What I mean is, as well as running do you do anything else? Strength training, cycling, other cardio workouts, etc? And do you think it benefits your running?
Some of you may know that I love Step aerobics and Pilates. Two very different forms of exercise. Step aerobics is mainly a cardio workout but also helps with coordination, balance and works your legs (a lot!). Pilates on the other hand is more focused on strength training, balance and stretching. We do lots of core exercises in Pilates, but the whole body is targeted too.
I have noticed recently that I need to work more on my core strength and leg strength to help me become a better runner.
So in addition to Pilates and Step aerobics, I also now do kettlercise; an exercise class using kettlebells where we do each exercise for 1 minute along to music. I’ve been going to kettlercise for 7 weeks and really think it has made a huge difference. My legs feel stronger, my arms feel stronger and my core feels stronger.
I still have a long way to go, but with each run and exercise class I am one step closer to my goal.
I am very lucky that I have found ways of exercising that I love and exercise classes with an amazing instructor.
I have realised that if you enjoy exercising then you work harder (often without realising).
So what I’m trying to say in a roundabout kinda way is try new things, you may think it’s not for me after one session, but you might also find that one thing you love, which in turn can benefit your running. You also don’t have to go to the gym to cross train.
Exercising doesn’t have to be a chore. I used to think that. This in turn made me less motivated to go to the gym. I just didn’t enjoy it; it wasn’t for me…
…But running and exercise classes are.
There’s no right or wrong way – find ways of exercising that make you happy. You’ll be more likely to stick at it and it become part of your daily routine and it will make you feel amazing.
It’s exactly one year since I started on my running journey. There have been highs, lows, tears, smiles, injuries, disappointments and amazing achievements.
I have taken part in 4 actual races (Nottingham MoRun 10k, Silverstone Half Marathon, Great Birmingham 10k and Nottingham 10k), a few virtual races and I’ve clocked up over 410 miles (I didn’t keep a record for the first month until I got my garmin!)
My current pbs are:
5k – 35:56
10k – 01:14:59
half marathon – 03:15.04
I have been lucky enough to meet some amazing people at races and on Twitter and look forward to meeting more at my upcoming races.
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To say that running has impacted on my life is an understatement! Running has challenged me, it’s made me smile, it’s made me cry, it’s made me a stronger person, it’s opened up my eyes to so many possibilities, it’s changed how I see myself, It’s made me want to do even better, to be the best version of me that I can, It’s made me realise that I am capable of so much more than I ever knew, it’s made me push myself, it’s made me try new things, I’ve gained so many amazing friends, I’ve found a love of lying on the floor (after a long run I may add!), I’ve found a love of Tweeting and telling everyone about my runs, I love protein shakes and water, I love buying new running shoes/clothes and it’s given me my smile back.
Running really can change your life…
Along the way I’ve received some fab advice and had amazing support. I keep thinking about what I would say to new runners and what I would like to have heard when I started out. So I thought I’d compile a list (in no particular order):
Run with a smile
Don’t try to do too much too quickly
Don’t compare your running journey to others
Get involved in social media running groups. (Ukrunchat on Twitter is amazing!)
Sign up to a race to keep you motivated
Follow a plan
Believe in yourself, and train your brain.
You can run through a stitch!
That sick feeling in your stomach doesn’t last and you can run through it.
Cross train!! Leg strength and core strength will help your running so much.
Stretch after every run!
Sports massages hurt but they really do make a difference!
Get a good sports bra (for all the ladies out there!) we don’t be wanting any black eyes!
Hydrate and fuel properly.
It’s ok to walk.
Not every run will be a pb. Not every run will feel good. But you can find something good in every run.
Rest days are important.
Keep a running journal/set up a blog/make a running wall to post pbs and hang medals
Invest in some good running shoes and have your gait analysed. It will be worth it in the long run!
Invest in some proper running socks – blisters are not good!!
Set yourself some goals. Short term and long term. Make them a challenge but also within reach. Make them something to work towards, but don’t make your running only about them, running should still be enjoyable rather than a chore.
You can never have too much running kit.
When it’s cold wear layers that you can take off as you warm up and definitely wear some running gloves. Cold fingers when running isn’t nice!!
Don’t be scared of what people might say. You are doing an amazing thing; getting out there, exercising and getting fitter and healthier.
You don’t need an expensive, fancy, all-singing, all-dancing running watch. There are so many different ones out there that you can choose, but look for features you will use most. You can also download some fantastic running apps to track your runs.
Get yourself an ICE bracelet, dog tags, watch tag, shoe tag or bag tag to take with you on every run which contains information about you in case of emergency, such as: name, your date of birth, emergency contacts, allergies, blood group etc…
Music can be a real motivator, but try to do at least some runs without music. Some races don’t allow you to wear headphones so doing some training runs music free is good race prep.
Running in the rain makes you even more hardcore and is actually quite refreshing. Not every race will be dry!
Listen to your body. Some aches are to be expected as you are using muscles you don’t normally use, but rest and ice injuries that aren’t just muscle soreness.
Make sure you go to the toilet before you run! It’s always when you are the furthest point from home that you have the urge to pee!
If you run, you are a runner. No matter how fast or slow.
Lay out your running kit the night before you plan to run. It will act as a reminder that you have a run planned and will make you more likely to go for your run.
Take your phone with you. Turn it onto silent, or plug in your headphones and put on some music. But make sure you have it with you just in case you get lost or injured!!
Running is pretty incredible…
Anyone can be a runner, lace up your trainers and take it one step at a time. It won’t be easy, I hated it at first, but just give it a chance and see what amazing things you can achieve.
To say I am scared and nervous is an understatement. I’m excited about it too and cannot wait to meet some more amazing friends Vikki, Jon and Karen, but my overwhelming feelings at the moment are fear.
I’m scared of not being up to running it, of it being as awful as I found Silverstone, of not running well and being disappointed.
I know it’s irrational to feel like this, especially when I have run two 10k PBs in my last two races and I’m running better and stronger than before, but I haven’t run further than a 10k since Silverstone and my training plan has kinda gone out of the window too, which isn’t ideal.
Today was long run day and I really wasn’t feeling very positive about it. A few friends from Vikki’s Runner friends facebook group told me that I had got this, to start believing, that they think I’m awesome and that I have so much determination and sheer damn guts. So many things that I would never have said about myself.
I pulled on my big girl pants (so to speak), laced up my (new) running shoes and put in my earphones. I had no plan of where I was going. I was just going to follow my feet and try to keep going, keep running and only walk when I really had too.
My new Mizuno Wave Inspire 12 running shoes
I headed down the lanes, where I have done the majority of my long runs before and started off at a good pace, but my legs felt really heavy and my hamstring and calf felt tight on my right leg (I think that is from Step Aerobics on Saturday). I just kept telling myself to keep going, started singing along to my music and tried to remember what my friends had said pre-run.
I already knew that I was going to encounter some inclines during my run, but think I had somehow forgotten quite how many and how steep some of them were. I was focused though and just kept going, it wasn’t fast and certainly wasn’t pretty, but I was going.
I got to 4 miles (after running up a really long incline) before I stopped to walk for a few seconds so I could get my breath back, but I was soon running again. I had to stop a couple more times to walk, but I wasn’t too disappointed with that, I was just happy to be running and being out there, not thinking about anything but running, my music and listening to the birds and out for cars. Running was my escape today for sure.
I ran past a few runners today and we swapped hello’s or thumbs up and big smiles. A total contrast to the grumpy runners I encountered on Friday nights run.
In total I did 7 miles in 1:26:58 with an average pace of 12:24/mile – I had set my watch to 13:00/mile so was much quicker than that. A good solid run, on heavy legs, in my new running shoes. I can’t complain at that. And I ran up that incline too! And appeared to find some speed in my legs in miles 6 and 7 – i literally felt like I was flying at times. Legs were flying and my breathing was good. Not quite sure what happened!
Feeling much more positive about the Swansea half now, just need to make every mile count.
I feel very lucky and blessed to have such amazing, supportive friends, who keep believing in me and keep picking me up when I’m feeling down.
(there are photos below in case you’ve forgotten what I look like/who I am!!)
After running the Silverstone Half Marathon I felt mentally a bit broken with regard to running. I wasn’t sure when I would get back out there and felt scared about going for a run on my own.My first run after the Half Marathon was with my friend Caroline. We went for a gentle 2 miles and it felt good. I also ran a few times with my friend Rachel but it didn’t feel like it had before.
I finally got back out there and ran on my own a few weeks later – in fact it was a just a week before the Great Birmingham 10k. I ran 4 miles and literally had no idea I had it in me. It really gave me some confidence going into the Great Birmingham 10k, especially as I hadn’t done much running to train for it and it would be my longest distance since Silverstone.
I ran a few more times before Birmingham, but tried to put the race out of my mind so I didn’t get too nervous. On the morning of the race I felt good and decided I was just going to see how it went. No pressure, no chasing a PB, just running and enjoying it. My friend Rachel came with me to watch and cheer me on which was awesome – although she ended up walking most of the route herself! I’ve told her she has to enter next year! She got some fab photos and it was really nice not having to go on my own.
Pre-race, windy, cold!
I started off too quickly and eventually got into a comfortable rhythm. I had my music on, but silly me clicked on the wrong playlist and instead of my “Great Birmingham 10k” playlist I had made, I listened to Sia for the whole run. I did get to hear Eye of the Tiger as I left Edgbaston Stadium which gave me a boost (it’s my song!)
There were lots of people out cheering and it was very surreal hearing people shouting my name and saying I was doing well. Giving the children high fives gave me a massive boost and kept me going too. Along the way I spoke to a few fellow runners and tole them how well they were doing and that they should be proud. I hope it helped them.
I ran the majority of the race until the last bit where I ran/walked up the inclines. They were a killer to have to run up at the end. They just seemed never-ending. Once I got to the top I told myself, no more walking, just run and run until the end.
By this point I had no idea what my time was and just kept going. I even managed to find some speed coming down the last stretch to cross the finish line. It was only then that I checked my garmin and realised that I had run a new PB. Shocked and proud and happy and overwhelmed were the overriding emotions. I couldn’t believe it. Sia certianly worked!!
I found my friend (after she had walked most of the course) and she asked my time and then just gave me a massive hug and told me how well I had done.
My official time was 1:17:26 a PB by 1 min and 25 secs.
After this race I definitely found my happy place when running.
Fast forward two weeks to 15th May and the Nottingham 10k. This one I was excited for, not because of running really, although I knew it was going to be good, but because I was going to get to meet more amazing running friends from twitter; David, Nic, Sherie and Shell, who are all part of the UKRunChat community.
The night before nervousness
I was a little nervous at meeting them, but as soon as I saw Nic it was all ok. She came and rescued me from the car park, that had taken me over 30 mins to locate because of all of the closed roads and diversions. Safe to say I was having a mini meltdown so seeing Nic was such a relief.
We walked to the race village area and found David who was waiting, soon after Sherie and Shell found us and we managed to get a group photo before the start. (I hope you don’t mind me stealing your photo David!)
Shell, David, Me, Sherie and Nic – pre-race
We all wished each other luck prior to the start and then made our way to the different pacers we were following. I was going to try and get by the 1:15 pacer, but there were too many people in front of me. I hadn’t told anyone but my aim was a sub 1:15 10k. I didn’t know if I could do it but was going to give it a go and had set my watch up to get me close to that time. I told everyone I was just going to go out and enjoy it. That was my plan too. My new motto is run happy, run with a smile.
The start of the race was delayed a little and when we did get started it was quite congested until we headed out of the city centre. Nic had told me that the route was flat and I was looking forward to a nice flat, 10k run, so imagine my face when we turned the corner and I saw the hill that we had to go up in the first half a mile. I almost started to laugh. It was far from flat. But I gave it my best to run all the way up it, think I got about halfway before having to walk the rest. It’s disappointing not being able to run up hills easily. Maybe it’s fitness, maybe it’s confidence. But one thing I know for sure is that I’m going to be finding some hills to run up to conquer that challenge!
After the hill I settled into a nice rhythm and felt fairly good legs-wise, although I felt really bleurgh in mile 2. That’s nothing new though, it’s like my body has just realised what the hell i’m doing and is having a mini-protest. I know that if i just keep going the feeling passes once I hit mile 3 or thereabouts.
It was quite a hot day and I kept trying to run in the shade as much as possible to keep the sun off me. I burn so easily that i didn’t want to end up looking like a lobster!! Having not run in such bright sunshine and that heat for a while I wasn’t sure if I would be able to keep up the pace I was running but just thought see how it goes. If you don’t get a pb, it isn’t the end of the world. I think my attitude to running has really changed since Silverstone. I think I put so much pressure on myself to get a certain time, that it overwhelmed me and made the task of running a half marathon even tougher than it already is.
Anyway back to the race. It got to the halfway point where the water station was and I have never in my life been so glad to see a water station. I hadn’t got my handheld water bottle with me so this was my only chance to take on water and my mouth by that point felt to dry. I saw some people take a few sips and then throw away their water but for me it’s almost like a comfort thing that I have to carry it for the rest of the race “just in case”. It also reminds me that I am more than halfway (in a 10k) and to just keep going, one foot in front of the other.
I literally have no idea where the course took us in too much detail, but it was a really lovely course, especially running along by the river and I really think that this helped me with my running, as I didn’t listen to any music or have my earphones in. It was just me, my breathing, the pounding of my feet and others feet on the road and the occasional cheers from people.
I felt good coming up to 7km and knew that there wasn’t much left to run. My brain at that point started to try and work out how many miles there were left, in between telling me to just keep going. I decided to try and push as hard as I could in the last part and even overtook a few people. Then we hit a part of the course which was uphill again and I had to walk a few more times. We kept being told by the marshals that “it’s all downhill from here” only to find another uphill part. I remember saying to a fellow runner, who had been trading places with me most of the race that this was a funny downhill, or something like that!
By this point we were back in the city centre where the shops were, so I knew there wasn’t too much further to go. I had checked my watch a few times, but had no idea what kind of time I was going to get and wasn’t really too bothered about the time, I was actually enjoying it.
Heading down the final stretch, which thankfully was downhill was amazing. There were lots of people gathered cheering you on to the finish and my legs were going as fast as they possibly could. I was smiling too. I’m sure of that. It just felt good to be running. I was looking around so hard, hoping to catch a glimpse of Nic, David and Sherie and luckily I did manage to see them as they were cheering me on and shouting my name. Nic managed to get this fab photo of me which I love.
Nic’s awesome photo of me almost at the finish line
I crossed the finish line, stopped my watch and saw my time on my garmin. It said 1:15:05 I was like “what?”. That was a huge PB if it was right. I was so happy, proud and had to hold back the tears. it was quite something to run that time only two weeks after breaking my 10k pb.
I stared in disbelief at my watch as I headed to collect my finishers bag and some much needed water and energy drink. I then text Nic so I could go and meet the group again and see how they had all gotten on.
It wasn’t until I got home that I found out my official chip time (after I finally located my car and found out how to exit the car park – what a plonker!!). Sherie tweeted me to say that the results were up and I had a sub 1:15 10k, although it was only a few seconds quicker than my garmin time, it was the sub 1:15 time that I had secretly been hoping for. I literally couldn’t believe it.
I had pb’d by 2 mins and 27 secs. My official chip time was 1:14:59.
It was so fab to finally get to meet Nic, David and Sherie after speaking to them all for ages on Twitter. David wrote a great blog post here about meeting running friends online and it meaning that you now need not go to races on your own, there are lots of people in the online running community who may be doing the same race as you. I’ve had an amazing experience both times I have met people from the online ukrunchat running community and would urge people to get involved on twitter by using the hashtag #ukrunchat or tweeting @ukrunchat if you have any running questions. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t be careful who you meet. Always use your own judgement as to whether you think it is a good idea to meet someone, especially if it isn’t in a group. But I do know that I have found some amazing friends as a result.
Post-race smiles!
I have to admit, Nottingham 10k will be one I will remember for a long time. A very special race for me. my very first sub 1:15 10k and I got to meet some very lovely people too. Hopefully I will be able to run it again next year.
My medal is now very proudly hanging alongside all of my other medals (including my virtual ones) on my running board.
My next race will be the Swansea Half Marathon which I am excited about. I will get to meet even more amazing friends from the running community, from both UKrunchat and an online running group on Facebook set up by the very lovely Vikki, which is a place where we can post about runs, races, successes, failures, and chat with friends who are also runners.
Happy running lovelies, run with a smile and enjoy it.
Some of you may know that I love Step aerobics and Pilates. Two very different forms of exercise. Step aerobics is mainly a cardio workout but also helps with coordination, balance and works your legs (a lot!). Pilates on the other hand is more focused on strength training, balance and stretching. We do lots of core exercises in Pilates, but the whole body is targeted too. 
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