Filed under: Bracknell Forest Runners Forest Five | Tags: Bracknell Forest, GoApe, The Lookout
In the excitement over the Reading Half Marathon, I omitted to blog about a day trip to GoApe, the day before. We went to the site in Bracknell Forest, one of my favourite local running haunts. It’s what they call a “high wire forest adventure” that involves being attached via bits of wire to rope ladders, treetop walkways, bridges, tunnels and zip lines.
It’s brilliant. Honestly, everyone should go.
Look, here’s Phil – he’s loving it, even though he’s a tiny bit scared of heights:
Our group of eight adults were briefed by a hyperactive teenager called Phoebe, alongside a group of very confident 12-year-olds. She was great, actually; very thorough, even though the kids kept giving her back-chat. After the safety briefing, we had a little practice on level 1, and were soon left to our own devices for levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.
My favourite was the zip slide. This is me on it:
Unfortunately, my landings tended to be less than graceful:
We spent about three hours up in the trees, though this was partly due to getting stuck behind a child who got the fear halfway through one of the levels. After coaxing her down, we continued to the end – where we had sandwiches and cake.
All in all, a rather marvellous day out.
Filed under: Reading Half Marathon, half marathon training, running | Tags: Reading Half Marathon, running
Yesterday, I ran the Reading Half Marathon in two hours and seven minutes. Some way off the 2:01 achieved at Reading two years ago, but not nearly as bad as some of my worst half marathon performances. I said prior to the race that I’d be happy with 2:10, so I was pretty chuffed with 2:07.
I’ve been running half marathons on and off for around eight years, and still take pleasure in learning something about every race. Yesterday I learned that the cross-training I’ve been doing over the past few weeks (in order to run the half marathon, cycle across the middle of the UK and complete a week’s skiing) wasn’t the disaster that I anticipated it would be. I was staggered to feel pretty comfortable as Phil and I ticked off the first seven miles together, well inside the 10-minute mile pace that we had set ourselves, and worried that I would hit some kind of a wall later on in the race. But miles eight, nine, ten and eleven passed by and – although my legs started to feel heavier – we were still averaging 9:45-minute miles. Mile 12 was a bit painful – having slogged up the A33 towards the finish at the Madjeski Stadium, we then started running away and dropped a minute to complete that one in 10:42. We sped up for the final mile, by which time I was breathing like a 70-year-old that had smoked 20-a-day for her entire life, and crossed the line with half of the population of Reading cheering us on.
The high points were:
- The general level of support around most of the course, especially in town.
- The bands – especially the one outside the Town Hall playing “Is This The Way To Amarillo” and the chaps playing the drums underneath the IDR at The Oracle.
- Friends cheering us on – thanks Kasia, Emma, Hannah and James!
- The lovely firemen standing to attention on Kendrick Road.
- Phil staying half a step behind me for the run, so I could control the pace. Right up until the last mile, which he got me through with a few words of encouragement.
- The stadium finish – third best in the UK, just behind the London Marathon and the Great North Run.
- Finding out my little brother ran the race in 1:36. How good is that?
- Meeting up with JogBlog, Iliketocount, Moretolifethanweight and Tracey afterwards for pizza and pasta, and a jolly nice pint.
I can’t think of any low points, actually. It’s flat, fast course; weather was near-perfect; water and Lucozade was plentiful; and there was a real sense of occasion among the other runners. Reading’s a big event now (at 17,000 or so runners, one of the largest in the country), and the organisation is a far cry from the old race that started at the Rivermead, usually half an hour late. I’ll be putting my application in for next year.
Update: Forgot to mention the goody bag. Which was very good. Contents included: Walkers crisps, Nature Valley granola bar, Mars bar, Dorset Cereals fruit and nut slice, Lucozade bar, Ricola sweets, Adidas deodorant. Oooh, and a lovely weighty medal.
Filed under: Barmouth-Yarmouth bike ride, Reading Half Marathon, nike+ sportband, running | Tags: Reading Half Marathon, running
If I was running a 10k race on Sunday, I wouldn’t be worried; I’ve done a fair few six and seven-milers over the past few weeks.
Today, I was on a top secret mission which I can’t talk about here in case my Mum is reading my blog. However, top secret mission complete, I was able to squeeze in another (nearly) seven-mile run – the old Nike+ Sportband registered 6.83 miles, completed in one hour and seven minutes.
Once again, I didn’t feel much like running that distance all over again afterwards – but I’m committed to running the Reading Half on Sunday, so I’m just going to have to get on with it.
Spinning tomorrow so I can keep up the pretence of training for the Barmouth-Yarmouth bike ride.
Filed under: Barmouth-Yarmouth bike ride, cycling, running, running gear | Tags: Barmouth-Yarmouth, cycling, running
Saturday was a beautiful morning, so I set off from my flat at 8.30am and added around six and a half miles to the six that I’d done at the gym the previous evening. That total is not far off the distance I need to do next weekend, but unfortunately I won’t be able to get eight hours’ kip halfway round the Reading Half Marathon course.
Despite the pressure of next weekend’s race, I really enjoyed my run along the River Loddon, around Dinton Pastures and back home via Stanlake. The area around the river in particular is looking very different to just a few weeks ago, with the first bursts of spring blossom and green buds to make the landscape look more interesting. I even spotted a heron, serenely watching the river – no doubt looking for his breakfast.
After running various errands, seeing some friends and loading the bike onto the back of my car – must do a review of the spectacularly well designed Saris Bones bike rack at some point – I travelled up to my folks in time for a gin and tonic, a few glasses of wine and a curry. Ideal preparation for a bike ride the following day… 
So on Sunday, Dad and I deserted Mum on Mother’s Day and met three of Dad’s old git friends in Harpenden and rode to the Ashridge Estate. In my honour, they selected a particularly hilly route – up and down all the way. I’m actually less of a fan of the downhills (particularly those that end at the T-junction of a busy road) than the uphills. After beans on toast and a big mug of tea for the bargainous price of £3 at the cafe on the estate, we rode back again – along a more sedate route. Total mileage: 41 miles; average speed: 14.5mph.
On the way, the veteran cyclists gave me some advice on the Barmouth-Yarmouth ride. I’m still not entirely sure what cadence is, but I get the idea that – on a day-long ride – you should maintain a lower gear (or “twiddle”) to avoid your legs being knackered by lunchtime. They also suggested riding at an average speed of 12 or 13mph, rather than trying to do 14 or 15. As for food and drink, the general consensus seems to be “eat little and often” and drink loads of energy drink.
I have to say, I felt ok after the 40 miles – ready for another little break, but able to continue if required. I think if we break down the days into 20-30 mile chunks with decent breaks between them, I can handle the idea of doing 75-100 miles in a day.
What I haven’t got the hang of is what to wear… In the past, I’ve had a tendency to wear roughly the same amount of clothing as on a run, and found myself getting very cold on the bike. Sunday was also a few degrees cooler and much windier than the previous day. As such, I piled on the layers on Sunday morning, putting a pair of running tights under my padded cycle shorts; and a windproof softshell jacket over the top of a wicking running-type top.
I was boiling in no time, but seriously cooled down when we stopped at Ashridge for breakfast and was freezing for a good portion of the ride back home again. In addition – and not to put too finer point on it – the seams on my running tights caused a bit of a rash in my nether regions. Quite obviously, they weren’t designed for sitting on a saddle.
So, top of my shopping list is a pair of long padded tights – I can’t imagine it being warm enough for shorts in North Wales at Easter. Still none the wiser as to what to wear on my top half – maybe a thin thermal layer (GREAT opportunity to go Icebreaker shopping – yippee) and some kind of a windproof jacket that’s not quite as thick as my North Face softshell one. Then what if it rains? It’s been chucking it down here this afternoon despite the warm and sunny spring day on Saturday. Any tips gratefully received.
Filed under: 10k, Reading Half Marathon, gym, half marathon training, running | Tags: gym, running, treadmill, Duran Duran, The Killers, Madonna, Kings of Leon, Meatloaf, James, Michael Jackson, Elbow, The Trammps, Death Cab For Cutie, Amy Macdonald, Weezer, Mark Ronson, Spotify, iPod Shuffle, Beats International, Toto, Jackson 5, Gabriella Cilmi, Girls Aloud, Fall Out Boy, 2TENfm, Rose Royce
Today was a good day. Everyone at work was in a fab mood, the birds were twittering outside my office window, Brenda (my plant) was very happy basking in the sunshine and a client said “thank you”.
I also discovered Spotify today. That is to say that I’d heard the name quite a bit but hadn’t had a play with this new(ish), free music streaming application that enables you to share playlists with other Spotify users. And it’s pretty cool. We opened up the decks (spare PC) up to anyone in the office, and invited people on Twitter to add tracks to our playlist. The results were fairly eclectic, and included Duran Duran, The Killers, Madonna, Kings of Leon, Meatloaf, James, Michael Jackson, Elbow, The Trammps, Death Cab For Cutie, Amy Macdonald, Weezer, Mark Ronson and some strange tracks selected by my (slightly younger) colleagues that I’d never heard of and am never likely to hear of again.
Having failed (unintentionally) to set my alarm this morning in time to get up for the gym this morning to do a 10k run, I decided to go after work to do my 10k run, but nearly reversed back out of the reception area when I realised my iPod Shuffle needed charging. “But no,” I said to myself, “I’m open-minded about new music today – I’ll use the in-gym equipment.”
Unfortunately, it’s a bit shit. I remembered almost immediately why I bought my trusty little Shuffle last year. On the gym system, there is one MTV channel, two audio channels that play completely random tracks and a radio station (the horrendous 2TENfm-in-Berkshire-and-North-Hampshire). The other entertainment possibilities included Sky News on a loop or cricket, neither of which were likely to give me much motivation.
Not to worry, I started out on the treadmill toggling between the various musical options. Once I’d ruled out MTV, which was broadcasting some kind of McFly-fest; and the radio for just being crap, I went on to the audio channels and got this random selection as I jogged on:
- “Africa” – Toto (which I’d never noticed includes the line As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengetti which I thought was impressive in its non-rhymingness)
- “Blame It On The Boogie” – Jackson 5
- “Sweet About Me” – Gabriella Cilmi
- “Dub Be Good To Me” – Beats International (Wikipedia says it was written by Fatboy Slim, and I didn’t know that)
- “Promise” – Girls Aloud (which made me laugh, because Phil loves this but likes to think his music preferences are somehow cool)
- Erm, can’t remember what else came on.
So then I went back to MTV and listened to/watched “I Don’t Care” by Fall Out Boy. The video is jolly funny – boys doing all sorts of rude and inappropriate things, like flashing their bits in the street, stealing money from buskers and dressing up as kleptomaniac nuns.
One more toggle through the channels, and I returned to 2TENfm-in-Berkshire-and-North-Hampshire, which was by now playing “Club Classics”. I could just about cope with “Carwash” by Rose Royce and cranked up the speed for the last kilometre.
And then I realised I’d run 10k, yippee. That took me 59:23 – nice and steady, and I’d actually be pretty happy to run the half marathon at that pace which would put me on track for a 2:10 race. It’s nowhere near the 2-hour milestone, but I just haven’t put enough training in to do that sort of time.
As I cooled down, I thought how brilliant it would be for each treadmill to have an in-built Spotify application and an internet connection so you could listen to playlists you’d made in advance or just play around with new music to make the time go faster without having to resort to 2TENfm-in-Berkshire-and-North-Hampshire. Does anyone want to make me a prototype?
Terrible shame to hear the news about Natasha Richardson this morning, who died after suffering a head injury on the ski slopes. She wasn’t wearing a helmet.
I only remarked last week how few skiers were wearing helmets, compared to boarders – the majority of whom protect their heads and backs with heavy duty kit. I was the only one in my class of eleven skiers who turned up every day in my helmet. Yes, I look like a complete dork in it (see below) – but at least my head was safe.
Dork
So, if you’re thinking of booking a late-season ski trip, do yourself a favour and get a skid lid. Snow and Rock has a good range, and they’re really not that expensive.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Barmouth, cycle, East Anglia, Norwich Evening News, Yarmouth
I’m the lucky recipient of another newspaper plug, this time from some lovely folk in East Anglia. I’ll be visiting there at Easter when I cycle over from Barmouth (that’s in Wales) to Yarmouth.
You think marathon runners all eat scientifically formulated micro-biotic diets? Think again. This blog proves that even the most ardent fitness fanatics love to stuff their faces. Indeed, as the blogger readily admits, that’s the reason many took up serious running in the first place. With plenty of tips, wise insights and advice, all delivered with self-deprecating humour, this is an inspiration to anyone who wants to get fit and still enjoy second helpings of pudding.
Ha ha. Amen to second helpings of pudding.
Anyway new readers, hope you enjoy my blog.
Filed under: Reading Half Marathon, running | Tags: Reading Half Marathon, running, skiing
It’s been a while since my last blog, and indeed, a while since my last run on Friday 6 March – 10k in 59:06 mins at the gym. I’ve been on a ski trip since then – partly on my own, thanks to what has become known as The Passport Debacle.
This is me, demonstrating a complete lack of technique.
I got back on Sunday, with something of an upset stomach; no doubt self-inflicted by scoffing too many bar snacks, pasta, ice cream and hot chocolate in the Italian resort of Sauze d’Oulx. The I got a cold, and didn’t fancy a British Military Fitness Class or a run, even in mild temperatures. Then yesterday, I came over all queer at work – first, my vision went a bit weird, as if I’d been staring at a camera flash for too long; then I got pins and needles all down my left hand-side. This was followed by an absolutely blinding headache centered above my right eyebrow. “A classic migraine,” said the nice nurse at NHS Direct. I went home and retired to my bed, feeling a bit like a nineteeth century heroine (they were always taking to their rooms with the slightest chill/fever/ache).
It’s now ten days until the Reading Half Marathon, and I do not feel even vaguely prepared for it. My longest run in training has been eight miles, and that was painful for the last three. While I intend to complete the distance, I know it’s not going to be pleasant and there is zero chance of getting close to my PB (achieved in Reading 2007) of 2:01. I hate being this unprepared.
Decided to give British Miltary Fitness a swerve last night, as my legs were a bit tired after the weekend’s exertions. But after another night’s sleep, I was ready to hit the gym this morning. Didn’t quite get up early enough to do the six miles that I intended to do, but settled for five (50 mins / 8.36k) so that I could have a stretch afterwards. Knee was absolutely fine on the treadmill, perhaps reinforcing the off-road-wobble theory. Just got to keep it straight while skiing next week. :-/
As I plodded along on the treadmill, I reflected on the different types of gym-goer. I reckon most of them fall into one of the following categories:
- The Regular – goes to the gym absolutely every morning, without fail. Hates any form of change, and moans about other gym-goers and sometimes instructors with other Regulars. Appears to think it’s their right to hog the one and only three-pin plug socket with their hair straighteners in the changing room afterwards.
- The Human Waterfall – very sweaty. Drips all over the machines and leaves a puddle on the floor underneath the spin bikes. To be fair, I fit into this category, but I do wipe up behind me.
- The Dolly Bird – flits on and off machines without appearing to exert any energy. Hair and make-up is always immaculate. Boob job optional.
- The Grunter - emits some kind of a noise with any kind of effort. This may be a Sharapova-style grunt while lifting weights, or heavy breathing during a spinning class. Probably made crank calls before caller ID existed.
- The Hunchback – or at least will be in later life if he keeps up those bicep curls and chest presses wearing that tight T-shirt. A rare breed before 9am.
- The Fitty - reaches speeds on the treadmill that I didn’t know existed and hone their perfect muscles on the weights machines. I aspire to be one, but like food to much to actually succeed.
This weekend has been a game of two halves: one on two wheels on Saturday; and one on two feet on Sunday.
I finally dusted off the bike on Saturday for my first cycle ride this year on a bike that moves. After a quick pump of the tyres, we were off – for a 27-mile ride out of Twyford, through Winnersh, Arborfield, Swallowfield, Heckfield, Eversley, Finchampstead, Wokingham and home. That involved a good mix of residential riding, quiet lanes, a few busy-ish fast roads and some urban terrain. I was a tiny bit wobbly to start with, especially when indicating and turning (which is what I was doing when I catapulted myself over the handlebars and landed on my teeth last April). However, something finally clicked yesterday and – for the first time since the tumble – I thoroughly enjoyed my ride. That gives me some degree of confidence in advance of the Bar-Yar Challenge. Now all I have to do is cycle three times that distance for three days on the trot!
This morning, it was time to switch to half marathon training and do a longer run than the 10ks we’ve been doing recently. We set off on an eight-mile route around the Loddon Nature Reserve, along the river, around Dinton Pastures then back along the river, up to Stanlake and home. I felt pretty much fine for the first five miles, then my left knee started twingeing – the remains of a ligament injury sustained a few years ago when (unwisely) off-piste skiing with a load of people that were better than me. I’ve felt it ache a few times of late – mostly when off-road – and wonder if perhaps it’s the uneven ground causing a problem. I must admit that I struggled to enjoy the last three miles. Anyway, I’m a small step closer to being ready for the Reading Half but there’s still some way to go if I want to do it comfortably.
I’m a bit frustrated with the lack of progress in my running. I’ve been doing an average of four or five good exercise “units” a week since the New Year, whether a British Military Fitness class, a run, a spinning class or some cross-training at the gym. My arms and shoulders are definitely stronger and more toned. I can feel my legs, glutes especially, are stronger. Yet, I don’t seem to be running any better than I was at the end of last year. Perhaps, as Phil suggested, it’s simply a case of trying to do too many different things at once. If I concentrated on running and racked up a few more miles, I’m sure I would see an improvement. But I like doing different things, and working towards a new challenge. The Bar-Yar will certainly qualify as unchartered territory.
