The best thing about running (Week 11 - 20 to go)

Hard as it is to get out some days, there is nothing like the feeling of being out there, especially on the way back, or when I reach a ‘high’ point and know the ‘hill’ is done!

Still smiling even though I was definitely not in the 'zone'

I know the benefits of exercise, but I don’t run for that albeit I appreciate the extra stamina and lung function.  I certainly don’t lose any weight (it gives me too much of an appetite and I tend to pig out when I get in) but my muscles are stronger and more toned.  But the bit that that’s not so visible is the psychological benefits.  I can run off my frustrations of the day, work through issues, give myself a talking too, fantasise or run with friends and chat (not on the uphill!).

The views on a typical run (with my best running mate)

I briefly mentioned negative heckling last week, but I have to admit I get as much positive ‘heckling’ when I run, with comments that encourage and keep me going.  Someone actually said I was ‘brave’ yesterday when I ran past them going up a hill.  This was on a dry day without gale force winds – but then they wouldn't have been out when I was getting blown off my feet.

There is a perverse satisfaction about arriving home muddy, wet, windblown and knackered. 

Christmas Day, Watosn plays on the rocks

So this week’s training didn't quite go to plan, Christmas, a blocked bathroom sink and lame dog all contributed to not having enough hours in the day.  But I did get out with the best run being on Christmas Day – perfect to work up an appetite.

Weeks activity 19^th – 25^th December:

Saturday – No training

Sunday – Road run 5.16k /81m height gain

Monday – No training

Tuesday – Trail run 5.49k / 175m height gain

Wednesday – No training

Thursday – No training

Friday – 6.53km / 180m height gain + 5k bike

(Goatfell Race 15.5km / 870m)

The worst thing about running (Week 10 - 21 to go)

Having taken the first step out of the door to do more running in the rain

After a week’s rest I was itching to get out again and still that first step out of the door was hard.  Into the darkness, knowing that there were a few hills in tonight’s coaching session.  But neither the first step or the hills are the hardest things for me. Not that I think I will ever get used to the hills, I am managing short inclines better than I was.

Neither is the occasional heckle the worse thing.  Yes I have had the odd remark as I've passed someone.  The ‘someone’ is usually male, stationary and often smelling of cigarette smoke. Grunting phrases such ‘can’t you go faster than that’.  If I had the breath I may reply, politely of course, that no actually I can’t but I am going faster than you! Funnily enough I've never had a disparaging word said by a fellow runner or anyone out doing something active.

Lots of rain = lots of waterfalls (and a misty lens)

I could consider the howling wind and lashing rain as one of the bad things, but although I don’t like either they are further down the list than hail and ice (I like snow), and actually give me a greater sense of satisfaction of having done something.  Likewise, although it seems a long time ago, scorching sunshine can be equally as bad.

My second to top worst thing is the fear of injury.  Having had a bad calf injury and following that multiple setbacks with a tendency to shin splints, every little tweak fills me with dread.  

Post run allergic reaction

But firmly top of my list is the after effects of a run.  Unfortunately I am one of those runners (and there are a few of us about) that suffer from a post exercise reaction. It happens about 70% of the time and I am covered in urticaria.  I take antihistamines every day anyway, and nothing stops the reaction.  Most times it just itches, but on occasion it feels like an iron burn and is really painful.  As with any allergic reaction, it can make me dizzy and irritable. Fortunately it doesn't last too long and as yet has not stopped me from doing any form of exercise.

So onwards and upwards (more hills), and we’ll see how I manage to progress over the next 10 weeks when I hope to step it up again.

Weeks activity 12^th – 18^th December:

Saturday – No training / rest week

Sunday – No training / rest week

Monday – No training / rest week

Tuesday – Coaching session, 6.47km / 100m height gain

Wednesday – No training

Thursday – Short run 4.77km

Friday – Trail run, 10.17km / 241 height gain

(Goatfell Race 15.5km / 870m)

Running, rest and recovery week (Week 9 - 22 to go)

All the training books and advice I read recommend taking time out to allow muscles to recover and repair properly to improve long term goals and strength – so this week I am heeding that advice.

I had originally planned to get to Christmas and then review my progress to see if I had managed to increase my training sessions, mileage and general time on feet and have a rest before cracking on again in the New Year. 

Santa Dash, wet and windy but a totally unexpected PB

But I’ve brought it forward a little and my rest week runs from Wednesday 9^th to the next coaching session on the 15^th.  So why now? Firstly I bench marked last week and managed a PB on the Santa Dash on Sunday, and this despite my legs feeling tired and trying to fight off a niggly cough that I’ve had for 10 days.  I think my body is telling me I need a rest to fight off the cough, not to mention the fact my diary is full of work.  I also have more time off over Christmas and New Year, so in theory should have more time for a run or two, and my son is coming and he will want a run as well.  So it seems a good time to have a break. 

I still got beaten by the Snowman in the Santa dash (Jon) 

Listening to the hail lashing the windows, having seen a totally white Goatfell today and with the ferries on constant amber alert, my trainers are staying dry until Tuesday when I will start phase two of my training (as yet to be developed) plan.

Weeks activity 5^th – 11^th December:

Saturday – No training

Sunday – Santa Dash 5.2km - PB

Monday – No training

Tuesday – Coaching session, 5.42km, pyramids.

Wednesday – No training/rest week

Thursday – No training/rest week

Friday – No training/rest week

(Goatfell Race 15.5km / 870m)

Benchmarking my running progress (Week 8 - 23 to go)

On Sunday's run Glenashdale track with the dogs

 I'm one of those people that need a goal and also need to know how far I've run and how fast.  I think one of the reasons for this is my lack of ability to see my own improvement – I need to see it in black and white – so I have a short route that I use to benchmark my progress.  It’s a lovely route on a forest trail that no one else seems to use, probably as it goes nowhere.  It starts with a steady imperceptible incline, a good steady downhill, then what I think of as a 3 tier uphill, with a steepish start, breath catcher in the middle and a steady last bit, before turning to retrace my steps down the hill catching my breath again before the last up. The final kilometre is that ‘imperceptible incline’ that now propels me forward for a sprint finish! So good mixed terrain.

When I first did this 10 months ago I couldn't run up the hills and the route took me just over 29 minutes, now I can run the distance and the hills and complete it in 25.34m.  Unfortunately most of that improvement was several months ago, but I'm still shaving the odd second off so it’s going in the right direction.

More of Sunday's run - great scenery

Benchmarking aside, I've done slightly less this week than planned but Laura (Run Arran Coach) gave me a great get out, when she said ‘less is more’ and counselled against doing too much too soon. So I eased off a little and concentrated on those hills and my technique a bit this week, with a few core exercises thrown in.

Weeks activity 28thNovember 4^th December:

Saturday – No training

Sunday – Trail run 5.37km/203m height gain

Monday – No training

Tuesday – Coaching session, hill reps 8.54km

Wednesday – No training

Thursday – Benchmark & additional run 6.71km /172m

Friday – Mixed exercise, very short bike ride

(Goatfell Race 15.5km / 870m)