The last race of the year

Sunday will see me running in my last race of 2010, the Bedford Harriers Half Marathon around Wooton in Bedfordshire.  It's a relatively big race field compared to some of the runs I've done, at 2000 people (I like running with lots of people) and as I've been so restricted with the ice and snow, I'm really looking forward to getting out and having a really good run...on safe roads!

With the race coming up it has made me a bit nostalgic about the year that's gone by.  Although I've been running for a few years now, this year has been defining for me, and so important in terms of my commitment and passion for the sport.

I ran my second London Marathon in April, and had a truely terrible time.  I hadn't trained enough, and really suffered on my way round, picking up injury at 21 miles and finally finishing in (what I considered) a very embarrassing 5hrs 41mins.  But that run made me realise that I really wanted to improve - bizarrely, even though as I crossed the finish line I swore never again, within an hour, I was more motivated than ever to see what I could really achieve if I put my mind, heart and soul into running...to truly become a runner.  So, that's what I've been doing - I've been regularly up at 5.30am to run, cross training, reading about running, buying the kit, and now writing about running, all to help achieve my target of a 4hr 15m marathon in the Spring.  To improve my marathon time by nearly an hour and a half is, I know, ridiculously ambitious, but I went from doing absolutely no exercise at all, to running a 5hr marathon in 9 months, so I think this is something that with enough effort and dedication to the cause, I should be able to achieve.  My PB this year for a half marathon is 2hrs 6mins, so I do think I'm on my way...

Since the marathon in April, I've run in 5 more races (and have the medals hanging on my wall to prove it!) - my race this weekend will be my seventh of 2010 - and have really immersed myself in the sport...as the title of my blog says, "these days, I call myself a runner..."

Finally, I ran in the snow

The alarm went off at 5.30am this morning, I snoozed, alarm went off again, I seriously thought about turning it off and going back to sleep, and then, with much effort, I successfully dragged myself out of bed and got ready for my run - my first since last Monday because of the masses of snow we've had.

It was minus 3.5oC outside, so not the minus five I was expecting, and an airing cupboard full of warm running clothes definitely added to my enthusiasm, and once I got outside I was actually really excited to be there, especially as there'd been a freezing fog overnight and the trees were all beautifully iced up - it all looked pretty and decidedly Christmassy!  Could still feel the chill through all my layers, but that's how it's supposed to be, and before long I was feeling pretty comfortable and very pleased with myself for finally having worked out how to dress for this weather...I think smug is probably the word ;)

Unfortunately the paths along all my usual routes are still covered in ice and I didn't want to risk a fall, so ran in the road until I got to the main high street, where the council have taken great care to get rid of all the snow, and it's completely safe to run on the pavement.  Not inspiring or picturesque mind...but not slippery either.  So, the plan was to run up and down the half mile high street until I got to my 6 miles target.

So, there I am, smug in my hat, gloves, ear warmer, two pairs of leggings, two tops and a sweatshirt, running up and down.  Until the weather decided that I was far too smug, and it started snowing...pretty heavily.  Within 5 minutes, I was making footprints in the snow that had settled!   Unfortunately, when working out what to wear to keep me warm, I'd completely disregarding the importance of keeping dry and an oversized cotton sweatshirt is not ideal when the snow's falling!

It was a lovely run though which I really enjoyed, and although I only did 5 miles in the end (which I think is not too bad given the dull, repetitive nature of my route!), I'm so glad I went out, and will definitely be running more this week - back on track! :D

Braving the elements

Come hell or high water (or more likely significant frost and ice!) I'm going for a run tomorrow morning, my first in 7 days.  I can't bear the prospect of another gym session, so I've got my base layer, middle layer, sweatshirt, 2 pairs of tights, ear band, hat and gloves warming in the airing cupboard, and I'm going to brave the elements!  Yes, I know this is probably too many layers, but I'll never make it to the end of the road if I'm too cold when I step outside!

It's likely to be minus 5 degrees...not a good temperature for me...but I'm really starting to feel I have to go for a run!  Not really felt this before, this real frustration at not getting out there through (nearly) enforced circumstance, and am starting to understand how difficult it must be for a regular runner to be out with an injury.  It encourages me that I do feel like this though and actually do miss the run for the enjoyment of the run itself, and not just because it's something I should be doing.

I might not manage the six miles I want, but I'll be up tomorrow at 5.30am (in five and a half hours!) and I will make it out of the door.

Treadmill torture!

So, still unable to run on the streets due to snow, ice, and my general dislike of the cold...I headed to the gym again yesterday, and managed to get in a really good 2hr session.

I went on my usual cardio machines (rower, cross trainer and bike) and then, because I knew I really needed to get some running in, decided to give the treadmill a go.  Oh my god! I just don't understand how anybody runs on these things.  I set up a programme, put my gradient up to 1 (isn't that what you're meant to do to simulate road conditions?) and started off.  Bearing in mind I can run for a few hours when I need to, and can do a 10km in under an hour, I really thought that I'd be able to get a few miles in at a 10km/hr pace without too much trouble.

How wrong I was - within a few minutes, I was sooooo hot!! I really think that without the airflow that I get from running through the air outside, my body just can't cool me down quickly enough to cope.  Five minutes in, and my face looked like a beetroot and I was so embarrassed!  I wasn't feeling good, very hot, and I wasn't enjoying it, and so gave up and went back to the bike and then onto the weight machines.

So, disappointing still not to have clocked any miles for December, but I certainly don't think I'll be trying the treadmill again, unless my gym introduces a new air conditioning system...or fans in front of the treadmills!

A running wimp who likes my bed too much

This morning's plan:- Get up at 5.45am.  Get to the gym for 6.30am.  Run on treadmill for 6 miles

What actually happened:- Woke up at 7.45am after snoozing my alarm and then going back to sleep.  Rushed around like a mad thing trying to get ready for work.  Dashed to the station (wading through the snow, and being careful on the ice) to catch a train that wouldn't make me late for work.

With these cold, dark mornings and all the snow, my body is making the decisions for me and keeping me confined to my bed.  But I must be strong, and get up, and do some exercise!  There's still loads of snow where I live, and running on the road would be impossible (for a running wimp like me) - down the street from my house the snow is mid-calf deep and I can only get through it in wellies - but I should at least be hitting the gym.

When I thought the snow would be here for just a few days, I'd planned just to do some cardio and weights as usual in the gym to try and retain a level of fitness, but it now looks like it's going to be here for much longer...so I have to get over my hatred of the treadmill and get running - although getting out of bed on time and actually getting there probably needs to be my first goal!

Well, tomorrow is Saturday, so I don't need to get up early to get to the gym before work - I can go anytime, and so I really can't have any excuses....