Sunday 31 March 2013

How To Save Litres Of Petrol

My reason for running
Hello blog lovers.

How to save money on petrol, well the answer is run everywhere of course! Ok, so you wont be able to carry the shopping home, or, indeed, luggage if you're going on holiday, but what the heck, the carbon footprint is what it's all about, right! So much better for the environment. In old couch potato days I used the car to drive half a mile, and now I am plotting routes for 16 mile jogs!

Anyway, on to todays blog. I will try and keep it short (I can but try). After the service today at church I came home, well, not before stopping for a quick chat with everyone. As it was Easter there were hot cross buns, chocolate cake, and some savouries as well, sausage rolls and pork pies! It was hard to drag myself away, but I managed it.

I got home and reminded the Old Boy of what he said he would do, and that's to be my meals on wheels again.  We had discussed the route the day before. It seemed an awfully long way when I was discussing it!  It is one of our old cycle routes, when we were first out cycling! and now here I am thinking ....ooops sorry, actually running it!

I set off just before the Old Boy, he was doing something with his bike, and he was going to meet up with me on route.  I ran through the alley way and out onto the now dreaded A21!  I saw a runner coming in the other direction with his little dog. We acknowledge each other with a polite smile.  I saw the Old Boy just up ahead, I think he came down Princes Plain, while I went up to church lane. We were just going passed the bus garage and I really needed to go to the loo! "We have to stop, I need to go" I said to him. "Already?" he said.  I think it must the thought of a long run today.

So, cutting it short, I must remember to cut it short! The blog that is, not my run! I managed, (after the loo stop at Mc'D's) to run up the hill, but this time I was going on and on! In fact, pass the hospital, pass the first round about, and the second round about and up to Greenstreet Green!  I remember one of my 'Epic' rides on my bike was to here, when I was practising and training for the London to Brighton. I even stopped for a sandwich, and had the cheek to 'check in' on Facebook!

Look at me now, I am running pass there with still got lots of miles to do after!  When we got to Greenstreet Green we turned left.  It felt strange to me thinking "I am going to run to the very end of this road!" Because that is what is going to happen. All the way down until I get to Orpington High street. Incidentally, when I was nearing Orpington High street I saw the same man that I saw on the A21, near Trinity church! This time there was a huge acknowledgement from both of us, knowing just how far each of us had run so far!  I carried on running  until we had to turn left again when we reached the other main road.  Just thinking about that was amazing! Me, an ex couch potato, never even ran half a marathon until last month, was now running all this way!

The Old Boy was very encouraging, he carried my drink in his bike rack, I had my dextrose, some High5 gel thingy, another freebie, and also a nutty bar thing also a freebie.  I already had the gel at mile 3, it wasn't as bad as the last gel I had! At least I could swallow this one, the flavour was a bit to be desired.  Do manufacturers think that just because its a necessary thing for long distance runners and indeed cyclists think they need, does it have to taste like sludge!

My nutty bar I had when I was running down Sevenoaks way. Did you see how I  skipped a few miles there, I told you I'm trying to keep it short!  Running down here was hard. My legs were beginning to hurt, and I was developing the shuffle run! I still have a long way to go! Not only that but there is the climb up to Crittals corner to do yet.

We turned the corner when we got to the end of that road, (now I feel like I'm in a Forest Gump film clip again!) and started running up to Crittals corner. At least I won't be running the length of this road, I'm even not sure where this road goes after the roundabout!, but we are only going to the roundabout and then turn left to go to Chislehurst.

I was very tired now, but I was running on most of each mile, there were quite a lot of walking spells now. Especially going up the ramp!  I made sure, or at least, the OB made sure I was running when I got to the top.

An undulating couple of miles now into Chislehurst and I will be on PWR's manor! I have to make sure I am running every time I see a runner in the distance, just in case, you never know!  As it happened I did bump into a PWR, she was on leave from Uni for the Easter hols,  I am sure I was running!

Down now towards the new bridge and onto Pettswood road.  I seemed to be glaring a lot more at the Old boy now as he tells me to keep going, "Come on, that's enough walking let's get going!" he would say to me.  I am so going to make him run for 16 miles when his knee is better, and I shall be perched on my bike!  I was telling him that we will be running pass some PWR friends of mine who live along this road.  "You better make sure you're running then" he said.

The next few miles was really, really tough! I know I have run further but I was really getting very tired.  The new few miles was all going to play on my Psyche as well.  I am going to be running pass roads that could take me home! At least 5 that I can think of just counting very quickly! Those road could take me home and I could be putting my feet up.  I thought it was quite amusing when the Old Boy put on a 'Fridays' pose across top Oxhawth, blocking the way and pointing the direction as to which way I should be running.  It would be so good to go down there and go home!

"Keep to your plan" he said. That's what he said last week. Last week I was really pleased that I stuck to my plan, so this time I will stick by it. The plan is to go all the way to the top, the A21, and then run along to Trinity church and then back down the ally!  The roads to my left are all blocked to me, mentally. There is only one way home and that is Trinity Church.

Dextrose was going down my neck as if they were going out of fashion, just to help me mentally to think I have the energy to get through this.  I could see the end of the road. Knowing its just a very short mile and half to go was so uplifting. I just wished my body could be more happier!  My feet were aching, my ankles were aching, my shins, knees, thighs, back, arms and legs. In fact I think even my hair was aching. But my determination to keep as much running going as possible seem to be there. My lungs were perfectly fine! I could breath and moan and chat to the Old Boy. I just need to believe in myself or at least in my body that I can get just a little bit more out of it!

The Old Boy was a little in front of me, he was looking at his gears, suddenly I thought about the whole reason of why I was in this position. Why I started running in the first place. Tears formed in my eyes and rolled down my face. I felt a huge sob rise up and come out, some what stifled as I didn't want anyone to hear me!  My mum struggled through the last weeks of her life, in pain. The drugs not really touching the pain.  She kept a smile on her face, and as much of her dignity as she could.  She wouldn't even let us cancel her Internet connection at her home (she was by then at home in my sisters house) because as she said "It will take to long to connect it back when I go home" That is why I started running, that is why I will try all I can to help doctors and scientists help to find cures for cancer! If my mum  stayed positive when she was just so ill, then I can stay positive knowing that I am fitter than I have ever been and just finish this, in all respects, a little be of an uncomfortable run!



We got to Turn Around Lamppost, "Do you want to do the extra half mile to make it 17" he said to me "Nope, I am going home" "Why are you going home, just half mile more, through the park and down Whitebeam." he said to me. "Nope, I am going home, I have stuck to my planned run and I am going home" I managed to run the rest of the way home after I had said that!

It felt marvellous seeing my house! I was pleased that there wasn't anyone playing football on the green, I really didn't want them to see my struggling!

So geeky stats for you





Saturday 30 March 2013

Park Run!

Hello blog lovers.

I have completed two park runs on the trot now, and there is a very good reason for that.  Spider put an update of the current leaders of the PWR Grand Prix, a leader from each running group. guess what? Some how I had managed to nab first position for group 1.  Now, in my mind that is a challenge, to try and stay there, at the top, in the running (sorry about the pun). In reality, it could be that I am the only member of group 1 that has done some of the races in this years Grand Prix! But, I don't think so,....no.....I'm sure there are other members of group 1 that had done some of the races. But it's by the by! I am currently in the lead. And today is the last park run of the month in which there is any point scoring, (after that I shall have to enter at least 1 more race!). So I just had to get up and go and run.

The morning was just perfect for running.  Yes, it's a bit chilly, but it is just the end of winter, at least it's not raining.  The sun even showed itself for a short while.  The ground seems to be drying out slowly, not so much sticky and wet as sticky and spongy!  There seemed to be an awful lot of runners today, maybe it's the sunshine that has bought them all out.

I lined up ready for the off.  I wasn't sure if I should just go to the front and try my best, or start from where I usually do, at the back, with the other group 1 ladies, the new recruits that is, J.J., Kay and Janet. So I decided to start off with them, and then just do my own thing on the way around.

I had on my PWR vest top under my shrunken hoody, and by looks of the sun trying to make a positive move to stay out, I expect to be losing that to the bucket at the first 500m.  The count down began, I started off this new app my friend had told me about, Strava, (I downloaded it so that I can keep an eye on his training for the 'Tough Mudder') and also pushed the button on my Garmin, well, I thought I did! but there were quite a few 'beeps' going on I thought It was mine and didn't really check! I had just ran to the first corned before I realised that I hadn't actually started it! Grrrr!

It's probably just as well, now I have no pressure of the tell tale Garmin beeping at me, it is all going to be seeing if I can push myself that little bit harder.  Just after I started my Garmin, my hat blew off, it was a bit breezy on that first long section!

I found myself passing a few people, there was also a few people passing me.  I passed a couple of ladies who were having a lovely chat on the way around, they didn't seem to be out of breath at all!  Then I saw a young mother with her daughter up ahead. I tried desperately to catch them! They were my race!  it wasn't until  the second time of getting to the starting point that I actually passed them by, and that was only because the little girl stumbled a bit. It was fortunate that she was holding on to her mums hand.  My next race was a couple, he was chatting away to her, encouraging her to keep on going, "This is the last time going down here now" I could imagine him saying to her. I passed them! I was pleased with that, but then I slowed down again. Darn it! They passed me by.  I think then that he must have said to her "We need to keep PWR lady behind" because I just couldn't pass them again.

On the last few meters, of course I started my sprinting. EncouringMan saying to his wife "Keep going, give a little bit more" as he heard me running up behind them. They put on a bit of a sprint, I sprinted faster to try and pass them by but that just made them go even faster! I could hear him all the while urging his wife on, to give a little bit more!  They reached the tunnel before me! It was a good race, and I thanked them for giving me a little bit of a workout at the end. "You made me run faster" said his wife, and we both laughted. 

That's what park run is about.  Encouraging everyone to give a little bit more, to push yourselfs a little bit harder, the friendliness of everyone encouring and cheering you when you run pass people or they run pass you!  And the friends that you can make at the end, along with a cup of tea and cake,  as you chat about your run, and how you did.  Yup, I like park run!

Geeky stats, for you, but the official Parkrun time is 34:40, so it was slightly quicker that last week!  I shall have to see if I can go even faster now, and try and get a PB!


Tuesday 26 March 2013

An Achy Club Run!

Hello blog lovers.

I could quite easily have said "Cheerio" to the Old Boy as he went on his cycle ride, and then curled up under my snuggly. But as you all know, if I'm blogging, then I went jogging! Yes, it was freezing out, well it was 1 degree c, and yes, I was still very achy from my long run on Sunday. Yet still I found some energy to get out and do it.  I needed to do it, I needed to know that I can just get back to jogging after doing 14 miles, or 15 miles.  After all, that is only half of what I need to do next month.

I had on plenty of layers on, gloves, hat and buff, plus a determination to keep up with the group today, although I will volunteer to be sweeper because that is deffo where I would be.  My legs were complaining just walking to the car! Lets see if they notice that I shall be chucking them around a chilly course this evening!

Our Illustrious Leader was leading Group 1 and she told us our route. "There is a hill involved" she said with a smile! "It will be good for me" I thought to myself as I heard the other group 1's groaning a bit. Then we heard group 2's route "You should join them Old Girl" said Janet, "At least there is no hills" Being here in Bromley and Pettswood there is just no getting away from hills, no matter which way you go, it's just the degrees of steepness that matters.

We set off and headed in the direction of the hill.  First off we have to run down it. It felt good, but the longer we ran down it the more you thought "We got to run back up again soon" as the road that I.L. had chosen was parallel to this one!

The group today all kept together very well indeed. Going down hill helps in that particular incident. But also you just know that, and for want of a better word for them, the New Recruits to group 1 (I can't call them beginners anymore) are getting fitter and faster!  We were all running along together as a group. Brilliant!

Then came the hill.  We saw it going up. We had a little breather at the bottom, I.L. said "Just run up the hill at your own speed, don't try and race it" well, I for one won't be racing it. "And if you get to the top and want to keep warm waiting for everyone else, then just run around the little green at the top" 

We all started off up the hill. Using our arms to power up the hill, and taking shorter strides, you could see and even feel everyone concentrating on geetting up the hill in one go.  I didn't think I could do it. It seemed like a long run down and now we are running up again.  I could see the top of the hill, the two ladies at the back with me could see the top of the hill, Janet and J.J. All of us kept focused on the top.  We all did it! And we all made it virtually together, with out anyone having to run around the top to keep warm.

The run back to the rec was just perfect, with maybe one slight incline to get up. But after the elation getting up the main hill hardly anyone noticed it.  We were running straight pass the top of Crossways after running down Brichwood, to go down the next road, Towncourt. This was just to get the extra half mile in to make it nearly 3 and half miles. 

Coming back to Crossways I encouraged Janet and J.J. to just give a little bit extra to do a sprint finish. Just a little bit to teach our bodies that there is still a little extra to push us a little bit faster.  Both of them gave it a go! Very proud of them to try that after the hilly route.  Hardly any  unofficial walking stops, maybe just one two of three. So well done all.  And, I know we don't thank you, Illustrious Leader, for giving us hills to do, but when we do them and we do them well, we are very pleased with ourselves, so thanks go's to you.

Geeky stats.


Sunday 24 March 2013

Right, That's It! I'm Running!

Hello blog lovers.

I just had to get out for a long run today. There is not that much time left to get a least two long runs in before I start to taper down. With the weather against me and the cold virus attacking me, there has not been that much tapering up!

Yesterday, I decided, no matter what the weather, I am going out for up to 15 miles!  I mapped out a route on MapMyRun, it was just short of 15 miles, but I thought, that will do.  I don't think after 14 miles, I could bare to run pass my road and not go home!

I went to church this morning. I walked around to pick up my grandson and then we walked to church. Two reasons for that, (as I usually take my car on the very, very short journey) First reason was because I didn't want to defrost my car, and second, I wanted to see just how icy the roads and pavements are.  And, they weren't that bad!

As soon as I got back, I got changed, told the Old Boy my route and then set off.  I was doing a combination of routes today, with some added extras to try and get the extra miles in.  The last couple of miles were going to be near my home, just as a precaution, in case I get too tired!

The first half of the run is the run up to the A21 and then through the posh houses. This bit I am doing solo.  I  tried  getting a running buddy to come with me, but I noticed, when I looked out of the window, there was no car outside on the road, so Naggy Neighbour was out and Smarty Pants wasn't up for a long run, (she would have only have done the first half of the run anyway) as she is going away soon and didn't want to be all achy!  I know how she feels!  The Old Boy was going to meet me at the little bridge by Crofton School.  He will by cycling (albeit very slowly) behind me.  He is going to keep me company, supply drinks and nutrition for me. Perfect! Meals on wheels!

It was very cold out, but I think I had enough layers, and hopefully the right layers to be able to get around without getting hypothermia!  The first half went really well. I was by myself, so of course no need to show off, so I 'practiced' this 'Galloway's training. I think it's something I have been doing ever since I started running! It has walking bits in. I got to the A21 and after two miles I took a 30 second walk.  I know the next two miles is going to to get me at the top of the hill! 

I looked up at it! I could see it rise up and turn left and then out of sight. But, you just know its still going up! I know this hill. This hill used to hold me in fear. Not now! I have done it a couple of times now, for goodness sake, it should be a matter of fact that I do it. Ok, so last few times I had company, but today, I felt I had to try and conquer this hill again, by myself, with still 10 or so miles to do after! I took another little breather before I got to the bottom of the hill. And then I attacked it!  There is no way I am going to let it get to me, not even if I have another 26.2 miles to do after this!

I really wanted to stop. I started counting the trees, and the cars, and looking for the next focal point, anything to help me get up the hill.  I know my cold has taken a lot out of me, and what with not doing too many longer runs, it really was a struggle to get up there........BUT I DID IT! Eat that A21 hill!

I continued to run till the entrance of the posh estate, then took another little breather.  It was cold, but my head was boiling. I had a buff on and a hat.  I wanted to keep my ears warm!  The hat came off and so I was running with just the buff on my head, like some kind of wanna be pirate! 

The rest of the first half went really well. I got a call from the Old Boy asking where I was. I told him I was just running along the road towards Crofton school. "I will be about 5 or 6 minutes" He was waiting by the little bridge, ready to accompany me on the next half of my long run. I arrived there in less than the started time, I got there in 4 minutes!

I decided that this will be a good time to try out one of the freebie energising gels that I was given. It was goo, tangerine flavour goo! OMG! I openend it, squeezed some out and tasted it. BLEUGH! What was that?! That was the most bleugh thing I have ever tasted! It was just thick, and yucky, and.....I just can't even begin to describe it! I tried to finish it, as I thought this is what the professionals do, but I just knew that wasn't going to happen! Dextrose will be sufficient, and lucky for me the Old Boy had bought a nice cool orange drink!

The next part of the run, I of course  had company. The Old boy on his bike! I was so glad that he didn't have a bell on his bike! He would have been 'dinging' it all the way! Instead, when I slowed down or took a sneaky walk he chose to poke me instead!  He took a picture of me running along the woody bit of this road, you can see the whole pirate thing going on!

Ha arrrrr, Cap'n Moosh!


I was getting quite tired. Chislehurst seemed a long way away! But I got there. With Summer Hill in mind I took things easier again. I was getting tired, I was even thinking that maybe I can cut the run short and go down Blackbrook lane instead. Lets just wait and see how I feel at the top of the hill!

The run down Summer hill was great! But I could feel it on my legs, the down hill section seemed to be as hard as the up!  Then it was time. The up part of this road. the Old Boy giving me encouragement all the way. I stopped for a short second, not even 10 seconds had passed and he said "Keep going Old Girl, right to the top." I seemed to have found a little extra to get back to jogging. I really wanted to give up and walk, but I didn't. And, because of that, I decided to carry on with the rest of the planned route. So it was straight up towards Bromley.

From here till the end though, I was really struggling. The cold was getting to me, and I wished I had put on the Old Boys Trackie bottoms on over the top of my jogging tights! But I kept going. We were going to be doing some more down hills soon, which is always good for my Psyche! 

We were on Homesdale road,  I looked up at the road I was to climb, my heart sank to my boots! That's when the Old boy pulled out the big guns! Chocolate! I munched on a crunchie bar, so much better than dextrose and that goo stuff!  The thing is, I can't do the whole eating and running thing, I can just about do the walking and eating thing! But it was so good!  The only problem I was having was breathing! Because of all the.....yuck....coming out of my nose, I couldn't eat with my mouth closed! I looked like (and sounded like) some starved animal chewing on a bone!

Back on to the A21! How I am going to hate this road after the marathon! Heading towards Trinity church. I looked at my watch. It was about 2 hours or more ago I was on this road, feeling fresh and confident. Looking to beat the hill! Now look at me, a shadow of that! Seriously thinking about getting home by the shortest possible route!


I was just so pleased when I got to Turn Around lamppost, the last half a mile home. "I am going home now" I said to the Old Boy, I felt as if I stepped out of that clip from Forest Gump, when he turned around to the people running with him and he says "I am tired now, I am going home". And yes, HE got to walk home.
 "Oh no you don't" The Old Boy said to me,  "you still more to do" I just looked at him "I am going home to start dinner, you can carry on and finish what you started" I looked at him, and plodded along thinking, "It's so much easier to go home"

But I did as I was told, and what I had originally planned. I went through the park, up to the Harvesters and then back down Southborough Lane! I was doing it. I was doing the route that I had planned! I was knackered!! but I was doing it! I had no issues with my hips, or toes,  only fatigue! Just my will power slowly ebbing away. I couldn't wait to get to the road where I dare not stop.

Turning into my road was brilliant. Soon it will be over, soon I can step into a nice hot bath and relax! I had managed to run the length of Faringdon! Now that really pleased me! Obviously, there was no sprint finish!

So my geeky stats for you.







Tuesday 19 March 2013

Club Run

Hello Blog Lovers,

Finally feel fit enough for going out running.  This cold really had me over the weekend.  I didn't see Sunday morning at all, and only got out of bed about ten to two in the afternoon!  I was thinking then that maybe the parkrun was probably not a good idea, even though I was glad I did it!

There is no way that I am going to go up to the next group, not yet anyway. Maybe after the marathon, I will seriously think about it. Maybe share my time between the two groups, using group 2 as a fast challenge. But that's after the big 'M'.

SingstarJo was taking out group 1 today, and when she asked for sweepers, as there were no immediate show of hands, of course my hand went up!  Our group had grown. Some of the runners from the beginners had joined our merry band. And also there were a few new comers and some runners that hadn't been for a while! So we were quite a sizable group.

SingstarJo said that she was going to keep it nice and gentle to gently ease the beginners into our ranks. She did, however, mention, ever so quietly under her breath, cardiac hill! I think she didn't want to terrify the newbies too much.

But she kept to her word, a nice gentle run around Pettswood. Pass the kebab shops, which was smelling sooooo good. Every one was keeping together, a very nicely paced social run today.  The little hill, affectionately known as cardiac hill came and was conquered by everyone. I am sure that no one even felt that hill.....ooops, I mean upside down hole, as everyone was chatting away nicely, at least, all of us at the back was.

There was only two roads left to do before we were back onto crossways, but SingstarJo knew that wouldn't be quite the mileage that we are used to. So to tease us all, we were going to run down Crossways and then turn right into Woodrise!  Yes, another little hill! S.J. did offer a 'way out' for those not wanting to do the little extra loop. "So, ladies" I had said to Kay, Janet, and JJ, "Are you going to be doing the extra bit or are you going for the rec?" "Oh no" Said Kay, quite definitely "I won't be able to do that, that's a hill" I kept asking her as we were coming out of Willet Way and crossing over Pettswood Road. "You can do this" I said encouragingly "You can do this, it's easy, just take it nice and gentle"  I really thought I had lost the battle as she kept saying "no, no no". But as we were getting closer to the right turn I could feel her resolve crumbling "Look, its just up there, then its all flat"

She chose to do it! And so did Janet and JJ, and so did a newbie behind her! See, PWR's are made of great stuff! A great determination, and guts! We all headed on up towards Kingsway, which is the other half of the horseshoe road that we are running on. Our Illustrious Leader who was sweeping with me was running along with a newbie, Wenday, (recruited to the ranks by Kay and Janet,) and they decided to just run the hill and then run down again and go and open the gate of the rec. The rest of us carried on around the other half of the horseshoe road.

The nice downhill section was soon in our sight as we could see the bottom of the road, and Crossways with the entrance to the park, and the finish.  We had just stated running down hill when JJ tripped up! Oh no, she had only just come back to us after staying away for a while due to injury! She stood up, brushed herself off, took a deep breath and then said, come on lets run this bit! See what I mean, PWR = Great Stuff!  Well done JJ, I'm so glad that you didn't pull any muscles when you fell. And it's good to have you back! She did suffer a grazed knee, and she was looking like a true runner with the blood trickly down her leg, and he saying "Oh it's nothing!"

Thanks SingstarJo for keeping it nice and easy, I don't think my lungs would have coped with anything more strenuous today, I am sure another day off from running and I should be as right as rain! 

Geeky stats. Oh, and you will notice that it says 6 miles! We didn't actually do six miles, honest! I thought I had turned off my Garmin, but I actually didn't so it was still recording! The actual time was 58.59 secs for 3.76 miles.  I do remember looking at my watch and noticed those numbers! The rest of the route is me going home!

But the route is interesting, with more hills than than I thought although I just didn't notice them!





Saturday 16 March 2013

Wet, Muddy Park Run

Hello blog lovers.

I thought I would go along to the park run today, to encourage all the newbies and beginners and to cheer them along as they do their first park run.  But it seems as if all the beginners are wanting to keep their running fun, and a joy to do, so there were only 2 beginners, unlike us, complete fanatics, who just has to get out there and run, no matter what the weather!

Well to be honest, the Parkruns I do about every month or bi-monthly but  as I wanted to get a run in during some time of the day, ParkRun is a good place to do it. I'm also glad that I had said I would be there, because if I didn't, I don't think I would have turned up today.  The weather was awful, my head felt fuzzy and heavy, and that is not because of a liquid Friday nighter either.  It's the blooming cold virus threatening me again! And with todays schedule, I don't think I would have have any time (or energy) left for a run later.

The cold thing is just going to have to wait, I haven't got time for colds today, I have a busy schedule and everything needs to be done.  1. Run, 2. home and shower,3. making and baking biscuits, 4. help to do grandsons party, 5. then clean up after grandsons party! So there is no room whatsoever for colds!

I got to the park about 5 mins to nine. I parked my car at the opposite end to the start line! So I had to quickly make my way to the other end. Oh well, a good warm up is always welcomed.  There were 195 people running today, 195 running fanatics (I just checked on the parkrun site for todays run)! All in one place, ready to squelch, splash and run their way around this 5k route.  It's a bit different from the usual Bromley 5k route, as they had to keep as much of the route on the tarmac as possible. But there is a couple of bits running on the grass......sorry.....mud!

As I wasn't needed really for being a pacer I thought I would try and do as quick as possible in these conditions going on the 'wet route'.  I weaved my way through a couple of people, something that I don't usually do, and I think maybe gave me an edge to try and push even harder.  I ended up getting a nasty stitch! I think maybe, I got up a little later than I planned and had breakfast too late!

But I kept on going as best as I could.  I don't think this will be any PB for me.  The muddy bits were very muddy! And I kept on slipping.  All I thought about was "I don't want to fall over, I don't want to hurt myself, I don't want injuries, not now!" 

I just plodded along, PhysioMike came pass me with two beginners! They were going to be getting in before me! I should have stayed with them! Instead of trying to go for a PB, as if that was going to happen in these conditions!  Mind you, with 195 brave souls running there were, if my counting is correct, 8 PB's

I shall just let you look at the geeky stats! and you can see where I started to crash and burn!, or get a stitch anyway. And also those troublesome muddy sections!



Thursday 14 March 2013

Glorious Sunshine Run!

Hello blog lovers.

Beautiful morning and I was working! I was itching to get out and run in the sun.  Smarty Pants was also keen to get out and run and as I had a couple of hours kid free we arranged to run for 7 miles. Running in the sunshine is just so much more appealing than running around a track in the cold night air that I would have been doing this evening.

I didn't want to waste a minute of running time. I picked up Smarty Pants I drove to the pre-school to drop of my grandson. Then we started our run, from the school gate.  We are going to be doing the posh houses route, but because of where we started the mile markers will be different. So no psychologically waiting for the beep of the Garmin to go off where they would of, before.

We were chatting away as we ran towards the A21, a little faster than I wanted to, at under 11 minute miling, so I slowed it down again, taking it easy.  I'm practising for the long haul!  It wasn't as bright out as it was this morning, but at least it was dry "It was so nice this morning" said Smarty Pants, I hope the sun comes back out.

By the time we got near to the garage the sun came back out. "There's your sun shine" I said to her.  We were getting closer to the hill, I was getting warmer by the minute. I had wrapped up like an onion again! So my pink jacket came off, I stuffed it into the little bag and put in on my arm. Just in time for the hill!

I really wanted to do this hill in one go. No stopping on it at all.  I have done it before, and people say to me, "Oh you've done that, you can do it again" Unfortunately my body (and mind) always disagree with that statement.  But today I wanted to try, I always want to try! I took a deep gulp of breath and then started up the hill.  Smarty Pants was close by my side, I think we both looked up and wanted to do this hill in one go.

I concentrated on my running, I tried to ignore the little voice in me to just get to the next lamppost and the take a breather, I can do this, I have done it before, surely I can do it again? We kept up a steady pace, both of us side by side. I could see the turning to the posh estate! I think I can do this! "Maybe I will take a break up there if Smarty Pants wants one, but if not, then I will just have to carry on. But when we reached the top of the hill, and the entrance to the posh houses, Smarty Pants needed a break! But it wasn't because she was knackered, or puffed out, her calf was giving her a bit of gip! So we walked a bit through the estate looking at the lovely houses, and the cars parked outside. And then we started to run again.   But we did have to stop just before we came out of the estate, so I suggested that she do some calf stretching.  Maybe an hour of Reebok step had taken its toll on her calf.

Afterwards she seemed to be fine and we ran on towards Crofton.  But I was going to cut off a couple of miles for her and go through the alleyway.  It is so much nicer running through trees, away from traffic anyway! 

We got back to her house in just over the hour after doing about 5 miles. I said goodbye to her and I continued to run. I wanted to do another couple of miles at least before I picked up the young dudes from school. Being the magnetism of my home was quite strong! I decided that I wasn't going run pass by my house, I would run along the road parallel to mine and then run through the local park and out on to Southborough and head towards my car.

That would be about 2 miles. By this time I was even warmer, the sun was out, it was like a lovely spring day, off with another layer. Now I am glad that I put a short sleeved tech top underneath!  I was running up towards bottom Oxhawth, I looked at my Garmin, "I am going to have to go down top Oxhawth and the back towards my car to get in 7 miles" I thought to myself.

So that's what I did.  I ran passed a friend of mine who was walking along, and headed towards my car.  I could see it, I glanced at my Garmin, just .20 of a mile to go, I am going to have to run pass it to make it 7 miles!  But I did it.

I ran back to my car just as my friend got to me "That's cheating" she said "Yes, but I have just done 7 miles"  I told her.  Done! 7 miles and feeling pleased with myself!

Geeky stats

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Club Run - And Boy Was I pleased!

Hello blog lovers.

My last jog was on Sunday. I should have gone out again yesterday, (Monday) but the snow on the ground, the freezing cold biting wind and me, still with 'Party Belly' I just couldn't get the motivation to go out. Especially after the Old Boy mentioned a rack of baby pork ribs! It really was no contest. So much for my running getting in the way of my life!

But today it was club run. I had offered to help out with the beginners group again, but after that was cancelled I started to get that 'Maybe staying in the warm, wrapped up in my snuggley' feeling creeping over me. I even asked on the facebook page of PWR's if group runs were going to be happening.  Somebody saw through my 'question' and told me basically to stop moaning and get my kit on!

Of course I did.  And I was glad of it.  It didn't feel as cold as it did yesterday, in fact it was a whole 6 degrees warmer, it was 2 degrees Celsius! Ok so still pretty cold but with the wind barely noticeable it felt so much better than yesterday. 

I bagged a ride with Hitchy, she was running this evening as well, and she is very fussy about weather conditions, she will not run in the rain and cold and dark. A light rain may tempt her out if its a summer day!  But here she was, in her running gear, (her sons hat on as well!) and ready for the run.  She said that she nearly changed her mind.

A few other runners literally had to drag themselves out of their warm houses, so I didn't feel so bad.  The leaders told each of the groups where they had planned their runs, pace etc, and then we were off.  No point in hanging around too long! 

Our Illustrious Leader was leading today, and the route she had for us was just what I needed to feel good. It was a long down hill section. Perfect for warming up. First mile done, over the rail lines and down Southborough Lane. I had warmed up just after we crossed over the rail lines and was feeling really good. I was also feeling really pleased that I decided (well, cajoled, bullied and ordered) to go out running this evening.

I think that all of group 1 was feeling pretty good about this evenings run, after the threat of snow threatening to stop our running activities, just to get out and run is good.

What else can I say?! I think I have said it it all. Chatting all the way round todays course, and not having a struggle on any bit, has surprised me after my over indulgent week! So thanks Illustrious Leader, and thanks girls for chatting with me on our way around.  And thanks for all of you who told me to get my carcass off my chair and out running!

Todays group 1 geeky stats.

Sunday 10 March 2013

Life! Please Take A Back Sea For A While!

Hello blog lovers.

Todays has been an eventful day! I needed a run. Three days spent in DisneyLand, .........queueing......... and eating tremendous amounts of crap! (plus watching Goofy getting bad assed with some young dude) has left me needing a run, but full, bloated and definitely wanting to turnover and go to sleep this morning.

It's mothers day, it's also my grandsons birthday, and it's Sunday! So a very busy schedule for the day. Run, church, bowling, then grandsons birthday gathering. First of though is the run. I can only fit in a very short run between all the places I need to be today. Because I know later on, (I hope) I will not be able to run for the loo!

3 miles, and yes, it's the usual route, Turp and Greenway etc. As it was this morning, (and now after mothers day drinkies) it seems such a long time ago. But I do know that getting back into my skins felt great, after that though, the feeling left.

I came down my stairs, looked out of the patio and saw a little sprinkling of snow falling! Well, I am so glad I didn't see that when I was laying in my bed! I know that I would have turned over and put in a couple more Z's.

I grabbed a cup of coffee, a banana and then chilled for a little while. I started to contemplate about today, about mothers day, about my mum, and how I came to this point in my life.  I wrote a poem for for her. I shall put it at the end, before the Geeky stats. I was ready to go running. I started my Garmin but it was taking ages looking for the satellites, so  I just stated without it  and hope they would find me soon.  Waiting to be found by technology in the freezing cold was not what I wanted to be doing, so I started my timer and just went.

It was cold, it was really cold, I was bloated, and having a total 'fat' moment, and at that moment, all I wanted to turn over in bed. But I got up, obviously, because here I am blogging!  I found it tough, like I said, bloated and totally pigged out at the all you can eat buffet of DisneyLand,  and Candy Fluff and popcorn diet that was the order of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 

It took it's toll, I puffed and heaved my ass around my 3 mile route. I was secretly pleased that Naggy Neighbour wasn't coming with me this morning! She would not be very impressed at all!  But I tried to keep going as best as I could but the bloated feeling was just with me.

Todays run was slow, but to my thinking, it's a bonus!  My running as had to fit around my life, but from tomorrow, my life needs to fit around my running!  If you want to go out with me, for a drink, grab some running shoes, and we can grab a beer/diet coke after, simples!

Well, here's the poem I wrote while I was chilling this morning before my run,

Mothers Day Poem.

I see all around me,
The things that you loved
The things that I hope
Are now up above

The beautiful flowers
With their sweet scent of perfume
The snow in the winter,
The sun and the moon

The rolling hills
and fields of green
I stop and stare
On a gate I lean

Today of all days
I sit and I think
Of you, so loved so missed,
and our strongest link

My beautiful mum
In heaven you now sit
As we all look skyward
Our hearts in bits

This is all
we have of you
Dean, Neil, Hayley,
This is the role call

Me and Dawn
And Nick, that's it?
No mum, never is 'that' just it!

You created a family,
We all are you,
We love, we cry
And we all miss you

Your legacy continues
With grand kids galore
You held and kissed them
And now there are more

Archie, Arthur
They know of the star
Archie points up
" that's Nanny Sheila"

Never will we
Stop missing you mum
You were and are
NO.1 MUM


Geeky stats.


Tuesday 5 March 2013

Faster Grop Run, Even Faster blog!

Hello blog lovers.

Well this is going to be really short and sweet as its late.  I had to come back straight from club runs, pack up my bags, check everything, and then whisk it around to my daughters, as we are going to France tomorrow. It won't be a cultural experience, sampling the french cuisine and tasting some of the marvellous wines, or even contemplate going in the Louvre to immerse ourselves in the arts, no. We shall be screaming, and yelling and hunting down mice! Mickey and Minnie Mouse to be precise, and maybe try and have tea with Buzz Lightyear!

Oh blimey, I have gone on too long already!  So, first of I helped out at the beginners sessions, they are up to 2 mins walk, 10 mins jog x 3, over 2.90 miles.  The now famous Jogging Hippo helped out with the beginners today, and he had the honour of taking the Speedy Gonzales Fan club, while I took up any in the middle, and then Coach Mike (formally known as Kit man Mike) took on the role of sweeper.

As it is very late, all I can say is they all ran brilliantly.  Elaine, who was in the middle section, had only run up to 6 mins then walked for 2.  She had missed out on a few sessions with Coach Mike, but she kept up and kept going so well. And I felt such great relief when I heard her telling herself to keep going! You see, I am not the only one who does that! Anyway a big pat on the back for her run today.  Jogging Hippo's group were way ahead, luckily Mike had put the route up on the facebook page, and knew exactly were to go. They just disappeared into the night, going at q very nice pace. In fact, I believe, one of the speedy girls did park run in 27 mins!!!! (faster me......tons faster than me!)

Geeky stats for Beginners.

Then it was on to Group 1 runs.  Singstar Jo was leading today, with Illustrious Leader and Sue doing sweeper roles,  Singstar Jo only just made it in time as she got stuck in traffic.  Our route was to be one of Kay's favourite routes, she has some sort of mantra  she uses as she runs up here!  We did have a little accident going along here, one of the runners tripped up, and she fell ever so elegantly to the floor. But she was fine, and could carry on running.

When we got back on Pettswood High street and the over the walking bridge we had another little regroup. Singstar Jo told us the next bit of the route. "Are you going to do the longer bit, or are you going to go the shorter way" I said to Kay and Janet.  They both chose to go the longer route, which even features another little riser!

As this was virtually straight forward all the way back to the Rec, and as Illustrious leader and Sue were sweeping I decided to push out a little bit and take the lead and run a slightly faster pace back.  Can you believe this is me writing this, the Old girl, ex-couchie! But it's true, you just ask any of them there today!

David (I think that's his name, I am dreadful with names, probably why everyone ends up with nick names) well, he decided to join me on this last bit of the route. We headed out in the lead and pulled away from the rest of the group, chatting away.  Then just as we turned down Crossways I started my sprint "Oh, ok" said David and he kept up with me, I am sure he was being a gentleman and letting me stay out in front!

A great run today, great company, in both runs. And now I go to bed! DisneyLand Paris, here we come! Group 1 geeky stats

Monday 4 March 2013

Short Quality Run!

Hello blog lovers.

I am getting used to these quality runs! Longer running for me without stopping!  I had a running buddy with me this evening! Smarty Pants. I text her just after I finished work, and just in time, as she was getting too cosy at home and the motivation was ebbing away.  But I told her to get her self around at my house, while I finished  getting ready! I didn't want her to have any distractions or any excuses to settle down for the evening.

She was with me in about 5 minutes flat! There's the motivation!   I potted about getting all my stuff together, finding my 'no blister socks and trying to find my HRM (which I didn't find).  As soon as I was ready I ushered her out of the door, waited for the satellites to find me and then off we went. Just our usual route, "No hills" the Old Boy had said to Smarty Pants just before we closed the door. But both Smarty Pants and I disagreed with that. Well for a start the first bit of our run is a very slight incline. Ok, it is almost flat, but coming back down it after 3 miles, or 4 or more, feels so good. And then of course there is Magpiehall Lane. Back in the early days I used to look at that as my nemesis! It took me for ever to run all the way up it from Greenway.

We both warmed up quite nicely by the time we did the  first mile.  It was a bit slower than yesterday, but sometimes that's just the way it goes. "You can't be fast all the time" the Old Boy said after I had told him that. Smarty Pants was suffering a bit of a stitch. "Try taking a deep breath in and holding it for a few seconds before  breathing out again" I suggested.  This bit advice was given to me from Naggy Neighbour yesterday, after I got a stitch.  We carried on running along, both of us deep in thought.

I was feeling some aches in my shins, and I was also worrying about the big blister on my toe! The blister came after after yesterdays run.  While we are on the subject of blisters, is it wiser to leave them alone or burst them, get all the moister out.  I don't want it getting any bigger, but I don't want it popping and then start rubbing and getting sore.

I had said to Smarty Pants, that this route is quite a good psychological route to do. I know all the places where I stop for a walking section. I know that now I have to train my mind that I don't need to stop. It's obvious! I ran for 3 miles without stopping yesterday, there is no reason why I can't do it again today.  I know that Smarty Pants can do it, well, she is ten years younger than me!

The very last straight road before my road was next. This is where I stopped before, with the Old Boy. I had done the route, and just at the top of Oxhawth Crescent is where I stopped.  I wanted to get passed that now. Still keeping the pace going.  "Are you coming to my house or you going straight to yours" I asked Smarty Pants, more to take my mind of the last of my stopping points than anything thing else. "No I shall go straight to mine" she told me.

As soon as we were on Faringdon then my mind and my body we as one again. There is no stopping, there will be no slowing down of the pace that I am doing now. There is to be no whinging. There will be enjoyment, there will be happy thoughts. I am a runner!

We parted company at the second Laburnum and I carried on towards home. Determined, so pleased that I had ran the whole way, I can do it, I have done it, and I will continue to do it! I am a runner! AT LAST!

Just one last thing before I sign off from todays blog, you will notice the just giving sign, just at the top here, on the write. Technology is amazing, you just click on it, and it takes you to a page, you put in some numbers,  and voilla! You're helping to kick cancers arse! How cool is that!

So Geeky stats.

Sunday 3 March 2013

When to Run?!

Hello blog lovers.

Today I needed to do more than a 3 miler jog. I need to keep building in some quality running, over longer distances. But today I just didn't know when to do my run! Could I get up really early and get in 6 or 7 miles before church? No, of course not! I'm far too lazy for that. Well, maybe I could fit it in after I have played guitar at another church that I had promised to do. Well, that wouldn't be very motivational. After all, it will be dark and maybe a bit chillier, and also, I didn't want to run around in the dark by myself.  I am just not that tough on myself when I do.

So I had to try and squeeze it in between the two church services today. It will be ok. Straight out of church, quick change at home, run for 6 or 7 miles, back, shower, change (obviously) and then off to the next church service! Sorted.

Now that I had my agenda for the day I got out of bed and got ready for the first on my list of to do's.  As I was leaving I saw Naggy Neighbour doing chores in the garden.  "Hey, how do you fancy doing a run later, take you away from all these chores and stuff?" I asked her. And without hesitation she said yes.  I was pleased that I was going to have some company. 

Ok, so I wasn't clock watching, but I was very quick to pack away this morning. On the way home I stopped off at Smarty Pants house to see if she wanted to come along with us. But she was looking totally glamorous and waiting for her cousin to come round! Oh well. Next time!

I got changed as quick as I could, and rushed over to N.N's house. She was ready, and looking forward to it. We wasted no time at all and set our Garmins and we were off!  We were chatting away, discussing the route, putting the world to rights and generally having a great time.

I kept an eye on my Garmin, I noticed that I was going faster than I will be going in the marathon, but I was feeling good, so I just kept on going. For two miles I was going faster than my marathon pace, and the third mile I was going faster as well, which surprised me!  Naggy Neighbour said "Keep going, do three miles before you have a stop" The third mile starts up the hill! I didn't know if I could keep the pace going until then. Which is why I was surprised!

N.N. was ahead of me attacking the hill. I was trailing behind her, I knew I was going to be slower on this mile. I was looking forward to my Garmin beeping at me to indicate the third mile. When it did beep I think N.N.'s Garmin alerted her too, as she turned around and said "Keep going, to the top of the hill, then you can stop" SHE LIED TO ME! She wasn't going to let me stop after 3 miles!  But I kept going for as long as I could.  I did stop! And walked a bit, just to the crossing and then I started to running again.  It was hard!

I slowed my pace down, I used all the running tricks that I have been taught, used my arms, I took smaller steps, slowed my pace. I think I had one more small stop before I nagged myself to run the rest of the way.

We went in to the posh houses, I had a quick breather and then we ran all the way through to the other side. We were feeling very superior, the road was quite busy with all the Porches and Mercs driving through, as we were running and they were driving! Well, anything that keeps us amused will keep us running.

The last couple of miles are a great down hill section, apart from the little incline up to Crofton, (a road that Nagging Sister swore at as she was cycling up it a few weeks ago) I did have a couple more walking stops, but mostly I was running. And doing pretty well time wise!  All this training is paying off! I can't believe that I am on the last couple of miles and still running in under 12 mi/m! 

I was running up to Naggy's house, she was already there and starting the warm down walk, I took a look at my Garmin, 6.95 miles. I can't stop running at that! "Keep running" I said to N.N. "let's just make the Garmin say 7 miles!" I said, and she started running again.

So, well, you already know that we ran for 7 miles! Lets take a look at the numbers!  All I can say is Whooo hooo, Go Old Girl!


Saturday 2 March 2013

Early Morning Run!

Hello Blog lovers.

Ok, explain title today. Early morning, for me on a Saturday is anything before 11 o'clock. So park runs and anything else is seriously me nagging my ass to get out of bed! But as Smarty Pants couldn't make 9 o'clock park run, (so I will save that little joy for her for when she can make it) I volunteered to help out DiscoRich with the improver's group, which meet at Willet rec at 9 in the morning.

So, ignoring the headache that I seem to have woken up with, I made my way to the rec to meet up with everybody else. For a chilly moring there quite a few people there.  It's good to have camaraderie, it keeps all motivated, and helps us all to 'keep on at it'.  DiscoRich organised us into three groups, I was taking the first group, Isi the second and DiscoRich was taking the faster joggers.  The route was given, and also mention of speed sessions and maybe, maybe hill reps. It depends on how we all do after the speed sessions.

Cardiac hill is our destination, going down it, which is good. But on this road there is a path that leads to the play park, which is where we will be doing our speed sessions. The amount of times I have been down this road and I have never noticed this little path before!  We set off, all chatting away, and just happy to be out with our running buddies.

The second and third groups were ahead of us, but we, in the first group, jogged out at the stated pace of 13 mi/m. Well, I was going maybe slightly faster of 12:30 mi/m, but who's counting!  We kept the other two groups in view, and we didn't make them wait too long for us when they had reached the path to the park.

We ran around the perimeter of the park once and then regrouped for the brief for the speed sessions.  The second and third groups were to run around it three times, and my group were to run it twice. "I want you to run it at 80%" Said DiscoRich. Now, I know that I have been running for a while now, but I am still not quite sure what he meant by that, and I was quite pleased when he explained it. "That means you're to run it faster than you usually do, so that conversation is jut maybe one or two word answers"

So that was it. Off for the first of the speed rounds.  Half way round I was chatting to Kay, and she was conversing with me quite nicely "Well, thats good chatting" I said to her, "Which means you need to give me more speed" I said, as I encouraged her to run just a tad faster.  I then sidled up to Janet behind and encouraged her to keep up the good work.  They all did really well, and the people walking their dogs around the park, I think, were all impressed by us all.  I just hoped that we have encouraged some of to think about getting fitter and maybe joining us!

After the second speed lap we had a couple minutes rest. Then DiscoRich said we were going back to the rec via Wood Rise. He also said that he would save the hill reps for a next session! Which seemed to please the group. He did, however show us the hill that we would have been running up and down! I'm glad it's for next time!

The jog back to base was really nice. A gentle paced run back.  A couple of the others went back a slightly different way, and one of my group left at the round about, as he lived on that road anyway.  Back at the rec we did our stretches, chatted a bit more and then went on our way home!

A great start to the day!  I went back home, showered and the had the rest of the day with the Old boy, who is still out, injured.  Well, he can limp about a bit, so we went for a drive, and went out for the rest of the day!  A nice pleasant Saturday! Even though my headach has stayed with all day long!

Geeky stats.