Wot no training ???

It has been a week I would rather forget. It started last week with what I thought would be a simple cough/cold I would recover over the weekend ready to hit the streets by Monday. Oh how wrong can you be. It simply got worse and worse, I spent 5 days stuck to the sofa dragging myself off to attend work. I knew something was not right when I felt this bad, as I don't suffer like this usually, no energy, lack of appetite, headache, sweats, freezing cold. The GP confirmed along side a stinker of a cold I had a throat and sinus infection, anti-biotics recommended. He was very confident that it wasn't hay fever related, although that has been a problem of late, not sure what gave it away, maybe it was the soaking wet t-shirt and goosebumps told its own story. I wasn't sure the GP would give me any anti-biotics, as I read the leaflets in the surgery that state "Anti-biotics don't work on your cold". Therefore I was quite relieved that this could be treated by them and was confident it would make a difference, the nausea that goes with taking them is unpleasant but they have reduced the pain in my throat and face/head. However it seems to have heightened my sense of smell which is very weird, but it is causing a difficult situation, feeling nauseous at the smell of food. So unless its yellow and has a peel able skin I cant eat it, yes good for weight loss I know but not a great deal else. When I explained to the GP that I need to be training for the GNR he simply smiled and said "Not until those are finished and you are better". I have to agree the way I felt and feel I couldn't have run to save my life, walking was even off my calendar.

So a very slow build up will be required hopefully at the end of the week. Restocking of the energy banks is essential as I still feel very weak which wont be helped by the lack of food. My nasal passages need to be a little lighter as I cannot run carrying a toilet roll round with me, might get some funny looks with that one. I expected to feel very frustrated that I was unable to run but for the first time I think I have realised that if I am unwell then only I will suffer by pushing myself on.

On Sunday a great friend is doing The Race for Life in Bradford. She herself is a cancer survivor, a fighter, a winner, she will enter this event carrying a card on her back with names of those that she wants to remember that have passed from cancer. It came as a real surprise for her to ask to display Annes name,  I didnt hesitate, it made me very proud of Liz for doing this event and for thinking of others like she always does. A true inspiration to so many, a wonderful generous, warm, honest, genuine person, who whenever you see her brings a smile to your face.

On Monday we say goodbye to a friend David, who sadly lost his fight with cancer last week. He was a very special friend to my Husband Mark, they shared a great deal together, plenty of smiles and laughs, but sometimes tears too. His request is no Black attire to be worn, this mirrors the true brightness that will be missing to so many with his passing. The colours will shine brightly, they will honour you, whilst we remember you. God bless you David and Rest in Peace.

Back to the dark ages.

Training had been going well this week, good pace in good weather. On Thursday I ran my fastest mile and Km, so therefore it was with a heavy heart that I took my phone in for repair. I have only had this phone for 3 months and it has been my constant companion on my runs.
Previously I have had a less than helpful phone, no internal memory so I couldn't run any applications. I struggled with it for a couple of years, then one day on a wander around the White Rose..........a new possibility arose. My Hubby is a real gadget man, I on the other hand can take or leave the techno bits. As he approached the phone shop window my parting words to him were "don't sign anything". As I had finished my bit of shopping and headed back towards where I anticipated my Hubby to be sat, no Hubby, I will just pop by the phone shop to see.......argh he's sat down....with a member of staff. As soon as he saw me his first words to me "I haven't signed anything" now if that isn't a plea of not guilty. However the deal put to us was taken up and we both left happy with new phones, I could get apps I didn't need to empty everything out just to run Runkeeper. My new phone was tremendous, the running apps were great, integrating with other programmes, working effortlessly.
Then starts the problem, the phone begins to flash on and off without me touching it. The battery is zapped after a short time, but worse was that once it was inside my armband the plastic cover would press on the buttons sending noises through into my ears. This you may think is not too bad, however when it begins to press the 'Emergency dialler' then dialling numbers you have to stop and fiddle with the thing. This performance has been going on for close to 3 weeks, on Wednesday I had enough it had to go in for repair. I didn't want to do this as I knew my phone would be gone for at least 10 days, I didn't have time to be without my phone. I didn't want to be without my phone on holiday, I didn't want to be without it anywhere near the GNR. So I have got to get it done now or October.
As I showed the very nice lady in the phone shop what my phone was doing, she couldn't believe I had put up with it so long. She explained my phone would be away for around 10 days, at this point I knew I now had to rely on my previous phone for my training for the next 10 days, was this the right decision after all.
The following morning I ran out with just Runkeeper on, more importantly NO MUSIC, this phone simply cannot do 2 things at once. I cannot remember ever running without music, it therefore was a new experience, felt good, kept a reasonable pace and found to my surprise cracked a couple more goals. I didn't really enjoy it though but I have sometime to put up with this so its something I will just have to put up with.
Since the invention of ipods, MP3 and phones the silence of running for many is no longer. You see so many running with earphones but is it to block out noise or to introduce it. When you have to change from noise introduction to the sound of your own breath, gasping and footsteps its like going back in time. I will be a very happy camper when my lovely phone arrives back home and me, my apps and music will be reunited.
Unfortunately this weekend our little household has come down with colds, for a change I have got a full blown cough and cold, including shivers, banging head and runny nose. This has a very real possibility of keeping me off the running for a couple of days. The cold has hit my throat and chest hard, I know it is better to feel better before I run, I have time on my side at the moment so maybe a couple of days recovery will be beneficial.
On Friday our family were saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and neighbour. He had been cared for in Wheatfields who made his final weeks/days comfortable, he was not alone. Once again the reality of this terrible disease has hit another family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very sad time.

www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElaineWinterbourne

This made me smile.

Running etiquette: the 10 commandments

The writing of this is straight from your own mind, fabulous and funny.

Target reached.

Had a very good week of training. Plenty of distance and time covered, some PB's amongst them as well which is very pleasing. I now have a very set routine for running week one (which is next week) means I am out Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday rest days Saturday & Sunday back out Monday to Friday rest day Saturday but back out Sunday rest Monday. I find that I can juggle the bits and pieces in between like the school run, looking after two of my Grand-children with relative ease as I run first thing in the morning.
I am finding more and more people spotting me tooting and waving, I apologise if you think I am ignoring you, this is not the case. I have 3 running apps on my phone which guide and talk to me at varying stages of my run I also listen to music as well, I have a set playlist now which has different tempos of music to speed me up. I only have one tiny little issue with my playlist, sometimes I feel like I could break into dance moves rather than running.
I have all sorts of music on I begin with Elvis VS JXL " a little less conversation" this is my warm up song fairly steady beat. We then pick up a little with "Eye of the Tiger" leading into "Call on me" and Alexandra Burke "bad boys". Then a really favorite which I cannot help but mouth the words to as I running (not out loud) "I Ran" by a Flock of Seagulls, we hit a really good high tempo with "CandyMan" by Christina Aguilera. To even out the pace "Danza Kuduro" Dan Omar & Lucenzo, how to jump tracks "Mambo No5" by Lou Bega this is a great stride setter for me pushes me on. "Chasing the Sun" by The Wanted, "We speak no Americano" cant decide if this track belongs yet as I have the extended version and it doesnt keep a pace at the end. "Evacuate the Dancefloor" "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins when I first began to use this phone I detested this song as I knew it was there to speed me up, now I love it as I can maintain the pace. "I like it" Enrique ft Pitbull, "Maneater" Hall and Oates, "Maniac" Michael Sembello, "Keep on running" The Spencer Davis group usually at this point I want to shout at the music to stop ridiculing me as I am getting tired but it is getting easier. We finish with a flurry of Queen " Dont stop me now" and "Echo Beach" Martha and the Muffins. I own several running trax CD's and they are on my phone but I have found my mixing the tracks I like I achieve the best out of myself. It also means that I pinpoint if I am faster or slower at certain points as I know the tracks that are coming on. So if you toot or wave to me I shall try my very best to respond and acknowledge.

This week brought to the fore why I am raising money for Sue Ryder Wheatfields. As the care and support they offer is helping two very dear people. As a result of the first hand care these lovely people have received in the saddest way I have reached and passed my original goal to raise £350. As it was said to me at the time "no amount of money can repay them for what they have done" this is a true comment. The whole team at Wheatfields gave so much and kept giving even in the early hours of the morning on that sad day. There truly are not enough ways to say thank you. But by passing this target the "thank yous" will support other families that have to go through this terrible ordeal. My new target is £500 so dig deep you lovely people the smallest amount would make such a difference to so many. If you would like to sponsor me to raise money for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Leeds please follow this link.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElaineWinterbourne

As a little footnote to this weeks progress, I was asked by Wheatfields if they could use this blog to maybe encourage runners to join the GNR team in September. Along with this going onto the Sue Ryder Facebook page this article will also be making an appearance in the Yorkshire Evening Post (I think). I am fortunate that my Husband just happens to be a photographer at home my "official" photo shoot or "mug shot" was very easy and quick.
Enjoy the Bank holiday it looks like the weather may hold out for a couple of days which hopefully will lead to good times for all.
Ta ra for a bit

Cutting it short.

It has been a strange week.  The weather in Yeadon has been its usual topsy turvey best. Sundays run was really good plenty of gains,  Monday was my rest day I hit the road again Tuesday.  It was a little bit windy but dry, I felt comfortable and happy with both distance and time.  Wednesday was like we had transported to October, icy winds and rain that felt like snow.  The winds were gusting at 40mph but the chill factor was horrendous.  I found this difficult going my legs were really sore and I felt the tightening in my right thigh and above my left knee. After my run my right thigh just felt like cramp so I decided all was well. Thursday morning my right thigh was tight but didnt feel sore, my left thigh felt totally fine. As I began my run I knew it was a mistake,  but I had to finish at least 5km. The temperature was up and no wind at all made for a humid run. I felt a little tired and maybe lacking in energy,  but at 8km I could take the pain any longer.  My right thigh was constantly cramping I could barely walk on it let alone jog/run. I tried stretching it out to try and slacken it off but to no avail the pain was just too much.  I therefore have got no choice but to have an extra day of rest tomorrow to try and heal before my 5 day stretch next week.  It is really frustrating,  due to running on my thigh I have aggravated my achilles tendons which brings pain to the heels of my feet.  So as disappointing as it is to add an extra day of rest in it is very necessary otherwise I won't be out Monday.

So an early wish for you to enjoy your weekend.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElaineWinterbourne

A good week.

Had a really good week for training. Plenty of distance and good timings.  Windy conditions returned to Yeadon which as you will be aware by now is my enemy.  However I decided that the best course of action in these conditions is to run where I can,  if this means a double back then thats the plan.  Today is the Leeds half marathon, it also marks the 4 months to go to the GNR even now my stomach turns. There have been points this week that I have seriously doubted my ability to do 13.1 miles. It is a jump to a new area of distance running,  although I can do 10km with ease, to double it seems like a bridge too far. But I am not giving in I know that if I maintain a constant steady pace I can complete my goal.
This weeks training plan is to be out on 10km runs Tuesday & Wednesday then take up the distance on Thursday to 12km back to 10km Friday.  My rest days are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, back to 12km and upward distances Monday onwards.

If you would like to help raise funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice by sponsoring me then  please follow the link below,  thank you x

www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElaineWinterbourne

Temptation is in my path.

The temptation placed in my path as the messages about the ballot for 2014 VLM was over-whelming. There is only one reason to run the VLM, its so high ranking that its something you just have to do its the pinnacle.There are a few reasons why I cant, the travelling, the amount of sponsorship required is beyond my limited means. My own personal goal is to run the York marathon in October 2014, I do believe that to run the VLM 6 months after the GNR could be a bridge too far for me personally. By aiming for the York marathon it allows me time off during bad/cold weather, as I have discovered over the last week or so that strong winds are something my vocal chords simply cant handle. As I run into strong winds I cant breathe, due to my condition I feel like I am only getting air into my throat not my lungs. This makes me out of breath very quickly, leading to panting which as the wind is blowing into my face means I cant catch my breath. This leads to me feeling very light-headed and faint, not something I need when I am on my own. Due to a condition called Rhinitus I cannot breathe through my nose, which compounds the need to breathe fully by mouth. The winds were so strong on Sunday that I had to turn back, I was so disappointed but when I got home the running apps on my phone confirmed more PB's (wind assisted).
The aim for this week is a 3 day running plan but to extend the distance. I mapped out what I expected to be at least a 10 mile route, unfortunately it was only a 6.2 miles. The route I do at the moment takes in around 4 miles, I can double this route but the thought of tripling or quading doesn't appeal to me. The weather forecast for this week is looking good, the winds are returning later in the week but I shall try my best to bring in a few more PB's.  Todays plan was for slower runs but greater distance, but I found it really difficult to run a bit slower, my split times over the half mile were the same as I have done previously. I managed 7.3km at a resonable pace so ulitimately the combination is working.

This week has not gone fully to plan, only managed to miss the run this morning though. I started with a sniffle earlier in the week but managed to still run with it. However this morning my head is banging and the pain at the back of my eyes and nose has prevented the run this morning. Last year I had tests for triggered asthma and hayfever, and I didnt have any of them. But since the grass cutting has started my head, nose and eyes have been thumping. It doesnt hamper me mid morning but early morning or early evening is a sneezefest. I have been lucky this week that the weather has improved running in sunshine is lovely, the wind speed has dropped, so all round perfect conditions. I am now on my 2 days off I am back out all next week with rest days Sunday and Monday. A busy schedule but an opportunity to extend and bulid.

This week brought to the fore the reason I am supporting Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. A neighbour and friend is needing the help of Wheatfields. The help and care that they offer make such a difference, not only to the patient but to family and friends.
This weekend also brings the sad reality of cancer, my Sister Anne would have celebrated her birthday on Sunday. Without the care and support of Wheatfields during her illness our family wouldnt have been able to spend the time with her that was so valuble and so short.
Every time I run I think of Anne, I know that I run with her support behind me. I hear songs that remind me of her and they push me on.

If you would like to help me to support this amazing place and make a difference please follow this link.

www.ukvirginmoneygiving.com/ElaineWinterbourne

Thank you, enjoy your long weeknd. Stay safe.