Somehow I managed to jump out of bed at 06:30 on Sunday 2nd despite having hit the sack just 5 hours before. Saturday had been all about planning for a fund-raising dinner in our garden ( a warm marquee!) and the evening had stretched into the early morning. Happy guests had emptied their pockets for the Teso Development Trust, a beneficiary of my running efforts if I can get round Nottingham on 13th.
Despite protesting legs, I managed a credible 75 minutes jog / walk through Ruddington and the Country Park. After torrential rain the previous day the terrain was slippy so progress was slow. I'm not sure how many miles I covered but it might have been 4-5. Still can't imagine 13!
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Friday, 31 July 2009
Time to catch-up!
Gosh - I never realised that blogging was harder than jogging. I have been away from writing duties for too long and must now catch-up.
On Friday 15th May I joined around 40 runners for the Broxtowe 5K Run. It tipped with rain and as I drove there after a busy day, I was seriously tempted to turn back. However I'm glad I didn't because I got round and managed to shave 4 minutes off my previous 5K time - despite chatting with a lady called Clare to encourage her on the way round. Not that she needed much encouragement from me as she seemed to have a family member on every corner to shout her on. Where were my lot, I ask myself? Eventually I asked Clare's lot to shout for me too!
On May 29th I was speaking at Excel Docklands and did take my running shoes with me. However I was just too tired to jog the lower reaches of the Thames that day.
Just too tired.......seems to sum up the slow progress in my training. Despite every effort, getting back from a tiring day handling PR for clients and speaking at events has meant precious little time pounding the roads.
On Friday 17th July I set off for a 5K and returned limping having managed to pull a calf muscle. I felt desperate because I knew that the clock was ticking on the 12 week training schedule recommended by the Robin Hood Festival of Running team.
I rested-up for two weeks (managed to fall in a tennis match and bruise bits of me I had forgotten exited) and started the tentative climb back to confident jogging.
Will I make it round on 13th September? I have a psychological battle going on...but won't give up that easily.
The sun is shining for a change today and I know I'll have those shoes on tonight. Watchout Nottingham...here I come!
On Friday 15th May I joined around 40 runners for the Broxtowe 5K Run. It tipped with rain and as I drove there after a busy day, I was seriously tempted to turn back. However I'm glad I didn't because I got round and managed to shave 4 minutes off my previous 5K time - despite chatting with a lady called Clare to encourage her on the way round. Not that she needed much encouragement from me as she seemed to have a family member on every corner to shout her on. Where were my lot, I ask myself? Eventually I asked Clare's lot to shout for me too!
On May 29th I was speaking at Excel Docklands and did take my running shoes with me. However I was just too tired to jog the lower reaches of the Thames that day.
Just too tired.......seems to sum up the slow progress in my training. Despite every effort, getting back from a tiring day handling PR for clients and speaking at events has meant precious little time pounding the roads.
On Friday 17th July I set off for a 5K and returned limping having managed to pull a calf muscle. I felt desperate because I knew that the clock was ticking on the 12 week training schedule recommended by the Robin Hood Festival of Running team.
I rested-up for two weeks (managed to fall in a tennis match and bruise bits of me I had forgotten exited) and started the tentative climb back to confident jogging.
Will I make it round on 13th September? I have a psychological battle going on...but won't give up that easily.
The sun is shining for a change today and I know I'll have those shoes on tonight. Watchout Nottingham...here I come!
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Music while you jog
Someone somewhere must have polled joggers across the globe for the Top 10 tracks to keep you on your toes. Or have they?
I'm in need of a bit more musical variety having asked my daughter to quickly download her favorites onto my iPod shuffle. Not sure what to expect, I set off round Ruddington to the gentle rhythm of Nickledack and Dylan. Hhm - if anyone can suggest the most inspiring tracks to keep pace with a 40+ female just about breaking into a sweat we might be onto something!
I'm in need of a bit more musical variety having asked my daughter to quickly download her favorites onto my iPod shuffle. Not sure what to expect, I set off round Ruddington to the gentle rhythm of Nickledack and Dylan. Hhm - if anyone can suggest the most inspiring tracks to keep pace with a 40+ female just about breaking into a sweat we might be onto something!
Sunday, 3 May 2009
The 'Comfort' Break!
Having made a reasonable start to my Half Marathon training things hit the buffers at Easter. I went away for a break, came back with a nasty sickness and took two weeks to recover my strength! No it wasn't swine flu but it might as well have been.
I've dusted-down my New Balance running shoes and re-discovered the joys of jogging, feeling a bit of pressure now as it is just 18 weeks to the BIG DAY.
So, great to have met-up with a work colleague (and keen runner) George Derbyshire who emailed me the following Top Tips:
1. Take it easy. You’ve got plenty of time between now and September, and if you overdo it, it will take a long time to recover. It gets more difficult when you’re over 30!
2. Think time, not distance. You should work up to 2 hours. It’s all about being on your feet continuously, and it’s better to keep going slowly and not to walk.
3. Find somewhere interesting rather than banging around the streets. Even better, find a friend. You will be amazed the difference it makes when you are with some-one else.
4. Once you’ve done the race, don’t let it go. Keep it up!
He has also pledged a tenner to see me through the last mile......thanks George!
I've dusted-down my New Balance running shoes and re-discovered the joys of jogging, feeling a bit of pressure now as it is just 18 weeks to the BIG DAY.
So, great to have met-up with a work colleague (and keen runner) George Derbyshire who emailed me the following Top Tips:
1. Take it easy. You’ve got plenty of time between now and September, and if you overdo it, it will take a long time to recover. It gets more difficult when you’re over 30!
2. Think time, not distance. You should work up to 2 hours. It’s all about being on your feet continuously, and it’s better to keep going slowly and not to walk.
3. Find somewhere interesting rather than banging around the streets. Even better, find a friend. You will be amazed the difference it makes when you are with some-one else.
4. Once you’ve done the race, don’t let it go. Keep it up!
He has also pledged a tenner to see me through the last mile......thanks George!
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
My first 5K!
Sunday 29th March was a glorious Spring day but when I got up I really wasn't sure I would find the day so glorious as I faced my first running challenge. Never before have I had a number pinned to my back nor felt the public pressure (self-inflicted actually) of achieving a Fun Run. I really am a novice at this and arriving at Nottingham's Victoria Embankment really did fell like the first day at school.
Trent fm's Family Fun Run with Twiggy and Emma was organised in association with Sport Nottinghamshire's Shape Up Notts campaign, and provided the opportunity for both runners and walkers to raise much-needed funds for the CLIC Sargent Cancer charity. Over 900 people of all ages and fitness stages were registered to take part so the Start Line was buzzing by 11:00. Together with Nick and Lucy Judge and Natasha Duncan, other'Super Six' Evening Post volunteers, I had the obligatory Post photos taken then set-off at a steady pace with the runners.
My strategy was to run for several minutes until my body told me to fast walk, and this plan worked really well. It was somewhat disconcerting to be overtaken my fit-looking dads with pushchairs but I'm not proud and manged to finish in 40 minutes. A big thank you to the stewards and public on the home stretch who clapped us to the Finish Post - such encouragement does add an extra spring in tired legs. So I stayed on to clap the joggers and walkers in too.
Despite tired legs, I had mountains of energy that afternoon and blitzed the garden -so another benefit from feeling just that bit fitter! Bring on the next 5K.
Trent fm's Family Fun Run with Twiggy and Emma was organised in association with Sport Nottinghamshire's Shape Up Notts campaign, and provided the opportunity for both runners and walkers to raise much-needed funds for the CLIC Sargent Cancer charity. Over 900 people of all ages and fitness stages were registered to take part so the Start Line was buzzing by 11:00. Together with Nick and Lucy Judge and Natasha Duncan, other'Super Six' Evening Post volunteers, I had the obligatory Post photos taken then set-off at a steady pace with the runners.
My strategy was to run for several minutes until my body told me to fast walk, and this plan worked really well. It was somewhat disconcerting to be overtaken my fit-looking dads with pushchairs but I'm not proud and manged to finish in 40 minutes. A big thank you to the stewards and public on the home stretch who clapped us to the Finish Post - such encouragement does add an extra spring in tired legs. So I stayed on to clap the joggers and walkers in too.
Despite tired legs, I had mountains of energy that afternoon and blitzed the garden -so another benefit from feeling just that bit fitter! Bring on the next 5K.
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Spring in her steps
It's officially Spring today and the sun is shining on Nottingham. There is nothing to stop us all taking to the streets in a communal jog! But why do so many women I talk to hate running? Were they discouraged for life by bleak lessons on the school's athletics track or persuaded that, in evolutionary terms, their place is in the cave?
I would have agreed with them back in December when a fire-side nap was far preferable to a 20 minute jog round Ruddington - but I'm a convert having decided to run the Robin Hood Half Marathon in September. I have managed several late evening outings, taking in the sights and sounds of near-empty streets and can manage a steady jogging pace for most of the distance. Little triumphs help as I try to shape-up this Spring.
It probably helps that I have given up alcohol and am pledging the money I would have spent to the Teso Development Trust, a Christian charity involved in development and relief work in NE Uganda. My meager efforts will help to raise the roof on a school building in Soroti - a great reason to keep up my training in the coming weeks. Find out more at www.teso.org.uk
I would have agreed with them back in December when a fire-side nap was far preferable to a 20 minute jog round Ruddington - but I'm a convert having decided to run the Robin Hood Half Marathon in September. I have managed several late evening outings, taking in the sights and sounds of near-empty streets and can manage a steady jogging pace for most of the distance. Little triumphs help as I try to shape-up this Spring.
It probably helps that I have given up alcohol and am pledging the money I would have spent to the Teso Development Trust, a Christian charity involved in development and relief work in NE Uganda. My meager efforts will help to raise the roof on a school building in Soroti - a great reason to keep up my training in the coming weeks. Find out more at www.teso.org.uk
Friday, 13 March 2009
Bravissimo - thanks for your support!
I guess I have to come clean and admit to having felt a bit uncomfy up-front whilst jogging recently. When I was invited to attend a Smart Women's networking event at Bravissimo Nottingham http://www.womengetsmart.co.uk/about/networkingatbravissimo I decided to ask if they could help! Last night I joined nearly 100 of Nottingham's cheeriest business women for the 'Bubbly and Bras' get-together.
What a wonderful team they are on Pelham Street. Not only did they agree to sponsor me a sports bra, but had me professionally fitted by well-trained Jackie and sorted me out in no time. I did proceed to buy three other bras which just goes to show what great marketeers they are too at http://www.bravissimo.com/.
Now I just need to get in better shape for the 5K run around Victoria Embankment on Sunday 29th March from 11am www.trentfm.co.uk
It should be a more comfortable experience in one sense of the word!
What a wonderful team they are on Pelham Street. Not only did they agree to sponsor me a sports bra, but had me professionally fitted by well-trained Jackie and sorted me out in no time. I did proceed to buy three other bras which just goes to show what great marketeers they are too at http://www.bravissimo.com/.
Now I just need to get in better shape for the 5K run around Victoria Embankment on Sunday 29th March from 11am www.trentfm.co.uk
It should be a more comfortable experience in one sense of the word!
Monday, 23 February 2009
Thanks New Balance!
One of the perks of having volunteered to be part of the Shape Up Notts campaign was the promise of running kit sponsored by New Balance - including the all-important shoes. It really wasn't clear what other items of clothing we could expect but as I headed for Wollaton Hall for a quick photo-shoot yesterday (Sunday 22 Feb) I hoped they might be warm and baggy.
I had somewhat optimistically ordered sizes Medium in both tops and bottoms but as I wrestled trying to get just one leg into the black lycra I admitted defeat and resorted to my tracky bottoms. The tops however slipped on nicely and being bright red with fetching flashes of black and grey cut a dash on the Wollaton slopes.
As well as having our picture taken for the Evening Post we were there to meet Steve Lloyd, triathalon coach who would be preparing our training plans and keeping an eye on our progress. I also notice from his card he advises on diet. How can I avoid pancakes tomorrow?
I must say the New Balance running shoes are so comfy I could wear them round the house and not notice. No wonder I had found jogging in my tennis shoes a pain - clearly the right kit is going to see me round 13 miles if nothing else.
I had somewhat optimistically ordered sizes Medium in both tops and bottoms but as I wrestled trying to get just one leg into the black lycra I admitted defeat and resorted to my tracky bottoms. The tops however slipped on nicely and being bright red with fetching flashes of black and grey cut a dash on the Wollaton slopes.
As well as having our picture taken for the Evening Post we were there to meet Steve Lloyd, triathalon coach who would be preparing our training plans and keeping an eye on our progress. I also notice from his card he advises on diet. How can I avoid pancakes tomorrow?
I must say the New Balance running shoes are so comfy I could wear them round the house and not notice. No wonder I had found jogging in my tennis shoes a pain - clearly the right kit is going to see me round 13 miles if nothing else.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Making an impact
After just two weeks of irregular visits to the West Bridgford Tennis Club gym, I do believe I'm making progress. I have mastered the basics when it comes to setting the various machines and can manage several 3 minute bursts without expiring. I am in awe of the guy opposite me who manages 20 mins flat out on the bike - what is he on!
As you know I am one of six volunteers helping with the Shape Up Notts campaign and we met for the first time on a very bleak January evening to have our group photo taken. Since then we have gone our different ways to start preparing, but it was great to hear from Lucy Judge again through the interview she did with the Post on Thursday 12th February:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/lifeandstyle/cope-depression/article-690736-detail/article.html
Lucy's courage and determination to tackle depression, and to talk about it, is really inspirational. Her experience that exercise can help should prompt others in a similar situation to try out a new sport or just get walking. I know I felt quite low at the end of last year, which is partly why I wanted this challenge. I'm finding that even the simplest exercise is making an impact.
As you know I am one of six volunteers helping with the Shape Up Notts campaign and we met for the first time on a very bleak January evening to have our group photo taken. Since then we have gone our different ways to start preparing, but it was great to hear from Lucy Judge again through the interview she did with the Post on Thursday 12th February:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/lifeandstyle/cope-depression/article-690736-detail/article.html
Lucy's courage and determination to tackle depression, and to talk about it, is really inspirational. Her experience that exercise can help should prompt others in a similar situation to try out a new sport or just get walking. I know I felt quite low at the end of last year, which is partly why I wanted this challenge. I'm finding that even the simplest exercise is making an impact.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Mine's a skinny latte
I hate gyms. That's why I stick to tennis for my regular cardio-workout. However if I'm going to make it round 13 miles of scenic Nottingham city centre in September I had better get acquainted with some serious-looking equipment.
Last week I paid-up and joined my tennis club gym, hoping that on most evenings in deepest winter I will have the place to myself. Booking an Induction session was the easy bit - remembering the instructions was going to take serious cerebral effort on my part. Not noted for my love of technology I mounted the running machine and gazed at the push-button options in front of me. WEIGHT? (must I?) LEVEL? (let's start at base) TIME? (I could manage 3mins) START - the machine whirred into life and so did my legs. I was walking, which was a bit embarrasing so with a false sense of confidence I upped the pace. Then the gradients kicked-in and before I knew it the heart-rate monitor was flashing madly at me. I know these machines don't have minds, but I could sense the distain!
Right...which button do I press for a skinny latte?
Last week I paid-up and joined my tennis club gym, hoping that on most evenings in deepest winter I will have the place to myself. Booking an Induction session was the easy bit - remembering the instructions was going to take serious cerebral effort on my part. Not noted for my love of technology I mounted the running machine and gazed at the push-button options in front of me. WEIGHT? (must I?) LEVEL? (let's start at base) TIME? (I could manage 3mins) START - the machine whirred into life and so did my legs. I was walking, which was a bit embarrasing so with a false sense of confidence I upped the pace. Then the gradients kicked-in and before I knew it the heart-rate monitor was flashing madly at me. I know these machines don't have minds, but I could sense the distain!
Right...which button do I press for a skinny latte?
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Snow progress
On Friday 23 January I went public about my commitment to run a half-marathon. The 'Super six ready to start running' headline profiled a small group of Evening Post readers who had volunteered to support the Sport Nottinghamshire fitness campaign. Now everyone knew my weight and age and that both were likely to hold me back unless I did something about them - lose two stone and psychologically think myself 28!
I have signed-up to the Sport Nottinghamshire website www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk/shapeupnotts
so my training progress can be logged over the next five months and impressive graphs will monitor my weight loss, BMI and general progress.
Last week I joined the West Bridgford Tennis Club gym http://www.west-bridgford-tennis-club.co.uk/and had my induction session - I was breathless just trying to remember the instructions. Will I ever get to love gyms.......?
Now it's snowing and best intentions of a nightly walk are on hold. The fireside is far more appealing!
I have signed-up to the Sport Nottinghamshire website www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk/shapeupnotts
so my training progress can be logged over the next five months and impressive graphs will monitor my weight loss, BMI and general progress.
Last week I joined the West Bridgford Tennis Club gym http://www.west-bridgford-tennis-club.co.uk/and had my induction session - I was breathless just trying to remember the instructions. Will I ever get to love gyms.......?
Now it's snowing and best intentions of a nightly walk are on hold. The fireside is far more appealing!
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