Review of 2013

Stats from this year

• 239 race miles (43 more than last year)
• 289 days running (40 more than last year)
• 1780year which is 30 less than last year
• 47 miles was my highest weekly mileage which is 1 less than last year
• 199 was my highest monthly mileage in March which was
•  9 more than last year
• 23 Races (2 more than last year)
• Half Marathons x 7 with a PB of 1:42
• Full marathons x 2 with a PB of 3:48
• 10k x 7 with a PB of 47:35
• Parkruns x 27 with 5 PB’s and current PB 23:25

Did I achieve my goal of running 2013? 

Well unfortunately not however I did run 1780 miles, which is strangely down on last year despite more running days and a longer distance covered in a month, if I ran this consistently then I would have reached Morocco. 

Despite being down on my mileage and not achieving my 2013 miles for the year I did achieve 2 marathons and 1 sub 4 hour marathon which I am very proud of, but also very grateful to my friends and family for helping me raise over £2,222 for MacMillian Cancer Support.

Here are some of my great photos memories:

VLM 2014

Thunder Run 2013

Trentham Running Club

Get out of the door

Running is not easy and neither is motivation, however here are some of my tricks that have got me out of the door more than once when I didn't want to go…….

Audio books, I have listened to numerous books while out on the run; as busy people it is so hard to find time to pick up a good book, but having someone read to you when you are out on a run is amazing. I scared myself with thrillers on dark evenings, being inspired by some great story of triumph over adversity that made those last few miles a little easier, had my heart skip with a great little rom-com and heard how some of the greats have got to where they are today.  Give it a whirl and get the book you have been meaning to read listen, the books I have listened to are posted to this blog.

Podcasts, I love these again for some of the truly inspirational discussions and helping me feel a little less alone with the hurt, the rain and the how many more miles.  I have also learnt a lot from the training tips and even got my name mentioned a few times, which always puts a spring in my step. 

Run log, running is hard and it never gets easy.  The reason it never gets easy is because as you improve you go longer and faster. Unless you keep a track of this you will think you are going backwards.  I have spreadsheets dating back to 2010.  Where my distances where recorded in K and my average mile was 9:39, now I record in miles and my average pace is 8:34 and my average race pace is 8:07.  It is still as tough as it was back in 2010 and the reason is that running is tough and if it isn’t tough you might not be pushing yourself enough. 

Music, having a dedicated running play list is a must, you know when you hear a song on the radio and you want to get up and dance, that is the song for your play list, I have an great mix of rock, dance and good old feet tapping music, and don’t worry if it is seasonal either because when that song comes on it will bring a smile to your face; case and point during a tough half last year in September Fairy of New York by Kirsty McCall and the Pogues came on the playlist and I love it! It lifted me up and got me out of a tough mile.  Beyonce is another good one for that, but only you will know what those songs are, find um and put um on your playlist. For inspiration and a a little more understanding of what makes me tick my current playlist is posted to this blog

Friends: this goes without saying, but running with company is great they help to feel motivated, sometimes you are the one motivating them, other times they are the ones motivating you.  Running with friends helps the miles fly by, you can share your day, your troubles, hopes and dreams.  It is quite funny when you stop to think about it sometimes you share a lot more on a run than you would at any other time.  But there should always be one rule "what is said on the run stays on the run" here is a great running video which shows what I mean about people being quiet open about personal disclosure, I have added a page to my blog that links directly to it.

Zombie run: this is a great little mobile application that adds a little bit of spice to your run, I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but if you want to feel like your runs have purpose then download this great app.

Hopefully this has been able to give you a little inspiration next time your trainers are staring back at you.

Kirsten the runner

That is who I have become known as and this intrigues me as I haven’t always run.  If you have read my bio you will see that I was the last person I would have expected to run.

Now when I tell people that I use to smoke they are shocked, they are equally shocked when I say I go to slimming world.  It is funny how other people perceive you; “Kirsten you are a runner and healthy couldn’t imagine you doing anything like that!”  It is kind a nice to think people look at me and see someone healthy but I think it is only fair if I share the fact that I too struggle with motivation, running, food, getting faster and food.

I haven’t always run, I took it up really back in 2010 I had run a little before that but for buses and last orders at the bar does not count.  

I started out with a couple of 5k and 10k’s and thought anyone running a marathon must be mad. Now I have run 21 half marathons with a PB of 1:42:04 and 2 full marathons with a PB of 3:48:01 and to date clocked up 5341 miles! 

So I guess I am "Kirsten the runner"

Adios Mexico

Well that is it last couple of hours on the beach before we head back to sunny old brightly. Here some stats:-

Runs on the beach 3 ( it is tougher than it looks)
Miles run on the beach 7 in total ( average pace of 9:45)
Miles walked on the 6 (now this is easier)
Runs in Trentham top 2 (1 beach and 1 road)
Miles in Trentham top 8 (average pace 8:30)
Races seen 3 in 1 (half marathon, 10k and 5k)
Spa treatments 2 (massage and facial)
Boat trips 2 ( surprising clean loos)
Hangovers 1 (it was bad)
Number of books read 3 (should have been more but kept falling asleep)
Numbers of Friends episodes watched 9 (you'll watch anything if it isn't in Spanish)
Number of trainers coverted 3 (they were all very nice)
Number of trainers purchased 1 
Number of under ground rivers swam 1
Numbers of bottles of kulula drunk numerous. ..

They are just some of the holiday highlights

Things I have found out on holiday

Well this has been an interesting two week holiday and a journey into self enlightenment.  I have found out a few things I sort of knew before but they have really been confirmed.

1) I don't like swimming much, especially in under ground rivers.  We went to Xcaret which is like a ecological Alton Towers, there is lots to do and plenty of sights to see and one of the gems is the under ground fresh water river.  Which you float along to the river exit at the sea, a little like the log flume but with out the log or flume, anyway moving on. Now this seemed like a good idea until the time came to get in the water and start floating and it was at this point it dawned on me I don't like swimming in the dark through caves. Well I hunkered down pulled on my snorkel and mask and got in to the water and then proceeded to the exit at a speed that would impress Rebecca Addington (I wish)

2) I don't like boats very much, well it is not the boats fault more the rough sea. We decided to take the ferry over to Cozumel as it only on our doorstep and it seemed rude not to. The weather has been a little inclement this holiday so we took the opportunity of a rainy and cloudy day to visit the island.  Unfortunately I had forgotten that this would mean rough seas and a turbulent crossing, the margarita helped to get me a large way across  but the sting in the tail was needing a bathroom break before we got to the other side.  I was dreading the bathroom, having been on a rough ferry from Dover to Calias I had visions of all sorts of horrors but to my pleasant surprise they were clean and smelt fresh, so much so I had forgotten about the rocking snd swaying of the boat briefly. Comzul was a lovely little quaint resort mainly catering for the cruise boat trade and divers but  nice enough, we went to the smallest Hardrock Cafe and Jimmy Buffett Margatiaville. The Ironman is going to Cozumel in December which would have been awesome to see.  Then it was time for the journey back the seas had not calmed much during our visit so I was not holding out much hope for s smooth crossing, after the first couple of swells I decided to close my eyes and pretend to be anywhere but there.  

3) I can't drink anymore, well I never could really drink but these days it is even worse.  Perhaps I am out of practice but these days I am not sure that I want to get good at it. My fellow holidaymakers don't seem to have the same problem they start at 6am with Mimosas, 9am Beer on the beach, Tequila Sunrise with lunch and finishing off the session with Margatias and whiskey.  Personally if I drank like that I would be in bed for a week but no they are up the next day doing it all again!!! I did give it a good college try but started a little late; margatia on the beach at 3pm, wine with the evening meal and wine in the lobby while watching the show. I crashed into bed around 10:30 and woke up with a killer headache the next morning, never again!! So drinking is not for me, sure I'll have a odd one or two but that's my limit, but I just don't like feeling like crap the next day.

So there were some of my self reflection enlightening moments during my vacation.  It has been fun and lovely to get way the only problem is that it is going to be blooming cold back and its going to hurt. But it is going to be nice to have a proper cup of tea :)

Mexico does Alton Towers

Me

in Margatiaville

Why can't I relax

Well day 2 of my mm holiday or as they would say in America vacation.  I am in the spa waiting for my hot stones massage and I can't relax.....

The spa is all set up to help you relax; music from some rain Forrest, soft ambient lighting, pleasant smells a jacuzzi to set to the temperature of a warm bath and soft fluffy towels and I all I can think is......

I wonder what time it is
hope I am nor late for my massage
do in shower before or after?
Do I wear my bikini or not?
Should have shaved my legs
What time is it

Let's hope I am more relaxed after my hot stone massage

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Holiday post

Well my holiday has finally arrived, two weeks R&R in mexico is called for!!!  Unfortunately the weather has failed to turn up but no mind, I am a) not at work, b) not beholden to the alarm clock and c) all inclusive so plenty of hydration therapy. I am sure the weather will improve soon and it is still warmer than back home.

One of the things I did miss out on was the Rivivea Maya 5, 10 & 21k road race which was taking place this morning at 6am, we found out about it 1 hour too late and entries has closed. Oh well never mind, I am meant to be taking it easy and resting up after a busy running year which saw me running 2 marathons, numerous half's, the thunder run 10k and PB's falling all over the place. So I was due a rest however, due to on flying in yesterday, my body clock was all out of kilter so I found myself awake at 5:30am and thought why not go out and support the runners. 

We got to see them twice once at 2 miles and then again about a mile from the end, i can imagine that we must have looked a little strange two white English people cheering on the runners, but I think they appreciated it.  Now I have twitchy legs so heading off to the gym for a fast 5k on the dreadmill.

Catch you later

*** When is a PB not a PB

When a PB not a PB, when the course is short!  I have had to adjust my 10k PB up from 47:02 to 48:07.  I've been thinking about changing this for a while, but I liked the idea that was my time and I was that fast... 

But alas no, the course was short; I thought it was at the then but I wasn't sure if it was just the old Garmin satellites playing up. However I have had it confirmed, from a reliable source, that unfortunately at the very last minute the race organisers had to change to the course, which made the course.  I have no malice against the course organisers or anyone else, at the end of the day if I want to have a time like that I will have to run a time like that, it really is that simple.

It is interesting how some athletes want to cheat their way into getting results, I am not casting any stones in any directions but when you hear people saying that they are taking steroids or performance enhancing drugs to get the desired results, I get the distinct impression that they are missing the point. 

When all is said and done, the chips are down and scores are on the doors, yes you might be coming out on top, but really was it a level playing field? in your heart of hearts you know it was right and wasn't your win, your PB or  record to hold.

However I did get a PB at the Great North Run at the weekend and that is official :)

Magic Pill

Just recently there have been a number of TV programmes on TV such as "The men who are making us fat" from BBC2 , "Do Diet clubs really work"  and not forgetting "welcome to the world of weight loss" BBC2 again.  It strikes me that there is a lot of people spending a large amount of time and effort on looking for a magic formula to loss weight and stay thin.

There  already is a magic formula which is; M+ and E- which easily translated in to Move More and Eat Less.  All of the diets mentioned above and all the others are doing exactly the same thing getting us to restrict what we eat in one way shape or form. 

The maths is very simple if you use more calories than you consume then you will either stay the same weight or lose weight, this is all about energy balance. The food we eat is converted into energy our bodies need to function and perform its day to day activities, and our day to day activities all need energy 

Don't get me wrong I am no angel, not the ideal weight for my height (vertically challenged I say) and really need to lose half a stone, but I also love to eat and really loovvee food.

I was naturally gutted when I found out that I am not naturally thin, it was a huge disappointment as you can imagine. So if genetics are not on my side, then it will be down to me to lose the weight I have to make sure that my energy expended in my day to day activities exceeds my calories consumed. As you can imagine this is has been a hard fought war and one that has been going on for a number of years and continues on.  However to help in the battle I have consulted with one or two of the specialist agents mentioned above and I'm a long standing member of Slimming World. Together we have fought this battle side by side, however I was not a long for a free ride, as well as attending the weekly weigh in I had to undertake some solo armed combat with my nemesis's that is chocolate, chips, cheese and alcohol, actually move alcohol up a few positions on my most evil nemesis and put it next to chocolate! 

I have won a few battles and todate kept off the 2.5stone but the war is not over these is still half a stone to lose and even when that has gone there will be a long and drawn out peace treaty that will need to be brokered.  This peace treaty will need to be policed and again I will call upon the UN in form of Slimming World to help with this.

I am not saying that everyone with a problem with food needs to join a slimming club what I am saying  is that we all need a little honesty with ourselves and realise that we are the problem, because once we do that we will realise that we are also the solution. 

Finally remember all the B's

Be who you want to be

Be all that you can be

Be proud 

Thunder Run 2013

The Thunder Run, was one of the major runs on my calendar this year; my first Marathon at London, my marathon PB at Edinburgh and finally I was getting to run the Thunder Run, my running year is nearly complete.

I joined the Trentham Thunder Run Team last year when I went along to see them running it in 2011, the atmosphere was brilliant coined a festival for runners, with 24 hour food and showers what more could one want.

The team and running order was sorted Team Captain Ken had sorted everything out from registering us at the event, calculated everyone’s predicted times and looked after the priceless Trentham tent.

The weather gods were looking down on us and Friday was glorious sunny with a slight breeze; I had begged a lift with Dan Jordan and Jill to reduce the burden of cars on the campsite.  We made it their easily although we did take a lovely detour through Burton upon Trent, we found the Trentham encampment easily and Pickles suggested where we could put our tents, in the nicest possible way.  

Before you knew it the camp had taken shape and it was a sight to behold, we were literally on the course, the runners had to pass our bases so it was ideal for keeping an eye on what was going on.

The sun was still shining so I thought it was an ideal time to have a nice cold Dark Fruits Strongbow cider…….ohh it was lovely and very short lived, it was decided that it would be a good idea to take recky of the course and see what the next day had in for us.  The guys agreed to take it slow and the emphasis was on steady and easy, which in fairness it was, plenty of stopping to take photos and looking out for the really bad bits and for how after 5k it was all downhill…..yeah right.

Heading back in to camp I was looking forward to finishing to cold (now slightly warm) can of cider and a few more for good measure.  Looking at the running order I was not due to run until 5:30 in the afternoon, which was great news and something I held dear as I opened my next few cans……

The morning arrived and the muted tones of early morning camp life could be heard; Lee, Scott and Matt were all heading off to the Merebrook; Sarah and Emily with their little ones were awake and moving around and before long everyone was up and getting more excited as the minutes ticked by. Debbie arrived at the camp and the team was complete, happy days. 

The race starts at 12:00 noon on the Saturday and Dave was up first, we all wished him well and he was off like shot, I took this opportunity to have a look around the expo and made some essential running purchases before heading back to the camp. Back at the camp we settled down to watch the runners pass and send out cheers and shouts of encouragement. It seemed like no time and the 1^st runners were coming passed and when we saw Dave coming striding past looking great! (well a little sweaty and hot, but great all the same).

There was a steady stream of activity at the camp people coming and going, preparing to go out on their runs, getting back and cooling off, refuelling and getting ready for their next loop.

Before I knew it was my turn, the weather was good warm, dry and a slight breeze my idea running conditions. Ken and I headed down to the start, made it in to the runners enclosure and waited for Paul Clinton to pass over the baton to me, then I saw him, which a mixture of anticipation and excitement I snapped the baton around my wrist and headed off.  I was now glad that I had at least seen the course so I knew what was coming and what to look out for.  The trees and woods where the nicest bits of my first lap as they gave you a chance to cool down ad seeing Ken at the 5k mark was brilliant he held out a cup a cold water which I drank a little but dumped the rest on my head.  Made it up the conti climb and then it was all downhill from here, well ish.  Running passed the Trentham camp gave me a real boost and helped me reach for the finish to pass the baton over to Lee Jones and see him flying off.  Please my 1^st lap out of the way and 2 minutes faster than predicted.

Unfortunately from here my times took a nose dive, I can’t take all the blame I would have to say that mother nature had something to do with it, as around 8:3pm we had an awesome thunder and lightning show (it ain’t called the thunder run for nothing), however as the show started to finish the rain started and not one to be upstaged it threw it down in biblical portions for the next 4-5 hours. 

My run was scheduled for 10:45pm (ish) and it was still lashing down, I was very apprehensive, after seeing Andy Vickerman come in covered in head to toe in mud and saying he had fallen twice and broken his head torch! I took over from Paul again and I gingerly headed out on the course, with Paul’s warning ringing in my head “it is bloody mental out there take care”.  The course was indeed more playful than it had been before, fortunately my trail shoes were helping me stay on course and mainly upright. Again running past the camp gave me a great boost and the end was in sight, I enjoyed the run however my time did take a beating officially 1:09….I was down by at least 10 minutes, but on the positive side I was still in one piece and able to run my last lap at 5am in the morning.

I showered, had something warm to eat and headed back into my tent to get some sleep before I was due to head out again. 

Before I knew it Andy V walked past the tent and gave me a knock to make sure I was ready to run, it was 4am, I had gone to sleep in my kit, so they only thing I really needed to do was calm my hair down, wash my face and brush my teeth I was ready to go again.  The great news was that it had stopped raining and the drawn was breaking, I would be running in the light and hopefully less muddy than the night before.  

5:00am saw me at the runner enclosure for the last time, feeling remarkably  refreshed despite only having 3 hours sleep, seeing Paul come running in the finish/start now felt very familiar and he wish me well on my last run.

The only thought that was going through my head during this run was Walter would love this, there was mud, nettles, hills and giant puddles to navigate your way through. Again it seem to be all over in a blur and I was running passed the Trentham camp there were a few more people up than when I left.  The only problem was that Lee was still there, I think I must had taken him by surprise the look of shock on his face made me giggle, I was powering up the hill for the last time and heading down to the finish, lee was in the enclosure and ready to tear it up for his last lap.  Again my time had taken a beating due to the sticky mud making it much harder to get any type of traction, so my last la was 1:05(ish). 

The rest of the morning was a flash of people coming and going; Dave, Scot, Debs, Jon and Andy were all going on their 4^th lap and there was a small piece of me that was glad that I wasn’t going to have to go around again. The camp slowly start to get packed away and then it was time for us all to head off to the finish so we could run in to the finish as a team with Andy.

 We managed to run 26 laps between us and came 11 out of 253 mixed teams, same as last year, there was talk that perhaps we could have made it to 10^th but the night rain and times had really taken the wind out of our sails. 

However there is always next year……….

Green Army 

Special mention of our fantatstic supporters Sammy, Chloe, Lara, Heidi Pickstock and Adam, Scott, Sarah and Dorothy, Emily and Elizabeth, Matt Plant, Lisa, Janson, daughter and friend all made sure we where well looked after with food, refreshments and plenty of words of encouragement.  

A W O L

Don't worry I'm not under the patio! 

I’m sorry for neglecting my blog but I didn't realise it had been so long! It has been a busy old couple of months, with work, college, racing and training.  But that is not a very good excuse for neglecting my blog, it is not that I haven't had some great thoughts for a blog post, I have but then something gets in the way.

I have been toying with the idea of taking out a voice recorder when I run as this is the time that I come up with some of my best ideas you know some are really gold

• what motivates me to run
• why can’t I get faster
• my monthly challenges
• why don’t the fish in the local fishing pond just swim around the edge, no one ever fishes there
• how I would spend the euro millions jackpot

Well I have there a number of short blog titles, so my aim is to write a short blog every week for August.

You have been warned! 

Bonny Bouncy Scotland!

I have a brand new shiny marathon PB! Which is a jaw dropping 15 minutes off my time in London,  I finished Edinburgh Marathon in a grand time of 3:48:01. However it was not without its own mini drama’s from forgetting my sports bra, my watch falling off at mile 23 mile and swallowing a fly a 25 miles!

Needless to say I would not recommend anyone running a marathon in a wonder bra, the chafing is a bitch and it has really but a dent in my running this week.  I now understand how men must feel when they get joggers nipple and the tears that spring to your eyes when you step in to the shower…..running 26.2 is a walk in the park compared to stepping into shower with severe chafing!

On to the race unlike London I didn't suffer any dark moments during the race; I had set off with a plan of trying to get sub 4 hours and anything under that would be a bonus.  With my pace set for around 8:35 miles (those quick cookies among you will have already realised that this was way too fast for a sub 4, and have uncovered my real agenda of trying for a sub 3:45 good for age (GFA) target) I was well on target and even slightly below target for the large majority of the race.  That was until mile 18-19 where you head off around the stately home I found that this affected my pace, I have since listened to Marathon Talk and even Andi Jones who finished fourth said he found this bit tough, my mile splits slipped and I struggle to regain them again.  I carried on knowing that GFA  had gone out of the window but still confident that sub 4 was on the cards, then my watch (Garmin Forerunner 610) flew off my wrist and I had to turn around to pick it back up! This is a known fault with Garmin 610’s but luckily for me I found the pin as well as my watch, I scooped them up and carried on running for a mile or so.  But I wasn't confident about how long I could keep both the pin and my the watch safe and take on water; so I made the decision to walk while I put my  watch back together, a couple minutes later I was motoring again.

Then for some strange reason at mile 25 I thought GFA was back on the cards so I sped up and was eating up the tarmac like nobody’s business, so much so that I clocked my fastest mile 8:07!! However as I rounded the finish I could see that my watch said 3:47 and the gun time was 3:59, the pipe dream of GFA vanished, but I am still really happy with my result.

In hindsight I now realised that I could have pushed harder to find my pace again after the stately home so much so I have entered again for next year and fingers crossed I am going to nail 3:45.

Couple of things to note about Edinburgh Marathon,

1. Watch out at the end as the finish is on a field and although they do lay out a rubber finishing straight it is rather uneven
2. Do get the marathon buses back to Edinburgh
3. Don’t prepay, else you will have to walk at least the marathon distance again to get your bus.

What next

Well tomorrow we start Run for the Sun #rfts with Coach Jeff which is running every day in June, which should help to make sure I don’t get the post marathon blues and my other BIG target is a shiny new half marathon PB! 

Food for thought

As some of you know I am currently working my way through my Higher National Certificate in Sport and Exercise  I have found out some really really interesting things during my course this semester it is all about being physical activity, which brings me to the reason for my post, I have been researching my last assignment and found some very scary facts......

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have reported that Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally. 

In a recent report published by the British Heart Foundation on physical activity it reported that in Great Britain the average distance travelled on foot or by bike by each person per year has decreased from 306 miles in 1975/76 to 221 miles in 2010.(now that is embarrassing!!)

Why is being physical important? 

WHO (2011) reports that people who are not physically active have 20% to 30% increased risk of all-cause mortality (DEATH). It is internationally recognized that physical activity such as cycling or walking has major health benefits, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers all of which are classified as Non Communicable, which in means they are preventable we can do something about it. All you have to do to increase your chance of staying healthy for longer is get moving and get your arse up out of the chair and regularly going out for a walk. Here are the government guidelines 

Go on give a go, see if you can beat the odds and stop being average!!!  be extraordinary and try to double the amount of miles you are moving

Finished and I am now a marathoner!!

The green umpa lumpa

London well and truly delivered it was everything that people had told me about; the crowds were fantastic loud, encouraging and kept you going at some points it was a little too loud.  What is surreal was that people you didn't know calling out your name as if they were a long lost friend and in that moment they were, so a BIG THANK you to the crowd support!!!

 I was in the charity red start zone so after walking to the blue start I bid farewell my fellow Trentham runner Andy Vickerman and made my way to the park. It was on the entrance to the holding area my I made one of my two school girl errors and tired the lady urinals the least said about this the better but let’s say must practice more. On to my second school girl error I hurried over the bag drop off I gave my bag and as I walked away I realised that my gels were still in there with my lip balm oh well too late now. So now off to the actual loos, to waste a good 20 minutes before heading off to my starting pen.

In the pen I soon started to make friends with a lovely chap who was running for the Royal life boats, he was a veteran with 4 marathon under his belt it was nice to get chatting with someone to help settle the nerves. The start was fast approaching and I needed another pit stop I couldn't believe it, fortunately just before you cross the starting mat there was soon loos so I darted off for my last pit stop and rejoined the crowds surging over the starting line and that was it we were of, filled with excitement and anticipation.

The race itself was simply a run; the BIG one problem was about the crowds of runners which did slow me down in the beginning however I was not too concerned as it helped to make sure I didn’t go off two quick. However during the middle beaten 9-17 it was quite tiring trying to navigate around making sure you didn't trip them or yourself up.

What was nice was that I saw a couple of friends during the race, a couple of familiar local running club singlets which was nice and finally couple of friends spectating; unfortunately I didn't get to see Sean and Emily Vickerman I was looking really hard but it was really hard to make people out (I think Trentham RC need a couple of flags to help spot our supporters). I got really tired between 22-24milles but kept plugging away and was determined not to walk, I knew by now that I wasn’t going to make sub 4 hours and Good For Age time was a very distance pipe dream and tt was during these dark moments I was not looking forward to running Edinburgh Marathon in 5 weeks, I was even considering pulling out.  From mile 24 I got my head down and decided I was going to finish and finish as strong as I could and there is nothing better than crossing that finish line.

I was completely shattered at the end of the run but carried on walking through the finishing enclosure to pick up my goody bag and my clothes bag; dug out my phone and rang Sean. Due to the power of chip timing and the advent of the smart phone he already knew that I had finished and were waiting for me to make my way to the meeting area. So I quicken my hobble to get there faster but navigating around the hordes of finishers and their families was quite difficult as changing direction was not that simple! But I got there and it was great to catch up with how the rest of Team Trentham had done, although after a quick photo there was no rest for the wicked next thing on everyone’s mine was a celebratory drink and for same strange reason my legs got a sudden burst of life and they were able to move a little quicker.

Janson, Greg, Dan, Andrew, Ryan and me in the centre

In summary a great run and mixed emotions about whether I will run another marathon again….ok I’m not fooling anyone……Edinburgh here I come...sorry knees

Not long now

Well it is really not long now!! went to the expo on Thursday to pick up my number and race pack and today I have been doing my best to stay busy! What with hair cuts and tidying the house it has been a jam packed day.

Tomorrow I will be heading off back down to London along with my fellow runners my bag is packed and outfit chosen. The weather looks good for Sunday but who knows what will happen this is England after all. On Sunday I will find out if I like marathon running or not, lets hope I do as Edinburgh is just around the corner!

Just a short post from me this evening, just to say wish me luck for Sunday

Not the 1st but the 2nd

There is always something nice about the 1st of the month it is a little like starting all over again; a new start one where you can start a fresh eating more healthy, new exercise routine a brand new month to do better. 

Unfortunately this 1st of the month, however I have failed  by spending the day being  really unhealthy. Eating chocolate and anything else that was marked as naughty;  I should have say no to the Lindt bunny, the chocolate cupcake or even the chocolate cake.

Coupled with the fact that I am recovering from my 18 mile run back from Crewe yesterday I have done no exercise; yes I could have gone out for a walk but no, could have got my bike out but again and I have no excuse (although it would have meant me having to pumping up my flat front tyre). 

I have been a slave to my gluttonous and sloth like ways.  What is the matter with me, I seem determined to sabotage all my hard work, I really need to TRY HARDER. Well I am not going to wait until the 1st May!

I am going to start tomorrow and 2nd becomes the new 1st so have a great April everyone, I will be giving it a 150% effort will you?

Stafford 20 - take 2

Gosh what a difference a year makes, last year I ran Stafford 20 and to tell you the truth it was my worse race of the year, but I learnt from my experience and prepared better this year. Last year I didn’t respect the distance, I got a little cocky  having nearly covered the distance in training I was thinking how hard could it be…..well it truly spanked me!!

So this year was personal, I needed to draw a line under last year and it was a good way to test how my Marathon preparation was going. Despite having a cold in the week before the race I made sure that I didn’t panic run and got plenty of rest and sleep, so come race day I was fully fit.  Also I made sure that this year I properly hydrated for at least 3 days before the race and ate sensibly, which was a big difference to last year.  

Sunday morning came around fast and it was as if we had travelled back to January in terms of the weather; an artic wind blew in and there was light snow fall…. but nothing was going to throw me off my positive state of mind....my belt was packed with 1 gel, 2 bags of Jelly Babies (a bag full of black jellies for lap 2 and red for lap 3) and 3 sugar barley sweets….Jill Phillips (fellow club runner) has a lot to answer for!!!! I dressed and then re-dressed for the conditions and headed off to Stafford.

Race HQ was a sea of people all huddling to keep warm inside the Uni buildings and there was a colour array of those brave souls in the racing singlet’s and shorts, those in full ski gear and those in between.  This year I made sure I made use of the facilities (twice), it is long and lonely run if you find you want to go half way around as I found to my cost last year. Quite understandably the small local races just can’t provide these types of facilitates on the course route, so you have to make sure you take responsibility for you own needs.

Before we knew it we were off; I had decided to try and beat 3 hours so I was looking to run around Marathon pace of 9 minute miles and I felt good (cold but good) out there.  This year I knew what was coming so I was prepared, I knew I had done everything right and miles in the bank so everything should be ok; other than frost bite, polar bears and having to help push a stranded drive that broke down at the top of the largest hill!! A poor lady had broken down right in the route of the runners and she wasn’t sure what to do, so a kind runner jumped the driver’s seat and we all pushed the car on to the side of the road and then carried on running as if nothing had happened……something only runners would do.  

My strategy was to not sit down(!!) and feel good all the way round and I achieved 99% of my goal; the last quarter of a mile really took it out of me and then Walter from my running Club  Trentham appeared to help run me home and boy I was so grateful !  But I will have to apologies I am sure the last bit I was making some rather disturbing noises as I was panting and puffing to finish strong, but I am sure he is a gentleman and not mention it! 

Lap 1

All in all I had a much better run than last year; I finished in 2:54:40, a good 30 odd minutes better than last year and nearly 4 minutes of my PB for 20miles.  It really gave me confidence for the Virgin London Marathon which is getting ever closer!

Curry and Quiz Eve

There is still so much to do….. I am a list person so naturally there is a list with all my outstanding jobs the only problem is that I am not sure where I put it, so I keep creating new ones!  So if you do happen upon a list that says; ring club, check curry, raffle prizes, WRITE QUIZ, helium for balloons it’s mine.

Well it will be tomorrow before I know it and it only dawned on my run yesterday that I am going to have to say a short speech eeeekkkk. Now this is quite difficult for me as I’m such a wallflower, you know the shy and retiring type, wouldn’t say boo to a goose ….no honestly it is……no seriously it is….

I take it I am not convincing you, well I wouldn’t blame you I LOVE to talk! And always have plenty to say, but I am going to have to try and keep it concise and relevant and also try not to cry. The last time I had to give a speech it sort of went; "would just like to say wahhhhh wahhhh, no no in a minute; I’m fine honest wahhh wahhh"

I couldn’t do anything for crying, you see I am normally quite emotionally reserved but at the most inopportune moments an emotional ninja strikes and I can’t string a coherent sentence together. 

So on my run tomorrow I am going to gather my thoughts and make sure that I rehearse it a couple of times, to get it just right, I know I will write it on the back of my latest list to make sure I have it with me all day…….what could go wrong with that  

I will let you know who tomorrow night goes, wish me luck!

Curry and Quiz is on!

Feeling down in the dumps and want to do something to cheer yourself up, then buy yourself a ticket the hottest event this side of the spring. 

I am holding a fundraising curry, quiz night, raffle and much more on Friday 1st March 2013, raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support. If you don’t like curry then not to worry, there will be an alternative or two you can have instead.

I would love it is you were able to come along, it will be held at Hem Heath Cricket Club, Trentham Lakes, Stoke on Trent. Tickets are £13.00 per person and includes poppadum, choice of starter and a choice of curry with rice and naan bread and an evening’s worth of entertainment.  There will be a vegetarian option available and if you don’t like curry there will be at least one other option, but please inbox me so I can collect the numbers to cater for.

There are two ways to buy your tickets; either in person with me (drop me an email) or the easiest option would be to go to my fundraising page and add the cost of the tickets as a donation and the comments box type in curry and quiz and the number of tickets you would like.  Also if you can make your email address visible then I can email you your tickets. My page is http://www.justgiving.com/KirstenJOwen

Thanks everyone for your support and here’s to a great night

Not so quick post

Just a quickie tonight; things are going well busy as ever well who isn’t these days.  Training is going well for Virgin London Marathon; I am keeping up with the cross training – strength on Mondays and yoga on Fridays (well most Fridays) I think for February I am going to double up on the strength training, I’ll let you know if I manage it. 

Fundraising efforts are going well; I now have a venue and date for my Charity Curry and Quiz night…drum roll please “Friday 1^st March at Hem Heath Cricket Club, Stoke”.  The Hem Heath Cricket Club have been great and provided the venue free of charge, however I still trying to sort out the food but I hope to get that finalised by the end of the week so I can announce my ticket price.  The next BIG thing I need to sort out is a quiz and a (free) disco/karaoke for the evening, but I am sure I will get that sorted (if you know anyone who might be able to help give me a shout). The cake sale at work is now also been arranged and I am hoping from both events I can raise around £1,000 so I am keeping my fingers crossed.  

College is going well I still have 3 outstanding assignments but I only have a bit more to do on one of them and other two are due the end of February, so plenty of time.  We have just started our new semester and two new models; Training and fitness for sport and exercise and Physical activity, lifestyle and wellbeing both seem fun and it looks like our assignment will be less wordy but I still think that they are going to be as challenging.  So watch this space

I am really happy the snow has gone, it was nice for a while but running in it was such hard work, I felt exhausted every time and there was no point looking at your watch as you just felt demoralised, anyway it is gone and the paths are clear again and I am start to try and get my speed up.

The things I am looking forward to over the next few weeks is:

• Saturday I am at the Virgin London Marathon meeting the experts (and maybe a little shopping)
• Sunday is the 1^st race of the season which is Alsager 5 then a couple of use from club are running back to Trentham for our Sunday long run 
• 1^st half of the year at Brigthon Half on Sunday 17^th February, hopefully it won’t run long this year.

Take care everyone and remember 

run like you stole something 

2013 One week in

It has been a  great 1^st week into 2013, with some annual leave I haven’t been to work since 27/12/2012 and it feels like forever :) Unfortunately that is all about to come to an end as tomorrow it is off to work I go, despite me having numerous chances to win the lottery things didn't work out :(

Oh well you can’t have everything, the extra few days have helped me get ahead of the curve on the college front and I am about 80% through my 3^rd assignment for antimony and physiology and this time it is all about the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system, which again has been very interesting .  On the sports psychology I have done some reading but officially we have not been given the assignment but I am going to do some more reading up on the formation of teams, team motivation and dynamics which should be fun. 

The training for the Virgin London Marathon is going well; I had a running MOT by Brian Cole, Sport Injury Specialist (check it out http://www.colestherapy.com/) and it looks like I am good to go, his take on things I have a good style (well I did wear my best shorts and Nike T) and I am pretty much in alignment only a couple of tight hamstrings and quads which he sorted me out for.  I have also booked in for a monthly sports massage just to make sure I stay in shape – as they say prevention is better than cure. My only worry now is raising the required amount; I have a good few different ideas in the pipeline but at the moment I want to allow people to get over Christmas so I am using this time to plot my strategy and get arranging some fundraising events here are some of my ideas;

• Coffee and Cake Morning
• Finish time sweep
• Curry and Quiz night – February 2013
• Sponsor a mile
• Pick my fancy dress costume (keep checking back for my options)

What do you think? 

I promise to keep you updated and for anyone local to Stoke on Trent and wants to come along to the curry and quiz night just let me know via email using the button on the right-hand side.

Better go, take care and look after each other