Hi bloggees,
Its my birthday today, and what better way to start the day than running! Right! But today I was running with another friend who is into running, and needs company especially in the winter months during the evenings.
Now this new friend I have decided to call the whippet! She is fast, she has run 5 marathons so far and is bouncy and energetic.
She came to my door bearing gifts, which I thought was really lovely, and she was looking good. Proper running gear on, she left her garmin in doors. This girl is a proper runner, like naggy is. Why do I do it to myself! "I will run at your pace" she says, I was thinking that is the only pace I can run at. Now its pretty cold out there today, it feels even colder than last night at 8, but I'm sure that's because I just walked out my nice warm house! So no standing around discussing which way we are running, its just run and discuss on the way.
You can tell that Whippet is a running, she is keen to get going, and I was already in my out of my pace zone trying to keep up with her, and had to admit, "I am a slow runner" "Oh so am I" she said with all seriousness! So I thought I would just let the run explain to her as we jogged on.
She was chatting away to me, in her hat and gloves, and not sounding out of breath in this cold air, and I was just about answering her. The chill really has affected me! But I slowly reel her in and she is running at my pace. She almost looks as if she is running on spot! I can tell she wants to 'take off' and we are only on Farringdon! But I managed to keep her at arms length, but the cold is getting to me, the run yesterday is still in my legs, yet I am still so happy to be out!!
By the time we get on to Southborough I have had to stop, of course, when I say stop, its not like the breather I had on Tuesday where we all come to a full stop and heard advice from the coach, no! Just a stop from jogging and walking. Walking fast to keep up with the whippet!.
I managed to get to the pub with maybe one more walk and then past there heading towards Turp. Then I get a phone call, of course I had to answer it! It was my friend, she couldn't believe that I was out jogging, in the cold, on my birthday and talking to her on the telephone! Even the whippet was impressed (I think)
Onwards and onwards towards Turp, each left turn we passed the wippet was asking if we turn here, I was obviously running rings around her, NOT! She was probably thinking how far can this old girl actually go! We soon reached the turn left. And I just walked again. Just a little further on and even walked into Greenway, but then I started running again. By now the whippet was well warmed up and you can tell she just need to let go, so she took off, and then she ran back! What a show off! And this is how we ran the rest of the way home.
I think I may have stopped a couple of other times before we get to the road that I will never allow myself to walk on. By now I was puffing, my legs were beginning to tire more, and the aches and pains were telling me that they are there. I think whippet was quite pleased with the little jog, because she is suffering from her own aches and pains in her hip, which she thinks maybe due to running on pavements. Maybe next time we will run through the woods or Jubilee park, let her run free on the fields!
Totally focused now, run to the end of the end of this road, turn right and finish in style! Well that was my plan, I only just about managed to build the speed up, just a tad, not enough for whippet to have noticed. We got to my door and she looked gorgeous, not a bead of sweat, it was almost like a warm up 3 miles before the rest of the race! I looked a sweaty pink mess as per usual.
She popped into my house and just chatted for a short while, swapped mobile numbers and I suggest that her and naggy should get together and they could run together on those long distances they both like doing, 10 - 13 miles!
So todays run 3.34 miles in 43 mins, only a minute slower than yesterday! I was sure I was running at a slightly faster pace! Oh well, the fact that I am out and I am running and keeping fit, that's what its all about!
Friday 26 November 2010
Thursday 25 November 2010
Chilly! But I'm Still Smilling
Hello blogees!
Yes I went out again. This old girl is just so hooked on running and getting fit. Even winter is not going to stop me, I might slow me down, but that's about it!
Naggys mum is here with her this week, so we could both get this evening run in! She was so needing to get out, her gorgeous little man was celebrating his birthday yesterday and like all little tiny boys on their birthdays, he was, shall we say, rather excited! So to get out and think about nothing else (apart from getting my backside around this route) is just what she needed.
I knocked for naggy (again, she is slacking) and she wasn't quite ready, her shoes went on the missing list. But once located we were out of the door and almost running as soon as the door was closed. Brrrrr its freezing out here! There was no waiting, setting up gizmos and gadgets, it was just getting moving straight away!
The cold weather does play a big part on your breathing! So therefore your energy, and oxygen levels etc, so get the breathing sorted as quickly as possible. I don't want to be panting, even though its bloomin cold.
"Where we going?" naggy says, "Only do the short route, don't think I could run to far, its cold" "Ok" says naggy. And I could see her figuring stuff out in her head and the she said "Right, its going to be a two stop run. First stop is at Turp, walk for a few mins, and then just before the hill on Oxhawth, and then run home from the top" She figured this out after I told her the running club got me running for 1 3/4 miles on Tuesday!
Turpington lane seems such a long way away! But its cold out, and the sooner I get this done, then I can get in the warm and have my dinner! That's right, I shall wait till I get home before eating today!! I don't want to have a stitch again! I no I complain about the running,but I do really love it, its kind of a love/hate relationship with it now! But with that in mind, my first stop at Turp then that will have to be.
Naggy is chatting away, and I am answering her along the way. Big mistake!! She obviously took this as my fitness going up and then starts thinking that maybe, a one stop run today!!! I don't think so. So I thought I had better start grunting from now.
I was really looking forward to Turp stop. I was all set to stop by the roundabout! But knowing that Turp just up ahead I kept going. Soon be able to walk. Made it!! I saw naggy turn the corner and the start walking. To be honest, I thought we were going to jog to the beginning of Greenway, so to stop just short of that was good.
Walking along, gaining control of my breathing again, and then realising that actually I am quite warm! I can't feel the cold anymore, even though I know it is very cold out there!! But all too soon our five min walk was up and it was back to jogging. Of course that included the hill but being in the dark, it didn't matter, and the fact that naggy wants me to run all the way up here and Southborough and most of Oxhawth, well, I just couldn't think about this being a hill.
And do you know, that strategy worked, because before long, there was the main road! I know normally we would turn down Holbrook, but being as it is dark, we decided to run the straight road. That little diversion worked, mentally, for me, because usually when I run up Parkfield heading for the pub, I am usually flagging, and say to myself that I shall have a walk from there, but coming to the pub from a different direction seems different somehow!
Running now, down the long long road, "half way" she said "before we stop" "Well where is half way" I said, and I am beginning to flag a little more now, "Oh just past the school and then just before the road" Little did I know that naggy meant past the other gates of the school on Oxhawth, and just before Lovelace Ave!!
I started walking, but naggy could hear, she could hear my foots steps and she could hear the rustle of my running jacket, a jacket that naggy herself gave me!! Grateful though I am, but I think it was a strategy by here so that she can hear if I was running or not! "If you walk now then I won't let you walk some of the hill" she said with her nagginess. Of course I started running again, I would rather walk some of the hill than walk now.
Turn the corner now and heading for home, still running, waiting for that road to tell me that I can stop for a short break. I was feeling pretty good, knackared, but pretty good, knowing I got another walk in a few seconds was helping. I was glaring at naggys back, and I heard her comment about I can pull the daggers out when we get home! How did she know that I was thinking that, "I hate you, your making me run all this way" "And why are you here" she says, "To jog" I said in a whiney voice. Great, naggy is walking! "You're doing well old girl" says naggy, "maybe next time just a one walk jog!" I just concentrated on getting my breathing under control again, because even if naggy hadn't said to me, from the top of this block is where I run home non stop.
"Right thats it, all the way home now" says naggy And in my mind that is what was going to happen. To show naggy how well I was doing, I mentioned that I must get some winter running pants. She fell about laughing!! I couldn't think what I said was funny, until she told me that, actually what we were wearing is winter running! well maybe a hat and gloves to be added. Well I'm glad I made her smile.
Now to concentrate on the run home. A stupid tune was in my head to keep my feet running in time, I cant think of what it is, but it was there, it was working for me, I was just running along at a reasonable pace, in the begining of winter, and enjoying it! "Finish in style" nagging said, bringing me back from my trance like state, "Ok, but just turn this corner first" and then that was it. It was not a good a finish as normal, but it was deffinitely faster than the pace I was doing.
3.34 miles in 44 mins, in the freezing cold with only two walking sections, not bad, I was pleased, and whats more so was naggy! In fact naggy said that she didn't have to nag that much, I may have to change her name!!
Yes I went out again. This old girl is just so hooked on running and getting fit. Even winter is not going to stop me, I might slow me down, but that's about it!
Naggys mum is here with her this week, so we could both get this evening run in! She was so needing to get out, her gorgeous little man was celebrating his birthday yesterday and like all little tiny boys on their birthdays, he was, shall we say, rather excited! So to get out and think about nothing else (apart from getting my backside around this route) is just what she needed.
I knocked for naggy (again, she is slacking) and she wasn't quite ready, her shoes went on the missing list. But once located we were out of the door and almost running as soon as the door was closed. Brrrrr its freezing out here! There was no waiting, setting up gizmos and gadgets, it was just getting moving straight away!
The cold weather does play a big part on your breathing! So therefore your energy, and oxygen levels etc, so get the breathing sorted as quickly as possible. I don't want to be panting, even though its bloomin cold.
"Where we going?" naggy says, "Only do the short route, don't think I could run to far, its cold" "Ok" says naggy. And I could see her figuring stuff out in her head and the she said "Right, its going to be a two stop run. First stop is at Turp, walk for a few mins, and then just before the hill on Oxhawth, and then run home from the top" She figured this out after I told her the running club got me running for 1 3/4 miles on Tuesday!
Turpington lane seems such a long way away! But its cold out, and the sooner I get this done, then I can get in the warm and have my dinner! That's right, I shall wait till I get home before eating today!! I don't want to have a stitch again! I no I complain about the running,but I do really love it, its kind of a love/hate relationship with it now! But with that in mind, my first stop at Turp then that will have to be.
Naggy is chatting away, and I am answering her along the way. Big mistake!! She obviously took this as my fitness going up and then starts thinking that maybe, a one stop run today!!! I don't think so. So I thought I had better start grunting from now.
I was really looking forward to Turp stop. I was all set to stop by the roundabout! But knowing that Turp just up ahead I kept going. Soon be able to walk. Made it!! I saw naggy turn the corner and the start walking. To be honest, I thought we were going to jog to the beginning of Greenway, so to stop just short of that was good.
Walking along, gaining control of my breathing again, and then realising that actually I am quite warm! I can't feel the cold anymore, even though I know it is very cold out there!! But all too soon our five min walk was up and it was back to jogging. Of course that included the hill but being in the dark, it didn't matter, and the fact that naggy wants me to run all the way up here and Southborough and most of Oxhawth, well, I just couldn't think about this being a hill.
And do you know, that strategy worked, because before long, there was the main road! I know normally we would turn down Holbrook, but being as it is dark, we decided to run the straight road. That little diversion worked, mentally, for me, because usually when I run up Parkfield heading for the pub, I am usually flagging, and say to myself that I shall have a walk from there, but coming to the pub from a different direction seems different somehow!
Running now, down the long long road, "half way" she said "before we stop" "Well where is half way" I said, and I am beginning to flag a little more now, "Oh just past the school and then just before the road" Little did I know that naggy meant past the other gates of the school on Oxhawth, and just before Lovelace Ave!!
I started walking, but naggy could hear, she could hear my foots steps and she could hear the rustle of my running jacket, a jacket that naggy herself gave me!! Grateful though I am, but I think it was a strategy by here so that she can hear if I was running or not! "If you walk now then I won't let you walk some of the hill" she said with her nagginess. Of course I started running again, I would rather walk some of the hill than walk now.
Turn the corner now and heading for home, still running, waiting for that road to tell me that I can stop for a short break. I was feeling pretty good, knackared, but pretty good, knowing I got another walk in a few seconds was helping. I was glaring at naggys back, and I heard her comment about I can pull the daggers out when we get home! How did she know that I was thinking that, "I hate you, your making me run all this way" "And why are you here" she says, "To jog" I said in a whiney voice. Great, naggy is walking! "You're doing well old girl" says naggy, "maybe next time just a one walk jog!" I just concentrated on getting my breathing under control again, because even if naggy hadn't said to me, from the top of this block is where I run home non stop.
"Right thats it, all the way home now" says naggy And in my mind that is what was going to happen. To show naggy how well I was doing, I mentioned that I must get some winter running pants. She fell about laughing!! I couldn't think what I said was funny, until she told me that, actually what we were wearing is winter running! well maybe a hat and gloves to be added. Well I'm glad I made her smile.
Now to concentrate on the run home. A stupid tune was in my head to keep my feet running in time, I cant think of what it is, but it was there, it was working for me, I was just running along at a reasonable pace, in the begining of winter, and enjoying it! "Finish in style" nagging said, bringing me back from my trance like state, "Ok, but just turn this corner first" and then that was it. It was not a good a finish as normal, but it was deffinitely faster than the pace I was doing.
3.34 miles in 44 mins, in the freezing cold with only two walking sections, not bad, I was pleased, and whats more so was naggy! In fact naggy said that she didn't have to nag that much, I may have to change her name!!
Tuesday 23 November 2010
YEAH YEAH YEAH!!
Hello blogees!!!
Guess what?! Go on, guess?!! I'm back to running!! I am blooming knackered though, but such a very happy knackered!
It was the first evening run with the new group that I am thinking of joining, (I have 2 to 3 weeks to decide) and I enjoyed it immensely! I ran with the 'not quite so fast' runners, the ladies who for the past 8 weeks had been in the beginners group that met on the last previsous Saturdays.
The run leader said that our group was going to do a 3.6 mile run at an average pace of 13.30 min miles. That's sounds a bit like me!! I can do that. Naggy has me running around that pace if not faster! So I'm sure I wont embarrass my self by having to make the group stop and wait for me.
I was a bit apprehensive about meeting everyone there, (no naggy this time to hold my hand) and it was in the dark. I arrived early, well, I so hate being late, to find the gates locked!! I noticed another runner loitering around and just asked her if this was the right place and right time. It was her first Tuesday here too, so we were both in the dark, literally! But eventually more and more people arrived and the run leaders, who opened the gates and then briefed us all.
After sorting out the groups, there were about 5 groups, some running for 5 - 6 miles! and others running at 6.30 min miles! I was waiting to hear the 13.30 min milers to know who to follow!
We set off at a very good pace, a pace that I know I could manage if I concentrate hard, forget about the dinner clinging on to my stomach and diaphragm, and forget about the last time I ran was well over a week ago! I just wanted to enjoy the experience of being out running again. I have decided, I don't like running in the dark, I cant see that well!! but fortunately the only really dark bit was as we were leaving the recreation ground and then we hit the roads.
I stayed up with the leader of the group, its a strategy that I thought about well before I got to the place, if I have to walk or slow down a little at least when I pick up the pace again I shall be in the middle of the pack, and then run there for a bit, and then next time I need to walk a bit I can fall back a bit more!! I'm not daft you know.
Now, we were running up hill, I thought this was good, get the hard bit out of the way before I start flagging, I don't want these guys to think they will have to carry me along! but when I thought we were going to stop, we didn't! It was an official stop, these are the beginners that I am running with! One of them even said "I thought we were stopping soon" I'm so glad that she said that and not me! But I was hanging on to hear the answer. "Just up this road and around the corner, only a minute from here" was the reply Oh was I pleased about that! I don't think I could have gone on running much longer, if I was by myself then I would have 'allowed' my self a walking break by now! But we did eventually stop, on the main road. "We just ran over a mile and three quarters," the run leader said. And we were all really astonished at our achievement and was very pleased with out selves. We had a very short 3 or 4 mins break, which I was very relieved about, I had a stitch for the last couple of hundred metres!!
Here is where our group was to split. Those who feel can go a little faster will go with another memeber of the PWR and those of us left will carry on doing the 13.30 min mile pace. So with the other half of the group on their way, and a bit of advice from the run leader about how to relieve a stitch and how to prevent it in first place (eating is not a good idea before a run!) we were on a way back to the start. Only same amount of distance that we just covered!!
But the way home was better! It was downhill. Oh boy do I like downhill. Let the hill do the work. Things look different in the dark and I wasn't quite sure where I was, but had a slight idea where. But when we got to a turning that went right I realised that I wasn't where I thought I was and was in fact was slighter further! Just as well I managed to keep up with the group really!
But knowing that now, of course I knew exactly how far was left to run. You all know me by now, I get tired, and I get la'ry, and I like to say to naggy *^&%^ and ***&^*
but now, with the new people here, I just have to grin and bear it, and try to keep up with them, they all seem to be doing really really well, just keeping up the the leader, I was doing 'my thing' of slowing down to run in the middle of the pack and then running along with middlers, then slowing and running along with the backers, and then, with not that far to go, having a sneaky walk!! Only got caught out once "are you ok, said one of the other ladies" "Yes I'm fine, just taking a very short breather" I said with only a slightly breathless voice. I must push myself. If I can talk this well, then I can bloomin well run! So from there on I ran.
We crossed over the last road before the recreation ground and just the last couple of hundred yards to go. I was at the back, the run leader came back and said I'm doing well, I asked about the time we did it and the mins per mile and how far we ran, and then said to him, "Ok now's my time to finish in style" and I took off! I ran towards the sign to the recreation ground turned left into and tried to run through the darkness! but I didn't know what I was running over, I don't want to injure myself by hitting a rock or kerb or anything and just slowed down again.
But I did it! My fist official run with a club. I think I will join in, I will become a member. Then I can only get better. As it is the run leader is talking about expanding the distance already!! I am definitely going to be running outside my comfort zone!
3.6 miles in 49.00 ave pace of 13.30 min per mile.
Guess what?! Go on, guess?!! I'm back to running!! I am blooming knackered though, but such a very happy knackered!
It was the first evening run with the new group that I am thinking of joining, (I have 2 to 3 weeks to decide) and I enjoyed it immensely! I ran with the 'not quite so fast' runners, the ladies who for the past 8 weeks had been in the beginners group that met on the last previsous Saturdays.
The run leader said that our group was going to do a 3.6 mile run at an average pace of 13.30 min miles. That's sounds a bit like me!! I can do that. Naggy has me running around that pace if not faster! So I'm sure I wont embarrass my self by having to make the group stop and wait for me.
I was a bit apprehensive about meeting everyone there, (no naggy this time to hold my hand) and it was in the dark. I arrived early, well, I so hate being late, to find the gates locked!! I noticed another runner loitering around and just asked her if this was the right place and right time. It was her first Tuesday here too, so we were both in the dark, literally! But eventually more and more people arrived and the run leaders, who opened the gates and then briefed us all.
After sorting out the groups, there were about 5 groups, some running for 5 - 6 miles! and others running at 6.30 min miles! I was waiting to hear the 13.30 min milers to know who to follow!
We set off at a very good pace, a pace that I know I could manage if I concentrate hard, forget about the dinner clinging on to my stomach and diaphragm, and forget about the last time I ran was well over a week ago! I just wanted to enjoy the experience of being out running again. I have decided, I don't like running in the dark, I cant see that well!! but fortunately the only really dark bit was as we were leaving the recreation ground and then we hit the roads.
I stayed up with the leader of the group, its a strategy that I thought about well before I got to the place, if I have to walk or slow down a little at least when I pick up the pace again I shall be in the middle of the pack, and then run there for a bit, and then next time I need to walk a bit I can fall back a bit more!! I'm not daft you know.
Now, we were running up hill, I thought this was good, get the hard bit out of the way before I start flagging, I don't want these guys to think they will have to carry me along! but when I thought we were going to stop, we didn't! It was an official stop, these are the beginners that I am running with! One of them even said "I thought we were stopping soon" I'm so glad that she said that and not me! But I was hanging on to hear the answer. "Just up this road and around the corner, only a minute from here" was the reply Oh was I pleased about that! I don't think I could have gone on running much longer, if I was by myself then I would have 'allowed' my self a walking break by now! But we did eventually stop, on the main road. "We just ran over a mile and three quarters," the run leader said. And we were all really astonished at our achievement and was very pleased with out selves. We had a very short 3 or 4 mins break, which I was very relieved about, I had a stitch for the last couple of hundred metres!!
Here is where our group was to split. Those who feel can go a little faster will go with another memeber of the PWR and those of us left will carry on doing the 13.30 min mile pace. So with the other half of the group on their way, and a bit of advice from the run leader about how to relieve a stitch and how to prevent it in first place (eating is not a good idea before a run!) we were on a way back to the start. Only same amount of distance that we just covered!!
But the way home was better! It was downhill. Oh boy do I like downhill. Let the hill do the work. Things look different in the dark and I wasn't quite sure where I was, but had a slight idea where. But when we got to a turning that went right I realised that I wasn't where I thought I was and was in fact was slighter further! Just as well I managed to keep up with the group really!
But knowing that now, of course I knew exactly how far was left to run. You all know me by now, I get tired, and I get la'ry, and I like to say to naggy *^&%^ and ***&^*
but now, with the new people here, I just have to grin and bear it, and try to keep up with them, they all seem to be doing really really well, just keeping up the the leader, I was doing 'my thing' of slowing down to run in the middle of the pack and then running along with middlers, then slowing and running along with the backers, and then, with not that far to go, having a sneaky walk!! Only got caught out once "are you ok, said one of the other ladies" "Yes I'm fine, just taking a very short breather" I said with only a slightly breathless voice. I must push myself. If I can talk this well, then I can bloomin well run! So from there on I ran.
We crossed over the last road before the recreation ground and just the last couple of hundred yards to go. I was at the back, the run leader came back and said I'm doing well, I asked about the time we did it and the mins per mile and how far we ran, and then said to him, "Ok now's my time to finish in style" and I took off! I ran towards the sign to the recreation ground turned left into and tried to run through the darkness! but I didn't know what I was running over, I don't want to injure myself by hitting a rock or kerb or anything and just slowed down again.
But I did it! My fist official run with a club. I think I will join in, I will become a member. Then I can only get better. As it is the run leader is talking about expanding the distance already!! I am definitely going to be running outside my comfort zone!
3.6 miles in 49.00 ave pace of 13.30 min per mile.
Saturday 13 November 2010
Miracles Can Happen!
Hi blog lovers.
This morning about 07:30 I was awoken by my gorgeous grandson, the stubborn one! After that is having a curry/beer night last night. But it was just as well!
I have been toying with the idea of running with a running club just to get me out running during these dark winter nights (I know, I really have become addicted to this running lark). They were meeting up at 9 am this morning. I had cajoled naggy into coming with me too, to support me.
So about 8:45 ish I popped over to naggy's, which I thought was quite strange because she is usually knocking on my door! I peered through her window as I tapped on it, and she arose from her sofa............. in her PJ's!! she wasn't even ready! She has got a tiny little couch potato thing going on in herself, and she was playing mah jong on the computer!
A frantic dash round and she was ready. We arrived at the arranged spot just as the members were half way through their first warm up lap of the green. We introduced ourselves as we joined them on the warm up laps with the coach. He gave me the low down on what was going to happen.
Basically they have three groups, the faster group, then the not so faster group and then the group that doesn't fall into either of those (His words not mine! but I kind of like that) I was expecting them to suggest I go in the 'neither of those' group, but he said I should go with the middle group! Naggy was all for that, "You can do that, you are not the slowest among this lot" she encouraged, how she surmised that I don't know. maybe it was the all the numbers that was banded about between naggy and the group leaders of my mins per mile.
The coach said that we will start todays 2.25 miles (there abouts) with a 5 min walk then 20 min jog to the finish. "I can do that" I thought to my self, I've done it before. And so we set off, walking, "Cor blimey, I can do this" I thought to myself.
Now the route we were taking was part of the route we did for the 10k, so part road and part woods. You all know what the weather has been like recently, right? So on the pavements there are all the soggy wet leaves, that's not a problem, I don't' seem to be slipping up on then, but then we went into the woods!!! Oh my word! Muddy tracks and huge puddles, and sticky, icky muddy mud baths were what the coach was wanting to us negotiate!
It was slippy and it was sticky, and all the other 'icky' words that you can think of if you are a town loving bird like me! But then not only that, there was, of course the railway lines we had to cross! And apparently, because I wasn't quite up with the leaders of my group, (I was way at the back being nagged at by naggy) our run leader wanted us to run up these stairs. Straight out of the mud baths, with half the woods floor hanging off our trainers, and she wants us to run up the stairs!
Well I surprised my self I did actually manage it, and so on to more mud, more sticky brown holes that used to be a path and more slippy slidey tree roots to run over. Until, that is, we came upon the other set of stairs! "Oh my word! No way, no how, can I manage to run these stairs so soon" And so I didn't. Naggy wasn't too pleased, and the leader was a head, keeping her eye on the faster group, (She didn't want to get lost!, inspires confidence!)
After those steps the way ahead was just more mud and more sticky sink holes, but going down hill! "Hold on to the trees old girl" I thought, I was just hoping there wasn't anything creepy crawly on those as well as everything, that really would the the icing on the proverbial! But not long after we came out of the woods, my group and the group in front, unscathed, although there were a couple of very near mud baths for a couple of the others as well.
Now you, as you just read, we were heading down hill, so of course, theres an up hill after. Always after! Always when I think, that's it, I quit, then those darn hills come and taunt me. Naggy was doing her best, "Come on, the slower group are breathing down our necks" I'm not sure if at that point I showed her what I thought about that, but undeterred she carried on "Two more minutes running, we're nearly there, come on, get moving"
As I was running around these roads, flashbacks of the 10k came back, (including that hill) and I was remembering the feelings I had as I was nearing the finishing post. I did it then, and I finished in style and I felt a lot more tired than I was now, so in fact I should stop moaning and just get on with it! So I did. Just then the group leader came around the corner, rounding up me an nagging, "You have done really well, keep going" she says encouragingly. She looked gorgeous by the, make up, lippy, mascara the works! And not a bead of sweat on her. And she was smiling, maybe because she didn't get us all hopelessly lost in the woods! But just then I saw the sign to the entrance to the recreation ground. I was so pleased. And again with the flashback of the moment I turned into here back in October, with my family cheering along with my next door neighbours daughter. And stop!!
We walked around the muddy field again to warm down, and that's where I caught my breath and could then communicate with naggy and the leader, "If I wore make up while out jogging, then I would end up looking like a panda by the time I got back" I said to the leader, and she then told me, once, when she was out running in the snow.........yes that's right, in the snow her friend she was running with didn't tell her that her face had fallen off and was busy heading towards her chin! You can tell it was a man friend because us girls always tell each other if things are wrong, if there's a lettuce leaf hanging from our pearlies etc.
But all in all I really enjoyed today, running with naggy and running with a running club. I will give this running club ago. Tuesday week, at about 7:50 pm, I shall go and run again with them and check it all out. I am sure this is the way to go to keep me running on through winter.
Oh, the title!! Well, its obvious isn't it? This old girl is up before everyone else, (apart from grandson) and out running 9 am on a SATURDAY MORNING!
2.25 (ish) miles in about 25 mins or so.
This morning about 07:30 I was awoken by my gorgeous grandson, the stubborn one! After that is having a curry/beer night last night. But it was just as well!
I have been toying with the idea of running with a running club just to get me out running during these dark winter nights (I know, I really have become addicted to this running lark). They were meeting up at 9 am this morning. I had cajoled naggy into coming with me too, to support me.
So about 8:45 ish I popped over to naggy's, which I thought was quite strange because she is usually knocking on my door! I peered through her window as I tapped on it, and she arose from her sofa............. in her PJ's!! she wasn't even ready! She has got a tiny little couch potato thing going on in herself, and she was playing mah jong on the computer!
A frantic dash round and she was ready. We arrived at the arranged spot just as the members were half way through their first warm up lap of the green. We introduced ourselves as we joined them on the warm up laps with the coach. He gave me the low down on what was going to happen.
Basically they have three groups, the faster group, then the not so faster group and then the group that doesn't fall into either of those (His words not mine! but I kind of like that) I was expecting them to suggest I go in the 'neither of those' group, but he said I should go with the middle group! Naggy was all for that, "You can do that, you are not the slowest among this lot" she encouraged, how she surmised that I don't know. maybe it was the all the numbers that was banded about between naggy and the group leaders of my mins per mile.
The coach said that we will start todays 2.25 miles (there abouts) with a 5 min walk then 20 min jog to the finish. "I can do that" I thought to my self, I've done it before. And so we set off, walking, "Cor blimey, I can do this" I thought to myself.
Now the route we were taking was part of the route we did for the 10k, so part road and part woods. You all know what the weather has been like recently, right? So on the pavements there are all the soggy wet leaves, that's not a problem, I don't' seem to be slipping up on then, but then we went into the woods!!! Oh my word! Muddy tracks and huge puddles, and sticky, icky muddy mud baths were what the coach was wanting to us negotiate!
It was slippy and it was sticky, and all the other 'icky' words that you can think of if you are a town loving bird like me! But then not only that, there was, of course the railway lines we had to cross! And apparently, because I wasn't quite up with the leaders of my group, (I was way at the back being nagged at by naggy) our run leader wanted us to run up these stairs. Straight out of the mud baths, with half the woods floor hanging off our trainers, and she wants us to run up the stairs!
Well I surprised my self I did actually manage it, and so on to more mud, more sticky brown holes that used to be a path and more slippy slidey tree roots to run over. Until, that is, we came upon the other set of stairs! "Oh my word! No way, no how, can I manage to run these stairs so soon" And so I didn't. Naggy wasn't too pleased, and the leader was a head, keeping her eye on the faster group, (She didn't want to get lost!, inspires confidence!)
After those steps the way ahead was just more mud and more sticky sink holes, but going down hill! "Hold on to the trees old girl" I thought, I was just hoping there wasn't anything creepy crawly on those as well as everything, that really would the the icing on the proverbial! But not long after we came out of the woods, my group and the group in front, unscathed, although there were a couple of very near mud baths for a couple of the others as well.
Now you, as you just read, we were heading down hill, so of course, theres an up hill after. Always after! Always when I think, that's it, I quit, then those darn hills come and taunt me. Naggy was doing her best, "Come on, the slower group are breathing down our necks" I'm not sure if at that point I showed her what I thought about that, but undeterred she carried on "Two more minutes running, we're nearly there, come on, get moving"
As I was running around these roads, flashbacks of the 10k came back, (including that hill) and I was remembering the feelings I had as I was nearing the finishing post. I did it then, and I finished in style and I felt a lot more tired than I was now, so in fact I should stop moaning and just get on with it! So I did. Just then the group leader came around the corner, rounding up me an nagging, "You have done really well, keep going" she says encouragingly. She looked gorgeous by the, make up, lippy, mascara the works! And not a bead of sweat on her. And she was smiling, maybe because she didn't get us all hopelessly lost in the woods! But just then I saw the sign to the entrance to the recreation ground. I was so pleased. And again with the flashback of the moment I turned into here back in October, with my family cheering along with my next door neighbours daughter. And stop!!
We walked around the muddy field again to warm down, and that's where I caught my breath and could then communicate with naggy and the leader, "If I wore make up while out jogging, then I would end up looking like a panda by the time I got back" I said to the leader, and she then told me, once, when she was out running in the snow.........yes that's right, in the snow her friend she was running with didn't tell her that her face had fallen off and was busy heading towards her chin! You can tell it was a man friend because us girls always tell each other if things are wrong, if there's a lettuce leaf hanging from our pearlies etc.
But all in all I really enjoyed today, running with naggy and running with a running club. I will give this running club ago. Tuesday week, at about 7:50 pm, I shall go and run again with them and check it all out. I am sure this is the way to go to keep me running on through winter.
Oh, the title!! Well, its obvious isn't it? This old girl is up before everyone else, (apart from grandson) and out running 9 am on a SATURDAY MORNING!
2.25 (ish) miles in about 25 mins or so.
Thursday 11 November 2010
A Short, Rainy, Windy Run!
Hi blog readers.
Bet you thought I have given up, right?! Well I am still here, and I am desperately fighting off lazyitus. I think the battle is won, but the war still goes on. As I really, really, REALLY miss my running and cycling. So, at least that battle has been won.
Today, as you all can see, is very wet and windy outside. So going for a ride on my bike was quite out of the question. I was just thinking of staying in bed till way past 11, until, that is, I got a phone call from a new mum at our toddler group. I had remembered that we had arrangements to go and clean up the toys, and sort things out!. She is very keen and very enthusiastic about the toddlers, and that is how I feel about my running and cycling. If only I could run indoors or cycle under cover, sigh!
So, of course I met up at my church and we spent a good few hours sorting and cleaning, and the we went back to her house and had lunch. I looked out of her window and saw that the sky was clear, no rain, but the wind was still there. But I thought, I could go home get changed and have a quick jog before it starts raining!
So after a few more points on toddlers, and stuff, I got into my car and went back to get changed. When I got in I remembered I was going to do a casserole, (with dumplings, mmm yum) and I still hadn't done my own cleaning! So I started on that, and just as I did, the rain fell down in bucket loads. "I could have been out there!" I had thought to my self. So I was glad I was getting my dinner ready for later, "maybe it will clear again", I thought to myself.
So after everything done, the rain indeed had stopped. I quickly went upstairs to get changed, in case the weather did instead! and I put on my new superduper triclimate jacket, (Only the raincoat bit, I didn't want to get too hot) and ran outside before I changed my mind, (the dark clouds were buiding up for another downpour). Oh those first few strides felt really good. Oh to be out running again! I was smiling even though I was watching the clouds coming over. I just pulled up my hood and decided not to look. Maybe I will just run a very short route, maybe to Magpie Hall Lane and then back. But as I was going further I realised that those missed days of not doing anything remotely resembling exercise had taken its toll. It took to the roundabout before my breathing was anywhere near what it normally is by that time. My chest was hurting, and the muscles in my tummy were hurting, I didn't even know I had muscles there, I always thought they had been eaten up the the muscle eating fat rolls that I have there!
And then the rain started. Maybe I will just go as far as the pub, "I will do a two mile jog today" I said to myself. And with that in mind I headed up to Oxhawth Crescent. The school kids will be coming out soon, and some of my friends will see me running around, in the rain, they will think I have gone completely loopy loo! But I didn't care, I was out running!! But then, the wind!! The rain and the wind together is not a very good combination!! It was blowing my hood off, and whipping up debris from the roads and aiming if for just between my eyes!!! This is dangerous this running lark!! "Maybe I will just turn down Lovelace Avenue, do a very very short run, at least its something. No stopping mind" I convinced myself! Heading down Lovelace there was more debris flying about and streams of paper caught around a tree. No, this is not fun, but at least I am out, and now I am heading home. At least I have done something today! If only a mile!
The rain now, coming down, soaking my shoes, and my face, steaming up my glasses and the wind trying to take my hood from me! I am glad I am out, but I will be ecstatic to be in doors with a cuppa.
Coming up to my road and I was really disappointed with the weather, I really wanted to use my free days for cycling or running! But at least I have done this little bit, I have tried, again, to run in the rain, (and failed!) But I will keep on trying!
1.09 wet, windy mile in 12.26 minutes!! But I have done something this week WOO HOO!!
Bet you thought I have given up, right?! Well I am still here, and I am desperately fighting off lazyitus. I think the battle is won, but the war still goes on. As I really, really, REALLY miss my running and cycling. So, at least that battle has been won.
Today, as you all can see, is very wet and windy outside. So going for a ride on my bike was quite out of the question. I was just thinking of staying in bed till way past 11, until, that is, I got a phone call from a new mum at our toddler group. I had remembered that we had arrangements to go and clean up the toys, and sort things out!. She is very keen and very enthusiastic about the toddlers, and that is how I feel about my running and cycling. If only I could run indoors or cycle under cover, sigh!
So, of course I met up at my church and we spent a good few hours sorting and cleaning, and the we went back to her house and had lunch. I looked out of her window and saw that the sky was clear, no rain, but the wind was still there. But I thought, I could go home get changed and have a quick jog before it starts raining!
So after a few more points on toddlers, and stuff, I got into my car and went back to get changed. When I got in I remembered I was going to do a casserole, (with dumplings, mmm yum) and I still hadn't done my own cleaning! So I started on that, and just as I did, the rain fell down in bucket loads. "I could have been out there!" I had thought to my self. So I was glad I was getting my dinner ready for later, "maybe it will clear again", I thought to myself.
So after everything done, the rain indeed had stopped. I quickly went upstairs to get changed, in case the weather did instead! and I put on my new superduper triclimate jacket, (Only the raincoat bit, I didn't want to get too hot) and ran outside before I changed my mind, (the dark clouds were buiding up for another downpour). Oh those first few strides felt really good. Oh to be out running again! I was smiling even though I was watching the clouds coming over. I just pulled up my hood and decided not to look. Maybe I will just run a very short route, maybe to Magpie Hall Lane and then back. But as I was going further I realised that those missed days of not doing anything remotely resembling exercise had taken its toll. It took to the roundabout before my breathing was anywhere near what it normally is by that time. My chest was hurting, and the muscles in my tummy were hurting, I didn't even know I had muscles there, I always thought they had been eaten up the the muscle eating fat rolls that I have there!
And then the rain started. Maybe I will just go as far as the pub, "I will do a two mile jog today" I said to myself. And with that in mind I headed up to Oxhawth Crescent. The school kids will be coming out soon, and some of my friends will see me running around, in the rain, they will think I have gone completely loopy loo! But I didn't care, I was out running!! But then, the wind!! The rain and the wind together is not a very good combination!! It was blowing my hood off, and whipping up debris from the roads and aiming if for just between my eyes!!! This is dangerous this running lark!! "Maybe I will just turn down Lovelace Avenue, do a very very short run, at least its something. No stopping mind" I convinced myself! Heading down Lovelace there was more debris flying about and streams of paper caught around a tree. No, this is not fun, but at least I am out, and now I am heading home. At least I have done something today! If only a mile!
The rain now, coming down, soaking my shoes, and my face, steaming up my glasses and the wind trying to take my hood from me! I am glad I am out, but I will be ecstatic to be in doors with a cuppa.
Coming up to my road and I was really disappointed with the weather, I really wanted to use my free days for cycling or running! But at least I have done this little bit, I have tried, again, to run in the rain, (and failed!) But I will keep on trying!
1.09 wet, windy mile in 12.26 minutes!! But I have done something this week WOO HOO!!
Friday 5 November 2010
My Inspiratation!
Hi blogees.
Its a wet day out there today, but when I left for my jog this morning it was quite warm and no rain.
Well the title of today's blog is, as you probably guessed, all about my mum. My sister texted me this morning, not Nagging sister the other one, and just reminded me of how I got into this jogging lark in the beginning. One week from today is when my mum passed away 3 years ago! 3 years, and it still hurts as if it was only yesterday.
Because I have been lazy up until now, I made myself get out of bed, even though the old boy had bought me boiled eggs and soldiers to me, I was determined to go out running today. Even if the boiled eggs came back up! All this hard work, sweat and tears is because of my mum, and we all wanted to raise money for cancer research. The old boy is off work today, his fishing trip was canceled, and I could so easily just stay here and talk to him, and then maybe 'do lunch' somewhere. But I have limited days to run and exercise and I must use them.
So, the old boy settled in his shed, I put on my joggers, and went out the door. i felt quite good and thought I would do a bit of speed work. But I soon found out that the old stamina is still not there, and I am wondering if it ever will be! I was blowing out my ........... so I settled in my usual pace. But I still wanted to get my body used to faster runs. I decided to use this run and do a fartlek training session.
I am not feeling a hundred percent anyway, I think naggy neighbour has been sending her germs across the green to me, but I am trying to keep them apart so the don't multiple! I was very warm about half a mile into this session and stopped to take my jacket off. Its 5th November, and I am running in a sleeveless top with skin tight joggers on and I am sweating bucket loads! I remember standing watching fireworks once wrapped up like an onion, with sheepskin coat on and still freezing my toosh off!
Excuses done. I got to the first mile marker and from that point onwards I was using lampposts and trees to do my fartlek training. Jog to one lamppost, run to the next and then walk to the next one. And to add a bit of fun to it, I used people as well. when I saw a person walking I would jog or run to just in front of them and then walk. I got very annoyed at one chap though, he decided to cross the road before I got to him!
Anyway, from Magpiehall lane, I really did start to feel the 'neglect' of not running as much as I have been running. This is when thoughts of mum kept me going. But also when the tears started to run, blinding me and making my face even more wet, if that is possible. And it wasn't the happy thoughts of mum, it was about this week, 3 years ago, that was creeping in to my mind. As much as I tried to remember the happy times, I think this week in November will always be about how cancer took my mum.
So I just ran, I ran and cried and cried and ran and walked of course. Until I got to Oxhawth Crescent. Just as I got to the top of it, before I turned left into Faringdon, another jogger ran pass me. I remember seeing him just before I got to the pub, the first/last mile marker, on the homeward bound, he and I were both walking then, but now he was running, up the hill and I was walking, that is untill I turn down there! My bit of road.
From here till I get home its non stop, no matter how slow I am going, as long as its some sort of jogging motion, with the heart rate still up, then that is fine. I so wanted to stop, but thinking about my mum and how she came back from a 'deep sleep' and asking for a voddy, kept me going! If she could do that, then I can so do this tiny little bit of road. So with more tears streaming down my face I do what I always do and finish in style.
3.34 miles in 42.01 minutes. Miss you mum!
Its a wet day out there today, but when I left for my jog this morning it was quite warm and no rain.
Well the title of today's blog is, as you probably guessed, all about my mum. My sister texted me this morning, not Nagging sister the other one, and just reminded me of how I got into this jogging lark in the beginning. One week from today is when my mum passed away 3 years ago! 3 years, and it still hurts as if it was only yesterday.
Because I have been lazy up until now, I made myself get out of bed, even though the old boy had bought me boiled eggs and soldiers to me, I was determined to go out running today. Even if the boiled eggs came back up! All this hard work, sweat and tears is because of my mum, and we all wanted to raise money for cancer research. The old boy is off work today, his fishing trip was canceled, and I could so easily just stay here and talk to him, and then maybe 'do lunch' somewhere. But I have limited days to run and exercise and I must use them.
So, the old boy settled in his shed, I put on my joggers, and went out the door. i felt quite good and thought I would do a bit of speed work. But I soon found out that the old stamina is still not there, and I am wondering if it ever will be! I was blowing out my ........... so I settled in my usual pace. But I still wanted to get my body used to faster runs. I decided to use this run and do a fartlek training session.
I am not feeling a hundred percent anyway, I think naggy neighbour has been sending her germs across the green to me, but I am trying to keep them apart so the don't multiple! I was very warm about half a mile into this session and stopped to take my jacket off. Its 5th November, and I am running in a sleeveless top with skin tight joggers on and I am sweating bucket loads! I remember standing watching fireworks once wrapped up like an onion, with sheepskin coat on and still freezing my toosh off!
Excuses done. I got to the first mile marker and from that point onwards I was using lampposts and trees to do my fartlek training. Jog to one lamppost, run to the next and then walk to the next one. And to add a bit of fun to it, I used people as well. when I saw a person walking I would jog or run to just in front of them and then walk. I got very annoyed at one chap though, he decided to cross the road before I got to him!
Anyway, from Magpiehall lane, I really did start to feel the 'neglect' of not running as much as I have been running. This is when thoughts of mum kept me going. But also when the tears started to run, blinding me and making my face even more wet, if that is possible. And it wasn't the happy thoughts of mum, it was about this week, 3 years ago, that was creeping in to my mind. As much as I tried to remember the happy times, I think this week in November will always be about how cancer took my mum.
So I just ran, I ran and cried and cried and ran and walked of course. Until I got to Oxhawth Crescent. Just as I got to the top of it, before I turned left into Faringdon, another jogger ran pass me. I remember seeing him just before I got to the pub, the first/last mile marker, on the homeward bound, he and I were both walking then, but now he was running, up the hill and I was walking, that is untill I turn down there! My bit of road.
From here till I get home its non stop, no matter how slow I am going, as long as its some sort of jogging motion, with the heart rate still up, then that is fine. I so wanted to stop, but thinking about my mum and how she came back from a 'deep sleep' and asking for a voddy, kept me going! If she could do that, then I can so do this tiny little bit of road. So with more tears streaming down my face I do what I always do and finish in style.
3.34 miles in 42.01 minutes. Miss you mum!
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