Clyde Stride

There aren't many things or people that can get me up at silly o'clock on a Saturday morning especially after the week I've just had!!  But my friend Lee is one of them. There are no words to describe what she has done for me so when she asked me to be her wingman during her race the Clyde Stride, I didn't even think about it.  I didn't even ask what she wanted me to do.  I just promised her I'd be there on the day.

And what a day it was.  It was fantastic to meet up with lots of old friends running or helping and lots of new ones too.  We rode in a white van delivering drop bags and water to checkpoints.  I told her when to eat and she told me when to put up more signs.  We righted the world (obviously!!) We picked up an injured passenger (Mark, who was lovely) and we arrived at the finish in plenty of time delivering the finishers' bags.  Mighty fine day oot!

In the absence of my personal torturer, this week's training has been haphazard to say the least. But a timely abusive text convinced me to go out a stress busting run on Friday night instead of reaching for a glass of wine. I've never been out a run where it was almost dark on my return!

Yet more 'encouragement' today saw me out a run this afternoon.  I'm starting to think that a run of  4 or 5 miles is now just a 'wee run.' How did that happen?? Need to start upping the mileage as the half marathon gets closer and closer.  I'm also upping my cycling mileage this week.  I've been given a wee gadget thing for Delilah that measures heart rate, mileage, calories and probably gives me my daily horoscope as well!  Looks like I'm taking all this rather seriously, doesn't it? 

Crieff 10k

280 starters made this year's Crieff 10k our biggest for a few years and certainly the biggest field in my time as organiser.  Like all events there were a few glitches but the event passed without major drama.  Although my name is on the permit, like all these races there is a huge team behind the scenes making sure everything possible is done to make it a good race for everyone concerned.  Huge big thanks to my fellow Strathearn Harriers for making it a successful day!

For the first time we had a junior race, a mile round the hockey playing field.  It was open to our own juniors and we invited kids from the local schools.  Gordy finished in a time of 6 min 59 secs.  Just think what he could do with a bit more training! 

My own training is continuing in the manner to which I've become accustomed ie all over the bloody place!!  Monday's run started well but I literally ground to a halt and had to walk back to the house.  On reflection I know why.  I hadn't slept well on the Saturday night (understandably), I'd been up since 5am, I didn't eat breakfast before leaving the house at 7am and forgot to eat/drink until the race was over.  Then later was too tired and emotionally drained to eat more than half a pizza. So basically no fuel in the tank on Monday morning.  Lesson learned despite the mitigating circumstances!!

Firsts n last

I took part in my first serious race since 2004, the Brig Bash 5.  It was the first time I've taken part in a race that wasn't a mass participation event so there was no hiding in a crowd of people dressed as fairies or Superman.  It was the first time I've ever run for a club and the first time I've taken part in a championship race.  So a load of firsts!

I wasn't really sure if I wanted to do the event.  I know I can run 5 miles, I'm just slow and steady.  I'd checked the previous 2 years' race results and quickly realised I'd probably be the last runner.  But I'm trying not to compare myself to all the fab runners I know so quietly decided I'd do it.  I only told 2 people and Gordy who came with me to be my support.

We arrived in torrential rain with accompanying thunder and lightning.  I nearly went back home! But I reminded myself of why I'm doing this and duly registered.  Then the nervous wait for the start.

8 other Harriers were running and they were kind enough to be encouraging and not express surprise at my presence.



204 runners set off and I quickly settled into the rear of the field.  For the first mile I could easily see runners in front of me but they quickly pulled away.  I didn't mind and set about running my own race.  I know where I've been and how I got here.  I'm learning to be happy being "upright, outside and running"  It wasn't until one of the marshals shouting encouragement to me that I realised I wasn't last!  That was all the motivation I needed. 

I finished in 203rd position in a time of 57m 24s.  I'll never break records but it was a HUGE improvement on my last 5 mile run.  And Gordy shouting "Well done Mum!" as I crossed the line really made me smile.  I wouldn't say I enjoyed it at the time but I'm enjoying the satisfaction of completing a race.  And I earned a club championship point.

And I wasn't last! :-)



Up n down

My only excuse for not blogging regularly is that I've been rushed off my feet with all the voluntary stuff I do but rest assured I have been training regularly.  Now the school holidays are upon us I should have more time (although there is a wee race I'm organising on July 10th!!) 

I'd love to say training is going well but that's not quite true.  I'm really struggling with motivation and my lack of progress especially in running and swimming.  One great run is swiftly followed by 3 crap ones.  One good gym session is quickly followed by one that ends with me in tears at not being able to do something.  I cannot get my head round the whole PMA thing.  I want to run faster and longer so what stops me?  My head and my body are just not talking to each other. 

Clark tells me I'm too negative.  I tell myself I can't run up the hill so I don't.  Self fulfilling prophesy and all that.  I want to run up the hill so why can't I??  All suggestions gratefully received.

I know that having the right kit doesn't make you a better runner/cyclist/swimmer but I picked up my new pair of Addidas prescription sunglasses this morning.  They are worth every penny (thank goodness I like beans on toast!!)  Being able to see properly while cycling makes a huge difference.  I was very brave this morning and started my cycle from the house (I live on a blind bend at the top of a hill that is notorious for accidents!!)  I did a 12.5 mile loop in 67 mins. The last mile was uphill and nearly killed me. But I did it!

See, I'm ending on a positive note!  Although I've not managed to do much this afternoon except potter about the kitchen.  Well, we're officially on holiday now.  Just need some sunshine :-)

Short n flat

For the first time in my adult life I wore a pair of shorts yesterday to run.  I've always been self conscious of my legs and preferred to wear 3/4 leggings in summer and full length in winter.  But I decided it was time to get the legs out and wear shorts.  My legs ain't perfect but they're reasonably toned, not much cellulite and only a couple of wee broken veins.  Not bad for a 45 yo mother of 3 who's been an exercise hating lazy bitch for most of her adult life!

I took Delilah out for a spin this morning.  The plan was a wee 10 mile loop but I managed to hit a pothole and got a flat tyre.  So only managed 6.6 miles. I've had a fair amount of abuse (you know who you are!!) when I admitted that I don't know how to fix a puncture and don't even own a tyre pump.  I may be inexperienced but I'm not dumb.  Once I learn how to do it I'll be fine.  In my experience there are no stupid questions.  If I don't know how to do something I'll find someone who does and ask them to teach me.

And now I have the excitement of waiting for a Wiggle parcel to arrive :-)

Badaguish

The main reason I went on the Harriers away weekend to Badaguish was to avoid sulking at home on tri day.  Oh and I was promised it would be good fun!!!!  So with that in mind Gordy and I loaded Samson up with as much camping gear as we could fit in and headed north in glorious sunshine.  Yeah, remember that one day of summer?  In fact it was so lovely someone forgot to pack his jacket and jumper!!!

On arrival we (Phil M and Gordy) put up the tent, then everyone congregated at the wigwams for drinks and BBQ.  Those of us in tents looked longingly inside the wigwams.  Then when it got too dark to be outside we moved into the lodge which was total luxury. 

The first night I got 2 hours sleep.  Gordy seemed to sleep ok but then he is a seasoned camper.  So I turned up rather tired for the 5 mile trail run on the Saturday morning.  Frankly it was so BAD (mentally not physically) that when we got back I nearly packed the tent up and came home.  Only a coffee intervention from ladies club captain Ali stopped me.  But the black gloomy feeling that had settled on me stayed with me the rest of the weekend and well into the following week.

On the Sunday morning (after another 2 hours sleep) there was a Hare and Tortoise relay (that's me in the pink, photo by Helen)  Obviously I was a tortoise but that didn't help with my feeling that my crapness as a runner was being reinforced.  3 undulating miles later at the back of the field and I was raring to get packed up and go home.

I've deliberately waited a week before blogging about the weekend and the following week.  Maybe I had unrealistic expectations about the weekend.  The company was fantastic, I ran both planned runs and Gordy had a ball but I expected to come home full of enthusiasm about running. Instead I felt like giving up altogether especially after then struggling on a run with Clark.  Maybe I was on a downer about not being able to take part in the tri.  Maybe it was simple sleep deprivation.  As I get older I value a good night's sleep in a comfy bed.

But every experience is a learning experience.  I will never ever sleep in a tent again!! I need to stop comparing myself to more experienced runners.  I accept that I'm not particularly competitive.  The challenge for me is always just to keep doing it because I can.  And I need to develop a thicker skin!!

The challenge for the summer is to build up my fitness to survive a boot camp in August (still not sure how I got talked into that!) and the Glasgow half marathon in September.  I'm ready to step it up a gear.

TRX Sux!!

I used to think exercising on a bosu was tough.  Or on those gel discs that resemble Katie Price's boob implants.  But Clark has outdone himself in finding a new instrument of torture called a TRX suspension trainer.  It's evil.  Now I don't mind working hard, I don't mind pain cos I know it's doing me good.  But this level of pain actually woke me up throughout the night as I turned over in my bed.  I winced as I got out of bed this morning.  And I actually cried when I sneezed.  Yes, I know my core is still weak and needs strengthened.  Yes, I know it will benefit my running.  But Clark Hamilton is a bastard!!

Other training news includes me improving my running times over 5k.  Since starting training properly again after whooping cough my breathing has been quite sore so I've deliberately been pushing myself harder that I did previously.  Just to see how it feels.  And I'm so pleased to report that I haven't died yet and I've taken nearly 2 mins off my time over the last fortnight.  Next step is to increase the distance at the same pace.

I've been out on Delilah a few times and my confidence is growing.  Times are slowly coming down as well so need to venture further afield soon.  I'm getting good at putting the bike rack on my Ka which is now called Samson!!!  And I'm learning so much about how to maintain a bike too. 

But I still haven't stepped back into the pool yet :-(

This weekend sees me and my youngest taking part in our running club away weekend.  Me in a tent!! And running on hills with proper runners.  Still wondering how I got talked into that one!!!!