Wanderings

I'm really behind on my postings but here is today's run. More to follow

Why I ran today

It's another wet, windy morning. Supposed to be summer, but I think it looks more like March or April. I can see the clouds moving quickly past and they look low. I'm thinking...do I REALLY want to go out in that? Don't I want to stay inside instead? I could crawl back into bed, take a nice nap and just do a by on the run.

See, that's my all or nothing attitude. I planned to run 10 miles for my long run. Looking out at the skies I am making up all kinds of excuses of why 10 miles is NOT a good number on a wet, rainy, wind blown day like today. The list of why not to run is getting to about my elbow, when my husband's voice nudges me out of my self indulgent attitude. He simply says, "why don't you just run less miles?" Geezeee...that is such a simple thought. Why didn't I think of that.

Because, I was in do the 10 or nothing mind set. I was focusing on all or not at all! Now what would be my reason to not get out there!? Nothing. I agreed with him, saw the wisdom in it and put aside mental elbow long list, and laced up.

I'm really glad that I did get out there. The rain had stopped, the wind was still brisk, but felt good, and the run went well. Along my route I came upon 2 other women who I had spoken with about a year ago out on another run. We were going in opposite directions but we stopped to talk. They had been in the Preston 10K on Sunday and remembered me from that and our previous run/talk. It was great learning that they both had run the London UK Marathon in April, were now both club members/committee members and were planning more races. It was like talking with old school mates after years of not seeing them. We were all running the same loop this morning and would pass again later on but we said we would just keep on running as to keep our momentum going.

If I had crawled back to sleep this morning I would have missed a wonderful chance encounter with two other running women. If I had kept that all 10 miles or no miles attitude I would have missed out on the 600 calorie expenditure, the feel good buzz feeling I still have hours after finishing and all that I saw and mentally captured while out on the road.

I'm glad I got out there and ran today.. I just feel better for it.

Preston 10K Race Report

The race was in the City of Preston and was a full morning of races. It startd with a "fun run" of 2k distance, then the longer race of 10K followed by the 5K.

The 10K started promptly at 10am with a field of 714 finishers. It was an overcast but cool morning with temps around 56F. Perfect running condtions. Four of my co-members of the Women's Running Network were there and we exchanged well wishes as we gathered in the start area. I positioned myself near the right side of the pack and after a stumble like start we thinned out as we quickly moved along the streets.

My Garmin was a great help as it showed me that I was going too fast starting out and needed to slow a bit. I wanted to conserve a bit of energy as I approached the later miles. I wore my Bosco's Buddies shirt and my orange Asics DS Racers, they always make me feel like I can run faster in those, and for some odd reason I usually do.

Once we finished the loop and a half through the city centre the entrance to the riverside park was a very nice change of scenery. Long straight tree-lined stretches were where I was able to test the stamina and endurance from my speed sessions. I was pleased to see that I was able to pass several women and was determined to stay ahead of them.

The exit from the park was the uphill that felt so great to run down, now causing strain to my legs. Once clearing that obsticle it was back to the city streets and a half mile to go. I could see three women ahead of me that were slowing and with my added push I was determined to catch and pass them. On the final downhill I ticked two off my list and with my sights set on claiming the third one I kept my focus on the slight uphill before me. She decided to walk to ease her exhertion so with my running push I passed her on the incline. That was job done, now it was to keep an eye on my time and claim that personal best that waited at the finish line beyond the last turn and the straight ahead. I saw my husband and heard him shout words of encouragement as he could see I was running a PB time. Now the clock took focus ahead of me and as it counted ever so close to the next minute I surged forward and sprinted to the end. Elated I set a new record of 1:10:50 a very nice 1:08 faster than my previous time for the 10K distance back in 2005. I am very pleased encouraged by my speed sessions that I believe had an effect on my stamina for this race.

July is here

July has now happened and my week was a low mileage week due to some family matters. I did get out with the Women's Running Network on Tuesday for a really nice off road session. With all the rain there were parts on the fields where boots would have been useful. The tempo run on Wednesday went to plan and the 6.2 miles were again filled with vapour trials on the flats. With personal matters taking up running time that was all until Sunday. (see next post for race report.)

Wraping up June

It's now July, the weather is warm, the sun blazing, the breezes warm and suntans are glowing. Well, all I can say to that is Yep it is July, but it's been raining almost every day since the month started. That makes training a bit wet and with the wind, it has felt like we are back in March or maybe just skipped on over to October.


Anyway, not time for a weather report, time to get updated with what has been going on with the running. Picking up from after that great soggy run on 25 June, I spent Tuesday sick from a cold. Could it be I was running in the pouring rain, or not getting warm enough right after finishing that caused the lovely cold/flu? It knocked me out and had to spend the day recovering. But, couldn't keep a good woman down and I was back out on Wednesday, again in the rain, trying to get a 5.5 mile run accomplished. However, getting tired of 3 downpours in the time I was out there, I decided to just head on home and dry out.

It was time for another speed session so on Thursday 28 June I headed out for a really good tempo run of 8.5 miles. It was like letting the carbon out through my shoes on the flats. I wanted to test all engines and see just how my endurance was for a mile or two. I was surprised to find that my breathing and endurance got me through the first flat part very well. I regained my stamina on the inclines to the next flat and then picked my speed up again. My confidence was growing and I could see how these sessions were enabling me to keep my pace for longer faster distances.

I needed a rest day and Friday fit nicely. Then up early and over to the Sweatshop in Chorley for a Ladies Day. About 50 women participated and I really enjoyed the on/off road run of 4.5 miles. We passed along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, dodging rain drops as we went. I really enjoy the off road parts as it is a great change of scenery.