To be the best I can be

I can't believe it's already 2015. Time passes so quickly it's frightening, but I love the fact that through my running I really feel that I achieve something special each year. I do need to remember though not to compare myself to other runners' achievements - we're all on different journeys and although some of my running friends have completed many more races than I have, or are much much faster, my achievements are still worth being very proud of. 

I had a look at last year's "Year End" post, to see what goals I'd set myself for 2014. Essentially I wanted to be more dedicated to my training schedule, to stop running junk miles and put some structure into my runs. I felt that by doing this I would achieve my main race goal of completing Thames Path 100, and to run enough marathons to join the 100 Marathon Club as a Wannabe.

Unfortunately I didn't really manage to stick to my training schedule - my running was as haphazard as ever - but I did complete my other goals, the Thames Path 100 and my 50th marathon. In fact, I'm still incredibly surprised at how well I did at TP100, finishing in 22:20, as 4th lady, and feeling (relatively) strong throughout...until collapsing abut 20 minutes after crossing the line and ending up in hospital. But glossing over that, I did love the experience of running 100 miles much more than I had expected. 

As for my other goal of reaching marathon number 50, I did that, and received confirmation of my Associate membership of the 100 Marathon Club in June. I'm so proud to be a part of the club, and to be friends with so many amazing runners who inspire me every day. Getting full membership and being able to wear the shirt will be incredible...but that'll not be for a good few years yet. I finished the year by running my 60th marathon on New Year's Eve at the inaugural Flitch Way Marathon. 

So, during 2014, I racked up a total of 22 marathon or ultra finishes and although I didn't enjoy every one of my races, some of them have been absolutely brilliant - TP100 would be top of the list, but Country to Capital, The Pilgrim Challenge, St Peter's Way where I was 2nd lady, the Ranscombe Challenge, the Stour Valley 100km where I was 3rd lady...they've all been awesome I think it's safe to say 2014 is the year I really became an ultra runner. 

My haul from 2014

I've had a few injury struggles but nothing too horrendous, and fingers crossed, with sensible and consistent training, I will be injury free through 2015 although this morning I've been icing my Achilles as it's playing up a bit already! It's going to be such a challenging year - more races than ever, and my A race is GUCR. 145 miles, unsupported, non-stop. Such a classic event - it just sounds ridiculous in it's toughness - but I'm so determined to finish...and I suppose the goal is to finish strong and not end up death marching for the last 40 miles. My other goals for the year are to beat my 2014 time at the Thames Path 100, and to complete an Ironman triathlon. That's definitely a journey into the unknown and it scares and excites me. I think that's got to be the best feeling and it drives me to improve. For the first time, this year I will also be working with Robbie Britton, who's going to help me achieve my running goals - I really believe that his support and direction will be the key to maintaining consistency in training, and through that, I should be able to really achieve my potential in my racing.

When I look back, at the end of 2015, to see how I've done, maybe that should be my main goal for the year that I measure myself against. Hand on heart can I say I've done as much as I could have done to achieve my goals? Maybe that's the most important aim for anyone, to be the best they can be, and that should be my target for the rest of the year.

Getting serious about training

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to make a change, and get some help. I felt I'd lost my love for running and could quite happily never train again...despite the fact that I still loved races and earning my bling. However, running marathons when you haven't done enough training starts to get less and less fun and with such big races coming up in 2015, my training needs to become the core of my running, not the add-on!

So...I've signed up for coaching through Centurion Running, with Robbie Britton. I imagine most people reading my blog will know who Robbie is, but if you don't, here's his blurb from the Centurion website and below that a list of some of his incredible race performances:

Robbie Britton

Robbie's ascent to the top of the UK ultrarunning scene was a fast one. He began running 100s in 2010 recording some solid performances, learning quickly how to refine his training to maximise success, taking his first win in 2011. He has expanded on his multiple 100 mile podium places, earning his plance in Team GB's 24hr team for 2013 where he went on to a 17th place finish covering a total of 239km. Shortly afterwards he went on to win the Petzl South Downs Way 100.

Ultra experience (major races):

• 24hr World Championships 2013: 239km (17th)
• Spartathlon
• South Downs Way 100: 15:42 (1st & CR)
• North Downs Way 100: 19:47 (1st)
• Thames Path 100: 16:02 (2nd)
• Cotswold 100: 20:26 (2nd)
• Caesars Camp 100 - 21:30 (3rd)
• Barcelona 24hr: 231km (4th)
• GUCR: 31:26 (7th)
• Pilgrims Way Ultra 2014: Winner and Course Record
• Canterbury 10: 55 mins (1st)

Getting coached by Robbie is a real honour, and it's great to work with someone who has achieved so much in some of the races that are important to me. So far, I've had a week's worth of training. Robbie is confident that he can help me enjoy training (nearly) as much as I love racing, and that with the right amount of commitment I can really improve on what I've achieved so far. My big goals are to go sub 22hrs at TP100 and to finish GUCR. The Ironman is still going to happen in July too, but that is a B race for this year - GUCR is the real A race for me now.

Robbie's suggested cutting down on some of my races to really maximise the benefits of my training plan, so I withdrew from yesterday's Phoenix Marathon, and also from Country to Capital. I did so with a very heavy heart, but it would be great to see what I can achieve under Robbie's guidance, and I'm only going to do that if I follow the advice and do what he thinks is best. The races will be there next year and I'll be in a better position to run them well and enjoy them more then.

So, following my new training plan, I ran 35 miles last week across 5 runs, mixing up easy miles with some intervals and actually really enjoyed getting back to some structured training. It all seems to be focused around running for an amount of time rather than miles and really looks at getting a bit more speed in for some of that time, instead of just my usual plodding, for instance yesterday's run was 2hrs easy, with the last 20 minutes at marathon pace.

I had my traditional Christmas Day run included in my plan last week - we were staying with Franc's family in Southwold and so my run was along the sea and it was beautiful. I took the puppy with me though, so it was definitely challenging and a bit slow as we had to keep stopping for him to have a sniff or to say hello to the many other dogs that were also out for their Christmas walks.

This week I have the Flitch Way marathon on Wednesday - the last race of the year - which I'm really looking forward to, and so my training plan from Robbie seems pretty relaxed. I have a feeling that after the marathon, training will start ramping up and getting more intense and challenging - and hopefully I will feel that it becomes more rewarding and fun. We will see!

Cycling through the winter

As it gets colder and more unpleasant outside, I worry about cycling through the winter. I've always loved going for a ride when it's beautifully sunny and warm, with just a slight breeze, stopping at a pub for lunch - the very definition of a fair weather cyclist. But getting out there in plummeting temperatures and driving rain is not my idea of fun on a bike! When you're riding through an arctic wind, it's so much more unpleasant than running, and the prospect of icy roads certainly doesn't fill me with confidence about staying upright.

So, a couple of weeks ago, Francis set up the trainer in the living room so I could try biking in the comfort of the house. It worked pretty well, and I've done it a few times...but cycling in front of the TV really isn't the same as getting out on the roads and although it'll be a great substitute for those days when the snow is a foot deep, the fact remains that I need to just prepare properly so riding outside over the next few months doesn't seem so scary.

I was approached recently about doing a blog post for the insurers LV to share some of the advice they've put together about winter cycling, and it seemed like a great idea - I need that sort of help more than most! There's all sorts of information on their website but I love the below infographic that they've put together which includes a Winter Checklist, and "Wise Up", "Light Up" and "Wrap Up" sections.

I think my biggest concern is cycling on icy roads and LV Q&A section on winter cycling has this to say:

• LV=: What’s the best way to handle wet and icy roads?

RW: Cyclists should always be aware that braking distances are increased in wet conditions. In icy conditions it’s a good idea to reduce tyre pressure a little, as this gives you a bigger contact area with the ground.

I suppose the key thing to remember is to be careful and to be aware of any suspicious looking puddles or shimmers in the road.

The other advice my husband always gives me is to be particularly careful riding over drain covers - they can be particularly slippery even in the rain. In fact, it's best to cycle further out from the pavement so you miss them entirely. If you position yourself at least a meter from the curb, not only do you also avoid all of the ddetritus that gathers in the gutter of the road waiting to puncture your tyre, it makes a big difference to your relationship with other car users if you control your space. They are forced to wait until there's a gap in the traffic on the other side so they can overtake safely, as per the highway code, instead of squeezing by.

If you're a relative newbie to winter cycling, like me, take a look, be prepared, and hopefully cycling through the winter needn't be too scary...we just need to make sure we're all safe!

The first day of a new me...preparing for GUCR

Life is slowly getting back to some sort of normality after Roger's funeral at the end of October, and we're working out what that looks like now, without our weekly visits to his house for Friday fish and chips or Sunday roast dinner.  As part of the getting back to normal, my training has restarted and I've been booking up races for my 24in12 challenge, that I'm completing in Roger's memory, to raise money for the Saint Francis Hospice. Having completed the first event of my 24 at the Chelmsford Marathon, I've signed up for another 19 events so far between now and August next year...and the biggest of the lot was confirmed yesterday when I heard I had a place in the iconic Grand Union Canal Race!! It's 145 miles (although more like 148), non-stop, in under 45 hours, from Birmingham to London, and I'll be running as an unsupported runner (bar the incredible support at the aid stations from the race organisers and volunteers). It's absolutely epic.

To be honest, it was a bit of a surprise to get a place and I'm a little overwhelmed with the reality of it - I'd put in my application for the ballot without much expectation of getting picked. However, the draw took place on Monday night, and I realised I was on absolute tenterhooks waiting to find out the result...I knew then how ready I was for this to happen and I really wanted a place!

Then, at twenty past ten last night, the email I'd been waiting for finally arrived to say, yes, I was in! I know quite a few incredible runners who have got a place too, and I feel very lucky to have the privilege of running with them, and it just feels like it's going to be an incredible event to be a part of. I am very excited, although obviously terrified too!

So, along with my various marathons and other events for 2015, I now have Thames Path 100, GUCR, and the Ironman within 12 weeks of each other next year

This is an absolutely ridiculous challenge to have set myself. I know that. But, as Cat said to me this morning on Twitter:

Cat @imoutrunning · 11h11 hours ago

@naominf no what's the point in doing things that aren't a challenge. Trying something that scares you is what it is all about

So, here I am, and this time, I don't think I can wing it. I've never really done enough training for my events, nor do I feel that I've ever given myself the chance of completing them to the best of my ability...that's why I was so injured after the 10in10, and why I collapsed at the end of last year's TP100. Overweight, undertrained, just turning up and trying my best- I think I've been lucky to have enough natural ability to get me round in the times I've posted.

I don't want that to happen this time, and I don't want to look at the photos afterwards and be the lardy one in the lycra. I want to look, and feel, like I belong in the ultra running world, I want to be proud of the effort and commitment that took me to the start lines, and I certainly can't end up injured - I don't have time for that!

This means I have to pull my finger out - stop lazing around on the sofa watching TV and stuffing my face with crisps and chocolate after taking the dog for a walk, before going on a cursory 6 mile run and thinking I've done my best for the day. I have to focus on my nutrition, on losing the extra weight I'm carrying, and actually doing the training that I plan, on the bike, in the pool, on the trail and on the road.

Today, is the first day of a new me. A me who is focused on the end goal, and who is willing to make the sacrifices I need to, to make a success of my races. To be the best I can be!

Right, I'm off for a run....

The only useful thing I can think of

My wonderful father-in-law, Roger, very sadly passed away on Wednesday, 15th October, just two months after falling ill, and just a month after receiving his cancer diagnosis. It's been an incredibly difficult and painful time, particularly for his sons, Francis and Stephen, but the support of the Saint Francis Hospice was invaluable to us, and made it possible for Roger to stay at home until the end. They provided phone support, visited in person, provided equipment, chased up the District Nursing team and our GP, and arranged for a Marie Curie nurse to be with Roger overnight. I don't know how we would have coped without them, at a time when we really didn't know where to turn or what to do.

Roger, with Francis's lovely aunt Jenny, cheering me on!

Because we've all felt so helpless, and I feel the need to "do" something, I've decided to start fundraising. It's the only useful thing I can think of, and it's a way of saying thank-you to the Hospice. I want to help them continue to do such brilliant work for other families, and they were also a charity that Roger donated to before he was ill, so it seems fitting that I support them in his memory. 

Roger was always so interested in my events, and every week we'd talk about what I had coming up next. He was a very keen walker, and had completed the St Peter's Way which is the route of an ultra race that I've done a couple of times, so we shared some common ground and he was very supportive. Roger even came to the Lake District during the 10in10 to cheer me on during my final marathons and got a sign made up for me. He was such a truly lovely, genuine man.

Over the next year, I've decided that I will be taking part in 24 events, so it's going to be VERY busy, without much time for recovery, including the Ironman in July (the most ridiculously difficult thing I've ever done) and the Thames Path 100 again, when I will be trying to beat last year's time. The Cyprus marathon is also on my radar, although I've not signed up for it just yet. Roger had a holiday house out in Cyprus, and as we've been going through his papers, we've come across a newspaper article that he cut out, about the marathon. I wonder if he was going to suggest it for next year and so I'd now love to run it.

I will be fundraising for the Saint Francis Hospice, and hope to raise £5,000 for them. The next year is going to be tough - really tough - as I attempt to complete so many events across different sports, but hopefully so tough that it will warrant donations from everyone!

I ran the Chelmsford Marathon on Sunday, and although it wasn't a particularly enjoyable course, I thought of Roger every step of the way, and am very glad I did it. He went to school in Chelmsford, and so feel it was a fitting place for the first event of my 24.

My fundraising page is here if you'd like to support the Hospice:
https://www.justgiving.com/supportingsfh

Our wedding day.
Roger in the middle with Francis and my brother-in-law, Stephen.