Last Long Run before the Big One!

After last Monday’s 4 mile run with Rachael we agreed to go out for 4 miles on Wednesday too, as this was in my running plan from Steve for this week.

I am still hoping that I will soon be finding shorter runs easier, but they still feel equally difficult to longer runs, they just last less time! Running with Rachael definitely makes the runs more bearable (though still not quite ‘enjoyable’). We find ourselves laughing at things that are neither funny nor entertaining but sharing in the suffering of the run makes us temporarily take leave of our senses! In no other aspect of my life would I find having a painful stitch in my side hilarious. I don’t find this particularly entertaining when I am running alone either, but there is something about the shared experience that makes things seem funnier than they actually are. My beautiful grandma always used to say “you’ve got to laugh or else you’ll cry” and I think this is very true when applied to my running experience!

Wednesday’s run felt particularly difficult. I don’t know why but my legs were heavy. I had been in the house on Wednesday afternoon and don’t think I drank as much water as I would at work so this could have been part of my problem. My friend Katie came out to watch my running style and to give our legs a massage after our run. Katie said that my right leg doesn’t look straight when I run but it felt fine when she massaged it. As ever, the massage from Katie was nice (though it was a little more painful this week as she massaged them straight after running).

I’ve put my old insole (that I had properly fitted) into my new trainers to see if this helped the lumpy muscle on my shin, as I felt it was being caused by my running style. I have noticed a massive difference so I think I should have done this from the start. Better late than never though. Hopefully this will see me successfully through the Great North Run.

On Friday, I went for my final long run before the big one – 11 miles in South Shields. I asked my big sister Joanne to run with me as she was off work and she is making this year’s Great North Run her last one. I did not ever imagine that I would be asking my sister to run 11 miles with me. It almost made me excited for the run. I say ‘almost’ as I knew I would appreciate the company but I don’t think I will ever be excited to do a long run.

I had a half day from work and drove to Joanne’s house. Having a half day was the only way to fit in this week’s long run as I went out for Rachael’s birthday on Friday night and have been away with family for the weekend. I think this demonstrates dedication to the cause!

I took my running clothes and got changed into them at Joanne’s house (in South Shields). Joanne was taking ages to get ready and then I got my brother in law Craig to take a photo of us pre-run.

When I went outside and set my Garmin watch away to pick up satellite it was taking ages to locate! I was starting to get quite impatient and Joanne was laughing at my watch as hers had located a satellite straight away.

I had been waiting all morning for a telephone call from the interview I had on Thursday. Just as my Garmin had almost located satellite, my mobile rang and it was the Speech and Language Therapist from my interview offering me the job!! I am glad that Joanne took so long to get ready and the satellite took ages to locate as otherwise I would have already been running when my phone rang!

I don’t think I have ever been so excited! I was also feeling enthusiastic about starting my run as I was in such a good mood. It was lovely to have Joanne there when I got offered the job and I was excited to be running with her talking about my new adventure. Unfortunately I think my excitement meant I set off too fast, and after a couple of miles running (and talking just as fast!) I was beginning to feel it in my legs. I slowed down a little and felt a bit better. Joanne was running just ahead of me, and she was wearing the vest she had printed when she ran for NETA last year. Seeing the NETA logo just in front of me, gave me a constant reminder of why I am putting myself through such a challenge. Every penny raised will make a difference to the North East Trust for Aphasia, and that makes it worthwhile.

 

We ran part of the Great North Run route and it wasn’t easy! I took Jelly Babies out with me and ate one every few miles. This helped me a little bit. I offered one to Joanne and she said she doesn’t like them. I told her that I don’t like them either but they are good when running. She decided to take my word for it and eat one herself but the look on her face suggested that she wasn’t impressed! And once again there was that uncontrollable laughter at something that is only marginally funny!

The route was hillier than I am used to running. I thought I put a good number of hills into my training runs but it would seem the GNR route still has more! I was seriously struggling just before Marsden bank (this was about 7 miles into our run) and opened my energy gel. This week I opted for tropical flavour. It did not taste nice. It did not taste nice at all. I did manage to open it with more success than last week, so it would seem practice really does make perfect(well not quite!) I tried to continue jogging whilst eating/drinking it this time. Last week I walked, but I wanted to experiment and see if I could use the gel on the move, so I know how this would feel on race day. After I had half the gel I began to feel a little bit sick, and the pain in my right knee had turned from a niggle to causing me to limp. I saw Joanne running across the road ahead me but I started to walk, not sure how I was ever going to complete my run.

I walked across the road to the top of the bank. I was still limping a little bit and Joanne stopped to wait for me to catch up with her. She asked if I wanted to turn back but I said I was ok to carry on. I began to run down the hill (and this felt better than walking). I heard a car toot their horn and looked at the road, not expecting it to be anyone I knew (as I don’t live in South Shields) but it was my brother in law and niece. They waved and smiled and it gave me the morale boost I needed. I was so close to giving up but seeing their smiling faces spurred me on.

We crossed the road at the bottom of the bank and ran part of South Shields Parkrun route. It was much quieter than I am used to seeing it as I have only ever ran it on a Parkrun day. The view, as always, is amazing. I stopped to take some photos, which I never do during a parkrun J and Joanne took a photo of me too.

 

The last two miles were so difficult. My legs were heavy and my knees were aching. The distance between me and Joanne was getting bigger. It was hurting her knees to keep slowing down so I told her to keep running. Finally, two hours and 21 minutes after I began, I finally reached 11 miles. I have no idea how I did it but am so grateful for Joanne’s support.

I was almost in tears when I finished and my feet were sore. I have noticed that I have the start of a blister (my first running blister – and I’ve a feeling it won’t be the last!)

I am so proud of myself for running 11 miles. I don’t know where I am going to find another 2.1 miles but I am sure the adrenaline and atmosphere on the day will get me through.

I went out with Rachael after my long run. We went for a meal and then to the comedy club at Ashington Football Club. I saw some people I know and one of them (Sam, a childhood friend) congratulated me on my running and said she really enjoys reading my blog. I started my blog as a way of keeping me motivated and a personal record of my journey to the Great North Run, so it really does mean a lot that people enjoy reading about my journey. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far, through encouragement and sponsorship, I can’t believe that the journey to my first Great North Run is almost over! I am excited but also looking forward to it being over so that I can rest my legs!

I've just returned back home from a weekend away with the family and have decided I will go to my running group tonight....dedicated (or slightly mad!)

No pain no gain!

I’ve had another busy couple of weeks but have still managed to fit some running in! At the recommendation of my coach I went for a longer run last Saturday. I planned to get up early and go out running (as I am usually up early on a Saturday for the parkrun anyway, so thought this was a logical thing to do!) However, once I was up I really did not want to go running. I felt that 7 miles seemed so much further than my previous runs and I felt defeated before I even had my trainers on.

If you haven’t already noticed yet, I am a pretty determined person and I know that I need to put the training in to enable me to run a half marathon. I got my running clothes on and decided that even if I just went out for a little run it would be better than no run. This made me feel better about running so I got my trainers on, set my Garmin, and put on my nice new running cap (a lovely birthday gift from my sister).

My lovely new running cap!

It was a sunny day last Saturday and it was rather warm to run, even though I did go out quite early (about 9am). I decided I would try and run 3.5 miles away from home before turning around, as I wasn’t really sure where I could run for 7 miles.

As I was nearing 3.5 miles, I was enjoying the scenery and decided to keep running. I ran along the bridge at Sheepwash, stopping to take a few photos as the river was very pretty in the sunshine. There were quite a few hills from here back home, and I walked some of it. I was also starting to overheat, though my new keep cool cap was helping, both prevent my head getting too hot from the sun as well as keeping it out of my eyes!

My legs were quite heavy again and I had to keep walking it out. All the time, I kept telling myself I was doing well for being out there and running….though part of me thought I should be sat in the garden with a cold drink!

Finally, after what felt like hours of running in the sunshine, I arrived back home. Surprisingly I was still able to walk and breathe…though talking was a little more difficult (not for long though!) I was bursting with pride that I actually managed to run 7.1 miles! I walked some of it but it was definitely mostly running. It took just over an hour and a half, which is the longest time I have been out running!

My brother-in-law pointed out that my run last Saturday is more than half the Great North Run! I’m well on my way with training! I never would have dreamed of this a year ago!

All week I have been buzzing with the sense of achievement from running in general and was looking forward to my first parkrun in a few weeks this morning. I was going to go to Saltwell and meet fellow Great North Run Beer Tenters but my sister and brother-in-law were both at work and asked if I could pick my niece up. As they live in South Shields, and not wanting to miss doing a Parkrun altogether, I decided to go and do that one. All week I was hoping that today might get me closer to my sub 30 (pb currently at 30.28) but after a late night last night I knew I was too tired this morning.

There was a small part of me that was tempted to snooze my alarm, miss the parkrun and just go and get Toni but I knew if I did this, I’d regret it by 9am.

Running conditions were good this morning, if slightly on the cold side, and I was feeling positive. I think I started off too fast though and my legs quickly became tired and heavy. My right knee also began to hurt again and I had to walk for a few seconds on two occasions. I knew then that I wouldn’t be getting a new pb today, but rather than give in (as much as I wanted to) I decided to see if I could get it as close to my previous pb as possible.

Usually I know that Joanne and Rachael, are just up ahead and will be waiting for me at the end, but today this wasn’t the case. I found this harder than I thought I would but just kept plodding along. Someone, had written messages such as ‘keep going’ in coloured chalk along the way. This is the first time this has happened (at least when I have been running it) and it really helped me. The volunteers were brilliant as always. The last one before the finish, pointed a camera at me so I forced my Jolly smile and thumbs up. He said I didn’t look tired enough and needed to start sprinting. I really appreciated the encouragement and am pleased that my smile hides how much my legs are suffering!

When I had just under 1km to go my legs really felt like giving up (I really shouldn’t wear heels the night before I run!) and that’s all I seemed able to think about. The Jolly part of my brain told me to think about something else to take my mind off it. I’m a great believer in positive thinking. I began to mutter ‘I love running’ over and over (and hoped no one was around too close to hear me!).  I certainly did not feel like I loved running at this point and once again was left wondering why I even bother. I then remember the reason I started (to fundraise for the North East Trust for Aphasia) and the progress I have actually made over the last few months and just kept chanting away to myself.

I also tried to focus on what my shoulders were doing rather than my legs, as my coach said there was a bit of extra, unnecessary movement in them, on Monday and this is something I can try and work on.

I was ever so pleased when I crossed the finish, the volunteers cheering me for the final stretch. I was really pleased with my time of 32.26, considering I was finding it so difficult. My knee is still a bit sore now and my legs are aching. Hopefully I will get out for a gentle run once I get back from my little trip to London to visit my cousin.

I also need to focus on my core strength to improve my running even more. I have attempted to do some planking this week (boy does that hurt - but no pain no gain!) and Rachael and I have done some exercises together.

 I talk so passionately about running between runs that it still surprises me a little bit just how hard I actually find it once I start to run again! The power of positive thinking!

Hope you all have a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend!

Another step closer...

Can't believe it's been a month since I last blogged! I've just been so busy (but am glad to say I've still been running!)

This is just a quick update as I don't want to miss a month as I'm going on holiday tomorrow and it will be March before we know it!

I've done a few Parkruns since I last blogged (Newcastle and South Shields) and have been steadily improving. A few weeks ago I did South Shields with my big sister, Joanne, and got a new pb of 35.31! I was ecstatic with this as it was more than two minutes faster that my previous pb two weeks earlier! It was lovely running with Joanne again and she stayed with me even though I am still slower than her (hopefully not for much longer....I can't wait for a bit of sibling rivalry! Haha).

Me with Joanne after the parkrun

Yummy cake!

After the run we went bought cake and drank tea at Joanne's house, which was a lovely ending to a nice run. The weather was lovely, unlike last Saturday when I competed Newcastle parkrun in a torrential down pour! I went to Newcastle on my own and it was definitely the worst run I've ever done, as I couldn't see out of my glasses and kept running through puddles! I got soaked to the skin and was so cold! However, I am so proud that I didn't let the rain put me off, and even though I didn't get a pb I got up out of bed on a Saturday morning when I could have easily turned my alarm off and gone back to sleep!

Running with Dynamic Running Fitness has also been going really well. I've been doing some speed work and on Monday we increased my distance to 6km! I was really proud of this, as not only was it the longest distance I've ran, there was also speed work in the middle of it. This was an especially proud moment as when I return from my holiday I will be moving up a group! I no longer need to be in the Couch to 5K group as I have now reached that target! Next stop Sunderland 10k in May! My friend Rachael has joined the next group so I am looking forward to running with her there!

Monday's running effort!

Steve has been fantastic! There's no way I would have made so much progress over the last 5 months without his brilliant coaching. He is starting a new Couch to 5K group on March 31st for more beginners and I definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of trying running! I never thought I'd love running so much! If you are interested contact Steve (http://www.dynamicrunningfitness.com) to secure your place in the group before it fills up!

I now have my place in the Great North Run and will be running for the North East Trust for Aphasia. I am really excited (though the thought of running 13.1 miles does still terrify me!)

Well I'm off to check that I have everything sorted for my holiday tomorrow... And I am of course taking my trainers! (Who would have thought I'd ever say that?!)

New Year, New personal Bests!

Welcome to my first post of 2014! Where has the time gone? More than two weeks into the new year already! I haven't had time to sit down and type but I have managed to fit some running into my busy life...just!

 

I haven't been running since last Saturday (running was cancelled on Monday and other priorities this week have meant no running!) I am planning on getting my trainers back out and doing the Parkrun in South Shields tomorrow morning with my sister and friends!

I've started keeping a running journal to record my progress and effort. I regularly keep a journal of my life in general so I am enjoying having something new to write about. Even though I haven't been blogging about running I do still have a record of my progress so far this year - and I have lot of progress to report!

 

My first run of 2014 was Newcastle Parkrun on 4th January. I went with my friend Rach and saw a friend (Micky) from the Great North Run Beer Tent Group when we were there. I also had opportunity to chat to one of my teachers from High School, which was nice!

I found this run difficult and needed to walk a few times. I was just about to start walking again when Micky came back for me, so that was the encouragement I needed to continue. During running with Micky, Rach also came back to find me,  and the encouragement from both was invaluable. I started to get a stitch which I was not able to run through so I did slow down to a walk again. Once it cleared I ran some more and my friends encouraged me to have a sprint finish. I found this run difficult but I achieved a Newcastle Personal Best (40.03) and felt great that I'd got to the end! My friend Rach and I then went for a most deserved hot drink (and I chose a healthy snack of some fruit - starting the year as I mean to go on!)

Rach and me - enjoying a hot drink and a snack!

The following Monday I went to my running session which hadn't been on over Christmas, so I was happy to report how I'd been doing since the last session. I'm still the only person in the 'group' so the sessions are tailored to me! I ran 3.1 miles without stopping as my next goal was to do a Parkrun with no walking. With encouragement, I managed to run the 5K in 39 minutes but by the end I couldn't feel my feet and I had cramp in my legs! I was wrapped up warmer than I needed to be and felt quite hot (the weather milder than I thought it would be), which didn't help. But I did it! I ran 5k without stopping for the second time ever in my life! To say I felt good would be an understatement. I was so proud! 

Later that week I went for a 2.5Km run with Rach after work - we did this in 18 minutes. I wanted to do a shorter, slightly faster paced run to vary my training routine and also I didn't have much time available. A short run is better than no run! I really enjoyed this run and it was lovely to see my friend after work!

Last Saturday I did Newcastle Parkrun and my aim was to complete it without stopping. I now knew this was possible because I'd previously run this distance with no walking so I knew that the voice in my had just had to believe it! Rach and I arrived promptly at 8.45am and it was bitter cold! We were talking to Una (from the GNRBTG) whilst we all tried to stay warm! There was an announcement to say that there was ice on the route and they were going to have to delay  the start time. Some people chose to go for a freedom run at 9am, but Rach and I (and a number of others) waited for the official start time, which was 9.30am. I don't think I've ever been as cold in my life as I was waiting for the Parkrun to start (except maybe the time I got caught in a blizzard after a night out but that's a completely different story!).  

By the time 9.30am arrived I was painfully cold (I had been jumping/jogging on the spot but this only helped raise my temperature momentarily). My aim was to get to the end without walking and then treat myself to a cup of tea! The first 2.5km were difficult and I was still freezing! There was frost on the beginning stretch of the town moor but I ran carefully, just focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. I felt like if I stopped I might never get started again so I just kept going. My sister, Joanne, text me before I started and told me to picture her telling me to keep going – this worked in real life when I did the South Shields parkrun. All the way through the run I kept hearing Joanne’s voice telling me I could do it and my desire to succeed was greater than my desire to stop!

Crossing the start line - thanks to Newcastle Parkrun for the photo

Towards the end of the 5K, Rach came back to meet me and she provided encouragement and support to get me across the finish line. I don’t think I have ever felt so happy and proud of myself as when I crossed the finish line (except maybe the day I graduated!), knowing that I’d done it without any walking! The volunteers at the end were all cheering me on and they asked how great it felt to know I’d done it! I told them it was the first time I’d completed it without any walking and they all seemed genuinely pleased for me. I achieved a pb with 39.08! Rach was also super proud! We went to the metro centre afterwards for a hot drink and to get Rach fitted for some trainers at Sweatshop. The man serving us was really helpful and he too had done the parkrun that morning. Rach’s trainers are lovely and I bought myself a new jacket and my big sister a purple t-shirt that says ‘Will Run for Wine’ – I saw it and thought of Joanne (her favourite colour is purple, it had nothing to do with drinking wine…honest! ;) hehe

So happy...I DID IT!!! :-)

 

I can’t wait to go to South Shields parkrun with Rach tomorrow. I'm running it with Joanne, which will be good, she's the best big sister (and worst!) when we are running together. I’m hoping we can do it without any walking but it is a more challenging route than Newcastle, so I'm just aiming to get to the end! I’m excited to go for tea (and cake!) with our friends after the run also.  

Who would have thought that not only would I be so excited about running, but I’d have so much to say just 17 days into the New Year! If you made it this far thanks for reading! Here’s to a happy and healthy 2014!

South Shields Park Run

When my alarm went off at 7am this morning I was so tempted to turn it off and go back to sleep! I couldn't understand why I had agreed to do another parkrun when I could have stayed in bed where it was nice and warm. I'd agreed to pick my friend up and meet my sister and some other Great North Run Beer Tenters at the parkrun in South Shields so going back to sleep wasn't an option!

Rachael and I arrived in South Shields bright and early (8.20am) and I enjoyed seeing the beautiful sky as the sun was rising! It made getting up so early on a Saturday much more worthwhile :-) Joanne arrived not long after us (I text her to tell her we'd arrived) and she came and sat in my car with us while we waited for everyone else to arrive and the Parkrun to begin!

Pretty sunrise

As more people started to arrive I began to get excited to be running at the coast. I recognised Sarah from the Facebook Group (who suggested we do the South Shields parkrun today - thanks Sarah!). I also saw Kelly so we got out the car to say hello. Andy also arrived and we took some group photos. We knew Dawn and Alex were coming too but they hadn't arrived in time for this photo - they're always fashionably late ;)

Group photo before we began! Thanks Joanne for taking the photo :-)

Joanne and I headed to the back of the runners and waited for the whistle to blow! I set my Garmin and began to run! Just as we started, Dawn and Alex got to the back and went running quickly past us - just on time! :) Joanne and I set off slowly - I'm still not fast and Joanne said she would stay with me. South Shields is Joanne's local run and it was nice to be able to run it with her!

There were lots of puddles and mud and a few more inclines than I was expecting, (I thought maybe I'd got lost and ended up doing cross country ;) but Joanne's persistent encouragement kept me going!  She reminded me of the cup of tea waiting for me at the end of my run which also helped!

The little bit of hill training I did at my last running group session helped with the inclines. The run is currently in reverse for the winter so there were more downhills than up. It was a difficult run and at times I felt like giving up. If it wasn't for Joanne's encouragement I think I might have done as there weren't many volunteers today so I wouldn't have known where I was going and it would have been quite lonely!

The scenery is beautiful and I am glad I decided to get up and run this morning! Joanne told me when we could see the finish and I've never felt so relieved in my life! It still felt like quite a way to go but I was glad I could see the finish line! We were right at the back (Joanne was my very own tail runner - there wasn't one today) so we were last across the finish! The final stretch was the most difficult - running through sand! I didn't think it was ever going to end!

We met up with the others in the club hut and got our bar codes scanned. I came in 86th place (out of 86!) with a time of 39.40! This is quicker than the last Parkrun I did which I wasn't expecting as it was a more difficult run. I think I did better as I walked less (due to Joanne's brilliant encouragement). I am so proud of myself and can't wait for the next one!

After the run we went for a cup of tea!  I also had cake (as a reward for running!) - I'd like to point out that I had already had breakfast and this was my mid-morning snack ;)

We got another group photo and chatted about the morning's run! I had a brilliant morning and am looking forward to running again soon. I still find running difficult (and my left knee has been sore all day) but the sense of achievement I feel is worth all the pain!

Group photo (this time with Dawn and Alex :)

Well done everyone! Lovely location, lovely people and lovely morning :-) hope to see you all again soon!