Is This Marathon Lark Really For Me?

"That was a wee bit more challenging this week. I don't know why exactly.  Maybe ten miles is my natural limit and eleven is pushing it a bit. I did it though. And who'd a thunk it possible just a few weeks ago? I'm not sure what was so tough. I mean, at no point did I really think I was going to quit. I think it was just the thought that each step took me further from home. I wasn't running a circuit so at no point did I turn back on myself. I got the train home..."

That's how I felt immediately after my eleven mile run last Saturday. I was quite achey afterwards, all day and the next, but I was ready to run again by Monday morning, so I can't have been that bad. Tuesday's run was a bit tougher. My legs were tired from the get go, and it took at least three to four miles to get warmed up. However, I was really pleased with my time of 80 minutes.

This week I am aiming for thirteen miles. I need new trainers. And they need to be a six and a half. As I do more than eight miles, my feet start to hurt, and I think it's because they swell up and the shoes aren't big enough. I've also ordered some sports gels, though they won't arrive in time. I should really go shopping this evening for a few to keep me going, as I'm going to be running for about three hours tomorrow. If I bought the shoes as well, I could break them in. But would that be wise on a long run? Which is worse, running in shoes that are definitely too small, or running in new shoes? 

Gutted

I thought I'd avoided the other half's lurgy. I got through a whole week or more of him not being well (he's still not great) with nery a sniffle. Then I got a bit of a sore throat after my run on Saturday.  It got worse yesterday. I debated wherher or not to run this morning, but decided to give it a go. Not a good idea. I feel like shit now. Really sore throat, cough, aches and can't get heat in to me. Blahhhhh! No running for a couple of days and no work. Lots of fluids and sleep I think.

Clearly though, my biggest worry is falling behind with my training. I do have a couple of spare days but I want to stay on top of the mileage. It's a fine line. Do the training, keep up and risk delaying recovery? Or rest, miss a few days, then get back to it, with some catching up to do? I know which makes the most sense but it's hard to follow good sense sometimes.

TEN MILES

Today I'm feeling invincible! I ran ten miles this morning. TEN FREAKIN' MILES. I was worried all week about the fact that it was two miles further than last week. But I did it. And it really wasn't too bad. I'm tired now, but I did it. And that makes me feel that next week's eleven mikes won't be so bad.

I used an audio book and it distracted me. I ran for two hours, sixteen minutes and forty-three seconds. That's going to get longer over the next lot of weeks, and Stranger In A Strange Land is plenty long enough to last a few long Saturday runs.

I used the KT Tape and my knees feel good, even after ten miles. (Did I mention I ran ten miles?) The right one was starting to niggle a bit and the left one always hurts, but having had my knees taped since Wednesday evening, yesterday was the first day since I don't know when that they both felt dead on. I have been more careful about not crossing my legs, just been more careful in general about how I hold my legs, and I've been looking into anti inflammatory foods and eating them, so perhaps that's playing a part.

The hydration pack worked well too. I just half filled it. So that was one litre. I used the tablets too. They are a sport fluid replacement drink. I got them to do a wee bit more than water would. But I've made a mistake. Its a zero calorie one. I actually wanted it to have calories, to replace the energy I'm expending. I'll get something else but it did for this week, and drinking on the run was no problem.

Decisions decesions

I'm half thinking of running tonight after work. It would get the next long run over with, and I'd be able to have a lie in tomorrow. Of course, I could have a lie in if I wanted anyway, but I won't if I still need to run. I will make myself run early.

Pros:

• Run would be done and dusted.
•  Legs are taped up and ready to go. I could get the hydration pack ready too as the sports mix arrived also.
•  The Main Man is off work tomorrow, so we could have a lie in together.
•  Both Saturday and Sunday would be recovery days.

Cons:

• Running in late evening traffic.
• The route would be the ring road and the coast. If I run in the morning, I'd be trying somewhere   different.
• Chances are I'd start off a lot more tired than if I waited till tomorrow, and nearly two and half hours   of running wouldn't be easy, finishing around 8.30pm I think.

There's comfort in the thought of doing the faithful old ring road, but the new route appeals too. Blast it, make your mind up Woman!

New stuff!

The hydration pack and KT tape arrived. Knees are duely taped (and look darn silly) and pack has been filled with water and found to be not leaking. It's all good!

First Chaffing Issue....

....if I don't count my right heel being occasionally rubbed raw by my, all-of-a-sudden recalcitrant, shoes. Some days they're fine, others, a nightmare. And my experience is that it's worth spending extra money on those swanky, expensive blister plasters (Compeed) rather than own brand. They stick for days, and really help heal the thing. Plus, they're extra cushiony. All good. They work out at nearly a pound a plaster mind you, so they'd blooming well need to work.

But, as I said, other than my bloody stump of a right heel, my first real chaffing issue is my back. Caused by my sports bra of all things. I have a scab in the middle of my back which stings as I start to sweat (lovely image) and it's caused by the clasp of my bra. Since I'm generously boobed, a supportive bra is essential. For "supportive," think straight jacket. And that's not easy to get on, given my now slightly limited range of motion in my right arm since I broke it four years ago. I have to do the clasps up and put it on like a vest, over my head. Yes, I'm eleven again, trying to work a bra! And it's not easy. It's not such a problem to get off thank goodness. On reflection, I think a new bra might be in order.

What's happened to my photos? They've all gone. Hmmmm. Annoying. I'll leave them up for a bit to see if it's temporary.

This morning I did five miles. It took over an hour. I got up at five and that was loads of time. Next week though, I go to six miles on a Tuesday. This is going to get tight for time if I keep trying for before work. At least I'm getting a bit better at going to bed earlier.

This week's motivation tip

Visualization is the order of the day this week. As I head towards a ten mile run for the first time, I have to come up with a version of my best ever training run, write it down and then become so familiar with it that I can run it, like a video in my head, whenever I need to remember how good running feels. My problem is that I just can't think of one that's vivid enough. I've enjoyed plenty of runs, but the details are all very sketchy. I mean, I can't remember sights and smells. I think I will have to go for an amalgamation of the good bits of various runs, some from my current, marathon running incarnation as a runner and some from my previous weight loss running days.

The second visualization is to be of what will happen and how I will feel when I cross the finish line of the marathon, who will be there, what we'll say to each other and what I will do. That one is easier as I've already been doing it on a fairly regular basis, nearly always the same, with very few variations.

Training run scenario:
"I leave the house in early morning. It's just starting to get light. I'm not self conscious of running in the daylight. It's a Spring morning, before 6am, mild weather despite not being full light yet and as the Sun rises, it becomes clear that there's not a cloud in the sky. I'm in no hurry. No work to go to. I feel light and relaxed as I run down the street from my front door. As I get to the main road, I feel comfortable and am looking forward to the 5k ahead. It's the week after my first ever sub thirty minute Parkrun. I did that with a pacemaker and I want to see if I can do it by myself. I set off strong and although I know it will be an effort, I did it a couple of days ago, so I know, am confident, that I can so it again.
      There's a light breeze, preventing me from getting too warm. My feet are striking the pavement firmly but softly, if that makes sense, knowing where they're going but not jarring. I run past the shops, 1.5k in. Feeling fresh still. It's lighter now and as I turn the corner off the road, I can see and smell the sea. The Sun is orange as it comes out of the sea and I head up the slight incline that I hate towards the house on the Esplanade, except today it's no problem and I run along the road, no cars at this early hour, and three kilometers done. More than halfway there.
      Past the yacht club, the sounds of loose ropes and things making that tinging noise in the breeze. Starting to feel the effort now but knowing there's less than 2k to go and legs are in a good rhythm. I run on, the marina is in sight. Sweating now despite the breeze but feeling as if I could run for another half an hour. The final push up the hill to my street is not a chore because I'm so concerned with the time I've done. Just one more wee tenth of a km to go! Hit the stop button. 28.45! Feeling wrecked. But bloody brilliant!"

That'll do nicely. Now to read it a million times and learn if off by heart. I will do the next one tomorrow

Sunday Musinigs

I was determined not to get out of bed earlier than 10am this morning. After a week of getting up at 5am and 6.30am, I was looking forward to a lie in. I ended up lying awake for a while though I sure as Hell wasn't for getting out of bed before the allotted time! So I spent a while getting into a mental paddy about long runs, and the need to hydrate on them.

My training book, "The Non Runner's Marathon Trainer," by David A Whitsett, Forrest A Dolgener and Tanjala Mabon Kale talks about it in this week's chapter. Week five of the training programme, chapter five of the book. That's how it works. This week will be culminate in a ten mile long run, and for me that will mean running for over two hours for the first time. Clearly, hydration is going to be very important. I've always known that it wasn't necessary to carry water with me while I was running for less than an hour, and so far, up to yesterday, I've got away with not drinking "on the run" as it were. But that means that I've got into the habit of travelling light. Recently, I've only carried a front door key with me and my Garmin watch, not even a phone. (I must admit that I've been conscious of having no phone when I've been running longer distances. It doesn't feel safe or sensible to have no form of communication while I'm out running alone in the dark.)

The idea of having to carry a couple of 500ml bottles of water did not fill me with joy. I hate the idea of being burdened down. And how would I carry them? On some sort of Batman utility belt? That would look just fab, wouldn't it! I am superficial enough to care that that would look just ridiculous. Even though no one else pays a blind bit of notice to me as I run past, in the dark, I'm uber self conscious, and the idea that I'd look like a fat Batman, out on a jog, basically Del Boy in fancy dress, filled me with dread.

Amazon* to the rescue! I typed in "hydration  pack" and a veritable plethora of running hydration solutions appeared before my very eyes,in various colours, shapes and sizes. I pumped for a two litre bladder in a back pack with room to carry a few bits and pieces, phone, keys, teeshirt etc. It was only a tenner, so if it's crap, I can send it back and try again, though in fairness, the reviews were good. The only real reservation I have is its size. It looks quite big. It needs to be light and unobtrusive.

I also bought some tablets that I can add to the water to replace fluids more effectively than with plain water. I'm taking the book's advice on this. They say that water is fine most of the time, but on the longer runs, I need to replace carbohydrates and water alone won't do that. It's good that I start to experiment with these things early, so I know what works for me well in advance of the marathon itself. I don't want to try anything new at all on the day. I want it all tried and tested.

Also on the subject of hydration, I'm thinking of easing off on coffee  for a while. Go down  to one cup a day possibly, because of its diuretic properties. I'm thinking of trying to mix cinnamon and honey together, to make a sort of herbal infusion, perhaps in chamomile tea. Anti inflammatory and anti biotic in one fell swoop. Not sure what it'll taste like, but it sounds like it should be good.

My legs feel quite good today despite the eight miles yesterday and the sore knees at the time. My left knee and right achilles both feel a bit twingey, so I'm watching them carefully. I've read of people using ibuprofen regularly to manage pain, but I really don't want to go down that route. I wouldn't rule it out on the day, but only if I've tried it at least once beforehand. And I really need to be careful what I eat as well. Sounds obvious, but I made soup a  few days ago, red pepper and beetroot, and I think it's still exiting my system. Seriously, I can't be doing shit like that (literally!) as the time draws near.

And on that fragrant note...

*Other shopping website are available :-)

I love my breakfast on a Saturday!

I can honestly say that I do not know how I'm going to manage to run 26.2 miles. That will be three times and a bit more than I ran today. Seriously. Why am I doing this? Why did I think I was capable of it? And that's exactly the sort of thing I found myself thinking as I was running this morning. Not for the whole run, but certainly for part of it. I just need to remind myself that I'm only four weeks  in  to a sixteen week schedule, so there's a long way to go. My mentality needs as much work as my physical stamina, but I'm going to get there. In answer to my questions to myself earlier, I'm doing this because I've wanted to test myself with this for years. And I thought I was capable of it because I know I am. One day at a time,one kilometer at a time, I can do this.

Not that it's my biggest concern, but it's worth mentioning that I was pretty happy with my pace this morning. It wasn't bad at all. It was consistent. And in the  last three K, I was able to speed up a little because I wanted to get home before The Main Man went to work. He knew I'd been out since 5.45am, and I wanted him to see that I'd got home safe. I made it back in time to see him. I was well chuffed. I did the thirteen kilometers in one hour, forty-seven minutes. Slow but steady.

My knees are sore today. Not massively, but more than normal. I stretched after the run, something I am guilty of skimping on. I still need to do it  more. I wore my usual knee support. I read  about something called Kinesiology Therapy (KT) tape yesterday. It's applied to the area in need of support,and can  stay there for a couple of days. The reviews are all  good, saying it works better than the neoprene supports. I've ordered some, and we'll see how that goes. I will check out on line how to apply it for my needs. Fingers crossed I can head off any injury possibilities at the pass.

And breakfast? A massive chicken,onion, mushroom, red pepper and kale omelette with a pot of coffee. Yummo!

Eight Miles In The Morning

Tomorrow sees me tackle eight miles, and the route I've chosen is almost exactly the same as last week, with a little extra tacked on to each end, to make it up to thirteen kilometers. So long as it's not too frosty, as various parts would be prone to icing up. But it's not forecast to be too cold. I swear I'm turning into a regular Cecilia Daly. I've never shown so much interest in the weather before!

I can honestly say that I'm almost looking forward to it. Knowing exactly where I'm running really helps. No ambiguity about finding the miles. But I think the main thing is knowing that I'm in no hurry. Not having to go to work afterwards is a massive boon. To be able to have a leisurely shower, then a big breakfast and a massive cup of coffee at my own pace is quite the luxury, given I'm used to running mid week.

I have thought about starting to listen to audio books on the longer Saturday runs. I tried out Pride and Prejudice on my train journeys to work and really enjoyed it. I've downloaded a food addiction one next (that should be a right bundle of laughs) so I might give it a go tomorrow. Failing that, I will try a story again, perhaps Jane Eyre.

I have taken to reading anything that says "Non Runner's Guide to Marathons" in the title. You'd be surprised how many different ones there are. I'm just finished one, and about to start another. Both by women. That's a factor too. If a woman wrote it, it must be good. Sexist, moi? Surely some mistake.

Best sleep in ages!

Maybe it was because I knew I wasn't getting up uber early for a run, but I had an almost undisturbed sleep last night. I woke at 4.30am to use the loo and then not again till the alarm went off two hours later. Amazing! Perhaps the five miles and the 5am start had a part to play, but I think it ws mainly the knowledge that I had no run to accommodate this morning. It made me consider doing tomorrow's three miles tonight, after work, instead. But I can't coz I'm going out for dinner with The Main Man, his bro and bro's wife. Looking forward to that.

Up Too late.

It's just coming up to 10pm and I'm knackered. I'm on the train, heading home, having visited Mum. I should be in bed. My eyes are gritty and I could sleep rightly. At least I'm not running tomorrow, so no early start. I'm seriously considering running my next (a three miler ) in the evening on Thursday, so I can lie on till 6.30. I need to do something to improve my sleep. It's very disturbed at the moment.

Week Four Already!

Hard to believe that at the end of this week, I'll be a quarter way there. Hard and scary. But enough of that thinking ahead nonsense. Yesterday was three miles and there was no frost again till about two thirds of the way round. Not bad. A different story this morning though. I'd five miles planned, and at least two parts of the route are frosty in warmer temperatures than this morning, so I knew there was no point trying to run that way. I ended up at the track in the park, but it's only half a kilometer round, so by the time I'd gone round a few times, I thought I'd try the roads nearby. I got the miles done that way.

I had to get up at 5am though to give myself enough time. I did go to bed at about 10.30pm last night, but really, that's still not early enough. And I'm not sleeping all that well. I'm getting a very broken night's sleep on a regular basis at the minute. Perhaps it's because I'm conscious that I'm going to be rising so early, and I can't relax. I think I'm going to have to seriously consider running in the evenings in a week or two. Grrr! I hate running with traffic.

I'm definitely improving. Not speed wise. That's still very slow. But as far as stamina is concerned, I'm getting better. I can't say I'm not a bit bored sometimes, but I'm able to go the distance each time and it's becoming further in to each run before my legs start to feel heavy. I was okay right up to 5k and beyond this morning. I'm pleased with that. 

I'm really hungry today. I had my usual three egg bacon and mushroom omelette at 7am, but it hasn't staved off the hunger for as long as it normally does. I might have to break out the chicken breast a little earlier than I anticipated. Lunch at 11am perhaps :-)

Seven Miles - One Hour Thirty Five

Boy, I'm slow! I don't mind too much, except that the same distance would have taken me about twenty minutes less when I was lighter and fitter. But hey, I got it done.

No frost at all was a welcome sight. It was extremely windy at times, but for the most part, I ran round the ring road and it was quite calm. Over the by-pass was a different story. It would have blown the head off you. And I really don't like high bridges. My feet, hands and joints all tingle and go weak. And so does my minney-moo, and not in a pleasant way!

It's a slightly hilly route, very up and down , though none of the hills are long or steep. And it's quite boring, going from roundabout to roundabout,  but I've done it often, so I knew what to expect. And I can honestly say I almost enjoyed it. That's a big improvement.  I was tired after 3k, but felt okay not long afterwards,  especially when I got halfway. As always!

I think that's the longest distance I've ever done in one go and I was walking like I'd been riding a horse afterwards. I had a couple of niggles in both knees as I ran, so I'm keeping an eye on that. But otherwise, I feel good now, on my recovery day. This week, its three, five, three and eight miles. I got up at 6.15am yesterday so as to have the bulk of it done in the dark. So it'll be 6am next week. This self consciousness will ease, I know. But it's amazing the difference even fifteen minutes makes to the traffic on a Saturday (I hate running with cars driving past me.) Before 7am, practically nothing. After Seven? A steady trickle. Not that I'm obsessive, but I counted 205 cars between the Gransha Road roundabout and Bangor West train station, where I finally stopped counting. I was trying to distract myself from the distance.

Apart from the fact that it means getting up at 5.30 in the morning, and I find it very difficult to go to bed at a reasonable hour to support that early rise, I'm quite looking forward to a wee three miler tomorrow.