Oh my word, that was so hard! Hardest thing I have ever done. I finally passed the finish line at 5hrs 11 which is slightly disappointing for me as I really wanted to do it under 5 hrs, but it was just an achievement finishing as I thought it would never end!
Some of the miles flew by and up until about mile 14 I was running strong and on for well under 5 hours, but then I just started feeling sick and it got to the point where I had to stop running as I felt like would hurl. Unfortunately I felt like that for the next 6 miles so so couldn't take on energy gels or any jelly babies or sweets that people were handing out, and the smell of all the BBQs just seemed so strong and made me feel so nauseous it was awful! But I kept running and walking when I felt too sick to run for the whole of the second half of the run.
Annoyingly once you start walking that's when injuries and things kick in and my IT band on my right leg (never been a problem before) went. So I was limping the last 6 miles, with my achilles on the left killing me too, probably as my left leg was over compensating. Sometimes I was able to ignore the pain but not for long. But happily I was running everytime I saw someone supporting which is funny as I really was running half of it and walking half of it!
I'm not sure why I felt so unwell, whether it was having eaten a different breakfast to usual which included an apple and not a banana (perhaps that was too acidic to then have energy gels on top?) or whether it was the oily pasta the day before sitting in my belly, or whether it was just the heat? No idea. Although still not feeling right as since the marathon all I have managed to eat is a tuna roll and half a pizza, which is not a lot considering usually I need two BIG meals!
It was really amazing seeing all my family and friends around the course, it really does give you a lift. and when I realised at about mile 18 that I wouldn't be able to do it in under 5 I decided I would stop and talk to everyone if I could get to them, which I pretty much did! That made it better. Although I really wanted to see my Mum again so she could give me a hug as I felt so unwell, but I missed her.
It's an amazing event, so well organised and really good fun, I'm just a bit disappointed with my time as I have not stopped and walked on any long run since right at the beginning of my training when I was suffering with my left IT band, all my longer runs up to 22 miles I have not needed to walk and all of them would have had me finish sometime between 4hrs 30 and 5hrs so I know I can do it, which I suppose is why it's disappointing. Therefore I will go into the ballot and better my time, I'll try for next year and if not, maybe a different marathon.
Anyway all of us girls managed it in the end and all feel thoroughly proud of ourselves! I am a little bit achey today, but I can still walk which is a bonus!
Monday, 26 April 2010
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
4 more sleeps...
Oh my word, 4 more sleeps till the big day (or as I'm sure it'll turn out 3 more broken sleeps and one night of utter terror until the big day!)
I haven't updated the blog in a while, this is mainly due to bad internet service at home but also as I have had a few niggles of late so was feeling slightly worried about the whole thing!
Since I last wrote, after my 22 miler, I have completed one long run, a 13 miler (after suffering a touch of man flu) and then the weekend just gone was supposed to be a 10 miler but unfortunately my right knee was playing up throughout the 13 miler and took a good few days for the swelling to subside so I only went out for a 4 miler. Other than that I have been in the gym. Last night was my last run another 4 miler and that's it now.
It feels weird.
The other thing I have achieved since I last wrote on the blog was my fundraising target! Today it looks very likely that I'll hit the £2000 mark by the end of all this which is fantastic and has made this so worthwhile!
My task for the next few days is to rest my legs and eat carbs. Funnily enough I don't think I'll have a problem following this training plan!
Things to do before the big day... I have ironed my name onto my running vest, I have washed my running kit & I have written a list of things to pack for the day. I just need to get packing once my kit is dry! Me and Heather (who is running for the RSPCA) are staying at a hotel in London the night before. This is probably a bad thing as we are both nervous and sure to make each others nerves worse all night! We have decided that after registering for our running numbers on Saturday morning we are going to spend the afternoon in the cinema (stops us talking about the marathon and hopefully will take our minds off the mammoth task ahead!)
The final thing I need to do is (well run 26.2 miles) but also to enjoy the day. I still don't feel comfortable about this as I know I haven't actually enjoyed any organised run before but I need to keep a positive head and if possible just take it all in as I run along, the London Marathon is a great day out as a spectator, the atmosphere is immense so I'm hoping I will feel the same whilst being a runner!
I haven't updated the blog in a while, this is mainly due to bad internet service at home but also as I have had a few niggles of late so was feeling slightly worried about the whole thing!
Since I last wrote, after my 22 miler, I have completed one long run, a 13 miler (after suffering a touch of man flu) and then the weekend just gone was supposed to be a 10 miler but unfortunately my right knee was playing up throughout the 13 miler and took a good few days for the swelling to subside so I only went out for a 4 miler. Other than that I have been in the gym. Last night was my last run another 4 miler and that's it now.
It feels weird.
The other thing I have achieved since I last wrote on the blog was my fundraising target! Today it looks very likely that I'll hit the £2000 mark by the end of all this which is fantastic and has made this so worthwhile!
My task for the next few days is to rest my legs and eat carbs. Funnily enough I don't think I'll have a problem following this training plan!
Things to do before the big day... I have ironed my name onto my running vest, I have washed my running kit & I have written a list of things to pack for the day. I just need to get packing once my kit is dry! Me and Heather (who is running for the RSPCA) are staying at a hotel in London the night before. This is probably a bad thing as we are both nervous and sure to make each others nerves worse all night! We have decided that after registering for our running numbers on Saturday morning we are going to spend the afternoon in the cinema (stops us talking about the marathon and hopefully will take our minds off the mammoth task ahead!)
The final thing I need to do is (well run 26.2 miles) but also to enjoy the day. I still don't feel comfortable about this as I know I haven't actually enjoyed any organised run before but I need to keep a positive head and if possible just take it all in as I run along, the London Marathon is a great day out as a spectator, the atmosphere is immense so I'm hoping I will feel the same whilst being a runner!
Monday, 5 April 2010
I have run... far...
Seriously. 22 miles. Is far. Granted not quite as far as a marathon distance, but not that far off, another 4 miles in fact. Note, I am reluctant to use the word 'only' I don't want to say 'only another 4 miles' as let's be honest 22 miles it hurt. Wow it hurt. By the time I'd finished I was a shaky mess, so the thought of running for a further 45-50 mins is horrifying. But I think with some strategic eating and sleeping beforehand, I believe I can finish it now. Even if those final 4 miles are crawled!
From now on it's taking down the distances, so I'm kind of looking forward to the next two weeks training!
From now on it's taking down the distances, so I'm kind of looking forward to the next two weeks training!
Monday, 29 March 2010
Emotional Rollercoaster
Why does nobody tell you about how emotional this marathon business is? I know it's not just me as the other ladies that I know who are running this year are also feeling the emotional strain. Maybe it's just a girl thing?
I always get a massive low the day after a long run. The day I complete it I'm on top of the world and think I can take on anything! The following day I am close to tears or in tears and like Kevin the teenager - slumped on the couch and unable to do anything! I'm guessing it must be something to do with adrenalin and having a massive adrenalin high straight after the run but then a massive adrenalin crash? Sounds plausible to me.
But then last week, WOW it got even worse! So last week we hit the day when we were able to say "one month to go". And I don't know what it was but I just wanted to cry. No in fact, I did cry. A lot. Luckily my tears were shed on my own in the privacy of my own house. I know Nat struggled and she shed tears at the gym, in her words "in front of everyone, so embarassing" and I know Jane at work has been tearful this past week. I think it has a lot to do with how much hard work I have put in to-date and the pressure of the actual Marathon Day getting closer, the risk of injury, the thoughts that I haven't done enough, the pressure of knowing all these people have sponsored me... it's all nerve wracking and it turns out more than a little emotional and it turns out this is a totally normal feeling! Who knew.
Luckily this week I feel a little less likely to burst into tears at any moment. I also managed to have a whole 6 days off running last week to try and rest my sore knee. Unfortunately I went out for an 8 mile run tonight and the sore knee is sore again. I think it may now be something I am just going to have to put up with. I'll strap it up, keep taking the ibruprofen and keep my fingers crossed that it heals itself.
I always get a massive low the day after a long run. The day I complete it I'm on top of the world and think I can take on anything! The following day I am close to tears or in tears and like Kevin the teenager - slumped on the couch and unable to do anything! I'm guessing it must be something to do with adrenalin and having a massive adrenalin high straight after the run but then a massive adrenalin crash? Sounds plausible to me.
But then last week, WOW it got even worse! So last week we hit the day when we were able to say "one month to go". And I don't know what it was but I just wanted to cry. No in fact, I did cry. A lot. Luckily my tears were shed on my own in the privacy of my own house. I know Nat struggled and she shed tears at the gym, in her words "in front of everyone, so embarassing" and I know Jane at work has been tearful this past week. I think it has a lot to do with how much hard work I have put in to-date and the pressure of the actual Marathon Day getting closer, the risk of injury, the thoughts that I haven't done enough, the pressure of knowing all these people have sponsored me... it's all nerve wracking and it turns out more than a little emotional and it turns out this is a totally normal feeling! Who knew.
Luckily this week I feel a little less likely to burst into tears at any moment. I also managed to have a whole 6 days off running last week to try and rest my sore knee. Unfortunately I went out for an 8 mile run tonight and the sore knee is sore again. I think it may now be something I am just going to have to put up with. I'll strap it up, keep taking the ibruprofen and keep my fingers crossed that it heals itself.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
What a wonderous run...
So I went out yesterday morning at 7am for the 18 mile run which I was dreading. But get this... I loved it! Not sure how that happened!
In the end I managed to run 18.5 miles and I reckon I could have run a further 2 miles if I'd wanted to.
Think that it had a lot to do with the carb loading on Thurs and Friday, as I didn't even use an energy gel or think to take one out of my pocket. Therefore, lesson is to carb load on Thurs and Fri this week and try and replicate the feeling again... and again... and again... and again... and finally again! (4 long practice runs and 1 marathon to go, wouldn't it be great if all of these runs would be as enjoyable! Here's hoping).
In the end I managed to run 18.5 miles and I reckon I could have run a further 2 miles if I'd wanted to.
Think that it had a lot to do with the carb loading on Thurs and Friday, as I didn't even use an energy gel or think to take one out of my pocket. Therefore, lesson is to carb load on Thurs and Fri this week and try and replicate the feeling again... and again... and again... and again... and finally again! (4 long practice runs and 1 marathon to go, wouldn't it be great if all of these runs would be as enjoyable! Here's hoping).
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
I'm a kilomathon champ!
Well I can say I've run a marathon now! I ran my marathon in kilometres on Sunday.
It has to be said. Not my favourite of days! But at last I finally got a big shiny medal for my efforts which has to spur me on a bit.
In all honesty my confidence is a little bit knocked. I didn't realise how hard I would find it on Sunday, what with the nerves, the horrible holding pen at the start of the race, the crowded running space around you and added pressure of not running on your own and the toilet stop judgements. It's really scared me that I'm not going to enjoy the London marathon. And it'll be worse as I'll be running for a further 2 hours on top of what I did on Sunday!
The only positive thing I can think that would help change my enjoyment is that I will know where I am on the route when I run in London as opposed to the Kilomathon where I was running between Nottingham and Derby and had no idea where I was at all, there were no landmarks for me to recognise. Fingers crossed that will make a big difference and perhaps the atmosphere too (although I really think that I'm an unsociable runner,so that's that).
Anyway, I managed to get out and do my sprints yesterday evening 10 x 400m (or 8 x 400m and 1 x 800m). Thought I was going to be sick. I wasn't. And I went to the gym tonight. I need this running malarkey to get easier. I NEED the marathon to get easier!!! So I did lots of core strength stuff as well as cardio bike intervals. Saturday I run 18 miles. It just all has to help. Really it does.
I need to think positive. And try and try to think up toilet tactics methinks...
It has to be said. Not my favourite of days! But at last I finally got a big shiny medal for my efforts which has to spur me on a bit.
In all honesty my confidence is a little bit knocked. I didn't realise how hard I would find it on Sunday, what with the nerves, the horrible holding pen at the start of the race, the crowded running space around you and added pressure of not running on your own and the toilet stop judgements. It's really scared me that I'm not going to enjoy the London marathon. And it'll be worse as I'll be running for a further 2 hours on top of what I did on Sunday!
The only positive thing I can think that would help change my enjoyment is that I will know where I am on the route when I run in London as opposed to the Kilomathon where I was running between Nottingham and Derby and had no idea where I was at all, there were no landmarks for me to recognise. Fingers crossed that will make a big difference and perhaps the atmosphere too (although I really think that I'm an unsociable runner,so that's that).
Anyway, I managed to get out and do my sprints yesterday evening 10 x 400m (or 8 x 400m and 1 x 800m). Thought I was going to be sick. I wasn't. And I went to the gym tonight. I need this running malarkey to get easier. I NEED the marathon to get easier!!! So I did lots of core strength stuff as well as cardio bike intervals. Saturday I run 18 miles. It just all has to help. Really it does.
I need to think positive. And try and try to think up toilet tactics methinks...
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
17 miles. Done.
Whoop whoop!!! Should have actually written this on Saturday straight after I'd finished, when I felt like I could conquer the world! That feeling may since have disappeared but I can just about hold onto the distant memory of it. It was painful I'm not going to lie to myself and I definitely won't do that distance again with only 250mls water, but confidence was well and truly boosted!
In total it took 3hrs and 1 minute, but I am pretty sure I could have done it under 3 hrs if I'd had more water. Not that I am putting any more time pressure on myself, as I am over that now and just want to complete the damn marathon in the end. Who cares how long it takes. Well OK I'm not quite over it and I do still care a little bit, but I know I have to stop caring and just try and enjoy it.
Anyway, the good news is that my hip definitely felt better than it ever has at long distance, the pain did come and when it was with me it did reduce me to a walk or a limp for a while, but the difference was that the pain eased off and then disappeared, so it came and went throughout the run and instead of starting to hurt at 8 miles as per usual it was from 10 miles. I'm guessing the Osteopath must have eased the IT band at the hip, which had been so bruised for the week. So more good news in that I'm seeing him again on Thurs this week, so possibly it could get even better (I can but wish!!!)
The other thing that happened since I last blogged, was I bought myself some new trainers, which now need to be tried out and worn in. Just been out for 4 miles this evening, trying them out and they definitely felt different. Will try them again for a longer run on Thursday and see how they feel, in preparation for the Kilomathon I'm running Sunday. Yep that's right 26.2 kilometres (just over 16 miles) from Nottingham to Derby. The upside is if I complete it I get a medal. The downside is I received the start pack in the post and it's all a bit serious (the first words of the pack being 'This is NOT a fun run or for walkers'). Never mind, I am gagging for a medal right now, it feels ridiculous running these long distances every weekend and not getting anything to show for it! So on that note, spare a thought for my training partner Hels, who isn't running with me this weekend and therefore still won't get a medal for all her hard work!!! Just my gratitude will have to do for her then.
In total it took 3hrs and 1 minute, but I am pretty sure I could have done it under 3 hrs if I'd had more water. Not that I am putting any more time pressure on myself, as I am over that now and just want to complete the damn marathon in the end. Who cares how long it takes. Well OK I'm not quite over it and I do still care a little bit, but I know I have to stop caring and just try and enjoy it.
Anyway, the good news is that my hip definitely felt better than it ever has at long distance, the pain did come and when it was with me it did reduce me to a walk or a limp for a while, but the difference was that the pain eased off and then disappeared, so it came and went throughout the run and instead of starting to hurt at 8 miles as per usual it was from 10 miles. I'm guessing the Osteopath must have eased the IT band at the hip, which had been so bruised for the week. So more good news in that I'm seeing him again on Thurs this week, so possibly it could get even better (I can but wish!!!)
The other thing that happened since I last blogged, was I bought myself some new trainers, which now need to be tried out and worn in. Just been out for 4 miles this evening, trying them out and they definitely felt different. Will try them again for a longer run on Thursday and see how they feel, in preparation for the Kilomathon I'm running Sunday. Yep that's right 26.2 kilometres (just over 16 miles) from Nottingham to Derby. The upside is if I complete it I get a medal. The downside is I received the start pack in the post and it's all a bit serious (the first words of the pack being 'This is NOT a fun run or for walkers'). Never mind, I am gagging for a medal right now, it feels ridiculous running these long distances every weekend and not getting anything to show for it! So on that note, spare a thought for my training partner Hels, who isn't running with me this weekend and therefore still won't get a medal for all her hard work!!! Just my gratitude will have to do for her then.
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