Time: 42mins 30secs
Distance: 5.10miles
Pace: ~8.15min/mile
The usual story - was incredibly tired tonight after getting in from work but decided to head out and get some fresh air. I was really pleased with this run, as the mid section is a long, winding uphill for almost a mile which I managed to keep roughly the same pace on.
My heel has been giving me some trouble over the past few runs - it's really sore on my right foot. I'm really busy this weekend so will probably have to do a long run on Friday morning...but I'm worried my heel will halt the distance on my long run. If it gets as sore as it was on the Drymen run I'm not sure I will be able to do it properly. Oh well, we'll see.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Monday, 29 March 2010
Monday 29/3
Distance: 4.75miles
Pace: 1.85mile jog then 9x30sec hill sprints with jog recovery plus 1mile jog
Good, strong hs session today. Went out during the afternoon since I was off and was quite surpirsed at how busy my hilly road is! It kind of does spur you on though, because you don't want to look like a wimp who can't atually make it up the hill by standing at the foot of it for too long!
I hear hill sprints are great for building endurance and I feel they really helped me during the prep for my last few marathons...but I wonder if I'm gettin any use out of doing the same reps every 2 weeks, or if I should try the 1 min sprints again on a different hill. They were so tough and I know I didn't run as fast during them...maybe going a little slower but for longer is better...I just don't know!!
In other news my sponsorship page is now up and running! Check it out at:
http://www.justgiving.com/xtine-runs-edinburgh
Saturday 27/3
Time: 31mins
Distance: 3.5miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
Just a quick easy one. Didn't want my heel to flare up again liek it did after the long run on Thursday, so kept it fairly short. I also am quite proud of the fact that I managed to get out during one of the only 35 minute periods when it wasn't raining!!
Pace: 1.85mile jog then 9x30sec hill sprints with jog recovery plus 1mile jog
Good, strong hs session today. Went out during the afternoon since I was off and was quite surpirsed at how busy my hilly road is! It kind of does spur you on though, because you don't want to look like a wimp who can't atually make it up the hill by standing at the foot of it for too long!
I hear hill sprints are great for building endurance and I feel they really helped me during the prep for my last few marathons...but I wonder if I'm gettin any use out of doing the same reps every 2 weeks, or if I should try the 1 min sprints again on a different hill. They were so tough and I know I didn't run as fast during them...maybe going a little slower but for longer is better...I just don't know!!
In other news my sponsorship page is now up and running! Check it out at:
Saturday 27/3
Time: 31mins
Distance: 3.5miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
Just a quick easy one. Didn't want my heel to flare up again liek it did after the long run on Thursday, so kept it fairly short. I also am quite proud of the fact that I managed to get out during one of the only 35 minute periods when it wasn't raining!!
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Thursday 25/3 - Long Run on a Thursday??
Time: 2hrs 30mins
Distance: 16.15miles
Pace: ~9.20min/mile
Having had a half day from work today and being off until Tuesday (!!!) I decided to take full advantage of the holiday and kick it off with a nice long run. I only realised this morning that the marathon is a week earlier than I thought!! So I aimed to do around 15miles today. Pleasantly surprised myself too.
Ran around Milngavie for about 3.5miles, then headed onto the WHW towards Drymen. It was a pissy day, annoyingly. It started to rain at the Beech Tree and was pretty solid therein. Also, at one of the crossings with the stiles there were loads of cows in the way! I was so scared because they were all moo-ing and stuff, I ended up breaking off a large branch and shooing them....then bolting across the pathway. I didn't even risk stopping to open the fence, haha. I just squeezed through a tiny hole in the side....and got a horrible feeling a minute later that a cow may have done the same thing and followed me =|
Oh the joys. Was a lot further to Drymen than I remember from the Beech Tree, I must say. My new shoes were hurting my feet quite badly, and I was struggling on the hills approaching Drymen, despite my muscles feeling fine. Consequently, my pacing was a little out. I think I did those sections at more of a 10min/mile pace.
Anywho...off to kick start my holiday with a HUGE dinner =D Seems strange to not have to be running this weekend, too. Hopefully I will have time to cycle or walk a hill now.
Tuesday 23/3
Distance: 5.10miles
Pace: ~8.45min/mile
Have been incredibly tired this week, and legs were still tight from the run+hill climb last weekend, so kept it easy on this run. Did include a few hills, for kicks and giggles.
Distance: 16.15miles
Pace: ~9.20min/mile
Having had a half day from work today and being off until Tuesday (!!!) I decided to take full advantage of the holiday and kick it off with a nice long run. I only realised this morning that the marathon is a week earlier than I thought!! So I aimed to do around 15miles today. Pleasantly surprised myself too.
Ran around Milngavie for about 3.5miles, then headed onto the WHW towards Drymen. It was a pissy day, annoyingly. It started to rain at the Beech Tree and was pretty solid therein. Also, at one of the crossings with the stiles there were loads of cows in the way! I was so scared because they were all moo-ing and stuff, I ended up breaking off a large branch and shooing them....then bolting across the pathway. I didn't even risk stopping to open the fence, haha. I just squeezed through a tiny hole in the side....and got a horrible feeling a minute later that a cow may have done the same thing and followed me =|
Oh the joys. Was a lot further to Drymen than I remember from the Beech Tree, I must say. My new shoes were hurting my feet quite badly, and I was struggling on the hills approaching Drymen, despite my muscles feeling fine. Consequently, my pacing was a little out. I think I did those sections at more of a 10min/mile pace.
Anywho...off to kick start my holiday with a HUGE dinner =D Seems strange to not have to be running this weekend, too. Hopefully I will have time to cycle or walk a hill now.
Tuesday 23/3
Distance: 5.10miles
Pace: ~8.45min/mile
Have been incredibly tired this week, and legs were still tight from the run+hill climb last weekend, so kept it easy on this run. Did include a few hills, for kicks and giggles.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Saturday 20/3 - Walk up Conic Hill
Had a great walk up Conic Hill today with Derek! I'm not really one for walking, but this was great. Took some great pictures, although my legs were quite tight from yesterday...think that's the problem with not eating before I go out running.
Anyway, loads of walkers out today and plenty of sunshine! Photos to follow.
Friday 19/3
Time: 1hr 55mins
Distance: 12.55miles
Pace: ~8.50min/mile (faster at times)
Up and out the door by 6.35am this morning before work! Very keen, eh? Wanted to get a long run done this morning because I was planning on walking up Conic Hill on Saturday. Couldn't really go too far, as the latest I can go into work is 10am.
Did roughly the same route as last week which was really good. I did, however, add a big part on to the start which seemed not to make a great difference. A tad annoying, but hey. I think I started to peak in my marathon training too soon.
Not sure I could continue these early morning runs after next week though - doubt I could get out and run 20 miles before 9am! I could try though.... Oh, and I cancelled the physio appointment for tomorrow....I'll try my luck with the shoes...even though I wore the old ones out on this run.
These bleedin' shoes are causing me more time and effort than they're worth!!!
Anyway, loads of walkers out today and plenty of sunshine! Photos to follow.
Friday 19/3
Time: 1hr 55mins
Distance: 12.55miles
Pace: ~8.50min/mile (faster at times)
Up and out the door by 6.35am this morning before work! Very keen, eh? Wanted to get a long run done this morning because I was planning on walking up Conic Hill on Saturday. Couldn't really go too far, as the latest I can go into work is 10am.
Did roughly the same route as last week which was really good. I did, however, add a big part on to the start which seemed not to make a great difference. A tad annoying, but hey. I think I started to peak in my marathon training too soon.
Not sure I could continue these early morning runs after next week though - doubt I could get out and run 20 miles before 9am! I could try though.... Oh, and I cancelled the physio appointment for tomorrow....I'll try my luck with the shoes...even though I wore the old ones out on this run.
These bleedin' shoes are causing me more time and effort than they're worth!!!
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Wednesday 17/3
Time: 34mins
Distance: 4.05miles
Pace: All over the place
Braved the new shoes tonight and went a run in them. They definitely hurt my feet, and they slip up at the back of my right heel. The guy in Achilles Heel told me to tie my laces really tightly, so I did. But man, my foot went numb! Both my feet did! and the shoe was still slipping on the right foot. It's really annoying. I wonder what to do about it.
Last Saturday, I took my shoes back to Achilles Heel. The guy looked at the way I walk and said that is the problem, not my shoes. To be honest, now I'm thinking he was fobbing me off...because I ended up getting a physio appointment which is this Saturday and the shoes are still hurting me. I fail to see how having run the way I have for all these years without problems, that the minute I buy new shoes I get problems,...and it's my fault? Suspicious.
I'm still debating whether to pay £30 for the physio appointment or try to get one at Milngavie Health Centre. Will wait and see on that one...I'm not one who tolerates wasting money!!
Tuesday 16/3
Time: 55mins
Distance: ~6.4 miles
Did a 1.85mile jog to warm up, then 8 x 30 sec hill sprints...then 2 quite pathetic ones! Met my dad on my jog back and went with him on his route for a little while but he wanted to keep going, so I turned back. Tried to run quite fast up the final hill and quite enjoyed it....Mumford and Son's "Little Lion Man" blasting in my headphones.
What a great run!! And my dad went on to do a 9.5miler which has seriously boosted his confidence. I'm very proud of him!
Sunday 14/3 - run with Dad and Derek
Time: 55 mins
Distance: ~5.5miles
Pace: ~10min/mile
Went out with Dad and Derek a wee run round the woods. Was really nice, and we were all feeling quite strong. I'm glad I waited to run with my dad...even though I was complaining about wanting to run in the sun earlier on in the day!
Distance: 4.05miles
Pace: All over the place
Braved the new shoes tonight and went a run in them. They definitely hurt my feet, and they slip up at the back of my right heel. The guy in Achilles Heel told me to tie my laces really tightly, so I did. But man, my foot went numb! Both my feet did! and the shoe was still slipping on the right foot. It's really annoying. I wonder what to do about it.
Last Saturday, I took my shoes back to Achilles Heel. The guy looked at the way I walk and said that is the problem, not my shoes. To be honest, now I'm thinking he was fobbing me off...because I ended up getting a physio appointment which is this Saturday and the shoes are still hurting me. I fail to see how having run the way I have for all these years without problems, that the minute I buy new shoes I get problems,...and it's my fault? Suspicious.
I'm still debating whether to pay £30 for the physio appointment or try to get one at Milngavie Health Centre. Will wait and see on that one...I'm not one who tolerates wasting money!!
Tuesday 16/3
Time: 55mins
Distance: ~6.4 miles
Did a 1.85mile jog to warm up, then 8 x 30 sec hill sprints...then 2 quite pathetic ones! Met my dad on my jog back and went with him on his route for a little while but he wanted to keep going, so I turned back. Tried to run quite fast up the final hill and quite enjoyed it....Mumford and Son's "Little Lion Man" blasting in my headphones.
What a great run!! And my dad went on to do a 9.5miler which has seriously boosted his confidence. I'm very proud of him!
Sunday 14/3 - run with Dad and Derek
Time: 55 mins
Distance: ~5.5miles
Pace: ~10min/mile
Went out with Dad and Derek a wee run round the woods. Was really nice, and we were all feeling quite strong. I'm glad I waited to run with my dad...even though I was complaining about wanting to run in the sun earlier on in the day!
Friday, 12 March 2010
Friday 12/3 - A long run in old shoes
Time: 1hr 52mins
Distance: 12.45 miles
Pace: ~9 min/mile
Whaw, I impressed myself this morning! Having the day off work to do my dissertation and debating whether to get up or not, I lay until just after 7 then got up, put some cream on the cat's wound (poor thing), had a banana (& a little cereal), and headed onto WHW.
Wasn't really too sure where I was going to go...so just let the wind (or sun, rather - glorious day!!) carry me. Went up the Khyber Pass and towards Mugdock. Got strangely attracted to the fields towards Strathblane...so just climbed a fence and went! I wasn't really very sure where the path would take me....because there wasn't really one! I ended up doing a bit of a loop round a loch then onto another field where I found myself surrounded by deer!! It was pretty unreal.
The deer in question...
and the view from the field.
All in all this was a great run, and I had no hassle with my old shoes. Of course I can feel wee aches and pains here and there, but nothing like the pain I'm feeling with the new ones - they definitely need to go back. I'm also incredibly proud I ran almost a half marathon without eating breakfast or drinking water enroute =D I think you feel fresher when you're not bogged down with waterbottles and the like.
Oh! And as promised, Spiderman from last Friday's run... oooh and an ahh!
Distance: 12.45 miles
Pace: ~9 min/mile
Whaw, I impressed myself this morning! Having the day off work to do my dissertation and debating whether to get up or not, I lay until just after 7 then got up, put some cream on the cat's wound (poor thing), had a banana (& a little cereal), and headed onto WHW.
Wasn't really too sure where I was going to go...so just let the wind (or sun, rather - glorious day!!) carry me. Went up the Khyber Pass and towards Mugdock. Got strangely attracted to the fields towards Strathblane...so just climbed a fence and went! I wasn't really very sure where the path would take me....because there wasn't really one! I ended up doing a bit of a loop round a loch then onto another field where I found myself surrounded by deer!! It was pretty unreal.
The deer in question...
and the view from the field.
All in all this was a great run, and I had no hassle with my old shoes. Of course I can feel wee aches and pains here and there, but nothing like the pain I'm feeling with the new ones - they definitely need to go back. I'm also incredibly proud I ran almost a half marathon without eating breakfast or drinking water enroute =D I think you feel fresher when you're not bogged down with waterbottles and the like.
Oh! And as promised, Spiderman from last Friday's run... oooh and an ahh!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Tuesday 9/3 - New frelling shoes
Distance: 3.55 miles
Pace: 8.45 (warm up) 8.15 for rest
So soooo tired....could barely keep my eyes open but just KNEW if I ran I'd feel better...so I did. Am trying this new 1 hard 1 easy week strategy before the marathon...that is I have one week of "hard" training including a >average midweek long run and hill sprints, then one "easy" week...i.e. just doing really whatever the h*ll I feel like. This is, most definitely, an easy week!!!!
Ok onto the pressing thing. Frell my new shoes (been watching a loooot of Farscape of late). The guy in the shop said that the ones he sold me would give me adequate arch support, as I sometimes (and I mean RARELY) get a wee pain in the arch of my foot, as though that muscle is stretching really tight.
So, I go out a run in my new shoes. Not a member of the gym any more, so had to just go on a non-muddy path to try them. I did notice that they slipped, remember. Ok, so fine, I thought. Next run I did (details to follow), I feel this agony pain in my arch of the foot where the shoe was slipping. It's so sore, worse than it ever has been...and all I've been doing is running slowly on a flat path!
And again on this run, my arch was acheing with every footstep. It's fine to start, and only happens after I've been running for about 2 miles. But then it's recurrent and pretty damn annoying. I was in 2 minds - the shoes are filthy, as the runs have been on WHW, and they really probably couldn't be sold again. BUT, I've paid £85 quid for them (actually less with student discount) and the guy told me they would be fine for me. And they're not. So really, who is in the wrong here?
Either way, I phoned Achilles Heel and they've told me to bring my old shoes and my new shoes in on Saturday and they'd see what they can do. Oh the joys.
Anyway, moving swiftly on, other runs:
Sunday 6/3
Distance: ~6.5miles
Did a run/walk combo on the pipetrack between Stockiemuir Road and Dumbarton with dad. Covered in snow...so we had to walk at some parts. Ended up running the last 3.5miles solid though.
Friday 5/3
Distance: 9.1miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
Run on WHW, quite early and really good! Photos to follow....saw Spiderman on a tree! (Not the real one, obviously)
In other news...Wedding planning is BORING. I am against any kind of "wedding package" and think those who endorse "wedding packages" are scum and should respect the individuals involved by NOT extorting ridiculous amounts of money out of them for stupid food/drink that would otherwise cost a fraction of the price. ARGH.
Ok, rant over. I'd have a BYOB Garden wedding if I could. If only...
Pace: 8.45 (warm up) 8.15 for rest
So soooo tired....could barely keep my eyes open but just KNEW if I ran I'd feel better...so I did. Am trying this new 1 hard 1 easy week strategy before the marathon...that is I have one week of "hard" training including a >average midweek long run and hill sprints, then one "easy" week...i.e. just doing really whatever the h*ll I feel like. This is, most definitely, an easy week!!!!
Ok onto the pressing thing. Frell my new shoes (been watching a loooot of Farscape of late). The guy in the shop said that the ones he sold me would give me adequate arch support, as I sometimes (and I mean RARELY) get a wee pain in the arch of my foot, as though that muscle is stretching really tight.
So, I go out a run in my new shoes. Not a member of the gym any more, so had to just go on a non-muddy path to try them. I did notice that they slipped, remember. Ok, so fine, I thought. Next run I did (details to follow), I feel this agony pain in my arch of the foot where the shoe was slipping. It's so sore, worse than it ever has been...and all I've been doing is running slowly on a flat path!
And again on this run, my arch was acheing with every footstep. It's fine to start, and only happens after I've been running for about 2 miles. But then it's recurrent and pretty damn annoying. I was in 2 minds - the shoes are filthy, as the runs have been on WHW, and they really probably couldn't be sold again. BUT, I've paid £85 quid for them (actually less with student discount) and the guy told me they would be fine for me. And they're not. So really, who is in the wrong here?
Either way, I phoned Achilles Heel and they've told me to bring my old shoes and my new shoes in on Saturday and they'd see what they can do. Oh the joys.
Anyway, moving swiftly on, other runs:
Sunday 6/3
Distance: ~6.5miles
Did a run/walk combo on the pipetrack between Stockiemuir Road and Dumbarton with dad. Covered in snow...so we had to walk at some parts. Ended up running the last 3.5miles solid though.
Friday 5/3
Distance: 9.1miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
Run on WHW, quite early and really good! Photos to follow....saw Spiderman on a tree! (Not the real one, obviously)
In other news...Wedding planning is BORING. I am against any kind of "wedding package" and think those who endorse "wedding packages" are scum and should respect the individuals involved by NOT extorting ridiculous amounts of money out of them for stupid food/drink that would otherwise cost a fraction of the price. ARGH.
Ok, rant over. I'd have a BYOB Garden wedding if I could. If only...
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Wednesday 3/3 - A Twilight Run
Distance: 6miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile (4m@8.40m/m, 2m@8.15m/m)
Time: 50mins
Had sort of psyched myself up for this run, so by the time I shot off from work (and I mean SHOT out of there at 4.01pm) I was raring to go. Had some cereal when I got in and sat on the bed to let it digest (I'm very tired these days)...I almost lay down but I thought that if I lay down, I'd just go to sleep and there would be no running for me.
Headed out just as it was getting dark in my new shoes. The sun was setting and it was really, really nice. Now, my new shoes are goregous. Finally got around to uploading my phone photos:
ooooohhh
aaahhhh....
Yes, they are nice. But you know what I didn't realise until about 3 miles into the (muddy) run? They slip up and down at the heel of my right foot =| Is this ok? I don't know. I vaguely remember my (now old) shoes doing it when they were new (on their first run which was incidentally on the same path as tonight)...but idk. I will have to keep an eye on the situation, as it's too late to return them now. I guess walking around the house to wear them in isn't at all like running in them!
In other news here's a photo last time I was on WHW early on saturday morning:
Nice, isn't it? The loch was frozen solid and all glittery (: Oh, and while we're on the photo story here's a funny one which I looked up from my book to the other night:
Honestly, my cat thinks he is a man. It's unbelievable! Not to mention undignified!
Oh! and whilst I remember...did anybody see Kelvinbridge subway station when it had the paintings all over the walls? (Not sure if it still does!)
Stunning, huh?
Pace: ~8.30min/mile (4m@8.40m/m, 2m@8.15m/m)
Time: 50mins
Had sort of psyched myself up for this run, so by the time I shot off from work (and I mean SHOT out of there at 4.01pm) I was raring to go. Had some cereal when I got in and sat on the bed to let it digest (I'm very tired these days)...I almost lay down but I thought that if I lay down, I'd just go to sleep and there would be no running for me.
Headed out just as it was getting dark in my new shoes. The sun was setting and it was really, really nice. Now, my new shoes are goregous. Finally got around to uploading my phone photos:
ooooohhh
aaahhhh....
Yes, they are nice. But you know what I didn't realise until about 3 miles into the (muddy) run? They slip up and down at the heel of my right foot =| Is this ok? I don't know. I vaguely remember my (now old) shoes doing it when they were new (on their first run which was incidentally on the same path as tonight)...but idk. I will have to keep an eye on the situation, as it's too late to return them now. I guess walking around the house to wear them in isn't at all like running in them!
In other news here's a photo last time I was on WHW early on saturday morning:
Nice, isn't it? The loch was frozen solid and all glittery (: Oh, and while we're on the photo story here's a funny one which I looked up from my book to the other night:
Honestly, my cat thinks he is a man. It's unbelievable! Not to mention undignified!
Oh! and whilst I remember...did anybody see Kelvinbridge subway station when it had the paintings all over the walls? (Not sure if it still does!)
Stunning, huh?
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Monday 1/3 - hill sprints
Time: ~50mins
Distance: 4.8miles
With a hop and a skip I was out tonight...after deciding to just bite the bullet and do my hill sprints.
Ran warm up for 1.85miles then did 9 x 25sec hill sprints with jog recoveries. Then ran about 1.4miles cool down and did another hill sprint for about 1 min. It was tough and to be honest I really couldn't make it to the 30second mark any of the first 9 times! Maybe it's because I was doing it on the tough pavement or something, but I found it incredibly mentally challenging to keep going for the whole time. Was pleased when my legs hurt a little today though.
Oh, but I did hurt the top of my foot just onto my shin. Think my shoes are completely worn out. I tried to wear my new shoes but I just don't want to wreck them, I know that sounds awful. Will just have to bite the buller next time I go out I reckon.
Sunday 28/2
Time: ~35mins
Distane: 4.5miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
After a days rest yesterday I was feeling good so headed out onto some hills for this run. I really like running hills - feels like a real challenge now. Not sure that incorporating too many of them into my Edinburgh Marathon training would be good though. We'll see.
Distance: 4.8miles
With a hop and a skip I was out tonight...after deciding to just bite the bullet and do my hill sprints.
Ran warm up for 1.85miles then did 9 x 25sec hill sprints with jog recoveries. Then ran about 1.4miles cool down and did another hill sprint for about 1 min. It was tough and to be honest I really couldn't make it to the 30second mark any of the first 9 times! Maybe it's because I was doing it on the tough pavement or something, but I found it incredibly mentally challenging to keep going for the whole time. Was pleased when my legs hurt a little today though.
Oh, but I did hurt the top of my foot just onto my shin. Think my shoes are completely worn out. I tried to wear my new shoes but I just don't want to wreck them, I know that sounds awful. Will just have to bite the buller next time I go out I reckon.
Sunday 28/2
Time: ~35mins
Distane: 4.5miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
After a days rest yesterday I was feeling good so headed out onto some hills for this run. I really like running hills - feels like a real challenge now. Not sure that incorporating too many of them into my Edinburgh Marathon training would be good though. We'll see.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Friday 26/2 - a "non-so-long" long run
Time: 1hr 7 mins
Distance: ~8 miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
Got up early and headed out this run before work on Friday morning. Wasn't a very nice day - sleet galore! I also met another runner coming out the street one up from mine who crossed the road and sprinted ahead of me. He stayed in front of me for about a mile but never got any further ahead...is it just me who gets a little "freaked" by this?? I don't want to sound competitive, because when running I'm really not. But I'm not keen on people who move ahead of you kind of purposely and then don't actually get ahead any further...it's obvious we were running at about the same pace! I think it's a man thing - women just smile at you and get on with it!!
Anyway, run was uneventful - very wet. I didn't have enough time to really do a long run so I was quite pleased with this 8 miler. I had also been feeling a little sluggish over the past few days and decided that this week can just be an easy week. Might cycle this weekend - will see how I feel!
Oh, and la piece de la resistence - got new running shoes!! More brooks, 2/3 models up from my ones. They're so nice and shiney!!! I took pics of them compared to my old shoes (which are wrecked in comparison), which I will post as soon as I figure out how to get them from my phone to the computer (!) I spent a good hour in Achilles Heel trying on different types. The guy says because my foot tilts inward I should have more arch support...so he brought out these Brooks shoes which looked like fashion shoes! I couldn't believe it! they were really comfy but I think I'd get a slagging from my dad if I wore them, as they do look like cat-walk style shoes. So I tried on about 5 more pairs, hummed and hawed, and ended up going with the first pair I'd tried on...which were essentially the same as my old ones...
Don't be afraid of change, they say!!
Tuesday 23/2
Distance: ~4.5 miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
Wasn't feeling up to this run but decided to go out anyway - bad move! Did a "hill" run, i.e. 2 big hills which I tried to keep the same pace on. When I got back I felt really bad. Ended up lying on the sofa for the rest of the evening with a chinese meal!!
Not sure, maybe it was a cold or something, but I didn't end up running for the next few days.
Distance: ~8 miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
Got up early and headed out this run before work on Friday morning. Wasn't a very nice day - sleet galore! I also met another runner coming out the street one up from mine who crossed the road and sprinted ahead of me. He stayed in front of me for about a mile but never got any further ahead...is it just me who gets a little "freaked" by this?? I don't want to sound competitive, because when running I'm really not. But I'm not keen on people who move ahead of you kind of purposely and then don't actually get ahead any further...it's obvious we were running at about the same pace! I think it's a man thing - women just smile at you and get on with it!!
Anyway, run was uneventful - very wet. I didn't have enough time to really do a long run so I was quite pleased with this 8 miler. I had also been feeling a little sluggish over the past few days and decided that this week can just be an easy week. Might cycle this weekend - will see how I feel!
Oh, and la piece de la resistence - got new running shoes!! More brooks, 2/3 models up from my ones. They're so nice and shiney!!! I took pics of them compared to my old shoes (which are wrecked in comparison), which I will post as soon as I figure out how to get them from my phone to the computer (!) I spent a good hour in Achilles Heel trying on different types. The guy says because my foot tilts inward I should have more arch support...so he brought out these Brooks shoes which looked like fashion shoes! I couldn't believe it! they were really comfy but I think I'd get a slagging from my dad if I wore them, as they do look like cat-walk style shoes. So I tried on about 5 more pairs, hummed and hawed, and ended up going with the first pair I'd tried on...which were essentially the same as my old ones...
Don't be afraid of change, they say!!
Tuesday 23/2
Distance: ~4.5 miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
Wasn't feeling up to this run but decided to go out anyway - bad move! Did a "hill" run, i.e. 2 big hills which I tried to keep the same pace on. When I got back I felt really bad. Ended up lying on the sofa for the rest of the evening with a chinese meal!!
Not sure, maybe it was a cold or something, but I didn't end up running for the next few days.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Sunday 21/2 - a little jaunt through the woods
Time: 41mins
Distance: 4.8 miles
Pace: 8.30min/mile
After studying for most of the morning and early into the afternoon I decided to head out a little run into the woods to Bearsden and back. My legs weren't sore after yesterday's run, and I'm thinking what I will actually have to do to make my legs feel as though I've worked them!!? The sorest they have been (in order of my cringing whilst doing things such as sitting down & going downstairs) are:
1. After my first (Edinburgh) marathon in 2007
2. After the Loch Ness marathon in 2009 when I REALLY pushed it
3. After one of my 23mile training runs for the first marathon
(Now they are starting to merge into one giant pain-fest)
4. After the (stupidly timed) run I did 5 days after the first marathon...though that was probably residual from point 1.
5. The day after those hill sprints I did when I got caught up in the running group at Kelvingrove Park
My legs weren't even that sore after the Balmaha-home run I did in 2008 with my cycling buddy. Maybe I have trained better or my muscles have resigned themselves to living with pain or something, idk. Any advice would be appreciated!
But anyway, today's run was great. It's SUCH beautiful weather, I love it. I just kept going as far as I wanted to. Only problem was that I was wearing old 3/4 length running trews and they have gone pretty much see-through =/ I had to wrap a high-viz vest around my backside to hide the flowery pants I had on which were perfectly visible through the trousers. And of course, when I run, nothing stays put. I mean that in the most outerly-layer-way possible. I mean that if I tie something round my waist, or tuck something into my trousers, it ALWAYS pops back out of place. So the vest kept riding up. I'm sure walkers got a good laugh out of it. As I'm sure marathon onlookers do when they see something decidedly pointy sticking out the front of my shorts when I tuck my water bottle down there come 22 miles.
Oh the joys. At least a hat does hide your identity somewhat...
Distance: 4.8 miles
Pace: 8.30min/mile
After studying for most of the morning and early into the afternoon I decided to head out a little run into the woods to Bearsden and back. My legs weren't sore after yesterday's run, and I'm thinking what I will actually have to do to make my legs feel as though I've worked them!!? The sorest they have been (in order of my cringing whilst doing things such as sitting down & going downstairs) are:
1. After my first (Edinburgh) marathon in 2007
2. After the Loch Ness marathon in 2009 when I REALLY pushed it
3. After one of my 23mile training runs for the first marathon
(Now they are starting to merge into one giant pain-fest)
4. After the (stupidly timed) run I did 5 days after the first marathon...though that was probably residual from point 1.
5. The day after those hill sprints I did when I got caught up in the running group at Kelvingrove Park
My legs weren't even that sore after the Balmaha-home run I did in 2008 with my cycling buddy. Maybe I have trained better or my muscles have resigned themselves to living with pain or something, idk. Any advice would be appreciated!
But anyway, today's run was great. It's SUCH beautiful weather, I love it. I just kept going as far as I wanted to. Only problem was that I was wearing old 3/4 length running trews and they have gone pretty much see-through =/ I had to wrap a high-viz vest around my backside to hide the flowery pants I had on which were perfectly visible through the trousers. And of course, when I run, nothing stays put. I mean that in the most outerly-layer-way possible. I mean that if I tie something round my waist, or tuck something into my trousers, it ALWAYS pops back out of place. So the vest kept riding up. I'm sure walkers got a good laugh out of it. As I'm sure marathon onlookers do when they see something decidedly pointy sticking out the front of my shorts when I tuck my water bottle down there come 22 miles.
Oh the joys. At least a hat does hide your identity somewhat...
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Saturday 19/2 - run on whw
Time: 1hr 27mins
Distance: 10.4miles
Pace: ~8.45min/mile
Got up early this morning and headed out to the forest at my house. Did a little run there then went onto the WHW and out towards the Beech tree. It was a beautiful morning and honestly, that section of the WHW just after Carbeth before you meet the flat on the way to the Beech Tree I think is just fantastic. Not only is it completely downhill ( =D )but you are completely in the wilderness, with usually not another person in sight. I think it's great. Imagine running down there with "Disarm" by the Smashing Pumpkins playing on your ipod - fantastic. I normally like to run those open parts of WHW with no music on (to appreciate the surroundings and all that jazz) but I had some new music on my ipod which I wanted to listen to, and thought heading out in the morning would be a good chance.
I absolutely love this song by Chase & Status which my little sister actually introduced me to. It's maybe been a bit overused, but I still think it's a really nice song, and a good one to run to. Maybe not for those who don't really like dance music (and this video has some swears in it), but my little sister says that the film the song is from - Harry Brown - is really good too.
In addition, now I'm on a roll and once you start me talking about music...that's it... for those who haven't heard of the WONDERFUL Mumford & Sons, I would THOROUGHLY recommend some of their songs for running. One in particular - Little Lion Man - is very very good. It's kind of new-country/indie, and really (you know I love lyrics) who can dispute the words
"It was not your fault but mine
and it was your heart on the line,
I really f*cked it up this time -
didn't I, my dear?"
Epic. (: Oh, and the run itself ended up being very srong throughout =D
Anyways, back to the rest of this weeks runs.
Thursday 17/2
Distance: 5.15miles
Time: ~45mins
Pace: ~8.45min/mile
I had been in Aberdeen yesterday for what ended up being quite a busy day's trip to the ARI, so when I got home from work today I wanted to get out. Run was good, 3 major hills of note which I kept the same pace on as everywhere else. I'm trying to keep up with the hills this year, trying to either sprint them or keep the same pace on them. Only exception would be my long runs (15 miles+) but even then I am trying to run them as best I can. I actually saw my dad out running at the top of the final big hill (when I say big I mean takes 2-4mins to run up). I ran faster to catch up with him but he was keeping a fairly steady pace...and when I did reach him just before we cut off to my house I couldn't even speak I was so tired!!
There's something to be said for keeping an "even pace" throughout a longer run after all, I think!!
Tuesday 15/2
Type: Hill Sprints
Time: 50mins
Distance: ~5.10miles
Ran about 2.5miles to warm up then stopped on this big hill I normally include in my hill runs, and i sprinted up it 8 times for 30 seconds. I then jogged back down. My last run up was right to the top, which took 40 secs, and just about floored me! I jogged back to the house but overall I was very pleased at getting the 9 hill sprints done. My legs actually felt quite stiff afterwards too!! I reckon this can only be a good thing since I haven't actually done a run which made my legs hurt since some of my long training runs last year.
Distance: 10.4miles
Pace: ~8.45min/mile
Got up early this morning and headed out to the forest at my house. Did a little run there then went onto the WHW and out towards the Beech tree. It was a beautiful morning and honestly, that section of the WHW just after Carbeth before you meet the flat on the way to the Beech Tree I think is just fantastic. Not only is it completely downhill ( =D )but you are completely in the wilderness, with usually not another person in sight. I think it's great. Imagine running down there with "Disarm" by the Smashing Pumpkins playing on your ipod - fantastic. I normally like to run those open parts of WHW with no music on (to appreciate the surroundings and all that jazz) but I had some new music on my ipod which I wanted to listen to, and thought heading out in the morning would be a good chance.
I absolutely love this song by Chase & Status which my little sister actually introduced me to. It's maybe been a bit overused, but I still think it's a really nice song, and a good one to run to. Maybe not for those who don't really like dance music (and this video has some swears in it), but my little sister says that the film the song is from - Harry Brown - is really good too.
In addition, now I'm on a roll and once you start me talking about music...that's it... for those who haven't heard of the WONDERFUL Mumford & Sons, I would THOROUGHLY recommend some of their songs for running. One in particular - Little Lion Man - is very very good. It's kind of new-country/indie, and really (you know I love lyrics) who can dispute the words
"It was not your fault but mine
and it was your heart on the line,
I really f*cked it up this time -
didn't I, my dear?"
Epic. (: Oh, and the run itself ended up being very srong throughout =D
Anyways, back to the rest of this weeks runs.
Thursday 17/2
Distance: 5.15miles
Time: ~45mins
Pace: ~8.45min/mile
I had been in Aberdeen yesterday for what ended up being quite a busy day's trip to the ARI, so when I got home from work today I wanted to get out. Run was good, 3 major hills of note which I kept the same pace on as everywhere else. I'm trying to keep up with the hills this year, trying to either sprint them or keep the same pace on them. Only exception would be my long runs (15 miles+) but even then I am trying to run them as best I can. I actually saw my dad out running at the top of the final big hill (when I say big I mean takes 2-4mins to run up). I ran faster to catch up with him but he was keeping a fairly steady pace...and when I did reach him just before we cut off to my house I couldn't even speak I was so tired!!
There's something to be said for keeping an "even pace" throughout a longer run after all, I think!!
Tuesday 15/2
Type: Hill Sprints
Time: 50mins
Distance: ~5.10miles
Ran about 2.5miles to warm up then stopped on this big hill I normally include in my hill runs, and i sprinted up it 8 times for 30 seconds. I then jogged back down. My last run up was right to the top, which took 40 secs, and just about floored me! I jogged back to the house but overall I was very pleased at getting the 9 hill sprints done. My legs actually felt quite stiff afterwards too!! I reckon this can only be a good thing since I haven't actually done a run which made my legs hurt since some of my long training runs last year.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Saturday 13/2
Distance: 3.9miles
Pace: ~8.40min/mile
Today's run was a really gentle, go-as-far-as-I-feel-like run. My legs were a little bit tight from yesterday's run, even though they feel ok when I'm walking. I also didn't have a lot of time so just went slowly through the woods and up and down some nice hills.
The house was a little bit chaotic getting things ready for tonight's par-tay so I stayed out this morning doing errands in the village. Got the bus out to pick up my car which was in getting fixed. I really miss getting the bus! Used to get it almost every day and I loved it. It's so nice not having to worry about traffic and petrol consumption (like I do a lot!). Going to do some work now before getting ready for tonight. I'm already feeling knackered...this will be interesting... =D
Friday 12/2
Time: 1hr 15mins (ish)
Distance: 9.1miles
Pace: ~8.40min/mile
Since we will be having a Valetine's/engagement party at our house on Saturday night and I was likely to NOT want to run after it on Sunday, I figured I would do my long run on Friday morning and just go in to work a bit later.
What a good idea! Got up at usual time, about 6.30am and had a quick breakfast, then headed out by 7.20am. I ran through the woods then on west highland way, out to the Khyber pass and up round Mugdock village. I love that route, though the elevation at the beginning leaves little to the imagination (it practically bends back on itself).
Here is the hell-ish hill to which I refer:
(n.b. the seriousness of the incline - highlighted bright red!!)
Anyway, besides the big hill (about which I have probably written far too much) the run was great. The sun was pretty strong and was beaming, it really was beautiful running on that road surrounded by countryside. Plus being in work by 9.45am knowing you've run over 9 miles and can rightfully eat whatever you want for the rest of the day is a great feeling too!
Pace: ~8.40min/mile
Today's run was a really gentle, go-as-far-as-I-feel-like run. My legs were a little bit tight from yesterday's run, even though they feel ok when I'm walking. I also didn't have a lot of time so just went slowly through the woods and up and down some nice hills.
The house was a little bit chaotic getting things ready for tonight's par-tay so I stayed out this morning doing errands in the village. Got the bus out to pick up my car which was in getting fixed. I really miss getting the bus! Used to get it almost every day and I loved it. It's so nice not having to worry about traffic and petrol consumption (like I do a lot!). Going to do some work now before getting ready for tonight. I'm already feeling knackered...this will be interesting... =D
Friday 12/2
Time: 1hr 15mins (ish)
Distance: 9.1miles
Pace: ~8.40min/mile
Since we will be having a Valetine's/engagement party at our house on Saturday night and I was likely to NOT want to run after it on Sunday, I figured I would do my long run on Friday morning and just go in to work a bit later.
What a good idea! Got up at usual time, about 6.30am and had a quick breakfast, then headed out by 7.20am. I ran through the woods then on west highland way, out to the Khyber pass and up round Mugdock village. I love that route, though the elevation at the beginning leaves little to the imagination (it practically bends back on itself).
Here is the hell-ish hill to which I refer:
(n.b. the seriousness of the incline - highlighted bright red!!)
Anyway, besides the big hill (about which I have probably written far too much) the run was great. The sun was pretty strong and was beaming, it really was beautiful running on that road surrounded by countryside. Plus being in work by 9.45am knowing you've run over 9 miles and can rightfully eat whatever you want for the rest of the day is a great feeling too!
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Wednesday 10/2 - A mixed up session
Time: ~38mins
Distance: 4.9 miles
Something a little different tonight. I had got in from work quite late and thus had (sadly) missed the gorgeous sunlight. Was in work watching it fade to darkness and could almost hear "Adagio for Strings" playing in the background...
So anyway when I got in I went out and did a kind of mixed up session, which went something like:
800m jog
~1mile @ 7.45min/mile pace
400m jog
8.30min/mile run uphill for approx 2mins
~800m @ 8min/mile pace
8.10min/mile run uphill for approx 2.5-3mins
~1m @ 8min/mile pace + 2-3min uphill @ 7.50min/mile
800m jog
Ok, so the distances there might be a little messed up, but the general idea was jog-brisk-uphill brisk-brisk-uphill brisk etc etc. I was quite tired at the end though so that's a good thing...and when I sat down on the sofa about 5 mins ago for the first time today it felt as though a great weight had come off of my legs. Good stuff.
I sometimes look at the runnersworld training schedules and imagine how I could factor those kinds of runs into my schedule. To be honest I don't think I can. Some of the training plans (for a marathon) involve about 5 runs per week, incl one on Sat and one long run on Sunday. I wouldn't do a short easy run the day before a long run - especially a long run over about 10 miles. Is that weird? I just don't think it's good for the legs or the mind, really. Plus my weekends are usually jam packed - between studying and doing errands and trying to relax I barely have time for the long runs!!
Something else I don't do is I never get my midweek long runs up to the ten miles they suggest. Somehow I never have the time when I get in, and when I do have the time to run ten miles I'd rather keep going and make it a longer run. Maybe it doesn't make sense, but I consider myself a kind of "flexible runner". I have a rough plan of what I want to do in my head but rarely stick to any of it besides the length of the long run.
Ah well, guess that's the most important aspect of the marathon training anyway...
Distance: 4.9 miles
Something a little different tonight. I had got in from work quite late and thus had (sadly) missed the gorgeous sunlight. Was in work watching it fade to darkness and could almost hear "Adagio for Strings" playing in the background...
So anyway when I got in I went out and did a kind of mixed up session, which went something like:
800m jog
~1mile @ 7.45min/mile pace
400m jog
8.30min/mile run uphill for approx 2mins
~800m @ 8min/mile pace
8.10min/mile run uphill for approx 2.5-3mins
~1m @ 8min/mile pace + 2-3min uphill @ 7.50min/mile
800m jog
Ok, so the distances there might be a little messed up, but the general idea was jog-brisk-uphill brisk-brisk-uphill brisk etc etc. I was quite tired at the end though so that's a good thing...and when I sat down on the sofa about 5 mins ago for the first time today it felt as though a great weight had come off of my legs. Good stuff.
I sometimes look at the runnersworld training schedules and imagine how I could factor those kinds of runs into my schedule. To be honest I don't think I can. Some of the training plans (for a marathon) involve about 5 runs per week, incl one on Sat and one long run on Sunday. I wouldn't do a short easy run the day before a long run - especially a long run over about 10 miles. Is that weird? I just don't think it's good for the legs or the mind, really. Plus my weekends are usually jam packed - between studying and doing errands and trying to relax I barely have time for the long runs!!
Something else I don't do is I never get my midweek long runs up to the ten miles they suggest. Somehow I never have the time when I get in, and when I do have the time to run ten miles I'd rather keep going and make it a longer run. Maybe it doesn't make sense, but I consider myself a kind of "flexible runner". I have a rough plan of what I want to do in my head but rarely stick to any of it besides the length of the long run.
Ah well, guess that's the most important aspect of the marathon training anyway...
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Saturday 6/2 - Run in Inverness
Time: ~ 1hr 5 mins
Distance: 7 miles
Pace: ~9.15min/mile
This run was in Inverness with Derek out at Nairnside. It's a beautiful part of the countryside and I always love running there!! It is quite tough, as it is a rather big uphill to begin with, followed by a quick downhill then level. We went out and back (D on bike), so the big downhill at the end was much appreciated.
I think we went pretty slowly up the hill to begin with - roughly 9.45min/mile pacing. And on the flats and downhill it must've increased to about 8.30min/mile I'd say. Overall a good run.
Anyways, I feel quite good that I've done 3 fairly good longer runs (for the level of training I'm at!!) in the space of a week. I'm just building it up slowly, a little bit at a time. Played about an hour and a half of tennis yesterday which was some feat for me - I was actually doing quite well overall! Was hitting the balls in the right direction (always a positive), lobbing them with rather a lot of strength (that's how they win something called an "ace", apparently...) and I was putting a spin on the ball too! (rather good as when the ball approaches the other player and hits the ground it sort of rebounds and bounces away from them rather than continuing in it's current trajectory!)
Sorry if people are familiar with these tennis terms but I didn't know much about tennis up until now! Hopefully I'll get to play some more. I want to include a day of cross training in my schedule. Since I am no longer a member of the gym and wouldn't really cycle at anytime other than weekends (when I'd normally be doing my long runs), I think squash or tennis is the way forward. But I'll need to mull that one over, I think...
Distance: 7 miles
Pace: ~9.15min/mile
This run was in Inverness with Derek out at Nairnside. It's a beautiful part of the countryside and I always love running there!! It is quite tough, as it is a rather big uphill to begin with, followed by a quick downhill then level. We went out and back (D on bike), so the big downhill at the end was much appreciated.
I think we went pretty slowly up the hill to begin with - roughly 9.45min/mile pacing. And on the flats and downhill it must've increased to about 8.30min/mile I'd say. Overall a good run.
Anyways, I feel quite good that I've done 3 fairly good longer runs (for the level of training I'm at!!) in the space of a week. I'm just building it up slowly, a little bit at a time. Played about an hour and a half of tennis yesterday which was some feat for me - I was actually doing quite well overall! Was hitting the balls in the right direction (always a positive), lobbing them with rather a lot of strength (that's how they win something called an "ace", apparently...) and I was putting a spin on the ball too! (rather good as when the ball approaches the other player and hits the ground it sort of rebounds and bounces away from them rather than continuing in it's current trajectory!)
Sorry if people are familiar with these tennis terms but I didn't know much about tennis up until now! Hopefully I'll get to play some more. I want to include a day of cross training in my schedule. Since I am no longer a member of the gym and wouldn't really cycle at anytime other than weekends (when I'd normally be doing my long runs), I think squash or tennis is the way forward. But I'll need to mull that one over, I think...
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Thursday 4/2 - A wonderful run in the snow
Time: ~50mins
Distance: 6.45 miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
Was off work today for a study day so took the opportunity of waking up early to head out a run before working. I'm so glad I did - it was so quiet (well, busy with cars) but I went out onto the little woodlands path at the back of the Rangers training ground and it was so beautiful! The snow was all over the path and I met a nice guy walking his dog on the way. He warned me about the ice under the snow so I was quite aware of that when running at the more narrow sections of the path.
Going to Inverness for a few days so hopefully will get a run in while I'm up there. I am looking forward to a nice relaxing time, as I spent 7+ hours solid today working on my frigging dissertation. ARGH.
Distance: 6.45 miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
Was off work today for a study day so took the opportunity of waking up early to head out a run before working. I'm so glad I did - it was so quiet (well, busy with cars) but I went out onto the little woodlands path at the back of the Rangers training ground and it was so beautiful! The snow was all over the path and I met a nice guy walking his dog on the way. He warned me about the ice under the snow so I was quite aware of that when running at the more narrow sections of the path.
Going to Inverness for a few days so hopefully will get a run in while I'm up there. I am looking forward to a nice relaxing time, as I spent 7+ hours solid today working on my frigging dissertation. ARGH.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Monday 1/2 - Run with Dad
Time: ~33mins
Distance: ~3.15miles
Pace: 10min/mile
Wasn't planning on running tonight but my dad is just back a cruise and insists that since he's put on a stone in weight, he needs to get running again. My legs were actually a little sore after the run then walk yesterday (guess we did go further than I thought!) but I felt like getting out after sitting in work all day so we went out. Had a good chat and ran through a pitch black pathway which was something I wouldn't do if I was by myself!
Felt tired at the end of this run but that must've been something to do with a - the 6pm run straight after work without eating first and b - the tired legs from yesterday. So decided I will take tonight (Tuesday) off. Something I did notice is that I'm SO hungry today! I ate a bowl of soup and bread along with a yoghurt for lunch and snacked heathily throughout the day and was starving by the time I got in! It's really weird how quickly my appetite builds up once I get back into the training. Kinda like having an excuse to eat loads =D
Something I also did all last week is check my resting heart rate while I was sitting at my desk. Here are the results:
Monday: 74 bpm
Tuesday: 74 bpm
Wednesday: -
Thursday: 73 bpm
Friday: 68 bpm
I did take Friday's twice and so it definitely wasn't a fluke. I remember when I was in heavy training my rhr was actually pretty low, so hopefully that's it going back down. Incidentally today (Tuesday) it was around 69/70. Crazy...
Sunday 31/1 - the afternoon
So I was debating what to do yesterday after my run, Derek and I ended up going to Drymen and walking on the WHW. Walked from Drymen to Conic Hill then back, which turned out to be a nice wee jaunt. Kept a brisk pace and it was great just being able to chat about stuff without any interuptions like tv or studying etc. Saw a few runners - will definitely be heading back out there on training runs this year. Think I will sit down and plan them in advance so that I actually do stick to them.
Distance: ~3.15miles
Pace: 10min/mile
Wasn't planning on running tonight but my dad is just back a cruise and insists that since he's put on a stone in weight, he needs to get running again. My legs were actually a little sore after the run then walk yesterday (guess we did go further than I thought!) but I felt like getting out after sitting in work all day so we went out. Had a good chat and ran through a pitch black pathway which was something I wouldn't do if I was by myself!
Felt tired at the end of this run but that must've been something to do with a - the 6pm run straight after work without eating first and b - the tired legs from yesterday. So decided I will take tonight (Tuesday) off. Something I did notice is that I'm SO hungry today! I ate a bowl of soup and bread along with a yoghurt for lunch and snacked heathily throughout the day and was starving by the time I got in! It's really weird how quickly my appetite builds up once I get back into the training. Kinda like having an excuse to eat loads =D
Something I also did all last week is check my resting heart rate while I was sitting at my desk. Here are the results:
Monday: 74 bpm
Tuesday: 74 bpm
Wednesday: -
Thursday: 73 bpm
Friday: 68 bpm
I did take Friday's twice and so it definitely wasn't a fluke. I remember when I was in heavy training my rhr was actually pretty low, so hopefully that's it going back down. Incidentally today (Tuesday) it was around 69/70. Crazy...
Sunday 31/1 - the afternoon
So I was debating what to do yesterday after my run, Derek and I ended up going to Drymen and walking on the WHW. Walked from Drymen to Conic Hill then back, which turned out to be a nice wee jaunt. Kept a brisk pace and it was great just being able to chat about stuff without any interuptions like tv or studying etc. Saw a few runners - will definitely be heading back out there on training runs this year. Think I will sit down and plan them in advance so that I actually do stick to them.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Sunday 31/1 - Out and About
Time: 47mins 30secs
Distance: 5.7miles
Pace: ~8.25min/mile (slower on hills, plus faster last mile)
As the tennis was on this morning (I don't follow tennis, but know a few people who do - avidly - though I feel sorry for Andy Murray! Poor guy - he's just a kid in the scheme of things don't pressure him so much!!) I realised that I needed to get out early otherwise I'd sit on my own doing studying while tennis was on. I decided I would just go as far as I wanted (using the too-common-these-days excuse that I'm not really training for anything so I am allowed to do that!) I felt as though the run was going so quickly, even though I wasn't running much faster than usual. That said, I just kept going and ended up quite pleased at my distance and pace.
Only problem is though that my running shoes are wrecked. I've had them since September 2008 and they have seen quite a few miles. I'm starting to get pains where there were no pains before, so will have to head to Achilles Heel to get a new pair I think. Was also thinking about my training strategy while out running - think I will aim to do less runs but at a better quality i.e. not just going out 4mile runs at 8.20 pace (my usual!) for no reason.
Just debating what to do with the rest of the day, be it a walk or going to buy new running shoes.... ;D
Thursday 28/1
Type: Treadmill
Time: 25mins
Distance: ~4k
Pace: started at ~6min/km up to 5min/km
Was away at a training day down south and couldn't sleep well so got up early to use the gym. Did a good warm up on a kind of walking machine and then ran for a bit on the treadmill. Don't really know what pace I was going at but I increased it every couple of minutes. Felt quite fast towards the end, but it's probably just the pace I normally run at!!
Distance: 5.7miles
Pace: ~8.25min/mile (slower on hills, plus faster last mile)
As the tennis was on this morning (I don't follow tennis, but know a few people who do - avidly - though I feel sorry for Andy Murray! Poor guy - he's just a kid in the scheme of things don't pressure him so much!!) I realised that I needed to get out early otherwise I'd sit on my own doing studying while tennis was on. I decided I would just go as far as I wanted (using the too-common-these-days excuse that I'm not really training for anything so I am allowed to do that!) I felt as though the run was going so quickly, even though I wasn't running much faster than usual. That said, I just kept going and ended up quite pleased at my distance and pace.
Only problem is though that my running shoes are wrecked. I've had them since September 2008 and they have seen quite a few miles. I'm starting to get pains where there were no pains before, so will have to head to Achilles Heel to get a new pair I think. Was also thinking about my training strategy while out running - think I will aim to do less runs but at a better quality i.e. not just going out 4mile runs at 8.20 pace (my usual!) for no reason.
Just debating what to do with the rest of the day, be it a walk or going to buy new running shoes.... ;D
Thursday 28/1
Type: Treadmill
Time: 25mins
Distance: ~4k
Pace: started at ~6min/km up to 5min/km
Was away at a training day down south and couldn't sleep well so got up early to use the gym. Did a good warm up on a kind of walking machine and then ran for a bit on the treadmill. Don't really know what pace I was going at but I increased it every couple of minutes. Felt quite fast towards the end, but it's probably just the pace I normally run at!!
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Tuesday 26/1
Time: 33mins 30 secs
Distance: 4.35miles
Pace: somewhere in the region of 7.50min/mile - 8.15 min/mile
A great, energetic run tonight before dinner. I have a lot of stuff going on in my head right now and it's nice to be able to get out and just forget some stuff for a while. I am in AWE of how a simple 30 min run can completely destress me. Only time it stresses me out is if I'm rushing to do something afterwards!
The run itself didn't give the correct distance on my Nike+ and it said I was doing 8.20min/mile. I mapped the run out on mapmyrun though, and it was longer and faster than the Nike+ said. Apparently I ran at 7.50 pace, but I really don't think I did. Having said that, I'm not sure that I have a very realistic view of just how fast/slow I run each time I go out. To me, less than 8 min/mile seems like a pretty fast pace, but several times now I've used mapmyrun to get my pace, and it has came up with a speed <8m/m. Maybe I am, in fact running faster than I think!
On a completely unrelated note my cat has been a lot friendlier these days, it even lay with me in bed (under the covers) the other day which it never used to do. Maybe it is gettnig older and wiser, oh how sweet I thought. Then I remembered this picture and suddenly it clicked that I'm generally the only one who feeds him these days...
Distance: 4.35miles
Pace: somewhere in the region of 7.50min/mile - 8.15 min/mile
A great, energetic run tonight before dinner. I have a lot of stuff going on in my head right now and it's nice to be able to get out and just forget some stuff for a while. I am in AWE of how a simple 30 min run can completely destress me. Only time it stresses me out is if I'm rushing to do something afterwards!
The run itself didn't give the correct distance on my Nike+ and it said I was doing 8.20min/mile. I mapped the run out on mapmyrun though, and it was longer and faster than the Nike+ said. Apparently I ran at 7.50 pace, but I really don't think I did. Having said that, I'm not sure that I have a very realistic view of just how fast/slow I run each time I go out. To me, less than 8 min/mile seems like a pretty fast pace, but several times now I've used mapmyrun to get my pace, and it has came up with a speed <8m/m. Maybe I am, in fact running faster than I think!
On a completely unrelated note my cat has been a lot friendlier these days, it even lay with me in bed (under the covers) the other day which it never used to do. Maybe it is gettnig older and wiser, oh how sweet I thought. Then I remembered this picture and suddenly it clicked that I'm generally the only one who feeds him these days...
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Sunday 24/1
Time: 41mins
Distance: 5.10miles
Pace: ~8.20min/mile
Had been telling myself I would go out a run all day, and when it came to 1.30pm and I was still doing work I decided enough was enough. Granted, this wasn't the longest run in the book but I'm not training for anything (yet) so I figured "what the hey" and just went anywhere I felt like.
Was good, and being quite hyped up afterwards I consequently washed my new car =O Thinking back the only two times I washed my old car was 1) A few weeks after I got it and 2) the day before I sold it. Luckily I have my fairly on the ball father, who enjoys making the cars in the driveway sparkle, and my happy-to-help (after you ask two or three/seven or eight times) fiancee. Although, to be fair, using an abrasive sponge on the car maybe isn't the wisest thing...despite the "it was only for the tyres!"
Something I have noticed recently is something that hasd been increasingly annoying, and I don't know if it's just me or if others notice it. Whe I'm running on the roads I really feel that I'm taking in a lot of exhaust fumes when I'm breathing through my mouth. It's pretty horrible, not least because when I did some work experience in thoracic surgery and saw the lungs of a (non-smoker) Glasweigian there were BIG black marks all over the place. Carbon deposits, apparently, and nothing to worry about but still. No wonder people up North in the countryside tend to have longer life expectancies. Has anyone else epxerienced this? Please do tell if there's any way around breathing in these horrible fumes! A buff, maybe?
Friday 22/1
Distance: 4.2 miles
Pace: ~8.25min/mile
After having put off a run mid-week I decided that I should redeem myself. Quite a hilly run, where I did try to keep the pace so I do think this was a fairly even reflection of my pace throughout.
Distance: 5.10miles
Pace: ~8.20min/mile
Had been telling myself I would go out a run all day, and when it came to 1.30pm and I was still doing work I decided enough was enough. Granted, this wasn't the longest run in the book but I'm not training for anything (yet) so I figured "what the hey" and just went anywhere I felt like.
Was good, and being quite hyped up afterwards I consequently washed my new car =O Thinking back the only two times I washed my old car was 1) A few weeks after I got it and 2) the day before I sold it. Luckily I have my fairly on the ball father, who enjoys making the cars in the driveway sparkle, and my happy-to-help (after you ask two or three/seven or eight times) fiancee. Although, to be fair, using an abrasive sponge on the car maybe isn't the wisest thing...despite the "it was only for the tyres!"
Something I have noticed recently is something that hasd been increasingly annoying, and I don't know if it's just me or if others notice it. Whe I'm running on the roads I really feel that I'm taking in a lot of exhaust fumes when I'm breathing through my mouth. It's pretty horrible, not least because when I did some work experience in thoracic surgery and saw the lungs of a (non-smoker) Glasweigian there were BIG black marks all over the place. Carbon deposits, apparently, and nothing to worry about but still. No wonder people up North in the countryside tend to have longer life expectancies. Has anyone else epxerienced this? Please do tell if there's any way around breathing in these horrible fumes! A buff, maybe?
Friday 22/1
Distance: 4.2 miles
Pace: ~8.25min/mile
After having put off a run mid-week I decided that I should redeem myself. Quite a hilly run, where I did try to keep the pace so I do think this was a fairly even reflection of my pace throughout.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Tuesday 19/1 - Getting back into the swing of things!
Time: 30mins
Distance: 3.7 miles
Pace: ~ 8 min/mile (slower 8.15 on hills)
Ok, so my upper body is still aching from the squash game on Saturday. I can't believe it! It's been so long since I actually did any upper body work, the fairly intensive game is actually taking its toll. In addition, my bum still hurts so much! I must've really been working the old glutes the other day! This run was done after I got home from work and I was surprised as I actually felt I had loads of energy. I kept up a good pace on the flats and went a little bit slower on the hills.
I feel my training is getting back on track now. I obviously don't want to get TOO into the training just yet - in the past I have found that when I start training for a marathon too early I sort of burn out towards the end and just can't bring myself to repeat 17 mile after 17 mile run in the intermediate stage between <15 mile runs and >20 mile ones.
So I guess I'll just continue heading out "fun runs" and leisurely cycles....at least until my bum heals ;D
Sunday 17/1
Distance: ~4.7 miles
Pace: ~8.45 min/mile
Just wanted to get out after deciding to play squash instead yesterday. The sun was shining in the sky and it was gorgeous! I'm glad all the ice has melted from the pavement as it's a LOT easier to run on now.
Saturday 16/1
Played a game of squash today for the first time in ages. It was good! Forgot how much I love darting around (: Was quite intensive but we played for over an hour and burned out towards the end. I could also feel my wrist hurting while playing - that's an issue I always have while playing racket sports - how to hold the racket properly!? I hold it right at the tip, whilst pointing my finger up towards the top of the racket (if anybody can actually visualise that!). I think this pulls on the muscle on top of my elbow and makes it pretty sore to the touch afterwards. Ah well. Like Derek keeps saying "no pain, no gain". I think I will start calling him Yoda. ^_^
Distance: 3.7 miles
Pace: ~ 8 min/mile (slower 8.15 on hills)
Ok, so my upper body is still aching from the squash game on Saturday. I can't believe it! It's been so long since I actually did any upper body work, the fairly intensive game is actually taking its toll. In addition, my bum still hurts so much! I must've really been working the old glutes the other day! This run was done after I got home from work and I was surprised as I actually felt I had loads of energy. I kept up a good pace on the flats and went a little bit slower on the hills.
I feel my training is getting back on track now. I obviously don't want to get TOO into the training just yet - in the past I have found that when I start training for a marathon too early I sort of burn out towards the end and just can't bring myself to repeat 17 mile after 17 mile run in the intermediate stage between <15 mile runs and >20 mile ones.
So I guess I'll just continue heading out "fun runs" and leisurely cycles....at least until my bum heals ;D
Sunday 17/1
Distance: ~4.7 miles
Pace: ~8.45 min/mile
Just wanted to get out after deciding to play squash instead yesterday. The sun was shining in the sky and it was gorgeous! I'm glad all the ice has melted from the pavement as it's a LOT easier to run on now.
Saturday 16/1
Played a game of squash today for the first time in ages. It was good! Forgot how much I love darting around (: Was quite intensive but we played for over an hour and burned out towards the end. I could also feel my wrist hurting while playing - that's an issue I always have while playing racket sports - how to hold the racket properly!? I hold it right at the tip, whilst pointing my finger up towards the top of the racket (if anybody can actually visualise that!). I think this pulls on the muscle on top of my elbow and makes it pretty sore to the touch afterwards. Ah well. Like Derek keeps saying "no pain, no gain". I think I will start calling him Yoda. ^_^
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Wednesday 13/1 - A Day Off
Well, another day off being off work due to a burst water main. Didn't get up to too much as had to be near the emails all day waiting for updates. It was maybe just as well though, as I'm starting to feel a bit of a cold coming on. My throat was acheing after my run yesterday and I'd a sore stomach last night, so today I just relaxed, watched some rubbish daytime tv (a nice thing to do once in a while!!) and did some bits n bobs around the house.
Don't really have any more running plans for the weekend or for the end of the week, just going to see how tings go.
Tuesday 12/1
Distance: 4.5miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
A very uphill run today. Went out early in the afternoon as ended up having the day off work. The pavements were still quite slippy so had to be careful descending back down, but ran on the roads the best I could. I really don't like doing that, but really didn't have much other option. It's very unsafe. I saw 2 guys out running the other day, running 2 abreast on a main road. It was really silly, in my opinion, as it was dark and between them were taking up half of one lane of the dual carriageway. I draw the line at running on the road on busy roads!
Sunday 10/1 - run with Dad and Derek
Distance: ~4.7miles
Pace: ~9.45min/mile
Went through the woods today, which was still really slippery. Hit a big icey downhill which we had to slide down on our bums! It's strange how you can run as fast as at some points on the ice and feel incredibly safe, but then you suddenly lose your footing and just KNOW you're going to slide. Had to stop a few times but went quite slowly and kept it easy anyway. I pushed ahead towards the end and felt quite good afterwards.
Prior to this, had done 2 previous runs this week of about 4-5 miles. I don't really feel like going out in the cold weather, and am really tired for some reason. Probably the weather, who knows.
Don't really have any more running plans for the weekend or for the end of the week, just going to see how tings go.
Tuesday 12/1
Distance: 4.5miles
Pace: ~8.30min/mile
A very uphill run today. Went out early in the afternoon as ended up having the day off work. The pavements were still quite slippy so had to be careful descending back down, but ran on the roads the best I could. I really don't like doing that, but really didn't have much other option. It's very unsafe. I saw 2 guys out running the other day, running 2 abreast on a main road. It was really silly, in my opinion, as it was dark and between them were taking up half of one lane of the dual carriageway. I draw the line at running on the road on busy roads!
Sunday 10/1 - run with Dad and Derek
Distance: ~4.7miles
Pace: ~9.45min/mile
Went through the woods today, which was still really slippery. Hit a big icey downhill which we had to slide down on our bums! It's strange how you can run as fast as at some points on the ice and feel incredibly safe, but then you suddenly lose your footing and just KNOW you're going to slide. Had to stop a few times but went quite slowly and kept it easy anyway. I pushed ahead towards the end and felt quite good afterwards.
Prior to this, had done 2 previous runs this week of about 4-5 miles. I don't really feel like going out in the cold weather, and am really tired for some reason. Probably the weather, who knows.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Tuesday 5/1
Time: who knows
Distance: maybe 4 miles?
Pace: ~9.45min/mile...ish
Back to the grind today. Up at the crack of dawn and out in the snow to work. My car is in getting repaired but luckily enough I was able to nab a lift in to work, otherwise public transport would have been a nightmare. When I got home, realising my car wouldn't be ready till tomorrow, I felt tired and really debated going a run. In the end I thought "What the hey", though, and my dad joined me.
I didn't time this run or try to keep any fast pace, I ran at my dad's most comfortable pace. I must say I did find myself pushing ahead quite a lot but I always waited for him. The pavements weren't too slippy and in the end this was a good run. I'm glad I didn't time or measure it. Because my running "mojo" has gone recently I quite like the idea of just heading out without music or a timer and doing whatever I feel like. Obviously as prep for the marathon in May I will be doing some more organised runs, but until then I might just take things as they are. We'll see.
One thing is that I definitely need new shoes. Mine have seen over 1000 miles; 3 marathons and 3 halfs, plus all the training. They've held up well. Despite this, the acheing in my body I really can't see as being attributed to the trainers (snce I've not run in weeks, that's a dead give-away!). My back aches between my shoulder blades, almost as if I've been punched and it's bruised. My legs, too, hurt along my quads despite them having been practically unused in weeks. If anyone has any great insight into this, please let me know! I'm beginning to think it's the position I sleep in. I lie on my stomach with my hands above my head underneath my pillow and my legs stretched right out. When I step out of bed each morning I feel as though I've run a marathon...argh! What will it be like when I really DO run a marathon next?!?
The human body eh? Wonders never cease...
Distance: maybe 4 miles?
Pace: ~9.45min/mile...ish
Back to the grind today. Up at the crack of dawn and out in the snow to work. My car is in getting repaired but luckily enough I was able to nab a lift in to work, otherwise public transport would have been a nightmare. When I got home, realising my car wouldn't be ready till tomorrow, I felt tired and really debated going a run. In the end I thought "What the hey", though, and my dad joined me.
I didn't time this run or try to keep any fast pace, I ran at my dad's most comfortable pace. I must say I did find myself pushing ahead quite a lot but I always waited for him. The pavements weren't too slippy and in the end this was a good run. I'm glad I didn't time or measure it. Because my running "mojo" has gone recently I quite like the idea of just heading out without music or a timer and doing whatever I feel like. Obviously as prep for the marathon in May I will be doing some more organised runs, but until then I might just take things as they are. We'll see.
One thing is that I definitely need new shoes. Mine have seen over 1000 miles; 3 marathons and 3 halfs, plus all the training. They've held up well. Despite this, the acheing in my body I really can't see as being attributed to the trainers (snce I've not run in weeks, that's a dead give-away!). My back aches between my shoulder blades, almost as if I've been punched and it's bruised. My legs, too, hurt along my quads despite them having been practically unused in weeks. If anyone has any great insight into this, please let me know! I'm beginning to think it's the position I sleep in. I lie on my stomach with my hands above my head underneath my pillow and my legs stretched right out. When I step out of bed each morning I feel as though I've run a marathon...argh! What will it be like when I really DO run a marathon next?!?
The human body eh? Wonders never cease...
Monday, 4 January 2010
Monday 4/1 - Some end of holiday thoughts
Haven't run in about 10 days, and my whole body is acheing - why on Earth, is this?? It's either attributed to the snow shovelling I did in Inverness, or the cycling yesterday. OR, my new theory is that I stretch all my muscles quite a lot in my sleep. Either way, it hurts a fair bit!
Yesterday, Sunday 3/1 I set off on a cycle with my cycling buddy and Derek. We got to the "circle", as we call it, and realised that there was very little chance we would actually be able to cycle along the WHW at all. After some quite dramatic warnings from dog walkers about the dangers of the ice along the way, we decided that sledging was a better alternative. I say "we decided", I was somewhat coersed by the two males in my company.
So we cycled back to Kilmardinny Loch where there were quite a few kids out on sledges. I couldn't BELIEVE the state of the hill there! Through the woods where there is usually a path, was just a sheet of ice - it went the whole way down the hill and actualy ressembled a purpose-built ice slope! The boys went crazy, going right from the top and crashing into the trees at the bottom, but I just sat in a sledge up the top of the hill watching! I did slide down on my bum at one point which was great fun. I also had a right laugh watching a man walking across the slippy slope - he began to slide sideways down the hill and almost dragged the dog with him! He stayed on his feet for a respectable period though before falling squarely on his backside! Oh how I chortled (from my safe spot in the non-icey ground surrounded by trees). I wasn't chortling though when the bike slipped from underneath me on the ice on the way home and I fell off it! I was fine but the pedal hit my calf and I have a bruise there which hurts a little when I walk.
Ok, so onward and upward. I haven't run much at all these past few weeks over Christmas and New Year, which puts my mileage total for the year at about 1035 miles...only about 30 miles more than last year! I did cycle more this year, mind you - doing 2 rather difficult cycles in April and August. I have been thinking about 2010 today. What will my running targets be this year? So far I have I race planned:
Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sun 18th April 2010
Am on the reserve list for:
Devil of the Highlands on Sat 7th August 2010
Might have a charity place for:
Edinburgh Marathon on Sun 23rd May 2010 (waiting to hear back)
and plan to enter:
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon on Sun 3rd October 2010
Great Scottish Run on Sun 5th September 2010
Not sure what my chances of getting onto the runners list for DoH is, but will wait and see. If it comes around to maybe May time and I'm not further up the list I may pull out of it. I would enjoy running an ultra I think, because I think I'd enjoy the training runs a bit more than pounding the pavements for hours at a time. I realise I tend to repeat the same marathons each year, but I do enjoy them. Maybe not so much Edinburgh since it has grown so vastly in size, but Loch Ness. I love that race. If it came to a choice between DoH and Loch Ness, I think I'd chose the latter. I don't know how viable it is to run 42 miles then a half marathon 4 weeks later and a full one 7 weeks later (Viable for me, I mean!).
I am running the Edinburgh Half with my dad too, so will be training with him. Since he had his heart attack he has lost his passion for running, and tends to stick to the same 4 mile route when he goes out. I don't know how he will begin to train, as he had lost his confidence a bit too. I don't know if that's because of the circumstances or not. I guess only time will tell, as he begins his training.
Ok, more on the plans later once I know what marathons I'm going to enter. I will aim to enter everything I want to do by the end of January.
Yesterday, Sunday 3/1 I set off on a cycle with my cycling buddy and Derek. We got to the "circle", as we call it, and realised that there was very little chance we would actually be able to cycle along the WHW at all. After some quite dramatic warnings from dog walkers about the dangers of the ice along the way, we decided that sledging was a better alternative. I say "we decided", I was somewhat coersed by the two males in my company.
So we cycled back to Kilmardinny Loch where there were quite a few kids out on sledges. I couldn't BELIEVE the state of the hill there! Through the woods where there is usually a path, was just a sheet of ice - it went the whole way down the hill and actualy ressembled a purpose-built ice slope! The boys went crazy, going right from the top and crashing into the trees at the bottom, but I just sat in a sledge up the top of the hill watching! I did slide down on my bum at one point which was great fun. I also had a right laugh watching a man walking across the slippy slope - he began to slide sideways down the hill and almost dragged the dog with him! He stayed on his feet for a respectable period though before falling squarely on his backside! Oh how I chortled (from my safe spot in the non-icey ground surrounded by trees). I wasn't chortling though when the bike slipped from underneath me on the ice on the way home and I fell off it! I was fine but the pedal hit my calf and I have a bruise there which hurts a little when I walk.
Ok, so onward and upward. I haven't run much at all these past few weeks over Christmas and New Year, which puts my mileage total for the year at about 1035 miles...only about 30 miles more than last year! I did cycle more this year, mind you - doing 2 rather difficult cycles in April and August. I have been thinking about 2010 today. What will my running targets be this year? So far I have I race planned:
Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sun 18th April 2010
Am on the reserve list for:
Devil of the Highlands on Sat 7th August 2010
Might have a charity place for:
Edinburgh Marathon on Sun 23rd May 2010 (waiting to hear back)
and plan to enter:
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon on Sun 3rd October 2010
Great Scottish Run on Sun 5th September 2010
Not sure what my chances of getting onto the runners list for DoH is, but will wait and see. If it comes around to maybe May time and I'm not further up the list I may pull out of it. I would enjoy running an ultra I think, because I think I'd enjoy the training runs a bit more than pounding the pavements for hours at a time. I realise I tend to repeat the same marathons each year, but I do enjoy them. Maybe not so much Edinburgh since it has grown so vastly in size, but Loch Ness. I love that race. If it came to a choice between DoH and Loch Ness, I think I'd chose the latter. I don't know how viable it is to run 42 miles then a half marathon 4 weeks later and a full one 7 weeks later (Viable for me, I mean!).
I am running the Edinburgh Half with my dad too, so will be training with him. Since he had his heart attack he has lost his passion for running, and tends to stick to the same 4 mile route when he goes out. I don't know how he will begin to train, as he had lost his confidence a bit too. I don't know if that's because of the circumstances or not. I guess only time will tell, as he begins his training.
Ok, more on the plans later once I know what marathons I'm going to enter. I will aim to enter everything I want to do by the end of January.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Saturday 2/1/10 - a WALK (for a change)
I never used to be one of those people who enjoy walking for hours at a time. In fact, I thought they were crazy. How could you enjoy WALKING (walking?!) when you could be running, or jogging ay least. But, I think maybe I am getting older and wiser. Walking actually isn't so bad.
Today Derek and I went a walk along the path from Stockiemuir Road (at the Kilearn turn-ofF) towards Dumbarton. It was very cold and my heels are in tatters after breaking in the ol' Cat boots I haven't worn in years but I thoroughly enjoyed it. We walked about 4 miles I'd say, quite slowly but still I felt good after having not run at all for about a week. I can see now why people do that, just take to the paths and walk for hours. Took a nice photo with my phone but, not being a tech whizz, I can't really get it onto the computer. It is nice though (:
I cycled on Monday 28/12 about 9/10 miles with my cycling buddy. The paths at Mugdock were pretty appalling, and we did have to push our bikes up most of the hills for fear of sliding right back down them. It was also quite fun to slide down hills holding onto the bike for dear life!
I have been in Inverness from 28th of December to 1st January, and it has been fanastic weather! It snowed 90% of the time I was there and was building up and up. Went a walk on the deep snow on Hogmany, which was a good laugh, especially watching all the cars failing to get up the snowy roads! La piece de la resistence was the 11+ foot snowman which Derek and his brother built.
A budding success if ever I saw one!
Today Derek and I went a walk along the path from Stockiemuir Road (at the Kilearn turn-ofF) towards Dumbarton. It was very cold and my heels are in tatters after breaking in the ol' Cat boots I haven't worn in years but I thoroughly enjoyed it. We walked about 4 miles I'd say, quite slowly but still I felt good after having not run at all for about a week. I can see now why people do that, just take to the paths and walk for hours. Took a nice photo with my phone but, not being a tech whizz, I can't really get it onto the computer. It is nice though (:
I cycled on Monday 28/12 about 9/10 miles with my cycling buddy. The paths at Mugdock were pretty appalling, and we did have to push our bikes up most of the hills for fear of sliding right back down them. It was also quite fun to slide down hills holding onto the bike for dear life!
I have been in Inverness from 28th of December to 1st January, and it has been fanastic weather! It snowed 90% of the time I was there and was building up and up. Went a walk on the deep snow on Hogmany, which was a good laugh, especially watching all the cars failing to get up the snowy roads! La piece de la resistence was the 11+ foot snowman which Derek and his brother built.
A budding success if ever I saw one!
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Sunday 27/12 - First post xmas run
Time: 22mins
Distance: 2.8miles
Phew, this was a pretty hard run. Running in the snow is not something which requires minimal effort! I was really tired this morning, despite having a great lazy Boxing Day yesterday, but I got up and went out a run in the woods behind the house. Man it was tough! I thought it was maybe my stamina or something but pushing off the ground on slushy bark is really not the funnest thing to do. I also got a hair in my contact lens halfway through my run so had to stop for ages taking the lens out and then putting it back in. I contemplated washing it on the snow (for about a millisecond) but then was deterred by the dubious looking yellow snow further along the path. Beautiful.
As well, I'm not sure if this is a common complaint at this time of year but I seem to have lost my enthusiasm a little bit. I would love to have gone out on whw to balmaha or something, but see the thought of doing it myself, it puts me off 100%...and the thought of actually being out in the cold for hours at a time is putting me off doing my long runs.
I feel I've had a pretty good year, running wise. I also have nice plans for next year, but maybe I need a little bit of time off to re-jeuvenate, I don't know. The 2 weeks I had off affter Loch Ness I feel did me the world of good, but maybe in the winter months it's better to take more time off before training for a spring marathon. I don't want to push and push and then end up being put off running all-together.
We'll see.
Anyway, other runs this week were few but good. I was at the Frightened Rabbit gig on Tuesday night and a work lunch. Also was busy on Wed night as I got some bad news and didn't really feel like running. The runs I did do are:
Thursday 24/12
Distance: 4.5miles
Time: ~35mins
On this run I learned that walking shoes, though they may have more grip, are NOT very good at cushioning your foot on the tarmac! My godness my feet hurt afterwards! Also was very hilly on this run so my legs were quite tight afterwards.
Monday 21/12
Distance: 4.5miles
Pace: ~8.15min/mile
This run included a big downhill which is normally fun but was perfectly terrifying in the snow!
Distance: 2.8miles
Phew, this was a pretty hard run. Running in the snow is not something which requires minimal effort! I was really tired this morning, despite having a great lazy Boxing Day yesterday, but I got up and went out a run in the woods behind the house. Man it was tough! I thought it was maybe my stamina or something but pushing off the ground on slushy bark is really not the funnest thing to do. I also got a hair in my contact lens halfway through my run so had to stop for ages taking the lens out and then putting it back in. I contemplated washing it on the snow (for about a millisecond) but then was deterred by the dubious looking yellow snow further along the path. Beautiful.
As well, I'm not sure if this is a common complaint at this time of year but I seem to have lost my enthusiasm a little bit. I would love to have gone out on whw to balmaha or something, but see the thought of doing it myself, it puts me off 100%...and the thought of actually being out in the cold for hours at a time is putting me off doing my long runs.
I feel I've had a pretty good year, running wise. I also have nice plans for next year, but maybe I need a little bit of time off to re-jeuvenate, I don't know. The 2 weeks I had off affter Loch Ness I feel did me the world of good, but maybe in the winter months it's better to take more time off before training for a spring marathon. I don't want to push and push and then end up being put off running all-together.
We'll see.
Anyway, other runs this week were few but good. I was at the Frightened Rabbit gig on Tuesday night and a work lunch. Also was busy on Wed night as I got some bad news and didn't really feel like running. The runs I did do are:
Thursday 24/12
Distance: 4.5miles
Time: ~35mins
On this run I learned that walking shoes, though they may have more grip, are NOT very good at cushioning your foot on the tarmac! My godness my feet hurt afterwards! Also was very hilly on this run so my legs were quite tight afterwards.
Monday 21/12
Distance: 4.5miles
Pace: ~8.15min/mile
This run included a big downhill which is normally fun but was perfectly terrifying in the snow!
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Sunday 20/12
Time: 40mins 40secs
Distance: 3.9miles (+hill sprints)
The snow, whaw! I love it! I had thought about going a cycle today with Derek and my cycling friend but my dad wanted to go for a run so I thought it would be nice to go out with him. I love the sound of the snow crunching underfoot. Dad and I had a good chat and then he went back to the house while I went on. I did 4 30 second hill sprints but it was so slippery, I almost slipped onto my bum a few times so decided to head back through the woods. It was a great run! Think I did the first part at about 9.45min/mile pace then the latter part about 8.45min/mile after the hill sprints.
Have been deliberating over whether the snow will get worse tomorrow, and how getting to work will be! They don't normally grit our street as we're in a wee cul-de-sac, so we'll see how this might pan out! I'm looking forward to this week and enjoying the Christmas run up as much as I can. Finish work on Wednesday - very excited about that!
Distance: 3.9miles (+hill sprints)
The snow, whaw! I love it! I had thought about going a cycle today with Derek and my cycling friend but my dad wanted to go for a run so I thought it would be nice to go out with him. I love the sound of the snow crunching underfoot. Dad and I had a good chat and then he went back to the house while I went on. I did 4 30 second hill sprints but it was so slippery, I almost slipped onto my bum a few times so decided to head back through the woods. It was a great run! Think I did the first part at about 9.45min/mile pace then the latter part about 8.45min/mile after the hill sprints.
Have been deliberating over whether the snow will get worse tomorrow, and how getting to work will be! They don't normally grit our street as we're in a wee cul-de-sac, so we'll see how this might pan out! I'm looking forward to this week and enjoying the Christmas run up as much as I can. Finish work on Wednesday - very excited about that!
Friday, 18 December 2009
Friday 18/12 - my first run as an engaged lady!!
Time: 48mins
Distance: 6.08miles
Pace: ~8.15min/mile
Well, the title may have given it away but as a wonderful birthday pressie yesterday I was given the most beautiful ring (plus a very lovely proposal), and I cordially accepted (: The ring is unfortunately too big so away getting fixed, which I went in early to do this morning. I'm off work today on annual leave so I also did some errands and cleaned up the house then went out this run. It was so cold, and to be honest I wasn't really feeling up to going far. My shoes are wrecked, and I know I'm going to have to replace them as I've started to get pains in my ankles and knees. I'll be holding out for the January sale though!!
Wednesday 16/12
Time: 27mins
Distance: 3.35miles
Pace: 8.05min/mile
I think my Nike+ is truly screwed. It tells me ALL my runs are done at a pace of 8.11min/mile, no matter how fast or slow I go throughout. I fail to believe that it all balances out wonderfully every single time to this pace of 8.11min/mile. Think I will really need to be replacing it soon (I know I've been saying that for months!!)
Tuesday 15/12
Distance: 4.18miles
This run was great and included 3 fairly big, long hills. I tried to keep the pace up or push it on the hills and actually think it worked really well. I felt it the next day, so that was good! Though it does mean I don't really have an average pace for this run.
Distance: 6.08miles
Pace: ~8.15min/mile
Well, the title may have given it away but as a wonderful birthday pressie yesterday I was given the most beautiful ring (plus a very lovely proposal), and I cordially accepted (: The ring is unfortunately too big so away getting fixed, which I went in early to do this morning. I'm off work today on annual leave so I also did some errands and cleaned up the house then went out this run. It was so cold, and to be honest I wasn't really feeling up to going far. My shoes are wrecked, and I know I'm going to have to replace them as I've started to get pains in my ankles and knees. I'll be holding out for the January sale though!!
Wednesday 16/12
Time: 27mins
Distance: 3.35miles
Pace: 8.05min/mile
I think my Nike+ is truly screwed. It tells me ALL my runs are done at a pace of 8.11min/mile, no matter how fast or slow I go throughout. I fail to believe that it all balances out wonderfully every single time to this pace of 8.11min/mile. Think I will really need to be replacing it soon (I know I've been saying that for months!!)
Tuesday 15/12
Distance: 4.18miles
This run was great and included 3 fairly big, long hills. I tried to keep the pace up or push it on the hills and actually think it worked really well. I felt it the next day, so that was good! Though it does mean I don't really have an average pace for this run.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Saturday 12/12
Time: 1hr 5mins
Distance: 7.8miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile
Got up fairly early this morning (I'm in my 6am start routine now!) and did some bits and bobs before heading out. It's so misty and xmassy, I love it. Ran round the waterworks and along part of WHW, it was really nice. Also think I started off a bit slower but sped up towards the end. My little bowl of porridge was fairly insubstantial though - was starving by the time I got home!
Was thinking about some plans for next year while I was out running...incl. my running plans. More to come later...
Thursday 10/12
Time: 37mins
Distance: 4.56miles
Pace: 8.10min/mile
Despite doing this after coming in from work had quite a lot of energy, I think it's the bowl of wheetos I ate before I ran! There must be an experiment in there somewhere...
Tuesday 8/10
Distance: 3.70miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile
Yet again another great late night run. I'm wearing this flourescent vest out on the misty nights - it's really cool! A bit too big though, it kind of flaps around. Hopefully this helps the cars see me.
Here's the Nike+ output for the run just before the battery in my ipod died:
I thought the shape is rather amusing!
Sunday 6/12
Time: 1hr 12mins
Distance: 8.42miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
Did a little lap of the estate and then ran out along the WHW to the Beech Tree. Was a really nice day for a run - not too cold and not raining, though there was a little downpour just before I got to the muddy part, and boy - was the muddy part bad! I had to leap over quite a few mud divets (silently laughing as I remnisced about the times both Derek and my cycling friend have gone over their handlebars!). Got to the Beech Tree feeling good though and will hopeully attempt conic hill at some point during the festive period.
Friday 4/12
Time: 34 mins 30 secs
Distance: 4.22miles
Pace: 8.10min/mile
Was meeting up with my MSc class for some dinner tonight and got away from work fairly sharp today so managed to get out while it wasn't too dark.
I had a cold for the start of this week, from about Monday 1st - Thursday so was itching to get out today. Throat was still a little dry while out though and could feel a slight cough coming on.
Distance: 7.8miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile
Got up fairly early this morning (I'm in my 6am start routine now!) and did some bits and bobs before heading out. It's so misty and xmassy, I love it. Ran round the waterworks and along part of WHW, it was really nice. Also think I started off a bit slower but sped up towards the end. My little bowl of porridge was fairly insubstantial though - was starving by the time I got home!
Was thinking about some plans for next year while I was out running...incl. my running plans. More to come later...
Thursday 10/12
Time: 37mins
Distance: 4.56miles
Pace: 8.10min/mile
Despite doing this after coming in from work had quite a lot of energy, I think it's the bowl of wheetos I ate before I ran! There must be an experiment in there somewhere...
Tuesday 8/10
Distance: 3.70miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile
Yet again another great late night run. I'm wearing this flourescent vest out on the misty nights - it's really cool! A bit too big though, it kind of flaps around. Hopefully this helps the cars see me.
Here's the Nike+ output for the run just before the battery in my ipod died:
I thought the shape is rather amusing!
Sunday 6/12
Time: 1hr 12mins
Distance: 8.42miles
Pace: 8.40min/mile
Did a little lap of the estate and then ran out along the WHW to the Beech Tree. Was a really nice day for a run - not too cold and not raining, though there was a little downpour just before I got to the muddy part, and boy - was the muddy part bad! I had to leap over quite a few mud divets (silently laughing as I remnisced about the times both Derek and my cycling friend have gone over their handlebars!). Got to the Beech Tree feeling good though and will hopeully attempt conic hill at some point during the festive period.
Friday 4/12
Time: 34 mins 30 secs
Distance: 4.22miles
Pace: 8.10min/mile
Was meeting up with my MSc class for some dinner tonight and got away from work fairly sharp today so managed to get out while it wasn't too dark.
I had a cold for the start of this week, from about Monday 1st - Thursday so was itching to get out today. Throat was still a little dry while out though and could feel a slight cough coming on.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Sunday 29/11
Time: 35mins
Distance: 4.30miles
Pace: 8.05min/mile
Didn't have too much time to do this run today, as I got up early and was busy working, then needed to be somewhere by 12. Was planning on doing a long run but just didn't have enough time! As a compromise I did try to make this a fairly quick run. Felt tried at the start so it's probably a negative split, but did find some energy towards the end and really did pick it up afterwards.
Couldn't believe how cold it is today! Feels really xmassy though. Was wandering through the village last night and with the fog and all the xmas lights on it just looked so nice!
Saturday 28/11
Time: ~19mins
Distance: ~2miles
Did this run with my dad this morning, he's just getting back into running and felt it on this run as we did a route with a hilly start. Cut it a bit short towards the end but he went out on Sunday and ended up doing a fairly good run farther than me! Was good to get a wee chat in.
I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning out my car before meeting a friend for a late lunch. Was so cold my fingers almost froze!!
Distance: 4.30miles
Pace: 8.05min/mile
Didn't have too much time to do this run today, as I got up early and was busy working, then needed to be somewhere by 12. Was planning on doing a long run but just didn't have enough time! As a compromise I did try to make this a fairly quick run. Felt tried at the start so it's probably a negative split, but did find some energy towards the end and really did pick it up afterwards.
Couldn't believe how cold it is today! Feels really xmassy though. Was wandering through the village last night and with the fog and all the xmas lights on it just looked so nice!
Saturday 28/11
Time: ~19mins
Distance: ~2miles
Did this run with my dad this morning, he's just getting back into running and felt it on this run as we did a route with a hilly start. Cut it a bit short towards the end but he went out on Sunday and ended up doing a fairly good run farther than me! Was good to get a wee chat in.
I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning out my car before meeting a friend for a late lunch. Was so cold my fingers almost froze!!
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Thursday 26/11
Distance: 2.45miles
Pace: 8.05min/mile
Have been in Inverness for the past few days for a wee holiday. Think I'm getting over a slight cold so was just taking it easy. Had a great time - the weather wasn't nearly as bad up there. It's insane here!
This was just a wee run I did when I got back from the train station today. Wanted to go through the woods but it was getting dark really quickly so couldn't really go too far. Tried to keep as fast a pace as possible.
Also ran into the school kids coming out. Was bashed in the shoulder by some walking towards me. Seriously - are teenagers inherently rude? I don't want to make sweeping generalisations but I'm fairly sure at 16/17/18 years old if I was walking 4 abreast on a narrow pavement I would have moved to let someone past who was walking towards me. Any trouble I have had while running (besides some stupid dogs and their owners) has been with teenage children. And I call them children because I think only a child would lack the common courtesy I witnessed today. Doesn't help that I get so angered by it that I generally say something which always surprises them...shouldn't let them get to me I s'pose. Is it just me or does this happen to many runners? I'd hate to think I look that vulnerable! (:
Pace: 8.05min/mile
Have been in Inverness for the past few days for a wee holiday. Think I'm getting over a slight cold so was just taking it easy. Had a great time - the weather wasn't nearly as bad up there. It's insane here!
This was just a wee run I did when I got back from the train station today. Wanted to go through the woods but it was getting dark really quickly so couldn't really go too far. Tried to keep as fast a pace as possible.
Also ran into the school kids coming out. Was bashed in the shoulder by some walking towards me. Seriously - are teenagers inherently rude? I don't want to make sweeping generalisations but I'm fairly sure at 16/17/18 years old if I was walking 4 abreast on a narrow pavement I would have moved to let someone past who was walking towards me. Any trouble I have had while running (besides some stupid dogs and their owners) has been with teenage children. And I call them children because I think only a child would lack the common courtesy I witnessed today. Doesn't help that I get so angered by it that I generally say something which always surprises them...shouldn't let them get to me I s'pose. Is it just me or does this happen to many runners? I'd hate to think I look that vulnerable! (:
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Sunday 22/11
Time: 1hr 6mins 30secs
Distance: 8.1miles
Pace: 8.11min/mile (~8.20/8.00 split)
What a fantastic run! Woke up really late (I hate doing that) and did some work then headed out mid afternoon and just went as far as I felt. Ran through the woods around my estate then onto WHW and up to waterworks and back via the village. Saw lots of walkers and cyclists out which was nice. Got back just in time though as it got REALLY dark suddenly and did begin raining quite badly.
Adding to my "list of top-class songs" I have another which would be in top 10 probably, at least top 20.
This song is so incredibly sad, if you actually listen to the lyrics they cry out solitude and a broken heart. Despite that, I think the song is quite uplifting in a way - each of the instruments adds something and I think violins will make any song stand out. Enjoy!!
Friday 20/11
Time: 56mins
Distance: 6.35miles
Pace: 8.45min/mile
This turned out to be very exciting. I ran along the path at the back of Murray Park - the Rangers training ground. Normally there is a little stream which runs alongside the path but due to the presistant rain over the past few days, the river had completely burst its banks! Add to that, the field on the other side of the little path is at the bottom of a huge grassy hill with a road at the top. The water had built up so high in the field that the little path was no more than about 2m gap along the middle of the two floods.
To be honest, it was quite dangerous in retrospect as they were both pretty deep. They did, however, cross at one point and I had to take of my shoes and socks and wade across a fairly deep puddle. I warned some walkers I met at the other end but they seemed to be having none of it. Perhaps they thought I was exaggerating but there's no way you could get past without being almost knee-deep in muddy water. Oh the excitement.
Add to that, on Wednesday I was driving on Maryhill Road. Oh my - did anybody else see that flood past Garscube roundabout?? I drove into it and had to completely re-think my actions. The broken down car at the other end did nothing for my confidence, and I can rememeber a mechanic once telling me that his sister wrote off the engine of a brand new Merc by speeding through a deep puddle.
So, of course, me being the spoon I am put on my reverse light and hoped those behind me (everyone was in the outer lane of the carriageway) would accomodate. Luckily a white van man had stopped quite far back and I reversed back onto the other side. I couldn't belive all the people driving through the puddle! If they'd stopped in the middle and opened their doors the car would have been flooded with water, that's how bad it was. I sat there for a while and then merged back into the flow.
Whether it's legal or not I bumped up onto the central reservation and drove past it. All the cars behind me did likewise which i felt quite proud of =D What a nightmare! Though it was pretty fun, I must admit!
Distance: 8.1miles
Pace: 8.11min/mile (~8.20/8.00 split)
What a fantastic run! Woke up really late (I hate doing that) and did some work then headed out mid afternoon and just went as far as I felt. Ran through the woods around my estate then onto WHW and up to waterworks and back via the village. Saw lots of walkers and cyclists out which was nice. Got back just in time though as it got REALLY dark suddenly and did begin raining quite badly.
Adding to my "list of top-class songs" I have another which would be in top 10 probably, at least top 20.
This song is so incredibly sad, if you actually listen to the lyrics they cry out solitude and a broken heart. Despite that, I think the song is quite uplifting in a way - each of the instruments adds something and I think violins will make any song stand out. Enjoy!!
Friday 20/11
Time: 56mins
Distance: 6.35miles
Pace: 8.45min/mile
This turned out to be very exciting. I ran along the path at the back of Murray Park - the Rangers training ground. Normally there is a little stream which runs alongside the path but due to the presistant rain over the past few days, the river had completely burst its banks! Add to that, the field on the other side of the little path is at the bottom of a huge grassy hill with a road at the top. The water had built up so high in the field that the little path was no more than about 2m gap along the middle of the two floods.
To be honest, it was quite dangerous in retrospect as they were both pretty deep. They did, however, cross at one point and I had to take of my shoes and socks and wade across a fairly deep puddle. I warned some walkers I met at the other end but they seemed to be having none of it. Perhaps they thought I was exaggerating but there's no way you could get past without being almost knee-deep in muddy water. Oh the excitement.
Add to that, on Wednesday I was driving on Maryhill Road. Oh my - did anybody else see that flood past Garscube roundabout?? I drove into it and had to completely re-think my actions. The broken down car at the other end did nothing for my confidence, and I can rememeber a mechanic once telling me that his sister wrote off the engine of a brand new Merc by speeding through a deep puddle.
So, of course, me being the spoon I am put on my reverse light and hoped those behind me (everyone was in the outer lane of the carriageway) would accomodate. Luckily a white van man had stopped quite far back and I reversed back onto the other side. I couldn't belive all the people driving through the puddle! If they'd stopped in the middle and opened their doors the car would have been flooded with water, that's how bad it was. I sat there for a while and then merged back into the flow.
Whether it's legal or not I bumped up onto the central reservation and drove past it. All the cars behind me did likewise which i felt quite proud of =D What a nightmare! Though it was pretty fun, I must admit!
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Wednesday 18/11
Time: 33mins 30secs
Distance: 4.05miles
Pace: 8.20min/mile (8.16, 8.30, 8.20, 8.00 - plus little sprint at end)
What a fantastic run! Very fortunately I have some time off so managed to get out about midday today and just do a short circuit through Milngavie and Bearsden. I included 3 fairly large hills (taking me over 2 mins to run up) in this run and tried to keep my pace as fast as I could on those hills. Quite tough on the second one! (Hence the slower 2nd mile)
Not too shabby! I'm currently trying to sort out files for transfer on my new laptop (she's a beaut!) and in my attempts I have been looking at my music. I think I may have a rough draft of my top 3 songs of all time. I will probably change my mind before the transfer is complete (not on number one though!!) but currently my list is (click on the songs to hear 'em and please comment if you like!!):
2 & 3. Mountains - Biffy Clyro OMFGALMIGHTY this song is so immense, seriously. I can't listen to it without getting goosebumps all over my body.
"Nothing lasts forever, except you and me
You are my mountain, you are my sea"
Seriously. It's sick, I love it so much.
The Further I slide - Badly Drawn Boy Sadly the only link i could get to this song which wasn't live was a Christiano Ronaldo music video (...he's pretty damn fit anyway, enjoy ;D) This song is so beautiful and so uplifting. Don't think you can beat Badly Drawn Boy for his awesome style of obscure instrumentals and fab lyrics.
1. The Modern Leper by Frightened Rabbit Whaw. Just whaw. This is and remains my all time favourite song. There are songs I listen to more, and songs which I'd recommend to others before this one, but I will always come back to it - especially when I'm running. It's so F*cking powerful (excuse my french) and just evokes such happiness within me, seriously! Listening to the lyrics too, they are awesome. I read them almost like a poem, or a very simple, kind of warped, "childlike" fairytale:
A cripple walks amongst you all you tired human beings
He's got all the things a cripple has
Not working arms and legs
And vital parts fall from his system
And dissolve in Scottish rain
Vitally he doesn't miss them
He's too fucked up to care
Well, is that you in front of me?
Coming back for even more of exactly the same
You must be a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
On his last leg
Well, I crippled your heart a hundred times
And still can't work out why
You see, I've got this disease I can't shake
And I'm just rattling through life
Well, this is how we do things now
Yeah, this is how the modern stay scared
So I cut out all the good stuff
Yeah, I cut off my foot to spite my leg
Well, is that you in front of me?
Coming back for even more of exactly the same
You must be a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
Well, I am ill
But I'm not dead
And I don't know which of those I prefer
Because that limb which I have lost
Well, it was the only thing holding me up
Holding me up
Well, I'm lying on the ground now
Walking through the only door
Well, I have lost my eyesight
Like I said I would
But I still know
That that is you in front of me
And you are back for even more of exactly the same
Well, are you a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
And you are not ill
And I'm not dead
Doesn't that make us the perfect pair?
Just you and me
We'll start again
And you can tell me all about what you did today
What you did today
It's so obviously about a man who is so wrapped up in his own world that he has completely abused the trust and love of those around him. He obviously cares very much for one girl in particular, and yet he continually ignores and abuses her love due to selfish acts/destructive behaviour or whatever. A few people think it's about drugs, a man who is addicted but I really don't think so. (I mean, come on, they said "Run" by Snow Patrol was about drugs - pfft) Anyway, that's my take on it. "You are not ill and I'm not dead - doesn't that make us the perfect pair?" - Seriously, can you beat lyrics like this? It's so poetic because it's so remniscent of so many modern day relationships where anything and everything gets in the way of seeing what's truly important. She's not ill - she isn't crazy to want to be with him even though he's probably a bit selfish at times (aren't we all?). He's not dead - he may be partially destroyed inside but if you're not dead there's nothing to stop you trying to better yourself. It DOES make them the perfect pair. In the end he's obviously realised this and is willing to change - "Just you and me, we'll start again and you can tell me all about what you did today"
Excuse the small sermon above, but at the end of the day listening to these 3 songs whilst surrounded by my closest friends and family would be the ultimate bliss for me. Listening to "Mountains" whilst trying my hardest to push it up the final hill of today's run REALLY made this run 10/10 for me. =D
Tuesday 17/11
Type: Cycle
Distance: ~16 miles
Went out on WHW this morning with Derek - just to the Beech Tree and back to my house. The WHW was SOO muddy! All that orangey clay on the big downhill after the Carbeth Huts. Derek almost went a*se over elbow at one point as well (tut tut - and he says I need to be more confident on the bike!), but luckily he just sort of went head first into a divet of mud and stood for about a minute with the tail end of his bike in the air. Ah, t'was a funny sight to behold.
Arrived at the Beech tree with numb everything to find it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter, so just turned around and came back. How exciting! Was a good cycle and I was happy to get use out my bike (EXTREMELY glad I didn't buy a really expensive one as all my biking friends would have had me do!) though the gears aren't changing too well. Just meant I had to really push it in a high gear on the uphills. All part of the fun ;D
Distance: 4.05miles
Pace: 8.20min/mile (8.16, 8.30, 8.20, 8.00 - plus little sprint at end)
What a fantastic run! Very fortunately I have some time off so managed to get out about midday today and just do a short circuit through Milngavie and Bearsden. I included 3 fairly large hills (taking me over 2 mins to run up) in this run and tried to keep my pace as fast as I could on those hills. Quite tough on the second one! (Hence the slower 2nd mile)
Not too shabby! I'm currently trying to sort out files for transfer on my new laptop (she's a beaut!) and in my attempts I have been looking at my music. I think I may have a rough draft of my top 3 songs of all time. I will probably change my mind before the transfer is complete (not on number one though!!) but currently my list is (click on the songs to hear 'em and please comment if you like!!):
2 & 3. Mountains - Biffy Clyro OMFGALMIGHTY this song is so immense, seriously. I can't listen to it without getting goosebumps all over my body.
"Nothing lasts forever, except you and me
You are my mountain, you are my sea"
Seriously. It's sick, I love it so much.
The Further I slide - Badly Drawn Boy Sadly the only link i could get to this song which wasn't live was a Christiano Ronaldo music video (...he's pretty damn fit anyway, enjoy ;D) This song is so beautiful and so uplifting. Don't think you can beat Badly Drawn Boy for his awesome style of obscure instrumentals and fab lyrics.
1. The Modern Leper by Frightened Rabbit Whaw. Just whaw. This is and remains my all time favourite song. There are songs I listen to more, and songs which I'd recommend to others before this one, but I will always come back to it - especially when I'm running. It's so F*cking powerful (excuse my french) and just evokes such happiness within me, seriously! Listening to the lyrics too, they are awesome. I read them almost like a poem, or a very simple, kind of warped, "childlike" fairytale:
A cripple walks amongst you all you tired human beings
He's got all the things a cripple has
Not working arms and legs
And vital parts fall from his system
And dissolve in Scottish rain
Vitally he doesn't miss them
He's too fucked up to care
Well, is that you in front of me?
Coming back for even more of exactly the same
You must be a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
On his last leg
Well, I crippled your heart a hundred times
And still can't work out why
You see, I've got this disease I can't shake
And I'm just rattling through life
Well, this is how we do things now
Yeah, this is how the modern stay scared
So I cut out all the good stuff
Yeah, I cut off my foot to spite my leg
Well, is that you in front of me?
Coming back for even more of exactly the same
You must be a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
Well, I am ill
But I'm not dead
And I don't know which of those I prefer
Because that limb which I have lost
Well, it was the only thing holding me up
Holding me up
Well, I'm lying on the ground now
Walking through the only door
Well, I have lost my eyesight
Like I said I would
But I still know
That that is you in front of me
And you are back for even more of exactly the same
Well, are you a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
And you are not ill
And I'm not dead
Doesn't that make us the perfect pair?
Just you and me
We'll start again
And you can tell me all about what you did today
What you did today
It's so obviously about a man who is so wrapped up in his own world that he has completely abused the trust and love of those around him. He obviously cares very much for one girl in particular, and yet he continually ignores and abuses her love due to selfish acts/destructive behaviour or whatever. A few people think it's about drugs, a man who is addicted but I really don't think so. (I mean, come on, they said "Run" by Snow Patrol was about drugs - pfft) Anyway, that's my take on it. "You are not ill and I'm not dead - doesn't that make us the perfect pair?" - Seriously, can you beat lyrics like this? It's so poetic because it's so remniscent of so many modern day relationships where anything and everything gets in the way of seeing what's truly important. She's not ill - she isn't crazy to want to be with him even though he's probably a bit selfish at times (aren't we all?). He's not dead - he may be partially destroyed inside but if you're not dead there's nothing to stop you trying to better yourself. It DOES make them the perfect pair. In the end he's obviously realised this and is willing to change - "Just you and me, we'll start again and you can tell me all about what you did today"
Excuse the small sermon above, but at the end of the day listening to these 3 songs whilst surrounded by my closest friends and family would be the ultimate bliss for me. Listening to "Mountains" whilst trying my hardest to push it up the final hill of today's run REALLY made this run 10/10 for me. =D
Tuesday 17/11
Type: Cycle
Distance: ~16 miles
Went out on WHW this morning with Derek - just to the Beech Tree and back to my house. The WHW was SOO muddy! All that orangey clay on the big downhill after the Carbeth Huts. Derek almost went a*se over elbow at one point as well (tut tut - and he says I need to be more confident on the bike!), but luckily he just sort of went head first into a divet of mud and stood for about a minute with the tail end of his bike in the air. Ah, t'was a funny sight to behold.
Arrived at the Beech tree with numb everything to find it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter, so just turned around and came back. How exciting! Was a good cycle and I was happy to get use out my bike (EXTREMELY glad I didn't buy a really expensive one as all my biking friends would have had me do!) though the gears aren't changing too well. Just meant I had to really push it in a high gear on the uphills. All part of the fun ;D
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Sunday 15/11
Haven't been on here for a while as I've been pretty busy - it all seems to be happening at once! Got a start date for my new job (end of the month), got a new laptop (It's so fast!!), finishing off at my part time job and was away in Leeds this weekend for a friend's 50th. Travelled down on the Friday with Derek and my sister and met up with my parents who were already down there. Was a great weekend.
On Saturday we looked at a David Hockney exhibit and ate at the "Salts Diner". I'm not sure whether I can say with all honesty I like Hockney's work. It's a bit simplistic for my tastes. I know that's maybe the appeal, but as an artist myself (not to sound too pretentious) but I feel I could do something much nicer myself! Anyway, was nice to spend the day out as a family for a change. We are normally too busy caught up in our own lives to get together and do something like that. Had a lovely meal that night too. I did miss doing a run today but I have to say it was nice to be able to have too non-carb meals - mexican and indian - on weekend nights without having to worry about being under fuelled for a run the next day!
So here's the runs for the week:
Friday 13/11
Distance: 3.55miles
Time: ~28mins
Pace: ~8min/mile
Same route as last 2 runs - through woods at the back of the estate and down main road to the other woods. Did this with Derek just before we drove to Leeds. The heavens opened towards the end though!
Wednesday 11/11
Distance: 3.55miles
Time: ~29mins
Pace: ~8.25 min/mile
Same run as yesterday - I do love this route! It's just nice enough for a short run and you can speed right up on the main road at the end. (Cheating slightly as it's a downhill...)
Tuesday 10/11
Distance: 3.55miles
Time: ~30mins
Pace: ~8.40 min/mile
Did this slowly as I just wanted to keep my legs loose after the run yesterday, plus the weather was pretty terrible for the past wee while.
On Saturday we looked at a David Hockney exhibit and ate at the "Salts Diner". I'm not sure whether I can say with all honesty I like Hockney's work. It's a bit simplistic for my tastes. I know that's maybe the appeal, but as an artist myself (not to sound too pretentious) but I feel I could do something much nicer myself! Anyway, was nice to spend the day out as a family for a change. We are normally too busy caught up in our own lives to get together and do something like that. Had a lovely meal that night too. I did miss doing a run today but I have to say it was nice to be able to have too non-carb meals - mexican and indian - on weekend nights without having to worry about being under fuelled for a run the next day!
So here's the runs for the week:
Friday 13/11
Distance: 3.55miles
Time: ~28mins
Pace: ~8min/mile
Same route as last 2 runs - through woods at the back of the estate and down main road to the other woods. Did this with Derek just before we drove to Leeds. The heavens opened towards the end though!
Wednesday 11/11
Distance: 3.55miles
Time: ~29mins
Pace: ~8.25 min/mile
Same run as yesterday - I do love this route! It's just nice enough for a short run and you can speed right up on the main road at the end. (Cheating slightly as it's a downhill...)
Tuesday 10/11
Distance: 3.55miles
Time: ~30mins
Pace: ~8.40 min/mile
Did this slowly as I just wanted to keep my legs loose after the run yesterday, plus the weather was pretty terrible for the past wee while.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Saturday 7/11
Time: 1hr 28min 48sec
Distance: 10.75miles
Pace: ~8.20min/mile
This was a really great run, though quite hilly and I was very tired at the end. I am convinced my Nike+ is broken now. I stopped and walked up the Kyber Pass (just at the end of the first strech of WHW) and it isn't reflected in my speed at all. It has also underestimated my distance, so I had to use mapmyrun and the above is a very average speed. Like I say, I walked the big hill at the start but for an equally long strech I had a huge downhill where my speed was very quick indeed. Found the end of the run very hard going - maybe because I'd included quite a big ascent right at the start?
Friday 6/11
Distance: 3.04miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile (8.40, 9.00, 8.00)
Slept until midday today! Couldn't believe it. I was off work so didn't have to get up for anything - and boy, did I take advantage of that!
Distance: 10.75miles
Pace: ~8.20min/mile
This was a really great run, though quite hilly and I was very tired at the end. I am convinced my Nike+ is broken now. I stopped and walked up the Kyber Pass (just at the end of the first strech of WHW) and it isn't reflected in my speed at all. It has also underestimated my distance, so I had to use mapmyrun and the above is a very average speed. Like I say, I walked the big hill at the start but for an equally long strech I had a huge downhill where my speed was very quick indeed. Found the end of the run very hard going - maybe because I'd included quite a big ascent right at the start?
Friday 6/11
Distance: 3.04miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile (8.40, 9.00, 8.00)
Slept until midday today! Couldn't believe it. I was off work so didn't have to get up for anything - and boy, did I take advantage of that!
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Another thing!
Oh, and there's something else I forgot about which is just hilarious. At work today I was setting up a printer and while I was waiting for all the stuff to load I was (yes, shun me) listening to some good old christmas tunes on youtube. I stumbled across this and it is just fantastic. Enjoy! I may be starting my christmas shopping tomorrow now I'm in the mood...
Thursday 5/11 - No run
No run today. Was planning to but was at hospital this morning getting more treatment on my feet and boy, are they sore now. I can barely put weight on my left heel let alone run on it. I'm off tomorrow morning, just have some bits and bobs to do tomorrow afternoon and was planning to head out on the WHW, but will have to see how my feet are.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Tuesday 3/11
Time: 33min 37 sec
Distance: 4.04miles
Pace: 8.18min/mile (8.30, 8.40, 8.35, 7.15)
Got back from Inverness this morning. Was a great trip - very relaxing. I was so tired I slept in quite long most of the days! Fortunately, it was a lot drier up there (except Sunday when it was frequent, persistent rain) so managed to get out and about quite a lot. Ran yesterday but was itching to get out today, especially while it was still semi-light.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure my Nike+ is averaging my runs properly. The above splits are what my pace was on the mile markers. It fluctuated a little in between but really picked up towards the end. I was pushing it but wasn't sprinting though, and it was a huge uphill!! Is this normal? I don't know if paces should be increasing, decreasing or staying roughly the same at mile splits...I know it depends on what kind of session you're doing, but mine are generally the same (except (hill) sprints and long runs)!! Maybe that's something I should be working on...
On that note I am on the reserve list for Devil of the Highlands in August next year. Figure 9 months is a suitable time to prepare/psychologically prep myself =D
Monday 2/11
Time: 1hr 5mins 35 secs
Distance: 7.72miles
Pace: 8.29min/mile (8.56, 8.20, 7.35, 7.45, 8.50, 8.30, 8.11, 8.15)
Did this run in Inverness with my boyfriend. Was really great - we went out the back roads towards Nairnside and kept up a good pace. I think it's really interesting to compare the speed chart to the elevation profile:
As you can see (I feel like I should have a pointer), there was a big uphill at the beginning which made both our breaths burn the back of our throat, but we did manage to get a good pace on that hill. My bf and I have been talking about doing the Highland Fling race as a relay team - him, my friend who did the Great Scottish Run this year and me. I'd be looking at a 10/10/33 mile split...that way I'd still feel I was doing an ultra and they wouldn't need to train too hard to run it. I actually don't even know if you're allowed to just split the route yourself like that or if the relay teams have set markers they take over from one another from. More research is required I think...
Distance: 4.04miles
Pace: 8.18min/mile (8.30, 8.40, 8.35, 7.15)
Got back from Inverness this morning. Was a great trip - very relaxing. I was so tired I slept in quite long most of the days! Fortunately, it was a lot drier up there (except Sunday when it was frequent, persistent rain) so managed to get out and about quite a lot. Ran yesterday but was itching to get out today, especially while it was still semi-light.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure my Nike+ is averaging my runs properly. The above splits are what my pace was on the mile markers. It fluctuated a little in between but really picked up towards the end. I was pushing it but wasn't sprinting though, and it was a huge uphill!! Is this normal? I don't know if paces should be increasing, decreasing or staying roughly the same at mile splits...I know it depends on what kind of session you're doing, but mine are generally the same (except (hill) sprints and long runs)!! Maybe that's something I should be working on...
On that note I am on the reserve list for Devil of the Highlands in August next year. Figure 9 months is a suitable time to prepare/psychologically prep myself =D
Monday 2/11
Time: 1hr 5mins 35 secs
Distance: 7.72miles
Pace: 8.29min/mile (8.56, 8.20, 7.35, 7.45, 8.50, 8.30, 8.11, 8.15)
Did this run in Inverness with my boyfriend. Was really great - we went out the back roads towards Nairnside and kept up a good pace. I think it's really interesting to compare the speed chart to the elevation profile:
As you can see (I feel like I should have a pointer), there was a big uphill at the beginning which made both our breaths burn the back of our throat, but we did manage to get a good pace on that hill. My bf and I have been talking about doing the Highland Fling race as a relay team - him, my friend who did the Great Scottish Run this year and me. I'd be looking at a 10/10/33 mile split...that way I'd still feel I was doing an ultra and they wouldn't need to train too hard to run it. I actually don't even know if you're allowed to just split the route yourself like that or if the relay teams have set markers they take over from one another from. More research is required I think...
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Thursday 29/10 - How I overcame the hair "problem"
Distance: 2.45miles
Time: 20mins
Pace: 7.52min/mile / 8.24min/mile
Ok...so I decided I wasn't going to let a stupid little problem like not wanting my hair to get wet deter me from going a run, especially since I had the chance to go while it was still light. So I put a shower cap on and pulled all my hair up into it (hear me out)...and I put a beanie hat on on top of that. I did look slightly like a man with love heart earrings...but I made sure there was a wee bit of hair sticking out the bottom of the hat so that it looked slightly more feminine. (My sister called me a fanny as I was standing at the mirror adjusting the little bit of hair before I left)...and I kept on adjusting the little bit of hair as I did my run. It was quite funny really though of course I ran past the secondary school and ended up amongst school kids. Grr. Not so funny.
Anyway, a good run in the end, though short.
Time: 20mins
Pace: 7.52min/mile / 8.24min/mile
Ok...so I decided I wasn't going to let a stupid little problem like not wanting my hair to get wet deter me from going a run, especially since I had the chance to go while it was still light. So I put a shower cap on and pulled all my hair up into it (hear me out)...and I put a beanie hat on on top of that. I did look slightly like a man with love heart earrings...but I made sure there was a wee bit of hair sticking out the bottom of the hat so that it looked slightly more feminine. (My sister called me a fanny as I was standing at the mirror adjusting the little bit of hair before I left)...and I kept on adjusting the little bit of hair as I did my run. It was quite funny really though of course I ran past the secondary school and ended up amongst school kids. Grr. Not so funny.
Anyway, a good run in the end, though short.
Weather, urgh!
I don't think I'm going to be able to go out a run today unfortunately! I'm not long in from a short day at work, but have to finish some stuff online before going to get the train to Inverness this evening. Ordinarily I would make time for a run, but this weather is appalling! This sounds very sad, too, but I have my hair in a plait so that it'll be nice and curly later...if I go outside it's going to get soaked and all my efforts will be for nothing! ( My hair is naturally long and very straight...it's nice to have it curly once in a while!)
Ok now that little very sad, girly excuse is out the way I'm back to work (though thinking about wearing a shower cap out a quick run ;D )Anyway, last night's run follows.
Wednesday 28/10
Distance: 6.59miles
Time: 53min 26 secs
Pace: 8.10min/mile (9.00, 8.18, 8.33, 8.41, 7.46, 7.20)
Maybe my Nike+ battery is ok after all...I do think this is exactly the pacing during that run. There was a huge dip in the middle as I ran a big, gradual downhill to (effectively) the bottom of our area, then had to run all the way back. I did take a detour in the middle though so I wasn't doing a big gradual uphill back, so that I could go to the highest point (which is a bit out the way of my house) but then run back down from there. That doesn't really make sense reading it over, but it does in my head!
Ok now that little very sad, girly excuse is out the way I'm back to work (though thinking about wearing a shower cap out a quick run ;D )Anyway, last night's run follows.
Wednesday 28/10
Distance: 6.59miles
Time: 53min 26 secs
Pace: 8.10min/mile (9.00, 8.18, 8.33, 8.41, 7.46, 7.20)
Maybe my Nike+ battery is ok after all...I do think this is exactly the pacing during that run. There was a huge dip in the middle as I ran a big, gradual downhill to (effectively) the bottom of our area, then had to run all the way back. I did take a detour in the middle though so I wasn't doing a big gradual uphill back, so that I could go to the highest point (which is a bit out the way of my house) but then run back down from there. That doesn't really make sense reading it over, but it does in my head!
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Tuesday 27/10 - No run today
I didn't manage to get out a run today unfortunately, but glad the weather wasn't on my side anyway! What is it like? I can't believe it has been raining like this so much, it's horrible. I was in work today but left at 3pm as I needed to go sort out some stuff in the village. Ended up forgetting all the documents I needed to take to the post office (d'oh!) though so the trip was a little unworthwhile. I got in and it was getting dark so I changed into some comfy clothes and then got started doing some work for the Higher I'm doing through open learning. Was also filling out some documentation and ended up having a dominos pizza for dinner (was meant to be going out)... I'm not sure what stance runners have on pizzas...are they considered carbs? I had about half a vege delight and half a box of potato wedges. I didn't feel partiuclarly energetic (the exact opposite, in fact) afterwards, so decided to head up to bed and just relax.
Moral of the story is...do runs BEFORE pizza dinners =D
Monday 26/10
Time: 27mins 20secs
Distance: 3.37miles
Pace: 8.20 min/mile (8.03, 8.35, 8.30)
Still not sure if the Nike+ is working properly yet...and I don't actually know how to replace the battery! Uh oh. The chart looks awful...evenly paced. This isn;t my normal running style. Ah well, I will monitor the problem and see what happens!
Also, out this run something weird/annoying happened. As I was running back through the village, I saw some young girls ahead. Now normally I'd be thinking "Damn", as I usually get stuff shouted at me out running at night (do they have nothing better to look at?!) But I saw all these girls were dressed in army gear - they looked like they were in the t.a or something. So I felt a bit better. Ran past them, without looking at them but they all turned and looked at me. As I moved away I heard some things being shouted, so I turned my music off and heard them shouting stuff like "look at her" (Unfortunately in a very unimpressed/derogatory way). I turned back around to see one of them doing impressions of somebody running in a really stupid, stupid way (i.e. legs and arms flaling all over the place)
Now, I'm fairly sure I don't run like that (I'm sure a good friend would have told me by now if I did) so I can only presume they were taking the piss. Excuse my french, but people like that annoy the h*ll out of me. Seriously, what was funny? The only thing that MAY have been funny about me at that point in time was that I PERHAPS had a visible pant line (hey, it's pitch black, who've I to look good for?) So me being me, of course, slowed down substantially and yelled back to them "SERIOUSLY, what age ARE you girls?"
That shut them up ( =D ) they looked at one another and I tutted before running away (a lot more speedily than before, may I add...there were 6 of them and they were in the army for goodness' sake!) I was shocked though - I would not have expected that kind of juivenile behaviour from those girls. Just goes to show, people can be eejits!
Moral of the story is...do runs BEFORE pizza dinners =D
Monday 26/10
Time: 27mins 20secs
Distance: 3.37miles
Pace: 8.20 min/mile (8.03, 8.35, 8.30)
Still not sure if the Nike+ is working properly yet...and I don't actually know how to replace the battery! Uh oh. The chart looks awful...evenly paced. This isn;t my normal running style. Ah well, I will monitor the problem and see what happens!
Also, out this run something weird/annoying happened. As I was running back through the village, I saw some young girls ahead. Now normally I'd be thinking "Damn", as I usually get stuff shouted at me out running at night (do they have nothing better to look at?!) But I saw all these girls were dressed in army gear - they looked like they were in the t.a or something. So I felt a bit better. Ran past them, without looking at them but they all turned and looked at me. As I moved away I heard some things being shouted, so I turned my music off and heard them shouting stuff like "look at her" (Unfortunately in a very unimpressed/derogatory way). I turned back around to see one of them doing impressions of somebody running in a really stupid, stupid way (i.e. legs and arms flaling all over the place)
Now, I'm fairly sure I don't run like that (I'm sure a good friend would have told me by now if I did) so I can only presume they were taking the piss. Excuse my french, but people like that annoy the h*ll out of me. Seriously, what was funny? The only thing that MAY have been funny about me at that point in time was that I PERHAPS had a visible pant line (hey, it's pitch black, who've I to look good for?) So me being me, of course, slowed down substantially and yelled back to them "SERIOUSLY, what age ARE you girls?"
That shut them up ( =D ) they looked at one another and I tutted before running away (a lot more speedily than before, may I add...there were 6 of them and they were in the army for goodness' sake!) I was shocked though - I would not have expected that kind of juivenile behaviour from those girls. Just goes to show, people can be eejits!
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Sunday 25/10
Type: Long
Time: 1hr 9mins
Distance: 8.36miles
Pace: 8.15min/mile
Not blogged for a while! I have been away in Porto visiting my friend from my undergrad course who moved there to do a PhD. It's a beautiful city - split by a river with some beautiful bridges over the river. One designed by "Mr Eiffel Tower" himself. Arrived home though feeling ready to start running again - despite not being able to walk properly one day on holiday after getting a horrid pain up my shin. think it was from walking around for miles in flip flops all day, but it only seemed to flare up that day and was fine the rest of the time! Weird...
Anyway, today's run was good, though wet! I just bit the bullet and went out because I really wanted to. I thought if I was going to wait for the rain to go off I'd be waiting a long time! (My cycling friend, however, got to the end of his street practically before turning back as he was "soaked" .... pfffft ;D ) Met a runner at about mile 5 and smiled at him, then just as I was finishing on a big downhill he was running up in the opposite direction. We gave one another a "yeah, we're both insane, aren't we?" smile as the rain pelted down around us. I also waved at him from close proximity which was a bit weird, but he laughed. That's runner fellowship!
Also, I'm not sure my Nike+ is really doing it's job properly. Here is the pace chart from today's run:
I walked up a hill at the end for about 100metres for goodness sake! Although I do feel I kept a consistent pace, I have no idea how this could have happened! Maybe I am becoming one with my internal pacer......or perhaps the battery on my Nike+ needs replaced. Either way, I like the straight line very much (:
Friday 23/10
Type: Short Fast
Time: 28mins
Distance: 3.42miles
Pace: 8.10min/mile
Tried to stay really quite quick throughout this run, despite being starving after leaving work and stuffing myself with bananas to compensate! I remember speaking to somebody in Cardiac Surgery during my work experience, about how they use Potassium injections to induce a temporary stop to the heart before bypass surgery. I wonder hiw many bananas I'd need to eat before that would happen... *ponders* ... Best not to find out, I think.
Thursday 22/10
Type: Steady
Distance: 4.62 miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile av (7.44, 8.33, 8.56, 8.40, 8.30 splits)
First run after coming back from Porto. A good one, though slightly erratic pacing.
Tuesday 13/10
Type: steady
Distance: 5.61miles
Pace: 8.20min/mile average (8.24, 8.09, 8.15, 8.25, 8.24)
A really good run the day before I went on holiday. Felt quite pleased I managed to keep a good pace, considering the profile was quite hilly. Also the darkness suddenly fell whilst I was out running! Left and it was quite light, got home and it was pitch black. Despite my complaints I do love the wintery nights!!
Time: 1hr 9mins
Distance: 8.36miles
Pace: 8.15min/mile
Not blogged for a while! I have been away in Porto visiting my friend from my undergrad course who moved there to do a PhD. It's a beautiful city - split by a river with some beautiful bridges over the river. One designed by "Mr Eiffel Tower" himself. Arrived home though feeling ready to start running again - despite not being able to walk properly one day on holiday after getting a horrid pain up my shin. think it was from walking around for miles in flip flops all day, but it only seemed to flare up that day and was fine the rest of the time! Weird...
Anyway, today's run was good, though wet! I just bit the bullet and went out because I really wanted to. I thought if I was going to wait for the rain to go off I'd be waiting a long time! (My cycling friend, however, got to the end of his street practically before turning back as he was "soaked" .... pfffft ;D ) Met a runner at about mile 5 and smiled at him, then just as I was finishing on a big downhill he was running up in the opposite direction. We gave one another a "yeah, we're both insane, aren't we?" smile as the rain pelted down around us. I also waved at him from close proximity which was a bit weird, but he laughed. That's runner fellowship!
Also, I'm not sure my Nike+ is really doing it's job properly. Here is the pace chart from today's run:
I walked up a hill at the end for about 100metres for goodness sake! Although I do feel I kept a consistent pace, I have no idea how this could have happened! Maybe I am becoming one with my internal pacer......or perhaps the battery on my Nike+ needs replaced. Either way, I like the straight line very much (:
Friday 23/10
Type: Short Fast
Time: 28mins
Distance: 3.42miles
Pace: 8.10min/mile
Tried to stay really quite quick throughout this run, despite being starving after leaving work and stuffing myself with bananas to compensate! I remember speaking to somebody in Cardiac Surgery during my work experience, about how they use Potassium injections to induce a temporary stop to the heart before bypass surgery. I wonder hiw many bananas I'd need to eat before that would happen... *ponders* ... Best not to find out, I think.
Thursday 22/10
Type: Steady
Distance: 4.62 miles
Pace: 8.25min/mile av (7.44, 8.33, 8.56, 8.40, 8.30 splits)
First run after coming back from Porto. A good one, though slightly erratic pacing.
Tuesday 13/10
Type: steady
Distance: 5.61miles
Pace: 8.20min/mile average (8.24, 8.09, 8.15, 8.25, 8.24)
A really good run the day before I went on holiday. Felt quite pleased I managed to keep a good pace, considering the profile was quite hilly. Also the darkness suddenly fell whilst I was out running! Left and it was quite light, got home and it was pitch black. Despite my complaints I do love the wintery nights!!
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Saturday 10/9
Type: Short Steady
Time: 43min 30 secs
Distance: 5.11 miles
Av Pace: 8.30min/mile (7.50m/m, 8.45m/m, 8.44m/m, 9m/m, 8.30m/m + short sprint)
As may have already been seen from the post quite early this morning, my cycling friend and I had a little bit of a debate about what cycle to do today...in the end I didn't wake up until quite late and he was going into town so I decided to bite the bullet and do that always-unpredictable "first post marathon run". So here is a little speed chart along with an elevation profile.
Last year I remember my first post marathon run after Loch Ness was an 11 miler. It went well as I recall, but I think that I got back into the swing of things way too early. In retrospect, that may be why the Edinburgh marathons generally don't go so well - because I build up to my 17 mile runs around xmas time and by the time April comes around I'm knackered!!
I think, if anything, the marathon last week has shown that training really is quality over quantity. I only started training for Loch Ness properly mid-late August. I was doing a lot of swimming and x-training before that. It's the tactic I will be following again this year, but with a few twists.
Firstly, I will push the speed on my 8-13 miler runs, I think with the view of maybe beating my half marathon pb. I need to treat these as less of a training run and more of a race. My dad has recovered well from his mild heart atttack (which he had in August) and I think he may be up for doing the Edinburgh half again next year which is great! I would love so much to run with him again.
Secondly, I will do more distance runs mid week. It's always so hard to think I have to go out and do anything over 7 miles when I've been really busy all day, so I'll maybe try doing these in the morning again like I did for my first marathon.
Thirdly, I'll include a cross training day in my work out schedule. I love going to the gym and playing around on the machines. I have a teensy little non-manly "6 pack" making it's appearance and I'm very proud. I plan to cultivate it nicely with the view of it building my core strength =D
Forthly, (and this is still under debate) I have been thinking about starting to train for an ultra. Now, I know this requires a huge amount of commitment, and I think I have proven quite clearly to myself that I can do anything I want when I put my mind to it, but I just want to be sure that NOW would be the best time to do it. Obviously I have finished my MSc, and am currently at a little crossroads, with some free time whilst I look for what I'll be doing next. My worry is that training for an ultra would become such a huge change to my life...as marathon running sometimes is what with having to eat the right foods, get enough sleep etc. It's not a big deal, but being at the age I am at it can be a little struggle sometimes. I'm not a party animal by ANY means, far from it, in fact. I hardly drink (when I do I seem to get drunk prrreetty easily...) and I don't like going to clubs or whatever. But, that said, it is nice to hang out with friends and go with them to a restaurant/bar or whatever on a Friday/Saturday night, without having to worry that I get my protein/carb intake and enough sleep for the long run the next day. I want to commit to training and running an ultra 100%, but this could prove tricky right now considering it would be so much more of a commitment than a marathon. The idea of getting out there though - West Highland Way or wherever - and just running and running is one which is incredibly tempting!!!
Oh well, let's just see how it goes.
Something funny I've seen, though, is my official race photo's from the Loch Ness Marathon. I'm totally grimacing as I run up the home straight!! Not pretty. But this one is quite funny. It was taken at 25 miles and I spotted the guy and waved to him...but just kept on waving. HE eventually had to give me a "thumbs up" to get me to stop =| Oh well, at least I look happy!
Time: 43min 30 secs
Distance: 5.11 miles
Av Pace: 8.30min/mile (7.50m/m, 8.45m/m, 8.44m/m, 9m/m, 8.30m/m + short sprint)
As may have already been seen from the post quite early this morning, my cycling friend and I had a little bit of a debate about what cycle to do today...in the end I didn't wake up until quite late and he was going into town so I decided to bite the bullet and do that always-unpredictable "first post marathon run". So here is a little speed chart along with an elevation profile.
Last year I remember my first post marathon run after Loch Ness was an 11 miler. It went well as I recall, but I think that I got back into the swing of things way too early. In retrospect, that may be why the Edinburgh marathons generally don't go so well - because I build up to my 17 mile runs around xmas time and by the time April comes around I'm knackered!!
I think, if anything, the marathon last week has shown that training really is quality over quantity. I only started training for Loch Ness properly mid-late August. I was doing a lot of swimming and x-training before that. It's the tactic I will be following again this year, but with a few twists.
Firstly, I will push the speed on my 8-13 miler runs, I think with the view of maybe beating my half marathon pb. I need to treat these as less of a training run and more of a race. My dad has recovered well from his mild heart atttack (which he had in August) and I think he may be up for doing the Edinburgh half again next year which is great! I would love so much to run with him again.
Secondly, I will do more distance runs mid week. It's always so hard to think I have to go out and do anything over 7 miles when I've been really busy all day, so I'll maybe try doing these in the morning again like I did for my first marathon.
Thirdly, I'll include a cross training day in my work out schedule. I love going to the gym and playing around on the machines. I have a teensy little non-manly "6 pack" making it's appearance and I'm very proud. I plan to cultivate it nicely with the view of it building my core strength =D
Forthly, (and this is still under debate) I have been thinking about starting to train for an ultra. Now, I know this requires a huge amount of commitment, and I think I have proven quite clearly to myself that I can do anything I want when I put my mind to it, but I just want to be sure that NOW would be the best time to do it. Obviously I have finished my MSc, and am currently at a little crossroads, with some free time whilst I look for what I'll be doing next. My worry is that training for an ultra would become such a huge change to my life...as marathon running sometimes is what with having to eat the right foods, get enough sleep etc. It's not a big deal, but being at the age I am at it can be a little struggle sometimes. I'm not a party animal by ANY means, far from it, in fact. I hardly drink (when I do I seem to get drunk prrreetty easily...) and I don't like going to clubs or whatever. But, that said, it is nice to hang out with friends and go with them to a restaurant/bar or whatever on a Friday/Saturday night, without having to worry that I get my protein/carb intake and enough sleep for the long run the next day. I want to commit to training and running an ultra 100%, but this could prove tricky right now considering it would be so much more of a commitment than a marathon. The idea of getting out there though - West Highland Way or wherever - and just running and running is one which is incredibly tempting!!!
Oh well, let's just see how it goes.
Something funny I've seen, though, is my official race photo's from the Loch Ness Marathon. I'm totally grimacing as I run up the home straight!! Not pretty. But this one is quite funny. It was taken at 25 miles and I spotted the guy and waved to him...but just kept on waving. HE eventually had to give me a "thumbs up" to get me to stop =| Oh well, at least I look happy!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
