Shame it rained!

Lisa Snell writes:

Running London Marathon puts you under pressure but double pressure to have Ealing Eagles RC on your vest because you want to do your best. Monday evening taper run didn't go to plan and I feared an old old injury was coming back. Walking on Tuesday morning I could still feel it at times. I was straight on the phone to my chiropractor to see if she could help. Thursday evening I was on the bed getting it sorted or hoping it was. Resting was hard not doing much leading up to Sunday.

Race day is here.....

Up at 5am ...trying to eat breakfast was hard going.... (Should of done what others did and eaten on the coach or at Blackheath)

Swop from rucksack to running belts so that you could see who I ran for.

The coach journey was quick. Caro showed me her race breakdown and where landmarks were. That actually helped as I did remember Tower Bridge is about 1/2 way.

I had a 3-hour wait which was fine at first but then it started raining. Lucky I had a poncho to keep me somewhat dry except the poor feet.

And we are off, still raining so cardi and poncho still on till I warmed up. Puddles, big puddles not great along the way. Trying to avoid as much as possible as my trainers were heavy enough already.

All going well...and flew passed my cheer squad at mile 7. I then felt as if I needed a wee so decided to stop just before mile 15... couldn't wee. Mile 18 I saw my cheer squad which was great! It was getting harder now, blisters were starting to hurt on my feet. At mile 21 decided I would do some walking as my legs were stiffing up and my blisters were painful. I then had to decide do I want to enjoy the day or maybe hurt myself more due to poor running technique. Sulking a little I decided I would soak up the atmosphere. The bands they had playing on the route were great...steel, brass bagpipes and many more. People had little discos from their balconies too enjoying being a DJ for a short time.

Mile 23 and a bit the Eagles cheer squad. I had decided I wouldn't step up but thought now I might as well. Well, that was hairy, bottles, cans all along the wall so walking it was a must. I got to see my husband and son this time as he was on the other side of the road last time. High fives and a kiss from hubby spurred me on. I had some ibuprofen on me so I took those. 20mins in and I could start running again without much pain. Why didn't I take them sooner?!

Low battery...oh come on watch I have to have the full distance at least !

Big Ben... not far now along Birdcage walk.... and I was running well into the finish!

The relief I had was that I had completed the distance.. but was disappointed not being able to run it the way I wanted.

My cheer squad were fantastic following me around and other friends I saw on route. The Mile 23 and a bit cheer squad were great

Thank you Eagles RC for giving me the chance to run London.... would I do that all again....Of course !

Rain and a little bit more rain!

Lisa Snell writes:

Well, we have come into Week 13 after a shakey start to Week 12 where my knee was playing me up after the long run on Saturday at Week 11. I rested and spoke with a Physio who thought it might be overuse. I wasn't so worried when she said that. I did pop to Decathlon after reading Craig's blog where he brought knee support from and has started wearing one. I thought one of these could help me too. Well in Decathlon I was wearing jeans but wanted to try the supports so there I am walking up and down the aisle seeing which felt better. I opted for a knee brace instead and that seemed to feel better for me. I also invested in a pair of socks that support the achillies at a costly price of £9.99 but worth it if I can run. Really not sure if the knee support is doing anything, it could be the placebo effect, who cares! After the problem with the really hurting calves on a run, I contacted my chiropractor to have some acupuncture on my calves. That was Sunday just gone. I have been resting at running but still doing my virtual road racing.

This week 13 I managed a nice 6 miles one evening without any pain and then today Friday I did the big one 20 miles! I thought I was behind schedule until I just had an email from London Marathon saying that this weekend would be the long run 20 miles. I looked at the weather forecast it was set to rain most of the day today. I had a nice breakfast of toast with peanut butter and jam different from my last run. I feel this breakfast worked out better for me. I massaged both legs with the massage gun and massaged with mobility oil. Got dressed and thought yep I will head out then the rain started.

I was ready to go so I headed out. It wasn't the first one starting a run in the rain. Maybe I am not a fair-weather girl any longer. It rained on and off all the way round. I would get pedestrians looking at me with the rain dripping off my hat and some would smile. I also felt good really good and I was half way around already. I felt as if people had been praying for me. I never really go out with a route but an idea of which way to go. I was building miles by running around parks and fields. I also broke the run up into 5 miles segments. I finished the first 5 miles in a park in Hayes, 10 miles in Northala Fields, Northolt with a toilet stop, 15 miles in Marnham Fields, Greenford then the last 5 miles were going to be and up and back along the canal but I changed my mind so I was trying to build distance at the end. Ended up moaning at a driver who decided to let me cross was taking way too much of his time but got my adrenaline going and I finished on a high. During the distance, I had two Hi five gels. At home, I had a protein shake in the bath after and massaged my legs again. I am feeling fine and pretty pleased that I got the long run in without killing myself. I can have a nice weekend not having to worry about trying to fit a run in.

Looking back at my last 20 miles run for my virtual London Marathon I actually managed to do it in near enough the same time and similar pace. That is pretty pleasing too for me. Now let's get this rain out way as I think April showers started early.

A few issues on the way ...

Lisa Snell writes:

The last time I wrote, I thought of running every day instead of my 18 miles in one go. Well, the Tuesday run didn't quite go to plan and 3/4 of the way around my right knee started hurting. Wednesday I found it hard to walk without it hurting so when I got home I iced and rested. It meant I couldn't do the virtual cycle race that I do on a Wednesday night in case I made it worse. Thursday I rested again but was getting grumpy. The weather also changed for the worse. Actually, London had it good compared to up North where they had snow.

Friday, what a beautiful day the sun came out. The knee felt fine so I thought let's try 3 miles. I was really enjoying the weather, the sun would shine bright and then go all cloudy as if to rain. the wind would pick up but I felt good and the knee was behaving. 3 miles then 5 and in total, I managed 8 miles. The knee was just starting so thought I would take the 8 and run tomorrow.

I planned to meet Jane at Osterley Parkrun so ran there. It felt like I was running in treacle very slow and hard on the way there. I was so pleased when I arrived at Osterley and the sun started to come through. I picked up halfway round and it felt good. No knee pain or arch so that's it for this week 27.9 miles in total for the week. Annoying .01 to get 28 miles or even 2.01 to get 30 miles. I do like round numbers.

Week 11, out for a nice short run on Monday and I am in pain. Left leg was hurting so much. I couldn't even get to 3 miles as it started straight away. I feel so frustrated that I keep getting these things coming up.

Planning on the long run I had to try a run and see how the leg was. Walking on Wednesday I had no pain at all so it gets very frustrating. I left it till Friday and went out only to do a short one to gauge the legs. All good ! Yesssss...

Now I am not very good at warming up so for the long run on Saturday I walked to Northala Parkrun just under 2 miles. I met Vidya who had run there and we did the parkrun together so she had an idea of my intervals. Just as I am leaving the heavens open. We knew it might but the weather was warm which was good. We did parkrun and my sprint finish then onto the canal towards Southall, Hayes, then Hanwell and Brentford. Vidya was on target for her distance I was starting to trail behind. The sun was out and it was lovely only the puddles to contend with along the canal. In places, it was quite slippery. Vidya left me at Boston Manor and my plan was to continue to Gunnersbury from Brentford. I was hurting a bit so thought it best to bail at Brentford and head home, with a collection at the Harvester at Boston Manor from my husband. It's a bit frustrating that I didn't make my distance but 2 miles walk, 13 miles run and 1-mile walk is 16 miles. I think that's pretty good after the leg problems and I still have 5 weeks to go so plenty of time to go for another long run after a rest.

I am really hoping that it happens as it did for me on my virtual London Marathon. I had a few issues along the way but on the day it went great a day a will never forget in a hurry.

Miles are stepping up

Lisa Snell writes:

We are up to week 10 of training and now the miles and starting to step up. I have a 18 and 20 mile run to do. I was thinking I don't really want to do an 18-mile run this weekend coming so was debating about just running all week every day so I have built up miles and running on tired legs. Still debating as it's only Tuesday 7th March.

When I did my virtual London Marathon I had a training buddy from ESM doing her London Marathon lucky for me she said she will keep me company on my long runs as she does the Jeff Galway method too of run/walk. Let's hope she is up for part of the 20 miles.

For my 14 miles, I ran a few miles to Northala then did Parkrun then continued with my company along the canal for me to get to 14. I was really pleased with how I felt after. I run a nice hot bath with bath salts to soak after. I felt a bit achy later in the evening as friends saw when I went out for dinner and left the table. I was hobbling along like an 80-year-old who had been sitting down most of the day.

On the Monday I ran with an ex-eagle. We were going to do 5 miles but we both got held up and we started later than we wanted too so did 3 miles. Towards the end, my left arch was aching a little. We were running faster than usual so I wasn't sure if it was that.

Do you get worried by little aches? I do! I knew my calves were quite tight from the Saturday's run. I booked myself in for a massage. Boy, the massage hurt on Friday. She could feel my right achillies was a little short and stringy and the left arch was hurting due to a very tight hamstring.

The arch still isn't right but I managed to do 6 miles last night Monday 6th. The ache goes away after a little while when running.

For people that don't follow me on strava I do a lot of cross-training in the form of indoor cycle races through cadeSport and RGT. I do enjoy them so find it hard to give them up. When I did my virtual marathon my cross-training was wild and lake swimming. I haven't been swimming for a while due to shoulder issues but I think a dip in the lake is needed for my legs.

That's it from me. Thanks to all that read.

It's nice when things are going smooth

Lisa Snell writes:

I am not sure which is harder running or trying to write a marathon blog?

New Socks arrived which encouraged me to go running as I had a feeling of I couldn't really be bothered. I did a nice 12 miles for my long run on week 6. It did feel a bit boring but once done you feel good.

Week 7, I had arranged to go and do a parkrun tourism so I changed all my runs around to accommodate running on the Saturday. It was also half term week so I could go out and run in the morning as I would be starting work later at 9am instead of 7:30 and a short working week for me too.

On Tuesday low and behold the weather was really foggy so me leaving before 7 am wasn't possible I managed to get out at 7:30 am but then the time running would be less and I had an errand to do too. I would take it slower as I was running with a backpack.

Thursday I did a 5k run but making sure I run fast on the run park of my run/walk.

Saturday things changed and I cancelled going with friends to parkrun tourism. I went to work with my husband who had a job in Bounemouth. The weather was warm and off I trotted along the seafront. It did start to drizzle which was handy because the path was clearer of people coming back. 3 miles from the Pier out to Sandbacks and back. The first 3 miles always feel horrid but then you get into a groove it feels better.

Sunday (yesterday) I went out and did 4 miles on tired legs and I was really surprised how good it felt as to be honest I had done a lot of virtual cycling in the week too.

Well, that's it from me.... have a good week whatever you get up to.

Going round and round!

Lisa Snelll writes:

I am taking every opportunity to run when the weather is fair. I miss my evening Wednesday run because it was pouring down. If it's not raining then it's icy underfoot. Thursday evening was looking good, the only trouble was I had an evening do to go to but I managed to squeeze 3 miles in straight after work. The run felt great, with no aches and pains of course it would because I was short of time.

I opted for a Sunday long run this week. Sunday came and I just wasn't feeling it. Should I just leave it and not bother? I had to run 10 miles so it was a fair distance. My husband shouts from the kitchen it's starting to rain. Oh well, I will have to leave it then. The rain came to nothing so I got dressed and headed out the door. Whilst sitting in bed contemplating which way to go thoughts of the canal came to mind as it's my favorite place to run but no, I thought I would visit as many parks as I could today. Headed to Perivale Park, and spoke to an ESM runner who was also marathon training. Came to a path that was very muddy, thought I am not running through that, and turned around. Then to my right, a saw a path people had made to avoid the mud and thought. let's go that way. Big mistake! Got halfway along and then it was a bog, soaking wet feet and I wasn't even 2 miles into my run. Do I go home? No, I will do 5 miles. Headed to Pitshanger Park, my feet are feeling very warm now so off to do 10 miles through Cleveland park, Drayton Green, Churchfields, and now up to 8 miles and I am nearly in Greenford. One more park in Greenford Ravenor Park and going the long way around. Super happy 10 miles complete!

Got home had a protein shake, a glass of milk, and scrambled eggs on toast. After sitting around for a while I started not feeling well. My husband came in and said I needed to have some sugar and looked for a coke in the fridge. No cokes but a fruited fizzy sugar drink from Christmas. It's amazing after having that I perked up straight away. Another lesson learned today!

Two 3-mile walks this week as I am doing online cycling races so fit the walks in before. Decided that Thursday I would do my run but I have come down with a cold so have opted not to run but rest instead.

Saturday I decided to do a Parkrun sandwich for my long run and headed down to Southall. I hadn't done this parkrun before so worth giving it a go. Not a bad course, a bit twisty but a nice atmosphere and still a small attendance. I am not sure if many of you know but I do the Jeff Galloway method running which is a run - walk technique. You run for a certain time and then walk 30 secs. I found a few years back this method suits me better than continuous running as I would get fatigued and my running gait would change giving me bad blisters. The only problem I have is that I find it hard to attend the club runs because of this even when I can be as fast as some doing this. Well, the parkrun sandwich went well and I managed 10 miles. I had to make up about 2 miles in Greenford again so running round and round the local streets to get up to the distance. This run felt good! I got home and had a nice sugary drink of elderflower cordial I had made in the summer then a protein drink and a lay down in a hot bath with salts. No feeling of not feeling good this time.

Monday is here and I am looking at my schedule for the week when I will run and distance. Buying new socks so any recommendations for thick ones would be good. Also hoping the weather stays as it is as it's so much nicer running.

Enjoy your week everyone !

Falling into place

Lisa Snell writes:

Last time I wrote I had very tight shoulders and neck. I have had one treatment and have continued stretching which seems to have worked. On the running front things appears to be going well, I am building slowly by doing a lot of walking so I don't stress my achillies too much. I do a 5-mile walk in the morning and then another 5-mile walk in the evening on Wednesday. On Friday the sun was shining so lovely that I did my run in the afternoon of 6 miles. I went along the canal as it's so quiet and peaceful. Saturday is usual swimming for me but I am doing aqua jogging instead as I can't swim due to my shoulders. I feel this is really working on strengthening my achillies as since doing it it feels a lot better during the week. Last night Sunday I did another 5 miles but unfortunately, I got two blisters. One on the ball of my left foot and the heel on my right. They were very painful. I remembered I had some blister patches from a few years ago as I am prone to blisters a bit. These are a lifesaver as I thought my training this week might be out the window. Wednesday I will do my 5-mile walk in the morning and then do a 5-mile run in the evening with company. I haven't decided if I will run on Friday or not this week but it should be around the 10-mile distance.

One lesson I did learn this week is, thin socks are not good for running or walking.

Taking it slow

Lisa Snell writes:

Enjoying Christmas with family we did a few long walks which I take as the start of Marathon training, time on my feet!

Still have not found the training plan that I used for my virtual marathon but went on Strava and wrote down the runs I did.

My achillies is slightly playing up so on Tuesday I opted for a 5-mile walk with a friend. We both got soaked luckily it wasn’t too cold. I popped in Hot Pod Yoga for a session after which warmed me up nicely.

On Friday I did my first training run which went ok except I have terrible neck and shoulder pain at the moment. I got a leg massage, and she checked my neck and shoulders. Not good! My neck has compressed and my shoulder muscles have tightened. This weekend coming, I have some treatment booked so I am not running at the moment just doing walks. Hopefully, my next blog will be a bit more interesting.

Enjoy your weekend of running!!!

Let me introduce myself

Lisa Snell writes:

My name is Lisa Snell, I joined Ealing Eagles as a beginner in April 2013. I used to be quite an active member of the club but haven’t lately. I won the club ballot in 2019 to run the London Marathon and choose through London Marathon to run the first April race after them holding it in October for two years. I did run the Virtual London Marathon on the 3rd October 2021 for the fun of it and it went so well that I hope next year lives up to this too.

I am not starting my training until the beginning of January. I have looked for my plan I followed last time but couldn’t find it so have noted runs from Strava I did last time. I am hoping the snow has finished and we don’t get any next year and the weather is kind to me.

Between now and the New Year it’s time to have a massage and find a pair of trainers I feel comfortable in, I have 3 to choose from.

Hopefully I will get to do a few club runs in training during the week and meet a few Eagles I don’t know.

Merry Christmas and happy training for 2023!

Houston, sorry London, we could have a problem

I prepared for Wokingham Half Marathon by having a massage on the Saturday and eating correctly. Pasta for dinner, porridge for breakfast and turning down going out with family for a curry. Usually for racing or races I don’t tend to worry. The weather on route to Wokingham was rubbish with rain and wind but by the time we lined up it had settled down. I was on the start line with a couple of other Eagles to be honest you didn’t see many around compared to the results listing. We were off, all going OK but knew I needed to slow down a bit. Took on a High 5 gel at mile 5.  Mile 6 my heel started moaning and was hurting more than before.  I managed to get to mile 10 doing various running styles and doing some intervals to count a bit and take my mind of the pain. I also took on another high 5 gel. I decided by to do the last 3 miles run/walk style with 2 mins running, 30 secs walk which did help a little. Thanks to Simon Croyden for dropping me to the front door as I was hobbling a bit and the lift to Wokingham.

Flying finish at Wokingham (grit and termination) 

On Tuesday intervals were on the plan but that was out of the question. I thought I would do a walk instead. Big mistake I was in pain. Managed 3 hobbling miles. Rest and ice in the afternoon.  Tuesday evening it was back to the podiatrist to talk about the problem. He changed my orthotics which has given me a bruised heel so another adjustment was made and some padding at the back of my trainer.

Thursday there is 6 miles on the plan but the heel is still hurting so I am resting still.

Still resting on Saturday but Sunday I thought I would see how I go as the plan it said 14 miles. My husband (Jason) was doing a bike time trial in Maidenhead so our idea was that I would start there and run to his Mum’s house in Reading. The heel was a little tight to start but was going well until Reading don’t really like pavements or walkways for pedestrians. I was having to run on the road or on the grass verge. Running on the grass verge did not help me much so when I got to 11 miles and had to run downhill my knee started to play up. I turned around and managed to get up to 12 miles. Not bad going after all the pain from Wokingham. I think the idea of going to lunch kept me going, not that I could have a celebratory drink as I couldn’t as I was seeing my osteopath (Mandeep in Neals Yard Richmond) Sunday evening to get some acupuncture on my heel.

Rest was on the cards for a few days for the heel to settle down but a managed a short 2 mile walk on Tuesday with bearable pain and no hobble.

Thursday 5th March, 6 miles it said on the plan. The weather was hideous with it raining all day. I decided to try the treadmill. I remember my massage therapist Tripta saying that treadmill running could be better for you. I find the treadmill hard work so I linked up some music and Zwift to keep me company. I did a run/walk technique and managed to get up to 6 miles.

Not a great write up these couple of weeks more about my challenges that I am facing at the moment. I hope I am getting some of you reading the blog, here’s to Sunday miles, long run day and the next couple of weeks of running.

Have a good weekend all 

These Storms Won't Stop Me

Week 6

This weekend was a busy one for me with trying to fit runs in. Saturday I was booked in for a massage at 8am and also had 3 miles to run. Thankfully my husband and the dog joined me at 6.30 as it was still dark. The weather was calm and warm. It did look like it had rained overnight though.

Saturday was a boozy affair visiting an ale place open day and then going to see a band in the evening.

Sunday, I had 12 miles to run. Storm Ciara was due and a lot of race events had been cancelled due to it. Getting my head together I left home at 9.30am to do 5 miles before meeting up with Jane Armstrong for another 5 miles together then to run home. I took a revives caffeine strip as I didn’t have a coffee, and thought it may perk me up a bit.  I don’t usually run with a hangover so this was new to me. The first 5 miles seem to go well, I even saw a flock of Eagles running along the way. The wind was fine, just gusts every so often. Met Jane and continued building the miles. It was nice to have the company and Jane had me in fit of laughter which caused me to stop to gather myself. I took on board a gel around 7 miles but started flagging a little towards the 10 miles. After a drink, wee stop and another revvies, I continued towards home. From Jane’s to mine was around 3 miles which I didn’t need. For the first time, I was trying to think of a shorter way home. Mile 11 my knee starting hurting and I found it hard to run. I walked a little to ease it then continued on. 12 miles and I was done not too far from home and it had just started to rain. All in all I felt good. I could feel my arch and a little achillies pain.

Tuesday is interval day, this week 5 x 4 mins at 10k pace with 400m recovery.

I was feeling tired and really didn’t want to go. The wind was still strong at time. Off I went to the local park, I mile warm first. I didn’t seem like twinkle toes but more like a flat foot toad as I went running around. First 4 mins done and it wasn’t too bad. Just the gusts of wind to contend with and me sounding heavy going around.

Tuesday evening, I paid a visit to Chris Schafer who is a podiatrist. He made my orthotics after I suffered with very bad blisters when running. I wanted him to check on the pain I was suffering before the high training mileage kicked in. Since having the orthotics, I do not suffer with blisters at all. It was like a miracle. Chris changed my orthotics slightly so I will see how I get on now.

Thursday was 6 miles to do so instead of running I went walking with my friend and the pushchair. She is training for a walking race in town somewhere. She was too sure herself. We really build up a sweat and she said she should train with me more often.

Another storm was due…Dennis, for my Sunday run. I had 10 miles to do on Sunday and 3 on Saturday. I was meant to be doing 13 miles this week and 10 next but swopped round as running Wokingham HM. Once up and ready I went out on Saturday not knowing whether to run 3 or more. The weather was warm and damp with gusts every so often until I hit Northala Fields. I run up one of the hills which was really hard work, I was nearly running backwards. I managed to bang out the 10 miles and only just got caught in the rain a little way off home.

Sunday was a really miserable day, raining most of it but still managed a 2.5 mile walk with friends. Picture below of the broadwalk walk.

This week, week 7, I have been a bit pre occupied doing other things and not running. I managed to get my interval session done on Wednesday and not the Tuesday. Haven’t done my Thursday distance but got out on Friday night and got my 7 miles done. The 7 miles actually first good. The first 2 flew by, then it was thinking of a route to make up 7 miles as when I left the house I didn’t know if I was doing 3, 5 or the planned 7 miles.

Sunday is Wokingham Half marathon, a club champs race. I managed to pick up a place from an Eagle that couldn’t run. In some ways I am quite looking forward to running it as I haven’t done a race for a while. Just hope the weather isn’t blowing a gale or slashing it down. It will be a practise on fuelling and pacing. Brought a bum bag off ebay…I never learn as its not quite the size I thought it was to carry fuel and mobile phone on the big day. I will give it a go and see how I get on.

Anyway Eagles….have a great weekend

Going Back to Track

Only 3 miles to do today (Saturday) so I headed to Northala Fields Parkrun to do a slow run round. Wow..it was busy around 585 people, so very compact at the start.  I met up with a tri friend to run with just for a bit of company. I find Parkrun hard work as my breathing is all very the place.

It was Chinese New Year, that was why so many people were there and also the pacers were out. I forgot my barcode after a rush to get out the door but I didn’t need a time logged as I had my garmin anyway. We all got a fortune cookie after, which was a nice sweet treat. Mine read

“A day without smiles is a lost day”

 So remember peeps…..Smile… 

 Sunday is long run day, I had 10 miles to do. My husband and the dog came to keep me company and we did a run/walk to Brentford and back along the canal. I passed a couple of lone eagles out running too.  Weather was perfect and as usual I wear to much so I got a bit hot. I even managed to incorporate some steps along the route.

 Sunday evening, I went to Hot Pod Yoga which was great. I managed to get a good stretch after the 10 miles in the morning.

 Tuesday, I had to do 6 miles with 4 miles at marathon pace. Monday afternoon Angela Duff put up a track session doing yasso 800’s. So, to spice things up a bit I decided to do 6 x 800’s at track. I haven’t been to track since 2016……a long time. As I had a free day, I headed to the track before lunch. I was meant to run each 800 at 4:56 but I did 4:24 4:21 4:20 4:24 4:23 4:25 quite consistent really but quicker. I enjoyed them after the initial shock of trying to run and thinking, 800 is quite far.

 I missed Thursdays 5 miles as again I wasn’t feeling great. I hope this doesn’t happen too often. But was back on it on Friday and did the miles then. Tried out my headphones again that I got for Christmas and the miles just flew by.

 Sunday, I had 7 miles to do on the plan. I couldn’t decide whether to run from home or meet up with the Sunday Club Run. After chatting with Kim Bobsin about parking etc she suggested to park up near Lionel Road and run from there for less miles and being able to park. While waiting for her to come through I got chatting with Teresa Anderson about her HM in Marrakech.

The faster group come through, then another lot with Baljit Dhanda running. I asked what pace he was running and so then set off with him. We had a good chat about our training for London Marathon. I was slower that he expected but being a gent, he said he was fine with that. I peeled off at Boston Park to make my way back to the car.

Both rocking our Perivale 5 t-shirts, of different years.

Tuesday’s training was an interval session and not very long so thought I would use my local park to run around.  6 x 2min at 5k pace with 2 min recovery, 1 mile warm up and cool down. I actually felt good doing this session and enjoyed it. Managed to finish just as it started getting dark.

 Later today (Thursday) I have 5 miles to do at an easy pace.

 So far, I am enjoying the training.

 Have a great weekend guys and remember to “Smile”

Are you mad!

Speaking with a non-running friend, I said you know I am running the London Marathon, don’t you?

Yes, I think you said. Are you mad?! That’s 26 miles isn’t it?

It is funny how different people see running a marathon. London isn’t just any marathon, its iconic and where I am from.

I remember seeing it on the TV as a child. Mum didn’t exercise other than walk to work but she liked to watch it on the TV. I remember thinking to myself I want to run that one day. Even going to cheer friends on in 1991 at the Cutty Sark, I dreamed of myself coming round that bend. 

I tried for many years to get into London through the public ballot so to be able to run it this year is a dream come true. Sometimes I still don’t believe it ……

Saturday 11th January, the training plan said 3 miles with hills. So, I ran to Studland Road in Hanwell. I just used the steep bit in the middle and did that 6 times up and down. Fast up and a jog down. I did cheat a couple of times and took some breaths after running up.

I then ran to Gurnell Leisure Centre for a short swim. 4miles covered.

Sunday 12th January, I ran the Cliveden 10k. It’s a trail race set in a National Trust park in Taplow. One of the features is running up the famous 172 steps from the banks of the River Thames to the house, twice.  

When we arrived, it was raining so hard, so we stayed in the car to the last minute. My husband and our dog came to cheer me on. The rain died down and we made our way to get my number. Lots of my tri club members were racing today, we had a quick photo call then I noticed Lisa Watson so I went to chat to her.

I opted for my road trainers but didn’t remember how muddy the trails were 2 years ago, or that I had to run on grass. I did slip and slide around a bit and it was hard going coming down a hill and make the bend without slipping over. The steps didn’t seem that bad this year and the route was slightly changed. I really enjoyed the race and used it as my long run for the week

Tuesday 14th January, the plan said 5 miles. I decided to run/walk with a little one in the pushchair. We went towards the canal to see the ducks…no ducks but a couple of dogs then towards and through Northala Fields. I opted for going during the day as the weather wasn’t great and we had storm Brendon on the way. We were lucky, as just as I hit my road the rain came. The rain stayed all day/evening so I’d made a good choice.

Thursday 16th January, I missed my training run as I wasn’t feeling great. Wednesday, I ended up in bed by 7.30pm.

4 miles at this stage isn’t going to affect me much.

Saturday 18th January, the plan was just like last Saturday. I decided to do a loop from Greenford towards Gurnell Leisure Centre and round towards the A40. On the A40 side going back toward Greenford there is a slight hill going down and up by an underpass. Did that 6 times then homeward bound.

Total distance 4 miles.

Sunday 19th January, I was in Lowestoft for a family birthday. My husband decided to join me on a run/walk run along the beach. It was a beautiful morning, the sun was shining and we had a light ground frost, 5’c compared to a -1’c in London. We made our way to the most Easterly point and then did a loop round. I covered my 8 miles planned distance. 

A really lovely run/walk including, sun, sea, & trails.

In Lowestoft there is a race my husband and I would like to do called The Scores. It’s a unique race taking a course from/to Lowestoft High Street via a route to and along the northern sea wall and returning via the towns historic Scores. Basically, they are alleyways but they have steps, there are 13 stepped hills and the total distance is 4.71 miles, 401 steps. As we want to do this race, we decided to include some of these scores in the run today. I will need to do some good hill training for this race.

You must think now I have a thing about races with steps!

 Tuesday 21st January, another frosty morning, I decided not to join the Eagles 5k group from Pitshanger at 5.45 which I had planned to do, as I was slightly worried about slipping over. Leaving the house at 4.30pm, I am greeted by a fox, healthy looking with a lovely bushy tail, which is unusual these days. Early for them to be running the roads too!

5 miles had to be done so off I went.

Towards the end of the run/walk it was getting slippery on the pavements so choosing going out after work made no difference.

Off for my first massage booked in over marathon training. This was 1 hour so it was an all over body one just not concentrating on my legs. My right hamstring felt tight she said and she also massaged around my achillies as the muscle felt stringy. Gosh, it hurt massaging it! My arm is playing up at the mo so I got a good back, shoulder and arms massage too.

 Thursday 23rd January.  Up at 4.45 to head to the Early Eagles run with Allie and others. I wasn’t going to eat as I only had 5 miles to do but heard my husband making his breakfast and it made me feel hungry, so had a hot cross bun with a cup of tea. Headed out the door at 5.20am to park near the start and do 1 mile before. The weather was perfect, not cold at all with no wind. It was quiet except the birds just waking up and a few high vis workers off to work. The atmosphere feels different in the morning too, clean and fresh.

Just as I approached the road to the Duke of Kent I was met by 4 Eagles. That was close, 1 minute later and I would have missed them. 3-mile loop with, Allie, Tanya, Paul & Ingvild then just to build up to the 5 miles. The pavements are a bit hard to see at this time but it was a good run.

Home, time for a bath and coffee before my day starts.

 Training going well so far….

Starting the training plan

I am doing a 16 week plan, so my training officially started this week on Monday 6th January.

Over Christmas and New Year I didn’t touch my running shoes at all but went out on my bike instead. I was itching to get started so it was hard not too but gave in on the Friday and did a 3 mile local run.

On the Saturday I went to the new Up and Running store in Teddington to a marathon talk. They were talking about training plans and what to expect.

I found the talk very informative  as I hadn’t actually decided on a training plan.

I am looking at a beginner’s plan but am being told I am not a beginner. I think I am, having never run a marathon before.

Well, I thought, I can use it as a guide. 

 Whilst at Up and Running as I was early, I started looking at new trainers. My last pair which were Saucony weren’t that old as I only got them in August and I haven’t worn them much but I had it in my head to change back to Asics . 

So with my new trainers on, off I went on Sunday to try them out and ran 4.5 miles.

Monday is here and the official plan starts and it’s 3 miles slow.

Well that’s easy as I am slow at the moment anyway.

Rest day Tuesday …..easy peasy.

Last night, Wednesday 4 miles steady was on the plan so I decided to skip swimming and do the club run as it was the social night too.

I went for the long run and had Robert Kipling keeping me company for most of the way round. I thought I was running too fast for the plan but once downloaded on Strava it was fine.

I am glad I made the Social last night as it gave me a chance to speak with others who are also doing the London Marathon and had a good chat about it. 

I had chose another plan going by the time I want to finish and started that one on Monday anyway. Its not much different from the beginners one to be honest.

Training so far is going great!

Ecstatic!

Ecstatic!

I am running the London Marathon. It still hasn’t really sunk in yet and its nearly a week later that I will be on the start line on Sunday 26th April. I am sure once training kicks in then it will. A dream come true!