Rambling Mother Runner

Pushing on through

2013-08-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't stopped running, but I have not been blogging about running for a long time. Following my Spring races and a knee injury I hit a wall. I had no inbuilt motivation, had no races to train for, and so the inner voice that always says "Leave it 'til tomorrow" won out. On average, I have made it out running twice a week, and each time for a 5K run. Nothing to write home about there!

When I was on holiday in Ireland recently, I faced a dilemma. The deadline for registration for the Royal Parks Half was looming and I needed to commit, or not. I had been leaning more towards dropping out - I'm not completely convinced longer races are my thing, plus I had a raft of other excuses that sounded almost plausible - almost! I was seriously contemplating entering some duathlon events instead. I dithered. I talked to my Dad (a veteran Marathon runner) and finally decided to just do it. Yeah! (I think).

And the training has commenced. So far I have managed two very hilly runs around the north side of Cork city, a couple of flat 3 milers back near my home in South Yorkshire and my 'long' run on Sunday was 5 miles. I have a looong way to go to get my mileage up to be able to run the 13.1 miles required of me on 6th October.

Here's the thing. I seem to remember enjoying running. I used to insist that the first couple of miles were the worst, then things clicked into place. I'm not feeling it now. It's all hard. It's tough. I'm having to really drag myself out and keep talking to myself in my head to keep myself going. So now, I'm on the trail of the buzz. I want it back again. Meanwhile - Keep Running!

www.virginmoneygiving.com/Emma.McGarry1

Clumber Park Trailblazer 10K

2013-05-19T07:24:00.001-07:00

Bad races...everyone has them from time to time. Unfortunately, today was my turn to experience one.

When I booked my place in the Trailblazer series, I had envisaged a lovely day out for all the family. How silly of me - I had not factored in the British weather. Last night, the BBC website had forecast heavy rain all morning (double raindrops out of a black cloud - according to the chart! Up to an inch of rain in some places) so Hubby and I decided I that the support crew would give today a miss. Thankfully, a friend of mine was also running and her family had made the same decision, so we travelled together. This made the lack of support crew situation more fun.

The Trailblazer race was exceptionally well organised. Registration was swift and pain free, and there were plenty of toilets close to the starting line (which is one of the factors that determines a good race for me!!) There would have been plenty for the family to see and do - had they come - and it didn't rain! Never mind.

I set off in the Green Wave of runners (which included a Stag Do!) I knew from the start that my form was not good. I made the mistake of setting off too fast, and then ran into problems with my knee at 7K. I ended up walking parts of the last 3K, so I was really pleased with my time of 58:05, and to be honest, when I crossed the finishing line I was just so relieved that it was over.

I can offer many reasons as to why I was slower that I would have liked today - recovering from a knee injury, having only run 4 times in the last 3 weeks, and the fact that I am not used to running on a muddy, trail surface.

It was weird not having anyone to greet me when I finished. I crossed the line, received my medal and picked up my honking great Helly Hansen good bag (definitely the best goody bad I've had so far). My friend ran in a different wave to me, so while I waited for her I went to the massage tent and had a lovely knee massage.

Maybe I need to give my knee more time, but I am beginning to wonder if I will be able to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon I have entered in October. I guess time will tell. Right now, I feel like deferring my place, but it is only hours since I crossed the finishing line!

Post Race Ramblings

2013-05-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

I did it! I'm so pleased I made it in a good time, but also so pleased it's over. The emotional build up to a new distance can be exhausting in itself, without adding in the effect it has on your body.

The North Lincolnshire Half-Marathon was a well-organised race with some nice touches. Race HQ was based in Glanford Park, home to Scunthorpe United. It was easy to get to, there was ample parking, plenty of toilets with queues that were not too ridiculous, hot drinks were being served, good baggage area manned by the scouts and there was even a stand selling sports wear and gels (ideal for me as I had packed everything except my energy gels!) There was a 3/4 mile walk along an urban trail to the start, which was not ideal, but necessary to fit the distance in for the race. The course itself was lovely and flat, a little windy for the first 7 miles, but we've had strong winds for weeks. The course took us along some narrow roads and through lovely picturesque villages where residents had come out to cheer us along. The finish was great - the last 100 metres brought you into the football ground and onto the pitch.

As I entered the ground, I fought hard to hold back the tears that were threatening to overwhelm me with the relief that I had achieved my goal, and that the pain was finally over. My knee was in agony. The last 2 miles were really tough and I felt the pain spreading from the side of my knee to underneath it. I looked up into the stands and searched the faces for the 3 blondies that are; my hubby, my daughter and my son. Again, I fought back tears of emotion as I was reunited with them.

6 days on, and I think my knee is starting to forgive me and return to normal! Time for some real healing and strengthening now. I have a 10K race at the end of May in Clumber Park, Nottinghmshire, (http://www.rwtrailblazer.co.uk/notts.html) but that shouldn't put too much strain on my knee. It's October I need to work towards. I have entered the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London (http://royalparkshalf.com/) where I will run and raise money for http://www.scope.org.uk/

However, I am enjoying a little break from running...but I won't leave it too long. Another day or two and I will squeeze myself back into my dry-fit lycra and hit the road again!

Musings on Half Marathon's Eve

2013-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning, I will attempt my first Half Marathon. I have worked my way through a myriad of emotions over the past couple of weeks; fear, self-doubt, fear, determination, fear, acceptance and more fear. My training has not gone to plan. Only last Sunday did I manage my first ever 10 mile run.

Before Boston, I was going to chicken out. I wasn't hugely motivated, I was worried about my knee (I still am) and I just didn't think I could do it. Then Boston happened. Obviously, as a human being, a devastating event like the bombings really makes you think and reassess your personal freedoms. As a runner it has also made me think. It has made me thankful for the freedom to run. I have niggles and aches, and really I would rather not haul my ass out of bed at 6:30 on a Sunday morning so that I can push my body to its physical and mental limit, but....I am going to do it. I am not running for Charity this time. When I need to dig deep for motivation, I am going to think of those who lost their lives, those who will never walk or run again, and the runners in Boston who were not allowed the freedom of crossing the finishing line.

Stretching really is important!

2013-03-29T12:29:00.001-07:00

I must admit that up until now, I have rushed my stretches. I have spent minimal time on this important preparation and conclusion to a run because I am impatient (It's a character flaw). Unfortunately with me, most lessons need to be learnt the hard way, but I vow to now respect the stretches and dedicate more time to them!

Runner's Knee is caused by a tight ITB (iliotibial band). This is what I seem to have. Mid-week, I went out for a run (my knee seemed fine) but the knee pain started at 3 miles into a 5 mile run. The pain, coupled with a bitterly cold, gusting wind made it my most miserable run to date. I walked large parts, as I was barely moving forward when running and had really had enough. As a result, I now HATE the wind! I will happily run in snow and rain, but the wind does me in.

I tried to focus on the words in this picture, but it made no difference. At that moment, I didn't care if I was becoming stronger.....I just wanted to get home!

I consulted the folks at www.fetcheveryone.com and a kind member suggested a page with iliotibial stretch exercises I should try. My brother, who runs a Crossfit gym (check out his gym) in the USA, suggested that ITB, along with other problems, can be traced up or down stream (so it could be stemming from hips or ankles)

With all of my new gained knowledge, I did some of the ITB stretches and hip mobility stuff before my run today. My expectations were very low. I was only going to do 3 miles, but once I got going and realised that everything felt right, I kept going and had a great 7 mile run. My knee hurt at the end, but I did more ITB stretches when I got in and seem to be OK.

Apparently, ITB is a common problem in runners. Hopefully, now that I am aware of it, I can keep it in check. (A foam roller has been ordered!) ....so I'm now only slightly behind with my training for the North Lincolnshire Half Marathon but at least I'm running!

Runner's Knee

2013-03-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

So, it looks like I have an injury....

It manifested itself towards the end of one of my toughest runs to date. Tough, not because of the distance, but because of the WIND!

The plan had been to run at least 8 miles this morning, as I need to get training for the Scunthorpe Half marathon at the end of April (http://www.northlincshalf.co.uk/). I was feeling good, despite the weather, and managed fine on the crunchy snow that hadn't yet thawed on the canal path. I coped (just about) with the 2 head winds I ran in slow motion into! When I finally reached the relative safety of my village, I started a 'limpy run' because my outer knee was hurting so much. I cut dead my plans of an 8 miler and settled for 6.5 instead, and home!

My knee has niggled the past few runs, but it has made it clear - it won't be ignored anymore! I consulted Dr Google and found this information on knee injury: http://therunningbug.co.uk/training/injury/b/weblog/archive/2012/03/21/knee-pain-identifying-and-treating-knee-pain-in-runners.aspx

Hopefully, with a bit of rest, stretching and massage, this 'Runner's Knee' will pass and I can continue training for my first 13.2!

Mixing It Up

2013-03-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

"If all you do is run, you're bound to get injured"

This is something I read a long time ago, and then filed at the back of my mind. I have been road running for a quite a while now, without doing anything else. The intention has been there - I've meant to go swimming, go to Yoga or a Kettle Bell class, but somehow, I've always chosen to don my trainers and hit the great outdoors for a run.

This wise snippet has worked its way to the fore of my memory recently as I have started to HURT! I have 'body niggles' that I can probably attribute to running, so I decided it was time to mix it up. After hearing lots about Kettle Bells, I decided to give them a go.

I first tried the Kettle Bells (along with the instructional DVD) on Saturday morning. It was not a success. I was grumpy to begin with; I'd had a bad week at work and the bad feeling hangover was lingering, the kids had woken up at the crack of dawn (when all week I'd had to haul them out of bed) and no doubt the dog had also annoyed me (she usually does in the mornings!) Anyway, I opted for the Kettle Bells work out instead of a run. I went into a different room to everyone else to exercise, but my son kept running in front of me shooting imaginary Clones, the dog thought I wanted to play with her when I was stretching, (the Downward Dog stretch nearly resulted in Flattened Dog as she proceeded to lay under me!) and my daughter decided to get involved and match a kettle bell to each family member (8,6,4 and 2KG became Daddy, Mummy, Big Sister and Little Brother). Then kids then started to fight over the kettle bells.

So I switched off the DVD, pulled on my trainers and was off into the great outdoors for a 5 mile run. It was bliss. It cleared my head, and reminded me that while I am running, only the pain can get me. (Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional - Murakami) Nobody can ask me for hot chocolate/brioche/Weetabix or to sit with them while they are on the toilet! It's just me and my head!

I'm going to heed the advice of the pro's and work on strengthening my core. I know that running on its own will lead to problems, and I certainly don't want that....(there will be no escape if that happens!) I have since done a Kettle Bell work out, but picked a time when the kids were at school and I only had the dog to contend with.

Running and Mothering

2013-03-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Before I had kids, I thought motherhood would be a bit like the top picture:

....but I soon discovered, it was a lot more like the bottom one.

A lot of women (me included) start running after having children. Not only does it help to get back into shape, but it's gives a sense of identity, other than 'mother'. It ensures that you do something else with your time other than the usual cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, ironing, ferrying about to parties and hobbies (not to mention squeezing in work!)

I absolutely adore being a mother - the kids give me so much happiness, but I think having my own hobby makes me a better person, and hopefully, a better mother.

On Mother's Day, many of us will have hoped for one of the following:

which I suppose, essentially = Time Out.

Because running has become a form of Time Out for me, I went for a run.

To all the other running mothers, Happy Mother's Day!

Norton 9 - Race Report

2013-03-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

Before this race, I was apprehensive for a number of reasons.
1) The distance (had previously only run 8 miles)
2) It was an undulating course, and there were HILLS!
3) Headphones were not allowed

And here I am to say, that it was a great race. There was a warm, friendly atmosphere, it was very well organised and it was fun (if you like running - which I do!) As a newbie runner, I have only run the Sheffield Bupa 10K and Leeds Abbey Dask 10K. This was the first race where I rocked up and thought "Oh, these are serious runners!" The majority of people were Club Runners. I saw t-shirts from Hull, Scunthorpe, Barnsley, Wakefield and Tickhill, and of course, the group of Sweatshop runners. It all started off at quite a pace too - 8.03 min/mile. I knew this was too fast for me, especially if I needed to tackle hills at 5.5 and 7.5 miles, so I slowed to just below 9, which is where I usually run.

I love the feeling of having challenged myself, and come out the other side - alive! (That said, I'm not sure how I'll feel tomorrow...let's just hope the 'skins' I'm wearing do their job!)

The lack of music to motivate me was my main worry, but it really didn't bother me today. I think I do need music when I run alone, because it can be very boring, but in a race, there's so much going on to distract you.

So, yes, I would certainly recommend the Norton 9, and I will do it again - but maybe not tomorrow!

Running without Music...part 2

2013-02-24T04:08:00.000-08:00

Facing your fears, no matter how insignificant they may seem to others, is all part of the running journey. I love the incremental improvements I have made in the past 8 months. Last June, I had never even run 5K. Now I have two 10K runs under my belt and am about to attempt a 9 mile road race. I have signed up for 2 half-marathons later in the year. But I must admit, as the miles mount, so too does the fear factor. But like I say (as one of my running mantras) Bring It On!

As I mentioned in my last Blog entry, one of my fears regarding the Norton 9 next Sunday (03/03) is that I will be doing my first 'undulating' road race without music. I hope there will be some whooping and cheering and motivational 'shout outs' from fellow runners, and that I will not be left alone with my internal monologue!

In preparation for the 9 miles, I did a short 3 mile run without music yesterday. It was OK, my pace was a bit slower, but you have to start somewhere, right? My long run today was an 8 miler, so I did the first 3 without music, and then hit my iPod, and fell into the arms of Guy Garvey as he sang 'One Day Like This' which is the tune I like to start my run to. I love my playlist, but I'm weaning myself off. My pace is slightly faster with my tunes, but I'm not going for a PB next week. As long as I finish, it will be a PB, as I've not run the distance before!

Norton 9...yes, I'm a bit nervous, but I am also looking forward to it. Will I ditch the tunes afterwards? I suppose it's possible. The running journey is one of many surprises.

Running without music

2013-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

I've only run once without music, because the battery was flat on my Nano. It wasn't good. I'm quite skittish and easily frightened, and ended up screaming and nearly jumping into the road when a horse stuck its head over a fence and neighed at me. I deduced then that running without music was not for me.

I adore my running recently revamped running playlist. Some tunes (Lady Gaga's Bad Romance and The White Stripes' Hotel Yorba) even help me to up my running pace to an 8.23 minute mile! So it was with panic that I read the words on my information letter for my next race "The wearing of headphones is strictly banned."

Maybe some people with headphones run like muppets, but I don't. My headphones aren't even that good. Today, when running with my tunes, I noted that I could hear the cars that were coming behind me, the barking of dogs, the wind, the hum of the electricity pylons. I like to think that when running, I am completely aware of my surroundings; I try to look pain free and cheery as I pass a walker or an oncoming cyclist. I honestly believe that I can run safe whilst listening to music. But obviously, not everyone does.

For the race, I must admit that I have considered running the wires up the back of my neck and feeding the headphones up through my hair and into my ears. But I won't do that. Instead, I am going to have to rely heavily on motivational tools, mantras and visualisation. I have even wondered if I can sing my playlist as I run the race (won't I be popular with the other runners!)

Any survival tips or advice will be greatly appreciated as this tunes addict prepares to go cold turkey!

Feel the fear...and do it anyway!

2013-02-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

Six months ago, I stopped being a jogger, and became a runner. Before that, my jogs didn't stray far from the boundaries of my village. I plodded along, wondering what it would be like to run in a race, wondering if I could possibly manage a 5K. Fear stopped me from taking the next step. Even then, I was an avid reader of Runner's World, and I used to scan the running events near me, but each date passed me by without a commitment from me.

Then in July, I was touched by Olympic Fever. I chose a local 10K, entered, and then had that heady, giddy feeling of having pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. Of course I ran the race, and discovered that I absolutely LOVED it! I was buzzing for days at my sense of achievement.

Since then, I have become very comfortable with 10K, or 6.2 miles. It's a distance I can do on a weekend without really pushing myself. Due to dark evenings (and there are no street lights to talk of in my village), minor illnesses with the kids, work and snow, my runs have been haphazard and I have not progressed beyond 6.2 miles.

The time has come! The evenings are getting brighter and it's time to face my fears again...and overcome them. My next challenge is a 9 mile run (Norton 9, near Doncaster) on 03/03. It is a challenge not only for the distance, but also because the route is undulating. As all of my runs are on pancake flat roads, this will really test me. Bring it on!

Snow Get 'Em!

2013-01-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Snow and ice get the blame this week for my low mileage! (Well....it's a different excuse to last week's!) I will run in rain, and wind, and even in a bit of snow if the roads are clear, but I draw the line at ice. What's the point? You can't go fast...you might as well have a nice brisk walk with your dog instead (which is exactly what I did). And I didn't feel too bad about it, because if I don't run for a few days, it doesn't matter.

After a few days of not running, my body tells me it needs exercise. I feel bloated and sluggish....and my hips hurt (figure that one out!). Today, my mind was telling me another day off would't hurt.....there's still a lot of snow about, after all. I dithered for a few hours, then went for it at 10 o'clock. And I really enjoyed it. When your body is in working order, it really is 'mind over matter.' When my mind was saying 'oh, it's starting to hurt,' my inner Personal Trainer said 'Shut up and Run.' I have asked my husband to kick my ass out the door the next time I'm procrastinating! There are very few runs I have regretted.

Better late than never!

2013-01-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

My run last weekend was awful; the sort that made me think that running and I weren't meant to be. Then I developed a chest cold, so I surrendered to my cough and took a full week off from running. I know that experts use the 'neck up' rule (http://www.runnersworld.com/health/should-you-run-when-youre-sick?page=single), but I didn't need to consult them as I knew that if I couldn't walk up the stairs without panting, I wan't in a fit state to run.With hindsight, I now think that the cold was in my system but I was unaware of it until the day following my run.

This morning, I pulled on my running gear and set off into the chilly morning mist. I made a conscious decision not to get caught up in numbers. Today was about easing myself back into it with a sensible 3 mile run. After about 2 minutes, I realised that I was actually feeling good. My body was moving rhythmically without any great effort on my part. Tentatively, I pulled back the sleeve of my running top and looked at my Garmin.....my pace was 9.12! Hurrah. I am back on form.

Now, I'm filled with the New Year enthusiasm everyone else felt about 2 weeks ago. I've been leafing through my latest Runner's World and can't decide which Half-Marathon should I do? I am very tempted by Reading, North Lincolnshire and of course.....The Great North. Decisions, decisions!

Loosing my Groove!

2013-01-04T11:16:00.001-08:00

Like many, I have spent a large amount of my Christmas being a little too-well aquatinted with the sofa. For a few days of that, I was struck down by the vomiting bug and rendered lifeless and lacking in energy. Before that, I suffered a cluster of migraines that lasted 10 days, so on the whole, I've lost my running groove!

Over the past two weeks, I have clocked up 22 miles, which is not bad going for me. However, today was my first run after the bug. And it hurt. I ran for 5 miles, every one was as painful as the last. My knee hurt. The wind met me head on at every corner I turned. I thought I was going to be sick. I glanced down at my super-duper Garmin (my Christmas present) and felt further dejected when I saw my pace was bobbing between a 9:43 and a 10:03 minute mile. I can't remember the last time I ran at that pace. I called on all the mantras and motivational tools I knew of. And I managed to keep going. But I hated my run. "I want to give up running" I thought briefly.

But I won't. I am really only at the beginning of my running journey, and I know that running veterans have times like this. I plan to rest tomorrow and go out again the day after. The one good thing was that the sun finally came out! (Albeit, after I got home!) But I'm taking it as an omen.

Here's a little something you may have read before, but I love it:
"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an action but a habit." Aristotle

Mind Over Matter

2012-12-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

"Slide, slide, skate. Slide, slide, skate."
This is the little mantra I overheard my daughter whispering to herself the other day when she was trying out her new skates. It got me thinking about the internal monologue we have when we are doing something mechanical and repetitive, like running. I asked some runners and sports people what they do to motivate them. This is what I came up with:

1) Just....get....to...the....next...post!
Set yourself small achievable goals, like reaching the next lamp post. The chances are, once you're there, you'll feel able to get to the next and so on. The Runners World Streak http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/2012-holiday-running-streak is a similar idea, where you pledge to run 1 mile every day over the holiday. Often, when you get going, you will continue and run farther.

2) Use visualisation
Experts recommend you visualise your run before you actually set off. Think about how you would like to look and feel at different stages. If you are racing, it can be a good idea to drive the route before your run it so that you are familiar with the layout and you can visualise yourself running it. (Picture yourself as a Kenyan or an Ethiopian, or even as Mo!)

3) Lie!
Tell yourself how wonderful you feel and what an amazing run you are having. You may be so delirious you'll believe it!

4) Think about the afterglow
Some people love the way their body feels after exercise - and some people like the smug feeling that comes post run! Whatever your prefer, focus on that!

5) Have a mantra
Here are some little sayings that may help you to keep going once you get out there;

Pain is temporary: failure lasts forever
Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Today is not the day I gave up
I do it today for tomorrows results
The harder it is, the greater the victory

Just do it!

2012-11-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Comparing ourselves to others is something we are all guilty of it, and I think it makes most of us feel bad. But we still do it! I know that after a few minutes on Facebook, I inevitably convince myself that everyone is happier/busier/more glamorous than I am.

I am also guilty of comparing myself to other runners. During my last race, (which was a loop course) I watched open-mouthed and envious at those who were powering their way past the 7K - as I passed the 3K marker! Wow....wouldn't it be amazing to run like that.....could I ever do that? Well, no, is the simple answer. I am a recreational runner. I will not win any races, but by running in races I might raise a little money for charity and keep my mind and body fit in the meantime.

The great think about running, and running events, is that you learn that runners come in all shapes and sizes. It may sound stupid, but I didn't know that until I entered my first race. I had been running solo for years before I had the courage to enter a race: I'd felt I wasn't good enough to stand next to real runners. And it's not all about a PB. Loads of people race for fun, to raise funds for charities, to remember lost loved ones. I was chocked with tears as I watched the final two runners cross the finishing line at a 10K race in Sheffield; an 81 year old man and his daughter. Christ, if I live to be 81, I hope I am as brave and fit as he is.

I think what I'm saying is, it's not all about speed. We get so bogged down with our 'minute mile' and our PBs. Of course, this stuff is important as a marker, but the main thing is that we run, and that we enjoy running. In a recent survey by Runner's World, participants were asked what running milestone they were most proud of. The majority rated the ability to run a long distance over speed.
Get outside the numbers....be present in your next run, not pre-occupied!

The Abbey Dash 10K, Leeds

2012-11-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

I am one happy mother runner. Last week I was digging deep to find motivation. This week I find myself on a post-race high following the Abbey Dash at Leeds on Sunday morning. The 10K course took us from the city centre to Kirkstall Abbey and back on mainly flat (ahem!) roads.

I must admit, when my alarm went off at 6:30 am on Sunday, I wondered why I was dragging myself, Hubbie and children from our sleeping beds. Man up, I muttered to myself. Thankfully, there wasn't too much grumbling from the family. The promise of a 'pan au chocolate' in the car spurred them on. By 8:45, we had arrived in Leeds and spilled out of the car into the freezing cold city centre and hopped about to warm up. By now, I was eager to get to the race, but there's no such thing as walking briskly with a 4 and a 7 year old. ("Mummy, I brought my binoculars so I can see you, or so I can see some really good runners! What are those statues? Why are they on top of the building? Mummy, look at the hair plane"). We ambled our way up the hill to where the race was scheduled to begin at 9:30. By the time I joined everyone in the pens, I was buzzing with excitement and couldn't wait to set off.

I like to think of myself as a real runner now, kitted out in my tights, new (ish) trainers and my gore top, but I don't even have a watch! The battery in my analogue model packed in a few weeks ago and I haven't gotten around to replacing it. I've been running on instinct rather than relying on stats to get me through. I rely heavily on my play list also, and know which songs mean I need to up the pace. It was a fantastic and uplifting surprise for me to crest the last hill and see the finishing line and clock in sight, and to know that I was running towards a PB. I ran the 10K in 54:24, a time I had not even secretly dreamed I would achieve. I am so pleased! Yeah!

Regular running has certainly paid off. The first 10K I ran in September was a struggle, and also a real turning point for me as a runner because it made me realise what I was capable of. This 10K was a lot easier. I was fine afterwards; I managed to have a normal day once we returned home, took the dog for a 4K walk, took my daughter to her horse riding lesson, cooked tea, did a load of laundry etc. And I even baked a celebration cake!

So, what next? Well, I have been trawling the net looking for my next race. Not sure yet whether it'll be another 10K or if I'll go for a 13.1 miler......time will tell!

Staying Motivated

2012-11-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

I find staying motivated during the dark days of Autumn to be a challenge. Writing this Blog certainly helps, as it forces me to think about running more than I probably would if I wasn't writing it. But there are lots of other ways to stay focused on running. Here are some that I came up with on my run this morning:

1) Tunes : I find running with music inspires and motivates me. I occasionally revamp my running playlist, and I like to know what songs motivate fellow runners so I can incorporate them if I feel they will work for me. My playlist starts out quite slow (Fatboy Slim's 'Right Here, Right Now') and revs up a gear at about the 5K marker (Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out'). I also enjoy a bit of Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face'. For me, the songs need to have a kick to get me going.

2) Get kitted up : Sometimes, even if I plan to run later on in the day, I get into my running clothes first thing. That way it's harder to back out of the run.

3) Run with a friend : While I love escaping for a run and enjoying time alone, there are times when I wish I could share a nice route with a fellow runner, or just benefit from some company and encouragement. Why not arrange a 'Share a Route' day with a fellow runner. Take it in turns to devise routes to run together.

4) Reward yourself : If you successfully haul your ass out into the cold, you need to reward yourself on your return, for doing so. I enjoy a coffee and a piece of cake post run. I have also decided to reward myself with a post-race cake, after each race (no, I don't plan to eat all of it, but I will enjoy planning, making and sharing it). This weekend it will be a lemon and poppy seed cake to celebrate (hopefully) my completion of the Abbey Dash.

5) Read about running : Whether it's Runner's world or a book, reading about running can be very motivating. (After reading 'Running with the Kenyans' I began to feel I might like to run a Marathon!)

6) Race! : Entering races will give you a clear, definite target you can work towards. I must admit, I was tempted to slack off this morning but couldn't as I have a race on Sunday.

If you have any motivating tips, please leave a comment.

Winter Clobber

2012-11-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

Recently, in an attempt to keep my enthusiasm bubbling away, I registered for the Leeds Abbey Dash. It takes place on Sunday 18th November. Unlike my first and last 10K, I am not worried about covering the distance, but I do want to better my time. Since I started taking running seriously, I have found my inner competitive spirit. I am not fired up about doing better than the other runners, but I do want to beat my 10K time of 59:52. Provided there are no hills, I'm hopeful that I will achieve that target.

Now that the weather has turned cold, I am so pleased that I have finally taken the plunge and invested in some proper cold-weather running kit. Last year, I used to go out in my tracksuit bottoms and a sweatshirt...no wonder my running used to slack off in October and restart in March! This Autumn, thanks to my hubbie and my overdraft, I have some lovely Ronhill running tights, a long-sleeved Gore top and a Lonsdale waterproof (which was Bargin as opposed to Budget according to Runner's World). This vision in fluorescent lycra is crowned with a Ronhill beanie. I know it's a cliche, but having the proper kit makes such a difference.

I was trying to put off the inevitable expense of a new pair of trainers until after the Abbey Dash, plus I didn't want to retire my Nike Lunar glides as I've loved them so much, but I've had to listen to my muscles. Over the last couple of weeks, my shins have become increasingly sore, but yesterday, they stopped me in my tracks. I set off full of enthusiasm for my six mile run and had to turn around and head home. I lied to myself as I set off, the soreness will ease out, mind over matter, Man Up! etc. But then sense kicked in and I realised after 2 miles that something was wrong. I am hoping that this is nothing major and a few days of R and R will sort out the soreness, but in the meantime I hot-footed it to Sweat Shop in Meadowhall and after trying on 6 pairs of trainers, purchased a new pair of Brooks. Looking forward to getting back out in them, when the muscle soreness dies away.

Today, in Sweat Shop, I learned that if I am running 20 miles a week (and that is my target) I should change my trainers every 6 months! (My Nikes were over 3 years old!)

Sports bras should also be changed every six months.

Why I run

2012-10-30T02:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I find myself asking myself 'Why do I run?' Especially in the latter months of the year when the weather turns cold, daylight hours fade and the act of leaving the house in my running gear requires a lot more planning and orchestrating. 'Why are you going running?' asks my son, as I call goodbye to my family (who are usually cosied-up on the sofa), and step out the door into the chilly air.
'Why am I doing this?' I sometimes ask myself as I start out, plodding along the wet, narrow roads, trying to stay out of the camber and hurdling over potholes, puddles and horse shit.
I'd be lying to say I've never had a run where it's not been hard all the way through. But the good runs far outweigh the bad. The good runs are the reason I run. I like the way my body feels, post-run. I enjoy noticing the subtle changes in my body; muscles are appearing, wobbles disappearing. I love the sense of achievement I get at upping my mileage, at improving my time. When I run, my thoughts are uninterrupted and while I'm in that groove, possibilities are endless.
Here's what I now know about running that I didn't know 6 months ago: after about 20 minutes, it starts to feel good. My body finds its rhythm and I feel as though I am moving mechanically, without much effort. The endorphins have obviously kicked in at this point because sometimes I even feel elated and I sing along to my playlist (knowing that nobody will hear me on my rural run and think I'm a nutter). When it all clicks, I feel able to up my pace, often encouraged and buoyed up by the fact that I am out running, and running better than I ever have.
'Lead with your chest' I tell myself. 'Run tall. Head up. Breath.'
Why do I run? Because I love being a runner!

Curb Your Enthusiasm

2012-10-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I had an amazing run. It was a route that I plotted a few weeks ago and had been itching for the time and form to do it. While you can often hear me grumble about the inconvenience of living in the sticks, I must admit that when it comes to running routes I am spoiled for choice (and they are all flat!) So on my 10K run, I marveled at the autumnal beauty, the changing leaves, the berries on the bushes, the lack of wind and the reflection of the billowing clouds in the canal waters. I thought about my lungs, how they were working, how my body was functioning as I wanted it to, I focused on my legs and feet and tried to improve my style. For me, it encapsulated a lot of what running is about. I had The Buzz! I was thinking....maybe Half Marathon....maybe one day, even the Big One!
However, I got totally carried away by my enthusiasm and fell foul of making classic beginner mistakes. I'd had such a great run, that I repeated it two days later. My body didn't like that, my right knee ached and I started with sciatic twinges. It made me realize that running 'like a mother' and continuously upping my mileage was not the best approach in becoming better. Taking some sense on board, I reverted to a 5K after work one night, but then tried the 10K again on Sunday (this time, with a slight cold). Not a good idea either! I found the run very hard, and could have thrown in the towel at any point. I have never been so relieved to return home, my body ached and I felt annoyed with my stupid cold for hindering my progress.
I like to think that I have grown as a runner this week; I now know that I need to reign in my enthusiasm! Over the next few weeks, I plan to run more sensibly. I hope to adopt a training plan, do more research on nutrition, muscle repair and ways to improve. Also, my daughter has expressed a desire to race, so I am going to look into some child friendly races in our area, and see if she wants to try a gentle jog around our park.
I laughed in recognition as I read this blog link http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/04/9-dumb-mistakes-new-runners-make.html I'm not the only one who started out thinking I was invincible!

Dog Jog

2012-10-08T02:24:00.002-07:00

I'm not great at time management, and I've had one of those weeks where my exercise plans have taken a back seat. But I have managed to 'dog jog' a couple of times.
A while back, I decided that I would try to combine the daily dog walk with a jog. This venture has had mixed success. If given the choice, I would always choose a solo run. I love the feeling of freedom I get when I run; I feel light and unanchored.....not a feeling I have when I am tethered to my excited Running Dog!
The cons of jogging with my pooch? She gets very over-excited about the jogs and always starts off too fast for me, so I end up being dragged along behind her. After a couple of hundred metres, I usually manage to reign her in, and for a while, we are in sync; perfect jogging companions. However, she will stop dead if she detects a new smell (and given that she is a scent hound, that happens very often), and my arm is yanked out of its socket.
It's not all negative; the pros are that I am getting a run, she is getting exercised, and I have saved a bit of time. Also, I love those moments when we are in sync; she looks like she is really enjoying herself. I'm going to stick with it, as I am hopeful that one day we will be better running companions. I'm proud of the fact that we've worked up to a 5K circuit (and we only walk about 1K of that.)
I have to try to be selfless on these outings; Running Dog is not interested in a PB. She's more of a 'tempo training' gal!

Heroes and Role Models

2012-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

I love arriving home after a run; particularly when I am greeted by my son flinging himself at my legs, wrapping himself around them and proclaiming, "I missed you when you were running." Between the puffing and the gulping of water, I feel wonderful.

My children were ridiculously proud of me when I did my first 10k a few weeks ago. I crossed the finishing line, returned my chip, collected my goodie bag and enjoyed the heroes welcome I received from my little support crew. While I sat on the edge of a flower bed, they fished out my 'tin foil' blanket and medal, and insisted I wear both.

Not only do I find that running does wonders for my body, both physically and mentally, but I like to think that I am being a positive role model for my children. I hope that I am showing them that achievements are made by hard work, commitment and goal setting.

And I love the Olympic Legacy! I was thrilled when in July, the first poster my daughter put her wall was one of Victoria Pendleton holding her medal. I only hope that this next generation continues to be inspired by the sporting heroes we all came to love this summer; that they understand that achievement and success comes at the end of a lot of hard work.

In the meantime, I intend to do my little bit (both for myself and for my children), rambling along, racing a little and aspiring to be the best runner and mother I can be.

Changes

2012-09-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

As the seasons turn and the nights draw in, I can't help feeling that these September winds bring significant changes for me both as a mother, and as a runner.

For the past 8 years, a considerable amount of my week has been spent looking after my two gorgeous children. But now my youngest has just started in full-time education, leaving me with large swathes of time where I have nobody to chase after, no pushchair to cart about, no hand to hold. I walked away from the school gates last week feeling unanchored and returned to a silent house. I was prepared for feeling lost and so had made a long 'to do' list which I quickly set about. I am someone who needs to keep busy; both mind and body.

And for this reason, I thank my lucky stars that I have recently fallen in love with running. My relationship with running has been a slow-burner. It started about 3 years ago when I took myself off to a reputable running shop and surrendered myself to a very able assistant who videoed me running and told me what trainers, sports bra and socks I needed. Then the jogs began. I didn't particularly enjoy them, I endured them. I built my route up to about 4Km and then stuck with that, running about twice a week. I was tempted to enter a race, but somehow always managed to talk myself out of it.

Then, like much of the nation, I was gripped and inspired by Olympic fever. I watched Mo and Dibaba run and I was in awe. I decided there and then; I had to take the next step - to run a race. So I searched on the internet and entered the Great Yorkshire Run in Sheffield. I felt giddy, then nervous. I had 4 weeks to train. I dreaded race day but when it finally came, I was excited. I ran it and loved it. It was a couple of days before I wanted to run again, but when I did I was all fired up. I realised that I was actually enjoying running; I felt powerful and exhilarated.

Since then, I look forward to my runs. I pay more attention to the articles in my running magazine and find myself playing about with my routes and playlist to help my motivation. I want to run faster, stronger, and for longer. I am excited about becoming a better runner (and I hope it stops me from being a lonely mother!) Time to stop rambling.......