Moving To Fetch - Last Entry On Blogspot

Saturday: I am moving to Fetch for my blog, my first entry began yesterday, after much thought (and nagging). It's more convenient for me, and perhaps I might benefit more as a runner, when other runners leave comments for me. So it is farewell to blogspot, for my running blog anyway, and if anyone wishes to follow my progress, my blog can be seen at www.fetcheveryone.com; my username is McNewbie and the blog is accessible to all those registered with the site. I've quite enjoyed this place, really, easy to use and I quite liked personalising the layout of the blog. But I am on fetch so much anyway, so goodbye, blogger.com, I shall pop back to reminisce over old posts. Onwards and upwards with Fetch :o)

2 Feet Good...

Thursday: A very warm summer's day, the sun was blazing hot; not my choice of running weather. I kept putting off my run, hoping dark clouds would gather at some point and wash it all away, the damn heat. But the sun was stubborn, glaring down on Manchester for most of the day. It approached 6pm and I finally left the house to run, wearing my Fetch t shirt due to the heat, and having drank lots of water beforehand in preparation. I had a bag of old bread in hand, having promised the mil for days that I would feed the ducks with it. This was not a very good idea, running with a bag of bread; I managed to get rid of the bread after 11mins, throwing it whilst running (no idea if there were ducks around, was too busy avoiding running into people while throwing old bread over railings). Maybe due to the way I began, I never really got into a good rhythm today, it was a real struggle . I was very hot but it was the heaviness that was more of a pain; the biggest problem was the right foot. It ached from the start, quite strongly, which surprised me, since it was okay yesterday and before the run. The ache became pain, and got worse, making it a pretty awful run, quite horrible at times. I ended up cutting the run short because it hurt too much to carry on, quite close to tears, partly due to the pain, partly due to feeling disappointed with myself :o( I ended up limping home, no walk/run home today, just a slow limp, it hurt too much to walk normally. It was easier to move along with the foot bent, curled, so that all my weight bore down on the right side of the foot. I'm really not happy about this, I have a 10mile race in less than a week and a half, and I'm worried about my foot. At least I have a doctor's appointment booked for tomorrow, I really need to get this checked out for my peace of mind. I did 2.84miles in 29mins 24secs today, I recall ending the run thinking I had gone over 30mins, but my eyes were a little blurred by then, perhaps. I really hope the doctor can give me something for the foot, resting a lot isn't a good option for me right now, not with a 10mile race coming up, and so much training to do for the half marathon. 13.1 miles is an awful lot, I've never run more than 6.2 miles in one go, never gone above 66 odd minutes of continuous running, an injury would be devastating right now, I have so much training to do. Feeling really quite worried about the foot, it aches strongly and feels very sensitive to the touch. Have I overdone things? Good gosh, that sounds laughable to me, I'm not a very fast or competitive runner. During today's run, as I was struggling along and feeling like a big damn heifer, gritting my teeth over the aching right foot, two runners came from the opposite direction. They looked so happy and composed in their running, and like 'real runners'; the awfulness just deepened. My injured runner friend was recalling the other day how, when reaching the peak of running fitness, the skin changes and feels all soft and amazing; I instantly checked my skin, nope, nowhere near any peak. Runners world's magazine discussed how reaching the peak of fitness can take years, something I can take a little solace in, I suppose. I have noticed I have been really hungry the last couple of days (adding to me feeling so heavy? I dare not check the weight scales right now). And chocolate, good gosh, really craving chocolate, and eating lots of sugary snacks, perhaps my sugar levels are funny right now. But it's the foot that is worrying me, I do hope I haven't made it worse, whatever it is, plantar fasciitis or whatever it could be. Definitely making the appointment tomorrow, just nervous that I might get told to rest the foot (silent prayers for the damn foot).

Rest And Appreciation

Wednesday: Rest day (finally). Great trainer wants me training 5 days a week, feels strange not to be resting every other day, or after two days. Today was spent busy with family commitments. The right foot didn't ache so much today, thankfully, but it's still a pain. I suppose it's best to stick to the doctor's appointment on Friday, for reassurance. I am considering moving my blog to fetch, I've known about their blog facility for a while, but having begun on blogger, I thought it too much hassle to move; however, since I am on fetch daily anyway, it really does make sense to have my blog there. I've enquired about moving all my blog entries to fetch. Good news from my injured friend, walking and cycling miles and miles, making really good progress, and has an op next Friday. All being very well, then my friend plans to make the Glasgow Half :o) Having watched a runner go through the trials and tribulations of injury, it's been a constant reminder that I must appreciate my running, no matter how inadequate it might feel at times. I really hope the right foot's aching isn't a precursor to a real injury; as much as I find running very difficult at times and I question why I even bother, I would hate to be without it. I didn't expect to love running as much as I do :o)

Head, Heart, Mind, Body

Tuesday: I wasn't pleased to get a text to run today - 4 days in a row?? As much as I love running, this programme is pushing me to my limits! I was fairly sure I wouldn't have time to run today, nor did I have much desire to, but after a chat with my personal trainer, I change my mind. Also, there was a great deal on my mind, and I was desperate to get out of the house. At a point where I was about to explode, I quickly decided to get out for a run, leaving without a warm-up or a proper meal or drink. All of this definitely affected my performance; I spent the first 10mins on the phone, as I ran, which helped the time go quickly. My pace was steady but then it got a lot harder and I wasn't in control for most of the run. To make things worse, my right foot ached very strongly throughout. I had made a doctor's appointment for Friday earlier in the day, since I woke up in a state verging on pain, which can't be normal. I hoped the ache/pain would go away but I felt it keenly today. This was the main reason for cutting short my run, doing 22mins instead of the advised 25mins, covering 2.14miles; I was worried about injury, about worsening something that wasn't a big problem right now. Post-run, I felt fine, I was able to walk/run home. At least I got a run in today, it wasn't the most satisfying, for many reasons, but it was better than nothing. I headed home after the run, quite upset, a lot on my mind, I had rather hoped a run would help more than it did. But it isn't a miracle cure for everything, of course. Tomorrow is a rest day, not sure if I will rest, if I want to rest; got to bear in mind that as much as I might need a run emotionally, I need to make sure I am sensible and let my head rule over my heart when it comes to training.

Lone Runner Plus One

Monday: The right foot was a pain this morning, aching strongly. I didn't expect to get out for a run, I was busy all day with the interview panel shortlisting. But one always holds out hope. The meeting ended early, allowing me some quiet time for contemplation, which is not always possible at home these days. Later, I realised that 'family stuff' would be an obstacle and a half in the way of running, and not only was I supposed to run, but I very much felt like I needed it. Putting morals aside and adopting cunning that I usually look down on, I persuaded the other half to join me for a run, lying I was keen on him running with me, appealing to his ego (through gritted teeth). It (surprisngly) worked, and as uneasy as I was to behave like this, I silenced the little voice in my head and hurried through a few stretches before heading out. The only way I was going to get a run this evening was by taking the other half with me, so I decided it was worth it for the sake of a run. He was short for time (another reason that he decided to come with me instead of going to the gym) so I went through an easy-to-remember route with him, expecting our paces to be very different. We set off fine, I had music playing on the mobile's loudspeaker and the pace was a little faster than I usually did, but doable. It was a cloudy evening with cool winds, good running weather. I was a little underprepared for today's run but I just kept a steady pace, the target was 30mins. Around 10mins, the other half was gulping his drinks bottle and asking when we would be turning round, I gestured to a not too far lamp post. He stopped to walk at 12mins, and I carried on, and rightly or wrongly, I was grinning and boosted by this! He didn't see my face, thankfully, I was really bouncing to know I had been able to carry on for longer than him, he who prides himself on being very fit (and definitely is much more so than me). I kept going to the assigned lamp post, then turned back, catching up with him, at which point he began to run too (petty, but then I can't take any higher moral ground). He walked/ran the rest of the route, I kept at my own pace. Today felt quite tough in bits, feeling tired from yesterday's race, the legs were pushed hard. But I felt a lot stronger than I expected for a post-race run, and post-run, I felt very good, exhilirated further by doing so well in comparison to the other half (hush, my ego!). I covered 2.98miles in 29mins 58secs. I need to up my mileages but I am pretty much following the programme. I can feel my stamina is really building up for the half marathon, feeling stronger and positive about it.

Children's Aid 10km Fun Run

Sunday: I awoke to a warm and sunny day, with cool winds. I thought myself fairly organised but I didn't count on the mil factor; porridge-d up, bag packed with snacks and drinks, I left late, with the mil calling out something about my insides falling out if I ran too hard (nice image). One can ascertain from her words that she does not and will never condone my running. However, with the other half at work, I was just glad that she was here (a rare moment to feel that way), as without her to watch the kids, I could not have made my 6th race. So off I went, or rather, panicking I went, half sprinting to the park, eye on the watch, desperate to make it in time. I was a relieved little bunny to make it to the registration point, panting already. The turnout was lower than I expected, maybe 100 runners for the 10km (there had been a 2km at 11am, perhaps that had a higher turnout). I paid my £10 entry fee happily, my contribution to charity and reducing the selfishness of it all ;o) I was pleased to see they organised a mass warm-up, we even salsa-ed to get us going (hilarious!) and right up to the starting gun, I was cheered on by supportive texts from my injured friend :o) There was a lovely atmosphere, that's what I like about fun runs, people laughing, the buzz of people being there for the fun of it. Usually, I start around the back but this time, partly encouraged by my friend, I thought it best to start nearer the front, since, surely, most folk were going to be walk/run-ing and there would be many folk slower than me? Well, that was a silly presumption... I set off and was immediately overtaken by lots of runners, whooshing past, which really surprised me. But I wasn't bothered by it, perhaps used to it from the few club races I have done, so kept going at my own pace. We began slightly uphill, then a nice downhill slope, moving onto flatter ground for a bit. As I reached the 1km, I was rather dismayed to realise the course would be very hilly, these were park areas I avoided due to their undulations! At that point, a runner caught up with me and stayed with me till around the 7km mark. Caroline was a new runner like me and I actually enjoyed having someone to run with. We encouraged the other to push ahead if necessary, but truth be told, that was the pace that suited us. Talking (something like it, while panting and puffing) was a great help to keep the mind off the tough undulations and to help the time fly. At the 5km mark, I felt strong and well, grabbing a bottle of water being handed out, trying to smile for some guy taking race photos (goodness knows how red and sweaty I was by then). At 7km, Caroline had to walk, and I carried on alone. It was, despite being annoyingly tough in areas, a very scenic route, parts of the park I had never seen before. I kept reminding myself to stay at a steady pace, to last the 10km without walking, which was so tempting when the sun was in my face and the uphill slopes were hellish. Thankfully, there was a nice downhill, before the uphill before the finishing line. I knew this wouldn't be a PB after the 9km mark, I was giving it all I had left in me, but I wasn't going to beat 66mins 15secs; I knew I could finish the race without stopping, though, and crossing the finishing line at 66mins 57secs, I felt exhilirated :o) A lovely shiny medal and a goody bag with snacks, oh yes, this is what I run for, really ;o) I congratulated Caroline as she crossed the finish minutes after me, shaving at least 7mins off her last 10km, the joy on her face and others was indescribable. We plan to keep in touch, it is lovely to meet runners who run for similar reasons and are at a similar pace. For once, I got my picture taken at the finish line (though it is rather awful, I may never do that again!). I got some balloons and teddies for the kids before I headed home, feeling enormously pleased with myself :o) Later, I celebrated as usual with my post-race drink of choice (Irn Bru). The right leg felt very stiff and achey as the evening wore on, the right foot ached a little too, but it was mainly the leg that ached strongly. The post-race analysis with my friend was a joy, my 6th race, gosh, I cannot believe I have done that many within 7 months of starting to run. And I ran it non-stop, wahey! Feeling really very proud about that, I have had a very up-and-down time with training recently, and today just made it all so worthwhile. I feel really positive about the half marathon, I really want to do it and give it my all. Looking ahead with a big grin on my face :o)

Pre-Race Day And Up For It

Saturday: Great trainer wanted me out today for a 30min run, which I couldn't make due to family commitments. I didn't mind too much, though, I was happy to make the legs 'starve' a bit for tomorrow's race. My friend enjoys dismissing a 10km run as small and easy; even though this is my 4th 10km race, it still feels like a huge mountain to climb. No run today so the mind thought about tomorrow, I watched it rain today and silently prayed for rain for my race. The plan is for the mil to watch the kids while I race (other half at work), and she considered coming along to the race ('to say I told you so if you collapse') but she decided the housework was urgent (bless her). Her concern is deeply touching but equally as deeply unnecessary. My main aim is to run the race non-stop, to do a PB would of course be fantastic, but thinking of the bigger picture, that being the half marathon, speed isn't as important as endurance. If I cannot run 6.2 miles non stop right now, then the half marathon will be almost impossible. But my sore throat aside, I am feeling fit and strong, and ready to take on the challenge. Running kit washed and dried, ready for tomorrow; feeling nervous, but not too much, quite excited too, racing gets my adrenaline pumping, and to think there was a time I was killing myself with nerves (a mental slap for me). It's a fun run, I remind myself, got to have fun :o)

Looking To Sunday's Race

Friday: The throat was better today, still achey but I had woken up hoarse yesterday, barely able to speak, and there was a real improvement today. After waving off the relatives, I got out for a run late, around 8pm. My first run in 4 days, I was almost nervous, but as soon as I started to walk, I was glad to be out. The legs felt hungry to run, I really enjoyed stretching them this evening. I kept the run fairly controlled and focused, the weather was cool, no sun, and I felt quite strong. The target was 30mins but I felt I could have kept running, the legs felt that strong, and the lungs seemed able to cope. I seriously thought about just going on and on, stopping till only when it got too difficult to carry on. But my sensible head kept telling me to be careful in not overdoing things, since I plan to do a 10km race on Sunday. Otherwise, I would have been pushing for 40 or 50mins. The run ended on a downhill slope, bucketing down, felt like pure heaven :o) I ran for 32mins 59secs, covering 3.07miles. Later, the right foot ached somewhat but my focus is on Sunday. I had known about the Children's Aid 10km Fun Run for weeks but didn't think about it much, till today; I rang up the organisers for a chat about it, and I made up my mind to do it, a race every month if I can. Also, great trainer wants me to do a 60min run on Sunday, and I have never done a 10km in less than 66mins, so the race covers my training time fine. I am quite excited about it, I am definitely a little addicted to races now, and oh yes, there is a guarantee of a medal this time, so that little bit more to look forward to! But even better is that the money raised goes to local charities and I want my running to mean something to others, as well as me. If it makes a difference to those in need, then there is a real and deeper purpose to my running.

Big Day; Not So Big Newbie

Thursday: Despite my best attempts, no running again today - an abnormally long gap for me now. The graduation took precedence, as it should, and it was an enjoyable family affair, the usual mix of near-tragedy and ridiculous comedy. The right foot feels a lot better, perhaps the rest has done it some real good. I truly dislike long gaps in running but when they do happen, I remind myself I am still training as the resting counts. It was rather lovely today to see and hear the running has paid off in weight-loss terms; my mother, usually scolding me (and rightly so) over my excessive weight, was extremely proud that I had lost weight and scrubbed up okay on an important familt occasion :o) Everyone commented how good running was for me, except the mil, who though is pleased I have lost weight, refuses to back my running in any shape or form. I'm pleased too, I feel fitter and I like how I look more, hope it carries on this way, more weight loss and more feel-good endorphins from my running :o)

Missed Running

Wednesday: More relatives arrived today, wanted ones this time, so smiles all round. However, got caught up with the mil's housecleaning frenzy and was unable to get away for a run. Though, on my older brother's arrival, I managed to talk him into arranging a time we could both go for a run. That fell through, and with hindsight, I should have just left him and gone (my hostess skills be damned!). It was very disappointing, I was so looking forward to a run today, but it was nice to see my brothers and catch up with them. Try again tomorrow, though that is even harder - the other half is graduating, and sneaking off for a run seems rather selfish, really. However, my eyes will be peeled for a 'time gap', as always ;o)

Croaking

Tuesday: Though great trainer wanted me to run today, I was too busy with family commitments, so took today as a rest day, for the thoat and the right foot. The voice is becoming increasingly croaky and hoarse, I feel a little run-down with it, but it's just the throat, and the nose too, very blocked. Hope to be back out tomorrow, as the unwanted guests left today, much to my joy and pleasure :o)

No Rest For The Unwell

Monday: Last week was the first week I had stuck to the training programme 100% :o) Today's run was another unexpected one, I thought I wouldn't have time, but I snuck it in, though later, I had a bunch of family dismayed with my timekeeping ;o) Running feels like a break for freedom at the moment, it means a lot to have that time away. I wasn't feeling 100%, due to the nose and throat problems, and ran less than the 30min target. I did 25 mins 54secs, covering 2.8miles, and it was a real struggle, keeping the breathing right. I was still quite pleased to have dobe at least 25mins, feeling how I did, sometimes the running helps me feel better anyway. Later in the evening, I was surprised to discover great trainer wanted me to train again tomorrow, 4 days of running on the trot?? What happened to resting?? But I know this is where the training steps up a gear, it is getting more intense, and necessarily so - 13 odd miles is no joke, it has to be taken seriously. I just wish I felt better, these colds and infections are as bad as injuries, but I have no scars to show for them, so they don't feel as 'major'. Just as irritating, though, if not more.

Darkness and Light

Sunday: A busy day with family, as the mil arrived, and I was not expecting to be able to run. However, I tried my luck during a quiet time, and jumped at the opportunity when it arose. Obsessive about running? Moi? ;o) I was so very keen to run, unwanted relatives were due to arrive later, so this was my chance to work out all the anger/frustration in me, leaving only a calm and collected woman to face 'the darkness'. One problem - I awoke today feeling like the tonsil infection of some weeks ago was coming back. My throat ached, I felt incredibly lethargic and I wasn't 'with it'. Lots of painkillers and fluids kept me going and got me feeling near normal fast. I got out to run around 8pm, very late for me, but it was still very light outside. I kept a very slow pace, resisting the urge to go very fast; the nose was sniffly and the throat ached, which made the tough bits even tougher. Great trainer wanted 50mins today and keeping the pace slow was key to making me hit that target. This has been the first week since I started the half marathon programme, that I have stuck 100% to what great trainer instructed, which has pleased me hugely. In 50mins 10 secs, I covered 4.85miles. Post-run, I felt good and strong, but later, I was back to feeling rather lethargic and down, from the sniffly nose and aching throat. But running for 50mins non stop had me smiling for the rest of the evening; even in the darkness, one can find a ray of light, peeping through :o)