She Can Run Solo!

Hello Blog lovers.

I took advantage of the free afternoon today, even though I had stuff to do, i.e. wrap up presents! It was too much of a good opportunity not to take. Its not often these days that I can get out and run in the daylight by myself, so everything can go 'on the back burner' while I run.

It is quite chilly today, but it is 8 days till Christmas! so its not really surprising. But I decided not to put on my fluorescent jacket as another layer, I am hoping that the daylight will confuse my brain and tell me its not that cold once I start running. (And it really doesn't take a lot to confuse my brain!)

I was hiding in my doorway waiting for my Garmin to find the satellites so that I can start running, the wind is very chilly indeed! As soon as I heard the bleep I was off.

Of course I started off too quickly and had to slow myself down a bit, but I soon got into my stride. And I was so right about not wearing my jacket! I warmed up and even got sweaty and puffy faced! So I know I was going quite well.

I wasn't expecting great things, because I was just going along at my own pace, I am not very strict on myself when I am solo running! But I am really enjoying it out here. I still do those darn walking things!!!! Why, I don't know, I should tell myself off when I am walking.

Still, it was a good run, and I really enjoyed it. I'm glad that I can still have the motivation to get out there by myself and go running, for a while I was thinking maybe I had lost that!

I stopped my watch and went inside to do my stretches.

Here's the geeky stats!

Oh What A Struggle!

Hello blog readers.

My goodness, what a battle it was today, to get my backside off my nice comfy chair, in my nice warm house while playing scrabble on my lap top! Oh my goodness, memories of days gone by! I though maybe that I would take the easier option of going for a short bike ride with the OB but he was planning on doing a 20 miler!.....Have you seen the weather out there, the cold and the wind! Especially the wind! The thought of heading up to Biggin hill was not good.

I did say to the Old Boy that I might just not doing anything and just stay snuggled on my chair. Well that was it, the OB started goading me then, "Thats ok, you keep you fat ass on the chair, letting it grow fatter, getting back to how you used to be" Grrr, I could feel the little fat cells in my body starting to get excited at that thought! I could feel them start pumping up, making them selfts bigger and stronger!

NO WAY IS THAT GOING TO HAPPEN! I cannot let things slide back to the old days. This is the testing time of the year! I know when I first started running, back then in 2008, I started in the winter months, in March! But the thoughts of mum, and the spring and the summer, it just seemed so much easier to keep going. But now, with the shortest day of the year still to happen......well, you know! But the thoughts of mum always keep me going.

And today, thoughts of my dear friend filled my head. Him, struggling with Parkinsons, stroke, and now toxic poisoning running through his system! He still fights on! what more do I need to get my fat ass out there, in the cold, for just at few short minutes running!

So couch potato, eat my dust, (even though I know 'tatoes thrive in dirt) but you get my drift.

My geeky stats, well, it shows that my energy levels are way down in my stockinged feet! But I did it. A slow jog is better than no jog, right! And besides, the average moving pace is 11.38 mi/m perfect pace for group 1. Still tons faster that my first ever turn around lamppost experience!

I'm A Very Useful Jogger!

Hello blog readers.

In the style of Thomas The Tank Engine I am a very useful jogger! Our group 1 has swelled in ranks due to the phenomenal success of the beginners group which started in September. We have had loads more new members, and also some are still just popping along in ones or twos!

Our illustrious Leader had asked me to be sweeper today. I felt very proud and flattered to be asked to do such an important role, after all, we don't want to lose anybody. And you all know me by now, being at the back is my happy spot!

So for the first half of our run, I'm in my element, in the comfort zone as the Old Boy says to me, in fact, he is not the only one that says that about me! But the second has is a different story. I had to push myself that bit harder. I was a little concerned with one on the newbies, and I held back a little to help to encourage her and to see if she was ok.

When we got to Willet Way we were told that we could run as fast....or slow as we like. I chose to do the 'run fast/run slow' lamp post to lamp post. Right up to the recreation ground! A enjoyed my run today. As it seems I always do the days! I am looking forward to my next run.

So geeky stats, oh and I forgot to switch off my garmin, again, so the last 5 or six minutes is of me doing my stretches!

Tuesday club run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Club Run - A Break In The Weather

Hello Bloggees.

Can you believe its been a whole week since I last put on my running shoes!? I am slacking! But at least I am not completely lazy and and vegging out, the bike does get an airing during the week.

But today, I really struggled..........to get the motivation to go out! It was cold, and dark, and wet and windy! I really didn't have anything to get me out of my chair. I even put a pathetic appeal out the club's FaceBook page! But, then, the Old Boy had said he was going to go out on his bike, he called me a wimp for even thinking of not going out! That was it! I decided I will go, after all, what will happen if I get wet!! Melt!

I got all my gear on, the Old boy still laying on the sofa. I expect he will go when he is ready. I got to the club early, so I sat in my nice warm car, and I could feel that old couch potato wanting to keep me in the nice warm car. But I had come this far. The rain had stopped sometime ago, and even the wind seems to have gone, so there was no excuses left, well apart from the cold and the dark!

There were quite a few people who have turned up. And even the newbies were all keen and ready to run. After the announcements we all found our group leaders and headed off. Our route was a figure of eight style, which took us pass the road where we meet up, not just once but twice. And the second time we actually run past the rec, past where I park my car! Yet we still had another mile to run!

I was quite impressed with myself, for the first big loop I ran non stop up at the front of the pack, and even was in the lead 'role' for a short period! Our illustrious leader even said "If you get too far ahead, Old Girl, we are going to have a stop up near the memorial hall" I knew that I wouldn't be the first to get there, but now there was this thought in my head! Could I actually get there first> I was looking up towards the hill that we had to climb, and I started to think "Well go for it Old girl, see if you can get their first" I tried, but the hill just got to me, and I slowed down.

But I was still quite proud of myself for keep up. I wasn't the last one any more, thanks to the newbies, who will soon be overtake me anyway! But getting this far non stop running, was pretty good going for me,

Now came the time where we had to head down the road where we all met up in the rec. It was pretty tough going to pass it on by. Mentally it was quite a struggle, and mentally, knowing where we are heading was pretty tough going too. I know the hill that we are going to run up, one because I just know this road, and two, (if I didn't' know it,) we had ran down it earlier!

going back up the road that we had run down I really did try to keep going, but I took a couple of walking stops, and was encouraged by the other guys to keep going, nearly there.

Going down the hill again felt fan - blooming - tastic! I love running down hill, knowing that the energy levels were dropping now. And it gives me such a much needed boost as well.

The last road up to the club, the road that I take to get to the club, the road that we have already ran up this evening, felt terrific! I was looking forward to getting home. I still had a little extra for a sprint finish. I love that sprint finish. I felt great running today! Yes that's right, I felt great while running today!

I am glad I went out today, I am glad that I found that tiny bit of motivation to get on out....The Old Boy didn't go out! He wasn't feeling to well!

Here is the geeky stats

Club Run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Club Run! - Remembering My Mum, My Inspiration.

Hello Blog lovers.

Today we saw our group 1 swell in ranks as new members came along to check out what all this club running is all about. Some of these new comers have only been running for the last nine weeks! I felt under pressure to look good and run well. Most of them were tons younger than me (she says digging into the old excuse book again) so of course they were going to be a lot stronger, fitter and faster than me! I really felt that I had to push myself tons harder than usual. But I ran how I normally do, but with maybe just a tad bit more. I'm sure it doesn't look good when I tell people I have been coming for a year, I didn't want to look as if I had only just started running last night!!

It was a boozy weekend, we were celebrating my sister and her daughter swinging down ropes from Battersea Power station on Sunday, and also we were remembering my mum, my inspiration for all this running and cycling and keeping fit. Still find it very difficult to thing that it was 4 years ago that mum left us, taken by the wind. So, I had a lot of extra pushing that I needed to do, I haven't actually ran since last Sunday! but I have been going cycling. I just haven't blogged it! Yesterdays ride was a very leisurely 10 miler, but at a very social 2 and half hours! So punishment time, work up a little bit more of a sweat! Get my ass back on track.

Our leader today was Richard, our illustrious leader Ann's husband. (I have to start thinking of nick names again.) Anne was being sweeper today, and I was thinking that I would be keeping her company this evening. He was being very gentle on the group, even though the route today was a tad over what the new comers we expecting, but it is what we in group 1 have come to expect. And generally we are all totally thrilled with what we achieved, even the the next day or two we are sore. Mind you, these days I am not aching, but please don't tell group 1 leaders, they might suggest I move to group 2!

I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't at the back keeping Ann company, I wasn't in the front either, but still, it was good not to be back stop today. I was well and truly wrapped up tonight. My house at the moment is like a ice box, blooming boiler on the blink, and I just presumed it was fairly chilly outside. But of course running along I soon warmed up! I had om more layers than an onion, and I slowly peeled off two layers by the time I got back!

It was a great run, but I seem to always say that now days, I am enjoying my running! I was speaking to one of the newbies as we ran and she said 'the only time that I like the running is when I stop' I can relate to that, I really can. It wasn't that long ago that I felt exactly the same. Even now, occasionally, when I am running, I sometimes wish there was some other easier way to get fit! But then most times I find that I really am enjoying the running! Not just the end, not just seeing the finish line, but the half way point, maybe just a few steps into the run. I find that totally amazing! Me, Old Mrs Couchy! Loving running!

Yes, today was a great run!

Geeky stats,

Club Run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

And I am going to add a video that I did back in 2010, to help raise money for Cancer Research.

Tuesday Club Run

Hello blog lovers.

Feeling good again, I went for my run with the club. It was cold out, but I know from experience that I will warm up. But I decided to wear my brightly coloured cycling jacket. Its good to be seen in the dark. Especially with my reputation of falling off and over things!

So after the notices given and the group routes sorted, we were off. Our illustrious leader is well and truly back in control. We had one newbie today, and she fitted in really well.

Only one probably today, and that was me and my scatter brainess, I didn't start my Garmin off! I thought I had, but it's just so dark I didn't really see to check it was going, I thought I had heard the bleep as I set it. But it could have been someone elses. Oh well. At lease I know exactly how far we had ran before I noticed it hadn't started. We had run exactly a mile. Mr.Kit man had some geeky stats going, and also, I remember running this bit before with one of the other run leaders!

So Garmin eventually started we continued on our way. It was a good run, but we were getting stretched out a bit so we had a pause just after the twiddly as our leader calls it, she also said "If you want to run around or up to the end of this road and back again, then do so, while we wait" A very nice offer I thought, but no one took her up on it. What a lazy bunch we are! Maybe next time I will do the extra bits. Have I said that before?

The route home was pleasant, no little inclines to speak of. And it was just a pleasant run. I had the little bit extra left over for a sprint finish back to the pavilion. Again I'm not sure where it came from, I just must be one of those fast finishers. mind you, I didn't do any 10 min/mil or faster today. Maybe my endurance is slowly building up after all this time.

Back at the Pavilion one of our club members is a newly qualified fitness instructor and she gave us some stretches to do. I did need that! My poor bruises!!

Geek stats, but don't forget to add a mile (and 14 mins, but that was with the catch up and breather stop)

Club Run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

A Gorgeous Sunday Morning!

Hello blogees.

This morning me and Hitchy decided on an early run, before I had church. Now, bearing in mind I had had a lovely meal in a great restaurant last night, I wasn't expected anything to great from myself. And that is exactly what I got. (Excuse #201)

But I was up and ready, and Hitchy turned up at my house dead on 8:30 this morning. She was looking fetching in her running gear, but she also brought her car, but we won't mention that!

We wanted to do about 4 miles or so, so I kind of guessed a route that would take us about 4 miles, with a little bit of parks with paths but mainly roads. As soon as the cold weather kicks in we can hit the woods again. My Goodness, can you just believe I wrote that down, running in the cold. Oh yes, a true runner now!

We didn't push it, as my Thai curry was still a delightful clear memory in my tummy. (excuse #7, ? I think)We got to our first mile in just under 11 mins, and after that we (well, I) got slower. Like I said, I wasn't going out to win races, this was a longer route, with as much running involved as my poor bruised little legs could do.

We got to Blackbrook lane, but not at the place I thought. I should have ran up to the next right turn. I could quite easily be tempted to turn right and go through the park, but I stuck to the plan that was in my head and we turned left to go to the road that goes through Jubilee park.

We were not far off now. Not far to go at all. When we ran down Top Oxhawth though, Hitchy was thinking about running back to her house, but then I reminded her that her car was packed outside mine!

A great run though, albeit slow, but sometimes thats exactly what is needed.

Geeky stats for you.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/128461485

Running! On A Sunday!?

Hello Blog lovers.

I know, its Sunday, and no, its not an early morning run, or late afternoon run. Its a middle of the morning run! Guess who did not go to church today! But I know, through reading the bible He, Himself, did some .....un orthodox things, ..... picking food to eat for Him and His mates, and ...... would you believe making people better on days that you were not allowed to do anything!

So today, running through the woods, looking, enjoying, running, smelling and totally emersing one self in His glorious makings, was just fantastic! I decided from the start, because of (reason #121, Old Girls excuse book) I had exercised the day before, i.e. riding up to Downe Village (pint of lager! to recuperate) I wasn't go to go full out. And besides, Hitchy, was coming along, and she said that she hadn't ran for two weeks (reason #12 or whatever in old girls book) then I was going to 'keep her company! If only that were true.

Hitchy has come a long, long way in her running, she is ten years younger than me or more (reason #1, I think) so there was not way that I, in anyway, shape or form, was keeping her company! It was definitely the other way around.

I was looking forward to this run, not only just to get out and run through the woods, which I really love to do now days, but for the fact I can get another gong for my efforts! Ok, so my running club is very much into 'waste not, want not' and we had some 'spare medals' to share. I was also looking forward to the geeky stats, just to see if I had improved or not, since August. And guess what?, go on guess! I had improved. Not only did we start from the park, probably about 270 metres extra, but I was a whole 2 minutes quicker!

I was so pleased when I compared my two times on this route! Even though I moaned and groaned all the way round "This is supposed to be fun!" Hitchy had said to me. And it really is fun, I really do enjoy my running........after I had done the route of course, but I still enjoy my running! I miss it when I am not running, therefore, I enjoy running, just makes sense to me!

But looking at all the woods this time of year, don't it just fill your heart with wonder at what God had made! The colours of the leaves on the trees, the golder carpet that us runners are running on, the freshness of the air through the woods, the smells, the sounds, .....the silence! wow! Loving it, moaning at my slowness of course, but here I am enjoying everything.

Then its the road again! Popping out of the woods and up Barfield road, I know this road, boy do I know this road, its up hill, coming from this way, of course, and I virtually know every stone on this road, through running down here with the OB!

Still, its not far now, and I am feeling.......ok...ish! Hitchy is doing her thing! She could so easily have just took off and left me eating her dust, but here she is 'serpentine' her way through the course, running backwards, looking as if she is out for a Sunday morning stroll! Thankfully she is here because she just wants to get out and run. She loves running with people, in fact, if it wasn't for her job she would be a PWR! Darn the need for cash to live!!!!

Anyway, to top off the whole fantastic day, we had a great social time after in the local, and the I came home and had a fantastic time with my kids and grandson, and a small box of fireworks! A Brilliant fantastic day!

Geeky stats for you and I have put up the comparison page as well, clever init!

Comparison page

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/comparison?activityId=126974133&activityId2=103705083

And todays run

Not a Mob Match! by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Club Run - A Great Run!

Hello Blog lovers

It was club run today, and it was great to have our usual group 1 leader back with us. Welcome back! We also had a couple more newbies and even 'Crazy Fool' was back with us. Fantastic. I can only assume Christmas is around the corner and everybody is looking forward to getting into that little black dress, although Crazy Fool best stick to his suit!

I was hoping it was going to be a nice easier run that it has been since our illustrious leader has been recuperating, and I wasn't disappointed! Although when she mentioned 'little twiddly bits' of road just so that we wouldn't notice the 'up hill-ness' (a new word that I have just invented!) of that particular section, then I knew she was definitely back in control and wasn't going to let us off any hard work this evening.

We started off and it was just a nice easy pace, you can see from the geeky stats at the bottom, but it was nice getting to know the newbies and catching up with 'Crazy Fool'. With the other leaders leading I found I could just about string to words together to talk to others when running! Or of course, it could be that I am just getting fitter! Mmmm, what do you reckon?

I wasn't even at the back this time, just kept it going at the front end for a change! It was lovely. We were soon on to the 'Twiddly bits' that our illustrious leader mentioned, quietly under her breath. And yes there was hills, but I even found these, dare I say it, just very nicely paced for me. But I know, I am still not ready to move it up to group 1.5 just yet.

I was talking to one of the newbies at the front for a while, and I decided to talk to the other newbie who was running along with sweeper, to give her some support and encouragement.

Towards the end of the run the last little bit of road me and 'Crazy Fool' decided to sprint the last bit. I don't know where I found the energy from, but I sprinted as fast as I could, I had been hastening my pace for a few metres before anyway, doing a tiny bit of interval running, but now I was going to finish in style! In really fast paced style! I don't think I have ever ran that fast before in my life! But boy did it feel good to have all that energy at the end of a club run.......in fact any run that I have done before! Check the geeky stats to see how fast my last bit was! Even I was amazed at my speed!

So, here are those geeky stats for your perusal

Club Run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

A Much Needed Run!

hello blog lovers.

My lovely raspberry coloured running shoes have been sat in cupboard since Tuesday night, feeling very neglected. It was time to take them out again. If it wasn't for taking the little dude out for Pie 'n' Mash on Friday then I may have got a run then. But its asking just too much to run on a belly full of pie mash and lovely liquor, mmmm yum!

Let me just say thank you to all who read my ramblings and for all of you who leave comments either on here or FaceBook, I do appreciate it very much, and the encouragement you all give me as well, (and I am still stunned and amazed that there are people who still read this!) I just wish I could respond to your comments via my blogs, still its good that I can reply to you on facebook.

So today's run. I was planning on doing a bit of pavement pounding by myself with the earphones plugged in to me lug holes. After church I was going to go shopping, then go and get myself ready for a run. But things never go as I planned, and when I got back from shopping there was the Old Boy. He decided that his legs were up for a bit of a run. So there was no pavement pounding for me, it was off road again and through the woods. But I told him, "This is my run, so I am not going to be listening to your nagging, I am putting on my music, now go get your self ready" "OOOO, is that right" he said to me.

We were going to do our usual 3 and half miles through the woods. I though it was going to be muddy, but it was just fine. I am sure there were more puddles yesterday though, as we cycled through. The earphones worked a treat! I couldn't hear a word that the OB said. I just wanted to get lost in my run today, and with the help of the music that is just what I did.

I wasn't pushing myself, I didn't want to, I just wanted to run. And to be truthful, I was glad the Old Boy was here, because the run through the woods is such a lovely run. Very relaxing, and no driveways to look out for. And the air is just so fresher!

There was no PB's, that wasn't what I was after today, it was just a get out and feel good much needed run. The OB didn't push himself either, although he was always in front of me.

Oh yes, I must just mention this, (as an explaination to the pictures at the top) as me and the OB drove to our start point, we were both alread wearing our running caps in the car. We indicated to turn left and duly made our manuever. A chap who wanted to cross the road with his child, both of them on bikes, looked at us and obvisly stopped his child from crossing the road. The OB then noticed he turned to his child and said "Chavs!" It did make me and the OB smile. We caught up with them again as we ran out of Thornet Wood road. I wonder if he recognised us then and still thought of us as 'Chavs'

Geeky stats

Run with Alan by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Club Run - And It Rained!

Hello blogees,

I am writing this out again, because for some reason, my silly computer or silly blog land, or both, didn't save the paragraphs I had already written! Grrrr

But as the title suggests (the only words it did save!) it was a club run. I took my Big Son along today. At the weekend he had decided on his career choice. It's something that he has had in mind since year 8. So with a mixture of fear and pride, we set the wheels in motion to get him on track. Watch this space for updates later on.

He needs to be fit, and I want to spend time with my son, so I suggested that he come along and see if he can 'hack it' with group 1, or if running in a club is his thing.

We started off and he kept along side me, my energy levels were way day in my boots again, and he was soon with the pack while me and a newbie kept pace at the back. We jogged up to Pettswood, and I over took Big son. "Come on" I said keep going" and he said "It's raining, you don't jog in the rain?" I just chuckled and so did the newbie, "Yes we do, unless you want to go home" I said. He replied "What and walk home" I hated to tell him that it would be nearer to walk home than it would be to finish tonights jog!

I was glad that I had put on a light weight jacket. The rain did come down some what! Big Son had put up his hoody and was running up to us waiting for him! The run leader said "Is he coming to run with us or rob us!" Well if he could stay off his phone for 5 minutes then he will be running with us!

I tired to keep up with the main group today, and the run leader noticed that I was 'lagging behind' a bit today. Excuse #21 Feeling under the weather, maybe! I think that is what is wrong with me today, and possible excuse #22 Stressful time recently.

From here we were going to head to St Johns road and then Crofton road. But me and the newbie and Big Son, who the run leader made honary sweeper, keeping an eye on us ladies! But we were so far behind, and I was virtually running blindfolded, as the combination of the rain and body heat, and air temperature had my glasses misting up, that we couldn't quite see where the front of the pack went. Big son was behind and he said that they had turned left, but the newbie said that Crofton road was straight up, and that is where the run leader said he was going. Me? I had a clue where I was, and I couldn't see anyway!

We started to run straight up, much the to annoyance of Big Son, but just then, the run lead came from the turning where Big Son and said and called us back. You can image the smug look on Big Sons face can't you!

It wasn't our usual 3 to 3 and half miles today, in fact it was less that this. Young son was staying more and more at the back, even behind me. I was guessing that maybe he was quite ready for club runs yet, and I was glad I didn't tell him to go in the faster paced groups either! Big Son had developed a blister on his foot and was suffering. I know he has run a lot further than that before, he had actually run with me and nagging sister, and crazy fool, and little boy lost, on one of the 'path finder' runs. I expect the whole of August, and September Big Son has been 'on his holidays' where the fitness is concerned.

So I took him home. A couple of the other ladies had decided to go home as well, as we had arrived back at the rec, but there was a couple left that wanted to do the extra run around the block!

So geeky stats

Club run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Club Run - Nice and Easy.....Its True!

Hello bloggees.

Its Tuesday, therefore its club running tonight! And as you can see by todays title, it was rather a pleasant run!

I think the thinking of the 'Kitman' is working well. Although, at the moment I don't run faster between lampposts then slower to the next, its more like, run fast on one run with the OB then a recovery run with the club! But still, I think it is working out. Because I found this evenings run a nice comfortable pace. I kept up, (mostly) with the group, which has now shrunk due to the new Group 1 1/2.

I was tempted to start 'thinking' about going into group 1 1/2, but after tonight I know I still have quite a way to go. There is no need to knock the stuffing out of yourself, it needs to remain fun and enjoyable as well.

It was good to have our usual group 1 leader running with us today, she has been off for a while, but is now getting on the mend. The route today was quite nice as well, not too many hills, but just enough slopes to get the heart working a tad faster.

I couldn't believe how comfortable I felt after the first mile. In fact I think that maybe I was a tad disappointed that we had stopped! ...... I know.....incredible that I even think that let alone write here for all to see! But I do know my body, and I know old 'couchy' is still very much alive and trying to kick! And I know that old 'couchy' will start to affect my mind and try to tell me that I can't do it.

The second mile bleeped on my watch, and by now our usual group leader had left our group to go home, 2 miles was quite enough for her as she has been out of running for so long, so we didn't stop! I was still feeling pretty good. I our 2nd just a tad slower than our first mile, but of course we did have a stop after the first mile, so it could be that we were running the same pace.

The third mile, however, can you believe was fast than the first and second mile! I know there was some lovely down hills there, but my goodness, thats unheard of from me! The only thing was, and I blame Old Couch Potato for this, when I head the bleep go to mark the third mile I stopped running. Just total and sheer mental factor that I stop. I pushed myself on again though.

The our group 1 leader, who was 'Kitman' by the way, said there were now two options. We could stick to his planned route or we could cut it short by about half a mile or so. Well everyone else in the group were quite happy to push on to do the little extra loop, I was not going to be the one to say, lets do the shorter one!

But by now I was at the back of the group, which is how I know I am not ready to move up to group 1 1/2! Running up Birchwood, away from the park entrance, seem like a totally surreal thing to do for me at this late stage in our run, but I tried not to think about it.

Running down the last of the roads, and my watch beeped again, and 'Kitmans' watch beeped "Don't listen to it" he said to me, in fact I believe he could sense the 'old couchy' was waiting to make an appearance, and it was as if he was confronting the Old Couch face to face!

I think I kept up well enough, the geeky stats said I did at least, and it only showed the one complete standstill stop that we had! So I think I am pretty pleased with myself about todays run.

Geeky stats, just check out the the third mile!

Club run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Early Morning Run?! Don't be Daft!

Hello bloggees!

Yesterday the OB threaten me with an early morning run for this morning. I kind of, sort of agreed to it. All through our usual Friday night out he kept making comments about our early morning, 6 miler! After my first pint, or was it during my first pint, I stopped listening, and tried to change the subject.

Of course this morning, we both turned over and slept in again, way passed the early morning run stakes! Which means, after we eventually got up, the OB headed straight for the shed to work on his bike.

But, as you probably know by now, we did go out for a run (which is why there is a blog today). And it wasn't a 6 miler either. It was our usual 3 and half miles with a promise of dinner out, after we got back.

I tried to push myself quite hard, even up the hills. The OB had his own agenda for the first mile. He was way in front of me, urging me to keep up with him. He must have been on 8 min/mi!!! There was no way I was going to keep up with him. even if we were only running for 1 mile!

So I plodded along, thoughts of what we may be having for dinner this evening, trying not to think about how hard running is. Yes, I enjoy running, and yes I will keep on going. There is no way I will stop, EVER! Well, maybe if I get too old! But, my word! It is hard. I really have to tell myself off, keep myself going. Which is why I write my blog, it just helps me to stay focused. I can look back and see how far I have come. I keep thinking that maybe one day, I will just fly around a 3 mile course, and think nothing of it! I really do listen to the Old Boy too, and to Naggy Neighbour, and all my group leaders. All their encouragement runs around my head as I run along, as well as all the other stuff that I think about, i.e. dinner tonight. By the way, we ended up having Italian, very nice it was!

After todays run, I almost craved being a 'tatoe' again! But I know, that is never going to happen. I am feeling much to good to ever want to go back to those days!

Geek stats.

Headlamp run!

Hello Blog lovers.

As promised from the earlier blog, I did indeed run again with the OB! He didn't think I would go, but I assured him this mornings run was just a very short run. We had already decided yesterday that we were going to be running with headlamps on, so there was no rush to get out before dark.

I had dinner already prepared and ready to go into to the oven, salad chopped and chilling in the fridge, ready to dive into when we get back. I was looking forward to the night time running malarkey, see what all the fuss is about.

Our route is the usual one, from Tent Peg Lane. The Old Boy did say that he is not feeling 100% and that I don't have to do any sub 10 min miles. It was just as well, because I was feeling a little tired anyway. I think my cold is still hanging around! I forget what number excuse that is, I expect Mr. S can tell me on the club run next Tuesday!

Also I noticed that my heart rate jumped up to 203 but in the first 2 minutes of the run. I can't think what made it go up that high, there was a cyclist that crept up behind us and said "Excuse me" I stepped aside so he could carry on up the path.

It was an experience! Right now, here is a new excuse. I'm not sure if its because it was dark, or because of said cold, or the fact that I went out running this morning, but this evenings run was a little slower that we have done in the past!

But still, it was a good run! I enjoyed it immensely, Old Goss hill got the better of me though!!!

Geek stats for you

First Nighttime Run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

A Feel Good Run!

Hello blog lovers,

Today I had no kids to look after, I was feeling pretty good, and just sitting around twiddling my thumbs. "What can I do" my little brain was saying to me. Well, there is the house work, and a bit of shopping, mmmm. yes I can still do that, but still, "Go for a run, a bike ride, just get out for a bit" a still quite voice was telling me. Now there's a thought. Even if I go out later with the OB I can still do a short blast some where. Maybe TAL or push it a little further and go through the local park.

That was it. Mind made up, I went straight up stairs and got changed into my running gear, ear phones plugged in and garmin with HRM strapped on. I had decided that I was going to do just over a mile and half, with my earphones in, and just enjoy being out running for no other reason that because I can!

It was good, I wasn't thinking of breaking records, or anything, but I was thinking "I am going to blast as much of the second part as I can" Get my body used to running a bit faster on the second miles of my runs.

Even down the last road, I did some interval running, running fast between lampposts and the recovering between the next lampposts. I was feeling good. I could feel the funny twinging thing in my knee, but it isn't as bad as it has been. I felt good!

Even after I got back, I know, weather permitting (as I am looking out of my window at the horrible rain!) I will be able to go out again later and do another 3 miles or so.

Geeky stats

Solo Run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Club run - HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY PWR'S

Hello Blog lovers.

Yesterday was club run night. And it was a special night tonight as well. Yes, I know you can see The title up there, but I am going to tell you here as well! Yesterday was the clubs 5th birthday! PWR's have been running (pun intended) for 5 years. It has grown and grown over those 5 years. The members are all really friendly, down to earth, 'normal' people. Meaning, that they are not all 'My body is a temple' kind of people or 'I could never drink or eat chocolate' kind of people. They are just a great bunch of people of all running abilities that get together on Tuesdays, (and loads of social events) to run together through the whole of the year. (except on social occasions, ..... obviously)

Anyway, yesterdays run we had another group leader. We did go very gentle on him! It was his first time leading a group! He was good really, kept checking on us to see if we are keeping up with him! He did run a 'tad' faster the first mile, but the Old Boy has seen to it that I can keep up with that sort of pace (for the first mile only!) fairly comfortably.

It's the inclines that I find, gets me puffing out of every orifice! And really Crofton Road is a fairly 'good' incline, because it just goes on and on! I was looking forward to the end of this road, the bit that the new group leader says goes flat!

After regrouping at the top it was the lovely flat bits, heading towards the little estate. I quite like this estate, because it's all 'turn here' then 'turn there' which means just a couple of extra 'regrouping' stops so that no-one gets left behind.

We headed of back up to the old threasers but we were going to turn right and go over the bridge. It confuses me, somewhat, when we just ran up hill, then the flat, and then some more uphill to get back to where we started. I can't remember running down hill in the first place! But I'm sure we must have done!

I was at the back of the group by this time, my usual position, but I was feeling good. Still got this twangy feeling in my knee though!

Anyway it was a great run, followed by cakes at the pavilion. Yummy, scrummy, homemade, shop bought, delisios, chocolate, carrot and marshmallow cakes. Not that I had a sample from all above mentioned confectioneries! But of course being that the PWR's are all 'normal' people, no celebration would be complete unless there was a few glasses of bubbly raised! Either in the lager, voddys and coke, or G and T's. And the OB came along and joined in for a couple of sherbets as well!

Which is why yesterdays blog is beging written tonight!

But just for your info, me and the Old Boy went out for a bike ride today,we only did about 12 miles ish, but with a couple of 'water' stops on route! But then we rode through the woods on the way home!

I came prepared this time. I had remembered to pack a head torch! It makes all the difference. And the Old boy wanted to go through the woods where we live, and pop out at the end of our road. This time we didn't get lost!!

Geeky stats for yesterdays run!

Club Run by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

A Short Run Today!

Hello blog lovers.

After the excitement of yesterday I was really looking forward to stretching my legs out today. The ambiance of the event obviously wont be there, but I can still remember when I first did the Pettswood 10k last year, and I have these fresh memories of seeing the first of the runners coming up the path still in my mind.

Me and the Old Boy started off from the usual place at Tent Peg Lane. We were going to do the smaller route, just 3 and a half miles. Two reasons why, One, was because we asked our grandson, the Dude, to come and have dinner with us. He was just dying to try the fish that granddad caught, and two, the Old Boy says that he wasn't feeling too good, he seems to have caught my cold now.

But he was still up for running, which was more than I was last week. "As it's only a short one" he said even before we got out of the car "lets just push it a little harder this evening"

Well, you all know me by now, 'The Moaning Old Girl, Wannabe Olympic Runner', I was thinking, "Well, I have just got over a cold, and I did have a few sherbets yesterday, a celebratory drink with Hitchy, who did a marvelous 1 hour 1 min and 34 sec 10k, and also having a drink with some of the other marshals.

My goodness, I think the Old Boy is right, I could write volumes and volumes of excuses!

But still, I got into the zone for the first mile, and managed to do a sub 10 minute mile, AGAIN But that bloomin hill did beat me today. I tried my hardest to just forget about it being a hill, but fatigue (or yesterdays alcohol effects) was not helping me at all. But from the top I did try to keep going, there were quite a few walking sections, even if they were only for a few seconds here and there.

Then when we got through 'Dog poo' ally and started to run up Birchwood I felt this kind of twinge thing, slight 'elastic band twangy' thing happen in the back of my leg, in the bend, behind the knee. I wasn't go to push myself then, I just took it easy, slowed my pace down, and walked if I thought it was going to 'twang' again.

By the time I got back to the car the 'twanging' didn't bother me, and there doesen't seem to be any pain, even now as I rest up, which is good.

So geeky stats, (yes I remembered to charge it up!)

Run With Alan by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Pettswood 10K Race Day

Hello bloggees.

I fell asleep thinking of the race, how I got up in time I will never know. But thankfully the Old Boy had made a cuppa for me and I was getting in the zone after that.

There were butterflies in my tummy, I was getting nervous, will I be able to do all that is asked of me today?!

I was in place by 10 o'clock. final checks made, and then just waiting, waiting! 10:20 a call to the relevant people, "I am in place, all set to go." A quick call to the Old Boy "Hello, can you remember what number position I am?" And then just the waiting for the 10:30 start!

10:30 arrived, all's well so far, the butterflies are stirring something up now. The smile starts to spread across my face already! And its only just begun! "Calm down Oldd Girl, there is a least 20 or 25 minutes before you get into your zone" But even that doesn't help, I am smiling! I am feeling good, I am looking forward to this race so much.

Then its my time. "Yeah, come on, wow, well done, well done indeed, you're doing so well" All the runners are in 'their zone' looking at the marker boards, only 2 kilometres left to go! Then the next runner, in the zone, coming up the path, "Well done, your doing brilliantly" The smile never fading from my face, the enthusiasm seems to be getting higher and higher as each runner passes my station.

Soon I will see people I know that have entered the race. How incredible is this. I am marshaling on the my running club 10k race! I never realised how good it can been encouraging and supporting each and every runner past my 8Km marker board.

Each runner I shouted out to, each runner I clapped and applauded, it was just a fantastic experience to be able to give something back the the sport that has got me to where I am today! 2 stones lighter, tons and tons fitter and feeling pretty good!

Thanks Pettswood Runners for persevering with this Old 'Slow coach' Girl, and thanks for giving me and the Old Boy an opportunity to give something back and to encouraging all runners of all abilities to do as well as they can

I just wished I had remembered to take some photos of the runners as they came up to my marker, but cheering them on I felt was much more fun for them and definitely for me!

Here are some of the photos taken from a water station further in the woods.

Man Flu'! What Man Flu'!

Hello Blog Lovers.

Its been a while, I know. but having a cold really does knock you for six! I was tempted to go running a couple of times before today, but was glad I didn't, especially after Naggy Neighbour said that running with a cold is not good!

Today though, I felt like I could do a couple of miles and so did the Old Boy. But there were more important things for him to do first, and thats is his little project. Its not going to be that long before 'she' is up and running (yes, his motorbake has become a 'she'). But when it got to about five I thought that maybe he had changed his mind. I was starting to to think that maybe I didn't want to go anyway! But he came in, smelling like a grease monkey and still raring to go for a three and half mile jog! "Yeah" I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "You want to go or not" he said to me, and I said "Oh yeah, course I do, yeah, still up for it, just a couple of miles, right" "Yes" he said, without making eye contact!!

Anyway, there you go, my excuses all out in the open before I even talk about my run today. We started off at our usual place, Tent Peg Lane, I'm sorry I don't have any geeky stats again today, but a week off has done my battery in on the old Garmin!, I keep forgetting that it needs power to keep working, even when not actually connected to satellites! And I did run so bloomin well today, too!

The OB took a watch, just to check on our time from beginning to end, and when we got to the first mile mark he said "Thats 12 minutes" I was quite happy with that, after all, I have been ill, and ...... really, if I am honest, still not fully recovered, so yes, I was happy with a 12 min first mile. But then the OB said to me, "we are not stopping after we get up Goss hill, you can walk for a minutes, but there is no stopping" I was ok with that, it just means that I will be getting to the finish quicker!

But then he continued, (or did he tell me before hand?) "We are going down Botony Bay, and up the new path, we are doing some of the 10k route today" Blimey, I wasn't expecting that. Especially as he did say to me that we are going to go out for dinner somewhere!

Yet still I was looking forward to it. I was looking forward to the end! but I was looking forward to 're-creating' my 10k I did last year. Ok so its not the whole 10k, but the best bits through the words. I did really well on Goss Hill! I really did! I know I walked some of it, but it was literally just about 30 seconds to a minutes worth in the two walks that I did! But this bit of the route, the next uphill section of the woody part of our (Pettswood runners) 10k I walked more times and for a little longer. The OB was trying to get me to run a little faster but my only word that I could say was "No"

At one point on the route, the OB was behind me, I was 'jogging' along when I noticed at the corner of my eye that he was actually walking besides me! Tut, he was proving a point, but still, I didn't like it!

We soon got to the next down hill section, which I do love, but I was just running at my own pace, refusing to go any faster. I was going at my own pace, I was just enjoying being our running again after what seems like an eternity since my last time, I was not going to over do it this evening. So after we got to 'Dog Poo' ally and the OB said "Shall we turn left and finish the rest of the woody section of the 10k" I said "No, lets just go right, and over the bridges" In the end though, we went though 'Dog Poo' Ally and up to the last bridge. To be honest, I was looking forward to getting home, having a shower, putting some slap on, and then going for some dinner!

When we go back to to the car, the OB said that actually the first mile was done in just under 10 mins!! I didn't think it was, It deffo felt like it was a 12 min mile. So Maybe 'Mr Kit Man' is right, my body gets used to running a little faster every so often, but now I have to get it used to running faster a little longer each time!

We completed our 4.19 mils (distance measured on map my run) in about 50 mins 30 secs (ish) so really, that is a bloomin good run! Pat on the back for this Old Girl please!

Three Lazy Days Later! And Still Eating Dust!

Hello blog lovers,

Today I am writing about my two runs I had over the weekend. Both were the same route, but they felt like different runs. The times were different as well, only a little though, but when I was running I thought it would have been a lot slower.

The Old Boy goads me on, he gets me running harder and faster. I must get a tape recording (My goodness, who's showing her age!) I must get a 'pod cast' of the OB nagging me "up hills, telling me to "pick the pace up, catch up to him", and "get up that hill!" But yesterday I had no energy! I could have been the laying about in the back garden trying to catch a few rays!, or it could be just 'one of the things!'

Anyway, the geeky stats at the bottom shows you that I was not on form yesterday, but it was good to be out running!

Today it was a 'recon mission' for my mate 'Hitchy' who you may remember got her nickname because she was waiting for me as I was running on route, just like a hitchhiker. Well she has decided to do our PWR 10k, voted as one of the best in runners world mag (A quick plug there for our 10k, which is next Sunday, I shall be there marshalling and cheering on all the runners) She is doing it for charity, SANDS. She wanted raise money for this cause as her friend had a baby, as Jo says, "who was born sleeping" and she wants to do something for her friend, here is a link to her page http://www.justgiving.com/Jo-Cole/. Just reading what she said had me grabbing my hankie and my purse!

So today I took her out to show her the delights of what our 10k can offer her. Her goal is not of speed, but of getting around it without stopping! Judging by what I saw today I think she will nail it!! And in a pretty good time too!

Me on the other hand, I know I kept her back. If she knew the route she would have took off, and I would be eating dust, again, as per usual.

Todays run was a bit slower than yesterday, but it was a 're-con mission' (I think I should right up another blog of all my excuses!) but again, I was very pleased to be out running, even though it was still so very warm out! (summer excuse no.1)

Geeky stats, and for some reason Garmin have decided not to supply me with the 'embed' button, so I just have to copy and paste the page address,

Run with Alan by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details Yesterdays run

'Re-con' Run with Jo by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details Todays run

Tuesday Club Run - Straight Out And Back

Hello my blog followers, (I know there are still a few out there)

I was so looking forward to a good run out today. After having three small boys at home, all arguing over toys, and who's turn it is, then a good run is just what is on order.

I met up the with the other members and chatted about how there run went last week, those who moved up to group 2. "Hard" was what they both said! I knew I wasn't ready for group 2 just yet.

Mind you, I think all the group leaders have had a secret meeting and decided to 'push' all members of all groups up to the next level! Because last week group 1 ran for 4 and half miles, and tonight we ran for 4 and a half miles! Some even went on to do about another mile before heading back!

But the route today was fairly...., flat! apart from the up hill at the beginning. But it was quite dark, running along side the woods. and difficult to see the end of the pavement! I should remember to take a torch or headlamp with me! There was no deviations from the long straight road, no going round, apart from those who went on to do the extra mile, they were going to loop around the ponds at Chislehurst. The rest of us we just going to run turn left and head on back, up the dark road again.

But it was a good run, I kept up, mostly, the sweeper was Mr. Kit Man, and he did a great job of keeping my mind off how far we had run and how far we had to go by chatting. I was sure I was answering, and not just grunting my answers back at him.

Anyway, we got back to Willet Way rec in about 50 odd mins, we ran for about 4.46 miles. My Garmin felt tired today (The battery was very low) and refused to work! so there are no geeky stats today.

But I was very pleased that I ran when everybody ran, I stopped when every body stop, and only had about 2 or 3 short walking stops. The last walking stop was because my leg was cramping up! Definitely worked hard today! But I came back feeling good, and totally relaxed, ready for another day with these gorgeous little men.

Who's that Old Girl?

Hello Blog lovers!

Well todays blog is all about yesterdays run, and if I can remember a bit about todays bike ride. But I was so excited about yesterdays results I may forget to add what I have been up to today!

Anyway, yesterday, being Friday, I wasn't really expecting to go out for a run. So much so, that I even took little dudie (my grandson) out for a yucky takeaway, for lunch. You know how kids love those 'lunches'. so I couldn't resist going for a big burger myself! So when the Old boy said that he fancied a run before dinner, and getting reedy to go out in the evening, I tried everything to not go! "But I still go the dude here, cos his mummy needed to go to the shops" and "Oh, I need to take them to the station now, as they are going to London"

I tried everything, apart from the actual 'wimping out' and telling him that I didn't actually feel like going! So you can imagine my face after I came back from dropping off my daughter and dudie at the station at 6 o'clock in the evening to find the OB ready to go for a run, waiting for me to go and get changed.

There was no getting away with it. There was no way I was going to wimp out, so I got changed as quick as I could and we drove to Tent Peg Lane, the beginning of our Friday night run. "Right, come on then" the OB said. There was no little warm up walk, or quick stretching (which I don't do anymore, I do my stretching after!) it was out of the car, on to the path and start running!

I started off ok, and I tried to keep the pace the same as the OB, but I knew he is stronger and faster than me, so I just concentrated on doing my best, checking out my breathing, and keeping everything together. "Come on, Old Girl" he kept calling to me, "You're doing well, pick up the pace a bit" I tried to keep it going, thinking about my little drinkies after. I do like my Fridays nights out with the OB!

So you can image my surprise when the first mile 'beeped' up from my Garmin, I looked at it and I saw that it was 9. something! It threw me! ME DOING A SUB 10 MIN/MI I know all the relay races of last week will be saying, "We was that for the relay race?" It's amazing how running with he Old Boy can bring that out of me!

Of course after that, it wa back to my usual running! With the walking parts in it as well! But at Goss Hill, the Old Boy kept his hand on my back and positively pushed me all the way to the top, I was running. Ok, so it wasn't a fast run, and I even walked about 4 steps before he shoved me up the hill again. But I did it! How? I don't know! But I took a full two minutes (maybe a tad more) at the top, to recover before carrying on with our run!

It was a pleasant run, a good run, a surprising run! sub 10 min/mi certainly surprised me! Towards the end of the run, the little path after the railway bridge to the car park, the OB said, "Ok do a sprint from here to the car" I didn't think I had it in me, but I dug deep, it was a very long sprint, but to me it could have been a mile or more, thats how it felt. But I ran fast, I even did the war cry "ARRRGGGHHHHHHH" as I was getting towards the end, and I felt I wanted to stop. But I kept it up, "Keep going you lazy bloomin mare" I said in my head. I was so pleased to to get to the end! Yes! Done it!

I was just doing my stretching at the sign post as I caught my breath, when a woman with he children emerged from the other path she said "It all sounds like too mu torture to me" I couldn't answer her!, but I am sure the OB said something to her.

Oh yes, and todays bit of exercise! Me and the Old boy went out for lovely bike ride via the local establishments again, followed by an exhilarating ride through the woods! Bitch dark, but great fun. Oh, and just one other thing, I found my front light! It has somehow got knocked off my bike and landed at the back of the shed on the floor, where the little bit of rubber to turn it on and off, and been chewed by a field mouse. (I am saying field mouse, because I don't like to think of anything rodent bigger than that, roaming so close to my home!) and besides, it looks like very tiny, tiny little teeth marks!

Anyway, geeky stats, and check out the first mile!!! That was me!

Run with Alan by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details

Usual Club Run.......With Just A Tad Bit Extra!

Hello blog lovers.

Its Tuesday, which means that its club run time. Our usual group 1 leader is still recuperating. Mrs Kipling (our group leader for the last few weeks, and the lovely maker of cakes!) is encouraging some of the group 1 runners into group 2. She feels they are ready for the next group! I know I am not ready for that group yet and decided to stay with group 1 today, and to run with another group 1 leader for todays run. She was one of the ladies in the relay race. She was in fact the 'D' runner in the team that I was on! Standing waiting for me roll on in!

Anyway, I digress! She gave us the route today, I heard her say Darrick Wood school, but in my mind I was thinking Crofton school! I was trying to think of a loop around the back of there and then get back to the main road. I just couldn't think of one.

It was when we got under the bridge that she said about Darrick Wood school again. And I said "But thats miles away" "Yes" she says "2 miles out and 2 miles back" she said with a smile. I was thinking it was more than that! But I have done more with the OB, so I shouldn't complain. And we are running at a slower pace than I normally do with the OB as well. So it should be no problem!

Well the route up to the top of the road is a gradual uphill, and again when we are doing the loop, its a gradual incline! My legs were feeling very tight! I'm not sure if it was because I had not done any running since Saturday, or if could be that I am still not quite recovered from the sickness bug that I had on Sunday! Chucking chunks Sunday evening, for no apparent reason! And no, it wasn't food poisoning, because I did the cooking. Things are always well 'caramelised' when I cook!

You can imagine how I felt on the way back! Its all down hill from here. But It was tough going. From the top of the road we had already ran 3 miles, and we still had the long road to run down before doing the final straight back. We had a newbie with us, and a Group 1 leader did say to her "we don't normally run this far, I think my calculations slight wrong" "Well, it can only be a mile from here now." I was thinking to my self. The newbie was saying that was struggling a bit, but she was doing very, very well. She was keeping up with group, I was at the back, again!, but still not letting the group get to far in front of me.

It felt really good to get onto the last road. Straight up and its done. Our leader said that those who wanted to sprint from here, can, but just to wait at the park to be counted in! I didn't see to much sprinting going on. But most of the group had picked up the pace a bit. I was running with the newbie, encouraging her on, as her pace had slowed down a bit. She said she had felt a blister forming. But she kept on going! If that was me I would be waiting for an ambulance to take me hospital. You can tell that I don't do pain!

Anyway, it turned out that it was a bit more than we usually run for a Tuesday night, but an enjoyable one! And the newbie wasn't put off either, she said she will be back next week! I will have to see how the 'new group 2's' got on with their run, next week when we meet up again.

Geeky stats, Again today there is no 'embed' button to click on, so just copy and past the link if you want to see the stats. Not sure why its all changed!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/115907722#

I have noticed that a few people have posted comments, I do try and reply and to add comments after but for some strange reason blogger doesn't recognise me when I try to add a comment on my own page!!! very strange indeed. But I do try to reply via facebook.

Thank you for reading and commenting on my ramblings.

Relay Race - Hanging With My Homies!

Hello blog lovers.

I didn't manage to write my blog yesterday after the race, as me and the Old boy were going out for the evening to celebrate our 27th anniversary! So a nice run was just what I needed to give me plenty of appetite.

When I said on the facebook page, that I was 'thinking' about signing up for the relay race and then, realising, that by just saying that I had actually signed on the dotted line!, I did let people know that I wasn't the fastest runner of all time!, and I am usually languishing at the back of group 1 on our Tuesday night runs. But that didn't stop Little Boy lost from signing me up.

It has been a while since I ran a relay race, last time was when I was at school,....primary school, so some 40 years ago! But never as an adult. Memories (or fears) of those old school days, of going through the whole 'picking team mates' stage, were going through my mind. I was always left to the last, and then had to endure the 'groan' as the team leader had just me to chose! It's ok, though, I'm over that, now days I do try to 'volunteer' and be first in the lime light! (I even get up and do Karaoke!)

Anyway, enough sympathy gathering drivel, back to the race. There was only one thing that I could do, and thats just go there and do my best, (and try to earn the piece of cake that was on offer for after!) Our time for getting there was at 2, to get our numbers pinned on, a group photo, (that I am still waiting to see!) and pep talk, well, I say pep talk, its more like hang out really, with my PWR 'homies'.

Our race was due to start at 2:45 pm. Let me tell you, that soon came around, pretty quickly! Soon all the seniors race 'A' number runners were lined up ready for the off! .....A big cheer as they all set off. PWR had 4 teams, two girls teams and 2 boys teams! We were well represented! All running in our club colours. It felt good to be in a team.

Soon the the 'B' runners would be called up to the line, in readiness for the first lap runners to come back. We saw them all in, my team, and remember we are group 1 runners, were last to get going. It was to be me next, I am a 'C' runner! The pressure was great! Knowing that we were probably going to be the last team finished, I didn't want to leave my team mate standing there by herself for two long. But of course, while I was waiting to run I was getting all the low down of the course from the 'A' runner. About the hill through the woods, which lulls you into a false sense of security, because you get to a point where you can run down or up again. Of course the route was up! I do not like hills! I am afraid, as the OB says of me, I stopped and had 'a picnic' in the wood! To you or me, I walked up the hill, but not all of it! Oh know, I wasn't going to let the hill take it all from me!

There was another nice bit of flat once we got to the top of the hill, running along side the road before turning left again to go back in the woods, and the inevitable down hill section. I must say, that all the runners that......erm........passed me gave me lots of encouragement, and the marshalls through the woods and on the field cheered me along my way.

But coming up the long straight, that was where the pressure was. Knowing that the 'D' runners were already passing me and my team mate was left standing at the start/finish line waiting for the 'touch', oh wow the pressure! I ran as fast as my legs could go, I could see the OB with his camera at the ready, I am not going to try the whole 'pose' thing now, my team mate needs me at the line now! Through the trees and there she was.

A little disappointingly, the organises were beginning to 'tidy' away, and the tape that marked the route to the line had gone and just the poles were left in place, but I ran up to my team mate (and she was the only left on the line) gave her the touch and she ran off.

To save her from running the route by herself, our PWR's made a rota to run along side her, to keep her company! One taking the first field, one taking the route through the woods, (the up hill section) and then another taking the second field. She had a race on her hands. To get back before the rain started........and get back before the organises had packed everything away! Oh yes and to get the last piece of cake before 'The Prince' could get it!

She did brilliantly! She ran her socks off! The Organises were not packed away fully, and the rain just started as she ran up to the line! She beat both!

Of course, my team didn't win, but we won in team spirit! All supporting each other, and encouraging each other, and the fact that we were all smiling and laughing at the end as we ate cake and drank tea! (Thanks to one of our group 1 leaders, an absolutely delicious banana and walnut cake!) A brilliant day out, and I had run up and appetite for a lovely meal in the evening!

Thanks goes to (and here is a first, using proper names) Mark aka little boy lost for getting the teams together, Karen aka one of the Group 1 leaders, for making such a delicious cake and bring along a gas stove, kettle, tea coffee and milk, everything in fact apart from the kitchen sink, and last but not least the OB aka my lovely husband, for taking me to the race and supporting me in my running and cycling.



So geeky stats and photo of me running, team photo to follow shortly, oh the geeky stats have 'failed' again, so its just the web page, but you can still see the route when you click on the link

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/115275419

Club Run - And No Garmin!

Hello Blogees!

As the Title suggests, I went running with my club today. A put on my new day-glo glowing top, my running pants, HRM, new shoes, kissed the OB and left. It wasn't until I got to the rec that I realised that I hadn't actually put my Garmin on my wrist! Oh well, the OB has often said to me that I should run sometimes without the Garmin.

It was quite chilly out, I had bought my old faithful, my shrunken hoody, to keep me warm while we were getting the latest low downs on pb's and up and coming races (the relay race that I mentioned in my last blog is this Saturday! ARRGGHHH!) Anyway, soon as all the groups had been sorted I threw my hoody inside the building, and stood, glowing with all the other PWR's. We looked like we were about to hit some rave party, with all the neon coloured tops and reflective stripes on our attire.

Our run leader today (Our usual run leader is still not well, hope you get better soon!) has told us the route. It went something like this, "We are going out here, and down Towncourt, and around and then up, is it St. Johns road?, and then where going along there somewhere, and up there, its about 4 miles, I know where I am going" Well I hope she does, and I hope I keep up with her, as I had no idea where we were heading tonight! Almost worthy of Little Boy Losts runs I should think!

She also has her running watch, and is keen to stay on target for 11 min miles! I feel quite naked with out mine on. In fact I also feel quite lazy! When I look at my watch and see the distance, if I am feeling tired and its still not quite a mile I push myself on to the mile and further, but with out my guidance it seems old potato head is waking up again, and telling me to walk.

I found out today a bit more 'running jargon'. Back to back and top and tail. Its what I have been doing. Back to Back means doing two or three days running in a row, and top and tail means doing a run in the morning and then a run in the evening, for some who couldn't fit in a long run! Which is what I did yesterday! Although I wasn't planning on doing a long run anyway. Mr. S. let me in the the new jargon!

I kept up as best as I could, but I was taking it easy,(thats my excuse today!) as I had only just realised when I got to the rec this evening, that the relay race is actually this Saturday! So I didn't want to push it too hard, I am going to take it easy, maybe do a short run on Thursday if the Old Boy is up for it, or maybe even a ride our bikes somewhere .....local.....

The main group were about a minute or so in front of me, and I was at the back, not quite the last lady this time, there were a couple of newbies behind me! I tracked down the other Garmin wearing buddy (we both have the same Garmin, and both had them for Christmas!) Her time read 39.17, so I'm going to just add about 2 mins to that.

Geeky stats today is 3.50 miles (apprx) in 41.17 mines (apprx)

Chasing The Old Boy!

Hello Bloggess,

Well, I did go out again, I thought I would keep the OB company on his 2 mile course. He is just out here, keeping his legs working, keeping them nice and loose! I on the other hand have kind of suggested that I might be up for doing a relay race. I only kind of said that I was sort of thinking about it, if there were any other group 1 runners going along too, the next minute 'Little Boy Lost' had told me he had put my name down! So I gave a sweet smile to the Old Boy as I asked him if he would be able to drive me to where ever this race will be, (my navigation skills, while driving, is just not a good idea! Dangerous even!)

So here I am, outside my house, holding my arm up, looking for satellites again! That done we were off. We are not going to the woods, as you can probably guess, seeing as I am looking for satellites outside my house, we are heading for my very first half way point, Turn around Lamppost and beyond! I couldn't help but look at my Garmin to see how quickly I had got there. And I was pleased to see it was sub 6 mins!

But (oh blimey, the 'buts' have started up again), but, I did go running this afternoon, and 'I was feeling it'! I checked again after a mile, I still done a sub 11 min mile! (and I had a very short walking stop before the mile was up) Again, another smile on my face, so now I am just going to enjoy the rest of the run. If I walk some of the way, ..... it don't matter, after all, I was only here keeping the OB company. He was way in front of me by now! There was no 'keeping the Old Boy company', to be honest, the said to me on the path way before TAL "Are you running with me then?!" So I knew what was in store for me. He was running along at his own pace, enjoying just being out. Still, it was a nice thought about keeping him company!

He was waiting for me on Magpiehall Lane, about 2 minutes ahead of me, because our route was going through the park. It's getting darker now days, and he didn't want me running through there alone. I tried to keep up with him, but he was just too fast, but he kept his eyes on me, looking back, and by the time we were through the park he carried on his own pace again until our front door.

I tried the whole sprint thing again. Nagging Sister subliminal messages were working well, her words came through my fuzzled head, "Ok now Old Girl, sprint to the door" So I did!, I don't know where I got the energy from, it must have been the banana I had earlier, or the mini cornish pasty I had just an hour ago (and I'm so glad it stayed in my stomach) but I sprinted the last few metres!

So, geeky stats (again today)

Yeah But....No But.......Yeah But...

Hello bloggees,

I could so have easily have wasted this day tucked up in my bed and not moved till dinner time! I had no little urchins to look after today, and Smarty Pants littlest urchin had kept her up all night, so she wasn't up for a run this morning.

After I had made sure Big Son had got up and made it out of the house to get to college on time (better than last week!) I just........turned over and slept for another 30 minutes or so.

There was nothing for it, a good telling off after I had woken up, straight into jogging clothes, so no excuse that I am not dressed right, and then potted about a bit. Tut. Motivation where are you?!

Eventually I got out of the door, the wind blowing quite hard. I was thinking "This is going to cause me to go slow" That's it Old Girl, get the 'REASONS' out there first for going slower today.

A chat to the neighbour while the Satellites found me, (unlike yesterday when it thought I was over the road a bit, but it did look good on my stats in the 'Best Pace' category) Then it was off.

My sprinting yesterday was still in my legs (more excuses) and I felt every move of my muscles as they tried to warm up. "Just slow your pace down Old Girl, this is not a race" I had decided to try the Old Boys tactic of just running and see where I end up, but making sure that I can get home of course. I was heading down Southborough Lane, and I knew that Turpington will be my next turn left. There is no way I am going on any further up this road today. But there is still potential for going somewhere different and putting in an extra few yards or so. But did I do it.....of course not. Such a lazy mare!

I was in fact slower today than I was yesterday! But I did have yesterdays 3 miles still in my legs! And I had my new water bottle to carry, (did I mention it was rather warm out as well as windy) But there was no excuses for the walking stops. It was purely down to me being...........bloomin knackered!

I enjoyed it today, and I feel as if I can run a bit later with the Old Boy as well. He is still not feeling 100%, all sort of snotty and headachy, so 2 more miles or so later will deffo have my motivation back on track, either that or me flat on me back exhausted!

Geeky stats for this run (lets see if I do go out again later)

Sunday Blaster - Sort of!!

Hello blog lovers.

Well today is my sons birthday. Which of course means cake! Chocolate cake, as the lad is just a choco fiend, (just like his mum!) I knew I wouldn't be able to run after church, as I had promised him I would cook him a Sunday roast. And some of the other members of our family will be here as well.

There was only one thing for it. Get up early, before church, and go for a run! I haven't done that for a long time. In fact, I haven't been running on my own for a long time. I wonder it I can nag myself as much when I'm alone!!

I put on my new running top, and hat! and set off. I was doing one of my old routes, up to Turp and down Greenway. But also I am adding in a few sprints, as suggested by one of my club buddies, he is the club physio as well. In fact, he said that its not really necessary to do hill work to get fitter and stronger, (just as the Old boy persuaded me that I need to do more hill training!) but doing these sprints between lampposts, or trees, and then do a recovery jog, will help to get my body used to running faster. And then do it all over again, not full out, mind, I don't think my body could actually run full out, just faster than my usualy pace. This will help me, says my club buddy! He did say I might feel as if I want to stop and hold on to my knees, but I should just keep going till the end of the sprint! Boy, he wasn't joking. My recovery jogs were more recovery walks than jogs!

But it was good, it felt good, and I'm not sure yet, because I haven't downloaded the geeky stats yet, but it could be a personal best on this route! We shall see. After I got to Oxhawth I was bloomin knackered! I tried to keep up the sprints as best as I could, but Faringdon was creeping up real quick! I want to be able to run the whole of this road, maybe with a sprint or two in there as well.

I had a little left over for a sprint up to the house from the begning of my road. Not a fast sprint, but it was faster than my usual pace (at that time after a jog!)

So now, moment of truth, time to download geeky stats! And Yes, it is a PB as far as I can tell!!!!