Goodbye old friends...hello new ones!

I finally bought my first pair of running shoes! Since I started runing back in April, I have been running in a pair of trainers that I bought about 6years ago! They have been fine but over the last month or so I have started to notice aches and pains especially in my right achilles and right knee.I had been told by numerous people including my husband that I needed to go and get my gait analysed. Today was the day!

Apparently the majority of runners over pronate when they run. I am one of those. My right foot is worse than my left. Hence the achilles tenderness. It was really interesting to see myself running on the webcam and to see how my feet overpronate. Anyway, here is a picture of the little fella's I'm ditching.....

and here is a picture of my new running buddies.......

I was so excited about running in them that I had to go out for a run as soon as we got back. I went to the seafront with my running companion Misty and did a gentle 2.6 miles. I now need to up my mileage!! I'm getting stuck at the 3-4 miles and need to move on!!

Shall I or Shan't I?

I haven't been running since my last blog, a week ago as I developed a chesty cough which just won't go away! It's one of those annoying, dry irrtating coughs that you think will turn into a chesty cough at anytime...but it hasn't. I was awake at 5am this morning coughing which woke Paul up and then he had to get up anyway for work. I've been OK all day and I was dying to go out and run but wasn't sure that I should or not. Anyway, 15 mins before 'Jellylegs' was due to start I thought I need to run.

We ran with the beginner group tonight but when they had run their 5 mins and was then walking, we were doing fartlek training. Sprints to the next lampost and back. We did this intermittantly all the way around. It was a killer and I certaintly do not have speed in this situation. I kept it going though. We ran just under 3 miles tonight and I felt good even though I haven't run for a week. As soon as I stopped running, my cough re appeared! Funny that. I think I cleared my lungs and now they are complaining. I haven't stopped coughing since. I'm in for a good night!!

Double whammy!!

Today I was super energetic and swam in the morning and ran in the evening! This is a very rare occasion and I can't see this happenig very often. Paul was around this morning and I had a day off as I am working the weekend. He suggested we go for a swim after dropping the kids at school. At first I thought, what a bad idea. I had showered and put my make up on already and the thought of having to do that again put me right off! Anyway, that thought got the better of me and I got my swim stuff together.

The pool was full of retired people having a leisurely swim. No real lanes in place and it was very frustrating! I managed to squeeze in between to 'side strokers' and kept to that bit of lane trawling up and down. I swam 40 lengths before giving up. Paul gave up slightly before me as he too finds it frustrating trying to constantly over take the slowbies!

My day off was taken up by housework! Again, another rareity for me as I tend to do it when I can grab 10 mins here and there. It was very satisfying being able to do a thorough clean! Sad I know.

Tonight, I joined Jelly legs as Paul was home in time for me to go. It was getting dark already by the time we met at 6.30pm and it was very grey and cloudy. We met at Tankerton Slopes and 4 of us 'improvers' went off for our 3.5 mile run. As per usual the first 10 minutes was a bit of a struggle whilst I got my pace and breathing right. After that, it was great. I really enjoyed it even though I had a stitch for most of the way round! I kept thinking when is this going to go and then I would burp a little and it would ease for a few minutes. However, the stitch did not spoil the run and it wasn't that bad. Right at the end I did a little sprint which felt really good. My last bit of energy!

So now, I need to set some goals. I have done a 5K and will proabably do a few more before the year end. I think I will aim for a 10K next. What do you think? Do you think that is achievable? I do! x

Light up the City 5K

I decided yesterday morning to run a local 5K race in support of our local hospice. Our plans for last night had fallen through and having spoken to a friend who was doing it I thought ...yeah it's time.

It was an evenin g run. We did a 1 mile walk with the children first which was just a little warm up if that. Daisy enjoyed it and wanted to do the 5K. I think not! I have made that mistake before of taking her with me. She is not ready to run that type of distance.

My race bib!

The run was at 7.30pm so was just getting dark. The idea was for everyone to wear glow lights or run with flashing torches during the run. I had a measley glow bracelet on, just taking part was hard enough. Anyway, the route took us through the backstreets of Canterbury and pass all the youn spritelys out for a good time. There were cheers along the way and the odd jeers from blokes! It was actually really nice to hear people cheering you on and saying well done, keep going.

I ran with my friend but it wasn't long before she took off. She is a hardened runner and runs approx 30 miles a week. She has been doing it a lot longer that's my reasoning. I felt like I was being overtook a lot but then I would realise that I kept passing the same people. I didn't stop and to be honest found it hard work!! I find that sometimes I can get into a running pace really quickly and other times I just can't find it. Last night was one of those. However, it must have been because I was running quite fast for me. I found out at the end I had run the 5K (3.3miles) in under 30 mins which is my best I think?

Mind over matter!!

Tonight, I achieved my best yet. I went out with Jelly Legs running club and ran 4 miles!! Whoop whoop! I nearly didn't make it as Paul was not sure whether he would be back in time. He was and I quickly exited before I cahnged my mind. After Sundays run I was feeling abit apprehensive. What if I couldn't get over that?

Anyway, I did. There was 5 of us and were considered the 'improvers'. It makes me laugh because although I am no longer a beginner I don't see myself as an improver yet. However, I kept up and stayed there all the way. We did a run right through Whitstable and out the other side. There were a few hills involved but the leader was kind and directed us to gentler hills then some of the ones that are in Whitstable! My legs are aching a bit after those hills but other than I feeel really good!! To think I have run that I now wnant to do more!! It's addictive....

The morning after...

Well...I have been out for my 3 runs this week. It has been harder for me to get out there this week but I have been determined to do it. It has caused a bit of a stir betwen my husband and me as I wanted to get a babysitter so that I could go to my running club but he said that was not an option as we are watching the pennies. I put up a bit of a fight ( as I always do ) but he's right. Doesn't make sense to pay a babysitter just so I can go out for a run. It's very frustrating though as I do feel the running club gives me motivation and really good tips etc.
Monday was another gym session on the treadmill which I felt fantastic doing. Couldn't believe how good I felt. I had a few M&M's before I ran so maybe it gave me that boost I needed.

Friday I ran down at the seafront but a different route than my normal. I found it difficult towards the end but I was running against the wind at the end which is hard!!!

Today...well what can I say. I have learnt something. Don't run the morning after a skinful of wine and a cooked breakfast about an hour and half before!! Ooh why didn't I listen to my husband! I was desperate to go for a run before going to my second job working 1-7pm. Paul had said I was mad and that I may be sick as I had eaten a cooked breakfast that morning. I decided I would only go for a short run but that ended up being a killer! I ran to our local tesco's and back but after getting to tesco's I ended up walking at least 3 times coming back. Running against the wind, stitch in my side and tasting the breakfast I had earlier in the morning. Not a good idea. Oh well, something else I have learnt. Don't run after a night of alcohol!! xx

Practice what you preach??

Well, I have managed my 3rd run in a week! That is an achievement in itself! It's been helpful that I have been able to go out once my hubby has got home from work.

After Mondays training session, I noticed that I had a pain on the bony part on the back of my heel. It was only really bad after sittng for a while or especially the next morning. Now, I have been working as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner for the last 5 years and have quite a bit insight into minor injuries. I think I have got inflammation around the insertion point of my achilles tendon. Funnily enough, the actual tendon is not painful and it is mainly painful to the side of my heel when I walk. However, I am painfree after walking for a few minutes. This is classic for a soft tissue injury. It's funny because if I was working and giving advice to patients, I would advise that they rest it and take anti inflammatories until they are painfree. Yes.....I haven't followed my own advice. There's something a#bout this running lark. I've got the buzz! I do not want to stop running as it has taken me this long to get this far and also I'm loving it.

Tonight, I was kiddy free so went out for a 3 mile run ( OK 2.9 miles to be exact ) along the seafront with my running companion, Misty the dog. I had run 1.5 miles when we cam across my brother, his kids and dog. Misty loves playing with their dog and obviously recognised them and that was it...she was gone. Normally she follows me regardless of dogs but this time Oh no. I turned around to get her but she followed my brother so I left her with him until I could see her again a bit further on. See below Misty after a 3 mile run! I think it's about time I had a goal...a 5K run would be good!

Jelly Legs

I was itching to go out running tonight and my husband kindly took the kids to their swimming club. I have had a bit of an easy day today. My 4yr old started school today so I took annual leave to take him. I wouldn't have missed that for the world.He is doing half days for 2 weeks which really is a pain for us working mums. This week is sorted with a mixture of me and my husabnd being off for him. I can't believe my baby is growing up!!

This evening I re joined my running club "Jelly Legs" having not been for the summer. Although I have been doing my own runs I have not been going to the once a week meet up with fellow runners for the past 6 weeks. It was also a 'get back to running' for those who have been a bit slack and a taster for beginners before they embark on a 10wk course which I have now done.

Ooh I felt like an experienced runner for once..... a long way from that but I was one of 3 who were considered an improver!I think I counted 15 newbies which was a good turn out. As it was a bit of a mixed bunch, we didn't do the normal run that I was expecting. We met at a playing field and stayed there for our 50 min session.The 3 of us and instructor ran around the field to warm up ( 8 mins and 0.7 miles ). It was sooo windy and running against the wind was a workout in itself. We then joined up with the rest of the group and did sprint relays for a bout 10 minutes. The idea is to push yourself and run FAST! I tried, ' knees up and move those arms' is what the instructor kept saying. Ha ha I must have looked a picture!

After that, we then did fartlek running around the field twice. No, that is not letting out wind to get you around the field! Yes it was windy but apparently this is the name they give to interval training. A fast sprint, then jog in random intervals. Wow I really feel it in my legs tonight. I found it weirdly exhilaerating even though it was bloomin hard! I calculate that I probably did a 2.5 - 2.8 mile run tonight. I started to use my new app  ' logyourrun' but then as there was a lot of starting and stopping so I gave up with it. I'll try again next time. The challenge is now when am I going to get my next run in? Watch this space. x

Sunset and BBQ's

I have been really good this week and run 3 times!! Out on Sunday for a 22 min run which I found really hard and hilly! I couldn't face a road run on tuesday so nipped out to the gym as soon as Paul got home from work. It was a case of "Hi, please put the kids to bed I'm going to the gym, thanks!" Luckily I had warned him that this was what I intended to do so he was prepared! I ran for 30 mins on the treadmill and felt a sense of achievement. Last night was pretty much a similar scenario of husband getting home from work and then I went out for my run. This time it was a little later at about 7.45pm. I took my running comapnion with me this time as we were going down to the beach.

During the day I had downloaded an app for my iphone called Logyourun which I thought I would try out. Up until now I had been running with my iphone using the ipod and stopwatch to time my runs. However, I am now getting curious as to how far I am running. The distance is now something that I want to persevere with I as I would like to run a 5K in the near future.

So, last night I went to the beach with Misty, our lovely border collie. She has learnt to stay with me during our runs which is fantastic.  This was the view of the sky when I arrived ......very serene.

I ran from the Hotel Continental to the skate park and back. For those of you know don't know Whitstable it is a seafront run which passes many pituresque beach huts on the way. As you can imagine after a very warm day, the beach and beach huts were still busy with people enjoying the end of the day with a BBQ and a glass of wine or two. Lovely. It was whilst I was running that I was imagining our very own beach hut and the amount of time we would spend at the beach if that were real. Dreams...

The run was hard, I am not going to lie about that. I am still trying to find my pace. I find the first 10 minutes of any run really hard with my breathing and then I slowly settle into a pace and my breathing settles down. My new app told me at the end I had run 2.53 miles over 30 mins. I thought that it would have been nearer 3 miles but maybe that is right or maybe not. Doesn't matter at this stage as I know I am on target to run a 5K which is 3.3 miles. x

40 Today!!

Blimey, just writing the title makes me feel old! I can't beleieve I have turned 40 even though I don't feel it. I'm sure everybody says that. My Dad phoned me today to wish me a Happy Birthday and said ' I'm not old enough to have a 40 year old daughter'. I think it must be harder for the my paernts to believe that they finally have a child 'over the hill' ! Folks it's OK you're as young as you feel!!

It's been a while since I last blogged and it has been on my mind but I have been busy holidaying and just enjoying the summer! I have continued to run although it has not been as frequent as I would have liked. Story of my life. We went to France for 2 weeks and I took my running gear, determined to run and not let all my hard work lapse. I managed to go out twice. Both times I ran for 30 mins and was so pleased that I had made the effort. I am not a morning person as those of you know me will agree. I set my alarm clock and Paul kindly drove me down to the beach the first time so I could run along Agay beach. It was beautiful at 8am. The picture below was of the hills surrounding the bay of Agay. The second time I ran was from the campsite to the beach which was 2.5 miles down hill. I did consider doing it the other way round but thought better of it!

I have beem out a few times since returning from holiday and more importantly on my 40th Birthday!! I did a short run of 2 miles along the sea front but enough to keep me going until the next time. My goal is now to run a 5K and then 10K by my 41st!! Enough time to give myself I think. Running has become addictive but at the same time a feeling of 'do I have to?' sets in too. Love the feeling afterwards though. Bring it on............x

Feeling good....

Well, since my last blog 3 weeks ago I have kept up with my training and attended my running club. I find it very difficult to train in between my Wednesday night due to Paul's shifts and me working. However I have done and it has been great!

Last week, which was week 9 of the beginners course we ran 13 mins/ 2mins walk twice. We then ran up a hill which was really tough...but exhilarating! I was only able to run once since then before tonight's run. I decided to push myself and ran for 15 minutes/ walk for 2 mins then ran for 15 minutes. I find that the first few minutes is hard but then I get into a running rhythm. Ooh did my legs ache after that!!Not sure whether that is normal for runners but that is what seems to happen to me. I'm lucky as so far I have not had any real problems the following day. My legs are pretty strong it's my abs that need work!!

Tonight, I assumed we would be running further but the leader decided to do interval training with us. 11 minute warm up and then lots of starting & stopping. Very exhausting but apparently good for you. Don't know about that but my legs are aching tonight. I was so tired when I got home from work tonight and it would have been so easy to not go but I made myself. So glad I did.

Now I'm enjoying a nice cold glass of wine...mmm not sure whether I should have bought that bottle on the way home. But hey...it's nearly holiday time!! x

Week 7 ...

Tonight I went to week 7 of the running club I joined at beginners level. I was really not looking forward to it as I have not run for 2 weeks. After my last post I had really got into it and was upto running 7 mins/ walk 3 mins and had managed to go out whilst down at my Mums. We then went to Glastonbury Festival where I did not run..impossible I might add! Mud and rain for half the weekend and the to even attempt to run in those conditions woulod be just silly. I came home with a cough which then turned into a chest infection. Grrr.

I am fully recovered now but was apprehensive about running having not upped my training  or even run for that matter. Well....I'm so pleased. I think I coped really well. We are now doing 9 mins running / 2 mins walking x2 and 8 mins run. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a breeze and the last 8 mins was tough as it was all uphill, but I did it!! Apparently we did. 3.5miles.

I am now aching in my thighs and could do with a really good massage. Mmmm not gonna happen. Hubby has gone to bed. Never mind. x

7 months on.......

WOW...where did that 7 months go? It doesn't seem real that I was writing this blog 7 months ago and worse than that ...I haven't been exercising for that long. Actually that is not strictly true. I have dabbled here and there with a bit of gym work here and there and started back running on the treadmill then gave up again. Story of my life! Life is so hectic at the moment with full time work, part time work at my local minor injuries unit and also having 2 foreign students a week as well. People say I'm mad to be doing the student thing but when your life is hectic already a little more chaos isn't going to make a lot of difference!

I decided a couple of months ago that I really did need to make time for myself. Us mums are very good at running around for our family and collapsing at the end of the day with extreme exhaustion. A typical weekday starts with barking orders at the kids to get dressed, shovel breakfast down them, then brush your teeth, brush your hair, get your shoes on, let's go! Then an 8.5hr day at work which follows by picking the kids up from their childminder and then taking one or both of them to either swimming, piano or brownies. Bedtime is just another drama and then finally dinner at about 8.30-9pm. I know this typical day is probably no different from a lot of households but sometimes I wanna just say right I'm going out...see ya. No chance. I started this blog with the intention of getting fitter by running and to log how I manage to do this with such a hectic life. Hence the 7 month gap! Arggh!

After much discussion with my husband I finally joined a running club. A beginners course which involves 10 weeks of interval training of walk / run as I was doing before. The only way I could do this was to pay up front and have a babysitter on the nights my husband wouldn't be home in time as it starts at 6.30pm. Yes that is an expensive way of doing it but there was no other way. I wanted to do this for me! I am on week 4 so far, and I really enjoy it. We are all beginners and meet at different locations each week. Last week our programme was run 5mins / walk 2.5mins - 4 times. I found it quite tough but very rewarding when we finished. It's made me feel good about myself and I actually look forward to the next week. I have never really 'enjoyed' running but running with others of the same ability feels good and we all spur each other on.

So today, after travelling down to my parents home, I went for my run/walk for 30 mins. We are staying here for a few days before heading off to Glastonbury Festival to work/play, so I have brought my running gear and intend to keep it up. Especially since I will be missing this weeks meet with the club. It's amazing how much better I feel about running after only 4 weeks! I feel like I can keep going for longer and I have found a pace which feels good. Yes I am still a beetroot at the end of it but not many people stay glamorous and run unless you are Pippa Middleton!

So watch this space. I am told that after a 10 week beginners course we should be running 30 mins...no walking! We shall see. Ooh how exciting. To do a park run (5K)on a Saturday morning on the seafront would be an achievement for me.

Until next time x