13 mile run with company

I had company today, Stephen and Mark joined me to do 13 miles. We did my usual route and at mile 5 had arranged to meet Kirsty and Jo at the bottom of Horn Street. They weren't there so we decided to run to the garage as they were coming from that direction. I had to pop into the garage to get some water as I had drunk most of mine due to being so dehydrated from being so hungover yesterday. As we came out of the garage we soon saw Kirsty and Jo. We ran to the light railway and turned back and headed along the seafront. Kirsty and Jo left us when they completed 5 miles and we were at 10 miles at that point.  It was so warm today and got quite hot, should of left my jacket at home. Zig zag path killed me today but Stephen and Mark were fine. Was good today having company.

Splits 9:41, 10:03, 10:04, 9:51, 9:42, 9:51, 9:42, 9:46, 10:00, 9:50, 9:29, 9:18, 9:14, 9:33, 10:56
Time 02:08:14

Club night

Tonight has been the quietest night I have seen. We had split into two groups for two different sessions.  It was only me and Tina tonight for our session. When we started out, it was chucking it down! By the time we got to the Leas after our warm up the rain had stopped. We did our dynamic stretches. The session tonight was 6 x 1 min with 1 min recovery and then 6 x 30 sec with 30 sec recovery. For the 1 min rep we ran downhill and then we alternated it by running up hill. For the 30 sec rep, we ran 2 downhill and then 2 uphill.

Splits for 1 min 6:26, 7:23, 6:36, 7:47, 6:43, 7:27
Splits for 30 secs 6:37, 6:47, 7:15 7:19, 6:45, 7:14

Distance 4:36
Time 48:42

Steady 8 miles

Today I had a day off so I went out for a steady 8 miles.  I was running into the wind most of the way and got caught out in the rain for most of the run.  My pace was quite consistent.

Splits 10:03,10:28, 10:21, 10:04, 9:23, 9:13, 9:53, 10:51
Time 1:20:14

Club night 6 miles

Tonight we did a 6 mile run, easing ourselves in gently after Christmas. I couldn't get the satellite signal on my watch straight away so the splits for 5.47 miles. I was pleased I was able to keep up the pack.

Splits 8:38, 9:02, 9:18, 9:10, 8:44, 9:02

Actual distance 5:91
Time 53:20

Boxing Day Fun Run - Cross Country

I had my Dad with me today to cheer me on and take pictures. There were over 600 runners competing, it was such a bad dash at the start which was not very nice, there were feet and elbows everywhere people barging through and kids shouting GET OUT OF THE AWAY which was horrible. It wasn't too long before we had managed to space out a bit more. There were a few bottle necks along the way, first one being at the little bridge. I wasn't sure what to do as I did see others taking a short cut through the stream. I saw Kirsty in front going through the stream and thought, if she is going through and then so am I.  I felt stronger today as my calves didn't feel tight. I saw Faye along the way who gave me a cheer. So glad I had my spikes on and managed to pick people off on the hills. At the finishing line Kevin shouted to me that my pink trainers were no longer so pink! Felt I had a good run considering all those hills.

Time 30:40
Position 281 out of 630, so was pleased with that

Practice Boxing Day Run - Christmas Eve

Today we met up at Brockhill Park getting a feel for the Boxing Day run at Saltwood. A Cross Country fun run which I have not done before.  Today I put in my 12" spikes as it was going to be muddy. We did the course at a nice steady pace.  There were quite a few hills which were difficult and noticed that my calves were feeling quite tight.

Splits 11:13, 12:43, 12:56, 10:46
Time 47:15

Distance covered this week 18:41

My marathon trainers!

Club night - Christmas Light Social Run

Tonight was a social run at the club to look at some Christmas lights. Some of us were wearing festive hats for the occasion. We saw some tasteful as well as tacky lights and made the appropriate noises.  It was a nice steady run including stopping to look at the lights

Splits 10:52, 12:05, 13:34, 10:32, 10:52

Distance 4:37

Time 51:04

6 steady miles

Tonight I did the usual route from the gym. I did 6 miles and kept it steady.

Splits 9:58, 10:26, 10:14,10:10, 10:13, 10:17

Time completed 1:01:18

Winter Handicap and Marathon Draw

Tuesday is finally here, the night of the marathon draw. I haven't stopped going on about it today telling friends that I am going to find out tonight.  Firstly I had to run the handicap. I started off at 2 mins but I was on my own this time.  As soon as I got into the Golden Valley I managed to pick people off who had started off on scratch and 1 minute.  I felt better this time and felt stronger. Towards the end of the second loop I had started to get overtaken by runners who had started after me.  When I ran down the hill, Paul flew past me at great speed but when we got to the up hill, I soon over took him and then he caught me up again.  I got a PB tonight so the training is paying off. Was just under a minute I had managed to knock off.

Splits 7:44, 9:30, 8:59, 8:42, 7:52

Completed it in 37:55

We then got back to the club and had some food and then places were drawn for London Marathon. There were 7 of us and 3 places going.  First place to be drawn was Becky, then ME - YAY I am so happy and then there was Malc.

Next we had team awards from the Team Captain and I had won a ladies prize. I was really chuffed. What a good night for me. I got given strawberry flavoured recovery drink.

When I got home, I soon got on the phone to my Dad and Nan to tell them the good news. Now tomorrow I will have to go to the Post Office to send off the form for London Marathon!

Steady 3 miles

Today I did a steady 3 miles, I had problem with my garmin today and it didn't start when I set out. Oh well never mind.

Spinning

I have now got my place for Great North Run 2012!

Miles covered this week 36:53

Long run 13 miles

It was a nice and fresh Saturday morning with the sun shining. There were patches of ice I had to dodge. On my way I saw my Mum and Nan in the car and then my Auntie and someone from the gym. There were quite a few runners out today, I saw one that was wearing a charity top so he must be marathon training too, first I saw him by Homebase and then saw him later by the Imperial which was funny.  I was quite a bit slower today compared to last week for some reason. I turned back later this week, turned back at the Light Railway Station. When I got onto the promenade, there were quite a few stones I had to doge due to the storms that we have had.  But when I got down past the rowing club it was really bad and the paths were totally covered so that made it really difficult to run through. I will have to change my route a bit next time.

Splits 9:40, 10:30, 10:12, 10:12, 9:34, 9:48, 10:00, 9:53, 9:51,9:44, 10:49, 10:26, 11:48

Time completed 2:12:26

Club night

Tonight we did the warm up to the Leas and did dynamic stretches. The session tonight was 4 mins, 3 mins, 2 mins, 1 mins with half recovery.

Splits 7:39, 8:11, 8:21,7:24

Distance covered 4.25

6 mile steady run

Today I did 6 mile steady run. Weather was kind to me tonight!

Splits 10:05, 10:09, 9:59, 10:11, 10:17, 10:23

Completed 1:01:02

Club night

We did the warm up to the leas and did dynamic stretches. The session tonight was 3 x 1 miles with 2 minutes recovery.  First mile was downhill and then uphill against the wind and last rep going downhill and then the rain came.

1st mile 7:45, 2nd mile 9:07, 3rd mile 7:53

Distance completed 6:28
Time 1:08:52

Tonight I handed in my rejection slip for the ballot for London Marathon, will hear this time next week if I have got a place.

4 mile run with achy leg

Did my gym session lunch time. I did my usual routine.

I went out and did a 4 mile run. My right leg was achy from my fall Saturday and the bruise has come out even more now. Not long into the run I caught out in the down pour and I also saw Santa on his rounds!  On the run I was concentrating on the position of my arms.

Splits 9:41, 9:43, 9:00, 9:03  Completed in 37:25 not too bad considering my achy leg.

Another advent tip for you runners......Running is not only about the leg muscles - using the correct arm movement can make it easier. Relax the shoulders, hands and upper body, bend the arms at 90 degree angles and move them back to forth, not side to side.   ( I saw this on BUPA facebook page today after my run) Just like Dave said. 

6 steady miles with Lynda

Today I had company and Lynda joined me.  We were so good getting up and going for a run after our running party last night. As soon as we got onto the Leas we were hit by the wind. When we got onto the seafront the waves were really big and we were still running in the wind. We turned around just after 3 miles which was a relief. It was great having Lynda's company.

This morning I had woke up with achy legs and thought it must of been from dancing in heals last night.  It has only just about taken me all day to work out what it was from. Its just my right leg that aches. It was from yesterday afternoon, I had managed to slip backwards down some stairs carrying a ladder which landed on top of me. I have now got a massive bruise that has started to come up. My thigh and calf aches. I was so lucky that I didn't do any damage!

Completed in 1:02:42

Splits 11:03, 10:19, 10:40, 9:58, 10:02, 10:39  
Distance covered this week 37:38

12 miles - great run

Today I am upping my distance and went out to do 12 miles.  Today I was running really well and felt good. The weather was perfect with the sun shining and only a slight breeze. When I turned around to run back along the seafront it was very still, makes a change from the wind. When I reached 10 miles, I managed a pb and did it in 1:31:29 which is 3 minutes off my pb, so I was very pleased and didn't even have to push myself hard for it, was just running the pace I was comfortable at.  After 10 miles I had to go up hill into the coastal park and then up ziggy zaggy path which made my pace very slow.  I could of continued at the pace I was running at if it wasn't for those hills. During the run I tried to concentrate on my arms but because I was running with a bottle, this was hard to do.

Completed 12 miles in 1:52:33

Splits 9:45, 9:31, 9:28, 9:23, 8:39, 9:05, 9:11, 8:56, 8:48, 8:46, 11:21, 9:43

12 mins hard and also club night

Earlier on in the week I had worked out a route near to work where I could run hard for 12 mins. I also made arrangements for a friend to take me to my starting point. Today she was sick but decided I would run back and have a slightly longer lunch. So at lunch time I ran hard for 12 minutes to see how far I could run. I also made my friends place bets so see how far I would run. Their guesses were 1.5 miles, 2.5 miles, 3.5 miles and 4.5 miles. I had managed to run 1:48 miles and was pleased with that.

Splits 07:58, 8:26.

I then decided to try and take a short cut back.  I entered a little housing estate and was hoping to come out the other side of it, back onto the main road. I was laughing to myself as I got lost in this housing estate and going down alley ways finding a dead end.  So in the end I covered an extra half mile running back. I just ran slowly.

Splits 10:25,10:20

At the club tonight there were only a few of us, the hardcore ones! We did the warm up to the Leas. The session was 10 x 1 min with 1 min recovery, 10 x 30 sec with 30 sec recovery. We ended up doing 5 x 1 min  downhill and 5 x 1 min uphill and into the wind which was very strong. Then the same with 30 secs.  Tonight we ran together, me, Lynda, Barry and Dave. We had to concentrate on the way we push with our arms. By the end of the session I got the hang of it. It was so hard and tough running against the wind.

Splits for 1 mins downhill : 6:31, 6:41, 6:39, 6:43, 7:14 - uphill 7:58, 7:34, 7:58, 7:43, 8:01
Splits for 30 secs downhill: 6:56, 6:48, 6:42, 6:49, 6:58 - uphill 7:56, 7:37, 8:05, 8:15, 8:23, 7:33

Sorry guys we did an extra 30 secs at the end!

Distance covered 5.90 miles

Club night

Tonight we did the warm up to the Leas and did dynamic stretches.  The session tonight was 3 x 8 minutes. Tonight I was running with Lynda. The first rep was running down hill, second rep was running up hill and in the wind and last rep we ran downhill for 4 minutes and then turned to run up hill for 4 minutes so we managed to finish at the start and then run back to club.

Distance covered 6 miles

Splits 7:54, 8:43, 8:20

First day of Marathon Training

I have had three days off running. I thought I would have a little break before marathon training. Today is the first day of my marathon training. Its either 19 weeks to Brighton or 20 weeks to London. I will hear if I am luckily enough to get a London place on 20 December.

Lunch time today I went to the gym. I did 1 rep of 10 lifting the ball with my legs and then lowering my legs without touching the floor. 2 x reps of 10 pushing the ball out with my feet and legs. 2 x reps of 10 laying on the ball and raising my legs in the air. 2 x reps of 20 abs and twisting my abs.  2 x reps of 20 laying on the floor raising lower back. I held the plank position for 20 seconds and side plank on each side for 20 seconds.

Tonight I went out for a brisk 4 mile run.  Time completed 35:20.

Splits 8:48, 9:16, 8:39, 8:39

2 runs in a day - very unheard of!

This morning I had set out at 7.30am to fit in a 10 mile run before going into work. Had arranged to go into work a bit later.  I wasn't sure I was able to make the club tonight and also I knew I would be drinking this weekend and wouldn't want to do a long run. So I did my usual 10 mile route. I was running over 10 minute miles until I reached about mile 7 and 8 and then was running 9.30 min miles.  Around 8/9 miles it chucked it down and I got soaked!

Tonight I did make to the club in time.  But it was raining! We ran to the Leas and did our dynamic stretches and tonights session was 8 x 90 seconds with 1 min recovery. We did 2 lots of 90 seconds before turning round and going up hill to do 2 lots of 90 seconds.  It rained throughout the session and only a few of us braved to turn out. Again was running with Lynda, lost her on the last rep as she just flew off ahead and I couldn't keep up. I was very pleased with tonights session. My legs felt fine considering I did 10 miles this morning and was able to run fast quite consistently.

My times were 7:56, 7:27, 7:42, 7:25, 7:39, 7:10, 7:54. Distance covered 4.5 miles

4 mile run

Tonight I decided to do a 4 mile steady run. As thinking tomorrow morning I was going to do 10 miles. Was running 10 minute miles.

Club night

Tonight we did the usual warm up to the Leas and did our dynamic stretches. The session was 4 x km reps. It was a case of doing 1 rep down the hill, then 1 rep up the hill against the strong wind and repeated by going down and up.  Tonight I was running with Lynda and we were a good match for each other. Tonight I was pressed the wrong buttons on my watch but looking at my pace chart I was pretty much consistent.

Covered 5 miles

Gym sess

Tonight I did my usual gym session. I did 5 bikes minutes on the bike, followed by going on the ball and doing 1 rep of 10 lifting the ball with my legs and lowering my legs. 2 x reps of 10 pushing the ball with legs and feet. 2 x reps of 10 laying on  the ball and lifting legs in the air for lower back. 2 reps of 20 doing sit ups including twisting sit ups. Held plank position for 20 seconds and side plank on both sides for 20 seconds.

10 mile run in the wet and wind

Today I decided to do a long run. I didn't run yesterday as spent the day at Lakeside Christmas shopping. I did my usual 10 mile route. My legs felt good today as have had 2 days off. On route about 3 miles in I saw Sue and Pam ahead, so I ran a bit faster to catch up. They were running in the same direction as me so I ran along with them for about just over mile going down Horn Street. From the start it was windy, at the bottom of Horn Street I got onto the beach and headed towards the Imperial, OMG it was so windy, I was running in the wind and then it started to chuck down. I was looking forward to turning round. When I turned around I just flew having the wind behind me.  I got to ziggy zaggy path and I saw a runner, so I thought right I am going to catch you up.  On the last straight of the path I caught him up and shouted out "come on"  when I went past, meaning race with me to the top but he wasn't having any of it. I had beaten him to the top YAY.

Spinning.

Club night

Tonight was the usual warm up to the Leas and the session was 3 reps of 1 min, 1 min recovery, 2 mins, 1 min recovery, 3 minutes, 2 mins recovery. Tonight I was running with Sam and tonight there was a group of us that kept together. Each 1 min, 2 min and 3 min were about consistent with each other, so that was good.  I was mainly running 7:30ish min miles and for the 3 min was running nearer 8 min miles.

6 steady miles that were steady

Tonight I did 6 miles from the gym, my usual route. I was feeling my calves a bit from yesterdays run. Kept it nice and steady and was running 10 min miles.

Winter Handicap

Tonight is the Winter Handicap again. No rain this time. I got a shock when I got my bib as for the first time, I wasn't starting from scratch. I had been promoted and my place was to start off at 2 minutes. I started off with Kirsty and Jo. We soon set off and when we reached the Golden Valley we saw some runners who had started off from scratch and from 1 minute.  Going through the Golden Valley I had managed to work my way through the runners. By this point Kirsty was gone but I was still with Jo.  Going up Sandgate Hill, I was still able to get past people.  When I reached the top of the hill my calves were killing me.  On the start of the second loop, Jo had pulled out, so I was on my own but on the way round I was still catching people up and going past.  By this point, I had realised I had done my trainer up too tight and I had pins and needles.  On the hill going down I saw my friend Laura who was out running.  So all the way to the end now the pins and needles were not going away. Approaching the finishing line I could hear footsteps and thought I wasn't going to let that person past me.  I really did speed up and made that person behind me work for it.  As it turns out it was Catherine and she caught me up at the end.  The same thing happened a few handicaps back and managed to pip me to the post by just her foot over the finishing line.  I was quicker this time. Completed it in 38:48.

Gym sess

Tonight I did my usual session in the gym, I did 10 minutes on the bike as warm up before going onto the swiss ball. I did 1 rep of 10 lifting the ball with my legs and then lowering my legs to the ground without touching, 2  reps of 10 pushing the ball out with my legs and feet. 2 reps of 20, laying on ball lifting legs up in the air. 2 reps of 20 doing abs and twisting to do abs on ball. Held plank position for 20 seconds and side plank on each side for 20 seconds.

I did some marathon preparation tonight to plan out which races I am going to do leading up to the marathon. So  at the moment I am planning on doing the Boxing Day run in December. January going to 2 XCountry races, one  beginning of Jan and the other end of January. February going to do Half Marathon, March Olympic Park run, 5 miles.

Another run in the sun - YAY

Today I did my usual route along the seafront and turned around at 3 miles. What another glorious day for running along the beach. My legs felt so much better today and I took it steady. I saw Del along the way. Completed 6 miles in about 1hr. 

10 miles in the sunshine

Today I thought I would get a long run in as I haven't done one since the Great South and I want to keep my distance up in preparation for marathon training.  It was a glorious morning with the sun shining and was quite warm, (very warm for November). So glad I decided to wear a t-shirt! My good running came to end today and  my legs certainly felt it. My legs were so tired and heavy and was difficult to pick up the pace. I was running over 10 minute miles which isn't too good. My route had some hills as well as downhill going down Horn Street. I so needed that downhill and then I was able to pick up the pace. It wasn't until about 5 miles my legs felt better and I was able to speed up a bit. Running back along the seafront I saw quite a few people from the gym and that gave me a boost! First I saw a group of guys on bike and got a wave, so I waved back. I thought it was random being nice but no it was someone from the gym I chat to and only found that out after my run when I went for a jacuzzi.  Then I saw another 3 girls from the gym (including my spinning instructor), so that made me run faster. Then I got to ziggy zaggy path and saw Simon from the gym. So I definitely had to run all the way to the top lol. I had turned around too soon along the beach so I had to make up about a mile on the Leas.  The last  half of the run I was running quicker around 9.30 min miles so that was better.  On the plus side today, least I had practice with running with tired legs!

Completed in 1:42, could of been quicker but never mind.

Club night

Tonight we did the warm up to the Leas. The session was 8 x 2 mins with 1 min recovery.  A quick and short session. The session did fly by. My legs still continued to feel strong and was running constantly just under 8 min miles so I was pleased I was able to maintain the pace. Tonight I was running with Tracy.  Another good run for me this week.

6 steady miles turned into 10k pb!

Tonight I ran Grahame's route from the gym doing 6 miles. Tonight I felt good and my pace just kept getting faster and faster. My breathing felt comfortable, nice and steady, my legs felt strong and not tired, achy or heavy.  So I thought I would just carry on with my fast pace as I was comfortable. As I was making good time I thought I would slightly extend the run into 10k. I did 6.11 miles in 54:15. I thought this was 10k, but 10k is more 6.20 miles. If I carried on to 6.20 my time would of been around 54.30, a PB!! My fastest 10k is 55.08. So I was really happy with that considering it wasn't under race conditions and there was a hill.

I am having a good week with running so far. Feeling strong.

After half way I was running about 8.38 min miles till near the very end so very pleased with myself so keep that speed.

Club night - so so cold tonight

Hill session. We did our warm up running to Sandgate Hill. We split into two groups, the men and the women. Our first hill reps were on the top half of the hill running for 10 minutes.  The first rep I was at the front with Catherine and Tash all the way to the top. My recovery that I needed was longer than theirs so that meant the gap got bigger and wasn't able to keep up to be able to start off with them. On the last rep, I practised my cross country tactics and managed to pick off three up the hill. The next lot of reps were on the lower hill doing long and medium reps, doing this alternately again for 10 minutes. For the first rep I was at the front and near to the top, Catherine and Tash caught me up.  I was pleased that I was able to do this. Tonight I felt strong on the hills and certainly the cross country sessions/races and stepping up of my running is paying off.  Then we ran back to the club. I enjoyed the session.

Covered just over 5 miles.

The heating is certainly going on tonight!

Gym sess

Tonight I did 10 minutes on the bike and then went over and used the swiss ball. I did 10 lots of transferring the ball between my feet and arms and lowering my legs to floor without touching the floor. Then did 2 reps of 10,by laying on the floor on my back pushing the ball back and forth with my feet. 2 reps of 10 doing lower back exercises. 2 reps of 10 abs  and 2 reps of 10 twisting when doing abs. Held the plank position counting to 10 and holding plank position on both sides also counting to 10. Did weights for Achilles.

6 mile run - after a night of drinking

This morning I woke up with such a stiff achey neck. That was from falling down the ditch and banging my head yesterday. I went out last night to a friends 30th so I had quite a bit to drink. I took so water with me this time as I knew I was dehydrated. Was a very slow run today, legs were tired from yesterday and being dehydrated.  I headed along the Leas and down into Sandgate and turned back round and went up the Ziggy Zaggy path. I got a comment on the way up, "are you mad!". The ziggy zaggy path is getting easier to conker. I couldn't believe how nice it was today, so sunny and warm and you wouldn't of thought it was November. I even managed to get a slight tan on my arm!

Spinning class

Cross Country Bexley

Today was the ladies race, not as many of us this time round. This course was quite flat and had to do two laps.  I had fallen over, I went down a ditch which was covered in leaves and banged my head on the way down. I was lucky I didn't hurt myself. The girls around me were really nice and all asked if I was all right. On the way round I had managed to pick my way through and got past a few people. This course was certainly more enjoyable than the last.

Position was 93rd I think and this time I had more people behind me. I completed it just under 27 minutes.

Club

Tonights session was the warm up to the Leas and dynamic stretches. The session was 6 x 2 minutes fast with 1 minute recovery and 1 minute fast and 1 minute recovery and run back to the club. I was using my lap button and was running about 7.38 min mile and was pretty much consistent through out the session. So was please with tonights session. Tonight I was running with Sam and we kept each other going. It was windy tonight with the wind blowing side ways!

Wednesday 6 mile run

My abs were aching this morning when I woke up.

Tonight I had company on my run. Tonight I did Grahame’s route which he had plotted out for me. We got to about 2 miles where Laura had to stop as she had got blisters that have not healed and were hurting her. I carried on to complete 6 miles. At the start of the run my calves felt a bit tight but soon loosened up. Grahame was bang on with the distance, 6 miles finishing at the door of the gym. Then of course I had a jacuzzi which ended up breaking on me!!

Club night

Yesterday I was planning on going to the gym but I went to the cinema and the film was longer than I was expecting. So at lunch time I went to Ashford Bannatynes and did a work out.  I did 2 reps of 10 where I laid on my back with the swiss ball in between my legs and lifting my legs up with the ball and then grabbing the ball with my hands and at the same time lowering both my legs without my feet touching the floor. I did 2 reps of 10 where I laid on my back with my legs over the ball, lifting my back off the ground and moving the ball with my legs out to my feet. I also 2 reps of 10 sitting on the ball doing sit ups and then alternating with sitting up and twisting to the side. I then laid on my stomach and lifting up my back working on lower back. 2 reps of 10. Then 2 reps of 10 laying on my stomach with arms out stretched and lifting up an arm at the same time lifting the opposite leg.  I got excited when I spotted a hula hoop as Folkestone haven't got them so I did hula hooping for a few minutes.

At the club tonight, we did our usual warm up to the Leas and dynamic stretches and the session was 4 x 6 minutes with 2 minute recovery.  I was running with Alison tonight which helped by maintaining the pace. My splits were between 8:15-8:30 which I was happy with. Covered just under 6 miles. Tonight Graham gave me a 6 mile route to try tomorrow going from the gym which I am looking to try.

Early morning Sunday run

This morning I woke up early and had time to fit in a 6 mile run before going out to cheer on Folkestone Running Club at Deal 5.  This morning it was fine rain and a bit of wind. I went along the Leas, then down onto the sea front into Sandgate and Seabrook before turning back and running all the way up zig zaggy path.  I managed to get to the top, I usually give up.  The Cross Country sessions are certainly paying off.

Spinning in the afternoon

X Country training session at Brockhill

We had a smaller group today, don't know if the rain had put them off or the Deal 5 tomorrow. Was a bit drizzly today but not cold.  We had a warm up around the football pitches to our first rep which was up the longest hill to the gate and a jog down. We did this twice and then a jog to the next rep. We did a loop anti clockwise which consisted of steep little hills, then a straight which was our recovery and down a long hill. We did this three times and then turned round and did the loop clockwise three times starting with the long hill. We did this three times.  Next rep was a steep muddy slippery hill which was a loop and did this twice.  I managed to avoid the slippery bit and found the grass. Then a run back. I cut off a corner as I was worn out! Was a good session and certainly worked hard on those hills.  Covered just over 6 miles.

Club night

Tonight I had an easy one and helped out with the Junior Handicap. A gentle run to the leas from the club. I was the honourary starter and played my part of saying three two one go! Had a little sprint half way down the Leas where I stood cheering the juniors on  and then a gentle run back up the leas to the finish. Then a gentle run back to the club. The juniors were quick!

Start of 6 mile runs on Wednesdays!

So tonight I started from the gym, but where to run I was thinking and a route to cover 6 miles.  I decided to head into Cheriton, Golden Valley, Sandgate Hill (I was good to include the massive hill), back into Folkestone and head back to the gym.  I was about half mile short so ended up running past the gym, running around the carpark and then running back and forth past reception lol. I got my 6 miles in and completed it in 1.00 a nice steady easy run. I of course finished in the jacuzzi.

Club night

Tonights session, warm up to the Leas and the session consisted of:

1 x 8 mins
2 mins recovery
2 x 4 mins with 2 mins recovery inbetween
2 x 2 mins with 2 mins recovery inbetween

Run back to the Leas. Tonight I was slow, legs must still be tired from Sunday. Had a chat with Dave tonight about my programme for the marathon next year. It was decided for me to run 6 miles and a 20 week programme to start in December. Exciting stuff and lots of runs!

Great South Run - 10 Mile

I was good last night and had 3 vodkas and left the pub at 10.30 to go to bed! Was up so early that even ITV didn't have a programme on!  Had to leave at 5.30 with Ian but wasn't so bad as the clocks went back so really it was 6:30am.  We drove to Portsmouth and caught a train that took us near to the run. It was a bit of a walk and saw where I was going to run.  I went to my wave which was orange.  This one didn't quite have the hype and atmosphere of the Great North run.  Didn't have the big screens so couldn't see the elite runners. I was near to the front this time which was nice for a change for the big runs that I have done.  The first few miles were the best and got to run through the dockyard and saw the naval ships which was interesting. I had a clear run and was able to run in a straight line compared to Great North where I was running around people constantly.  The course was flat all of the way. The last 2 miles was back on the seafront. It was windy but it was as it was a cool breeze.  Another good run for me, PB again by nearly a minute.

Completed it in 1:34:48 so was really happy!

XCountry Tonbridge

First XCountry of the season for me and first time doing XCountry. I don't really count Alton Towers as that was so extreme with all that mud! We arrived at the grounds of a school. 5k for us ladies doing 2 laps and 10k for men doing 4 laps.  A group of us did a warm up and tried the hill that was in front of us, it was so so long and steep. So from start we had to go up that hill and pretty much the course was up and down most of the way. Was great to see the men on side lines cheering us ladies on.  On the 2nd lap of the dreaded hill, I saw Mick, he was running up the hill with me giving me encouragement shouting to pick off the people in front one by one to over take. That really helped and managed to pick 3 people off in front of us. My bright pink spikes had managed to stay pink! That was a tough course but was fun.

Came 89th but don't know out of how many, but near to the last finishers.

Right off to the pub with friends from the club!

Winter Handicap

Its this time of year again, the time of the Winter Handicap. The rain was chucking it down on the way to the start line so not a good start, oh well! Tonight I started off from scratch and was in the lead all the way till in the middle of the Golden Valley where Jo had caught me up and over took. Then we got to Sandgate Hill, the killer hill and managed to close the gap between me and Jo. On the last lap round I had manage to catch Jo which I was pleased but she soon over took again. Saw Dave on the last stretch who was able to speak quite easily and not out of breath giving encouragement so that was good.

Completed it in 39:08 just under a minute slower - never mind.
Back to the club and had great food!

Maidstone Half Marathon 16 October

OMG what a fresh morning, so so cold. Really couldn't decide what to wear, started off in shorts and vest, way too cold for that and had to change.  All of a sudden the race had started with no warning so off we went. I forgot how hilly the course was up and down up and down constantly.  I saw Figgy at mile 6 so was pleased I manged to get that far being in front and then Alison caught me at mile 9. It was a great course with lovely scenary. I felt good running this race and it had some nice down long hills.  I keep seeing the same girl at races and we always finish at the same time lol. I got another PB today from just only a few weeks ago.

Completed in 2:05:16 so was very pleased!!! Last Half Marathon for the year.

Ashford 10K

This race flew by, think it is because I have recently done 2 half marathons.  This race was quite hilly and my average pace was 9.02 which I was pleased with.

Completed it in 56.23, 1 minute off my pb, never mind. Still pleased as it was hilly.

Folkestone Half Marathon 25 September 2011

What a hot sunny day, a day for sunbathing on the beach not running a Half Marathon!! That was a tough race, it was too hot to run which I found a struggle.  It was great to see members of the running club along the route cheering me on.  At mile 9 my legs were feeling like jelly which I haven't felt before.  When I reached the water station, I was so glad to see Sue giving me some Lucozade which gave me some much needed energy.  Then there was Remembrance Hill to master, I was too tired to run up it and gave in and walked most of the way to the top.

Completed it in 2:09:48, was quite pleased with my time considering the heat.

20 September 2011 Club night

Tonights session, did a lap of the field and a drill session as warm up, followed by doing the pyramid. 1 minute fast, then a 1 minute recovery, 2 minutes fast,1 minute recovery, 3 minutes fast, 1 minute recovery, 4 minutes fast, 2 minutes recovery, 4 minutes fast, 2 minute recovery, 3 minutes fast, 1 minute recovery, 2 minutes fast, 1 minute recovery, 1 minute fast and 1 minute recovery.  Tonight my legs felt a little tired from Sunday.

Great North Run - Garmin

Untitled by twinkleang at Garmin Connect - Details

18 September 2011 - Great North Run

It was a great race to be a part of - running with thousands of people. It took me about 20 mins to get to the start line and I got to high five Mo who was standing on the right side. It was hard work running around people from the start to finish.

The crowds were great and were supporting you from start to finish handing out sweets, oranges, ice poles and even beer! There were quite a few bands along the way, people with hoses as well. I loved the boost zone hearing the cheesy music!

The weather was a bit crazy, started off as over cast, then had blazing sunshine and got quite hot and also had a few down pours of rain as well.

I was really pleased with my time 2.08.3. I came 17662 which I think out of 50,000 odd runners.

When I finished I had back ache so I know I need to do back exercises to build on muscle strength there.

I got a nice goodie bag at the end, another tshirt for the collection and a medal.  I have now got to watch GNR which I recorded from the telly.

Folkestone half next!

Tuesday 5 August - Club night

Tonight we did a drill session. Did 8 x 300 metres.

Saturday 30 July - Track session

We did our usual warm up.  8 x 300 metres followed by 3 x 150 metres.

Thursday 28 July - Club night

Today we had a internet company at the club interviewing members and filming us running.  Todays session was running for one minute, one minute recovery, run for two minutes, one minute recovery, run for three minutes and two minutes recovery. Repeated 3 times.

Tuesday 26 July - Club night

Tonight we had a drill session doing laps around the field which was hard work but fun. Tonight we paired up, one person rang 10k pace whilst the other person was recovering. When we met, we tagged and turned round. We did this for 20 minutes.

Sunday 24 July - Deal Dinosaur 10k

My thighs were achey today from yesterday tracks session. I did this course last year and I forgot how hilly it is. I enjoyed this course though and it seemed to go quick with the different changes of scenary compared to looking at fields at Romney Marsh the other week. Not a pb this time but was happy with my time considering I did yesterday track session and there were hills.

Time 55:54  Average Pace 9:03

Saturday 23 July - Track Session

I went to Julie Rose and did the track session.  Did 1.5 mile warm up along the cycle route.  I did 8 x 300 metres and 3 x 150 metres.  I was running with Kim, Tina and Graham and I was able to pretty much keep up. I really need to learn how to use the lap function on my watch.  Finished off doing stretches.

Tuesday 19 July - Summer Handicap - PB by nearly 5 mins!

Tonight was the Club's Summer handicap. I started off from scratch with 10 runners. I took the lead but couldn't keep it up. First to over take me was young Charlotte and shortly by Tracey.  Soon after was young Laurel.  This was the first time I didn't have my ipod on at the handicap and all I could hear was my feet on the gravel.  Looping back I could hear Jo breathing behind me and she over took. I was able to run with Jo which kept my pace which was good. Near to the end Kirsty ran in from behind. Last years time was 43:59 and today I completed it in 39:02 so another PB by nearly 5 mins.I was really happy with my time.  We finished off with a bbq, great food and great company!

Distance 4.46 miles     Average Pace 8.44 min miles

Saturday 16 July pink drowned rat!

Today was the start of my training for Great North run, getting in my long runs.  My route was along Shorncliffe Road, down my Radnor Park, up Park Farm Road which was an incline, along Cherry Garden avenue into Cheriton High Street to Tescos, down Horn Street and at the bottom turned right for a bit and then turned around running along the beach.  Was very wet today and windy. Felt bit slow today. I looked like a pink drowned rat, pink trainers, pink on my leggins, pink jacket and a pink water bottle. I was the pink lady!  Finished off in jacuzzi. 

Distance 8 miles       average pace 9.59 min mile

Thursday 14 July club night

Yay I got to wear my pink trainers! Tonights session, warm up around Lucy Avenue. Session was on top field working in pairs. Was paired up with Jo.  I ran one way around the field and Jo ran the other way to we meet to tag. Took turns running at 10k pace followed by recovery. Did this for 20 minutes.

Wednesday 13 July - hot pink trainers!

My hot pink trainers!

Yay my new hot pink trainers have arrived today, I was so excited. I was going around in the gym showing off my trainers lol. They are the same as my last pair, just the newer model. I tried them out on the treadmill today and they seem to be perfect - time will tell! Went on the treadmill for 7 mins, did work on the ball focusing on calves, lower back and abs.  Did some weights for my arms. I am looking forward to the weekend to give my trainers a good go lol - sad I know but hay!

Tuesday 12 July - Waterworks Hill

Tonights run was up waterworks hill, 6.90 mile route.  A social run and had stops on the way.  It had been raining so was quite muddy in places and slippery. Had never done this route before and was good running along the tracks. Saw some scary bulls along the way. Waterworks hill is so long, I didn't make it to the top and had to stop and run. Poor Ian had twisted his ankle in the mud, pulled/torn ligaments in his ankle.

Monday 11 July - gym session

Monday evening had a short session in the gym.  My body was aching today, the weekend activities catching up with me.  In the gym I went on the bike for 15 minutes to warm up followed by exercises on the ball, working my calves, lower back and abs.  Also did Vibe Spin - well that was an experience to the normal spin class. I don't know what the instructor was on as the movements didn't go with the music, was very odd. I won't be doing that class again.

Sunday 10 July 2011

Sunday 10 July

Romney Marsh 10k. The race started off as overcast but the sun soon came out to shine. A chance to wear my new sunglasses. A PB for me today. Got two different times. Going by my watch it ws 55:25, one second off my PB or the time keeper said 54:54. Average pace, 8:56. Was pleased with my time today considering I went on a 18 mile bike ride yesterday, 4 vodkas and it was a hot one. The course was a nice flat one and not much of a breeze. I was nearly sick near the end, just hope no one saw me!  Was a good turn out for the club. Had a jacuzzi when I got home.

Spinning in the afternoon.

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