So what have I been doing since the Beacons? I did one run in the week after the Beacons and then caught the winter lurgy that was floating around. Felt rubbish for over a week and what with one thing or another, didn't do much training..... Boxing Day (Friday) I managed six and a half miles and on Sunday I did just over 10 miles run/walk (mainly walk I have to say) but the legs felt good and my feet are in pretty good nick!
I'm going to do half of the Tring to Town/Town to Tring event with Perks (keeping her company as haven't actually got a place....). That's 40 miles and is on the 17th January I think...
In February we are sorting out a jaunt in the Brecon Beacons, two days covering a distance of about 18 miles on the first day and hopefully about 30 on the second day. Now I'm going to concentrate on building up mileage and doing more back to back days, long distance.
I have really mixed feelings at the moment. I'm absolutely terrified about the Mds but in my heart of hearts truly believe I can do it and I'll be fine (provided nothing happens that I have no control over). BUT despite the mixed feelings I really can't wait to go now. This has been on my mind for a hell of a long time now and suddenly it's becoming very real.
I also managed to get myself in an article in Running Fitness Magazine (Feb issue).... very proud of the fact that someone actually nominated me as 'inspirational'. Don't see that myself but really chuffed that somebody else did (thanks Judith).
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
The Beacons Ultra : 6th December 2008
It's been a while and this is worth an update!
It was off to Wales for the first running of the Beacons Ultra organised by Likeys (top people!!!). I met up with Gilly who drove up there and Jo. When we arrived in Brecon we visited Likeys and I was not disappointed. Martin and Sue are two of the nicest people I've ever met. Ever helpful and very welcoming. I managed to get a fair proportion of the kit I need and was very chuffed with my buys. We saw some other Mds forum chaps and girls there which was fantastic. It's great to finally put faces to names. After spending up, we headed to the bunkhouse which was to be our home for the next couple of nights.
Carol (Perks) did us proud by making copious amounts of chilli and rice. Everyone chipped in either financially or practically by supplying bits of food. We had a really good meal and all sat, chatted and got to know each other. Gilly, myself, Perks and Steph were sharing a room. Bunk beds - yay!!! I went to Brecon with every intention of only completing one lap of the ultra (23.5 miles) because I was doubting my capabilities and didn't think I trained enough. After talking to Steph, who decided she wanted to try and push herself, I decided I would try for both laps. I asked if she minded if I tagged along.... she didn't thank goodness!!
We got up at 6am on Saturday and prepared as best we could. Backpacks packed, ten layers of clothing on as it was bloody freezing, and nervous twitching. We went over to the rugby club at about 7.45am. I was picked out for a spot check which scared me slightly as, although I knew I had everything, I couldn't quite put my finger on where I'd put it.
We stood at the start, frozen, and waited for the off. Matt from Likeys went through a few bits and pieces and then we were on our way. I set off with Carol and Steph. We had decided to run the first leg (along the canal ie. the flat bit!!) and then see how things went. We stayed at the back which was probably best as there were some seriously fast guys there!
The canal leg passed without any problems and we soon found our way on a very gradual but very long climb through the forest trail. It went on forever. We temporarily lost Perks, but she soon caught us up and we settled into a good rhythm. The scenery was absolutely stunning and because it was a beautiful, clear, sunny day, it made it all the more gorgeous. I could live here!!
Eventually we hit the tarmac (not literally) and after a short distance found ourselves at the checkpoint. We didn't stop for long, just to top up and then made our way up to the Gap. Another climb. There were some pretty dodgy bits (the names of which escape me now), but we managed pretty well in my opinion. The paths were strewn with boulders and rocks so toe stubbing became a fairly regular pasttime!! Once we'd reached the top of the gap and another checkpoint we started to make our descent..... down a very rocky and very icy path. It was very slow going but definitely kept us on our toes (tho not always as Steph found out!!).
There were fields to cross, and very narrow boulder strewn paths, but eventually we finished our first lap. It took 6 and a half hours so we could start the second lap with time to spare (the cut off was 3pm). We knew the second lap was going to take a long time due to the conditions changing (more ice) and the dark. Carol left us at this point as she was sticking with one lap so as not to aggravate injury.
Once we were past the canal and on our way up the forest road (again!), it started to get dark. Head torches came out as did warmer hats and gloves. It was getting very cold!! I found this bit psychologically quite tough and I started to feel a bit sick. We got to the checkpoint and met up with Mark, Mike and Dave. Mark was also feeling a bit ropey at this point and after snacks and drinks, we all set off up the Gap together. I had a dodgy moment and had to stop for a minute or two. After peanuts and a cereal bar I started to feel a bit better. The chaps helped us through the horrible icy bit (tho poor Steph and her bottom became rather attached to the slippery floor!!!). Once through the worst of it we lost sight of the boys who steamed on ahead. At this point one of the marshalls (Jeremy I think) caught us up and walked to the next checkpoint with us. We were very tired but also knew we were going to do it!!
Every time we got on to a road and thought we could speed up a bit, we'd hit more ice and slow right down again. The marshalls at the checkpoints were fantastic and very encouraging. When we arrived at the last checkpoint, we discovered that lovely Gilly (who had been there at the end of our first lap at 2.30pm), was still there.... she must have been frozen. She was going to walk the rest of the way back with us (another 4 miles!!!). We caught back up with Mark, Dave and Mike and trudged on knowing we were nearly there.....
With about 2 miles to go we caught sight of a headtorch bobbing towards us. It was Carol, fuelled by Veuve Cliquot, who came to support us the last couple of miles. It was so lovely and a real boost. Mike and Dave went on ahead and finished. Me, Steph and Mark finished in a very proud last place in 15 hours and 34 minutes. We actually received Lantern Rouge award the next day.... google it - we're very proud!!! We had a welcoming committee who were standing at the end of the road and clapping us home. Fabulous. 48 miles done and dusted.....
All in all, this event was probably the best I've taken part in. Well organised, small and personal, friendly and good fun.
I will definitely be going back next year, and it's given me bags of confidence for the Mds.
Finally, it was so great to meet so many lovely people. Can't wait for March and tent life to begin!
It was off to Wales for the first running of the Beacons Ultra organised by Likeys (top people!!!). I met up with Gilly who drove up there and Jo. When we arrived in Brecon we visited Likeys and I was not disappointed. Martin and Sue are two of the nicest people I've ever met. Ever helpful and very welcoming. I managed to get a fair proportion of the kit I need and was very chuffed with my buys. We saw some other Mds forum chaps and girls there which was fantastic. It's great to finally put faces to names. After spending up, we headed to the bunkhouse which was to be our home for the next couple of nights.
Carol (Perks) did us proud by making copious amounts of chilli and rice. Everyone chipped in either financially or practically by supplying bits of food. We had a really good meal and all sat, chatted and got to know each other. Gilly, myself, Perks and Steph were sharing a room. Bunk beds - yay!!! I went to Brecon with every intention of only completing one lap of the ultra (23.5 miles) because I was doubting my capabilities and didn't think I trained enough. After talking to Steph, who decided she wanted to try and push herself, I decided I would try for both laps. I asked if she minded if I tagged along.... she didn't thank goodness!!
We got up at 6am on Saturday and prepared as best we could. Backpacks packed, ten layers of clothing on as it was bloody freezing, and nervous twitching. We went over to the rugby club at about 7.45am. I was picked out for a spot check which scared me slightly as, although I knew I had everything, I couldn't quite put my finger on where I'd put it.
We stood at the start, frozen, and waited for the off. Matt from Likeys went through a few bits and pieces and then we were on our way. I set off with Carol and Steph. We had decided to run the first leg (along the canal ie. the flat bit!!) and then see how things went. We stayed at the back which was probably best as there were some seriously fast guys there!
The canal leg passed without any problems and we soon found our way on a very gradual but very long climb through the forest trail. It went on forever. We temporarily lost Perks, but she soon caught us up and we settled into a good rhythm. The scenery was absolutely stunning and because it was a beautiful, clear, sunny day, it made it all the more gorgeous. I could live here!!
Eventually we hit the tarmac (not literally) and after a short distance found ourselves at the checkpoint. We didn't stop for long, just to top up and then made our way up to the Gap. Another climb. There were some pretty dodgy bits (the names of which escape me now), but we managed pretty well in my opinion. The paths were strewn with boulders and rocks so toe stubbing became a fairly regular pasttime!! Once we'd reached the top of the gap and another checkpoint we started to make our descent..... down a very rocky and very icy path. It was very slow going but definitely kept us on our toes (tho not always as Steph found out!!).
There were fields to cross, and very narrow boulder strewn paths, but eventually we finished our first lap. It took 6 and a half hours so we could start the second lap with time to spare (the cut off was 3pm). We knew the second lap was going to take a long time due to the conditions changing (more ice) and the dark. Carol left us at this point as she was sticking with one lap so as not to aggravate injury.
Once we were past the canal and on our way up the forest road (again!), it started to get dark. Head torches came out as did warmer hats and gloves. It was getting very cold!! I found this bit psychologically quite tough and I started to feel a bit sick. We got to the checkpoint and met up with Mark, Mike and Dave. Mark was also feeling a bit ropey at this point and after snacks and drinks, we all set off up the Gap together. I had a dodgy moment and had to stop for a minute or two. After peanuts and a cereal bar I started to feel a bit better. The chaps helped us through the horrible icy bit (tho poor Steph and her bottom became rather attached to the slippery floor!!!). Once through the worst of it we lost sight of the boys who steamed on ahead. At this point one of the marshalls (Jeremy I think) caught us up and walked to the next checkpoint with us. We were very tired but also knew we were going to do it!!
Every time we got on to a road and thought we could speed up a bit, we'd hit more ice and slow right down again. The marshalls at the checkpoints were fantastic and very encouraging. When we arrived at the last checkpoint, we discovered that lovely Gilly (who had been there at the end of our first lap at 2.30pm), was still there.... she must have been frozen. She was going to walk the rest of the way back with us (another 4 miles!!!). We caught back up with Mark, Dave and Mike and trudged on knowing we were nearly there.....
With about 2 miles to go we caught sight of a headtorch bobbing towards us. It was Carol, fuelled by Veuve Cliquot, who came to support us the last couple of miles. It was so lovely and a real boost. Mike and Dave went on ahead and finished. Me, Steph and Mark finished in a very proud last place in 15 hours and 34 minutes. We actually received Lantern Rouge award the next day.... google it - we're very proud!!! We had a welcoming committee who were standing at the end of the road and clapping us home. Fabulous. 48 miles done and dusted.....
All in all, this event was probably the best I've taken part in. Well organised, small and personal, friendly and good fun.
I will definitely be going back next year, and it's given me bags of confidence for the Mds.
Finally, it was so great to meet so many lovely people. Can't wait for March and tent life to begin!
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Money money money
I originally took up running because I thought it would be cheap (free actually). Blimey how wrong was I?!!!
Anyway, last week I did 6 mile run, 10 mile walk (which made me ache like hell as I haven't walked since August). Not doing huge distances at the moment as don't want to cause problems before the Beacons event (which is only just over 2 weeks away!!!). Did just over 4 miles on Monday and went to the gym yesterday. Starting to work on my back, arms and shoulders now in preparation for lugging the backpack around.
As for the financial side of things : I am constructing a list to take up to the Beacons with me. Hopefully will be able to get all of my kit when I'm there. Can't wait. That will make it seem all very scary. I need to start testing out the food too. I'm wondering what Andy will make of being served freeze dried dinners out of the packet. Yum.
Will go out again on Friday. I haven't decided whether to run or walk but whatever I do it will be 10 miles +.
Anyway, last week I did 6 mile run, 10 mile walk (which made me ache like hell as I haven't walked since August). Not doing huge distances at the moment as don't want to cause problems before the Beacons event (which is only just over 2 weeks away!!!). Did just over 4 miles on Monday and went to the gym yesterday. Starting to work on my back, arms and shoulders now in preparation for lugging the backpack around.
As for the financial side of things : I am constructing a list to take up to the Beacons with me. Hopefully will be able to get all of my kit when I'm there. Can't wait. That will make it seem all very scary. I need to start testing out the food too. I'm wondering what Andy will make of being served freeze dried dinners out of the packet. Yum.
Will go out again on Friday. I haven't decided whether to run or walk but whatever I do it will be 10 miles +.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Didn't take long to recover from Dublin and I'm still buzzing from the experience! Iwent out last week and did 4.4 miles on Tuesday and then 6 miles on Friday. I was going to attempt the backpack on Sunday (yesterday) but one of the girls is poorly and off school today so that's been put back. Also have a sore neck/shoulder which won't shift and am slightly concerned about making that worse.
Hoping to go out tomorrow (children/neck permitting).
Fingers crossed.
Hoping to go out tomorrow (children/neck permitting).
Fingers crossed.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Dublin
So here's my report for the Dublin Marathon.
We arrived in Dublin on Saturday afternoon (it was raining!), and once we'd got to our hotel, we threw our stuff in the room and went to the expo to get my running number etc. I had a bit of a dodgy throat but nothing to worry about at the time. On Sunday it was a beautiful day - cold, and bright and bloody windy. Not good!! In the afternoon we met up with fellow running/bloggy type people Trev, Julie, Judith and Keith. We had a few drinks and chatted about this and that. As the day wore on I started to feel a bit dodgy. My throat was bothering me and I felt like the problem was creeping towards my chest. I wasn't happy and very pessimistic about Monday. We met up with Sharon in the evening (who was also running) and her brother Rob for a meal. Had a nice evening but was still fretting about the task ahead and whether I should be doing it with a dodgy chest.
We had an early night followed by an early rise the next morning. I got up at 6.30am and could hardly speak. My chest felt a bit tight - aaahhhh!!! I knew it would probably clear once I'd been up for a while so I got ready and went down to have breakfast with Andy.
As usual for me before a long run, I took a variety of pills (Immodium and Ibruprofen) and decided I would start the race and see how I felt. At the end of the day, if I felt rough I would just stop (though that doesn't sit comfortably with me at all).
It was freezing cold outside but calmer than the day before. Andy walked me to the baggage area and then we said our goodbyes and I made my way to the start (which was about a 20 minute walk).
The race started at 9am and it only took a couple of minutes to cross the line. I decided that I would try and stick with 10 min miles for as long as I could and then after that, just play it by ear. I actually felt pretty good and soon settled into a decent pace. I kept my jacket on for quite a while which is unusual for me, but I didn't want to make the dodgy throat/chest worse!
Because I undertrained for this event I was expecting to walk on and off but because I felt okay, decided that I wouldn't stop at all until I'd see Andy and the others who were going to watch at certain points. I had a revolting gel at about 6/7 miles which definitely helped (despite making me feel like vomiting). I was still at a comfortable pace and enjoying Phoenix Park which is beautiful. I was soon past the 11 mile mark and wondering where Andy was when my phone rang. He said 'We're at the 11 mile mark, where are you?' 'Just gone past!' was the reply!! Couldn't believe I'd missed them and they obviously thought I was going to be a lot slower (bloody cheek!!!). He said they'd make their way to 19 miles which was fine. I was still feeling pretty good but walked at this point to have another gel (which did make me heave). I only ever walked briefly to have a drink or something to eat which I was quite proud of as it's unusual for me! Andy rang again when I reached about 15 miles to see how long I'd be. At this point I started to feel crap. My hip was really hurting (which is what buggered me up last year) and I was having negative thoughts!! I had some more painkillers and just plodded on and started to pick up again. Felt good again and actually made it to 19 miles a lot quicker than I expected to. I think it was about 3 hours 20 mins into it. They were quite shocked too!
It was at this point that I started to think I might actually crack the 5 hour barrier if I carried like this. I couldn't actually believe this because I haven't put the training in - and a 5 hour marathon to me was something totally out of reach in my mind. I had another gel to get me through the last few miles and felt fine up to about 22/23 miles. The wheels were starting to fall off but I knew I could do it and refused to let the bastard beat me. My little toe was really hurting and I knew it was blistered but decided against stopping to sort it out (so glad I made that decision, which I will explain later).
At 24 miles, I knew even if I walked the rest (which I wasn't prepared to do), I would get in under 5 hours so was feeling very proud of myself and very close to tears too. I had my name on my vest, which surprisingly not many people did, so got lots of shouts from the crowd. That really helped especially in the last couple of miles. Because you are back in the city centre then, there are loads of people all willing you to get to the end. I knew Andy was right near the finish (in a pub!!) just before a bend in the road that leads to the all important line.....
I was officially knackered and didn't have an awful lot left at this point, I would start walking and then have someone yell 'Come on Rachael' at me which started me off again. I saw Andy and then turned the corner to see the clock....
Last year it took me 5 hours 37 minutes and 17 seconds
This year it too me 4 hours 52 minutes and 40 seconds
How pleased am I?
I love the Dublin marathon. It's much smaller than London which is the only other marathon I've completed but in my opinion it's so much nicer.
I will be back and who knows, may be next year I can get 4 hrs 30?
Oh, I almost forgot..... my toe was absolutely killing me once I'd stopped and after meeting up in the pub (of course), we went back to the hotel. I took my trainers off and my socks and saw the problem. My little toe on my right foot was almost twice the normal length and width and was basically made up of a very large blood blister. It was agony!! I had to peel off the tape I had put around it before I set off that morning which was really painful. I put a couple of holes in it to drain it and then Andy went to reception to ask for a sewing kit so I could thread some cotton through it. It drained very nicely but is still really painful. God knows what it will be like during the Mds. I'm still considering amputation.....
We arrived in Dublin on Saturday afternoon (it was raining!), and once we'd got to our hotel, we threw our stuff in the room and went to the expo to get my running number etc. I had a bit of a dodgy throat but nothing to worry about at the time. On Sunday it was a beautiful day - cold, and bright and bloody windy. Not good!! In the afternoon we met up with fellow running/bloggy type people Trev, Julie, Judith and Keith. We had a few drinks and chatted about this and that. As the day wore on I started to feel a bit dodgy. My throat was bothering me and I felt like the problem was creeping towards my chest. I wasn't happy and very pessimistic about Monday. We met up with Sharon in the evening (who was also running) and her brother Rob for a meal. Had a nice evening but was still fretting about the task ahead and whether I should be doing it with a dodgy chest.
We had an early night followed by an early rise the next morning. I got up at 6.30am and could hardly speak. My chest felt a bit tight - aaahhhh!!! I knew it would probably clear once I'd been up for a while so I got ready and went down to have breakfast with Andy.
As usual for me before a long run, I took a variety of pills (Immodium and Ibruprofen) and decided I would start the race and see how I felt. At the end of the day, if I felt rough I would just stop (though that doesn't sit comfortably with me at all).
It was freezing cold outside but calmer than the day before. Andy walked me to the baggage area and then we said our goodbyes and I made my way to the start (which was about a 20 minute walk).
The race started at 9am and it only took a couple of minutes to cross the line. I decided that I would try and stick with 10 min miles for as long as I could and then after that, just play it by ear. I actually felt pretty good and soon settled into a decent pace. I kept my jacket on for quite a while which is unusual for me, but I didn't want to make the dodgy throat/chest worse!
Because I undertrained for this event I was expecting to walk on and off but because I felt okay, decided that I wouldn't stop at all until I'd see Andy and the others who were going to watch at certain points. I had a revolting gel at about 6/7 miles which definitely helped (despite making me feel like vomiting). I was still at a comfortable pace and enjoying Phoenix Park which is beautiful. I was soon past the 11 mile mark and wondering where Andy was when my phone rang. He said 'We're at the 11 mile mark, where are you?' 'Just gone past!' was the reply!! Couldn't believe I'd missed them and they obviously thought I was going to be a lot slower (bloody cheek!!!). He said they'd make their way to 19 miles which was fine. I was still feeling pretty good but walked at this point to have another gel (which did make me heave). I only ever walked briefly to have a drink or something to eat which I was quite proud of as it's unusual for me! Andy rang again when I reached about 15 miles to see how long I'd be. At this point I started to feel crap. My hip was really hurting (which is what buggered me up last year) and I was having negative thoughts!! I had some more painkillers and just plodded on and started to pick up again. Felt good again and actually made it to 19 miles a lot quicker than I expected to. I think it was about 3 hours 20 mins into it. They were quite shocked too!
It was at this point that I started to think I might actually crack the 5 hour barrier if I carried like this. I couldn't actually believe this because I haven't put the training in - and a 5 hour marathon to me was something totally out of reach in my mind. I had another gel to get me through the last few miles and felt fine up to about 22/23 miles. The wheels were starting to fall off but I knew I could do it and refused to let the bastard beat me. My little toe was really hurting and I knew it was blistered but decided against stopping to sort it out (so glad I made that decision, which I will explain later).
At 24 miles, I knew even if I walked the rest (which I wasn't prepared to do), I would get in under 5 hours so was feeling very proud of myself and very close to tears too. I had my name on my vest, which surprisingly not many people did, so got lots of shouts from the crowd. That really helped especially in the last couple of miles. Because you are back in the city centre then, there are loads of people all willing you to get to the end. I knew Andy was right near the finish (in a pub!!) just before a bend in the road that leads to the all important line.....
I was officially knackered and didn't have an awful lot left at this point, I would start walking and then have someone yell 'Come on Rachael' at me which started me off again. I saw Andy and then turned the corner to see the clock....
Last year it took me 5 hours 37 minutes and 17 seconds
This year it too me 4 hours 52 minutes and 40 seconds
How pleased am I?
I love the Dublin marathon. It's much smaller than London which is the only other marathon I've completed but in my opinion it's so much nicer.
I will be back and who knows, may be next year I can get 4 hrs 30?
Oh, I almost forgot..... my toe was absolutely killing me once I'd stopped and after meeting up in the pub (of course), we went back to the hotel. I took my trainers off and my socks and saw the problem. My little toe on my right foot was almost twice the normal length and width and was basically made up of a very large blood blister. It was agony!! I had to peel off the tape I had put around it before I set off that morning which was really painful. I put a couple of holes in it to drain it and then Andy went to reception to ask for a sewing kit so I could thread some cotton through it. It drained very nicely but is still really painful. God knows what it will be like during the Mds. I'm still considering amputation.....
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
5 days to go...
I went for a 6 mile run yesterday. Steady, ploddy and okay. Still not sure how I'll manage 26 and I know there will be walking involved! Furiously making lists now for all the kit I need to get on my return. This will be the first birthday and Christmas ever where I have not indulged myself in lovely things..... this time will be practical - sleeping bag, swiss army knife, freeze dried food etc! Lovely!
I will probably do 4 miles on Friday and that'll be it. Can't wait to go now and get it over with!!
I will probably do 4 miles on Friday and that'll be it. Can't wait to go now and get it over with!!
Monday, 13 October 2008
2 weeks to go...
Went out and did 13.14 miles on Wednesday. Felt good and managed to stick at the same pace throughout. Caught a bug from the kids and on Friday felt really rough. It's Monday now and although I feel okay I don't really have much of an appetite. Didn't run today for that reason as I don't have a lot of energy. Hopefully will go out tomorrow. Really can't wait now!!!
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