopefully take my running route past Buckingham palace - what a great place to live!!
Wednesday was another beautiful morning in the park and for change of scenery I did the 2.8 mile route - again putting in a sub 10 minute/mile time. I felt really good after the race - ready for the day. And thankfully the rain had the courtesy to wait till after I was done running before arriving. :)
Sadly on Thursday the public transport let me down. To compete in the 5k race I had to get to the venue by 7:20pm at the latest, meaning I had to arrive home from work at 6pm. Due to heavy traffic and then train cancellations I didn't get home till 6:30pm. And by then I was utterly exhausted so decided to get an early night and catch up on some much needed sleep - I'll need all of my energy for this weekend! It'll be action packed so hopefully that'll make up for the lack of running.
As I'm now managing to run my current routes with relative ease I'll be looking to increase my max distance to 6 miles by the 11th of September, even if to start with I have to walk parts. That'll hopefully take my running route past Buckingham palace - what a great place to live!!
Sunday 22 August 2010
Week 8 update
On Tuesday I chose to take it easy after my dodgy run on Sunday so I did a short 2 mile run which went well. On Thursday I picked up the pace and did the 3.4 mile route in a reasonable 35 mins despite the rain.
Saturday I just couldn't be bothered, but on Sunday I pushed myself out and managed to do the complete 2 parks (5.4 miles) in a good 55 mins, running the whole way and only stopping to cross roads safely. It felt good to get such a good run in and it was a good end to the week.
My plan for this next week is to run Tuesday, Wednesday and then run a 5k race on Thursday as I'll have to take next weekend off as I'm away for a friend's hen-do. I'm really excited about the 5k race as it'll be exactly 2 months after my first one and it'll be a good comparison.
Saturday I just couldn't be bothered, but on Sunday I pushed myself out and managed to do the complete 2 parks (5.4 miles) in a good 55 mins, running the whole way and only stopping to cross roads safely. It felt good to get such a good run in and it was a good end to the week.
My plan for this next week is to run Tuesday, Wednesday and then run a 5k race on Thursday as I'll have to take next weekend off as I'm away for a friend's hen-do. I'm really excited about the 5k race as it'll be exactly 2 months after my first one and it'll be a good comparison.
Sunday 15 August 2010
Week 7 update
This past week I've been pretty busy so didn't have time to go travelling across London to compete in races, but I made up for it by making sure I did the equivalent distance in Hyde Park instead as I could be out and back in under an hour.
Thursday night I did the full top of both Hyde Park and Kensington Park Gardens and back - a route of 3.4 miles in a reasonable 35 mins.
Saturday I decided not to run as I wasn't feeling too great - generally pretty exhausted.
On Sunday instead of the 5 mile race I did the complete 5.4 mile circuit around both parks. However half way round I had to stop and walk for a while as I wasn't feeling well - which was really frustrating as I knew I had it in me to run the full thing.
Despite the week starting well it's ended on a bit of a bum note but I'm hoping it'll pick up this next week. I'll wait and see how I'm doing this next week before I make any further plans.
Thursday night I did the full top of both Hyde Park and Kensington Park Gardens and back - a route of 3.4 miles in a reasonable 35 mins.
Saturday I decided not to run as I wasn't feeling too great - generally pretty exhausted.
On Sunday instead of the 5 mile race I did the complete 5.4 mile circuit around both parks. However half way round I had to stop and walk for a while as I wasn't feeling well - which was really frustrating as I knew I had it in me to run the full thing.
Despite the week starting well it's ended on a bit of a bum note but I'm hoping it'll pick up this next week. I'll wait and see how I'm doing this next week before I make any further plans.
Weekly Weigh-in - 15/08/10
My weekly weigh-in sessions will be suspended until further notice as my bathroom scales are proving to be both inconsistent and inaccurate. I'm going to try and find some form of work around, but for now I'll not be posting my weigh-ins.
This morning my weight was somewhere between 72.7 and 74.2 - so I've either gained weight or lost it....not the most useful information.
At the end of the day I'm not so concerned about actual weight as I am about body shape - but it would be useful to be able to track my weightloss, especially when it's gradual.
This morning my weight was somewhere between 72.7 and 74.2 - so I've either gained weight or lost it....not the most useful information.
At the end of the day I'm not so concerned about actual weight as I am about body shape - but it would be useful to be able to track my weightloss, especially when it's gradual.
Tuesday 10 August 2010
First Work Handicap Race
Today I ran my first handicap race at work. I was really nervous about it before hand but it went really well.
I was the first person to start which A) was nerve wracking as I didn't know the route very well, and B) made me think everyone would fly past me. But another woman joined at the last minute and ran with me which meant I had someone to talk to on the way round (I know, I know, no talking when racing - but hey, it was the first one!)
The good news is that nobody caught us up and at despite having to walk up the hill that's at the halfway point I managed to finish strong with a good sprint across the finish line leaving the other lady behind.
With a finish time of 30mins 40secs I was pretty pleased as I beat my projected time but set a nice reasonable time to beat in the future.
I'll need to do some work on my hills in future so that that darn hill doesn't slow me down, but apart from that it's all going good. Of course the builders wolf whistling at me half way round just left me confused - I mean REALLY? I was bright red, sweaty and gross - do they have no standards?!
I was the first person to start which A) was nerve wracking as I didn't know the route very well, and B) made me think everyone would fly past me. But another woman joined at the last minute and ran with me which meant I had someone to talk to on the way round (I know, I know, no talking when racing - but hey, it was the first one!)
The good news is that nobody caught us up and at despite having to walk up the hill that's at the halfway point I managed to finish strong with a good sprint across the finish line leaving the other lady behind.
With a finish time of 30mins 40secs I was pretty pleased as I beat my projected time but set a nice reasonable time to beat in the future.
I'll need to do some work on my hills in future so that that darn hill doesn't slow me down, but apart from that it's all going good. Of course the builders wolf whistling at me half way round just left me confused - I mean REALLY? I was bright red, sweaty and gross - do they have no standards?!
Sunday 8 August 2010
Weekly Weigh-in - 08/08/10
No big surprises with my weight this week.
My new weight is: 73.4 kg (161.8 lbs).
Week weight loss: 0.2 kg
Total weight loss: 0.4 kg
My new weight is: 73.4 kg (161.8 lbs).
Week weight loss: 0.2 kg
Total weight loss: 0.4 kg
Saturday 7 August 2010
Week 6 update
After my mid-week review of my aims in running I put in a good week.
Thursday morning before work, despite sleeping in, I was able to nip out
for 2.8 miles down the side of Hyde Park. As I knew I was running late I
pushed myself to run the whole way, but it wasn't too difficult as I found
a good stride and managed to do it in about 25 mins.
Saturday morning was the Serpentine's monthly handicap race. It was a grey
muggy day with some drizzle. A couple of the girls I ran the race with last
month were there and we started at about the same time. It was nice to have
people to pace myself with and it was our aim to do the full 4.3 mile race
without having to slow to a walk.
After a quarter of the way round I was struggling so I slowed and let them
pull away, I really didn't think I'd catch them up again. I managed to keep
going for the second quarter when I caught up with a girl who'd started
earlier than us. Now last month we stopped to walk at the halfway point to
catch our breath, so although I'd made it this far and was overtaking this
girl I knew if I didn't pace myself I wouldn't be able to make it all the
way round without walking. So I decided to fall in with her and keep it
nice and slow and steady.
This got me through the third quarter but it was a struggle. By the time we
got to the 3/4 mark we were starting to get overtaken by the main body of
runners making for the finish line. The girl I was running with had to slow
to a walk but I was determined to run the whole way round and strangely the
people overtaking me gave me extra energy to push on.
Then as I came up to the final 1/8th of the race I started to overtake a
couple people - this really gave me a buzz and I powered on. It was a
struggle not to go hell for leather too soon, but I held back knowing I
didn't want to burn out before the finish line. I overtook one of the girls
I started with - I really didn't think I'd catch her but I did. Then as we
came up to the finish line she came sneaking up behind me - I wasn't having
none of it! I was only planning on jogging across the finish line but this
sudden burst of competitiveness found me some extra energy and I sprinted
across the finish line, beating her by 2 seconds! I got quite a fun buzz
from it too! :)
My final time was 46mins and 31seconds - a personal best, shaving a couple
minutes off my time from last month.
This next week I have a further 3 races which will cover my training quite
nicely. On Tuesday it is my work's handicap race - a circuit of 3 miles.
That'll be a new experience for me, running at lunchtime, running with my
work's running club and running in Reading so it'll be interesting to see
how it goes! Hopefully it will go smoothly as I'm planning on making it a
regular occurance, especially when the winter draws in and running
before/after work stops being an option.
Then on Thursday evening I have the athletics league 3.5 mile race followed
by the summer league 5 mile race on Sunday. I'll give them my best shot,
try to do them without having to stop to walk and see how it goes! I might
go running with the club on Saturday morning, but I'll decide on that
closer to the time - I'll see how my body is doing as I don't want to
overdo it. So here's to a good week!
Thursday morning before work, despite sleeping in, I was able to nip out
for 2.8 miles down the side of Hyde Park. As I knew I was running late I
pushed myself to run the whole way, but it wasn't too difficult as I found
a good stride and managed to do it in about 25 mins.
Saturday morning was the Serpentine's monthly handicap race. It was a grey
muggy day with some drizzle. A couple of the girls I ran the race with last
month were there and we started at about the same time. It was nice to have
people to pace myself with and it was our aim to do the full 4.3 mile race
without having to slow to a walk.
After a quarter of the way round I was struggling so I slowed and let them
pull away, I really didn't think I'd catch them up again. I managed to keep
going for the second quarter when I caught up with a girl who'd started
earlier than us. Now last month we stopped to walk at the halfway point to
catch our breath, so although I'd made it this far and was overtaking this
girl I knew if I didn't pace myself I wouldn't be able to make it all the
way round without walking. So I decided to fall in with her and keep it
nice and slow and steady.
This got me through the third quarter but it was a struggle. By the time we
got to the 3/4 mark we were starting to get overtaken by the main body of
runners making for the finish line. The girl I was running with had to slow
to a walk but I was determined to run the whole way round and strangely the
people overtaking me gave me extra energy to push on.
Then as I came up to the final 1/8th of the race I started to overtake a
couple people - this really gave me a buzz and I powered on. It was a
struggle not to go hell for leather too soon, but I held back knowing I
didn't want to burn out before the finish line. I overtook one of the girls
I started with - I really didn't think I'd catch her but I did. Then as we
came up to the finish line she came sneaking up behind me - I wasn't having
none of it! I was only planning on jogging across the finish line but this
sudden burst of competitiveness found me some extra energy and I sprinted
across the finish line, beating her by 2 seconds! I got quite a fun buzz
from it too! :)
My final time was 46mins and 31seconds - a personal best, shaving a couple
minutes off my time from last month.
This next week I have a further 3 races which will cover my training quite
nicely. On Tuesday it is my work's handicap race - a circuit of 3 miles.
That'll be a new experience for me, running at lunchtime, running with my
work's running club and running in Reading so it'll be interesting to see
how it goes! Hopefully it will go smoothly as I'm planning on making it a
regular occurance, especially when the winter draws in and running
before/after work stops being an option.
Then on Thursday evening I have the athletics league 3.5 mile race followed
by the summer league 5 mile race on Sunday. I'll give them my best shot,
try to do them without having to stop to walk and see how it goes! I might
go running with the club on Saturday morning, but I'll decide on that
closer to the time - I'll see how my body is doing as I don't want to
overdo it. So here's to a good week!
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Review of Race Entries
At the start of the week I was planning on competing in the 1 mile club
championship race taking place this evening. However upon assessing how far
away the venue was from my apartment and figuring out how difficult it
would be to get there I began to review why I was competing in the race and
whether it was really worth it, especially considering it will take me five
times as long to get to the venue than it'll take for me to run the race
itself! So this made me review - why am I running and what do I hope to
achieve?
First and foremost, I am not running to win races, I'm training for a
marathon - 26.2 miles. The bulk of my training is focussing on building up
mileage. Any races I do between now and the big day will be purely for
preparation purposes. I am under no delusions that I'll win any of them,
there's far too many faster, fitter people around. As stepping stones to
running the marathon I would like to compete in a 10k, a half marathon, and
other similar distance events. I'll also work on interval training to
improve my fitness and my speed, as well as some hills work, all of which
will work toward preparing me for the marathon.
Short 1 mile races however wont exactly give me any benefit. They do not
fit into my objectives to run a marathon. They would be ideal if I were
training to do sprinting, or to compete seriously in shorter
distances...but I'm not. So what is the minimum race distance I'm willing
to do? As my first ever race was a 5k I can see benefit in doing future 5k
races for comparison purposes to see how I'm improving since the last one.
I think it is reasonable to set this as my minimum race distance.
There are however a series of races that I DO have a chance of winning.
Both the Serpentine running club and the running club at my work do monthly
"handicap" races. These work by staggering the start times for the runners
based on their previous race results with the idea that everyone finishes
the race en-mass. As you are running against your own previous time, the
first person across the line (and therefore the "winner") is the person who
has improved on their previous time the most. As *fingers crossed* I will
be improving over the course of the next 9 months as I train for the
marathon then these are the races that I stand a chance to win - and it is
my aim to win them! Quite simply - this is an achievable goal which meets
my objectives.
So what did I do this evening instead of competing in the 1 mile race? Well
I chose to use my time more wisely and go for a run in the park - making
the most of the extra time I have to go for a longer run than I typically
would mid-week. I ran from my flat, the full length of the top of Hyde Park
and Kensington Park Gardens and back - a distances of 3.4 miles total which
I did in about 35 mins. I ran quite fast as I wanted to get home before it
started to get dark and I took short breathers to tide me over but all in
all it was a good run.
championship race taking place this evening. However upon assessing how far
away the venue was from my apartment and figuring out how difficult it
would be to get there I began to review why I was competing in the race and
whether it was really worth it, especially considering it will take me five
times as long to get to the venue than it'll take for me to run the race
itself! So this made me review - why am I running and what do I hope to
achieve?
First and foremost, I am not running to win races, I'm training for a
marathon - 26.2 miles. The bulk of my training is focussing on building up
mileage. Any races I do between now and the big day will be purely for
preparation purposes. I am under no delusions that I'll win any of them,
there's far too many faster, fitter people around. As stepping stones to
running the marathon I would like to compete in a 10k, a half marathon, and
other similar distance events. I'll also work on interval training to
improve my fitness and my speed, as well as some hills work, all of which
will work toward preparing me for the marathon.
Short 1 mile races however wont exactly give me any benefit. They do not
fit into my objectives to run a marathon. They would be ideal if I were
training to do sprinting, or to compete seriously in shorter
distances...but I'm not. So what is the minimum race distance I'm willing
to do? As my first ever race was a 5k I can see benefit in doing future 5k
races for comparison purposes to see how I'm improving since the last one.
I think it is reasonable to set this as my minimum race distance.
There are however a series of races that I DO have a chance of winning.
Both the Serpentine running club and the running club at my work do monthly
"handicap" races. These work by staggering the start times for the runners
based on their previous race results with the idea that everyone finishes
the race en-mass. As you are running against your own previous time, the
first person across the line (and therefore the "winner") is the person who
has improved on their previous time the most. As *fingers crossed* I will
be improving over the course of the next 9 months as I train for the
marathon then these are the races that I stand a chance to win - and it is
my aim to win them! Quite simply - this is an achievable goal which meets
my objectives.
So what did I do this evening instead of competing in the 1 mile race? Well
I chose to use my time more wisely and go for a run in the park - making
the most of the extra time I have to go for a longer run than I typically
would mid-week. I ran from my flat, the full length of the top of Hyde Park
and Kensington Park Gardens and back - a distances of 3.4 miles total which
I did in about 35 mins. I ran quite fast as I wanted to get home before it
started to get dark and I took short breathers to tide me over but all in
all it was a good run.
Sunday 1 August 2010
Weekly Weigh-in - 01/08/10
Not surprisingly after another week of not running I've put weight back on again - possibly also water as I've been super-hydrating to try and treat my sunburn. It's a bit frustrating to be pretty much back at my starting weight, but I was speaking to another runner the other day who said once I get up to 30miles/week then I'll really struggle to keep the weight on, so that's encouraging!
My new weight is: 73.6 kg (162.3 lbs).
Week weight gain: 0.9 kg
Total weight loss: 0.2 kg
My new weight is: 73.6 kg (162.3 lbs).
Week weight gain: 0.9 kg
Total weight loss: 0.2 kg
Week 5 update
Thankfully after a very long week my stomach bug finally cleared. However last Sunday we went to the Farnborough Airshow and although I was prepared for hunger, thirst, rain, cold, and even dry eyes, I stupidly wasn't prepared for direct sun! I got absolutely scorched, definitely the worst burn I've ever had. My poor shoulders and chest blistered and the sunglasses outline burned into my face caused great amusement at the office. Since movement and sweating wasn't exactly desirable I decided to take another week of running.
Yesterday I helped out at a club track and field event (smothered in suncream this time!) but it got me itching to get out running again, so although I'm not 100% healed I got on my running shoes today and hit the park. Man it felt good to be out running again!! I took it easy, although I did the full 5.4 mile circuit of the park I walked to the park and back and alternated running and walking around the park, running a mile fairly quickly then walking about a half mile. I got a real buzz every time I got running and I'm looking forward to my next time out!
On Tuesday evening I'll be competing in the 1 mile club championship race, then I'll do a 2.8 route on Thursday morning before work and finally a long run in the park on Saturday before heading off to help at another track and field event for the club. I'll be gently easing myself back into running, and then next week I'll ramp it up a bit more, I want to start getting some more mileage in.
Yesterday I helped out at a club track and field event (smothered in suncream this time!) but it got me itching to get out running again, so although I'm not 100% healed I got on my running shoes today and hit the park. Man it felt good to be out running again!! I took it easy, although I did the full 5.4 mile circuit of the park I walked to the park and back and alternated running and walking around the park, running a mile fairly quickly then walking about a half mile. I got a real buzz every time I got running and I'm looking forward to my next time out!
On Tuesday evening I'll be competing in the 1 mile club championship race, then I'll do a 2.8 route on Thursday morning before work and finally a long run in the park on Saturday before heading off to help at another track and field event for the club. I'll be gently easing myself back into running, and then next week I'll ramp it up a bit more, I want to start getting some more mileage in.
Sunday 25 July 2010
Weekly Weigh-in - 25/07/10
This weeks weight loss is no doubt due to being unwell, not the most ideal way to lose weight but it still feels nice to see that I've lost 1 kilo. Sadly once I'm on the mend that'll no doubt balance out. Ah well, I can enjoy it while it lasts!
My new weight is: 72.7 kg (160.3 lbs).
Week weight loss: 0.6 kg
Total weight loss: 1.1 kg
My new weight is: 72.7 kg (160.3 lbs).
Week weight loss: 0.6 kg
Total weight loss: 1.1 kg
Saturday 24 July 2010
Week 4 update
Well this week started out well - Monday morning I was up bright and early at 5:50 and I ran the 2.8 mile route I like to do. I completed it in about 25 minutes. I'm definitely speeding up and finding it much easier to run the full route, which feels really good.
Sadly however I came down with a nasty stomach bug which had me in hospital for blood tests and has wiped out my running for the rest of the week. I've had to pull out of the planned 10k race that I was due to run on Sunday as I'm still not 100% recovered.
It's frustrating as I could begin to see progress with my running, but there's no point in pushing my body too hard at this stage of my training. If something like this were to happen closer to the marathon day I don't know how I'd manage it, but fingers crossed I'll not suffer too much of this over the next 9 months!
Sadly however I came down with a nasty stomach bug which had me in hospital for blood tests and has wiped out my running for the rest of the week. I've had to pull out of the planned 10k race that I was due to run on Sunday as I'm still not 100% recovered.
It's frustrating as I could begin to see progress with my running, but there's no point in pushing my body too hard at this stage of my training. If something like this were to happen closer to the marathon day I don't know how I'd manage it, but fingers crossed I'll not suffer too much of this over the next 9 months!
Sunday 18 July 2010
Weekly Weigh-in - 18/07/10
After another week of taking it easy with the diet and also taking it easy with the running I wasn't overly surprised by my weight gain this week. Early days and all that.
My new weight is: 73.3 kg (161.6 lbs).
Week weight gain: 0.3 kg
Total weight loss: 0.5 kg
My new weight is: 73.3 kg (161.6 lbs).
Week weight gain: 0.3 kg
Total weight loss: 0.5 kg
Saturday 17 July 2010
Week 3 update
My rest last weekend did me good as this week I was back fighting fit.
Tuesday morning was a shock to the system being back out running again, but it felt good. I ran the 2.8 miles in good time, running pretty much the whole way.
Thursday however wasn't so pleasant. It was raining, it was grey and I struggled to find my stride, but I battled on and did the full 2.8 miles in a decent time. At least the rain was a good motivator to keep me going!
Today I was planning on going running with the club, but as I had plans for the afternoon I went out earlier in the morning and did the full 5.4 mile circuit from my apartment, around Hyde Park and Kensington Park Gardens and back. It was a lovely morning and although I started out too fast, I slowed down and found a good stride which saw me all the way around the circuit. I managed to run just about the whole way, only stopping to walk short sections to cross roads and things. I was really pleased with my progress today and it set me up for feeling great for the rest of the day.
I play on running the same alternate day schedule this week, Mon, Wed, Fri and then on Sunday I'm signed up for doing a 10k race. I'm a bit unsure as to whether to go for it or not as I've never run that far before, but I reckon I should be able to do it, even if I do have to walk for parts of the race. It should be an interesting challenge at least!
Tuesday morning was a shock to the system being back out running again, but it felt good. I ran the 2.8 miles in good time, running pretty much the whole way.
Thursday however wasn't so pleasant. It was raining, it was grey and I struggled to find my stride, but I battled on and did the full 2.8 miles in a decent time. At least the rain was a good motivator to keep me going!
Today I was planning on going running with the club, but as I had plans for the afternoon I went out earlier in the morning and did the full 5.4 mile circuit from my apartment, around Hyde Park and Kensington Park Gardens and back. It was a lovely morning and although I started out too fast, I slowed down and found a good stride which saw me all the way around the circuit. I managed to run just about the whole way, only stopping to walk short sections to cross roads and things. I was really pleased with my progress today and it set me up for feeling great for the rest of the day.
I play on running the same alternate day schedule this week, Mon, Wed, Fri and then on Sunday I'm signed up for doing a 10k race. I'm a bit unsure as to whether to go for it or not as I've never run that far before, but I reckon I should be able to do it, even if I do have to walk for parts of the race. It should be an interesting challenge at least!
Sunday 11 July 2010
Weekly Weigh-in - 11/07/10
This past week I was much more relaxed about my diet - just focusing on running instead. For now I'm going to keep eating as normal (healthy but with treats - no calorie counting, focusing more in sensible portion sizes).
I was therefore pleased with my weight-loss this past week.
My new weight is: 73 kg (160.9 lbs).
Week weight loss: 0.9 kg
Total weight loss: 0.8 kg
Still to lose: approx. 13 kg (30 lbs)
I was therefore pleased with my weight-loss this past week.
My new weight is: 73 kg (160.9 lbs).
Week weight loss: 0.9 kg
Total weight loss: 0.8 kg
Still to lose: approx. 13 kg (30 lbs)
Saturday 10 July 2010
Week 2 update
This has been another good week of running for me. Still just building up the mileage and my fitness.
Monday I did 2.8 miles. I ran a good proportion of it, but there was some walking as I'm still getting used to it.
Wednesday was my best run yet. After work I ran 4.3 miles with the Serpentine Running Club (a full circuit of Hyde Park and Kensington Park Gardens). I met the other runners at Speakers Corner and we set off in one big group, everyone finding their own stride. As we spread out I found myself running next to another woman and we got chatting. Infact we didn't stop chatting till we'd completed the full 4.3 miles - running the whole way!!! We found a really good stride that suited us both and the chatting helped to keep our minds off of the running and we managed to cover much more ground, much more quickly than we thought we would, leaving us both feeling pretty fantastic.
Friday - I slept in so instead of doing my 2.8 mile route I did a shorter 2 mile route instead, and as I was short of time I ran much faster than normal, meaning I tired quicker and had to walk sections. But I'm glad I didn't use sleeping in as an excuse not to go running.
As for a long run this weekend - as I've already done a long run this week (on Wednesday) and I've done a great deal of walking over the course of Friday evening and Saturday while out shopping (clocking up more than 5 miles walking!) I decided to not go for a run this weekend as my body is quite achy.
My plan for this next week is to run Tuesday and Thursday mornings before work and then do a long run on Saturday. Keeping the alternate days schedule that's been working quite well for me so far.
Monday I did 2.8 miles. I ran a good proportion of it, but there was some walking as I'm still getting used to it.
Wednesday was my best run yet. After work I ran 4.3 miles with the Serpentine Running Club (a full circuit of Hyde Park and Kensington Park Gardens). I met the other runners at Speakers Corner and we set off in one big group, everyone finding their own stride. As we spread out I found myself running next to another woman and we got chatting. Infact we didn't stop chatting till we'd completed the full 4.3 miles - running the whole way!!! We found a really good stride that suited us both and the chatting helped to keep our minds off of the running and we managed to cover much more ground, much more quickly than we thought we would, leaving us both feeling pretty fantastic.
Friday - I slept in so instead of doing my 2.8 mile route I did a shorter 2 mile route instead, and as I was short of time I ran much faster than normal, meaning I tired quicker and had to walk sections. But I'm glad I didn't use sleeping in as an excuse not to go running.
As for a long run this weekend - as I've already done a long run this week (on Wednesday) and I've done a great deal of walking over the course of Friday evening and Saturday while out shopping (clocking up more than 5 miles walking!) I decided to not go for a run this weekend as my body is quite achy.
My plan for this next week is to run Tuesday and Thursday mornings before work and then do a long run on Saturday. Keeping the alternate days schedule that's been working quite well for me so far.
Sunday 4 July 2010
Weekly Weigh-in - 04/07/10
This is my second weigh-in as part of my marathon training.
My new weight is: 73.9 kg (162.9 lbs).
Weight gain: 0.1kg
Still to lose: 13 kg (30 lbs).
I'll be honest - I'm a bit disappointed after eating well all week and running 4 times that I've not lost any weight at all. However I will persevere and hopefully I'll start to see some results soon!
The most important part of my training at the moment is simply building up my mileage to get my feet and joints used to the impact from running - that can't be rushed unless I want an injury!
My new weight is: 73.9 kg (162.9 lbs).
Weight gain: 0.1kg
Still to lose: 13 kg (30 lbs).
I'll be honest - I'm a bit disappointed after eating well all week and running 4 times that I've not lost any weight at all. However I will persevere and hopefully I'll start to see some results soon!
The most important part of my training at the moment is simply building up my mileage to get my feet and joints used to the impact from running - that can't be rushed unless I want an injury!
Saturday 3 July 2010
Serpentine Handicap Race - July
Today I ran in the Serpentine running club monthly handicap race in Hyde Park - two laps of the Serpentine, or 4.3 miles. It's a beautiful circuit with interesting obstacles such as swans sleeping on the path! It was good to be running with the club as I typically run solo - I met some new people and found my stride with a group of 3 other girls who I ran the race with. We managed to do 2 miles non-stop and only had to walk a couple times to catch our breath for the second lap, which we were quite proud of. It was such a great vibe, everyone is so friendly and of mixed abilities, it really makes you feel welcome. After stopping for drinks at the cafe for a chat afterward I made my way home feeling pretty darn good. A wonderful way to start the day!
***UPDATE*** The times are in and they are:- First lap 23mins 13s. Second lap 25mins 32s. Total time - 48mins 45s. ***UPDATE***
***UPDATE*** The times are in and they are:- First lap 23mins 13s. Second lap 25mins 32s. Total time - 48mins 45s. ***UPDATE***
My First Week
Well it's only been a week so it's too early to start celebrating my commitment to this but I am still proud of my effort this week. The knowledge that this is me training for a marathon has driven me far more than any desire to lose weight or get fit has ever done in the past. Despite blisters, heat and work commitments I have managed to do all of the running that I planned out at the start of the week.
I've already posted about my run last Sunday and my race on Thursday. Tuesday morning I did a quick 2 mile run before work and managed to do it in about 20 minutes which I was quite pleased about. It felt good to be out running on a beautiful morning while the park was still quiet - even though I was half asleep when I started! By the time I was finished I felt GOOD!
This next week I have no races lined up. As my knees and hips are feeling a bit achy I think I'll spread my running out this next week and aim for Monday morning before work, Wednesday after work with the club, Friday before work and then Sunday do a longer run in the park. That gives me tomorrow off to rest which I think my poor joints will need!
I've already posted about my run last Sunday and my race on Thursday. Tuesday morning I did a quick 2 mile run before work and managed to do it in about 20 minutes which I was quite pleased about. It felt good to be out running on a beautiful morning while the park was still quiet - even though I was half asleep when I started! By the time I was finished I felt GOOD!
This next week I have no races lined up. As my knees and hips are feeling a bit achy I think I'll spread my running out this next week and aim for Monday morning before work, Wednesday after work with the club, Friday before work and then Sunday do a longer run in the park. That gives me tomorrow off to rest which I think my poor joints will need!
Thursday 1 July 2010
My First Race! 5k.
Everyone was really friendly and really encouraging - it was great as I was really nervous about being the "new kid".
Afterward everyone kept asking me if I enjoyed it - honestly, no I thought I was going to die, I started to need a wee half way around and there were moments when I really felt like giving up. But I kept pushing myself thinking "On marathon day you can't just give up!" I ran most of the race, but I did stop to walk sections to catch my breath. The next 5k I run my aim is to run the entire thing - regardless of time.
Although I may not have enjoyed the race itself, the euphoria afterward is remarkable! I feel amazing! I'm so proud of myself and just feeling great. Even looking forwards to the next one!
I don't yet know my time, but once the club announces it I'll post it on here. It felt like it took FOREVER, but we'll see what my time actually was.
***UPDATE*** The times are in - I completed the race in 32mins 20sec. Not bad for my first time! ***UPDATE***
Sunday 27 June 2010
First Run
Today was my first run in about 6 weeks, I ambitiously went for the full 5 mile run around Hyde Park, which considering the temperature outside (29 deg C) turned out to be the best idea as it kept me in the shade for most of my run.
As I've been out of it for a while I was nice to myself and only ran about half of the distance, walking the rest. It was hard work and I was definitely feeling it by the end - the heat really didn't help. But then neither did the blisters I developed about half way round, but I chose to finish it and deal with the consequences when I was done. I'm all bandaged up now so no serious damage done there.
All in all I'm pleased with my run today, I pushed myself without being stupid about it.
The plan for this next week will be to go for a run Tuesday morning before work - approximately 2 miles. Then on Thursday evening I hope to run in a club organised 5k race after work in the evening, followed by a run with the club on Saturday morning. I'm currently entered in for a 5 mile race on Sunday, but we shall see how I'm doing by then.
I'm a member of the Serpentine Running Club (see link at the side). It's my hope that between them, the running club at my work and the internet I can get all of the information and support I need to train for the marathon, but if I don't feel I'm getting ready in time I may resort to using a personal trainer, but we shall see - they're expensive!
As I've been out of it for a while I was nice to myself and only ran about half of the distance, walking the rest. It was hard work and I was definitely feeling it by the end - the heat really didn't help. But then neither did the blisters I developed about half way round, but I chose to finish it and deal with the consequences when I was done. I'm all bandaged up now so no serious damage done there.
All in all I'm pleased with my run today, I pushed myself without being stupid about it.
The plan for this next week will be to go for a run Tuesday morning before work - approximately 2 miles. Then on Thursday evening I hope to run in a club organised 5k race after work in the evening, followed by a run with the club on Saturday morning. I'm currently entered in for a 5 mile race on Sunday, but we shall see how I'm doing by then.
I'm a member of the Serpentine Running Club (see link at the side). It's my hope that between them, the running club at my work and the internet I can get all of the information and support I need to train for the marathon, but if I don't feel I'm getting ready in time I may resort to using a personal trainer, but we shall see - they're expensive!
Weekly Weigh-in - 27/06/10
This is my first weigh-in as part of my marathon training. Impressively after spending two weeks on holiday in America eating whatever I wanted I've managed to lose a bit of weight, I'm guessing it must have been all of the walking.
My starting weight is: 73.8 kg (162.7 lbs).
My target weight is approx. 60 kg (132.3 lbs) but we'll see how I'm looking when I approach that weight, I've been "too skinny" before and don't want to do that again. So if need be as I approach marathon day and as my training intensifies I will speak to the nutritionist we have supporting our charity team and get them to bulk me up some.
Still to lose - 13 kg (30 lbs).
The aim for the next 10 months will be to weigh-in first thing every Sunday morning.
My starting weight is: 73.8 kg (162.7 lbs).
My target weight is approx. 60 kg (132.3 lbs) but we'll see how I'm looking when I approach that weight, I've been "too skinny" before and don't want to do that again. So if need be as I approach marathon day and as my training intensifies I will speak to the nutritionist we have supporting our charity team and get them to bulk me up some.
Still to lose - 13 kg (30 lbs).
The aim for the next 10 months will be to weigh-in first thing every Sunday morning.
Saturday 26 June 2010
Why I'm running for Hearing Dogs
When I was a child I was inspired by the story "Sounds like Skipper" by Kerena Marchant. In it the author, a BBC TV researcher, tells how she adjusted to being deaf, and explains how Skipper, her hearing dog, lets her lead a normal life. It was my first introduction to the concept of hearing dogs and it demonstrated to me the profound impact they can have in the life of a hearing impaired person.
Hearing dogs are trained to help severely deaf people by alerting them to sounds such as the doorbell, cooker timer and smoke alarm - sounds that many hearing people take for granted.
While the practical value may be obvious, the therapeutic value should not be underestimated. In addition to increased security hearing dogs bring their recipients increased confidence and independence to what can be a very frightening and isolating disability.
When out and about a hearing dog's special burgundy jacket helps others to recognise the owner's otherwise invisible disability. If you're in a crowded space and someone is stood in your way after you've repeatedly asked to get past how many of you would just barge past? I know that after spending 2 years in London I definitely would. However if you saw they had an assistance dog you'd no doubt approach the situation differently.
One in seven UK adults will suffer from some form of hearing impairment, some from birth, others as the result of an accident or illness. My father is supposed to wear a hearing aid - he had frequent ear infections as a child, resulting in ruptured eardrums, followed by a career as a diver which has left him with reduced hearing. I inherited his proneness to ear infections and in certain situations I'm reminded that my hearing has also been affected - especially in noisy environments where I struggle to make out specific sounds. While neither of us requires a hearing dog over half a million of people in the UK experience severe or profound hearing loss and could potentially benefit from having a hearing dog.
75% of hearing dogs were previously unwanted - they may have been in rescue centres or donated by people no longer able to look after them. The remainder are supplied by breeders, or the charities own breeding program. Since the charity receives no government funding, it relies totally on the generosity of individuals and organisations to continue transforming the lives of deaf people.
I hope you will agree that this is a worthy cause and donate whatever you can - Thank you in advance!
Hearing dogs are trained to help severely deaf people by alerting them to sounds such as the doorbell, cooker timer and smoke alarm - sounds that many hearing people take for granted.
While the practical value may be obvious, the therapeutic value should not be underestimated. In addition to increased security hearing dogs bring their recipients increased confidence and independence to what can be a very frightening and isolating disability.
When out and about a hearing dog's special burgundy jacket helps others to recognise the owner's otherwise invisible disability. If you're in a crowded space and someone is stood in your way after you've repeatedly asked to get past how many of you would just barge past? I know that after spending 2 years in London I definitely would. However if you saw they had an assistance dog you'd no doubt approach the situation differently.
One in seven UK adults will suffer from some form of hearing impairment, some from birth, others as the result of an accident or illness. My father is supposed to wear a hearing aid - he had frequent ear infections as a child, resulting in ruptured eardrums, followed by a career as a diver which has left him with reduced hearing. I inherited his proneness to ear infections and in certain situations I'm reminded that my hearing has also been affected - especially in noisy environments where I struggle to make out specific sounds. While neither of us requires a hearing dog over half a million of people in the UK experience severe or profound hearing loss and could potentially benefit from having a hearing dog.
75% of hearing dogs were previously unwanted - they may have been in rescue centres or donated by people no longer able to look after them. The remainder are supplied by breeders, or the charities own breeding program. Since the charity receives no government funding, it relies totally on the generosity of individuals and organisations to continue transforming the lives of deaf people.
I hope you will agree that this is a worthy cause and donate whatever you can - Thank you in advance!
My First Post
Hi, thank you for visiting my blog. I'm Eleanor Macklin, (or Ellie as some of you may know me). For the past two years since graduating University I've been living in London, working and traveling and I thought it was high time I set myself a new challenge.
I started running halfheartedly while I was at University (Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh has a beautiful campus!) and now that I live in London I have the fantastic privilege to go for a morning jog around Hyde Park. When I get fit enough I'll be able to go running past such landmarks as the houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Number 10 Downing Street. I really have caught the running bug and so the "logical" challenge to set myself was to run the London Marathon. I've secured my place for next year - 2011, running for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - a very worthy charity. This blog will be a record of my training progress.
Of course the added benefit is that next May, a month after the Marathon I will be getting married and so hopefully the training process will get me looking my absolute best in time for my big day. I hope to lose about 13kg (28 lbs) over the course of my training - one of the parameters I'll be recording on this blog.
At the present moment I have been out of running for about 6 weeks due to an injury sustained while horse riding, however my current running pace is about 12 minutes/mile and before my break I was running about 10 miles a week on average.
My end goal is to complete the marathon - I'm not aiming for any record breaking times, just to get across that finish line. However I am hoping to complete it in approximately 5 hours - less if possible.
I started running halfheartedly while I was at University (Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh has a beautiful campus!) and now that I live in London I have the fantastic privilege to go for a morning jog around Hyde Park. When I get fit enough I'll be able to go running past such landmarks as the houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Number 10 Downing Street. I really have caught the running bug and so the "logical" challenge to set myself was to run the London Marathon. I've secured my place for next year - 2011, running for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - a very worthy charity. This blog will be a record of my training progress.
Of course the added benefit is that next May, a month after the Marathon I will be getting married and so hopefully the training process will get me looking my absolute best in time for my big day. I hope to lose about 13kg (28 lbs) over the course of my training - one of the parameters I'll be recording on this blog.
At the present moment I have been out of running for about 6 weeks due to an injury sustained while horse riding, however my current running pace is about 12 minutes/mile and before my break I was running about 10 miles a week on average.
My end goal is to complete the marathon - I'm not aiming for any record breaking times, just to get across that finish line. However I am hoping to complete it in approximately 5 hours - less if possible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)