A warrior, a runner, an athlete

Neither Wind nor Rain

2011-05-30T16:40:00.014+01:00

I truly believe that a race is run in an athlete’s mind before ever reaching the course. It all starts with the desire, a goal, an ambition and unwavering determination to cross the finish line. Putting my own goals, desires, ambitions and unrelenting determination to the test in Edinburgh on 22 May moved the mental race plan once again to the physical.

Sixteen weeks prior, on a cold 31 January, I began on the road to Edinburgh, my 9th marathon. This city, the capital of Scotland, is where five years ago I learned to respect the 26.2 mile long-distance race. It is where I crossed my very first marathon finish line and realized what I was capable of; to become a Marathoner, and knew I had more within me. So it was only fitting to revisit the location of Arthur’s Seat, The Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, and stroll in Holyrood Park, to return to absorb the atmosphere of bagpipes, tartans, windswept streets and the mix of the amazing architecture of Edinburgh Old and New Towns.

We planned our arrival time to be in Edinburgh before the morning commuter traffic built up. It was a scenic drive up the motorway through the Northern Lake region of England, across the border passed Gretna Green and onto a duel carriage-way, then a more rural road from our western approach to the city.

Arriving early at our hotel meant we needed to wait for our room to be ready. With no race activities scheduled for the day, while waiting, we took in the fantastic sites of the city. This would be the only day we would be able to walk any great distance, and we did.

Friday morning my husband left for his three mile run and shortly after I followed the same route. Memories of five years ago flooded back to me as I retraced the route I had taken then. Even though it was early, the city was waking to commuter buses, cyclists and taxis. I ran along the well visited Princess Street with the beautiful and majestic Edinburgh Castle high above me on my right. I ran passed the Scott Monument, The Nelson Monument, and finished at my turn around point of the Balmoral Hotel. Before reaching my halfway point, my speedy husband and I passed each other and stopped to exchange a bit of encouragement before continuing on our way; he back to the hotel and me yet to complete my half way distance.

Saturday was the final two mile easy paced run. I was out again in the early morning following the same route to Princess Street but this time turning just passed the Scott Monument (dedicated to Sir Walter Scott). I had hardly stepped from the hotel and my earlier- out-the-door husband was finishing his run. After a quick exchange we continued in opposite directions, with me on towards the one mile mark. Once reached, I briskly retraced my steps with the knowledge that the next run I would undertake would be more than 24 miles longer.

The afternoon was very low key; focus on packing the remaining items to our kits bags, organizing our race gear, setting a wake up phone call for 0400, and a last walk over to Starbucks for lunch and the local running store across the street. We were concerned about the weather as winds and rain had been forecasted for the next morning. We made sure that included in our kit bags were the appropriate rain protection.

We went to the hotel restaurant to enjoy our pre-arranged, pre-race staple dinner of jacket potato, cheese and salad. Disappointingly it wasn’t satisfying enough so on return to our room we rounded it off with a bit more carbs of a cheese sandwich and a quiona salad. Then, to try and calm my nerves, I feel asleep mentally re-running my last long. The restful silence was shattered by the wake-up phone call; Marathon morning had begun.

Once again I followed through with the well memorized pre-race routine; natural peanut butter sandwiches , fruit, and a recovery drink prepared for after race fuel, my Camelbak filled to the rim with SIS sport drink, a breakfast of muesli, soy milk, banana; then showered and dressed to be ready for a 0700 hotel departure to walk the 1.5 miles to the start.

There is a unique quietness that accompanies the migration of racers to the start on a marathon morning. It’s like a homing beacon signalling and lighting the way through the city streets to beckon us along. Thus it was for my husband and me as we walked along the route we had run just days before in training.

There were two start areas, and due to my husband’s quicker finishes he was with the faster racers and their start was a further half mile along a different road. We walked and talked about the race, our preparations, our shared goals, and our finish area meeting plans. The quiet buzz of anticipation was beginning to accelerate as more runners arrived and the race marshals made adjustments to nearby equipment. Knowing that I needed to walk back to my start road and begin my own preparation, I embraced and kissed my husband, wished him an incredible race and made my way through the approaching athletes.

The half mile walk to my start road enabled me to see the starting mats that I would soon be crossing. Continuing up the hill, music and race announcements mingled with the voices of thousands of anxious runners. I found a low wall to sit on while I made my final preparations; over-pants removed, shoes and socks replaced with race ones, jacket and after race items placed in kit bag and throw away sweatshirt and space blanket secured around my shoulders. All this done before the first of the rain started. I received one more text from my husband wishing me well, and after replying, I stowed my phone in my waist belt, secured my stars and stripes bandana and turned my kit bag in to the truck that would take it to the finish for my retrieval. One last port-a-loo stop and it was time to position myself toward the beginning of the purple corral.

Somehow amongst all those thousands of runners I was alone with my thoughts. I drifted from wondering how Graham was doing in his start area, when would he start, to keeping warm by doing a bit of foot shuffle while clutching my sweatshirt and space blanket. Unexpectedly we began to move, I draped the sweatshirt over the side rail to be collected for charity distribution. I wished the woman next to me a good race as I continued my approach to the start line. I tied the space blanket to another rail as the pace quickened. Soon I could see the first of the timing mats and I crossed over with the electronic beep registering my foot strike and start time exactly as I started my Garmin.

I had prepared a race pace band with a new goal time of 5:35:00, an ambitious time as this required a 12:47min/mile pace, quicker than I had ever planned before. I glanced at it as I continued the downhill towards Holyrood Park and the impressive Arthur’s Seat. This was not the time to doubt my training, or worry about previous marathon quad and calf issues. I needed to focus on my breathing, keep my thoughts positive and watch my pace.

The rain at the start had given way briefly as I momentary looked at my watch near the first mile marker, 10:33! Once again I had been caught up in the adrenaline fuelled beginning miles. The course made its way passed the Leith Links and the rain returned. Flashbacks to five years ago and running on some of these same streets jarred my memory as I approached the four mile mark, my watch showed less than 46 minutes, I was getting faster.

I could see the sea front road ahead and once more my thoughts went back to 11 June 2006 and my first marathon on these same roads. The course had changed but I couldn’t forget the spot where I crossed over twenty miles for the first time, I was now crossing over it at just five miles.

Onward along Portobello Promenade and the Firth of Fourth to my left and the 10K mat; my time was 1:12:40 and I was four minutes ahead of my pace band. The cheers and encouragement from spectators fuelled my determination to keep to my finishing goal. My breathing was comfortable, not laboured; my stride was constant , not difficult; my pre-race niggles were not even whispers.

As I approached the double digit miles, the course had a frustrating twist, it took me right passed the finish line! It would take me another 17 miles to get back to that spot! I turned my focus to reaching the half way point and perhaps catching a glimpse of the lead runners as for the majority of the rest of the course we would be passing each other in opposite directions.

Soon after passing mile 12 and the welcome water station I caught sight of motorcycles, then the lead race vehicle as they approached and followed by the lone swiftest racer. He was nearing 24 miles to the applause and cheers of spectators and us fellow racers who had only completed half his distance. I watched as additional racers came into view and hoped that I would catch sight of my husband before my route turned away from the oncoming soon to be finishers. However, I was forced to follow the road as it turned away from the shared road and missed seeing him. I crossed the half way mat nearly 10 minutes below my watch band time; 2:37:16…I had never run a half distance that quickly!

Could I keep this pace? Could I run a sub 5:30 marathon? Could my legs hold out without cramping? Would my breathing remain steady and constant? Questions started to filter into my mind as the rain started again and the wind became more pronounced along the openness of the seafront rural type road. I just wanted to reach the distant turn around point passed the 30K and feel the mental reward of running towards the finish line. If only I knew what awaited at that directional shift!
The WIND! There was a slight incline to the turn around point and once I changed directions the wind was unrelenting. Except for two detour type turns from the sea front, the remainder of the course would be with a head wind!

With these conditions and the fatigue I started to experience my time was slipping. The rain briefly returned, I noticed the oncoming runners behind me, I pushed my body and took necessary walk breaks. I kept my concentration by timing these breaks and then forcing myself against the wind to pass others in front of me.

I counted down the mile markers…..5 left, 4 left…just 3 more miles. My breathing was still strong, my body was getting weaker though. The wind made for added effort and my mind needed to sharpen me to keep focused.

At the 24 mile area there were crowds lining the street. I saw finished racers walking with their kit bags and medals around their necks. I was so close now, I had to push on. My time had slipped even more and I was beginning to doubt if I would finish better than in Philadelphia 6 months earlier.

My calf muscles were getting tight, my hamstrings were aching. I could just walk it in if I wanted. I could let a personal best wait until next time. NO! I had run this race in my mind and in my mind I had done a PB, and that is what I wanted. Somewhere, somehow and with the cheers of those spectators in my ears and a little more than a mile to the finish , I regained my rhythm. Run, then quickly walk, run, then a quick walk and then mile 26!

My legs wanted to buckle and they ached. My hamstrings wanted relief, but I pressed on. RUN IT IN!, my mind shouted. RUN! Finally I could see the finish banner, my time was still good. I could do this, I WOULD do this. RUN and you will make that PB time! Don’t give in, you can stop and rest when you cross that final mat. RUN till you hear the electronic buzz! Breathe, press ahead.

This was my own final battle. Here is where my months of training, cross training, boxing, reading, nutrition and mental talk would show. I RAN! I focused on the finish gates ahead of me. I watched as the clock numbers moved. I RAN! Then finally and with a last push of body and mind I heard the electronic buzz! I had done it! I finished my 9th marathon in a new personal best time of 5 hours 36 minutes and 37 seconds…close to a minute better than in Philadelphia!

(P.S. Speedy Graham finished with another PB: 3:17:59!)

There are hills, and then there are Bradford City Half Marathon Hills! (my entry for the 5th annual WWFOR!)

2010-10-20T11:01:00.005+01:00

I don’t recall right off how many half marathons I have run. But I can say that I have never run one as difficult as the one I ran on Sunday! I go by the name“Hillrunner” on a health realted website (Sparkpeople) because no matter which road I choose to come back home, I have to come up hills to get back to my village. At the Bradford City Half Marathon yesterday, I more than earned my name!!!
Bradford is a small city a little more than an hour east of me over in the county of Yorkshire, UK through the Yorkshire Dales (Moors) and into “Bronte Country”. Those of you familiar with English Literature will recognize the Wuthering Heights setting by Emily Bronte. The countryside is vast, expansive, picturesque and full of hills!!
Graham and I made the early morning trip to be ready prior to the 9am start. It was clear, cool, and crisp. Dropping off our kit bag to retrieve at the finish we made our way to the start funnel. Since he is much quicker than me I remained half way back as he moved closer to the start line. The chip timing would be very helpful as it would give an accurate accounting of my finish. My training for my marathon had being going well so I was optimistic that I could do a PB in this race. All that was going to change after mile 4!
With the sound of the start horn ringing in my ears, it only took seconds for me to cross the mat and start my ascent that I would soon learn would just go on and on and on. I was on my goal pace of 12 min/mile until in mile 3 the climb took a sharp increase. The total ascent for the first 4 miles was over 600 feet!! When we reached the 6 mile mark the elevation had already hit 1,000 feet. I kept thinking that what goes up MUST come down, eventually??!!
The crispness of the day and freshness of the air made the hilltop running spectacular and at about miles 7-8 I started to feel like my breath was returning. The panoramic views were stunning and I soaked them in. The locals dotted the rural roads and offered their much welcomed cheers of support. I relished the spotty downhill places and let my gears open up and relaxed enough so that when the road levelled off and undoubtedly climbed again I had the leg strength and stamina to keep going.
I had considered printing out a pace band to wear during the race, but after the first half I was glad that I was just depending on my Garmin to guide me. I think I might have gotten too disheartened to see the goal time I was aiming for slipping further away with subsequent miles. What looks good on paper is just that, it doesn’t take into account what will be met on the road, and these roads were incredible!
By now at mile 9 the ascent seemed to turn into a slow decent with short teasing and leg punishing uphill parts. I found my mile splits beginning to even out with being able to sprint on the downhill. Then came the cruelness of the “king/queen of the mountain” challenge part. Nearing mile 11 where the road takes a steep downhill the bottom had been equipped with a timing mat and the challenge was which ever man and woman that could make the quickest assent up the almost half mile 200 foot elevation gain would win a “King/Queen of the hill” shirt. Those who had gone before me had nothing to worry about. I inwardly chuckled as I passed over the bottom mat and saw what awaited ahead! My run had turned into a hand on quads slower paced “just get this over with” as I climbed to finally meet the timing mats pair at the top.

I pushed hard as I crested the top of the hill and along the now tree lined street I welcomed the cheers of those there to witness the final downhill run of that last 1.5 miles. I found myself running alone in full flow down the middle of the traffic free road. Those applause were for only me and I used them as fuel to enable me to increase my pace. I could feel the pressure on my toes; I told myself I was strong. I could feel tightness in my left quad; I told myself I had strong legs. I could feel the tiredness creeping into my breathing; I told myself this race would be finished in less that 20 minutes and to just continue to flow down into the park like water rushing down a hill side.
I then saw the left turn into the park and passed several other runners I had seen at the start and now were just attempting to put one tired foot in front of the other. I found new energy as I sped passed Sunday park visitors and half marathon completed athletes, and shouted a warning of “RUNNER” to alert them to not get in my way. I desperately wanted to finish strong and not collide in the final 400 meters!
I had a sneaky feeling that this race was going to end the way it had started…uphill..and I was right. The run through the park and to the very edge made it necessary to do a u turn up the other side. I dug deep into what reserve I had left and pushed on and then saw Graham poised in the distance to capture my final moments. He snapped and then joined me along side to encourage me to just keep focused and I was nearly there. He told me I had done a great time on that difficult course. He then stopped to enable me to make the final right turn along the finishing funnel and step over the timing mat with a finish of 2:47:07.
I was exhausted, elated, breathless and extremely pleased at my determination to not once give up during this race. Not once did I let up and relax my attack. This race was more than a half marathon to me, it was a testing ground for what I am made of. I'm ready, I'm prepared, bring on the PHILADELPHIA MARATHON! (On this very difficult course, speedy Graham finished in a remarkable time of 1:37:08 and finished 2nd in his age group.)

London's Legend and My Marathon

2010-05-07T08:05:00.007+01:00

The inspirational reading on my daily calendar today pretty much sums up my attitude toward marathon running—“If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving”. King

Sometimes during the course of the 26.2 miles (42K) marathon distance I go through each of the above phases. However, my mind remains fixed on that waiting, beckoning finish line, and I continually push onward. This was the pull London had on me even before stepping into my start corral at Blackheath on 25 April 2010 in Greenwich. Because a race/event begins long before the starting line it; it’s that idea that I CAN DO THIS, and so I WILL.

My husband and I arrived in London Thursday afternoon and followed our three time before routine of getting to our hotel, dropping our bags and heading to the race expo to secure our numbers, kit bags and scour the exhibitor booths for clothing, running gadgets and the like. This is always a memorable occasion and we always document it with photographs. Often times we or I return the next day catch any last opportunity to pick up a bargain or catch a glimpse of any running celebrity.

So it was that Friday morning we made a return trip after an evening’s think about some new shoes. It was on our sweep through the show floor that we noticed people congregating at one of the booths and on closer inspection my husband excitedly came back over to me and announced that it was Paula Radcliffe!! OH MY!!! Paula...THE Paula was standing just a few feet away from us and we had cameras in hand.... (If you aren't aware, Paula is the World Record Holder for the Women's Marathon 2:15:25 and is from the UK and ran it in London) We joined the autograph/picture line and the Legend that is Paula was gracious as she signed my running shoe and posed for a never to be forgotten photo! I babbled something about how we had just watched two nights before, for inspiration, our recording of the 2008 NYC Marathon which we ran and she won. Meeting her was like being touched by running royalty and sprinkled by magic dust. The experience left me in awe and wowed by a very special pre-marathon moment.

On Saturday it was time to turn our focus to preparing for Sunday’s race. We had both finished our last easy paced shorter distance runs around Canary Wharf and even got to run along the marathon route marked by the this years RED line (in recognition of the Virgin Corp sponsoring the race). Our evening pre race meal was jacket potatoes with cheese and a light salad provided by room service so we would do as little walking as possible. Marathon Sunday Morning started early; 0400 and we were awake with nerves already in second gear!

Always before a race my stomach just churns with excitement and I do my best to calm them by just robotically going through the same routines of preparing muesli/fruit/milk breakfast, packing after race sandwiches and drinks; mixing up sport drink for my hydration pack during the race ( I don’t use the race provided drink, don’t like it), showering and then putting the last items in the kit bag to carry up to the start area to be then deposited in the trucks that will transport them for me to collect at the finish. At 0700 we left our hotel and began the exodus of the “Red Bag People” towards Greenwich.

I had planned our route to the start with precision so we would have as little walking as possible. We took the Docklands Light Railroad from the Docklands area to Greenwich where we walked a short distance to catch the above ground train to the next stop at Maize Hill. Then it was an approximate one mile uphill to the start areas.

As my husband had secured a good for age entry his start area would be different than my club provided entry and once guiding him to his GREEN START area and giving him a kiss and wishing him a strong and fast finish time, I walked onward to the larger BLUE start.

My mind now began its focus on the task at hand; prepare myself during the next hour or so with the routines I have done six times before. These routines do help to settle me in some respects, but as the minutes creep towards that moment of turning in my kit bag my nerves just go into overdrive.

I mentally check off from my list each item as I finish; potty breaks, waist pack of gels, phone, tissues, money, ibuprofen secured; watch replaced with Garmin, USA bandana secured on my head, MP3 player on arm and playlist cued and ready to go; race shoes replaced walking shoes; over-pants removed. A quick phone call to my hubby over in the green start and a final strong running wish and then I hurriedly put on the rain poncho obtained at the expo from one of the charities as the predicted spot showers begin and then turn in my kit bag; it’s TIME! Time to go to my start corral. Time to trust my training. Time to make another Marathon Memory! Time to DO LONDON, again!

The race start areas are divided into 3 sections; RED, BLUE, and GREEN. The elite races all begin from the BLUE start. The Elite women were already on the course and by the scene on the big screen they were already past the 5K mark! Next the wheelchair athletes began and that would signal just 5 minutes until the Elite Men and the Mass start. Too far from the start line to hear the start signal it was the view across the grass field of a sea of runners moving that alerted me the marathon had begun. Nine minutes later I could see the start gate and then hear the electronic bond of my timing chip with the mat. MY race had now started.

There had been a glitch in the last 10 minutes prior to my start…my Garmin 305 would NOT turn on! The instrument I was counting on to help me maintain and gauge my pace/speed/HR was not going to be available. I was devastated! I was going to be running blind and it shook me. The only hope I had of knowing how I was doing was to notice the clock time at the mile markers and try to keep the same margin of minutes throughout the course. (Something to be said about keeping a watch on the other wrist.)I had prepared a race time band that would be of some assistance when mentally attempting to figure my pace/splits.

I was listening to my body and my own breathing to gauge how I was running. I could tell I was at a quick pace the first couple of miles. As runners streamed past me I kept my focus on what I felt like. How was my body responding? It is so easy to get caught up with what the “others” are doing and attempt to keep pace.

The rain had passed and now the humidity of the morning began to settle in. I registered the “Come on Mary” shouts I heard as I passed by the spectator lined street sides. I passed the 5K marker with a split that was quicker than my pace band. I was on target for my desired finish. This is the area of the course where the RED start runners join onto the road I was on. The road remains divided for a short distance and then we run as ONE unit until the finish.

Water stations were provided more frequently than the mile distance previously arranged as organizers anticipated temperatures into the mid 70sF. This was not the case as the cloud cover stayed with us well into the halfway point.

I kept focus as best I could with the music softly playing in my ears so I could also soak in the on course entertainment. My 10K split was still slightly under my projected time. It seemed like each pub along the way had either a band outside or music blaring from speakers to cheer and encourage us along. The children’s attempts to “high-five” us as we went by was as if to capture some of that “magic dust” I felt when I met Paula just two days previous.

The turn onto Tower Bridge always takes me by surprise! It sends chills and brings a wide smile because to see that span above you is simply amazing and words can’t express. It’s one of the very few uphill in the course and is deafening by 3 deep rows of cheering and shouting spectators. This is defiantly the first “ROCK STAR” moment of the race.

The clouds for the moment had passed and warm sunshine necessitated a few side stepping diversions into the course provided showers. The short respite was a welcome relief as I now was entering the part of the course where the quicker runners were at mile 22 and I was barely half way.

My eyes scanned the approaching fast flowing ribbon of sub 3:30 projected finishers for my husband. If we were both on pace there was a possibility of us passing so I positioned myself along the left side of the road. These amazing athletes were moving at close to twice my pace and deserved respect for their achievements. Due to my pace in the previous 10K I realized that my husband was well passed this portion of the course and nearing his final few miles along The Embankment. How I wish I was that close to finishing! The course now turned and headed toward the Isle Of Dogs and the Docklands; a portion of the race that had unravelled me before.

Going through the mile markers at 15 and 16 I could tell my time was slipping. I was developing an uncomfortable ache in my periformis (R glut muscle) and it wouldn’t stop. I had some pain relief pills that as a last resort I took at mile 16. I pressed on and the support at Mile 17 was encouraging and the smells of barbeques and Sunday lunches filled the air. I was now approaching the financial district of Canary Wharf and the tall glittering office buildings and the winding streets. I could feel a rubbing on the top of my R foot and could tell that the area was raw and if I didn’t stop for assistance I would not be able to endure the final 7 miles.

Reluctantly at 19 miles I sought out the St. John’s Ambulance first aid station and asked for assistance. This stop I knew would cost at least 10 minutes in my final time, but you do what you have to do. With a now bandaged toe I vowed that I would attempt to catch some of the runners that had passed by while I was being treated.

Blocking the discomfort of my glut muscle, the tightness in my IT Band and the bandaged toe, (all on my R leg) I continued my pursuit of the golden finish gates just 6 miles further. I approached the area where over an hour before I witnessed the sea of quicker runners pass me, now I passed the dismantling crew removing signs across the barrier. The Blackfriars Tunnel was ahead and crowds of people still adorned the overpass. A sign above announced that in just THREE miles I would make history! I held on to that thought….THREE, just three more miles.

Entering the tunnel I needed to stretch my tight IT Band and found the tunnel side a suitable stretching post. Then it was off again to make my way through the dampness and asphalt stickiness from sport drink/gels to the light of The Embankment and the River Thames.

Here I welcomed the tree sheltered street, the view of the Thames to my left, The London Eye further along and then the tall soldier like stance of Big Ben. Cheering crowds were still present as a woman ahead caught my focus. I remembered her passing me while I was stopped for assistance, I was now determined to not only catch her but stay ahead of her. My mind shifted to something to divert its continual reminder to me of the bodily discomforts I was feeling. Now I could reel her in foot strike by foot strike. Before the turn onto Birdcage walk, less than a mile from the finish I overtook her and planned to keep it that way.

Big Ben’s loud 4 o’clock chiming announcement singled to me that I was now 15 min beyond the finish time I was hoping for. I pressed on and continued running when others around me had been reduced to continual walking. It hurt my hip more to walk than run, so I kept running. I ran passed the Houses of Parliament, passed earlier finishers making their way from the area, passed the overhanging sign that stated just 385 yards left. Passed the 800 metre sign, then the 400 metre. I know that is just once around the track....I kept that illustration as I pressed forward.

Buckingham Palace was on my left the quick lean to the right, the large projection screen on the left and then that final welcoming right turn to see the yellow finish gates across the expanse of the Mall. Applauding and cheering crowds lined the finishing straight either in the stands or against the fences, The Union Jack adorned the flag posts and photographers positioned themselves to capture the last steps of a long yet rewarding journey to the awaiting final timing mat. My arms outstretched, I mentally pulled that gate toward me and ran through the finish line of my seventh marathon.

No personal best time like my husband’s amazing 3:18:43, no second goal time of less than 6 hours because Big Ben’s chime announcing 4 o’clock signalled that. Just the warm satisfaction of completing something I had set as a goal in the best manner I could. I kept moving and finished in 6:18:01....and never ever quit!

Why Run?

2009-11-24T09:27:00.005Z

I was asked to write an article concerning my running for our village newsletter. This is my submission:

I was never an athlete, never thought myself capable of doing long distance running or any type of running for that matter. All that changed in 2004 when I signed up for the Race For Life and got hooked. With 6 marathons, 8 Halves, several 10 milers, countless 10ks, 5 Miles and training runs, I now say: I AM AN ATHLETE!

You might wonder why someone would brave the cold, the uncomfortable heat, brisk winds, pelting rain, early Saturday morning long runs, additional longer distances, muscle aches, bruised toenails, and all the other trophies running provides. What could possibly be the motivational force that would propel them onward day after day, mile after mile? My journey along this trail began as a tribute to my mother’s battle with Cancer and the honour of her memory. I pay her homage each time I run and remember her 2 ½ year battle with a disease that has probably touched all of our lives. Once I completed that race I wanted to find out just how far I could run and how strong my body was.

As if stepping stones I set myself goals of turning my run/walking outings into further and further running only distances. I began exploring the various routes available in and around my village. I thought of which hill I wanted to return on and that helped me to decide which exit path I would use. It didn’t take long for me to learn much of the geography of the area as I didn’t limit my excursion to just the roads. Great cross county footpaths criss-cross this beautiful area and are a joy to explore. I began finding extensive information on internet websites, magazines, and from other runners. I was reading all things running.

The Ribble Valley 10K hosted by the Blackburn Road Runners was my first race of that distance. It was freezing cold, icy and glorious! I had achieved a goal I had worked months for. So the obvious question was: What’s next?

Again I wanted to see what I could achieve and the next logical step up would be to run a Half Marathon to celebrate a year anniversary of running. I prepared myself by entering races of shorter distances and working myself up to the 13.1miles of a Half Marathon. A blistering hot, hazy June 2005 Sunday in Blackpool was my testing ground. Despite the smouldering oppressive noontime completion, I smiled as I approached the finish line to receive my event medal. Again it was time to ponder that question: What’s next?

Could I take that huge leap from a half marathon to a full marathon in a year? Could I celebrate my second running anniversary with a 26.2/42K mile glory run? If I truly wanted to see what I was capable of and how far I could push myself then the answer had to be YES! There would be hundreds of training miles to complete, hundreds of hours of time to prioritize for training, and hundreds of pounds to set aside for shoes, running events, clothing, assorted gear and nutritional needs. Yet even after considering all of that I eagerly signed up to run the June 2006 Edinburgh Marathon.

Preparation for Edinburgh included the Cardiff Half Marathon where I watched my husband complete his first of now eight outstanding marathons. I saw firsthand a glimpse of what 26.2 miles could do to an athlete’s body; the grimace from hours on one’s feet and the intense soreness that makes simple walking up stairs a hardship. I also witnessed the immense pride of accomplishment that radiated from his face and those of the other marathoners when they crossed the long toiled for finish line. I wanted to experience that. I wanted to forever have that memory and carry it with me into the years ahead.

So it was to be; June2006 in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, on another hot and steamy June Sunday I ran with my heart the 26.2 miles of my very first marathon. Even though I prepared well, trained hard and was mentally ready, I didn’t know on the day what I would experience. Although there were thousands of racers out there on the course, I was alone in my thoughts. It was me putting the miles to the road. It was me feeling the body aches and stings of sweat in my eyes. It was me that was for the first time running over the 20 mile mark. And it was me seeing an arch of deep blue balloons hovering over the finish line at the foot of Arthur’s Seat beckoning me onward until I too crossed over the line; arms outstretched and tears streaming down my face. I was now and forever a Marathoner! I have the joy of replaying that moment anytime I wish.

For someone who isn’t a runner it may be hard to understand the reply to the question, “Why would you put yourself through that again and again?” I could start by saying that I love travelling to cities such as Dublin, London, Edinburgh, New York, Berlin, or Boston; of meeting and/or watching elite athletes strive for perfection in their encounters . I could add that it’s a wonderful hobby that my husband and I both share hence the hours we converse, plan, and support one another at various events and training. I could add that I enjoy perusing over the thousands of race/running photos we have taken and, the scrapbooks I have put together that chronicle our achievements. I could show you the dozens of event shirts, race mugs, coasters, and various other mementos that we have collected as awards for a job well done.

Those are all tangible reasons why I run, but not the real reason. For the real reason why I and perhaps many others run lies deep within us. It is a force that urges us outside, to pit ourselves against the elements, our inner thoughts, our doubts, our ambitions. To allow me to feel the exhilaration that occurs when I finally crest the hill and look to my right and see the immense expanse of the Ribble Valley. To feel the rush of wind in my face and hair as I push just a little bit more, a little bit faster, on the downhill towards my village.

I savour these moments and events. For I know that there will come a day that I won’t be physically able to do these runs. They will have become collectables to adorn my memory. But for today, I run. Because I can! What about you? Why not lace up and make some incredible memories!

Gotta Gear Up!

2009-10-23T08:57:00.003+01:00

I have been slowly putting my mind into "marathon mode" these past couple of weeks. My marathon running hubby and I have decided that we plan to register for the Chicago marathon when the registration opens up in late January. I know the Marathon is a little less than a year from now but I needed something to focus on and put my mind in the right space.

Well now I have even more reason to shift gears! I am so excited I'm jumping up and down inside and just going to have to take a celebratory run today! My running club has come through for me again!!! I didn't get a place in April's 2010 Virgin London Marathon in the ballot, BUT since I got rejected from that and the club received 4 spaces, I GET ONE!!!

Yes I am a bit nutz and you might agree (esp if you read my Berlin Marathon blog account) to be so excited about putting my body through another 26.2 miles and over 500 training miles but I am like a Cheshire cat!! SOOO thrilled!

So if all goes to plan, that will be TWO marathons in 2010: London (April) and CHICAGO (Oct!) Now, gotta go lace up and hit the road, I've got a run planned!!

Bringing Berlin Home...The long way

2009-10-07T15:56:00.014+01:00

Marathon Woman. That’s what my shirt reads, and that is what I am. Back in April of this year at the Boston Marathon expo I had the honour of meeting and conversing with Kathrine Switzer. I had just purchased her book just a few days earlier but knew a bit of her fantastic story. (If you don’t know who she is you MUST Google her name and learn. If you are a woman and run marathons, you have her dedication to the sport to thank!) So it’s no wonder I chose that shirt to wear as my hubby and I slowly walked the 3 miles back to our hotel after a hot yet satisfying Berlin Marathon on 20 September 2009.

With an ankle injury that hampered my training I was frustrated and concerned about how I would do during the race. I had to alter my training runs to compensate for time lost and performance limitations.

There was a churning in my stomach when I counted the weeks left and the shortcomings of my training. Sensing my anxiety, my marathon running husband asked how I was feeling concerning the upcoming race. I explained my concerns and told him of the various physical niggles I was experiencing. He wisely suggested to me that to go to Berlin and ENJOY the experience; to run to the best of my ability on the day and take it all in.

Hearing that was like writing me permission slip to go and do. I knew that I had a running base of 5 years, of 5 previous marathons and training, of determination, perseverance, and endurance. I would not be able to race this marathon due to my shorter training but I could run it, walk when I needed to, enjoy it, soak it in, and complete it. This is what I set my mind to do, for you see, I believe we run a marathon in our mind and transfer it to our feet. It’s the mind that pushes the body, that speaks to it in those exhausting “Why am I doing this??!!” moment or miles and shakes it into submission to keep on going for one more mile, one more kilometre, one more water station…..just one more….

It was a glorious morning 20 September in Berlin. We awoke early, had our typical breakfast of muesli, fruit and milk. Our kit bag was already packed from the night before and all that was needed was a shower, get dressed, and begin our day- break 2+ mile easy paced pilgrimage to the start area.

The sun had broken as we neared the beautiful wide tree lined area within the Teir-garten on the boulevard Straße des 17. Juni. From all adjoining streets athletes were making their way as if following a homing beacon which pulled them towards the start area. Our race bib pinned to our shirts allowed us access and the hunt for where to drop our bags off began.

The area was now hustling with athletes from around the world completing their various race preparations of changing to racing shoes and socks, ensuring timing chip is in place, slipping out of warm up pants and sweatshirts, attaching sport gels, hydration packs or belts, tuning iPods, syncing GPS watches, consuming the last of necessary fuel such as bananas, breads, bars, etc. and then finishing by covering up in bright yellow disposable type ponchos provided by the race organizers to await the final walk to their designated start corral.

Needless to say, the tent where my kit bag was to be placed was quite a distance away from my husband’s. Therefore while closer to his drop off tent we both prepared ourselves and after placing his bag in the care of the race organizers we pushed our way through the now crowded area to drop off my bag. Having completed that we were less than 30 minutes before race time, and with a kiss, a hug, and exchanged encouraging words of “Run strong, have a great race, and see you at the finish!” we walked in opposite directions disappearing into the stream of other racers.

It’s amazing how in that throng of thousands upon thousands I was alone in my own thoughts. I was part of a “Marathon Army” directed by race marshals to assume my position in the order of start and joined what was to be nearly 40,000 others. I listened to conversations being spoken in German, French, Spanish, English and other languages I couldn’t determine. I quieted myself and thought of my husband 4 corrals ahead of me and silently prayed for him to have a safe and memorable race. I thought of all that had led up to that morning and me standing on the start line. I was grateful for another opportunity to run 26.2 miles/42 kilometres someplace that I had never been before and to do my best.

Then without warning a large cluster of yellow balloons appeared in the sky beyond my area and as they swiftly floated upward in the cloudless sky, the crowd began to cheer and applaud. The race had started and like penned race horses jostling for positions the atmosphere around me started to ignite. Minutes later I began my slow migration towards the start gates, picking up my pace until finally the gates were in view. Crossing through them and letting out a cheer, the electronic ring of stepping on the start mat signalled that now I was officially in the race.

The sides of the street were lined with spectators cheering, shouting, waving flags and just watching as the parade of racers passed by. They had been there to see the elite field begin over 12 minutes before me and now it was my turn to step in those earlier athlete’s foot strikes.

The day was indeed glorious, not a cloud in the sky where it’s blueness was like a tent capping the incredible event. Predictions were that it would be warm with temps rounding out near 26C/78F before noon. That can hamper anyone’s marathon running!
All along the course the bands played, the wonderful spectators cheered and yelled, clapped and called out. Some of the route was familiar due to the sightseeing bus tour my husband and I went on two days earlier. I glimpsed views of the Bundeskanzleramt, the Reichstag, the Berliner Dom, the Fern-seh-turn, and Sudstern as I passed them on my way to the half-marathon mark. (13.1 miles/21K).

I had started out comfortably quick but could feel my pace slowing, my legs tiring, the heat beginning to melt me and turn me into a puddle. The water stops were a welcome site even through they were covered and littered with previously used plastic cups, and assorted other paper litter. I carried my sport drink within my Camelbak backpack and therefore refused the offers of tea, sport drink and slices of banana and apple. I consumed my SIS sport gels at the pre-determined times and took water as needed along the course.

The welcome site of the banner across the road announcing the half way point lifted my pace slightly as I crossed the Potsdamer Straße. By this time in my race within the larger race, the field was thinning out. I was beginning to see the same people in my “pack”; other athletes of a similar capability as me. We had run through areas that were the previous East Berlin, passed cafes with Sunday afternoon patrons sunning themselves with a pint of Germany’s best, over cable car tracks, and glowing faces of young children with outstretched hands with the hope of a passing athlete’s touch to allow them to take home a bit of the magic of this amazing athletic event.

Over three hours had passed and my mental talk was now of just to keep going, time isn’t the issue here, as my body was beginning to ache with each passing minute. It was then my mobile phone rang and I knew it meant my husband had completed his race. Excitedly I listened to his report. He sounded good and his time was an exceptional 3:22:38! His second fastest marathon finish and his first one run as a 60YO Vet. He spoke of the heat affecting his last 10K and the beginning of leg cramps as he approached the final 5K. His words were a great encouragement and mental boost. His race was complete and now it was my turn to bring Berlin home.

I pressed onward into the third 10K of the race and although I split my running time with some walk breaks I was feeling the effects of the heat and distance on my body. The spectators were still there; the restaurant chefs outside their establishment banging spoons on pots and lids, the fire brigades with their welcome fire hose showers to cool aching and overheating bodies, and the funnel made by samba playing musicians who encouraged you to dance along with them as you ran through their lines.

The streets were shaded on either side with trees at this point and I welcomed the respite as the temperature continued to climb and I knew I would show the effects with a lovely suntan. I welcomed the opportunity at water stations to dip the race provided sponge into a vat of cold water and empty it over my hair covered stars and stripes bandana.

Being towards the back of a marathon pack is a unique experience. Unlike the pristine streets and enthusiastically cheering spectators for the elite and earlier finishers, we who bring the race home contend with water station marshals that are clearing their tables, bicycle riders peddling through the course, young children racing along side, and official photographers who have the time to snap you several times before you pass by.

At 30K I recognized the familiar area where I stood just an evening before awaiting the arrival of the elite rollerblading Marathoners! I was on the Hohenzollerndamm nearing the famous and upscale shopping avenue of Kurfurstendamm . I had passed the 32K mark and had just another 10K left (6.2 miles) My time was slowing as I was keeping track via my 305 Garmin. I was measuring my distance in miles although the race was measured in kilometres and it helped me to gauge the distance remaining as I only saw distance markers at 5K intervals as I ran over the timing mats.

I now knew where I was as the impressive sight of the Kaiser-Wilhem-Gedachtnis-Kirche came into my view. I glanced to my left and from the exit of the underground came athletes. Emerging with their marathon medals around their necks their race long ago completed, they took the time to applaud me as I continued on my way towards my goal.

My phone rang again and my husband provided me with an update as to how he was doing and where he would wait for me. I told him of my fatigue, my aches, and my determination to complete the last 5miles ahead of me. With his words of encouragement in my ears I pressed on passed the familiar business district we had walked through on our way to the start line nearly seven hours previously.

I was now approaching the last 5K (3.1 miles) and trying to keep the wheels on to finish my race. I attempted to interject bursts of faster running into my now speed walking. I found it humours when approached by the sweep vehicle attendant and cautioned that the roads would be opening back up shortly and I was instructed either to speed up and/or move over to the sidewalk to finish my race. The thought of speeding up after being on the road for over 5 and a half hours made me chuckle. However, I followed his instructions and made my way over to the sidewalk and joined the rest of the pedestrian traffic interspersed with marathon athletes. This only caused my pace to slow even further.

After passing Potsdammer Platz I approached an area where the streets were still closed to traffic and the wide expanse of pavement beckoned me. I returned to the streets and continued on through the maze of large government and commercial buildings. The German flag on the horizon waving high above the Reichstag was where we were headed mentioned a fellow athlete. Feeling slightly faint and queasy I slowed slightly to regain my composure as I thought “Not much further” as I made another turn and passed over the 40K litter strewn timing mat.

It was now that I felt an urgency to complete this race, to pass through the awaiting finish gate and have my much toiled for medal placed around my neck. The slight cobble area signalled the approaching final bend and straight away of the Unter den Linden. Could this be it? Could this finally be the finishing stretch through the Brandenburg Gate? By the cheering of still remaining spectators, sightseers, Sunday afternoon café patrons, I could tell the answer was a resounding YES! Then I saw it, like a glimmering beacon ahead of me, the much photographed and historic Brandenburger Gate. I willed that gate closer and closer to me as I found an incentive to increase my pace. To my amazement I was the only one at that point running, spurred on by the crowd lining the street, cheering me through the Pariser Pl., through the Brandenburger Tor and into my “Red Carpet Rock Star Moment”! It was just me at that spot; those cheers were for me, for what I had worked for over 6 1/2 hours for. I don’t know if the German announcer was saying my number or just encouraging the crowd to cheer everyone, I savoured those applauds as they rang in my ears. I showed my appreciation by my smile and the sweat running down my face.

Now it was just a few hundred feet away, I picked my gate and watched the clock as it approached a time I had never seen before in my 5 other marathon races. I found just enough drive for one final push and outstretched my arms to bring Berlin home.
Finally now after 6:40:47 I could stop. Through the muscle aches and the sweat and tears of completing my longest marathon, my medal was placed around my neck. In the distance awaited my husband and the stories we would share about our Sunday running through the streets of Berlin.

Nothing Else

2009-01-30T10:36:00.003Z

Just a regular weekday for me; feed the cat, the dog, make breakfast for hubby and me, start the laundry. Working from home I take care of the office work and today was payroll day and I had just completed that with a morning run in the plans.

Phone rings, it’s my husband, he had just received a text; Linda’s mom. Oh no, no I am barely able to say with the lump in my throat increasing with each word. I had just the day before received an email including the information on the upcoming Race For Life. Impeccable timing I realized.

Memories of my own mother washed over me and tears flooded my eyes. I sobbed with the thoughts from her battle with Cancer and her unfortunate passing 19 years ago. I phoned Linda and her sobs pierced my heart. “I’m so so so so sorry” was my feeble attempt to express my shared grief at her loss. Words were minimal as she needed to get off the phone to take care of arrangements with her sisters and Dad.

Again I cried; for the years I have been motherless, for the life events I have been unable to share with the woman who gave me life, for my children and now grandchildren who either were cut short their relationship with her, or who never got the chance to be touched by her life. What can I do to bring honour to these women? What can I say to a wonderful friend and fellow runner who now knows the pain and heartbreak of loosing her mother to a relentless killer? How can I celebrate their life with my life?....... I can run!

I can give my time today and celebrate their accomplishments with my own. I can feel the wind on my face, the rain on my jacket, the puddles dancing with my foot strikes. I can push myself a bit harder as I climb up the hills and feel the freedom of almost freefalling down the hills. I can realize the discomfort of regaining my fitness after a month off from illness is nothing compared to what so many are dealing with. I can rejoice in the knowing that my life is rich in so many ways that don’t include the monetary.

With resolve, I changed to my running clothes, I tackled the hills, I coasted the declines, sweat mixed with tears, I melted into the moment, I ran. For you see, there was nothing else at that point in time I could do…so, I ran

What Does It Take... NYC Marathon Memories

2008-11-15T11:44:00.009Z

What does it take?
That’s the question that is emblazoned across my NYC Marathon finishing shirt; a question to take seriously and delve deeply into when considering running a marathon, or even perhaps any endeavour, for there IS a price that is paid for whatever we do.
The price I was willing to pay, physically, to run another marathon was months of training and hours upon hours of time. Mentally it was pulling out from deep within my being the belief that once again I would do my very best, no matter what the circumstances were, knowing that there would be difficulties, pain and well known fatigue during the race. Emotionally knowing that my nerves would be wringing my insides round and round and leaving them in tangled knotted mess. But all that is paled by the Greta Weitz embossed image on the medal placed around my neck after I crossed over the finish line in Central Park on 2 November 2008.

My legs had not just carried me through the 5 Boroughs of NYC, but through the cold pre dawn walk in Manhattan to the Public Library for the start of my 4am bus ride and subsequent 6 hour wait in Staten Island where I shivered with my husband awaiting his start time and then over to my start area and another cold wait for my 10:20 departure.

My heart soared as it was my time to cross over the mats on the upper level of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. A bridge I detested crossing when driving a car, due to my fear of the height and length, but smiled all the away across in awe at the magnificent view of the River below and Manhattan in the distance. I could even make out the smaller islands of Ellis, Governors, and the Statue Of Liberty. The amazing monstrous bridge arches were like giant croquet hoops suspended atop a ribbon of concrete, and I just one of the players in the game taking my turn at passing through them.

Periodically I would compare my watch time on my left wrist to the split race band on my right. The miles of Brooklyn were streaming passed to the sounds of assorted bands, cheering spectators and the “one more mile completed” mantra in my mind. Approaching the Pulaski Bridge and Queens I caught sight of a fellow club runner and shared encouraging words and with her kudos ringing in my ears I pressed on through the half way mark.

I had my camelbak strapped to my back and replenshined my dehydrated state throughout the race with sport drink, however this wasn’t enough to ward off the horrific Right Quadriceps cramp I experienced while attempting to stretch out my legs on the Queens borough bridge at mile post 16.5. This proved to be my undoing as a personal best time had looked very promising until this point. Now I was reduced to intermittent tinges of my muscle and sought medical assistance in the form of salt washed down with water at each Medic Tent I passed.

I was on First Avenue in Manhattan, mile 17 was behind me and I only had a little more than 9 miles left. I was feeling the fatigue, the sore muscles were reminding me of how far I had run, and my mental determination was urging me onward towards the Willis Avenue Bridge and the short run through the Bronx. A welcome committee consisting of a drum band and a woman cheering “Welcome to the BRONX!” brought a tired nod of my head and a realization that a mere 10K was all that separated me from the finish line.
Leaving the Bronx with a renewed sense of resolve and grit I crossed over the Madison Avenue Bridge and returned to Manhattan along 5th Avenue. The slight incline and mile 22 had me counting the remaining miles on one hand; Just FOUR more and change. My eyes now began to search the crowds for family that had told me they would be cheering me on at some point along this side of the Park. It felt better to keep running than interspaced running with walking. I pushed on and when the course became tree lined I knew I was within Central Park and the 23 mile sign suspended above the road was another welcome banner urging me onward.
The electronic mats I had been crossing over throughout the miles had allowed my family to know my progress. My son in Illinois knew how I had tired and realized that something had happened to cause my sub 12 min per mile pace to slip to over 13 min. My daughter was receiving updates on her mobile phone letting her know of my approximate time as I neared her vantage point. My brother and his family waited eagerly for me at the 26 mile point to give me that final push onward to the finish line. My husband, with his race now completed, awaited me to finish mine so we could exchange our Marathon Stories. The thoughts of these people, and the thousands others I would never know out there cheering me on had a dramatic effect as I approached the 25 mile banner and the familiar area my husband and I had walked through the day before.
The turn from the park onto Central Park South brought back the memories from the previous morning and the International Friendship Run. I had joined the thousands of runners from around the world at the UN to run in harmony through the streets of Manhattan to the finish line. Here I was repeating that last mile a day later with an inner drive taking each step forward. I then saw myself on the big screen just outside the re-entrance to the park at Columbus Circle. I heard my name being called not realizing that one of those voices was my oldest child, my daughter and her friend who were watching me run for the first time. Less than a half a mile! I’m in the home stretch I mentally told myself. I pushed onward until I heard my name again and looked to my right.

There along the tree lined course was my younger brother, his wife and their three teenaged daughters who had come from Delaware for this moment! I was ecstatic and waved my arms and ran over to them, embracing each one. With a quick glance at my watch and a shout that there was a medal waiting for me, I left them for the final sprint up the last rise to the awaiting finish gates. My brother was cheering me on as he too ran along with me on the outside of the course.
My eyes were fixed on the chosen gate and with outstretched arms I completed my fifth marathon. With an exhausted smile I accepted the medal and the congratulations that were placed around my neck. Emotion filled my soul as I stood for a “finisher picture” first from the medal presenter and then from the official photographer. I collected a foil “heat blanket” and wrapped it around my now chilling body and a food bag that I knew at some point I would enjoy.
It was a walk to the UPS truck that had my kit bag and I took each step gingerly as every muscle in my tired body was reminding me what I had just accomplished. Seeking to eliminate some of the cold, I attempted to put on my warm up pants. Bad move!! My Right quadriceps seized up and I was instantly frozen in pain. Thankfully a medic was standing nearby and came to my assistance with more salt and water. He escorted me to a warm tent where I received a muscle massage and downed my recovery drink. When they were satisfied that I was able to move again, and after phone calls with my husband, daughter and brother I made my way out of the park and to the waiting area to find those who meant so much to me.
Finding first my brother and his family, and then my daughter brought cheers, hugs, elation, admiration and stories as we walked through the early evening sunset. We could see runners still making their final approach through the last .2 mile of Central Park. My husband would meet me at the hotel as he too had suffered cramping at 16 miles and needed to rest.

The reunion at the hotel with my husband allowed me to hear his journey of the Five NYC Boroughs and relax with those who were there to watch us. With the picture taking, medic stops I still managed to finish under 6 hours; 5:59:42. My husband still accomplished another Boston Qualifying time of 3:35:51. Neither one of us did a personal best in NYC but our experience will remain etched in our memoires none the less.
So, what does it take to run a marathon? My NYC Marathon shirt answers that with three simply put words….Heart Pounding Dedication. Yep, I totally agree!

Run with me....thoughts and ramblings before NYC

2008-10-28T12:03:00.001Z

Five days! A fistful of fingers! OH my how my stomach churns. Bags are being packed, final preparations are being done, five miles to run today, four tomorrow.....

My mind is a list, a mental checking off of what I have to do to be ready for Thursday morning.. for Saturday night, for Sunday at 10:20ET. It all awaits. WIll I be ready, will my nerves hold tight? Ramblings of my mind, rumblings of my stomach. Thoughts sprinting through as I prepare what I need to do each day, each hour. I write, I ponder, I wonder. I dream. I plan! Yes, I plan! That is what I have been doing for days, weeks, months, and even years. I am getting ready. I WILL be ready!!

Each of you will be with me. Those who know what it takes to run a long distance, those who can't even imagine what is involved. Those who will be preparing for this type of event, those who utter a prayer/cheer of support. All of these are my cheerleaders. All are carried along with my warrior spirit, my road awaits. Your thoughts, prayers, well wishes, are felt on my shoes, my shoulders, my number on my vest 44971, I hear your voices echoed in the throngs that will be NYC.

I write now, before the hectic pace of the rest of the week envelope... Run with me in spirit, in unity, in like mind, run with me in determination, in fatigue, in passion, run with me for those things you too dream and work hard to accomplish..run with me in celebration of life, of all we are given and all we work hard for......... thank you for all that you are. My hand is held by your hand and together...we RUN!

In ONE hand

2008-10-28T08:36:00.007Z

That is all.. just one hand, five fingers to represent each of the days left until I am in Staten Island, atop the Verazzano Narrows Bridge, steadying my nerves to run the New York City Marathon. Queaziness hits me right now as I think about it!! But, I'm not there today. I still have a 5 mile easy paced run in the frosty temps of today to complete. Then tomorrow,there is my last 4 mile run on these shores before heading over to NYC on Thursday.

All of that is so exciting, I just need right now to step away from it and say a huge thank you to the people who have taken the time so far to sponsor me for this race. As I wrote in an earlier post, I am raising money for the Hepatitis C Trust here in the UK and want to thank the ladies in my Women's Running Network, Preston, Fulwood group for their donation. I enjoy Tuesday night runs with them and the support and encouragement they provide. Especially Freda and Felicity the group leaders. Paula, one of the members donated on her own and I am very appreciative of that. It's great to see someone come into the group and blossom in her running. Well done!

Back a couple of years ago I took part in the Salford Women's 5.25 mile race and met up with a fantastic group of women who even though they didn't know me, cheered me on as I finished my first every 5 mile race. We have stayed in touch for over 3 years and Thank you Elaine for your donation and kind words.

The wonder of technology has brought us the inovation of MP3 players and podcasts. It is though such a podcast, Phedippidations,http://www.steverunner.com/ that I first "met" Drusy. Then we had the fun of meeting up for real prior to running the London Marathon in April 2008. Thank you for your blog, http://www.drusy.blogspot.com/ your podcast, The Runners Roundtable http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/23997with all the others around the table, and mostly for your donation to my cause.

I would also like to thank some of the local business in the little village I live in for their donations, Sharps Butchers, The Mellor Pharmacy and Fiona at my church. You each are helping me to reach the goal I have set of £400.00 I will update this list as more wonderful people as they sponsor me.

So onward..... The World Wide Half! Yep.. I did do it. Nope, not in a great time.. but this wasn't about time, it was about doing a 20 mile training run. That is what my focus was on and that is where my mind set took me.

Speaking of minds.. I have a great imagination and it helps me when I am out running long distances by myself. I use mind games and thoughts to get me though those miles on the rural roads and to just focus. Saturday morning 11 October was a misty start and my start line was drenched from earlier rain. I set out with the voices of others preparing for their WWH,Zen Run 10 or Kick the Couch 5K in my ears. I also was thinking of my son over in the USA who would be running his second marathon, KC Marathon, that morning as well.

With these images in my mind I could mentally see all of us lined up together on the road in front of my house getting ready to head up the hill and off to our various finish lines.

The shared route would take us along some busy roads and then out into the countryside, I would get to show the other runners some of my favorite views. The first group to stop and applaud us were those in the kick the couch 5k. This finish line was across from the entrance to one of the country clubs (golf courses) Well done to each of those who ran that distance. We shared hugs and then continued on. The skies were trying to clear a little but still coldish.

Approaching the 6.2 mile mark was now out in a more rural road on a bridge taking us over one of the busier duel carriageways in the area. Again we applauded those who had finished their Zen Run 10k and they in turned wished us well as we moved onward to the beautiful Ribble Valley.

Now was the time to really enjoy the scenery, listen to the shouts from around the world on the podcast AND to focus. Legs were getting a bit tired as the long uphill at 11 miles took it toll. But I pressed on with the rest of you towards that 13.1 mile mark!! We were on a very busy two lane road and mentally celebrated with each of you once more for having completed the WWH. BUT, that wasn't the final for me.. nope I needed to get to the 20 mile mark. More rural roads, more scenery .. more cows, sheep, pheasants, and horses to watch and just follow my foot strikes.

Finally!!! 20 miles! So tired, so pleased! This run was all part of my training, and now, in the partly sunny early afternoon, I had completed it. I was standing on the top of my Marathon training. This was the most miles I would run in a week and now it was accomplished. It would be a steady decline of distance leading up to NYC.

But, in my mind, I saw those who were running the marathon distance that day, my son included, reach with in themselves and press onward. They had more miles to go... more distance to cover before their day was complete. I stood there, smiled and applauded, and mentally shouted out.. well done!

We don't live on this world alone, we don't run on this world alone. I am thankful to each of those reading this for being part of a running community. We are all better people because of it.

Time is like a vapor..

2008-10-21T10:23:00.005+01:00

..that is how I have been feeling lately. I've been attempting to get back here to update what has been going on in my training, and I keep missing the opportunity. Today I can wait no longer. Time is slipping by too fast and I want to just hold it in place for just a short bit.

Where have the last 5 weeks gone? There are only 12 days till I run NYC! But before all that I want to put down what these past weeks have been like.

Going back to the half marathon in Anglesey Wales...it was an experience. Graham and I were looking forward to the short couple of hours drive and the bed and breakfast near the start. We allowed some time on Saturday afternoon to visit the amazing Irish Sea front of Hollyhead.What fantastic views! The day was like out of a picture book and look promising for Sunday's race.

The half start was the mid point of the marathon distance, so we were actually running from sea level to one of the highest points in the middle of the island. A late start time of 9:30 meant we would be running as the temps got increasingly warmer and the hills longer and steeper. I kept my focus but knew it wouldn't be a PB time. I was pleased with the 2:45:46 finish considering the hills and heat. It was difficult but the best part was meeting, talking with and capturing a picture with Tracie Morris, Team GB Athens Olympic Marathon runner! What an honor and wonderful woman. She was the second finisher, and first woman finisher in the half and waiting for her sister to finish her first full marathon.

My training enabled me to have a strong finish due to all the hills around Lancashire....more on that and the World Wide Half Marathon in the very soon to come blog entry.

Week 7 Ramblings

2008-09-15T22:27:00.006+01:00

Fall has started. Yep. While out on my runs these past couple of days I've noticed the leaves collecting on the pavement. The mornings are darker, the evenings ever so shorter. The air just a tad crisper.

I like the air when it gets like this. The breathing is easier and a sense of exhilaration fills my lungs and legs as I once more head up the first mile hill. What I don't particularly like is the shorter day. Soon I won't have the luxury of going for a late afternoon run and knowing it will still be light when I finish. I won't be able to get out extra early in the glorious sunrise, instead it will be a dark start BUT I will get to see the sunrise as I am out. That IS a bonus.

This is when I make myself even more visible with blinky lights and HVC (high visibility clothing). Just that little bit extra visibility gives me a little bit of a edge when out and about and the lighting is a bit dim.

Training is going well. Just finished a long run of 16 miles on Sunday and put my total up into the mid 40mpw range. Did a cool down of 2 miles to bring me back up the hills and home. Legs felt pretty good and have been doing the cold leg baths. BURRR....but it seems to make the tired calves easier to cope with. I have also arranged for another sports massage this week. So looking forward to it. Thought it would be a good idea with the Angelsey Half Marathon on Sunday down in Wales. Trying whatever it takes to be ready for this half.

Marathon paced mid week runs are now at 9 miles and that means I'm approaching the peak of the marathon training. I do get nervous when I head out for these runs. I guess it's the "performance thinking" kicking in. I want to be able to keep my pace for the entire distance. I focus hard and attempt to run even splits with a bit in the reserve for the final mile. I'll see how that works out this week as the distance is a mile longer then I've done yet.

I'm keeping pretty much to plan with the training. I've opted to run the NYC Marathon for a charity. Anyone reading this who would like to help out a worth cause, please give a minute to check out my just giving web page for the Hepatitis C Trust. http://www.justgiving.com/marysrunning

It's late now, and I see the rain streaking the window. It reminds of the the signs on the water rides at amusement parks: You WILL get wet on this ride! I think of that each time I go for a run in the rain.....
until next time...

Time To Update

2008-09-10T09:19:00.006+01:00

It's now September, and summer is basically over. I wonder if there was really A SUMMER at all this year here in NW England. The hot weather didn't happen but for the very few days interspersed throughout about 3 weeks. That was it. Rain? Oh yes...lots of that!!

So getting to the point, training. NYC Marathon is now on the horizon and getting closer with each day. The stepping stones to that have been my day to day runs which now are increasing with mileage. I am using the plan I found that helped me last year. A modified version of the Hanson's Moderate and Consistent plan. It worked well for me in London this past April so I am hoping to see positive results on 2 November.

I participated in the Birchwood 10K, not my favorite distance, but I set a new PB (70:41) and that I am pleased about. However, towards the end my left quad muscle ached terribly and I needed to slow down which cost me valuable seconds. With stretching and treatment I am hoping to eliminate this from happening again.

Now I am looking on to the half marathon in Angelsey, Wales in a short 1.5 weeks. This will be a new experience running there. Looking forward to running in a new area. Of course my stomach gets a bit queasy when I think about it, but I just continue to put down the miles.

Then there is the Coniston Trail up at the Lakes. This will be my fourth time running it and I enjoy the change from road and the different locale. It's a challenging route but not as nutty as the Derwentwater or Garburn Trails.

Just a week after Coniston is the World Wide Festival of Races. I'll be doing a 20 mile training run that day of which I will count the first 13.1 miles as my World Wide Half Marathon. It will be a course of my choosing and one that I used last year.

Then on to the New York City Marathon. Now it is less than 2 months away. I figured that I have covered over 250 miles just in training for this race so far and might just complete another 250 by race day. There are some very high weekly totals looming.

How do I feel about this marathon? Hmmm.. I'm excited of course, I'm nervous, I'm wondering just how I will do, I wonder how the course will be, I wonder how the weather will turn out, I wonder if my family members who say they will be there show up, I wonder if any of my friends will be able to watch...guess I wonder about everything! The biggest concern is of course, will my training allow me to run the best time in a marathon?

This is when I have to trust my training, trust my experience, trust my routines....TRUST. Just pure and simple. I know I can run the distance, I know I can fuel myself correctly before, during and after the race, I know my body has the endurance for this. With this trust, I can push aside those concerns.

It's that one foot in front of the other mentality. Show up for each training run, each nutritional meal, each positive thought...and come race day it will all come together.I will TRUST this.

olympic Dreams

2008-08-20T11:25:00.008+01:00

With the images of Beijing in our newspapers, magazines, on our televisions, and computers it gives one pause to ponder. I ponder about a lot of things when I am out running. Guess it is the time alone and the opportunity to relax and free float my mind.

There are amazing athletes from each country out there in China. They are on the world stage and putting themselves out there to be immortalized for what they can do. Years of mental and physical training have gotten them to where they are at this moment. It has been their dream, their goal, their passion, their drive, their life.

What about my olympic dreams. I don't mean going to THE Olympics...no as I have not spelled the work with a capital O. I'm more interested in another use of the word...perhaps leaning towards the" doing something in such a way that it takes great effort, courage, determination, focus."Making an olympian effort.

Run For The Fallen Challenge

2008-07-20T13:20:00.003+01:00

Mission Statement:

Run for the Fallen is a collective of runners whose mission is clear and simple: To run one mile for every American service member killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 14, 2008, we run across America to raise awareness about the lives of those who fought, to activate their memories and keep their spirits alive, to support organizations that help wounded veterans and the families of those killed (Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, HUGSS (Helping Unite Gold Star Survivors), and the 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund), and to aid the healing process for those Americans whose lives have been affected by the war. We refuse any political affiliation or agenda, but simply honor those who have fought, and those who have fallen under the American flag.

I heard about the above organization through the running podcast Phedippidations in June. I thought it was such a great concept that I went to the website and learned more about what it is all about. That's when I knew I wanted to be a part of it. One hitch, I'm over 3,000 miles away from my homeland.

But, where there is a will...and all that good stuff, I looked over the route and saw that the RFTF would be going very close to my son's house AND the US AFB he is asigned to. So I got to thinking, why not on the Sunday the miles from his house to the connecting spot of the RFTF route and then on the Monday, run the miles to the AFB along their route! So I have committed to run approx 7 miles on Sunday 27 July and another 6 Monday 28 July, but why stop there.

I have written to my US family and said hey, why not join me on this!!?? Why not team up and see how many miles we can run, or walk to tribute the solders? So now there are miles committed from my younger brother, and my son. I'm looking forward to hearing from a few others to have them join us on this expedition. We can't be together to do this in person, but we can be linked over the thousands of miles that seperate us for this common purpose.

Then on 24 August, the final day of the event, I am looking at how I can do a tribute run. Putting the invites out again to family. Just a way of saying thank you to all those who have served.

One Hundred Eleven Days and counting....

2008-07-14T19:10:00.005+01:00

......until the New York City Marathon! Yes, that is all that remains until I run my 5th Marathon. I've actually begun my training today with a rest day. My training schedule is taped to the inside of my kitchen cabinet, my spreadsheet is prepared and my mind is now in "Marathon Mode".

These 16 weeks are broken down to daily runs; speed sessions, marathon pace, long runs, recovery runs and strength training. My food/nutrition is being tweaked to make sure I'm as fit as possible. All of this is done a day at a time. I've learned from past training schedules that if I look too far ahead, I get nervous, anxious and doubt my abilities.

I've got 3 races planned during this time as well, and they will be taken as they come. I know I can run this distance, I know I can do the training. I've set a time goal that would be a new personal best for me. I will keep that in my sites as I run my marathon pace runs. So I take each week, each session as it comes and do what is infront of me. To do my best is my goal. Bring it on!

PS: I haven't written on here since my last marathon; London but I haven't been just sitting around. My running has been going well. I took some time off to recover from the excellent experience and eased back into my running.

I participated in my 5th Cancer UK Race For Life to benefit the charity and honour my Mom's memory. It is the only 5K (or shorter) distance I race because it is so fast. The thousands of women running is a real tribute to the cause and always brings a tear to my eye as I remember the battle my Mom experienced with her cancer. She lost her battle in August of 1990 and I attribute her battle to getting me started walking and now her memory which started my joy of running.

I also wanted to test myself with a long trail experience between London and New York. I took part in the 15.1 mile Garburn Trail in Cumbria in Mid June. It was marvelous and the sites were incredible. I've done several of the Lakeland Trail series before, but this is by far the hardest and longest of them all. I always look forward to the off road "mountain" trails.

It WILL happen...Just Keep Believing

2008-04-16T10:37:00.007+01:00

On Sunday 13 April, it was more than just belief; it was determination, drive, preparedness, passion, pain, grit, stamina, exhaustion, elation, perseverance, and persistence that made it happen! All of the above and more got me to the finish line of the London Marathon.

Preparing for a marathon isn’t easy, but running it is even harder. I had a goal time in mind and I wanted with all my being to make that goal.

The ride down to London went smoothly and getting to the expo on Friday allowed my husband and me a bit of “look around time” before it got really hectic. We had the opportunity to meet up with a fellow P'dip podcast listener Drusy and share running experiences. The excitement started to build when I went to sign for my number. Then it was getting my timing chip and browsing/shopping the exhibitor’s stalls before heading back to the hotel located right off mile 19 in Canary Wharf in the Isle of Dogs, Docklands part of London.

Saturday morning was brisk and mostly sunny. I went out for a quick 2.25 mile run through the glass high rise office building area of Canary Wharf. I knew I would be running partly on the marathon course and sure enough overnight the marathon crew had painted the “blue line” that would be guiding the thousands of runners in just over 24 hours. I ran lost in thought of the world class athletes who would be leaving their foot strikes in this very area. Stunned I realized that I was running much quicker than I anticipated. I turned around at mile 18 and completed my run back to the hotel in a shocking adrenaline pumped time.

Sunday morning arrived quickly. I had prepared the after race bag the night before and my race clothes were laid out. I filled my camelback with race fuel and made the finishing check to all that was needed before showering, eating a light breakfast of muesli, skim milk and fruit and getting changed. My husband’s procedure was much the same as mine and we were ready to head to the Docklands Light Railroad station right outside our hotel for the short ride to Greenwich Station. From there it was like watching some sort of migration as other runners joined the procession to the start area not quite a mile up the hill.

We entered the Blue Start area and found a place to sit and wait with the thousands of others before making the final preparations to our running gear and turning our kit bag in to the proper truck to take down to the finish area. Then with a kiss, a hug, an “I Love You”, and “Run Strong” I walked in the opposite direction from my husband as I went to my pen and he to his 6 higher then mine! (The speed demon he is!!) Standing in my pen, the nerves were kicking in big time and it wasn’t any different for the others standing around me.

Then suddenly, the pack started to move forward, although I didn’t hear it, the gun had gone off and the race had started. Getting closer, I increased the speed of my walk to an increasing faster run and crossed over the starting mat with the strange electronic sound of my timing chip engaging. I was now in the race!

It was partly sunny, the air was crisp, and the crowds lined the roads and were cheering us along. My heart was elated and I watched my breathing. U2 were softly playing in my ears and indeed it was “a beautiful day!”

I had prepared a wrist race band to keep watch of my split times. I didn’t want to go out too fast but I wanted to run so as to give myself a time cushion towards the later miles when I knew my legs would be reminding me of how many miles I had completed. I was already being swept along by the other runners and by the end of the first 10K (6.2 miles) I was 5 minutes up on my time.

The crowds were fantastic and continued to urge me on to keep my pace steady. I was now passed the Cutty Sark and heading towards the Tower Bridge and the half way point. My legs were tiring slightly and at 10 miles I took a short walk break and my first sport gel. This is when the grey clouds that had now blocked the sunshine opened up! It was a downpour and not just rain, but hail as well. It felt strangely good and refreshing. Then it was a right turn onto Tower Bridge! The cheering crowds were deafening and the site amazing!

Approaching mile 14 allows runners the opportunity to see other faster runners approaching from the opposite direction. It was there that I spotted my husband, running like an engine at his mile 23! We yelled encouraging words to each other and then resumed focusing on our respective tasks. He only had 3.2 miles left! I was only just over half way!

The sun had come back out and the crowds were in force again as I approached the Isle of Dogs area and where last year I nearly crumbled with pain in my left quad. There was evidence that the distance was taking its toll on many a runner. I cautiously made my way around a runner lying in the pavement covered with a space blanket, an oxygen mask and being attended by the ambulance crew. I had to bring my focus back to myself and do a body check to see how I was feeling. Other than a slight twinge in my quads I was feeling good.

Weaving through the other runners and around the Canary Wharf area I remembered Saturday’s run and how different it was now being surrounded by thousands. Passed mile 19 and the place were I received assistance for my tired and aching quad a year ago. Then it was on to the highway and another deluge of rain!

I was aware my pace was slowing slightly, but with fatigue setting in and mile 23 approaching I was starting to take a few more walk breaks. Each time I hear my name being called by a spectator I gave them a thumbs up and an inner smile urged me to press on. I now was entering Blackfriars Tunnel. It’s a lonely stretch with no spectators and no crowds to cheer you on. It’s dank, dark, and sticky from lucisade and the low point for me. But I knew that when I emerged, I would be on the Embankment with just about 2 miles left to run.

Oh how my legs were tired, my body was aching, both my quads wanted rest and my mind just willed Big Ben closer. When I crossed the 40K mat I knew it was less than 1.5 miles and I knew also that even if I walked the entire remaining distance I would have a massive personal best time. But, to walk that was NOT an option. The finish line was just 3 right turns away, there was a medal with my name on it waiting and I wanted to get there as quick as I could. I wanted to be able to stop running, I wanted to find out how my husband had done, and I wanted to sit down! So I kept running. I made the first turn at Big Ben and now on tree lined Birdcage Walk I saw the 800 metre sign ahead! I took a final couple walk steps and then ran! The 600 metre sign approached and mentally I figured that was just 1.5 times around the track! I kept running. Buckingham Palace was coming up on my left; I didn’t look as my eyes were focused on the blue banner across the road which said, “Just 385 yards remaining”.

The slight turn to the right, then the final right turn and there in front of me were the long awaited yellow finish gates. The way was lined with spectators cheering and Union Jack flags attached to the poles. I heard the announcer say my name as my eyes focused on the finish clock and the waiting gate. I swung open my arms and embraced the finish line. I had completed my second London Marathon 24 minutes faster than last year! My time was a well deserved 5:46:37. I had obtained my goal; I at last had broken the 6 hour mark that for the previous 3 marathons I was unable to do.

The timing chip was cut from my shoe laces, a finisher medal was placed around my neck and I posed for a commemorative finisher photo. After collecting my kit bag and making my way to the meeting area I was reunited with my husband and to hear his marathon story. He had run his second fastest marathon of 3:22:54, and a 2 minute improvement from his 2006 London Marathon finish time.

So what now? First a week of rest with gentle walks, then slowly easing back into running. I have 10 weeks to enjoy running some off road, a couple of races, and then the marathon training starts all over again!! Yep, NYC awaits on November 2, 2008! Just 200 days!

London Calling

2008-04-14T22:24:00.003+01:00

This is it, The final four miles today in my taper. Then it's down to London in the morning. Excitement to say the least! My bag is just about packed and the last of the food/fuel items awaits to be put into my backpack.

This is what I have trained 18 weeks for. This is what I have spent miles running in the rain, the cold, the wind, early hours, and late afternoons. Given up my Saturday mornings for, squeezed into my weekdays, and went out even when my mind was saying..." ahhhh you can skip it today".

This is what I ran the Liverpool Half for back in the beginning of March. Pressing on to run it to the best of my ability.

This is what I went to a physiotherapist for when my hamstring tear occurred. It's what I spent time stretching, hot baths, cold baths, hot water bottles, frozen packs of peas and applied countless rubs, ointments, creams and taken many an ibuprofen for.

This is LONDON! This is my fourth marathon. This is a test of my body, my mind, my soul. This is for me. This is to pass down a legacy to those that know me.

On Sunday 13 April I will lace up with my red laces, make my way to the Blue Start area and at 9:45 GT finish what I have prepared for all these months. This is satisfaction, living with a passion. Seizing the day and wringing it dry! Bring IT on!

22 Miles, 8 Days And Then London

2008-04-05T18:00:00.004+01:00

It's nearly here! The title tells it all. That's what remains till 13 April.

Thought this week needed a bit of humor, thus the picture! My FLM long run buddy Kelly, and first time marathon runner, gave the card to me along with some "thank you" socks. She knew I'm the sock queen and have an entire drawer of running socks plus another drawer of everyday socks.

We did our long run Friday afternoon due to a Saturday scheduling conflict. She is my IT tutor and in between instruction we had that last bowl of soup. It was late afternoon before we got out running and despite the misty rain, the newly tried hilly route was a pleasure. The rural route allowed us fabulous scenic views, photo ops of newly born lambs with their protective moms nearby, and a final conversation of pre-marathon topics.

On Thursday I was to have done my ten mile marathon pace run, but as I was caught up in doing our company Payroll Year End I altered my running plan to move it to Saturday. I knew it would mean my legs might be a bit tired but it would be the last double digit run of my schedule. I ran the same route as the previous two weeks and knew at what time I wanted to finish.marathon paced 10 mile
Find more Runs in Ribble Valley, United Kingdom

Light rain greeted me along the early miles and I was even able to cross over the busy roads without having to stop for traffic. This kept my pace even and my breathing steady. I did have some "rough patches" with my legs feeling tired, but keeping positive I knew I would get through it. Sure enough I felt stronger and continued on. I was on target to finish at marathon pace at the 5 mile mark and if I kept that same pace for the second half I would reach my goal. When I stopped my Garmin at 10 miles I had completed it in 2:10:04! That put me slightly quicker than a revised marathon finish of 5:45:00.

Now the last speed session has been completed and the last double digit run is done. All that are left are four shorter runs from Sunday to Thursday. Then a very easy paced two mile run Saturday in London along the Marathon route in the Isle of Dogs. This is where 18 weeks of training has brought me .

One more bowl of soup!

2008-03-30T22:00:00.003+01:00

It's been 16 weeks since I started on my road to London. I've now completed over 440 training miles, gone through 2 pairs of shoes, consumed gallons of sports drink and gels, run a half marathon, injured my hamstring, had massages, gone through physio treatment and made new friends.

All of the above has been done so in just 2 weeks I can hopefully run my fastest marathon to date. I've been able to stick with my training program for the most part. The hamstring injury put me back some miles, but I've pushed myself to keep to form.

Now I have printed up my race pace braclet, prepared a playlist on my iPod, purchased and broken in my Nike Structure Triax +11. Monday, 31 March begins my taper. I have just one marathon pace run of double digits. The rest of the runs will keep my weekly total to about 40 miles. The hard work has been done and now it's keeping the legs and lungs ready for the 13 April.

One of the differences with this training is I had a running buddy for my long runs. Kelly is my IT instructor and got a place for London in the ballot. This is her first marathon and she asked if she could run with me. It has made the Saturday hours on the road a lot better. This past Saturday we ran a 10 mile route that will be the last double digit long run. We have gotten to know each other better through the hours on the road, and over a bowl of homemade soup for our after run meal. Just one more long run awaits. One more bowl of soup.

2 Red Laces, 20 Miles, 3 Weeks!

2008-03-28T14:14:00.001Z

My Marathon Registration form arrived along with the Marathon News as I mentioned in my previous blog entry. Plus, the infamous RED LACES! Yep, I've put the laces in my newly bought London 2008 Marathon shoes and now I'm set!! The spiffy red ties are a great contrast to my yellow Nike Triax! Ok, they aren't supposed to make your shoes look better or give you that extra bit of confidence on the course or in training, BUT if that happens, FANTASTIC!

What they are for is to wear on Marathon Sunday 13 April and for each runner that crosses the line with them, the Heart Charity UK, gets a donation!! How's that for an easy way to help hearts??!! I think it is fantastic as I had been diagnosed with high blood pressure some years back. My running has brought my blood pressure down (along with mediation) to a very normal range.

This past Saturday 22 March, I laced up my new shoes with the Red Laces and went out for my longest training run of this Marathon preparation....20 Miles! Yes I felt spiffy, felt energetic and had a great run. And wouldn't you know it, the one other runner I saw out there (not counting my running buddy) was wearing his Red Laces!! I think it's catching on! My taper has begun, as the long hard miles are behind me and all I am looking at is a slow reduction of miles until London. I am so looking forward to this! Bring IT on!

Four in 4!

2008-03-17T19:33:00.002Z

It's getting to the wire. This marks just FOUR weeks until I run my FOURTH marathon. My training has been a bit sputter and pop these past 2 weeks. I am still undergoing physiotherapy for my hamstring. It is getting better but for most of the time when I am running I feel a dull sensation in my left hip/joint area. I know that it WILL pass and come 13 April I will run with no discomfort..well I think I need to rephrase that. I will run without discomfort from this situation.

This week is to be my highest mileage week AND my longest run. The physio has been very positive in me being able to take on the 20 miles I have scheduled in for Saturday. His instructions these past 2 weeks have been for me to walk up the hills and to get to the gym and do some hamstring strengthening. I have been following his advice.

I'm looking forward to London. To the excitement, the hustle that just IS London. I can re-race last year's marathon in my mind at anytime and I think that is an advantage to me for this year. I know what the course is like, I remember how I felt at certain key places. I also remember how the 2nd 10K distance was a bit of a blur. I want to have every mile of this year clear in my memory.

I am formulating how I plan to run this. I do have a goal in mind and that is a sub6. Oh I know that sounds like a ridiculous goal for some people, but I am raising my own bar and running my own race. My husband can easily finish almost 3 hours faster than me.. but again he is a whippet of a runner and a real speed demon on the distance. I'm pleased and thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this race again. To do a sub 6 hour marathon would be a personal best of over 10 minutes on last year's race. This I feel I can do. I have been training for this.

I've got my copy of Marathon News with my official registration in it and all the final details. It's all coming together and after this Sunday it will be a slow ease into London. Here's to a 50+mile week!

Liverpool Half and Just SIX Weeks

2008-03-04T16:46:00.006Z

The Long and Winding Road, European Capital of Culture 2008, The Ferry Across the Mersey...each of those statements would answer the question; "Tell me one thing about Liverpool, UK?"

Another fact would be that on 2 March 2008 the Liverpool Half Marathon took place. It was an early rise and a 45 minute motorway drive down to Liverpool. The weather was bright and somewhat clear skies, but windy and briskly cold. Hubby and I had to drive to a city car park and take the bus transport to Sefton Park where the race would start and finish. Prior to getting the bus we changed into our race clothes and took the items we would need immediately following the race in a backpack to check in at the start/finish area.

Sefton Park was slowly filling with the additional 4,000 runners as we made our own final preparations and then joined the others in the start pen, with my husband placing himself much further up than me as his finish time would at least be an hour before me. With the sound of the Army cannon, the race began. I didn't need to keep my Physio's words in my mind to treat this as a training run, my hamstring gentle pressure throughout the course kept me at a marathon rather than half-marathon pace. That was fine with me as I didn't want to cause any further damage to my mending muscle.

The course was a bit disappointing as we didn't get to see the wonderful sites of the River Mersey, the government buildings or the Albert Docks. Instead we ran from one park, down Parliament Street around an urban area and then back the up the hilly Parliament Street to another park where we did a few loops and then back to Sefton Park and a few more loops there until the route brought us back into the park were we began. The first downhill mile passed by a bit too quickly and I knew I needed to slow up a bit or my leg might give out on me earlier then the finish line. Shortly after the 3 mile mark I passed my husband coming up the hill and looking strong. He was at least 3 miles ahead of me!!

Easing into a nice steady rhythm I continued down to the water station where at 4 miles I walked to take on liquid. I had my sport drink in my camelbak but the water was a nice change, I also took my first isotonic gel. Realizing that the uphill was approaching I was forced to slow to a walk to ease any tightness in my hamstring. Leveling off I picked up my pace passing some other runners who were having some difficult times. I could see the grimace in their faces as they fought their own physical limitations to push on to reach their goal, some it would be their first half marathon.

The next water station was at 8 miles where I walked again to hydrate and take on another gel. My legs were tired, but my breathing was great. I continued on and chuckled when one of the marshal's encouragingly said I was almost there, and reminded him that I had 5 more miles! I was passing even more people, some had passed me earlier. I was now looking at my watch and realizing that I could finish in the adjusted time I had hoped for.

I was now running along the outside of the park and closing in on the 11th mile. Earlier finishers were walking past adorned with their medals and some with the race T-shirts. They called out encouraging "well done" or "almost there" "great job" and I couldn't help but smile back and tell them thank you.

Approaching the last quarter mile I saw my husband, camera in hand, on the sidewalk telling me how great I was doing. It was the boost that helped me sail into the finishing funnel. I took my final steps, crossed over the timing mat with my arms open wide and a smile of achievement. I had completed my eighth half marathon race since my first in June 2005. This wasn't my fastest half marathon, but it was a good run with a strong finish. My time: 2:50:44 Not bad considering the hamstring tear.

My focus as I said in my previous post has been LONDON, not Liverpool. I am pleased that I was able to run Liverpool a bit faster than Marathon pace. I feel strong, capable, prepared to move on with my training and in six short weeks from today London, I pray will be a record breaking memory.

(my husbands time? a speedy 1:35:34!)

Catching Up

2008-03-04T09:09:00.005Z

Once again all the best laid plans have slipped away and I find myself a month and a half later posting here. I have come a long way since the previous post so time to bring it all up to date.

January was a get it together month for me. I realized that I was once again taking the big bite and in Marathon training again. The miles added up and I completed over 125 miles for the monthly total. Long runs were increasing and weekly totals edged into the 30 miles a week. I was comfortable with the speed work on Tuesdays and Marathon paced runs on Thursday. Long runs I kept to Saturday mornings and an easy recovery run was for Sunday. That left Friday as a rest day and Monday moved from being an off day to an easy run. There were days that I just didn't get out as early as I wanted, but I kept to the program pretty much and saw speed and endurance increase. The weather was COLD and a hat, gloves, leggings, and light layers kept me pretty comfortable.

I shared some of my longer runs with my IT instructor who is also running London. It will be her first marathon and it was good company during those rural miles. Also, her fiance's cousin from Italy made the runs even more interesting. I even learned a bit of Italian.

February was when the weekly totals creep into the 40mpw and even to 51 miles for the highest. I did my longest long run of 16 miles alone and was pleased with my pace and stamina. Although I will say at about 13 miles I was ready to be teleported home! Unfortunately on the 29th of January, during a speed hill session with my Women's Running Network group, I tore my hamstring. I wasn't aware of the true damage until a month later. I ran with soreness and eased off on the hills until I pulled it again later in February.

My training was suffering a little and I knew I needed to have it looked at. So on the 29 February I went to the physio and he confirmed that I had torn the hamstring the month before and re injured it during that week. I was prepared for the instructions to NOT run on it, but after treatment he said I could run my planned half marathon two days later, but not to race it. I would follow his recommendations and not aim for the PB I was hoping for. My monthly total was now up to nearly 160 miles.

On March 1 I went for an easy 2 mile pre-race day warm up along the ridge type hill road from the village. It was a windy morning and I just took it easy. I could feel the hamstring, so I just got the miles in. I was looking forward to my first race of 2008 and a prelude to what I might do for London.

Just 3 months

2008-01-13T23:30:00.000Z

April 13 is just 3 months away. Thireteen Sundays from today! That Sunday in April will be my second running of the Flora London Marathon! Am I excited?? YEAAHHH, I am excited!! Three months from today all the hard training will be finished, I won't have to deal with the bitter winds of today, the needle-like pins in my face, the layers upon layers of cothing, the hat, the gloves, the blinky lights and Hi-Vi bright yellow bibs for better visability.

No..all I will be dealing with is the job at hand. Running my fourth marathon and aiming to run it in a Personal Best. I know it will test me, stretch me, strip me of all I am made of, but it will also test me to see what I am made from. I'm looking ahead to just 3 months from now. The great memories, the sense of acomplishment, the pride, and the aching body that will reward me with a job well done.

So as I look forward I also look at the here and now. This day is where I am. I'm not 13 weeks ahead, I'm right here. I do what is infront of me. Sometimes when I run I have a tendency to look straight down at the pavement ahead of me. I forget that I also need to look beyond my own feet to where I am headed. To focus on where it is I am aiming for and run towards that.

I am taking each day as a step to the finish line in just 3 months. I am keeping to good nurition, I am getting out and running my marathon schedule to keep my body ready for the longer runs that are coming up. I am keeping grounded in prayer and inspirational readings to feed that warrior within me to stay hungry for even better things. These things will keep me focused and so that in just 3 months from today, I will run not just a good race, but a GREAT race.

Worth the Time

2008-01-11T11:00:00.000Z

Last year, before the London Marathon I had a gait anaylise of my running at one of the manufactures booths. The camera showed that my gait had altered a bit from the previous testing months before. I purchased a new pair of shoes that fit my now altered running style. I know...You should NEVER EVER use a pair of new shoes for a marathon.
My thought was, do I wear the well broken in ones that were wrong for my gait, or try breaking in these new ones as best I could before the Marathon and wear them for the marathon two days hence. Yep, you guessed right! I took those shoes and wore them all over the place on Friday, did a short run in them on Saturday and walked the entire day in them. On Marathon morning, they were the wings that carried me to the finish.
So now that I am looking at London again, it was time to get the gait looked at again. A near by running store has a camera set for analysis and time to get over there. I wanted to have the right shoes for the miles my legs will be feeling in the coming weeks. (This is week 14 of my training program)

The results showed that the shoes I am currently running in are not doing my slight overpronation any good. With them I am STILL rolling inward on both my feet, slightly. That might be enough to be causing my ITB to be acting up as well as that great periformus condition in my R glut!(The piriformis is a flat muscle, pyramidal in shape, lying almost parallel with the posterior margin of the gluteus medius). Stretching was helping some but I have still been having some problems.
I now have a new pair of Muzimo Wave Inspire. A shoe I haven't worn before but feel great on my feet and in playback of my analysis show no rolling in. I'm not one that has to have a certain make and type of shoe, so these are worth trying.

I'm glad that I followed my husband's urging to get my gait analysed again to make sure I was running in the proper shoe for me. I have goals for London 2008 and having the right shoe to carry me to them is very important.

A new Year, A New opportunity

2008-01-08T00:15:00.000Z

Another year's door has opened and I'm now amongst the trappings of 2008. As I look around this empty room I bring with me the decorations I wish to place around it's walls and fill it's space with.

My running goals are only starting to form. The best news I got towards the end of 2007 was that my club had given me another opportunity to run the Flora London Marathon on 13 April 2008! I can't put into words how excited I am! Another Golden Ticket!!

To get to the finish line in London I have had a close look at my training program from last year. I am making some changes so that I have a stronger finish and succeed in breaking through the 6 hour mark. More on that in my next installment.

As the days progress I will be adding more to this 2008 room and filling it with my hopes, dreams, accomplishments, and challenges. Here's to the New Year!

My Phedippidations World Wide Half Race Report

2007-10-13T18:58:00.000+01:00

MY RIBBLE VALLEY HALF MARATHON
I’m ready. I’m trained. I’m focused. I’m running the streets and lanes of the Ribble Valley on my own today. It’s a strange feeling to get ready for a race and be the only one on the road, yet have the excitement and nerves internally like any other race morning.
I check the weather and see that it is perfect for a long run. There is slight misting rain, and temps are in the low 50sF with a very slight breeze.
I mentally remind myself of the route and my goal time. I know that running on my own I won’t have the physical pluses of focusing on other runners, but I will have over 1000 runners in my mind’s eye that have, will have or are doing their very best in their respective races. That along with the “shouts from the World” will carry my feet.
Any course that I select around here has hills, they just can’t be avoided. I start out in my little village with the first uphill. The air is refreshing, the misting rain comfortable and I am prepared with my waterproof and hat. Breathing is good as I reach the turnoff and the lovely downhill and flat to one of the duel carriage ways. Making a left I continue along coasting downhill and finish my first 5K in 38.25 with splits of: 13.00, 12:15, 12.05

The next 3 miles take me along a somewhat busy road with morning drivers and folks getting their papers at the shops along the route. I leave this to enjoy the road venturing off on to a side shoot that will allow me across the duel carriage way and into the more rural section of my course. My next 3 mile split is accomplished in 37:15 with miles done in 12:47, 12:20, 12:08.

I’m virtually on my own, little traffic along the loop into the countryside. The rain is a bit heavier now and there is a low misting of clouds out across the fields. The River Ribble is in view as I approach the level straight. I’m listening to the 2nd playing of the “shouts from the World” and Blacklab’s great song kicks in and pushes me through the fatigue I’m starting to feel. My breathing is good, my pace steady and mile 9 sees me complete this section in 39:28. My splits are 13:29, 13:30 12:29 (thanks to BLACKLAB)

Now the more difficult uphill section back to the main road. Legs are tired, breathing a bit laboured. I take my first walk break to get my stamina back. My SIS sport drink keeps me fuelled and start running again. I’m approaching mile 10 and mobile rings; it’s my hubby checking on my progress. He’s a great encouragement and tells me how great I’m doing. Phone call over and still going uphill. Finally I’m making the turn onto the main road and a bit more even ground. I know this straight stretch so well; I’ve run it countless times. I pick up speed and know that the rest of the way is a clear shot to the finish. I hit mile 12 with a time of 43:02 for that section and splits of 15:21, 14:17, 13:24.

Now it’s my final push, I’m tired; I’m running this distance faster than I have run it alone. All I need to do is just breath, pace, and relax. I’m crossing the main road to the lay-by that will take me down the short hill to the finish. I’m continuing to pick up pace. I’m watching my time, I can see the finish. No cars, no dog walkers just me crossing my PWWH finish line. I stop my watch and see that mile 13 was done in 12:27 and that very last .10 mile in 55sec.

I shut off my watch and I am really happy to have finished in 2:50:35. Not the fastest half marathon I have run, BUT it is THE fastest half marathon distance I have run by myself. I was 1:44 faster than the First PWWHM and that WAS during a scantioned race. (Not mentioning the 15K hilly trail race I ran the day before!!) I walk up to the corner bakery and phone my husband with the results. He’s applauds me and offers to come and pick me up. I ask him to bring the camera and my REGO after race drink. I continue walking a bit further and then while waiting I am surprised by my running friend and “marathon training advisor” out on her Saturday long run. She stopped and congratulated me on my results. My husband arrived and captured the moment. We wished her safe running as she left to complete her 18 mile run. A great finish line moment shared with my two great running supporters.

I will remember this day with fondness, and pride. Thank you to Steve R, and everyone who made this event so fun.

MY P'dip WWH

2007-10-12T01:16:00.000+01:00

P'dip World Wide Half Marathon 2007
Find more Runs in Ribble Valley, United Kingdom

There it is! My course. It's a mix of both somewhat busy roads and countryside. I've run all of it at different times and different finish distances. I have planned the course so I have some nice downhills, straight stretches, a long incline 2/3 of the way and then a 2.5 straight to an exhilerating finish.

Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon Awaits

2007-10-08T21:46:00.000+01:00

It's crunch time! My PWWHMC is only days away and I'm still seeking THE route I want to use. Not being able to do an official race I am going to use the beautiful Ribble Valley, Lancashire Uk as my course. There are so many roads I have run down in these past couple of years that I am perplexed as to which ones to pick. I'll need to have this finalized within two days to give myself mental preparation time. I will add a post with my decided course before Saturday 14 October, my official PWWHMC day.

I know that it will be my energy, my steam, my motivation that gets me around my route. There won't be any signs, any people cheering my name. It will be a lonely 13.1 miles on my own. That is why I am thankful to the Phedippidations Podcast that will carry me along. The shouts of encouragement will help me to focus and "feel" the energy of others on this trek. I may be running alone, but I know I am not alone.

Another PB! Another Coniston Trail Challenge!

2007-10-08T20:22:00.001+01:00

The Lake District in Cumbria is massive. I have only seen a very small part of it, but find it wonderful. The hills or should I call them mountains or fells, rise up all around and surround you. On a day like the 7 October it was perfect weather to spend a day exploring the majesty of the area. I did so by competing in the third annual Coniston Trail Challenge/Race event. The start was at the Historic Coniston Hall which sits on the beautiful Coniston Water.

I had prepared intensely for this race and the others in the Lakeland Trail Series. I was familiar with this course as I had participated in the previous two. It would be tricky going in several places but I knew what my goal was: to see how far I could get before the faster participants in the Trail Race caught up with me. I also wanted to finish before my good friend Linda who was in the Race. I wanted to snap a photo of her coming to the finish.

The day was clear, warm, and felt like late summer rather than October. The first part was through the small village of Coniston and I felt good, that was until we started the assent on the gravel road up towards the trail head. It was steep going for two miles and at one part I thought I would loose my balance, but good shoes and hill training kept me moving forward, even if it was hands on my knees kind of forward.

I really enjoy the trail when it opens up and I can get a good run. I felt like a goat jumping over rocks and dodging puddles. The views were not disappointing. I felt good and my breathing was strong. As the time approached the 1 hr 23 minute mark I kept my senses keen as I was anticipating the sound of fast approaching foot strikes. None appeared. I ran through the shale quarry without having to give way to any racer. It was great getting beyond where I was overtaken the past two years. It wasn't until the 10K mark when I heard the lead runner closing in on me. I gave way and shouted a "Well Done" as he flew past.

From that point on I knew that I would need to keep alert and be able to step aside for these faster competitors. Still I kept my pace up, enjoyed the well deserved downhills to the lake side and the run to the finish. with only 3 minutes left to the end I was overtaken by one of the racers I had driven up with. However, as I crossed the finish line in 2:13:33 I had arrived before Linda and hurried to find our cameras. It was then I saw her approaching the line. I wasn't able to get a picture of her before her finish, but I did get one as she was processed through the finish funnel.

The real bonus of this fantastic day was watching UK running legend, Ron Hill finish the race and get a photo taken with him. It was almost as good as my 17 minute PB from last year!

I'm Running at the Lakes Again!

2007-09-12T23:48:00.000+01:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

The latest News!

2007-08-23T17:43:00.001+01:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Wanderings

2007-07-25T19:46:00.000+01:00

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

Why I ran today

2007-07-14T14:35:00.000+01:00

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

2007-07-09T14:27:00.000+01:00

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

2007-07-09T14:15:00.000+01:00

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

2007-07-08T23:34:00.000+01:00

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.

Where is Summer?

2007-06-25T13:19:00.000+01:00

June is getting away from me! Geezeee.....and it doesn't even feel like summer. The weather has been something out of March, with the rain, and the wind, and the did I mention rain? and then the needing long sleeve weather...and then the rain. OK.. enough on that. Time to relate how the running is going.

Not going to call it official training yet, as that will kick up soon enough. This is still supposed to be run for fun before the training begins. The fun type of runs have been putting some serious miles on my shoes. My feet, once groomed and beautiful and all that stuff, have long ago turned into the feet of a long distance runner. So I do have to be careful with the necessary bandages, Vaseline slathered over the dry bits, the right socks with the right shoes.

Looks like this entry is another summation of my last 2 plus weeks of runs. I've managed to get some longer distances in and my endurance is still there. The week of 10 June I totalled 26.45 miles with a nice long run of 8.35 miles on that Saturday. It was one of the hot days we were teased with. I upped my mile the following week so that by the 17 June I had clocked a disappointing 24.62 miles. Mainly due to the horrific winds and rain of Thursday and Friday. During the Saturday long run of 10.02 miles I tried a new route and that change of scenery really helped to keep me focused and enjoy the run even more.

With the lower totals of the past two weeks I was determined to make the next week a more concerted effort to run no matter. Pleased to have run 33 miles o weeks end of 24 June. Just a mere 4 miles short of my projected total. I topped the week with a very nice 11.01 long run on Saturday. My stamina is good but I had times during that where my legs were so tired and my breathing was laboured. The tempo run on Thursday was a real boost. I choose a route that allowed me a 2 mile flat and then later on another mile flat where I could test myself with speed and endurance. I was able to keep the pace at a nice high rate for that distance.

Where I run is hard to accurately measure my capabilities because of all the hills I run. No option for me as once I have run down from the village at some point I will have to go up to return. To have these intervals/pace runs where I can see my speed really boosts my confidence. It helps me to see improvements I have made and realize that I have gotten quicker.

So that brings me to today, 25 June and a rainy, windy, overcast morning run. It was a short recovery run of 3.55 miles that I totally enjoyed with a neighbour. We got soaking wet from the conditions but it was good of her to agree to go out with me. Since most of my runs are by myself it was great to share this with another person, and be able to offer some encouragement. It was a good start to the week. I am aiming for a 36 mpw total.

What Goes Up...

2007-06-08T23:37:00.000+01:00

Definitely a spring wanting to be summer day. Warm for a run and humid as well, but when running a slower pace it makes it all do-able. Ran on of my favourite routes, 10K distance, with a nice coasting down hill after the mile uphill. I'll have two more uphills before the nice .2 miles to home.

Can't get around the hills here, I just know that any of my runs will be finishing on the uphill. I think one of the rewards of running to me are the views I get to admire when cresting the first incline. The buttercups golden in the high grass being nibbled on by the horses. Cows/Bulls ripping like lawn mowers the shorter grass in the next field. The sheep in the next field have had their wool shaved off and with their big eyes stare at me as I run past. I'm laughing as I make eye contact with one and it's as if it is saying, "I know, I know, just don't stare!!"

The legs are feeling stronger and after listening to a podcast(more about that on another post) I switch to music to finish the run at a little quicker pace. Knowing that I have a longer run in the morning I planned this as a bit slower.

Trying too hard

2007-06-07T23:50:00.000+01:00

It's another slip sliding away kind of days for me. The best of good intentions thinking. Of wanting to do things a certain way and finding out that it's just not getting done. So here I am again playing catch up. So many miles I have covered since I last wrote.

No excuses, naddy gonna go there. Just putting the words down and making this simple. Sure I want the nice pics and the great layout, but I'm new to all of this and I'm needing to do it simple. Trying too hard keeps me from writing anything.

Now, back to the running and how it's been going. I'm looking at week totals of over 30 miles now and at times the IT Band on my right leg aches and the piriformis muscle again on my right side kills. Seems to kick in at about 6+ miles so lots of stretches is necessary. Week ending May 27 took me up to 36.57 miles and that is the highest to date. Plans were to get up to that level and be ready for the Garburn trail race on June 3. Plans have a way of changing.

My husband hurt his back and the trip was off. My miles that week were low anyway due to a trip down London way to visit one of my children on a layover. Lots of walking but no running. Miles for week ending June 3 were a miserable 9.7!

So now the miles are getting there. Went out for an evening run on Monday 4 June and enjoyed the 10K distance and had so missed the running I needed a fix. Tuesday night was the Women's Running Network night and the off road run was great. The evening was mild and we mixed the surfaces up to include grass, dirt paths, road, and a bit of trail. Although the distance was only 3.25 miles it seemed longer due to the change of terrain.

That brings me to mid week and The Race For Life./a>
I had a great time, ran my feet off, and finished hand in hand with a neighbor who I had encouraged to participate. This was our third year running together and my fourth year participating. This is where I caught the run bug and just went on from that distance to now be a Marathoner!

The distance was not the advertised 5K but was short; 2.42 miles. Even with the race being spread over 2 nights we still had 1,5000 women participating last night. There were bottle necks and slower women to get passed, but the evening was perfect. It feels good to do something like that for a worthy cause. This is the only 5K I run and the only other charity I run for.

Today Thursday 7 June was to be a run day, but due to sleep deprived me, I've switched it with Friday, tomorrow. I chose to take the dogs out for a nice evening walk. It was good for the three of us.

Evaporating

2007-05-22T00:34:00.000+01:00

Time, that elusive thing that I wish I had more of and never seem to hold on to. I look at my last entry and realize I need to catch up. I don't want this to be a good intentions gone a stray. However, just as time evaporates so do the details of things if not written down. At least that is how my mind works, or should I say, doesn't work.

So to keep myself true to this blog and my cause I will pull back from my memory the past week's running. I'm slowly increasing my miles to reach a level of around 35 miles per week before I start serious marathon training in July. Last week my total was 17.75 miles and this week I'm finishing off at 24.28 miles.

On Thursday 10 May I had a most enjoyable almost 10k run with quite a few hills thrown in for good measure. My legs are still recovering a bit and I do feel some soreness on the uphills in my thighs, but with lots of stretching I'm working them out.

Saturday 12 May was great to get out early and find the quiet of running down some of the back roads a change from the busy major roads. I can't seem to escape the busy roads as I wait to cross over after descending from the village. My breathing is good, but I find that only after 2.5 miles my legs are getting tired and my stamina is weakening. I find myself walking for a minute or two and collect my thoughts and remind my body that I am only running around 6 miles and can find the strength to pick up the pace. The feet listen and off I am again. The final run up the hill to home feels good and I actually have the same pace as Thursday for a shorter distance.

Sunday 13 May is something different. The Women's Running Network that I also belong to has organized a morning run. It's to be off road and out in the countryside. I am so looking forward to this change of scene and the group run. Just about all of my running is solo so having the opportunity to run with others is a nice change. The run originates in the small village of Scorton and takes in some country roads as well as public footpaths through the fields. There are about 15 of us with various skill levels. We run in the shade of a river bed, out in open farmer's fields making sure the livestock keep well away. I'm loving wearing my trail shoes again. It's been too long since they got mucked up! The distance is about 5.5 miles and we finish it off with a downhill to the village and gather in the local tea shop for a morning pickup.

Looking over the week it was an enjoyable mix of running places, surfaces and time of day. My body is still reminding me to not over do, to keep slowly bringing the miles up but take those rest days as needed. I do plan rest into my weeks to give these sometimes over used muscles a bit of recovery time.

Finding the time to get the runs in each day, each week don't seem to be a problem. I am now just so used to getting out there and enjoying myself. It's the writing the experiences down that seems to elude me. Therefore, my next blog will be the catch up of another week. I don't want the memories to evaporate any further.

Turning It Around

2007-05-09T22:01:00.000+01:00

So much can happen in the span of a few minutes. The best laid plans can be blown apart like leaves scattered in a fierce wind. My plans for Tuesday were to run with the Women’s Group. A nice change of pace from my usual solitary training runs. I look forward to the social as well as recreational side to these evenings.

All looked great for getting to the meeting location in plenty of time, until…..
It seems that when it hits spring around here that’s the signal for just about every road to be ripped apart causing traffic delays. That’s what befell me and the over a mile long line of slowly moving cars made it obvious that I would not make the start time for the run.

Returning to home was the plan, and that is what I did. It would have been so easy to just leave the run for the next day, settle in for the evening and call the entire night a wash. I was tempted, but with my husband’s encouragement I went out for a run of my own.

The rain had eased, the air was fresh and the temps were cool. It was 7:30pm once I got going and the evening had the start of a golden glow. The girl football teams were having a practice match on the upper field and the valley on the other side of the road had a smokiness from the evening clouds.

The run was quick, a 5k, my legs felt strong, and my breathing relaxed and focused. No other runners were out. I was surprised at the stamina and buzz even on the uphill. The last dash home was an all out burst. It was a great evening to be running. I’m really glad that despite the disappointment at the start of the evening, it all turned around for a great end.

Voices That Carry

2007-05-09T00:02:00.000+01:00

It's a Bank Holiday Monday today and that means no work. The clouds are allowing the sun a bit of room but just a bit to not make it totally a cotton wool sky. Traveling light today with just my watch and iPod. Keeping the music a tad lower to let my mind slip in and out of the miles and not let the music determine all of my pace.
This is a more relaxed run of 4 miles around very familiar roads. Traffic is light and my mind drifts to thinking about people. I recall an editoral in one of the runner's mags about how when at the London Marathon Expo the Editor was offering the mag at a discount to folks. He was struck by the many who refused the offer by saying, "I'm not an athlete".
There was a time when I didn't consider myself an athlete. Well, to be honest, for a very LONG time I didn't consider myself an athlete. Ya see, my concept of an athlete was one of those speed demons and gangly legged men and women I had wached on the sports shows on Sunday afternoon TV as a kid. They were the ones on the Olympics who were pushing themselves toward perfection. I didn't look like them, have the same drive as they, or attained anywhere near the same level of achievement, or even have the outward conscious desire to. My mind told me I wasn't an athlete.
But all of that changed. Sometime during those first few months of running back in 2004 I became an athlete. I no longer listened to those voices in my mind saying how I didn't match up to the perceived image of an athlete. I began setting goals, training for races, and pushing myself further to reach even newer goals. Now I say to those who question if I fit the definition; a person trained in exercises requiring physical strength, skill, stamia, speed, Yes, I AM an athlete.
Those kids on the Marathon courses that want to high 5 us runners coming by see us as athletes, no matter what our speed. They want to be a part of what we are doing, they want for an instant to feel what we are feeling. Their cheers are the voices we carry along with us. We have our own voices within that push, scream, cry, encourage us to the finish line. When we finish we have that subtle voice that tells us, well done, now lets go do it again real soon.

Running With Wings

2007-05-06T00:51:00.000+01:00

This was my first longish run since The London Marathon. I was looking forward to getting out, putting some good tunes on and seeing how my legs have recovered.
Where I live I have no choice but to run hills. This medium size village sits atop one. So even if I start on a downhill I will have to run up to get home. Same goes for running up the hill, home is up. But, part of the run is flat and that is where cruise control sets in.
Today temps were in the high 50s and a cloud cover when I got out shortly after 9am. I headed up the mile long hill to catch some of the sites out over the valley. My legs were feeling strong, not many out even at this time on a Saturday.
Breathing was excellent and I seemed to find a bit of spring in the step as I greeted the lambs in the fields close still to their moms. The horses weren't yet out, but the cattle were still in repose in the upper fields. Then it's the downhill bit to the more congested footpaths of the shops. I shortcut behind them to avoid traffic and then Heather Small kicks in on my iPod. PROUD sends shivers and chills to my soul/my spirit and I begin to relive London two weeks earlier.
I see the red laces in my shoes, I hear her voice again as it played while I was awaiting my start in the blue area. I smile outwardly and something inside soars. My feet feel lighter, my breath seems less of an effort. Another hill in front of me doesn't seem as steep as other days. I crest the hill, I hit replay and keep running to her anthem of achievement and I sing along.
This training is what today makes me proud. I feel my soul ascending, I step out of me, I realize that I am doing things that I never ever imagined. Where has it come from? A desire to be more than I ever imagined? A goal realized? I don't know, but I today I run as if I have wings on my feet. I am a streak, a flash, a ribbon of energy. I am flying!

A warrior, a runner, an athlete

2007-05-04T00:02:00.000+01:00

I'm starting this blog anew. Watch this space