Dangerous running

This running lark is dangerous for your health, well this week it nearly saw the end of me. Where I live can be a little temperamental for weather, it seems to have it's own micro climate. No fog where I am but head to the top of the road its a pea souper. So in order to keep myself safe I wear as much florescent gear as possible and run with the flow of traffic, maybe wearing lights maybe my next option, as this is something that car drivers seem to forget even in the thickest of fog. I am really fortunate that where I live is nearly all countryside which gives perfect opportunity to extend my distances out well. So far its going really well and I am not feeling tired even at 13 miles, my new route takes in a couple of country lanes which are fairly quiet normally, however they have very fast moving traffic. It was Thursday morning and I was about 8 miles in and heading down a really narrow section of a country road, as I rounded the corner I kept myself in as tight as possible. Then literally in the blink of an eye a Range Rover came out of the fog.....with no lights on.....I jump onto the grass verge and grabbed the nearest tree and gripped on for dear life. I was furious I could not believe how close it was, the car never even saw me, but the fact that it had no lights on made my blood boil. After venting my disapproval at this episode, 2 workmen installing a new sign were finding my expression amusing, I wondered if these same workers would be there on my return. As I continued my run the fog remained and I was very surprised to find the expected quiet route I had selected over run with cars and vans. Once again jumping out of the way to allow 2 sets of cars to travel by me was met with thanks ( I always acknowledge anyone that moves out of my way) I double back to finish my loop. As I cross the road to head towards traffic, the 2 workmen are still dealing with the post....."that was close wasn't it ?"...well yes fool I did not decide to just jump up a tree and stab myself in the head with a huge branch because I love it....I politely agree and set off.
Its still foggy out and decked out in my flo jacket I again extend my run,  its the beginning of the Easter holidays so the traffic is lighter already, so I predict that the country roads will be quieter still. I was nearly right today was met with avoiding big lorries and huge puddles, the fog was coupled with the slight falling of rain, but in these areas it was heavier rain making the road very narrow in sections. The decision is simple go around or go through, the problem is obvious once your feet are wet then they rub and get sore, but I cannot expect drivers to avoid me running round a puddle. I decide to run through the smaller ones and try and avoid the biggies, aside from the puddles is the mud that has been made by the constant splashing which I cannot avoid. Wet dripping from my hair, my feet are sodden and I still have 5 miles to do, but I feel confident and relaxed, popping my glucose tablets every 4km is really helping. Mmm I can feel my toes rubbing against my shoe, I change position slightly and its not as painful, it starts to rub on a different toe..oh come on seriously I am not stopping or cutting short. I dig in and try and ignore the pain, I replay my playlist and pick up the pace and try to shift my stance, it worked until I went downhill. There was no getting away with anything at this point I can feel myself limping and trying not to strike the floor hard, this will cause me pain not only from the blisters but aching hips. I finally hit the flat again and begin my speed up again ready for my home run. As I pull up outside I know my toes are a mess both feet have rubbed, I am out again on Wednesday so I am hoping that they will have covered over by then.
I am really happy with my running at the moment it feels effortless, the weather is helping the damp in the air, a good air temperature and the glucose tablets are all beating together to bring the miles on.
Have a good week all.

Ok so its on again !!!!

I'm in the GNR 2014 !!!!

On hearing this news I had 2 trains of thought, 1 was really really happy as I loved the atmosphere and the event, the emotion of crossing the start line on THE biggest half marathon IN THE WORLD ( Jeremy Clarkson style) was epic, but crossing the finish line was the closest to crawling I have ever been. Then the 2nd one hit me.....Oh my flipping heck it hurt so badly, the pain, the cramps, the rain, the hailstones......what have I done ??????.
It has to be said that the 2nd thought process didn't last very long, as my Mum eluded to "its like giving birth, once you realise you are pregnant again it all comes flooding back, but you soon forget about it" . Yes Mum this analogy comes from someone who yes has given birth 5 times, but never run a mile let alone 13 !!!!. So having delivered 3 kids myself, 13 miles on comparison is about on par, I think ??.

My training took its usual winter off, but due to the unseasonable weather I was able to begin in January rather then late March. I was nervous about running a full 13 miles on my front foot, I really need to up my distance quickly so my muscles have time to adjust. Having already taken to quick jaunts out on 5kms, and trying to better my time, I simply couldn't pick up my pace. I decided to re-introduce my music to see if I could be distracted to increase my pace. I quickly discovered that the music that I ran with previously was now a bit too slow, which came as a shock although I take shorter steps I am quicker and more consistent. Having re-jigged the playlist with a little bit of playing about I have settled on my sequence and pace setters and cool downers. It seems to have worked a treat as my distance is now increasing effortlessly, I am easing off towards the 12km point but I am experimenting with some glucose tablets for energy. I have struggled with this side of my training from the very beginning, but as these glucose tablets are caffeine free then I have no side effects from them, hopefully this can improve my energy levels to allow me to keep momentum.

This year marks a few changes afoot, I am taking a course in Sports fitness coaching and nutrition, I am hoping to take this on as a career. I want to help those that think they can't, to prove and to show they can. I want to work on the ethic that a small change will make a huge difference. You don't need to turn your life upside down, but it can turn you life around.  Having seen my Husband shed 5 stones in just 10 weeks and looking fabulous for it, will only inspire others to do it. Yes its hard work to do what my Husband did, but how much do you want it ??.
I have also had a peek of interest at a Marathon....eeeeek, I need to check out all the info before I divulge anymore but it will be in November 2015. As for running this year well the GNR is my only sponsored event, if  I decide to take on anything else it will only be for fun, I am not sure I need to prove to myself that I can run a 10km, as I know I can. Yes I could challenge myself on times but is it something I really need to do ?

Have a good week people, stay happy and safe.

Decision made.

Well after a week of deep thought I have made my decision and yes its a final one. ....its a no to a marathon.  There are a few reasons but my main one is stamina. Due to medical conditions I cannot have caffeine it irritates my stomach causing my hernia to bleed which in turn burns my vocal chords.  As every single energy drink or gel contains caffeine some in mammoth proportions I dont use them. I rely on water over distances of 10km but much more than this distance I begin to lose energy quickly. I soon discovered this on the GNR and by mile 10 I had no choice but to take a powerade I managed to sip it the best I could but eventually I had to let it go I could taste the blood in my mouth. This simple little thing means that the chances of me running double the distance without any of these aids are very slim I simply don't think I could push myself that far without causing myself further problems. So I have decided that my maximum distance will be 13.1 I dont feel that I have failed myself by not doing a marathon. I am hoping to enter the Leeds half marathon in May to keep my interest in the distance,  then if the stars are with me then the GNR will be on the cards. I intend to run for Sue Ryder Wheatfields again raising money for them was never going to be a one off. I would like to improve my time over the half but I am only testing myself there. Only the top 3 in each catagory get a different medal to me regardless if I finish 4th or 54444th so why set myself a challenge that could finish my running for good. If I train well and keep healthy then me raising money for an amazing place will be on the cards for many years. That is worth more to me than any marathon run.

Happy 2014

Its the start of 2014 and a dilemma is already upon me.  To marathon or not to marathon. 
I did quite a few events during 2013 but I had my first half marathon and as much at the time I thought I was going to die, I cannot wait to do it again. I also ran with my Grandson in the Leeds Santa Dash this was a very special time for Leo as he has wanted to run with me for a while.
My running is important to me not only for my own wellbeing and fundraising but it gives me my time out, its the only time I need to concentrate on something else. I will never break any records or smash any barriers but I love the time I spend on my running/plodding.  This is where my dilemma lays. After I did the GNR my body was in complete and total agony. However,  it transpires that my running style and posture were much more to do with the pain than the distance.  After meeting the 'Guru' and changing my running style. Having Bowen treatment helped every single ache and pain I had. With the combination of these two influences my aches, pains and speed improved (the latter only a bit). With the added investment of a proper pair of running slippers all looked good. I did the Leeds Abbey Dash to test myself with the new technique and it was hard work on my toes over 10km but I completed it. No aches or pains the following day in fact I went running that morning which was a first. Then with the onset of the cold winter months it spells very little running for me. Due to the condition with my vocal chords I cant breathe.  The cold air tightens my vocal chords meaning very little air enters my lungs it feels like the air stops in my throat. But due to another complication of rhinitis I can't breathe through my nose this therefore causes a major problem.  I have to pick my days carefully and limit my distance but it can be very difficult.  To try and balance this I bought a cross trainer which has and will be a huge help.
So as we enter 2014 my desire to do a marathon is there the marathon in mind is York. Now the only complication if thats the right word is that the GNR will be the month before the marathon. ...meaning that I will need to be at full marathon distance by September.  Hopefully the winter will be a kind one meaning I can be out lifting my distance.
Today I have downloaded Strava and taken on the January challenge this will either work or fail miserably depending on the weather.  But I am aiming to get out every day,  I think I might ask my little running buddy if he fancies a little jog around the dam.