Time to Run :: Part 2

Hello Lovelies, I'm struggling to write this post....I guess I'm not used to reading running blogs ....I've tried but they can be pretty boring to be honest and I want to avoid that.

 I also have a bit of a love /hate relationship with running magazines . At the moment I have this one on subscription as there was a good offer so it doesn't cost me any where near the cover price..........

I love the inspiring personal stories about people who have found a love of running and what it means to them........there are some good tips too. But all the equipment reviews and " beat your personal best "(PB ), got to get faster/ spend more on gadgets leaves me cold.

I like to keep my running simple and try to keep in mind that I do it for myself. I'm not really bothered how long it takes me to complete a distance. I'm never going to be the fastest. I just want to keep fit and avoid injury. 

Naturally I feel a great sense of achievement when I do improve . 

At the moment I'm increasing my running to prepare for my next half marathon. Of course you don't have to take part in organised events but , no matter what distance, they are such a wonderful incentive to get off your backside and put it the training. It's a bit daunting to begin with but the atmosphere is great and I would certainly recommend it. 

Getting ill or injured at this point would be  a problem ....that's my biggest concern when signing up for an organised event.........will I be well on the day?  I try to improve my diet when I'm training , you know, more fresh food and protein ( as well as some chocolate and cake :0)   ) . I also take a couple of supplements. Glucosamine ( to protect my knees ...hopefully) and vitamin C to help ward off the dreaded  cold (a nighmare when you run )........

These may or may not be doing me any good but they make me feel proactive. For this, my third half marathon ,I've also invested in some new shoes.......Asics again , mainly because my running friend recommended them.......

I've gone up half a size to try and avoid the runners toe I've suffered in the past but  it feels like I'm still going to get it ...sigh. 

Running for thirteen miles non stop is quite tough , you can't just do a few short runs then go for it....well I can't . I have to have a proper plan to train to. There are many different programs you can follow,available on line or in magazines . In my opinion lots of these are way too complicated. I look at THIS and think WHAT ? 

Mine is much simpler ....I run thirteen miles a week in the eight weeks leading to to a half marathon. You can see as my weekly long run gets longer my short runs decrease in distance and frequency. That's because I've found running more than 13 miles in a week gives me sore knees . I followed this plan earlier in the year for my first solo half marathon and the only thing I've changed is that last time I did a 12 mile training run . It was not a good experience as I rushed it and felt pretty dreadful afterwards so this time I'm giving it a miss as it's not essential to run  12 miles in training.

The other thing built into this plan is a "taper period" ...that's doing less miles in the week or two before a race. The theory is that it gives your body chance to recover and you go into the race well rested but still physically ready. 

I've ticked off the runs in the first two weeks of this plan now and yesterday evening I did this weeks long run (7 miles) .

I ran with my MP3 and it certainly helped to motivate me through the boring bits and towards the end when I was struggling a bit despite the cool damp conditions . I looked like a beetroot at the end ! I think it would be easy to loose faith at this stage if I hadn't been through this before.  It was a hard run and it's a long way short of this distance I need to achieve. I know I wouldn't have entered my first half marathon without a running friend to guide and reassure me. Now  when I  find the long runs tough  I have the experience to know that's how it's goes some days .

I've been running for two years now and a good tip is to keep a record of your runs. It helps you to look back and see how you have progressed. 

It also means you can't kid yourself you have been out running more than you really have  .

                         this scrawl on the calender says "2 1/2  ( miles ) after work...hot !  "

Yes running is hard and lonely sometimes but I know on race day it will all be worth the effort and I love being able to do it. I'm in my late forties now but I can achieve something I think is a tough physical challenge. It's wonderful to set yourself a goal and achieve it through your own determination. 

If you would like to start out in running but this all sounds like crazy distances then remember I didn't start out running so far. It's been built up gradually and there are lots of resources to get people into running including one by the NHS.  Do take a look at the couch to 5k program if you  would like to start .

Hope this didn't turn into a boring running post , back to crochet next time :0)

Jacquie x