My first attempts at running were half-hearted (and short lived). I started out with NHS couch to 5k in April 2014 (for some reason I had a random urge to try running) and gave up within a week. I found the run-walk combo hard (not to mention the fact that my lifetime mantra had been "I can't run"). Fast forward a couple of months and my then 10-year-old son (Jamie) and I had entered our local Race for Life. We were planning on walking - all the way up until they separated people into runners, joggers and walkers, when Jamie decided he wanted to try jogging. So we joined the joggers and walk-ran the course. The little swine raced off with 50m to go and "beat" me, but we finished in about 38 minutes - my first 5k (and his). The next day I was in AGONY with DOMS, my quads were on fire, but I also felt fabulous. I continued running on and off for the rest of the summer until I picked up an injury (ok, two inuries - plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis). I could barely walk, let alone run. In 2015, I don't think I really ran much, although I was cycling quite a lot and had joined the gym over the winter. I didn't have much time to exercise as my husband and I were busy starting our own business. That was my excuse. That, and running was hard work! Anyway, I digress. I ran on and off during 2015-2016, including a couple of events and my first 10k. Then last year, I entered my first half marathon (Reading) - something I thought I'd never be capable of. In fact, the previous year I'd been out running a strained 2 miles when I saw people walking home from RHM and thought to myself "I could never do that"... An injury 5 weeks before the big day (ankle thing, ran on it as a niggle then couldn't walk - lesson learned) left me frustrated and that's when I took up yoga (highly recommended, but that's a different post). Nonetheless, I completed it in 2:10:56 and (foolishly) entered a marathon whilst on an endorphin high. 2017 also saw me entering my first 24 hour event (Cotswold 24) which I think may be the most awesome thing I've ever done, despite how difficult it was. The marathon...well I completed it (see earlier blog post), but I'm still in my "never again" frame of mind almost 4 months later). Do I love running? Sometimes. Do I always want to go out when it's a "run day"? No. Do I always go out when it's a "run day"? Usually. What motivates me to run when I don't feel like it? Me. There were definitely (often long) periods of time since my couch-5k days when I didn't run for days, weeks or months. Of course it niggled in the back of my mind, but I didn't do it and as a result, I couldn't eat as much (which has to be a great reason for running, right?), felt more sluggish and had less muscle and more fat. So what is it that makes me head out regularly now? 3-4 times per week, whatever the weather? Me... And the fact that I want to be fit and healthy for my family. And because, well, I like cake! If I don't do this for myself, nobody will do it for me, will they? And if I want to feel better and be happy with what I see in the mirror (that's a whole other post), then I have to get off my butt and do something, even if it's windy, raining or snowing (common weather themes this winter in the UK). Last Wednesday, I didn't feel like running. So I thought "how can I do something worthwhile that will be over as quickly as possible?" I ran a mile around the block as fast as I could. 8 minutes 41 seconds I think. It hurt a bit, but I'd run. Job done. So next time you're lacking motivation (not even just for running), remember who you're doing it for. And that nobody can do it for you except...you. What motivates you?
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It's been seriously ages since I've blogged. A lot has happened. I did the pacing event and finished in 32:09, so not quite as accurate as I was hoping for but not too bad. I think I've only managed one ParkRun since then, but hoping to get back to that soon. But more than that The Marathon has finally been and gone. I did it. It was bloody hard, but I did it. And ever since I've been wondering...why would anyone do a second (or more) marathon?! |
So now I'm onto "pastures new" as it were.
I have 2 events booked in to my diary for next year. The first is Reading Half Marathon (18th March) and the second is Endure 24 in June, which coincides with my birthday (almost). I am teaming up with my lovely husband, Dave. A non-runner, but willing to take part and spend the weekend in a tent with me and try at least one lap (as per the rules). We have completed the Shine Walk together twice now, so I know he's good to his word.
Other than that, I am looking into some local sprint duo- and tri- events and upping my speed work and cross training. It's been great to get back into some stuff other than running and not to feel pressured by a "big event" on the horizon.
I've also be addressing my general wellness and eating habits - more on that in my next blog :)
I have 2 events booked in to my diary for next year. The first is Reading Half Marathon (18th March) and the second is Endure 24 in June, which coincides with my birthday (almost). I am teaming up with my lovely husband, Dave. A non-runner, but willing to take part and spend the weekend in a tent with me and try at least one lap (as per the rules). We have completed the Shine Walk together twice now, so I know he's good to his word.
Other than that, I am looking into some local sprint duo- and tri- events and upping my speed work and cross training. It's been great to get back into some stuff other than running and not to feel pressured by a "big event" on the horizon.
I've also be addressing my general wellness and eating habits - more on that in my next blog :)
Reading Half Marathon
Chip time: 2h:11min:56sec
If you don't want a run-down of the entire race, stop reading now!!!
I woke up "bright and early" (5am), but managed to lie in bed for an hour before getting up for my "pre-race prep", which actually started with my usual walk with the lovely Ollie dog. I had my first breakfast (bran flakes) and a coffee on return, plus pre-race runners yoga (thanks Adriene), a shower and second breakfast (like hobits have - porridge with banana and blueberries this time).
My aim was to leave the house at 8am and bang on 8am I walked through the front door. The start at the football stadium is just under 2 miles from home and there were loads of others walking (and on shuttle buses) heading for the start as well. When I got there, I sat with my friend Andrew in the hotel lobby, which was nice and warm and has nice toilet facilities (not portaloos!).
At 9.30 we dropped our bags and set off for the start line. Unfortunately there was a very cold wind blowing. By the time we'd been standing at the start for 10-15 minutes, I was chilled all the way through.
Luckily the race started on time and we were soon walking towards the start line (I was in the pink zone, which is the slowest wave of runners with 2:20+ estimated finish times).
We passed under the start gantry at around 10:37am and we were off!
People had told me about the atmosphere and how many supporters were there to cheer runners on, but I hadn't realised how many there would be. The first time someone called to me by name (just after the first mile), I assumed it must be someone I knew, but no! This was the first of many times that total strangers called encouragement to me, which was awesome!
I woke up "bright and early" (5am), but managed to lie in bed for an hour before getting up for my "pre-race prep", which actually started with my usual walk with the lovely Ollie dog. I had my first breakfast (bran flakes) and a coffee on return, plus pre-race runners yoga (thanks Adriene), a shower and second breakfast (like hobits have - porridge with banana and blueberries this time).
My aim was to leave the house at 8am and bang on 8am I walked through the front door. The start at the football stadium is just under 2 miles from home and there were loads of others walking (and on shuttle buses) heading for the start as well. When I got there, I sat with my friend Andrew in the hotel lobby, which was nice and warm and has nice toilet facilities (not portaloos!).
At 9.30 we dropped our bags and set off for the start line. Unfortunately there was a very cold wind blowing. By the time we'd been standing at the start for 10-15 minutes, I was chilled all the way through.
Luckily the race started on time and we were soon walking towards the start line (I was in the pink zone, which is the slowest wave of runners with 2:20+ estimated finish times).
We passed under the start gantry at around 10:37am and we were off!
People had told me about the atmosphere and how many supporters were there to cheer runners on, but I hadn't realised how many there would be. The first time someone called to me by name (just after the first mile), I assumed it must be someone I knew, but no! This was the first of many times that total strangers called encouragement to me, which was awesome!
The first few miles went pretty well, and between miles 2-3 I did see some people I knew cheering (although not sure if they clocked me!). I also high-fived countless small people who were waiting patiently with their hands out (although my high fives were nowhere near as exciting as those from Batman!).
Just after the first water station at 3 miles, I encountered my first kind stranger handing out jelly babies! I managed to grab one on my way past heading down towards the university. Just after 4 miles (in the uni) I passed the 2:15 pacer, which was a pretty good feeling, although I could see that he was jogging along - this was an easy pace for him!
Before mile 5 was the first lucazade sport station and I grabbed a bottle. I've never tried it before and found it very sweet, but managed a few swigs. After the uni is a fairly long downhill section towards the town centre. At this point my left hip and the arch of my right foot were causing me some pain and I had to work hard to ignore it (and not berate myself for failing to take prophylactic painkillers). I had 2 mantras during the harder parts of the race, both in time with my steps - "I. Can. Do. This." and "7. 9. 8. 5." (my bib number).
Running through town, I managed to grab a couple more jelly babies but heading between mile 7-8 I was starting to flag. I hadn't been able to run any longer distances since my ankle injury several weeks ago and my body was complaining hard. I had to concentrate to not let the physical discomfort take over my mind, and it was at this point that my split times started to suffer. This is also the point where you hit the second hill, which didn't really help!
Just after the first water station at 3 miles, I encountered my first kind stranger handing out jelly babies! I managed to grab one on my way past heading down towards the university. Just after 4 miles (in the uni) I passed the 2:15 pacer, which was a pretty good feeling, although I could see that he was jogging along - this was an easy pace for him!
Before mile 5 was the first lucazade sport station and I grabbed a bottle. I've never tried it before and found it very sweet, but managed a few swigs. After the uni is a fairly long downhill section towards the town centre. At this point my left hip and the arch of my right foot were causing me some pain and I had to work hard to ignore it (and not berate myself for failing to take prophylactic painkillers). I had 2 mantras during the harder parts of the race, both in time with my steps - "I. Can. Do. This." and "7. 9. 8. 5." (my bib number).
Running through town, I managed to grab a couple more jelly babies but heading between mile 7-8 I was starting to flag. I hadn't been able to run any longer distances since my ankle injury several weeks ago and my body was complaining hard. I had to concentrate to not let the physical discomfort take over my mind, and it was at this point that my split times started to suffer. This is also the point where you hit the second hill, which didn't really help!
All that was in my mind at this point was seeing some of my kids who would be with their dad at around 9.5 miles. I grabbed a second lucozade sport just before this and handed it over to my 13 year old son, Jamie, who had asked for one (I had a few swigs and would otherwise have left it). A quick "hi" and "bye" and they were gone.
Approaching 10 miles I was really starting to suffer, both mentally and physically. Both hips were causing me pain with every step, I was tired, my foot hurt.
"I. Can. Do. This.""I. Can. Do. This.""I. Can. Do. This."
"7. 9. 8. 5.""7. 9. 8. 5.""7. 9. 8. 5.""7. 9. 8. 5."
I became determined to keep running, whatever my pace (and it felt *slow* by that point), and I passed the 11 mile marker and turned on the A33, the (admittedly 2 mile long) home stretch. Running towards the stadium, I passed runners who had already finished and around 12 miles, one said "come on, Sophie, almost there, dig deep.", so I dug!
Just before the turn to the stadium was a 1000m marker (further than I was expecting at this point, but I guess that's always the way at the end of races), 800m, 600m..."I. Can. Do. This."
With a massive sense of relief, I entered the stadium and sprinted for the finish. I glanced around but couldn't spot Dave or my youngest son, Jack. I focussed on the gantry, which showed the gun time. Although I had no idea how this corresponded to my chip time at that moment, I was determined to reach it before it hit the next minute...54...55...56...sprint, nearly there...done!
I jogged a few paces then realised that I couldn't breathe. My chest was tight and I felt unable to inhale properly. I focussed on slowing my breath and taking what oxygen I could and within a few minutes I was breathing normally again. I collected my medal, blanket and goody bag and headed off to find my family.
I had done it!
Approaching 10 miles I was really starting to suffer, both mentally and physically. Both hips were causing me pain with every step, I was tired, my foot hurt.
"I. Can. Do. This.""I. Can. Do. This.""I. Can. Do. This."
"7. 9. 8. 5.""7. 9. 8. 5.""7. 9. 8. 5.""7. 9. 8. 5."
I became determined to keep running, whatever my pace (and it felt *slow* by that point), and I passed the 11 mile marker and turned on the A33, the (admittedly 2 mile long) home stretch. Running towards the stadium, I passed runners who had already finished and around 12 miles, one said "come on, Sophie, almost there, dig deep.", so I dug!
Just before the turn to the stadium was a 1000m marker (further than I was expecting at this point, but I guess that's always the way at the end of races), 800m, 600m..."I. Can. Do. This."
With a massive sense of relief, I entered the stadium and sprinted for the finish. I glanced around but couldn't spot Dave or my youngest son, Jack. I focussed on the gantry, which showed the gun time. Although I had no idea how this corresponded to my chip time at that moment, I was determined to reach it before it hit the next minute...54...55...56...sprint, nearly there...done!
I jogged a few paces then realised that I couldn't breathe. My chest was tight and I felt unable to inhale properly. I focussed on slowing my breath and taking what oxygen I could and within a few minutes I was breathing normally again. I collected my medal, blanket and goody bag and headed off to find my family.
I had done it!
Author
Sophie
Runner & yogi.
Mum of 5.
Dog owner.
Business partner.
Home educator.
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