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Another mild day, I could get used to this warmer weather.  5 miles on the schedule today and while I felt quite bouncy before I set off, after 5 minutes running my legs felt rather heavy.  I had decided to give my new trainers another outing after we nearly fell out at Silverstone!  I threaded the laces really loosely at the bottom and I am happy to say it worked.  Although the big test will be another long run.  I will save them for my last long run on Easter Sunday.  One thought did strike me as I was trundling along was socks.  My feet do seem to get quite warm and quite possibly swell up a bit on long runs.  Does anyone have a cool sock recommendation?

I managed 5.17 miles in 50:52 so just under 10 m/m pace.  It felt quite comfortable apart from a lack of bounce in the old legs.  A rest day tomorrow before 5 miles on Saturday and 20 on Sunday.  Here I might add that I have the utmost respect for anyone persevering with Hal's Intermediate II schedule.  If I were still on it I would be doing 10 miles on Saturday at marathon pace, before Sunday's long one - oooh that seems a step too far!

Happy running all x

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As its feeling all springlike here I felt the call of the wild and an urge to escape into the countryside today.  The thought of trogging round the roads didn't appeal, so to keep the motivation up I followed my urges and headed off to my nemesis - Bredon Hill!

When I originally started training for the marathon I had visions of running up there at least once a fornight for a good hilly workout with fantastic views.  But then the weather and niggly feet got in the way and suddenly I realised I have not been up there since November - how did that happen?  It is a really hard run but one of my most favourite places.  I wasn't sure if I should do it after racing on Sunday and a 20 miler lined up for this weekend, but what the hell, I wanted do it, I was feeling good (I fought the cold off overnight - phew), and who knows what will happen tomorrow - so I siezed the day.

Well I had had time to plan this one as my youngest daughter woke me up at 5 am shouting "is it 7 o'clock yet?"  Noooo it most certainly is not!  Then we had a small battle of wills over the exact position she wanted her bedroom door to be left in and eventually she went back to sleep.  Only my husband is now on day 2 of his training plan for his 100 mile bike ride so he was up at 6 clattering round the bedroom. Funnily though he suddenly has taken more of an interest in my training now he has started his own - only 12 weeks in!!!

Shaking off my tiredness I set off on my hilly route.  The first couple of miles are fairly flat following fields, then there is the first up which I always find really hard. Today though I felt okay and didn't collapse in a heap at the top.  Then I followed a road for a mile or so before starting the proper ascent to the top.  Strangely there was an old lady sweeping up leaves on the pavement halfway along this road.  There are no houses for a mile, so it seemed a strange way to spend your time, especially as when a car went past her neat pile was sent swirling.  Who was going to notice her hard work? I wanted to give her a hug and say go home and have a cuppa, you mad woman!  But then she would have been in her rights to say to me, don't bother running up that enormous hill you doubly mad woman!

I got this route out of a walking book, which stated that all the ascents up the hill are gentle.  Well I beg to differ!  It is pretty steep in places.  I wonder if I will ever manage it without walking?  Maybe one day.  My tired legs needed a bit of a break so I walked the steepest bit and carried on running to the top, up to Parson's Folly at the very top.  The last few times I have stopped here to admire the views, which are amazing, but I pushed on today looking forward to running downhill. 

There were lots of helicopters were flying over to Cheltenham races, which are just down the road from here.  Despite being a big fan of National Hunt racing I have never been to the festival.  The one year I had tickets was the year it was cancelled due to foot and mouth - typical!  They were a present from my husband which he has never repeated - I must remind him of that!

On the run down I passed two runners on the way up.  It was wierd, we looked at each other with mutual respect and a small amount of shock that someone else would be doing this.  If we had been able to stop I would loved to have had a chat, but we runners can't stop mid run can we?  The final descent is quite hair raisingly steep, but good fun.  I got back to the start in 1:39:28, a full 7 minutes quicker than the last time.  I am very pleased with that.  The route is approximately 9.5 miles, a bit further than the planned 8 miles, but it was so worth it.  I'll take a pace of 10.28 m/m over that terrain.

I am so tired now though, so off to bed for me and fingers crossed there are no early wake up calls!

Happy trails xx

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At last I can say what lovely weather we are having!   Despite slightly heavy legs I can report I was quite looking forward to running in the sun today.  5 miles on the schedule, and after dropping the children off at their various educational establishments, I went home to hang some washing out and then set off.  I thought I was going to be running in a strange fashion but happily I don't have too much stiffness or achiness after Sunday.  I had a good session on my roller on Sunday night and then bobbed about in the swimming pool with my youngest yesterday, which loosened me up a bit.  

So I set off today still feeling quite bouncy after Sunday, grinning from ear to ear!  I felt fine all the way, and the pace was a bit faster than I was aiming at, I did 5.3 miles in 49:53 so a pace of 9.24 m/m.  I didn't feel knackered so I am pleased.  My only concern is a slight coldy feeling, courtesy of my husband.  I really don't want another cold now having just got rid of one!

Still no piccies from Silverstone, but my official time was 4 secs quicker than my timing - hooray, officially a sub 1:55.

8 miles to do tomorrow, happy running!

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Off to Silverstone today feeling jolly nervous and not overly confident to be honest.  I was just a bit worried about the size of the occasion and various aches and pains which seem par for the course at the moment. My husband pointed out I get a bit tetchy before running a race and I had to concede he is right!  I need solitude to prepare myself, not the usual bedlam which is our house in the morning!!

We managed to get on the road at a reasonable time for once and we got to Silverstone quite early.  The first sight to greet us in the car park was the naked bottom of a young man (that makes me sound old!) changing his pants.  It would have been forgiveable except he turned round too soon...!  I did admire his bravery though, as the wind was on the chilly side.

My first panic was over what I was wearing.  When I went for a quick run yesterday I felt quite warm and the weather was similar today.  I opted for shorts and a vest.  But on stepping out of the car the wind was quite bracing and I thought I might have been a bit rash.  I had brought a t-shirt too so I decided to put that under my vest so as not to freeze.  I did this quick change in the toilets, rather than on full view in the car park.  We wandered down to the start area with the children/support team in tow.  I felt a bit bad because they seemed to be under the impression that there was going to be a children's paradise of playgrounds and bouncy castles.  Unfortunately there was not much entertainment for them, just their dad to keep them amused for the best part of 2 hours - I think he would need more luck than me!  After two more loo visits and a bit of a warm up, it was time to go through to the start.  This was divided into Sub 2 hours and Over 2 hours.  I was aiming for about 2 hours so which way to go?  I haven't run in many races and in all previous ones I have always started at the back.  This is probably due to my complete lack of confidence and the fact I hate to get in anyone's way.  Today though I was about to go to the slower start, and I suddenly thought, no you want sub 2 hours so why not just be a bit more positive and join the faster start.  So I did, trying my best not to feel out of place amongst all the rather athletic looking people.

A few seconds before the off I suddenly decided that my right shoe wasn't quite right.  I spend so long worrying about my left foot that my right foot gets a bit overlooked.  I spend ages massaging my left foot, adjusting my socks and laces and all my right foot gets is a quick rub and shoved in the trainer.  It now demanded my full attention.  So I pulled my trainer off, adjusted the sock and then the gun went - no time to loosen the laces I just about managed to get my trainer back on in time (thank goodness for the elastic laces!!) and we were off.

I found my pace quite quickly and felt really comfortable and strong.  I was aiming for 9min miles, and at the first mile my time check was 8:49 - perfect.  There were a few traffic problems around the route which is to be expected with so many runners.  But instead of dropping back like I usually do, I pushed forward to get past people and ran forward to find space.  I was really enjoying myself and I have never felt so comfy in a race before.  There were plenty of toilets around the course but I didn't need to stop thankfully.  But I lost count of the number of men who piddled just anywhere!  Goodness I had seen enough of that for one day!!  I know I have a weak bladder but I did chuckle to myself when one bloke stopped just before mile one!

At mile 5 I had a bit of a panic. The race instructions said that there would be Lucozade Sport available at mile 6 and I had planned to have my gel (a tropical SIS one if you are interested, as recommended by ClareVR!)  just before that drink station and then grab a drink to wash it down with.  But the drink stop was at mile 5- eek!  I had to dash across to grab a bottle, and nearly knocked a poor bloke out who was overtaking me when I stuck my arm out!  The first bottle went for a burton, but I got another one from the last man - phew I can have my gel as planned!  I ran on to mile 6 before juggling with drink and gel and managed to get them both down.  At mile 10 I was still feeling good, and my time check was 1:28 which is the fastest I have ever run 10 miles and I was on course for breaking 2 hours.  I saw my support team in the crowd and seeing the excitement of my daughters when they spotted me really gave me a boost.  Suddenly though my right foot was complaining even more.  It must be my new trainers, it wasn't pain just a feeling of pressure on my little toe which was making it ache.  My troublesome left foot was fine and really likes these new trainers, but for some reason my right foot doesn't agree.  (I will have to think about what to do for London .. ).  Anyway I suddenly thought I have to do something but I didn't want to ruin my time.  I stopped, whipped my sock off, and carried on.  I can't have stopped for more than 10 seconds, a good pit stop time!  That relieved the pressure and I managed to complete the last three miles with one sock on and one sock off, not ideal but it worked.  For the last mile the wind was full in my face and made it tough but I still had some energy left so I sprinted for the line, spurred on by the disbelief that I might get under 1:55!!  As I got over the line I promptly had a little sob, what am I like?  It was just such an amazing feeling to finish feeling so strong and in a time I hadn't even dreamt of.

On a sad note though, on the way round I passed 6 or 7 casualties.  People who had collapsed and literally couldn't go another step and were needing oxygen.  It really made me think about actually running this distance is no mean feat and something to be proud of.  Even my husband was nearly moved to tears by one man who collapsed inches from the line and two other runners carried him over.  I didn't see him as he was behind me, but it sounded so moving.  This running business seems to bring out the best in people.

I met up with the girls who were just a bit bored by it all but they were pleased to see me and had a good root about in my goody bag!  I got a big hug from my husband too.  After cooling down and collecting my kit we went home, all feeling a little windswept but jolly pleased with a successful day.  It was such an experience to run with 10,000 people, and I am over the moon with how I felt after feeling so nervous and my (unofficial) time.  I will try to post some piccies when they are available and I have worked out how!

Back to normality now, building up to another 20 mile run at the weekend. 

Hope you all had good weekends and happy running x

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I have to confess that I am more than just a tad nervous about tomorrow's half at Silverstone.  I haven't raced since September which was my first half with 200 people.  Tomorrow will be just a bit bigger!

In preparation I have tapered a bit.  I was going to rest on Thursday, but it was my husband's birthday and for the first time in a very long time we had the morning to ourselves!  As his present was a new road bike we decided to go for a bike ride together.  We did 20 miles in 1:25 which was really enjoyable.  I tried my best to keep up so it was quite a good workout in the end! 

On Friday I rested, except for some frantic housework to make the house  presentable for the in-laws who were visiting.  They left this morning and I went for a slow 2 miler with some stride outs towards the end.  It is so wierd to set out on such a short run (isn't wasn't that long ago I thought that route was a longish one!) but I am glad I did it.

I am now all carbo loaded after a dinner of pasta and garlic bread.  I have got all my bits together and put my tag on my trainers.  All systems go!  I just hope I get a good nights sleep and feel all bouncy in the morning.  I suffer so much with nerves I wonder why I put myself through it, but once it is over I know just why - post race euphoria is just great!

Good luck to anyone else racing tomorrow xx

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First of all thank you for all the sound advice all you bloggers have given me.  I really appreciate it and wait for it, I will be taking your advice ... tomorrow!!

I have been getting quite hung up on the number of runs I have missed for one reason or another.  I missed two last week but then my long run was 3.5 miles longer than it should have been.  I know there are lots of people on here who have missed out on a lot of training, but in my own little world I really wanted to run every run on the schedule as it was written down.  This is unrealistic, of course, as life gets in the way.  Listening to your body is far more important especially when, like me, you are pushing yourself further and harder than ever before and in the end you are relying on your body to get you through.  So the conclusion of all this is that I will now rest and taper until Silverstone.  That will mean two more missed runs this week, but depending on how I recover from Silverstone I will try and get back on course, ticking off the miles and try to get two more 20 milers in.

Today I was still not inspired to do 5 miles round the roads.  It has been drier here for the last week so I thought I would head off road in the hope the underfoot conditions would be just right. I rummaged in the garage and dug out my off road trainers and decided to get some mud under my feet.  I love running cross country it really inspires me and keeps my mind busy.  Road running can just be a bit monotonous.  I like to keep my mind busy by dodging natural obstacles, skipping this way and that and generally having fun.  Definitely time to head off road again and sort my head out.  Looking back, my last foray into the fields was when we were under a lot of snow, which meant my trainers were cleaner than they had been for a very long time.  I have been a bit nervous of running on bumpier ground with my foot, but as it is not actually painful just a bit clicky and stiff, I hoped this might loosen it up a bit.  I do believe that too much running on the same surface can have a detrimental affect on your body as the same structures can become overloaded, whereas running on different surfaces can exposes your bones, muscles and ligaments to different forces and makes them stronger.  At university I studied equine sports science and although I have forgotten most of it I do remember a study in which racehorses that raced on the same artificial surfaces over and over again were more prone to catastrophic injuries than horses racing on grass and therefore different 'goings'.  I know we are not horses, but the same theory might apply.   I digress, back to today. 

It was flipping freezing again, a really cold wind and no sun.  I bravely went out with short sleeves, but that decision had been made before feeling the full force of the wind.  Still with this short off road run starting up a steep hill I soon warmed up.  In fact I do believe I found this hill slightly easier than the last time.  I normally really suffer halfway up and take the opportunity of going through a gate to catch my breath.  Today I carried on and pushed to the top.  It was hard but not impossible!  Then I skipped along through some woods, through mud and hopping over tree roots.  The route then took me through a field of lambs (aaah!) and on through a small hamlet and past Hidcote Gardens. From here there is a lovely downhill back to the start.  I did 4.5 miles in 41:17 - a record for that run, and I wasn't really pushing so I am very pleased with that for a hilly and muddy route.  And my foot didn't complain either - hooray.

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, a big one <40 she whispers> so I will give myself the day off and taper.  I am cooking a three course meal for him so have some prepping to do, and have a cake to bake too.  He has the day off and will take his new super duper road bike out for a spin.  I might go with him on my bike but I don't think I will have much chance of keeping up!  Now our eldest is at school as you just can't go out for the day when you feel like it, which still takes a bit of getting used to.  His parents are coming up on Friday for a visit and then its off to Silverstone!  When I entered the race I have to confess I didn't really think about his birthday weekend - ooops!  Still he'll get the chance to snoop round a F1 track, although not while a Grand Prix is on as he pointed out!

I hope all is well with you all, and I am now off to check if Simone's orthotics are here!!

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After Saturday's 'marathon' I am still feeling really tired and slightly out of sorts.  I just haven't got my bounce and enthusiasm going just at the minute.  I thought after doing over 20 miles I would be jumping through hoops with excitement but maybe the memory of the pain is still too raw!!

On Sunday I was meant to do Saturday's 8 miler but I just was far too tired to even contemplate it.  We had a lovely family day out and when I got home I just collapsed in a heap! My legs were really heavy and my quads were aching quite well, so much so I was hobbling around.  I felt fantastic after last weeks 18 miles but this long run really took it out of me.

Monday was cross training day, and I took my youngest to the pool and bobbed about with her for 45 mins.  Hmm I am not sure that really counts, but it was nice to do stretches in the water.

This morning I really had to drag my running gear on.  The sun was shining and it was still cold.  My running friend came with me at the last minute so in the end it turned into a good run.  5.27 miles in 50:39 so 9.36m/m which was a good pace on still heavy legs.  If I am honest my foot has been worrying me a bit as it was aching after Saturday and I felt it might just be starting to misbehave.  During the first mile I wasn't very happy but as I warmed up it felt okay so I carried on and am very pleased I did, but I am soooooo tired!  Lots of ice at home as a precaution.  I will try another 5 miles tomorrow and again on Thursday and then skip the scheduled 8 miler on Saturday to prepare for Silverstone.  I hope I perk up by then!

Happy running all xx

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My husband very kindly brought me a cup of tea in bed this morning, and then said "its going to be a really nice day tomorrow, why don't you do your long run now and we can go out tomorrow".  What just like that! Get up and run 20 miles just like that!  I am sure you know where I am coming from, you just can't climb out of bed and run 20 miles without preparing first, can you??

Still some family time is very much needed so I managed to mentally prepare in just over an hour.  Normally this preparation starts the night before with what I eat and drink, an early night, much mulling over my planned route and many changes of mind over what to wear.  Oh dear I didn't eat a very healthy dinner last night and drank half a bottle of wine, but then I was expecting to run only 8 miles this morning.  So I got out of bed, had breakfast, downed a bottle of Lucozade Sport (is anyone else addicted to this stuff - I find I really crave it at the moment!) and got ready.  Gels packed, jelly babies in, drink made.  Only a slight problem in that my phone is not charged, so I take some money in case I collapse in a heap.  I am ready.  Except the route, I havent spent the requisite number of hours planning my route - aarrrgh!  My husband then explains to me one of his cycle routes, which he assures me is 20 miles exactly.  I'll take it, there is no time to check.  By the time I get out of the door it is 10.30am which is a very late start for such a long run.  I couldn't be bothered to swap my elastic laces over so this was the first big test for the new trainers too.

Off I go.  I start off feeling quite good, trundling along at a good rhythm.  But at the back of my mind I just don't feel ready.  After about four miles I need my first pit stop.  This is the result of not planning my hydration strategy meticulously enough, and that cup of tea in bed!  I have a feeling this will not be the only interruption along the way.  I pass two horses, really beautiful thoroughbreds but I am not quite sure why their riders need to smoke while riding along - a bit odd to me, I thought riding out was all about fresh air!  After 1:15 I am ready for my first gel.  Lemon and lime this time.  Still disgusting, but marginally better than vanilla.  Quick wash down with drink and its done, and on I go.  After about 20 minutes I get the feeling I might need a 'proper' pitstop soon.  The length of this run just makes me think I won't get back without another stop.  And if the first gel has this affect, what will happen when I take the second?  Again I blame this on my lack of mental preparation!!  I start to wonder where I might stop, and I remember there is the town of Broadway ahead, popular with tourists and therefore there are also facilities.  It is about a mile away, but the trouble is that now my mind has processed this information my body has started to anticipate it so my sense of urgency increases slightly.  As I turn the final corner I meet a funeral procession.  The toilets are now within spitting distance, but what do I do?  Is it really bad form to overtake a funeral procession?  None of the following cars have performed such a disrespectful act. I decide the alternative would be worse form, there is no stopping the cascade of events that has been started.  I sprint past the cortege, asking for forgiveness and arrive at the toilets - phew.

Feeling ready to rejoin my route, I have no idea how much extra distance I might have added with this diversion.  I am starting to feel a bit tired but looking at my clock I judge I am just about halfway.  I want to get to 15miles before the next gel.  I am running low on fluids (also due to my lack of preparation and I suspect the wine last night) and  I need to keep some drink for the next gel.  In the end I am so thirsty I take the gel early so I can have a drink.  By 15 miles I am struggling, my legs are heavy and as Kendle would say, every step now hurts.  My new trainers have been very comfortable but my little toe of my right foot is feeling the pressure.  I stop to give it a rub and loosen the laces.  I think the seam of my sock was pressing on it.  This stop perks me up a bit so when I set off I start to feel happier.  This part of the route follows a busy road, but I can't help smiling.  Am I verging on hysteria?  This feeling doesn't last long, my legs are aching, my feet are aching, my glutes and thighs are aching, my neck and shoulders are aching and now I just want to get home.  I need a drink too.  I keep putting one foot in front of the other and come across a shop in a village 4 miles from home.   I pop in for a fix of Lucozade Sport, which I hope will see me home.  On I go and checking my time I think I must have done 20 by now and I am 2 miles from home.  I want to stop but walking is more painful.  My pace has slowed to what feels like a painful shuffle. At last I get back to the village.  I usually run on a bit further but I am cooked and conscious that I must be over 20 miles.  I don't want to injure myself.  I am so tired I keep looking at my feet and leaning forward, I can't keep in a straight line and I keep kicking my ankle bone through fatigue.  Definitely time to stop. I stop the clock at 3:42:27.  I waddle home and my husband sees me coming up the road, he was just about to send out the search party for me! 

Once the pain eases I check my route and it works out at 21.43 miles - I can't believe it!  An average pace of 10.22 m/m.  Unlike last week I have no post run euphoria I just feel completely whacked.  Now I write this I am feeling a small amount of euphoria thinking about the distance but it wasn't the most enjoyable run I have done.  I just hope the next 20 miler is slightly easier.  Still its not bad considering I am still fighting the tail end of a cold and I was totally unprepared for running this run today!  Tomorrow yes, but not today! 

Right I am now off to bed, happy running all and good luck to anyone racing tomorrow xx

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