So, after a frustrating start getting back in my groove after a bit of time off, it's not been a bad week. I had to run 3 - 3 - 4.
Monday's run was a scrappy mess, to be fair. I did run three miles (over, actually, more like 3.25), but with frequent stops of a few seconds to try and reset stupid iPhone. My legs felt heavy and tired and I wasn't really in it mentally; still, it got done.
Thursday's run was much more fun - a three mile bounce around the neighbourhood and the first one without any stops at all for a little while. Felt like I could run for ages (although I was watching Runkeeper every 30 seconds towards the end).
Saturday was the big one - four miler. I had by this point worked out that Runkeeper has a pause function - I am not sure this is a good thing. I needed to stop for runner's tum at Dulwich Gallery cafe after a couple of miles, grabbed a mouthful or two of water, and carried on. The first mile was glorious, second still pretty good fun. Starting again, I ran up towards the Greenway in my third mile not realising there was a f*cking enormous hill on the way to it; did okay, but after the end of the third mile paused for about a minute just to get my breath back. Third mile felt nice actually, although I was aware of the sun really burning down (having overslept didn't start running until 11.15 which was not ideal - very sunny and 26 degrees even despite picking a shady route). That last mile, even after a tiny breather, was bloody hard. I circled Sunray Gardens park as there was a lot of shade to do half of it, and then ran to Herne Hill for the final mile. Running with Bad Religion and Faith No More was helpful, just the right place, and for sure it's a mental issue not a physical one now on my longer runs. My lungs ached a little on the fourth - I suspect if I take a bit better care of myself next week, next weekend's long run will feel a lot easier that this one.
#Week One: Done!
Saturday 11 August 2012
Monday 6 August 2012
Frustrating stupid blasted iPhone
Had a run-walk-run on Friday again for 30 minutes, and then a 40 minute run - walk- dick around with iPhone - run - iPhone dicking about - run etc (you get the idea). It had stuck itself on single track repeat, which is impossible to fix whilst on the run. However, in that 40 minutes, despite all the breaks and the walking, I covered 3.25 miles, so a pace of 12.27 so slow, but okay. Had enough. First day of marathon training completed.
Monday 30 July 2012
Learning lessons
An instructive run today. I went out shortly after getting up - no breakfast and only half a cup of water. The first run was painful to say the least - every bit ached. I stopped having run 2.56k in 18.08 mins. Then walked back to Dulwich Village rather than West Dulwich to buy some water, whereupon I started again. It was a completely different beast. Slower, mind, but no pain at all - I did another 2.54k in 19.18. So that brings my totals to 5.1k (or 3.16 miles) in 37.26 minutes, around the late 11.something pace. Note to self: eat and drink before runs unless you want to completely run out of steam. I really learned something today. For the record, it was in Nikes, 19 degrees and sunny - felt really hot when I came back.
Saturday 28 July 2012
Running back to happiness
Mucho, mucho mejor. After 8 days without running and some nagging and lingering pains, I went out today for a short run to see how my body feels. The short answer is great. I did 2.62 miles in 26 mins, giving me a 9.56 pace - and I felt like I was running slow today too. It was pretty hot so stuck with normal kit - pink top and old tights.
Cardiovascular stuff all okay despite smoking a fair bit this week. So, lessons learned: don't screw around with changing trainers etc, don't try and build up distance too fast (really!), and stick recovery days in between hard runs. Simples. Training kicks off in earnest on 6th August... a mere 9 days away... ulp! Now, time to settle into the real activity for the day - Olympic-watching.
Cardiovascular stuff all okay despite smoking a fair bit this week. So, lessons learned: don't screw around with changing trainers etc, don't try and build up distance too fast (really!), and stick recovery days in between hard runs. Simples. Training kicks off in earnest on 6th August... a mere 9 days away... ulp! Now, time to settle into the real activity for the day - Olympic-watching.
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Home Run? Home, ouch, more like
So after the nasty Asics ride yesterday, I tried out Home Run tonight. The idea is simple - run home with a bunch of other folks, with keen runners to help you get there. The principle is nice but I don't think it's for me. After the first mile, my outer shin muscles were burning and I'd slowed to a 12.30 pace, really slow for me. I managed another 0.4 before calling it a day and letting ultrarunner Jen get on and catch up with the guys. It was too early in my training to try it and I don't enjoy running with people and without music. I picked up my pack, ran another 0.7 cross Clapham Common with it before collapsing on to the bus.
I think I've trained too much too soon. I had this same crash almost exactly four weeks ago and needed a good five days off and not thinking about running, and I know if I try and run through it I could do myself a serious injury. This, I cannot risk so close to starting training for the half. I am a bit worried though about the half training - I did a couple of weeks with 13 miles and it's screwed me up in week three. In retrospect racing and then running a five miler would probably have been okay with a good bit of proper recovery time, but to do that, rest for a day, then try a recovery race in shoes which don't work for me, then try and run 4.3 miles with faster people was a stupid and potentially dangerous idea. All of my lower body hurts now - knees, ankles, calves, hamstrings and shins. It's not shin splints, it's just exhaustion.
So that's the remainder of this weeks' training out of the window - running-wise, at least. I'm switching back over swimming to at least early next week. Total rest tomorrow; long swim on Friday and maybe middling swim on Saturday, long swim again on Monday and a reconvene on Tuesday to see how the legs are feeling. Need to finish that race, not crash out half way around because I trained badly.
My physical limitations are frustrating and upsetting but my body knows more than my mind. Got to listen up and pay attention - running through it is only going to make me worse. Aggravating! On the plus side, I now have a phone sleeve which doesn't rub or hurt and provides better protection in the rain than my existing one. I also have a neon orange t shirt which might come in handy for winter runs.
I think I've trained too much too soon. I had this same crash almost exactly four weeks ago and needed a good five days off and not thinking about running, and I know if I try and run through it I could do myself a serious injury. This, I cannot risk so close to starting training for the half. I am a bit worried though about the half training - I did a couple of weeks with 13 miles and it's screwed me up in week three. In retrospect racing and then running a five miler would probably have been okay with a good bit of proper recovery time, but to do that, rest for a day, then try a recovery race in shoes which don't work for me, then try and run 4.3 miles with faster people was a stupid and potentially dangerous idea. All of my lower body hurts now - knees, ankles, calves, hamstrings and shins. It's not shin splints, it's just exhaustion.
So that's the remainder of this weeks' training out of the window - running-wise, at least. I'm switching back over swimming to at least early next week. Total rest tomorrow; long swim on Friday and maybe middling swim on Saturday, long swim again on Monday and a reconvene on Tuesday to see how the legs are feeling. Need to finish that race, not crash out half way around because I trained badly.
My physical limitations are frustrating and upsetting but my body knows more than my mind. Got to listen up and pay attention - running through it is only going to make me worse. Aggravating! On the plus side, I now have a phone sleeve which doesn't rub or hurt and provides better protection in the rain than my existing one. I also have a neon orange t shirt which might come in handy for winter runs.
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Giving the Asics one last try
In the interests of not wasting extortionate amounts of money on a pair of trainers, I decided to try the Asics again on the 2 mile tootle around West Dulwich again. It was not good. From almost the getoff, my shins were really aching, something they never ever do in my other shoes, even the Inov8s. I managed 1.21 miles at a disappointing 10.48 pace. I made the rest of the route around walking, and did 20 laps in the pool to make up for it tonight. At least I've given it a decent try now and stopped before I hurt myself.
Looking forward to Home Run tomorrow night instead!
Looking forward to Home Run tomorrow night instead!
Sunday 15 July 2012
Week in review, 9 - 15 July
This week, I ran 13.2 miles, smashed my personal best with a 30:20 minute 5k, and ran the furthest session so far in ManiRuns take 2. I'm pretty pleased with how things went this week. Kit has stood up, I kept going despite threatening cold and feeling a bit crap, and TOM starting yesterday morning. I can definitely be proud of this week.
So, goals for next week:
Tuesday 2 miles
Wednesday 4.3 miles (with Home Run as a trial to see if I like it)
Friday 3 miles
Saturday 6 miles
The schedule is a little different because it's Phoebe's confirmation on Sunday, so I need to be there for that. The two long runs are fine in that one will be organised (and they carry your bags home for you, hurrah) and the other is just me tootling around on Saturday. Tuesday and Wednesday short runs will be either before or after work depending on what time I get up - am in East London both days so might be easier before work rather than after. Ho hum. It's a bit of a leap from 13.2 up to 15.3, so will keep the length of Saturday under advisement. Feeling much, much more confident about starting half marathon training in three weeks now!
So, goals for next week:
Tuesday 2 miles
Wednesday 4.3 miles (with Home Run as a trial to see if I like it)
Friday 3 miles
Saturday 6 miles
The schedule is a little different because it's Phoebe's confirmation on Sunday, so I need to be there for that. The two long runs are fine in that one will be organised (and they carry your bags home for you, hurrah) and the other is just me tootling around on Saturday. Tuesday and Wednesday short runs will be either before or after work depending on what time I get up - am in East London both days so might be easier before work rather than after. Ho hum. It's a bit of a leap from 13.2 up to 15.3, so will keep the length of Saturday under advisement. Feeling much, much more confident about starting half marathon training in three weeks now!
Longer and longer
Just finished what I thought was a short and slow run to find out, thanks to Runkeeper, that it was both long and fast :) Five miles in 56.52, giving me an average pace of 11.26 which I think is extremely good. Especially as I was in Big Red last night! Temperature was 18 degrees, nice and very sunny, back in my Nikes. No nagging aches or pains at all, just a little calf and hamstring soreness on both sides when I finished. All good!
Saturday 14 July 2012
Fastest 5k ever :)
It was the Race for Life in Regent's Park today. Did it in 30:20, a 9.29 pace, despite hills and loads of other people! Nearly killed me though, and I was really gasping for air in the last 500m. I also ran the second half at a negative split: I was 15:30 at the halfway point and managed to run the remainder in 14:50, which I think is pretty impressive. Double that and you come in at 29:40 so I think I am totally capable of a sub 30 - that's the aim for the next one, anyway.
So pleased, slightly because I can concentrate on distance again! I didn't like the experience of so many people - racing is probably not really for me, other than as a way of occasionally assessing performance. I did it in Nikes and my long sleeved black top, was raining and about 14 degrees. I have also found out that doing even a couple of miles in the Inov-8 shoes is too quick for transition, which should take 4 - 6 months. That's best left till after the half then I reckon, these should see me right til then. Knackered but happy!
So pleased, slightly because I can concentrate on distance again! I didn't like the experience of so many people - racing is probably not really for me, other than as a way of occasionally assessing performance. I did it in Nikes and my long sleeved black top, was raining and about 14 degrees. I have also found out that doing even a couple of miles in the Inov-8 shoes is too quick for transition, which should take 4 - 6 months. That's best left till after the half then I reckon, these should see me right til then. Knackered but happy!
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Getting faster all the time
I went for a post-work run today. I used to hate running in the evenings but I'd been looking forward to this all day. Back is miraculously better (we put the futon mattress on top of the very expensive but too-soft mattress, which is incredibly comfortable) and cold has completely disappeared. Vicks First Defence really can work miracles.
So, Zombie-assisted, I did 3 miles exactly in 29.45 which both Runkeeper and the Zombie app think is 9.55. Under a ten minute mile! Spanked it! I completely sprinted during the two chases but even so - I am thrilled with that. I felt great, too. My right leg is still giving me some gyp, particularly the calf and hamstring now (weirdly not the knee or ankle), so I'll stick to racing and going long on Sunday to the old trusty Nikes and wear these Inov-8s in gently. Weather has been downright peculiar all day - thunder, lightning and very heavy rain interspersed with blue skies and bright hot sunshine. I picked a happy moment between showers, and the weather app tells me it was 17 degrees. I ran today minus sunnies for the first time in ages, and the weather was just right for my green wool t shirt and zoom tights :-)
So, Zombie-assisted, I did 3 miles exactly in 29.45 which both Runkeeper and the Zombie app think is 9.55. Under a ten minute mile! Spanked it! I completely sprinted during the two chases but even so - I am thrilled with that. I felt great, too. My right leg is still giving me some gyp, particularly the calf and hamstring now (weirdly not the knee or ankle), so I'll stick to racing and going long on Sunday to the old trusty Nikes and wear these Inov-8s in gently. Weather has been downright peculiar all day - thunder, lightning and very heavy rain interspersed with blue skies and bright hot sunshine. I picked a happy moment between showers, and the weather app tells me it was 17 degrees. I ran today minus sunnies for the first time in ages, and the weather was just right for my green wool t shirt and zoom tights :-)
Monday 9 July 2012
Easy like Tuesday morning
I was in bed at 8.30pm last night, unheard of. I was so exhausted on the way home from work and feeling really nauseous, so I thought a very early night followed by an early morning might help. I woke up naturally around 5am and stayed in bed lounging until about 6.30, very nice. My back is still fairly stiff and sore, and I didn't want to aggravate it.
I did 2.1 miles in 24 minutes today, a pace of 11.25, so slower than I normally run but this was a recovery day and eeeeeverything hurt. My right calf and knee were achy most of the way around, left heel joined in for a moment, my arms felt like lead. I was in my new Inov-8s so inevitably my feet started aching too. It was just one big ball of ache :-) On the plus side, a) I did it and b) I was barely out of breath at all - enough to sing along to the music playing on my iPhone for most of the time.
Time for a hot and cold shower and off to work. I think I'll try running in the evening tomorrow and see if the extra 8 hours' difference helps in terms of recovery time.
UPDATE: the reason the run was so crappy became apparent at about midday when I came down with a streaming cold. I'm tackling it with Vick's First Defence and Sudafed max strength, which is really helping me through the work day. If I feel okay then I'm running Thursday; if underpar then I'm going to save myself for the race on Saturday. Fingers crossed it's the former!
I did 2.1 miles in 24 minutes today, a pace of 11.25, so slower than I normally run but this was a recovery day and eeeeeverything hurt. My right calf and knee were achy most of the way around, left heel joined in for a moment, my arms felt like lead. I was in my new Inov-8s so inevitably my feet started aching too. It was just one big ball of ache :-) On the plus side, a) I did it and b) I was barely out of breath at all - enough to sing along to the music playing on my iPhone for most of the time.
Time for a hot and cold shower and off to work. I think I'll try running in the evening tomorrow and see if the extra 8 hours' difference helps in terms of recovery time.
UPDATE: the reason the run was so crappy became apparent at about midday when I came down with a streaming cold. I'm tackling it with Vick's First Defence and Sudafed max strength, which is really helping me through the work day. If I feel okay then I'm running Thursday; if underpar then I'm going to save myself for the race on Saturday. Fingers crossed it's the former!
Sunday 8 July 2012
Week in review, 1 - 8 July 2012
This week I have run approximately 13 miles (didn't chart milage for Monday's nasty attempt but it was around the 3 mile mark) and run four days. I've tried out some new kit (Mizuno top, nice, Zoot tights, nice, Inov-8 shoes, nice but will need some breaking in). I've tried some new routes, now incorporating Herne Hill, and played Zombies with both interval runs and as a long run to collect items to open up new missions. I've sorted out some decent tunes to run to. I've also finally worked out how to stretch correctly and this is, I hope, going to make a difference to my run recovery.
On the downside, I had a horrible Monday run due to nasty hangover; my right knee in particular has been a bit painful, although nothing run-stoppingly bad. I am a bit worried because after showering from my run (using cold water on my legs as recommended by... someone) I twisted my back which did the heartstopping sharp pain thing. I hope it'll go after a proper night's sleep.
So my hopes for next week are:
1. Run intervals on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings
2. Sort myself out a personal best for my 5k on Saturday :)
3. Go long on Sunday - hopefully take it to the five mile mark
I stepped on the scales at 193.75lbs this morning; it'd be an achievement to step on the scales to 192 next Sunday. I need to be better/more careful about food intake this week as well as drinking less booze. Socially, there's the FNM gig on Tuesday night which won't be a big drinking night, and although I'm out with Hani and the cousins on Friday night, the run the next day should keep me focused on minimising the intake. George and Eoin are over Saturday night and then there's the meal with all the guys on Sunday evening. Let's see!
Progress towards goals:
18.25lbs down, 34.75lbs to go.
Hips down from 42" to 39", would like to reduce by another inch to 38"
Waist down from 38' to 35", would like to reduce by another 5 inches to 30"
Bust down from 44" to 39", would like to reduce by another 4 inches to 35"
Am just over one third of the way there.
On the downside, I had a horrible Monday run due to nasty hangover; my right knee in particular has been a bit painful, although nothing run-stoppingly bad. I am a bit worried because after showering from my run (using cold water on my legs as recommended by... someone) I twisted my back which did the heartstopping sharp pain thing. I hope it'll go after a proper night's sleep.
So my hopes for next week are:
1. Run intervals on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings
2. Sort myself out a personal best for my 5k on Saturday :)
3. Go long on Sunday - hopefully take it to the five mile mark
I stepped on the scales at 193.75lbs this morning; it'd be an achievement to step on the scales to 192 next Sunday. I need to be better/more careful about food intake this week as well as drinking less booze. Socially, there's the FNM gig on Tuesday night which won't be a big drinking night, and although I'm out with Hani and the cousins on Friday night, the run the next day should keep me focused on minimising the intake. George and Eoin are over Saturday night and then there's the meal with all the guys on Sunday evening. Let's see!
Progress towards goals:
18.25lbs down, 34.75lbs to go.
Hips down from 42" to 39", would like to reduce by another inch to 38"
Waist down from 38' to 35", would like to reduce by another 5 inches to 30"
Bust down from 44" to 39", would like to reduce by another 4 inches to 35"
Am just over one third of the way there.
I went LOOOOONG!
I didn't really fancy it this morning. It was cool (about 16 degrees), drizzly and I was hungover from the BBQ yesterday. However - once I got out there, the drizzle was lovely and cooling. I stuck on Zombies but removed the chase element, which was great, and added a different dimension to the run. I did 4.14 miles in 46.45, making it an 11.16 pace which is about right for my longest run :) Nice route too, down to Gipsy Hill, round the back of Dulwich College, through Dulwich Village, down to Herne Hill and then back along Rosendale Road, finishing at the pub. Ace. Time for stretches!
Saturday 7 July 2012
Cross training
Oh man it is tipping it down here in south east London. So much so our bathroom ceiling is leaking, which is definitely not good.
The rain was making me ponder whether it was worth fitting in a fourth this week; my slightly drink-impaired conclusion was that if it's drizzly or dry tomorrow, I'll try and fit in an easy run (treating today as my hard/long) followed by a long session in the pool, and if it's continuing to come down in biblical proportions then I'll just head straight to the pool and try and swim further than I've gone before. I've now done two 1250m swims and haven't swum in a couple of weeks; if there's no easy run then it's 1500m for me, moving up from 50 to 60 lengths. I also kind of don't want to piss on my own parade for what was a great run today - having a shitty run tomorrow (and I've drunk a lot today at the family BBQ so it's not going to best today) would be somewhat disheartening. Interesting how much my mental attitude matters with training. Training for what is the real question; wedding day or real life?
The rain was making me ponder whether it was worth fitting in a fourth this week; my slightly drink-impaired conclusion was that if it's drizzly or dry tomorrow, I'll try and fit in an easy run (treating today as my hard/long) followed by a long session in the pool, and if it's continuing to come down in biblical proportions then I'll just head straight to the pool and try and swim further than I've gone before. I've now done two 1250m swims and haven't swum in a couple of weeks; if there's no easy run then it's 1500m for me, moving up from 50 to 60 lengths. I also kind of don't want to piss on my own parade for what was a great run today - having a shitty run tomorrow (and I've drunk a lot today at the family BBQ so it's not going to best today) would be somewhat disheartening. Interesting how much my mental attitude matters with training. Training for what is the real question; wedding day or real life?
Ace run
Lovely, lovely run today. I did a 3.2 mile, 5k bounce around West Dulwich in my trendy new togs - Inov-8 225s and a pink Mizuno bib and new longer running tights. Getting used to the shoes will be a process I think, they were pretty comfy but about halfway around my right heel began to ache a little underneath. It went away again but was aching at the back by the end of the run, and my right calf felt a little tight too. However, I ran that mother in 35 minutes at a 10.56 pace which is, I believe, my fastest run to date :) I also evaded three zombies and completed mission 3 :) The weather was great too - 18 degrees, cloudy, with a cloudburst at the 21/4 mile mark which was nice and refreshing. Groovy!
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Rethinking training plan
Much, much better run at lunchtime again today, running in 22 degree heat. The blue singlet/knee length short combo is working well now. I ran 2.68 miles in 30 minutes, making it an 11.13 minute mile run which for me is a good increase in speed. Because... I've gone back to Zombies, Run! It made such an impact on my aerobic comfort doing a long one after a couple of sessions of this and I think that is what I should be working on rather than distance, or rather a combination of the two, in the run up to half marathon training. If I do 2 x Zombies, Run! 30 minute interval sessions and one longer run a week, going up in five minute increments, I should be easily running 3 miles twice a week and four once at the start of the programme which is where I'm aiming for. I can keep playing Zombies on my Tuesday runs when I start, too, which I think will help keep me motivated. Very sweaty though, that's what I get for running at lunchtime.
Also - yippee! Have definitely broken the 14st plateau with a very creditable 13st 12.55lbs today! This is a mere 194lbs :)
Also - yippee! Have definitely broken the 14st plateau with a very creditable 13st 12.55lbs today! This is a mere 194lbs :)
Monday 2 July 2012
Spoke too soon
Because today's run was horrible. I did have a hangover which didn't help - I am going to have to massively cut back on the alcohol if I want to make this work. I did 1 x 20 min run with a short walk break (and loo break - note to self, the Crown and Greyhound only has hot water in the ladies, disgusting to drink) then another 10 minutes - it was meant to be 20 but I just ran out of energy. I think it's also partly in my head - my chest wasn't aching and my legs felt fine, I just felt blergh. I also then had a mammoth walk home from North Dulwich as I'd run so far out of the way. Better luck next time...
Saturday 30 June 2012
I am BACK!
With a vengeance! I thought I'd probably be okay to start week 9 of the couch to 10k programme. If I stick with that then start Hal Higson's half marathon programme for novices I should be able to run all the races :) Man it was hard work though. It was 2 x 20 minute runs. I took it fairly easy and the first run was gorgeous - I felt amazing. Then there was a three minute walk break which I appreciated but could probably have lived without if necessary. The second run was harder - my chest was achy from almost the first minute in, breathing was harder, but it was doable. Definitely psychological not physical - good music really helped, and a different route. I am bright pink. I haven't looked this colour after a run for ages! It was 20 degrees with a slight breeze. Runkeeper tells me it was 3.38 miles/5.4 kilometres and that my speed was 12.25 - I can live with that. Feel like I am back on track after a couple of weeks of dicking about ;)
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Intervalen
So tried out Zombies, Run! again today and didn't get eaten this time, which is reassuring. But what I have learned is that it will be great for interval training when I am fitter or for fun on short runs - I did about four intervals of sprinting (my version thereof anyway). Whilst this is great and certainly made me hot and sweaty, it also meant I had a couple of short walk breaks, which is annoying. I did 8 - 9 - 6 today with probably no more than 1.5 first time and 1 the second time, followed by a 20 minute walk. Really felt like I'd had a workout at the end of it though, much more so than normal because I am sweating like a pig. That might have something to do with the fact it's super-humid and even though overcast, is 25 degrees. I went running in 25 degrees! At two in the afternoon! Madness.
Anyway, after 6 weeks diligent training, 1 week enjoyably doing my own running thang, a week off and a week of zombie-induced silliness (well, two runs) I need to knuckle down again and get on with my training. I have a half marathon to run in 16 weeks and I need to be fit enough to start doing the proper training in 4. Yikes.
Anyway, after 6 weeks diligent training, 1 week enjoyably doing my own running thang, a week off and a week of zombie-induced silliness (well, two runs) I need to knuckle down again and get on with my training. I have a half marathon to run in 16 weeks and I need to be fit enough to start doing the proper training in 4. Yikes.
Sunday 24 June 2012
Zombies, Run!
First day back after my one week hiatus following nasty run and poorly knees last Saturday (although I did manage 1250m in the pool yesterday, swimming with someone else which made a change). I'm back in my reliable old Nike Airs and ran a reasonable 15 mins with 25 speedwalking on top, which I'm fairly comfy with. I took a different route (through West Norwood rather than Dulwich this time) which was nice in terms of a change but pretty traffic heavy, so I might try it again but maybe not so late (was about 7.10 when I left the house).
I also tried out my first Zombies, Run! mission which was fun - I got "caught" when I started working so it definitely tracks you on GPS - must log in and have a look at how it logs the runs. It told me I was running a 7.40 minute km, or a 11.84 minute mile - which I can kind of believe because I did get puffed out after 15- 16 minutes - this was a cardio issue not a legs issue. Anyway, good to be back in the saddle :)
I also tried out my first Zombies, Run! mission which was fun - I got "caught" when I started working so it definitely tracks you on GPS - must log in and have a look at how it logs the runs. It told me I was running a 7.40 minute km, or a 11.84 minute mile - which I can kind of believe because I did get puffed out after 15- 16 minutes - this was a cardio issue not a legs issue. Anyway, good to be back in the saddle :)
Saturday 16 June 2012
Disappointing but instructive
So, I bought some shiny new Asics Gel Nimbus 13s yesterday and went out for my three miler. I had to stop running after a mile - so stretched, and then tried to carry on. Managed about another half a mile before pretty much quitting completely. Running in these shoes is horrible - it's like having two sofas strapped to my feet. I can't feel what my feet are doing (apart from sliding around), I can't feel what the pavement is doing, my feet feel achy and numb and to make matters worse it's not helping my knees at all. So I'm going to write today off as a bust, chalk up an expensive mistake and carry on with my old Nike Zoom Airs and shop around to try and find something similar.
I also bought a Gore singlet and it kept riding up. Also my new HotPants came and there is no earthly way I can do any exercise in them at all as they don't reach my waist. Gah! That's £200 worth of expensive kit I can't send back but can't use.
I also bought a Gore singlet and it kept riding up. Also my new HotPants came and there is no earthly way I can do any exercise in them at all as they don't reach my waist. Gah! That's £200 worth of expensive kit I can't send back but can't use.
Friday 15 June 2012
Achy but smiley
No running today. No swimming today. In fact, just a day spent largely on my behind in an office.
My hips are quite achy today, knees were more so last night - but only when I sit down, feeling a-ok when walking about. A happy piece of news is that I am formally back into a size 16 after a long, long absence. In fact, it might be worth writing down a bit of a weight history.
Previous largest weight: 196lbs - when living in Essex in 2004, and miserable.
Lost three stone in three months with weight watchers, down to 159lbs. I looked great at this weight and fit into size 12 clothes comfortably. I still have a really nice skirt or two from this era.
Stayed at between 159 and 163 for quite a while; once up at 163 a really stressful period at work took me back down to 155 in December 2007. I'd maintained my lower weight for three years, even though I wasn't exercising that much.
Then I started with a different company - after few months my weight had gone up to 173, which is what it was when I met the fiance in June 2008.
Weight piled on slowly, and on our trip to India in February 2009 I'd hit 177 - and the spare tyre was making itself known, judging by the old snaps. Even, gasp, the trace of a double chin...
However, much more serious was the trip to the States that autumn, September 2009. In the meantime, I'd added another 5lbs, up to 182, but whilst we were away I put on 11lbs in three weeks - up to 193lbs, partially thanks to American portions, and partially thanks to no exercise - roadtrips not great for that!
I was around 197lbs when we arrived in the Gambia in February 2010, and stayed at that weight for quite a while - including during our trip to Japan in April 2010. It was starting with my last employer though which was the real killer. With 1200 miles of travel per week, enforced work meals and drinks and 'treating' myself on the way home, I made it all the way up to 212lbs. One of the things that made me more miserable than anything else was seeing a picture of me last August (2011) at Chris and Becs' wedding - I didn't help myself by dressing in turquoise but oh, my, how can I have let myself go to that extent? I was wearing 20s (and probably should have been wearing 22s). Shiny-faced and treble-chinned.
So I have some very clear milestones to get back down to:
196lbs - weight I am today - the weight I was in Japan (the photos from there are significantly less awful than the ones from the summer wedding). I am no longer obese :-)
193lbs - the weight I was returning from the States; the tail end of those photos shows a woman with quite a few extra pounds, it's true, but also with still some shape. This weight is probably around two weeks away.
182lbs - the weight I was on going out to the States. Actually, the start of those photos show me when I'm chubby but with proper definition around my cheekbones. Two thirds of the way to goal... in around three months, say mid-September.
175lbs - this is the weight I was when Jonno and I went out to Delft to visit Phil and at this weight, my face looks fantastic. The spare tyre is merely suggested rather than taking over my lap. I have tons of energy. I hope to be this weight by the time I run the London half-marathon at the end of October 2012.
168lbs - Another half a stone down and I'm in skinny jeans, size 12 - 14s and looking great. If I was here by mid-December I'd be a happy girl!
164lbs - at this weight, I stop being overweight and officially start being a healthy weight for my height. And if I weigh in at 164 on my 35th birthday, I'd be delighted.
159lbs - at this weight, I'm officially back into the size 12s for good. Going drink-free for most of January should get me there by the end of the month...
36lbs to go, 16lbs down already, or one-third of the way there. Sounds great to say it that way!
My hips are quite achy today, knees were more so last night - but only when I sit down, feeling a-ok when walking about. A happy piece of news is that I am formally back into a size 16 after a long, long absence. In fact, it might be worth writing down a bit of a weight history.
Previous largest weight: 196lbs - when living in Essex in 2004, and miserable.
Lost three stone in three months with weight watchers, down to 159lbs. I looked great at this weight and fit into size 12 clothes comfortably. I still have a really nice skirt or two from this era.
Stayed at between 159 and 163 for quite a while; once up at 163 a really stressful period at work took me back down to 155 in December 2007. I'd maintained my lower weight for three years, even though I wasn't exercising that much.
Then I started with a different company - after few months my weight had gone up to 173, which is what it was when I met the fiance in June 2008.
Weight piled on slowly, and on our trip to India in February 2009 I'd hit 177 - and the spare tyre was making itself known, judging by the old snaps. Even, gasp, the trace of a double chin...
However, much more serious was the trip to the States that autumn, September 2009. In the meantime, I'd added another 5lbs, up to 182, but whilst we were away I put on 11lbs in three weeks - up to 193lbs, partially thanks to American portions, and partially thanks to no exercise - roadtrips not great for that!
I was around 197lbs when we arrived in the Gambia in February 2010, and stayed at that weight for quite a while - including during our trip to Japan in April 2010. It was starting with my last employer though which was the real killer. With 1200 miles of travel per week, enforced work meals and drinks and 'treating' myself on the way home, I made it all the way up to 212lbs. One of the things that made me more miserable than anything else was seeing a picture of me last August (2011) at Chris and Becs' wedding - I didn't help myself by dressing in turquoise but oh, my, how can I have let myself go to that extent? I was wearing 20s (and probably should have been wearing 22s). Shiny-faced and treble-chinned.
So I have some very clear milestones to get back down to:
196lbs - weight I am today - the weight I was in Japan (the photos from there are significantly less awful than the ones from the summer wedding). I am no longer obese :-)
193lbs - the weight I was returning from the States; the tail end of those photos shows a woman with quite a few extra pounds, it's true, but also with still some shape. This weight is probably around two weeks away.
182lbs - the weight I was on going out to the States. Actually, the start of those photos show me when I'm chubby but with proper definition around my cheekbones. Two thirds of the way to goal... in around three months, say mid-September.
175lbs - this is the weight I was when Jonno and I went out to Delft to visit Phil and at this weight, my face looks fantastic. The spare tyre is merely suggested rather than taking over my lap. I have tons of energy. I hope to be this weight by the time I run the London half-marathon at the end of October 2012.
168lbs - Another half a stone down and I'm in skinny jeans, size 12 - 14s and looking great. If I was here by mid-December I'd be a happy girl!
164lbs - at this weight, I stop being overweight and officially start being a healthy weight for my height. And if I weigh in at 164 on my 35th birthday, I'd be delighted.
159lbs - at this weight, I'm officially back into the size 12s for good. Going drink-free for most of January should get me there by the end of the month...
36lbs to go, 16lbs down already, or one-third of the way there. Sounds great to say it that way!
Thursday 14 June 2012
Swimming cross-training
I finished work quite early in Edgware Road so headed over to Seymour Place for a swim. I spent most of it being a bit grumpy about the lack of lane swimming, spending much of my workout ducking around Mums teaching their kids to swim and a girl dicking about diving after her locker key. Ho hum. Anyway, probably not surpisingly as it's been a couple of weeks since my last swim, and after a hard run this morning, I took longer to do my normal 40 laps and took a few recovery breaks. Not many, though, and I did all 40 breaststroke without needing to resort to back crawl, so my arms must be strengthening up slowly. My legs felt a bit wobbly but no cramp and no stitch. Even better, I realised when I got home that the pool is 30m not 25m - so I managed to up my swim to 1200m without even noticing. Ideally, I'd like my weekly swim to be 1600m (a mile) so will up by 200m per week until I've got it nailed. Time for lardy tea!
Running whilst hungover
Whilst possible, is not as fun as it should be.
Weather: sunny, windy
Run: just under 3 miles around regular Dulwich route
Pace: According to Runkeeper (which adds an extra little bit near Belair Park which I don't actually run) was about 10:56 per mile today, down from the 10:44 on Tuesday.
Report: The first mile was really nice, good fun, and it was an effort to pace myself back a bit so I wouldn't expire later. The second mile was also pretty good, but I hit an energy dip just as I'm about to run through Belair Park - this happened on Tuesday too. From there on in it's hard work, I can feel it in my lungs and legs. I made it to West Dulwich shops before uncharacteristically throwing in the towel. I feel like I've exercised today, but it wasn't pretty. I'm going to go for a swim at lunchtime to get rid of the last of the calories from yesterday's wine binge and take it a bit easier next time! TOMD1
Weather: sunny, windy
Run: just under 3 miles around regular Dulwich route
Pace: According to Runkeeper (which adds an extra little bit near Belair Park which I don't actually run) was about 10:56 per mile today, down from the 10:44 on Tuesday.
Report: The first mile was really nice, good fun, and it was an effort to pace myself back a bit so I wouldn't expire later. The second mile was also pretty good, but I hit an energy dip just as I'm about to run through Belair Park - this happened on Tuesday too. From there on in it's hard work, I can feel it in my lungs and legs. I made it to West Dulwich shops before uncharacteristically throwing in the towel. I feel like I've exercised today, but it wasn't pretty. I'm going to go for a swim at lunchtime to get rid of the last of the calories from yesterday's wine binge and take it a bit easier next time! TOMD1
Wednesday 13 June 2012
It all starts here
I've just completed my first Couch to 5k programme in six weeks after years away from running and have some major milestones to hit before my wedding next April. A bit of history...
I started running in 2003 when I was living in Quito, Ecuador. I'd always hated cross country - and walked most of the way around the courses - thinking that I wasn't built to run. I started off running between the trees punctuating the boundaries of my local park - El Parque Carolina - in Merrell walking trainers, starting with around 30 seconds of running, 30 seconds walking. I ran most days, and within 6 - 12 weeks had worked up to a slow 30 minute jog. My body (back in those days) responded very well to exercise; I'm a mesomorph so given proper CV work and a good diet it snapped into good shape pretty quickly, and I found it easy to maintain a weight between 140 - 155lbs, which for my 5' 8" height is a healthy weight. Dress size wise, I maintained a comfortable 10 - 12 for a few years.
I kept going when I returned to the UK, despite a major weight gain, and carried on, on and off, for a couple of years. I even did a 5k race once, making a 33.40 minute time, and the longest run I did was an 8 miler around the banks of the Thames. My running was never terribly structured though and weeks would go by with me doing nothing at all then starting all over again. However, once I started getting stuck into a major job and a heavy social life, running slid, and by the time I met my now-finace, I hadn't run in a couple of years.
Fast forward to the end of April 2012: I'd shed some weight, from my highest ever of 212, down to around 204, and felt like getting into some exercise. We'd got engaged in October 2011 and at the start of the new year, was determined to get into good shape for my big day. I started swimming, another old love which hadn't stood the test of time, and by April was swimming 1k about three - four times a week.
I went to watch a friend run the London Marathon and some switch in my head flipped - it was time to start running again. So I bought a Couch to 5k app for my iPhone, set up a great running playlist, and got going. And man it was not easy to begin with. 2 out of 3 runs were great - tingly, happy, tiring - but one in three is still a slog. I managed to carry on running during that time through a trip to Canada - logging 5 runs in 7 days which was great - and a weekend with my inlaws-to-be in Nottingham, when I managed my first 30 minute run in years. On Sunday, I did my first 3.2 mile (5k) and then did it again on Tuesday morning. It's now Wednesday evening, my knees are aching slightly, and I've just signed up for a few races: a 5k Race for Life on 14th July, a 10k in Richmond Park on 6th October and the London half marathon for Alcohol Concern, where I'm working now, on 28th October, a mere 18 weeks away. This time around, my body isn't responding as quickly to my regime, and every lb off the scale takes a lot more effort (about 3x more) than when I did this for the first time 9 years ago. However I am feeling great - loads more energy, better skin, sleeping earlier and waking earlier (although some of this may be jetlag) and my tolerance for alcohol is dropping which has to be a good thing.
So this blog is my very personal record of how I'm doing, to track every run, every bump in the road along the way. I'm still smoking - about 5 a day - but watching what I eat, and my weight this morning is down to 197. The myfitnesspal app has been great for tracking calories, exercise, weight and measurements. So, the metrics:
Current weight: 197lbs
Hips: 40.5"
Widest part: 41"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 42"
Thigh: 23.5"
Upper arm: 12.75"
Resting heart rate: 78
Running shoes: My old (i.e. from last time) Nike Air BRS 1000s, which have probably done about 100 miles on the road so far. I seem to remember my all time favourite running shoes were Asics Gel Cushioned ones, which I'll look up again in about 200 miles and rebuy. Now I've trained my way out of pronation it doesn't matter quite as much as it used to which shoes I choose, as long as they are well cushioned, airy and comfortable.
Kit: Bench yoga pants - note to self, only really necessary for really cold/wet days, Decathlon running tights (3/4 length), North Face black running vest with phone pocket, green smart-wool t shirt or pink cotton primark running t shirt. I learnt on my early morning run on Tuesday that if it's raining, it's not worth carrying/wearing a baseball cap; I borrowed Jonno's Faith No More cap and ended up carrying it after half a mile, which was a royal pain in the arse. When I start ramping up the mileage I'm also going to need to start carrying water on longer runs and need some kit/system to manage this, as I hate running with something in my hands.
No injuries so far, which is great, and which I put down in equal parts to not training too hard too fast, and the Chirunning book, which is teaching me to run effectively. I've moved from a heelstrike running stance to a mid-foot strike, and using my core more when running (which makes my belly ache like nobody's business, but this has to be a good thing). The only thing to note is a nasty spill on my Saturday run this week which has left me with natty matching bruises on my right side, hip and thigh, and bad grazing on the heels of my hands and the right hand side of my right palm. This was mainly caused by not picking up my feet properly but also because I was running in high winds, which I'm not used to. The Nottingham run also included some hillwork which I don't have to cope with in Dulwich. The other thing I have learned/remembered is that my absolute best time to run is the early morning, before breakfast; I'm crap at (and hate) running in the evenings. The one or two times I tried this in the C25K programme were miserable, even if I did manage to finish it.
My goals are:
14th July 2012: Race for Life 5K - finish and run all the way through
9th Sept 2012: Dulwich ParkRun - finish and achieve a sub 30.00 time
6th Oct 2012: Richmond Park 10k - finish and run all the way through
28th Oct 2012: London half marathon - finish and run all the way through
Get to 159lbs for April 2013 - 37lbs - and if it comes off quicker, get to my all-time goal weight of 144lbs, at which I look great (or did when I was 23, which was the last time I was that light - now 11 years ago!)
This blog will be used to log each and every run I take between now and the big day, once a week logging total mileage, weight, measurements and any particular learnings from the runs I've done.
Run and become!
I started running in 2003 when I was living in Quito, Ecuador. I'd always hated cross country - and walked most of the way around the courses - thinking that I wasn't built to run. I started off running between the trees punctuating the boundaries of my local park - El Parque Carolina - in Merrell walking trainers, starting with around 30 seconds of running, 30 seconds walking. I ran most days, and within 6 - 12 weeks had worked up to a slow 30 minute jog. My body (back in those days) responded very well to exercise; I'm a mesomorph so given proper CV work and a good diet it snapped into good shape pretty quickly, and I found it easy to maintain a weight between 140 - 155lbs, which for my 5' 8" height is a healthy weight. Dress size wise, I maintained a comfortable 10 - 12 for a few years.
I kept going when I returned to the UK, despite a major weight gain, and carried on, on and off, for a couple of years. I even did a 5k race once, making a 33.40 minute time, and the longest run I did was an 8 miler around the banks of the Thames. My running was never terribly structured though and weeks would go by with me doing nothing at all then starting all over again. However, once I started getting stuck into a major job and a heavy social life, running slid, and by the time I met my now-finace, I hadn't run in a couple of years.
Fast forward to the end of April 2012: I'd shed some weight, from my highest ever of 212, down to around 204, and felt like getting into some exercise. We'd got engaged in October 2011 and at the start of the new year, was determined to get into good shape for my big day. I started swimming, another old love which hadn't stood the test of time, and by April was swimming 1k about three - four times a week.
I went to watch a friend run the London Marathon and some switch in my head flipped - it was time to start running again. So I bought a Couch to 5k app for my iPhone, set up a great running playlist, and got going. And man it was not easy to begin with. 2 out of 3 runs were great - tingly, happy, tiring - but one in three is still a slog. I managed to carry on running during that time through a trip to Canada - logging 5 runs in 7 days which was great - and a weekend with my inlaws-to-be in Nottingham, when I managed my first 30 minute run in years. On Sunday, I did my first 3.2 mile (5k) and then did it again on Tuesday morning. It's now Wednesday evening, my knees are aching slightly, and I've just signed up for a few races: a 5k Race for Life on 14th July, a 10k in Richmond Park on 6th October and the London half marathon for Alcohol Concern, where I'm working now, on 28th October, a mere 18 weeks away. This time around, my body isn't responding as quickly to my regime, and every lb off the scale takes a lot more effort (about 3x more) than when I did this for the first time 9 years ago. However I am feeling great - loads more energy, better skin, sleeping earlier and waking earlier (although some of this may be jetlag) and my tolerance for alcohol is dropping which has to be a good thing.
So this blog is my very personal record of how I'm doing, to track every run, every bump in the road along the way. I'm still smoking - about 5 a day - but watching what I eat, and my weight this morning is down to 197. The myfitnesspal app has been great for tracking calories, exercise, weight and measurements. So, the metrics:
Current weight: 197lbs
Hips: 40.5"
Widest part: 41"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 42"
Thigh: 23.5"
Upper arm: 12.75"
Resting heart rate: 78
Running shoes: My old (i.e. from last time) Nike Air BRS 1000s, which have probably done about 100 miles on the road so far. I seem to remember my all time favourite running shoes were Asics Gel Cushioned ones, which I'll look up again in about 200 miles and rebuy. Now I've trained my way out of pronation it doesn't matter quite as much as it used to which shoes I choose, as long as they are well cushioned, airy and comfortable.
Kit: Bench yoga pants - note to self, only really necessary for really cold/wet days, Decathlon running tights (3/4 length), North Face black running vest with phone pocket, green smart-wool t shirt or pink cotton primark running t shirt. I learnt on my early morning run on Tuesday that if it's raining, it's not worth carrying/wearing a baseball cap; I borrowed Jonno's Faith No More cap and ended up carrying it after half a mile, which was a royal pain in the arse. When I start ramping up the mileage I'm also going to need to start carrying water on longer runs and need some kit/system to manage this, as I hate running with something in my hands.
No injuries so far, which is great, and which I put down in equal parts to not training too hard too fast, and the Chirunning book, which is teaching me to run effectively. I've moved from a heelstrike running stance to a mid-foot strike, and using my core more when running (which makes my belly ache like nobody's business, but this has to be a good thing). The only thing to note is a nasty spill on my Saturday run this week which has left me with natty matching bruises on my right side, hip and thigh, and bad grazing on the heels of my hands and the right hand side of my right palm. This was mainly caused by not picking up my feet properly but also because I was running in high winds, which I'm not used to. The Nottingham run also included some hillwork which I don't have to cope with in Dulwich. The other thing I have learned/remembered is that my absolute best time to run is the early morning, before breakfast; I'm crap at (and hate) running in the evenings. The one or two times I tried this in the C25K programme were miserable, even if I did manage to finish it.
My goals are:
14th July 2012: Race for Life 5K - finish and run all the way through
9th Sept 2012: Dulwich ParkRun - finish and achieve a sub 30.00 time
6th Oct 2012: Richmond Park 10k - finish and run all the way through
28th Oct 2012: London half marathon - finish and run all the way through
Get to 159lbs for April 2013 - 37lbs - and if it comes off quicker, get to my all-time goal weight of 144lbs, at which I look great (or did when I was 23, which was the last time I was that light - now 11 years ago!)
This blog will be used to log each and every run I take between now and the big day, once a week logging total mileage, weight, measurements and any particular learnings from the runs I've done.
Run and become!
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