tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884769305128457122024-03-19T08:53:33.588+00:00"Every Journey Starts With the First Step"-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-15234147492815817822019-03-01T20:05:00.000+00:002019-03-01T20:05:11.546+00:00Fitness & Pregnancy -- 38 Weeks in Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preggo Pro: You can wear trainers every day<br />Preggo Con: Swollen Ankles</td></tr>
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So this blog post is not really to talk about my pregnancy journey per se. I ran for as long as I was comfortable with, and have moved to elliptical, swimming, and yoga. Am I happy about it? Not really but I know it's temporary and I am still trying to stay active and that's what counts. This is more of some of the things I have heard whilst being pregnant and my experiences in dealing with them. I am not a trained medical professional, not have I ever pretended to be, so take this at face value. Do your own research.<br />
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<b>Running is not good when you are pregnant</b><br />
Poppycock. You run for as long as you are comfortable running. You need to listen to your body and take the cues a bit more seriously now that you are preggo. What does that mean? Well it really depends on you. Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is different. There are women out there still running at 30+ weeks. That is amazing. I think I stopped at 31 weeks. I have come to grips with that.<br />
<br />
What caused me to stop? It felt like my shins kept seizing up and nothing was working. I tried to change shoes (your gait changes because big surprise you are gaining weight), wear compression socks, stretch more... nothing. Finally I realised I was dreading going for a run. That's when I knew to stop.<br />
<br />
I also bought a pregnancy support belt which helped keep me going for as long as I did. In fact I still wear it on the elliptical and spin bike. This is what <a href="https://www.recorefitness.com/store/p3/Maternity_FITsplint%E2%84%A2.html" target="_blank">I bought</a>. I love it. Plenty of other options out there. <br />
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<b>You should keep your heart rate down when you are pregnant</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May as well have fun with it!</td></tr>
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I agree you should not keep elevated heart rate levels for long when pregnant, but I definitely think a bit of panting and sweating is a good thing. It's actually probably better to go by feel than actual heart rate. Someone at some point said nothing over 140 when pregnant. This has been <a href="https://www.thebump.com/a/safe-heart-rate-while-pregnant" target="_blank">debunked</a>. I have taken stairs and my heart rate has gone above that. You go for your exertion. If you are on the spin bike and you want to do a sprint for 20 seconds, by all means go for it. Doing a 5k and want to kick at the end-- sure! Just again, listen to your body. You start to feel weird cramping-- just ease off. Feel too out of breath? Dial it back. And hydrate hydrate hydrate. Keep the braxton hicks at bay for as long as possible.<br />
<br />
<b>Twisting and Lying on Your Back is Bad</b><br />
Twisting I agree with, you dont want to constrict babies space in an already constricted area. It's fine when they are the size of a sweet pea, but not when they are the size of a watermelon. Also whoever came up with the fruit comparisons is a terrible person. I hate them. Sorry. However you can still do <a href="https://www.doyouyoga.com/is-it-safe-to-do-yoga-twists-during-pregnancy-31681/" target="_blank">open twists</a>, so don't worry there.<br />
<br />
The whole back thing is interesting because its not actually about the baby, <a href="https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/sleep-solutions/pregnancy-sleep-positions/" target="_blank">it's about you</a>. The weight of the baby puts pressure on a major blood vessel, and it reduces your blood circulation efficiency. So at that point, yes it does affect your baby. Yes everything is about the bloody baby now. Sorry that's the way it is. So doing some exercises on your back is OK, but honestly you will know when its too long. I have done bodypump classes where I would put the step on an angle when doing the back exercises. I have woken up on my back-- my body told me it was uncomfortable so I woke up. We are pretty intelligent beings (even on autopilot) so don't freak out too much.<br />
<br />
<b>Some Other Things I Noticed</b><br />
Not all instructors are trained to deal with pregnant women. Nor would I expect them all to be. I would <i>always</i> pull the instructor aside and let them know how far along I am. Sometimes that was met with hesitation, other times a hearty congratulations. It's important to assure them that you will take breaks if you need, drink water when you feel you need to etc. Also dont be afraid to modify. A spin instructor may be telling people to go into aero, but if you got a large enough bump you may not feel comfortable in that position. Don't be afraid to not go into that position! If you told the instructor before hand he/she will know and be less worried about you. You do you. Don't worry what others think.<br />
<br />
Also unrelated to fitness-- yes you can have caffeine. 200mg or about 2 cups of coffee. If you go slightly over it's not the end of the world. That 'no caffeine' myth need to be completely busted. I think it gets tricky if you also drink tea and/or pop(soda). Then yes, you may need to start switching to decaf at some point during the day. Don't you dare get between me and my flat white though. Nosiree.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No no.. not SWOL.. SWADDLING</td></tr>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-1528157710898382042018-07-10T17:40:00.000+01:002018-07-11T07:58:04.560+01:00JP Morgan Run: The American Brexit (4th of July) Edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>"Well this is unexpected..."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This is my thought as it started to rain on my bike ride to Battersea Park. Don't get me wrong, I welcomed it mostly. I don't remember the last time London saw rain. It's been scorchio for weeks now... yes I am talking about London, England. My biggest concern was more me wearing a white t-shirt and getting drenched.<br />
<br />
All my coworkers were wearing the same, so I supposed we would all be awkwardly British together.<br />
<br />
The JPMorgan run had ~30,000 runners this year over two days. That only 5,000 less people than the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_districts_by_population" target="_blank">entirety of West Somerset</a>. So, needless to say, it was crowded. In remembering my loo-mageddon from last year as soon as I dropped my bag off I headed towards the port-a-loos. Oh <i>of course</i> I choose the line with the loos that are not flushing, so I have to move to a different queue. Classic. This entire time we are being chided by the organizers to get to our starting pens and THE RACE IS STARTING IN TEN MINUTES. No one moved, so neither did I.<br />
<br />
I started the trek to my pen, the white pen. More lines, more waiting... I felt like we were being led out of the park. Then we stopped finally and waited for 6:45pm-- we heard the shot of the starting gun and we all started to get ready for our turn to go....<br />
<br />
We went at 7:15.<b> 7:15</b>. I could have had a luxurious sit on the loo instead of a fast and furious scramble. I understand they said they were staggering start times this year, but a whole 30 minutes?! People were ending by the time I was starting!<br />
<br />
However, starting to make my way around the course I can see why they staggered the start times how they did. It was chock FULL of people. All over the place. I cant imagine what it would had been like had we only had 5 minutes between pens (I found out later they staggered people <i>within</i> pens too adding to the time). It basically would have been shuffling rather than running.<br />
<br />
Still the marshalls had their hands full, people with headphones on or blatantly not listening when being asked to stay off the pavement. Seriously people, headphone use is a privilege not a right, use it wisely else they will pull their use completely.<br />
<br />
I have a love hate relationship with the last 600m of the course. The JPM run is not 5km. No no. Its 5.6km. To account for this, they have this terrible loop where you see the finish line and if you are not paying attention, think all you have to do is round the corner and you are there. That my friend, is a mistake. So many people start their sprint 500m too early-- only to understand their mistake too late and they are depleted. Then I trudge along past them with the veteran knowledge of the loop and knowing there are a few more turns before I turn on the burners.<br />
<br />
Given the sheer amount of people, this event is incredibly well organised. It's a bit manic and the loo situation never really seems to get any better, but as long as you <i>know</i> then its doable. However, they have water (although I heard reports of them running out of water?) and the food is decent enough. Plus TWO t-shirts! Not bad for a free event.<br />
<br />
My only comment to the race directors would be to tell walkers to stay to the left or right (one or the other or heck even both). This way there is a clear lane for everyone else jogging/running/hopping along. Tell them early and tell them often, this way there is no confusion. I heard walkers being exasperated by runners and runners being exasperated by walkers. I get it. It's frustrating to both sides. </div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-72080722892068525402018-07-03T21:59:00.002+01:002018-07-03T21:59:49.806+01:00CapitalTri Duathlon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most importantly, I kept my shades on <br />throughout the duathlon. </td></tr>
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You know how when you are doing an athletic activity you keep telling yourself "Do your own race..."? Thats really bloody hard to do. Monday night a the <a href="https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/en/content/cms/london2012/velo-park/" target="_blank">Lee Valley Velopark</a> was no different.<br />
<br />
I saddled up (pun intended) around quarter to 7. No one was there, I started to get a bit nervous. Did I get the date wrong? I checked my email. Nope. Right date. I asked the lady at the front desk. "<i>They normally come in around 7-7:15". </i>I guess I was a bit too eager! Oh well, now I know.<br />
<br />
So they open the gate and you follow the sign to the road track. I checked in with a very lovely man with <a href="http://capitaltri.com/" target="_blank">CapitalTri</a>. He wrote my number on my hand and let me know there was a race briefing at about 7:25. Plenty of time to 'rack' my bike, which in this case was to place it along the fence in the transition zone with the rest of my kit.<br />
<br />
Whilst waiting I started chatting to a women who has done quite a few of these. She helped to put my mind at ease about how it was going to work. Big things to remember:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>You can't be on your bike in the transition zone </li>
<li>Your helmet must be on at all times when you have your bike (even whilst running with it). </li>
<li>When running stay to the left</li>
<li>When cycling pass on your right and be vocal about passing to other cyclists</li>
</ol>
<br />
ME: "Are you training for anything?"<br />
HER: "The <a href="http://www.alpetriathlon.com/en" target="_blank">alpe d'huez triathlon</a>"<br />
ME: "Oh wow!" <i>::internally thinking Do your own race, do your own race::</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Again this sounds so easy, and I felt like I was going OK on my run. I did my 2 miles in 16:34(8:17/mile), which for me is not too bad speed wise. It had some hills (inclines, whatever) but it was good as it gave me an idea as to what the bike ride was going to be like.<br />
<br />
Well, thats what I thought.<br />
<br />
I felt good on the first few bits. I honestly did, then I hit the first hill, <i>ugh this sucks</i>. Need to drop gears faster. <i><b>Zoom zoom!</b></i> People are passing me. That's fine, I have 10 laps to catch up.<br />
<br />
I don't think I caught up with anyone. At least I don't remember passing anyone. I would of remembered because I would have gotten to shout "On your right!" I did NOT say that the entire time.<br />
<br />
What was I doing wrong? I assume it was partly my form and mostly my gear control. There definitely were times I was spinning with no resistance, which equates to no power. So quite a few things to work on. 31 minutes later, I happily finished my 10 laps.<br />
<br />
Oh but we were not done. After that I needed to get off my bike and run another two laps. This sounded beyond not pleasant, but what the hey I am there so I plod through. I didn't do too bad considering, another 2 miles in 18:02 (9:01/mile).<br />
<br />
Looking at the results, I was actually middle of the pack for the cycling-- which it didn't seem that way at the time. Maybe had I heeded the "Do your own race" mantra, I would have stopped worrying about others and maybe could have fixed my form/gear issues faster.<br />
<br />
Where I was more back of the pack was running... ugh. However, in my eyes I feel I could gain back quite a few minutes if I learned to cycle better, so that would offset my running. I guess this is what they mean when they say usually triathletes are good at one skill, OK at another, and not so good on the remaining event. But which one am I strongest at? I dont feel <i>good</i> at any of them. I would have said running, but the results skew that a bit.<br />
<br />
OR--- how about I just stop worrying about comparing myself to others and <b>DO MY OWN RACE</b>.<br />
<br />
...and train better. Turns out the Velopark has training sessions as well (and its only £5 a go on the course if you have your own bike and helmet, if you don't you can rent making it a tad pricier).... and considering the event was a mere £13 it my not be my last one with the <a href="http://capitaltri.com/" target="_blank">CapitalTri</a> group.<br />
<br />
Does anyone else have this problem? How do you stick true to your mantra when you have the niggling doubts?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun sets on the Velopark...</td></tr>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-47537949444411396402018-06-27T11:46:00.001+01:002018-06-27T11:46:14.917+01:00Putting in the Miles-- The Dreaded First Long Ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everyone remembers their first. My first long bike ride was about 7 years ago when I attempted to cycle around the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Constance" target="_blank">Bodensee</a>, a lovely lake that is nestled between Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It ended a bit earlier than I anticipated with a very sore bum and a burning desire for padded shorts.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 7 years later....<br />
<br />
I really wanted to do the Sunday Ride with <a href="https://www.dirtywknd.com/" target="_blank">DirtyWknd</a>, a local cycle club that has weekend rides ranging from beginners to expert. However I had work and other obligations so it had to be Saturday morning. Same destination, <a href="https://www.girocycles.com/pages/cafe" target="_blank">G!ro cafe</a> just inside the Surrey border in Esher.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Battersea Park!</td></tr>
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I set off with some reservations about somehow getting hopelessly lost (I packed a charger for my iPhone just in case). I was pretty fine until getting over Putney bridge. The <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/routes-and-maps/cycle-superhighways" target="_blank">CycleSuper Highway</a> between Tower Bridge and Battersea Bridge is just wonderful. I love the segregated bit along the Embankment, it really helps you feel at ease amongst the buses shuttling tourists to and fro.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MMMMMM.... green grass and blue sky :D</td></tr>
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My GPS told me to take the A3 which straddles Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. I didn't really enjoy that bit. You are careening down the pavement whilst cars whizz by you. I had visions of a tyre popping and me flying over the handlebars into a sign or worse a car. Speed demon I am not on two wheels. My mom is breathing a sigh of relief.<br />
<br />
I was very happy to turn into Richmond Park. No cars! So much lycra! No deer observed! Green space! The rest of the trip was very pleasant, with the only hairy bit coming at the Scilly Isle Roundabout. I need to remind myself that it takes me much longer to accelerate than a car. Don't worry, the car reminded me with an <i>very pleasant</i> and <i>polite (</i>of course) honk. >.<<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignCLmHCQrnA5y_asU3CHx8C7awqDzRGnZPelAkgIs8R7N7q1Hyara4KE1xifRzxINE0Jd6S6s5fl6Z6KxFE6FGK-yodAzRJasiDR6CzCFKz5hLGa1AnbXk9PaF51Xy3pZnU-WKEFx5uRe/s1600/IMG_6081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignCLmHCQrnA5y_asU3CHx8C7awqDzRGnZPelAkgIs8R7N7q1Hyara4KE1xifRzxINE0Jd6S6s5fl6Z6KxFE6FGK-yodAzRJasiDR6CzCFKz5hLGa1AnbXk9PaF51Xy3pZnU-WKEFx5uRe/s200/IMG_6081.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blimey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNHSPXNKfNxibWyq8CnZPP-EC13Z0nyr8G6L8CcoJAVVBpd_1Oq9qIi3H2GZZh6Dsz3xZriAgZuAfVTRZ_ux44dHQjdvBJLgk57HB3j5lwDBXT3JlxP0tOTcXHXi5IZmCQ0u4d6EqoKqB/s1600/IMG_6080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNHSPXNKfNxibWyq8CnZPP-EC13Z0nyr8G6L8CcoJAVVBpd_1Oq9qIi3H2GZZh6Dsz3xZriAgZuAfVTRZ_ux44dHQjdvBJLgk57HB3j5lwDBXT3JlxP0tOTcXHXi5IZmCQ0u4d6EqoKqB/s200/IMG_6080.JPG" width="150" /></a>I arrived at G!ro and was beyond pumped. I did my first (well not really) long bike ride! I didn't get (too) lost and have all my limbs intact. I had a well earned coffee and avocado on toast. There were cyclists everywhere (its a cycle shop as well as a coffee shop, they do their own rides from there as well!). I let my phone charge up a bit and got back on the saddle.<br />
<br />
So the return route had nothing too big of note except that hills (or long steady inclines as I am sure people argue London has no hills) were terrible on tired legs. I had two bigun's: Kingston Hill (A308) and then the A3 (yeah if going down wasn't fun, going up <i>surely</i> is more fun than a barrel of monkeys). I was so happy to cross Putney Bridge and get back on the lovely, flat, CycleSuperHighway.<br />
<br />
This was a big confidence booster for me. An olympic ride is 40km. I did about 60km. I did hills on tired legs. Maybe 'did' is a strong word. I didn't WALK the hills. I now feel confident that I could do a group ride during the week without getting too left behind.<br />
<br />
So if you are hesitant about cycling, please find a <a href="https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubfinder" target="_blank">local group</a> near you and sign up for a ride. Or find a cafe/park about 10-15 miles away from you and head there. Check for <a href="https://www.cyclinguk.org/journey-planner" target="_blank">quieter routes, cycle routes</a>, etc. if you are not confident on the roads. Get there. Rest. Relax. Have a sandwich at a cafe. Head back. Take your time, and don't be put off by the other lycra on the journey. You do you.<br />
<br />
And yes, my bum felt fine. So I learned my lesson from the last time.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-89712820366978682202018-05-20T21:31:00.000+01:002018-05-20T21:31:52.349+01:00Tooting Bec Lido Aquathlon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd5x4kf6JsK_2zJRDVIbkFv7U64HgaeXpmVnGObivTG5MOr1G-YlO2OFYR25h2sjUnJOoWTkTom07vlZ2Xx7BZzfu3D9tJkGnyFZCqSZOVKzI1ZZ-NSozzBcc2ExwLxO_dM-t4D5DHiAz/s1600/IMG_5514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd5x4kf6JsK_2zJRDVIbkFv7U64HgaeXpmVnGObivTG5MOr1G-YlO2OFYR25h2sjUnJOoWTkTom07vlZ2Xx7BZzfu3D9tJkGnyFZCqSZOVKzI1ZZ-NSozzBcc2ExwLxO_dM-t4D5DHiAz/s320/IMG_5514.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had a lot of reservations about this <a href="http://www.totalmotionevents.co.uk/events/the-total-motion-aquathlon-2018/" target="_blank">Aquathlon</a>. Hell, I was not even sure if I was saying 'aquathlon' right ('a qwath a lon'? 'aquacklon'?). Then I reminded myself to shut up and stop worrying. I met a member of the Lido-- his name was Al. I met him previously the day I tested out the wetsuit. I asked if he was participating and he said, "No, I only race myself now." That should be how it always is... for everyone.<br />
<br />
So I calmed down. I stretched. I listened to the race brief. I asked questions. I chatted with other participants. I kept telling myself <i>'This is not the end game. Just enjoy and learn.'</i> To be honest I was itching to get into the water... my wetsuit was a tad bit warm in the lovely London sun (yes it exists!).<br />
<br />
Note to self-- if you are jumping in cold water, may be best to ensure the goggles are about the same temperature. Else, the fog up. Well. Now I know :)<br />
<br />
The nine lengths went pretty well. The lanes were huge so people didn't have to stress about holding people up behind or getting stuck behind someone.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWSJux4hihpW9JjdxTiMpJxmF2rkhbjoL7fj2Q83vhRsERUV8TM6hkw7RyGPz2ZR_iFJqGH_RiIB1bfKcPFxWI4AO-TOQwv-bMrToziqk7VylnTpA72c4mP5LhJCeMXwkU6UKp7e3fRG0/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWSJux4hihpW9JjdxTiMpJxmF2rkhbjoL7fj2Q83vhRsERUV8TM6hkw7RyGPz2ZR_iFJqGH_RiIB1bfKcPFxWI4AO-TOQwv-bMrToziqk7VylnTpA72c4mP5LhJCeMXwkU6UKp7e3fRG0/s200/IMG_2368.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a badass :D </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Transition? Ehhh... let's just say practicing dry is NOT the same as when it's wet. Fair. Makes sense. Another lesson learned.<br />
<br />
I was not feeling too hot in the beginning of the run. I am not sure if that was the quick (in some sense of the word) transition or maybe I drank too much water in the pool. Whatever it was, I kept it relatively slow in fear of vomiting. The sun was pretty strong at this point, so it was actually quite nice having a wet trisuit on. Oh, and I was rocking some sunnies. Priorities people!<br />
<br />
We did three laps around the common. Some of those were along roads but there were volunteers at every corner to ensure no one got lost.<br />
<br />
I rolled into the finish and tried to to a bit of a jump at the end. I was feeling pretty good-- huzzah I did an aquathlon! I got my medal and my flapjack. All one really needs at the end of a race.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDICytMKy7bKWBC_JdGOtvTozPnbAx8C9AONRR7oQNpIJdNVQHL-4khQ4cNo8CNXbtDBuL0j2zhPfsjjpjeVBQYxmuPWQaYUp06iTu6aOfaq3iJfraiJKctVFSX4lVWQbMyZVPAkcMqH1L/s1600/IMG_5516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDICytMKy7bKWBC_JdGOtvTozPnbAx8C9AONRR7oQNpIJdNVQHL-4khQ4cNo8CNXbtDBuL0j2zhPfsjjpjeVBQYxmuPWQaYUp06iTu6aOfaq3iJfraiJKctVFSX4lVWQbMyZVPAkcMqH1L/s200/IMG_5516.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heck yeah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are thinking about doing a tri-- or are doing a tri, or just want something different, I recommend this event. It's a great way of getting your body used to swimming in cold water, like an OWS, but without the murky water. It's also great to get your body used to working out when tired.<br />
<br />
All that was left to do was tube home (Tooting Bec is about 20 minutes walk away) and soak up the sun. A great way to spend a Saturday. </div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-50584642379706032232018-05-17T21:24:00.001+01:002018-05-17T21:24:56.165+01:00Triathlon - Let's Get Serious Now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have kind of been floating around exercise at the moment. I feel almost 'back' from my injury, but I have not really done any distance to speak of, my excuse being <i>I have nothing to train for. </i>To which NinjaBoy said "Then sign up for something!". Well played sir, well played.<br />
<br />
I have been <i>kinda</i> training for my <a href="http://livetotri.co.uk/london/" target="_blank">triathlon in August</a>. A swim or two here and there, throw a run in somewhere, and sprinkle in a dreaded cycle (still don't like it). But you know... I figured I have done this before <b>*cough*</b> <a href="https://london.triathlon.org/" target="_blank">201</a><a href="https://london.triathlon.org/" target="_blank">3</a> <b>*cough*</b> and its not a crazy distance. Here it comes guys: HOW HARD CAN IT BE?!<br />
<br />
Hard. As I found out on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
I was going to have a weird work day (2pm-10pm) on Wednesday so I thought I would be proactive and go to the unheated <a href="https://www.slsc.org.uk/" target="_blank">Tooting Bec lido</a> to scope out what I am getting myself into for the <a href="http://www.totalmotionevents.co.uk/events/the-total-motion-aquathlon-2018/" target="_blank">aquathlon</a> this Saturday. I also (begrudgingly) decided to cycle down there. It was 0930, I had plenty of time...<br />
<br />
About an hour later, I get to the Lido. It's overcast. It's cold. It's England summer. Luckily though that meant only the die hards are at the lido. I ask the nice woman at the desk a thousand questions:<br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> "Do I have to wear a wetsuit?"<br />
<b>Patient Woman: </b>"No, not today"<br />
<br />
<b>Me: </b>"Would you wear a wetsuit?" <br />
<b>Patient Woman:</b> "Oh heck yes... it's cold!"<br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> "Where do I change?"<br />
<b>Patient Woman: </b>"You can change in any of the little huts or if you are more comfortable in the unisex changing area"<br />
<br />
<b>Me: </b>"Where are the lockers?"<br />
<b>Patient Woman:</b> "There are no lockers, but you can leave small valuables with me."<br />
<br />
So I opt for a hut, and a wetsuit. The huts are like those ones you see in old time photos. Colourful and fun. Bit dark inside, but that's the way it is! I was getting a bit anxious about leaving stuff in my little hut, but one of the locals was telling me its perfectly safe.<br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> "Would you leave stuff on a busy weekend?"<br />
<b>Him:</b> "No Way!"<br />
<br />
Noted.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUD1x6_aHzOSjgb_RF9ZOQZzrKK5V4pXVGziUXGSYlXdua78lZwbCI9xTWrsnyvRsWmKTnBBRkiAUShy7GEkx-OcuzmEFCpY3BoTZX4rWwGTmrok8DV-qmdmHc0O8tFdonZ7oLpSJMjq1/s1600/IMG_5494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUD1x6_aHzOSjgb_RF9ZOQZzrKK5V4pXVGziUXGSYlXdua78lZwbCI9xTWrsnyvRsWmKTnBBRkiAUShy7GEkx-OcuzmEFCpY3BoTZX4rWwGTmrok8DV-qmdmHc0O8tFdonZ7oLpSJMjq1/s320/IMG_5494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such colours! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The swim was <i>tough</i>. I felt incredibly slow and I took breaks with every lap. I enviously glanced at people with no wetsuit. I thought swimming in a wetsuit is meant to be easier?! My <a href="http://drummondclinic.co.uk/knowledge-centre/article/wetsuit-swimming-low-back-ache/" target="_blank">lower back hurt</a>, my arms hurt. Oh my god. What is going on.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEsd2p7t0g__tImLj3_hhrMfOwp1AxIajpob3W3n_IkXMpVhe7wqQ4bqI8nQwFNCw-Ygk5tTfJWvjf2-CLL8mozMLWOE4jhO3WCWBekVpWiExcaK9v8IYBT3Y7i1KV0lYQcT62KsxTHt5/s1600/saturdayswim.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="185" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEsd2p7t0g__tImLj3_hhrMfOwp1AxIajpob3W3n_IkXMpVhe7wqQ4bqI8nQwFNCw-Ygk5tTfJWvjf2-CLL8mozMLWOE4jhO3WCWBekVpWiExcaK9v8IYBT3Y7i1KV0lYQcT62KsxTHt5/s200/saturdayswim.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such bliss!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbBoKz4U5P5fmwKiEGAhcTp15cYN2iZ-h0wcwOB6ZdIUpx_Urc2W8D5poWvQLgYf5EOLoluqBKYHcjLOWGOUvwatLLuhPC8Wsef5SHYzypaG-uHSwqw7aqecgaqsdbCr2CSSJmOTqV0Z2/s1600/wednesdayswim.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="181" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbBoKz4U5P5fmwKiEGAhcTp15cYN2iZ-h0wcwOB6ZdIUpx_Urc2W8D5poWvQLgYf5EOLoluqBKYHcjLOWGOUvwatLLuhPC8Wsef5SHYzypaG-uHSwqw7aqecgaqsdbCr2CSSJmOTqV0Z2/s200/wednesdayswim.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such agony!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finished 800m in 40 minutes. See the stats on the right. Perspective: my last pool swim on the left said I did 1000m in 30 minutes. I am not saying I am very slow or very fast. I am simply saying I was, how do we say, displeased based on past performances. I also don't know why Strava is in yards... also why is Strava saying different than what my Garmin says?! Thats an investigation for another day-- ::in New York Accent:: I'M BLOGGIN 'ERE!!<br />
<br />
It was a deflating swim. I had a cup of tea to reflect. Oh christ I needed to cycle home too...<br />
<br />
I had a quick stop to pick up Tim Horton's Coffee from a fellow runner (I love this community!) then back home with 20 minutes to spare before my work day started.<br />
<br />
I felt tired and depressed. Am I going to be the slowest person out there on Saturday? Are people going to tut loudly as they swim past me? What the hell am I doing here?!<br />
<br />
I go to work (no shower! no time!). I drink Tim's coffee and stew in self-doubt.<br />
<br />
I flop on the sofa at 10:30pm and I see I got some post... from the London Tri. <i>Oh wonderful... icing on the cake</i> I think to myself. I open the package. It's a t-shirt.<br />
<br />
Suddenly I remember. THIS is why I am doing the aquathlon on Saturday. To prepare for August. This is part of my training, learning what to do and what not to do on the big day. How to relax in the water, how to get out of my wetsuit without faceplating on the pavement. How to get my body used to multisport days. Saturday is not the end goal, its just a pit stop on the way to the finish....<br />
<br />
Oh my gosh, am I in <i><b>training</b></i> <i><b>mode</b></i><b><i>?</i></b> I think I am!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohT3A8t8xdkFTClIXVWxUthGeyMl9Rts2TRIOARcx9MsuF0OiKzvMl1pB0djcHjVNZLm6eNw4MFVEtzQStqyCF9hKVtLWs1uKFXDUiKkvDFbKJqM2AEDW7ZXWJfPYWAtrCIRUs-8RRWYa/s1600/IMG_5508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohT3A8t8xdkFTClIXVWxUthGeyMl9Rts2TRIOARcx9MsuF0OiKzvMl1pB0djcHjVNZLm6eNw4MFVEtzQStqyCF9hKVtLWs1uKFXDUiKkvDFbKJqM2AEDW7ZXWJfPYWAtrCIRUs-8RRWYa/s320/IMG_5508.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing what a shirt can do! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-50089571235569780562018-05-05T20:56:00.001+01:002018-05-05T20:56:13.402+01:00Privacy Policy for the London Running App<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This app does not collect personal information in any way. What it DOES do is scrape Facebook pages for London based running events for a Google Calendar that I created. That information can be found at the link below.<br />
<br />
URL: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=yeolderunningcalendaroflondon%40gmail.com&ctz=Europe%2FLondon</div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-7191790522833351182018-03-06T21:56:00.000+00:002018-03-06T21:56:50.824+00:00Race Review: The Big Half<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1ACL9XvvNhbfeqhMcVvVZ2zkXYP4Ag_Mkm0YC5FpqpAo-oxgUETcKfvBxNvAV6R75rTHvwJj4mnvT9WH931IOd67xcxQFGObxj1nRbl_VI3_Yzj_j6Fs1ThZ-PzBhC7hDXBeiVYHCfep/s1600/28577836_10104771622576954_4302731088560413953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1ACL9XvvNhbfeqhMcVvVZ2zkXYP4Ag_Mkm0YC5FpqpAo-oxgUETcKfvBxNvAV6R75rTHvwJj4mnvT9WH931IOd67xcxQFGObxj1nRbl_VI3_Yzj_j6Fs1ThZ-PzBhC7hDXBeiVYHCfep/s320/28577836_10104771622576954_4302731088560413953_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Has it really been so long since I have done a blog post? I guess so... but to be honest my running has been pretty terrible since Bournemouth. I was diagnosed with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tendinopathy" target="_blank">Tendinopathy</a> which obviously is awesome. I have cut my running wayyyy down, like maybe 6-12 miles a week.<br />
<br />
Which of course made <a href="https://www.thebighalf.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Big Half</a> a bit of an interesting conundrum. My longest run after Bournemouth (which was October 2017) had been 8 miles and I had DOMS for about four days after. How the hell was 13.1 miles going to go on me? I had been cross training like a mofo (I can now swim a mile... huzzah) but at the end of the day would that be enough to see me to the end? Also, would my tendons play nicely or would the flare up like they sometimes do and make me cut the run short? Would I have to run/walk?<br />
<br />
I told myself that if did not come out of The Big Half relatively OK-- I was going to give up running for 2/3 months while I majorly focused on recovery. No. Running. At. All.<br />
<br />
<b>PRE-RACE FUNSIES</b><br />
Needless to say I was very apprehensive at the starting line. Sick almost. There was a lot riding on the next few hours, so I wanted to ensure I gave myself every opportunity to succeed. I stretched, I would keep my pace reasonable, I didn't over/under dress.<br />
<br />
Mother nature decided to help out too. After #BeastFromTheEast and #StormEmma wreaking havoc across the UK a few days prior, Sunday was sunny and dare I say it.... warmish?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLq6CgFbLDGcs5W9J_fEwc3KyZv5BF4QGNizU_gGIDh-qYkkRWg3DNqN8Rt1Ah9MjQjYC3Ve_2WP-yNfEPOuk1THMkBuquDGpIiYY7ibSOnvzle5sNohr4uDfHwIU3HS6gw6sclgVyZup/s1600/28696152_10104770375740624_141786305_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="1228" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLq6CgFbLDGcs5W9J_fEwc3KyZv5BF4QGNizU_gGIDh-qYkkRWg3DNqN8Rt1Ah9MjQjYC3Ve_2WP-yNfEPOuk1THMkBuquDGpIiYY7ibSOnvzle5sNohr4uDfHwIU3HS6gw6sclgVyZup/s400/28696152_10104770375740624_141786305_o.png" width="400" /></a>I am so glad the race organisers held fast against the rising tide of Twitter discontent and kept the race on. It would have been ridiculous given the weather conditions in London that day. However, I also applaud them offering to make it a virtual race for those in other parts of the country who could not make it due to transport woes. That's just good form.<br />
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<b>THE ACTUAL COURSE</b><br />
Living near the area, there were really no surprises for me. I have run the most of the course in some way or another in the 6 years I have lived here. The cobbles are the stuff of legend on the Marathon course, so I knew to expect them too. Mother nature also ensured there was no ice or anything that would cause an unexpected slip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpklmEb5n6hfGLdYK1X1Ws2D0RVBeGscnDx_GDBTDjKTPWf56MetxFhOIMASldVEaK_B-zBJ30UANc1KdgmHsgXv59BkY4LqlmnIos2anmGdFiBLMlPka4BufEMuN0RtJcEu_WyGJ7s4o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-06+at+21.15.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="1158" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpklmEb5n6hfGLdYK1X1Ws2D0RVBeGscnDx_GDBTDjKTPWf56MetxFhOIMASldVEaK_B-zBJ30UANc1KdgmHsgXv59BkY4LqlmnIos2anmGdFiBLMlPka4BufEMuN0RtJcEu_WyGJ7s4o/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-03-06+at+21.15.12.png" width="320" /></a>Let's talk about #tunnelgate. People were really upset about the Limehouse Link Tunnel-- which according to some went on for forever. I can assure you it didn't go on for forever (although even I muttered something about this when I was in it), it went on for about 1 mile. I checked it on MyMyRun. 1/13th of the race. I do agree they maybe should have put that there was a tunnel on the <a href="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/london-marathon/thebighalf/live/uploads/filer_public/ac/14/ac14bdff-97f5-44c5-a99f-268813c59aa2/2018-vitality-big-half-route-map_151145.pdf" target="_blank">official course route</a> but I don't think it should have ruined anyone's race. The group I was around were having fun hooting and hollering, which of course is 1000x more fun in a tunnel. Just enhance your calm people!<br />
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I am pretty sure the highlight for everyone was going across Tower Bridge. The darn thing is just so lovely and has been around for quite a long time (opened in 1894) - it served us well for motivation after we passed the Mile 7 marker. Did I tear up a little bit? Yes. I have run over that bridge more times than I can count but running it on the road is just an awesome feeling. Thank you thank you Big Half for making that possible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this moosenshoes?</td></tr>
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I had a group of friends waiting for me on Tooley Street which was also awesome, however I think I got a cramp waving my arms like a wacky inflatable flailing arms flailing tube man. So I slowed my pace and dug in for the last 10k or so of the race.<br />
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I leave it to the audience to judge. Thanks to Laurie for the video-- and of course to the SE1 crew for the support!<br />
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I will admit-- the last bit of the race is not the most exciting. Again though I knew what to expect-- so I spent the time thanking marshalls, spectators, and just trying to keep my form on some level of respectability. I also picked up a blister somewhere and I was trying to be conscious of that. I really enjoyed the music near the <a href="https://printworkslondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Printworks building</a>, which subsequently hosts music on a regular basis.<br />
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I finished in 2:04. I got my medal. It reminds me from something from In Living Color. It is definitely unique I will give it that. <br />
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<b>RESULT</b><br />
My tendon felt pretty good, I just had the general overall ache of someone who had not really trained well for a half marathon. Fair enough. No DOMS to speak of and I had my physio appointment and he greenlighted me to start a more 'normal' running routine as long as I kept doing the exercises and didn't go crazy too soon. I can live with that. Oh yes baby-- back at it (in a safe and controlled manner!)<br />
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<b>ADDITIONAL</b><br />
Oh boy that's not all! They had some nice 'environmentally friendly' aspects of the race too! I won't get into the whole plastic water bottle debacle-- an issue in almost every race I have been on. However, they did have '<a href="http://www.biopac.co.uk/products/hot-drink-cups/compostable-hot-cups/printed-single-wall-compostable-hot-cups.html" target="_blank">green cups</a>' for the sports drink station and they had recycling stations for the foil blankets at the end! Bonus!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpvXQHnigPhyy7JrDSkIIs9H30FoeI22NeGr3hx2Y77f7nEyxH_yOwu_zyJh5DBU7FDqFvAocrL6eTn0zHJWx4r_UW47z3C0HipkOi1qobN-WmxCcJZlqXnsMkyxINeR4weJP25T1wu1Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-06+at+21.48.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1136" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpvXQHnigPhyy7JrDSkIIs9H30FoeI22NeGr3hx2Y77f7nEyxH_yOwu_zyJh5DBU7FDqFvAocrL6eTn0zHJWx4r_UW47z3C0HipkOi1qobN-WmxCcJZlqXnsMkyxINeR4weJP25T1wu1Z/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-03-06+at+21.48.21.png" width="189" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGewYHlFv9fOqZH1opQOSCJhqpAhFXrTPotssCKR55x-s-b2RSeXmOnjE9qOPYG_G-FSGhG7AZSZpXPGzijWi6zGTHgSm4UERxWImPyzheOuVUyceAqiIJjWcsY2_02o9lC63Uw6oo3lN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-06+at+21.41.00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="424" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGewYHlFv9fOqZH1opQOSCJhqpAhFXrTPotssCKR55x-s-b2RSeXmOnjE9qOPYG_G-FSGhG7AZSZpXPGzijWi6zGTHgSm4UERxWImPyzheOuVUyceAqiIJjWcsY2_02o9lC63Uw6oo3lN/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-03-06+at+21.41.00.png" width="200" /></a>< coincidence? Methinks not! ></div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-67289985981627507542017-10-10T07:59:00.001+01:002017-10-10T07:59:33.926+01:00Why I am Going to (Try) and Never Complain About Race Times Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is a bit of a rant for me. I will be posting my review of the Bournemouth Marathon soon. However, I felt like this one was more important.<br />
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Everyone has felt the elation of hitting a PB or smashing a goal set out for yourself. Conversely, everyone has felt the pain of failing miserably to obtain that goal. It's depressing. It's sad. We all have those moments.<br />
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What is starting to annoy me (and I will be the first to raise my hand and say I am guilty of this, and it's something I am trying to be more conscious about) are people saying, "Oh man I only did <i>race x </i>in <i>time y</i>, I am <i>so</i> slow and such a disappointment" when in actuality, there are people who would LOVE to have those times and just have not gotten there yet. Maybe they are happy where they are. Maybe they are starting with a different goal and working towards another one. Maybe they will never get there and can only dream of it. Regardless it's a bit callous and we should be thinking about our audience.<br />
<br />
If you are with a close group of friends/people who know full well your goals and aspirations that's different. When I did Run the Boroughs, everyone knew about it and I shared it fully. Everyone knew my ups & downs throughout because I made my goals clear. But to just blast out on social media "OMG so slow only 1:35 half marathon time..." makes people think,"<i>Oh I am only hoping to get around 2:00 is that slow? Am I not trying hard enough? I don't think I will ever get there...</i>"<br />
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Maybe I am being too liberal snowflake here. Let's look at the two statements below:<br />
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<b>Statement One:</b> If I ever run a half marathon that slow again I will stop running. 1:45 is unacceptable.<br />
<b>Statement Two:</b> I did not achieve my target time in the last half marathon. It was incredibly warm and I was unprepared.<br />
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Which of those is more useful? Both make it clear the runner did not hit their goal, however the second one implies something was gained from the experience and it is not so negative.<br />
<br />
I know I have done this quite recently and have almost instantly realised what I am saying is a poor choice of words. To those people I apologise. I am really trying to change how I talk about my running/racing results. We all have different goals and aspirations and we should be respectful of those.<br />
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Some people are more 'thin-skinned' than others and in a society where people over glamourise the thin beautiful fast people we should realise that everyone is trying to better themselves. There are people who only run at night because they are embarrassed or they get taunted/harassed. We should be welcoming and encouraging THOSE people to reach their goals and aspirations in a safe environment free of ridicule. Sometimes all it takes is one comment to make someone hang up their running shoes forever or make them finally have the courage to sign up for their first 5k. Let's all try for the latter. </div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-23772885966135451592017-10-01T22:09:00.000+01:002017-10-01T22:09:08.212+01:002017 Berlin Marathon Review: Potential Umfällt Abound!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best words in<br />the German language.</td></tr>
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Many others have posted race reviews for Berlin so I will keep this one short(ish). I did not hold high hopes for my 2nd official marathon. I had just come off three weeks in the US, two of them for vacation where we visited <i>at least</i> 15 breweries (not that this was an issue per se, but it did involve drinking at all of them).<br />
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My training was non-existent. My farthest distance in the run up to Berlin was a 16 miler I did before leaving for the States. Sure we did some hiking and some kayaking-- but not sure I consider that training. I rolled into Berlin with a sense of apprehension that I would not do well at all.<br />
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Luckily there were quite a few people in Berlin for the same purpose (to run) - so it was great to catch up and chat to quiet the pre-marathon nerves. Also-- carb loading is better with friends :D<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cU_pBF4XGJ8XqZ67ZlwNFaFwP528qp6v0X9eXMrKvZDK4GChyphenhyphenoayDNbOXtcgh6Dxl__ZJpsO3ER7CJaDloJSOYe78MP8ONizTBWND1urLgBnj9P2ar8qasLrHezgZAwdgtrrHCGIJ7TP/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cU_pBF4XGJ8XqZ67ZlwNFaFwP528qp6v0X9eXMrKvZDK4GChyphenhyphenoayDNbOXtcgh6Dxl__ZJpsO3ER7CJaDloJSOYe78MP8ONizTBWND1urLgBnj9P2ar8qasLrHezgZAwdgtrrHCGIJ7TP/s200/IMG_3198.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallo bär!</td></tr>
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Did you know the day before the race they have a roller-blading/inline skating race that also follows the marathon route? I didn't. It's pretty interesting to watch so I recommend if you happen to be around.<br />
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Like Honolulu- I went sans headphones. I have really gotten used to longer distances without them and I find it much better for dialing in and not letting my pace be dictated by BPM (which can be good and bad). However, I did bring a pair in case I needed something to 'take my mind off the pain'.<br />
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I also decided to try and go for 10 minute mile pacing. It seemed like a good number to shoot for based on previous runs and would still put me in for sub 5 hr marathon time. I wanted to manage my expectations. Going into a marathon with not a lot of training can be... soul and body crushing.<br />
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The race support was awesome. The dreaded aid stations that I have heard so much about seemed to go very smoothly with no queueing. The efficiency you would come to expect from Germany.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5jHGyTeYh7uZ4Btnh_S84u6dIaYCSXJD85pi_ZBaacmsVHkHttbVdYwLwBDrMN5TukBNi0T2Qv3H1xqyBWiVkQ_2cVVILrXSkuCNVc1s-x1JO3RoiyJKMBWV-SpXtPIQGKdClxJWbnnB/s1600/IMG_3219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5jHGyTeYh7uZ4Btnh_S84u6dIaYCSXJD85pi_ZBaacmsVHkHttbVdYwLwBDrMN5TukBNi0T2Qv3H1xqyBWiVkQ_2cVVILrXSkuCNVc1s-x1JO3RoiyJKMBWV-SpXtPIQGKdClxJWbnnB/s200/IMG_3219.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was a pro with <br />his Schwamm (sponge)</td></tr>
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The music and crowd support was great as well. I am sure the weather kept some of the crowds away and of course like every other race some area are not as well supported as others, however those that were out were enormously supportive. I gave out many high fives to children. I touched many Super Mario Mushrooms and Stars for power. You can really feed off the crowd's energy to keep going. The DJ they had along the route (The Berlin Marathon Website has a map of <a href="https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/race-day/music-marathon/bands-und-hotspots.html" target="_blank">all the music acts</a> on the route, but I can't remember where along the course I heard him) was fantastic, and had I not had been running a marathon, I would have stopped and listened.<br />
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Does anyone else get choked up when they are running on a road that has so much history? I do. All. The. Time. I should start carrying tissues running in London. Turning onto Unter den Linden and seeing the Brandenburg Gate did it for me. It was built between 1788 and 1791 (that's pretty old). Napoleon <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadriga" target="_blank">took the Quadriga</a> from the Tor after he rode into Berlin in 1806. The Tor survived (mostly) the WWII bombings and was one of the few structures to survive in Pariser Platz. It became a symbol of the oppression in Communist East Berlin and ultimately reunification when the Berlin Wall fell.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One happy, hungry finisher! </td></tr>
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History my friends. I was literally running through history. That paired with just sheer exhaustion made me start to cry.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I finished in 4hrs30minutes38seconds.</i><br />
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Do I wish I went faster? Sure who doesn't? But for me it was still a PB and given my terrible training I was very happy.<br />
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I passed on the poncho-- it looked not very stylish and anyways I had no room in my luggage for it. I quickly found Mr. Moose and I donned a sweatshirt which did the trick.<br />
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Do I recommend Berlin Marathon? Absolutely. I recommend Berlin in general though, it is such a cool city, constantly reinventing itself while still keeping true to its (sometimes sordid) history.<br />
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<b>Area Where I Stayed: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moabit" target="_blank">Moabit</a>. Very easy to get to from TXL on the bus route and near S-Bahn. Also we walked to/from the race (~20-30 minute stroll along the Spree)<br />
<b>Where We Carb-Loaded: </b><a href="http://www.12-apostel.de/" target="_blank">12 Apostles</a>. A damn good pizza/pasta place with two locations in town.<br />
<b>Best Thing About the Expo:</b> Getting your bib/chip. Again, ruthlessly efficient.<br />
<b>Worst Thing About the Expo:</b> Merchandise. We got there on Saturday morning and a lot of stuff was gone.<br />
<b>Loo Waiting Time: </b>About 25 minutes. And there was no toilet paper left by the time I got there :(<br />
<b>Where We Went Post-Race:</b> <a href="http://www.zollpackhof.de/index.php/en/" target="_blank">Zollpackhof</a>. Huge beer hall with tons of outdoor seating along the Spree. The beer is Augustiner. Traditional German food. Great alternative to the Augustiner Bier Halle (which is smaller and farther from the finish)<br />
<b>What We Did When Not Running:</b> <a href="http://www.stasimuseum.de/en/enindex.htm" target="_blank">Stasi Museum</a>. Bit of debby-downer but golly I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. If Cold War History interests you highly recommend.<br />
<b>Shoes Worn:</b> Hoka One One <a href="https://runrepeat.com/hoka-one-one-gaviota" target="_blank">Gaviota's</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spree on the hobble back to Moabit-ausgezeichnet ^_^</td></tr>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-59312768069506888602017-07-16T20:48:00.001+01:002017-07-16T22:49:24.850+01:00Race Review: XNRG Chilterns Ultra<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The alarm went off at 0515 and after the initial shock my mind instantly went focused: <i>Today is the Ultra. </i>I went through the pre-race motions like a machine, having done them so many times in the past, but today would be slightly different in that my distance will be the farthest I ever went in one go. Breakfast and kit in tow... we left for Marylebone train station to meet up with other and make our way to Princes Riseborough (~35 minute train journey) for the <a href="http://www.xnrg.co.uk/events/details/chiltern-challenge-ultra2017.aspx" target="_blank">Chilterns 32 Mile Ultra</a> put on by <a href="http://www.xnrg.co.uk/" target="_blank">XNRG</a>.<br />
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Pre-Race</h3>
<b>Shuttle Service: </b>Could not have been easier. Shuttle was there when we arrived and drove us to the school where the start/finish was. Whilst en route I heard there were about 280 entrants, a fair number of other crazies :)<br />
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<b>Check-In: </b>Sign in was pretty straight forward, you name gets you your bib and your cool RFID gizmo which is used to check in at all the Check Points. It was not obvious what to do with bags but a simple query got you the answer. Free tea and coffee. Nice bathrooms (think my longest wait was 5 minutes) with plenty of loo paper.<br />
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<b>Race Briefing:</b> Short and to the point. Good for newbies like me who were panicking and not 100% listening just due to nerves. Check in at every CP, follow orange arrows, look for tape (with example). Suddenly we were off!<br />
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Settling in for the Road Ahead... </h3>
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I settled in with Jo, who was also doing her first ultra, for a chat and to get into the rhythm of running. The slight drizzle had turned more into rain at this point. We were hoping it would not be like this the entire time! The views were slightly muffled by the rain but lovely rolling hills could be seen for a pretty long way. </div>
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So people who do races go through the pre-race prep religiously. Some use checklists, some lay all their kit out the night before... just to ensure they have everything they could possibly need. I <i>thought</i> I had this down pretty well. But, as always, something happens that you were not prepared for and leaves you standing there a bit dumbfounded. </div>
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At 8k we passed by some spectators when someone shouted 'You are leaking!'. I <i>was </i>wondering why my backside felt really wet as it wasn't raining <i>that </i>hard. I take out my water bladder... and there is a popped seam at the bottom... and all my water was leaking! <i>Shit. Why don't I have gaffa tape?</i> Was my only thought. I held the bag while Jo tried to use compeed to quick patch it. No luck. Too wet. I was starting to panic. Would I have to DNF all because of a bloody water bladder? Then, an angel appeared with the bib number 73 or 83 (at least I believe it was that number, Jo paid much more attention than me). </div>
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<i><b>Angel 73|83: </b>Water bladder broke?</i></blockquote>
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<i><b>Me: </b>Yup... don't happen to have a spare do you?</i></blockquote>
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<i><b>Angel 73|</b></i><br />
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<i><i><b style="font-weight: bold;">83:</b> Why yes, I was just going to ask if you wanted it!</i></i></div>
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What are the odds of that? I could see someone having a spare water bottle, but a spare bladder? Thank you running Gods! I only hope Angel 73|83 got his water bladder back (if you happen to be reading this and you didn't please let me know, I left at at the results desk for you!). You saved me the extra psychological stress of running sans water or maybe even DNFing.<br />
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To be fair the checkpoints were about every 10k or so, which really broke up the course nicely. And gave us a manageable goal to shoot for ('ok just to the next CP...')<br />
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Checkpoints</h3>
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Well stocked with water, squash, sweet and savoury snacks. Volunteers would refill your bladders/water bottles for you whilst you refueled. My favorite was CP3 with the sausage rolls... my only regret was not grabbing a handful and stuffing them into my backpack. I also really enjoyed one of the final (more tenuous) road crossings that had brownies on the other side. Nothing like chocolate to push one forward to the end!</div>
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Views</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A runner in its natural habitat...</td></tr>
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Even with the rainy and general overcast weather. The views were phenomenal. We went through forest, fields, and flats (peppered in with some hills of course!). On a hot day I may have found it very displeasing (open areas are death knells to runners when it's baking) but that day was not today. We managed to snag a few photos along the way towards the end. </div>
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Pushing On....</h3>
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I kept running with Jo, when we got to CP3 she said "Feel free to go on ahead". I said "We came this far together we should finish together". I always considered myself a lone runner when it came to longer distances but I can honestly say running with someone else really helps the miles to tick away, and you encourage each other (verbally or just being there) to keep going. For first-time ultra runners, I almost say you should find someone and stick with them... it will do you a load of good mentally. </div>
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The end!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwISZAZdv36ykLyiC2b0Gsgq6p2E3V2MMg5F57C4rscUj1GeyM3lBT6ywRF3TeJT8SPu3U-QS-YBq2AyHRQ7TxavZJm4_6LJVoGDpWwHrzV04E7URQcrndYYl-Fw9nbFdBBpmPiN8yYWa4/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwISZAZdv36ykLyiC2b0Gsgq6p2E3V2MMg5F57C4rscUj1GeyM3lBT6ywRF3TeJT8SPu3U-QS-YBq2AyHRQ7TxavZJm4_6LJVoGDpWwHrzV04E7URQcrndYYl-Fw9nbFdBBpmPiN8yYWa4/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" width="320" /></a>We rolled back into the school amidst cheers and my husband snapping photos or our triumphant return (which happened to be slightly downhill so we could look like we were going 'at speed'). We received our medals and Jo got her certificate for completing her first ultra (I forgot to tick the box, so mine will be coming unceremoniously via Post... RTFM people!). Was it fast? No. But did we finish? YES. </div>
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They had showers (amazing) and again more tea/coffee/cake for consumption. The shuttle service was still in motion so again no worries getting back to the train station. </div>
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Final Thoughts</h3>
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I may put ultras on the back burner until I can really work on improving my marathon time (Jo and I high-fived when we hit the marathon distance), however in retrospect I do find them very challenging and enticing. I also find the running group VERY friendly-- every race I do of course is a friendly lot but in ultras it seems even more so... it's like everyone knows everyone else is in their own level of personal hell, so we may as well all trudge along together and encourage everyone we pass along the way to help them realise they are not alone and no matter what their efforts are to be celebrated, not scoffed at. </div>
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What is it Churchill said? <i>"If you are going through hell...keep going"</i></div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-32661153497174099402017-05-14T12:09:00.000+01:002017-05-14T12:09:06.387+01:00Falling in Love with Trail Running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Ivinghoe Beacon</td></tr>
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<br />It's almost official. I think I am in love with trail running. Maybe not all parts of it. I still have a love-hate relationship with hills, but I tend to think I am not alone in that sentiment. I have done two long trail runs in prep for my trail ultra and each one has had its ups and downs (literally). Let's go through the pros and cons I have had in my experiences.<br />
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Pros</h3>
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<li><b>Not having a car is not always a problem </b>-> Transport is always an issue with a trail run, especially if you do not have a car or are not sure how well you would do after a 25km trail run with the clutch heading back into London. Luckily, there are plenty of options. The Chilterns have stations that are unbelievably close to some epic trails. For example, <a href="http://smashrun.com/melissa.goldsmith/run/2017/5/6#map" target="_blank">Tring has the Ivinghoe Beacon and Ashridge Estate</a>. Wendover has the Wendover woods and also you can run by the PM's country estate (Chequers). Oh and the <a href="http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway/be-inspired" target="_blank">The Ridgeway</a> cuts right through there too! For the <a href="http://www.maverick-race.com/races/theoriginalsurrey2017" target="_blank">Maverick race</a>, the closest station was Bookham and was about 2 miles away? You could also start at Dorking or Box Hill stations for running in Surrey. However if it's a race you can always check with your local running club to see if anyone is offering a lift. Bring jelly babies as entry fee into the car. Everyone wins!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGXpdi5G4HzlUVC6QdmVOo6MgtDqKlTsONUdHtikXjyfERH0ihmgQTvE3PfVWv46rdkc_kd3WefzbzrAD5WDu5X4-ULr0mhP_CGuwI5UP_YtnbDlChKfnJGHb_Ryg_tsL_iECLxbCemdC/s1600/bluebells.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGXpdi5G4HzlUVC6QdmVOo6MgtDqKlTsONUdHtikXjyfERH0ihmgQTvE3PfVWv46rdkc_kd3WefzbzrAD5WDu5X4-ULr0mhP_CGuwI5UP_YtnbDlChKfnJGHb_Ryg_tsL_iECLxbCemdC/s200/bluebells.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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<li><b>BLUEBELLS </b>-> Of course this is seasonal, but it's hard to be angry when you are running side by side next to a swathe of bluebells. Fact: there are the British Bluebells and Spanish Bluebells in the UK and the Spanish ones are threatening the native British ones! According to the <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants-and-fungi/woodland-wildflowers/identify-native-bluebell/" target="_blank">WoodlandTrust</a>, the mixing of the two breeds dilutes the unique characteristics of the British Bluebell. Why am I reminded of Brexit suddenly?</li>
<li><b>Views </b>-> Of course there was a view from the Ivinghoe Beacon (albeit a cloudy one) and I got to see the lion on the chalk face near Whipsnade. In Surrey I got some lovely views of the <a href="http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/north-downs-way" target="_blank">North Downs Way</a> and saw Pill Boxes built during WWII. </li>
<li><b>Loops</b> -> If doing a trail run by yourself, you have to do the navigation myself. I used the <a href="http://dynamic.watch/" target="_blank">DwMap</a> feature on my Garmin to get me around the first bit in Tring with not much trouble. As I had to do two loops, the second time was much smoother as I made all the mistakes on the first loop. </li>
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<b>Cons</b></div>
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<li><b>Loops</b> -> Can something be a pro and a con? Yes. Loops are familiar but that also something that makes them boring. I could have turned around and run in reverse which still would have kept things saucy. Something about loops I do not like, but it's something I could have easily rectified. The <a href="http://www.maverick-race.com/races/theoriginalsurrey2017" target="_blank">Maverick Race</a> was great as it was just one giant loop, no repetition. Well it was also marshalled and signposted... which means all I have to do it remember to look for the arrows</li>
<li><b>It is VERY tiring</b> -> After both of my trail runs I have needed naps in order to function the rest of the day. Make sure you are not booking anything too tedious after your long trail run--- or makes sure you can fit in a nap. The hills take a lot out of me, much more so than road running. Maybe over time though I will get accustomed to them. </li>
<li><b>When You Get Nutrition Wrong.... </b>-> It really goes wrong. I was feeling quite blah with about 4 miles to go at Maverick when there was an aid station. I thought I was doing OK but then I had some of the <a href="https://www.skratchlabs.com/collections/drinks" target="_blank">Skratch Labs</a> water-- oh my goodness. Salt. I was missing salt. It tasted beyond incredible. I went for a second cup. Heaven. I felt like I was flying. That paired with the <a href="http://www.sportbeans.co.uk/" target="_blank">Raspberry Sports Beans</a> made the last 5k or so feel very speedy. Lesson learned. Salt. Luckily you make this mistake once and (typically) never again... <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_XeKrAVZLKe0Snife4HGBrJiJgEuMRcOfVGE_gNEYkUbCLni6AI1fmE7pkkUW1dInwH0ZVVV_nA6FzZU1XZHo0OLoTM5JVIr2CoXXvKkfSA01rqz0Sw7pH3EuRRFTW3vmyhczUsuBiin/s1600/trainwoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_XeKrAVZLKe0Snife4HGBrJiJgEuMRcOfVGE_gNEYkUbCLni6AI1fmE7pkkUW1dInwH0ZVVV_nA6FzZU1XZHo0OLoTM5JVIr2CoXXvKkfSA01rqz0Sw7pH3EuRRFTW3vmyhczUsuBiin/s200/trainwoes.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic....</td></tr>
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</li>
<li><b>When Trains Go Wrong...</b> -> I looked up trains from Bookham back to London and found a direct train. Awesome. Just need to make it there. 'Hoofed' it as much as possible after the run to get there on time. Win. Waited. And... waited... No announcements, no change of expected time on the board. What were my other options home? I had none. I had to wait. Train arrived 30 minutes late. Drank beer from the race on the train. yes the Maverick Race gave you a beer when you finished. I was late but still felt like I was winning. </li>
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Basically, if you are thinking about trail running-- go out and do it. With some forethought you will have a very enjoyable time and start to wonder how anyone could do this distance on just roads alone. That being said, I will never give up road running. I think it's important to be comfortable in both, and living in a city, one is just a bit easier to just up and do than the other. </div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-85479943261859844202017-04-16T20:02:00.000+01:002017-04-16T20:02:39.863+01:00Ultra Training: Week 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Total Miles this Week:</b> 25.85 miles<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6WXPUMDFZ0phYmqEcjXFs86OXHr3UICcLJ3RT_vn83mQ1-1VWBHdLqEXjZ_-ECd2SHsMYsTsrZzX_38ZtwiDkICC1f6KJ0xJ3NbKyn_-rsSuUDX4n53BIn3TYPMnYpzJadpPZEO6jzd_/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6WXPUMDFZ0phYmqEcjXFs86OXHr3UICcLJ3RT_vn83mQ1-1VWBHdLqEXjZ_-ECd2SHsMYsTsrZzX_38ZtwiDkICC1f6KJ0xJ3NbKyn_-rsSuUDX4n53BIn3TYPMnYpzJadpPZEO6jzd_/s200/IMG_1309.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still VERY cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's always a bit disconcerting when you see less runs the week after in a training schedule. And its not a taper week. No, I checked.<br />
<br />
However, I feel that I am doing something right as I was able to do a 10k with a sub 9 minute pace with little to no issues with Mr. Moose. 30 minutes later, I did another 10k (well <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=614256&ClubID=1564" target="_blank">slightly longer</a> at 6.5 miles) with a sub 8 and mostly into the wind. Not going to lie though, I was well pleased the last 800m was downhill. I also got to put my feet in the icy cold Channel and then walk along the beach. All while munching a chocolate egg. Brill.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was pretty happy with this week exercise wise. It was a good mix of running and strength:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Monday: Run commute from Canary Wharf</li>
<li>Tuesday: Spinning</li>
<li>Wednesday: 30 minute hill session + Bodycombat </li>
<li>Thursday: Beigel Run</li>
<li>Friday: Walkies</li>
<li>Saturday: 10k + 10k-ish </li>
<li>Sunday: Easter walkies </li>
</ul>
<div>
The double session was a bit tricky to fit it, but I felt amazing afterwards, so if I want to continue spin I may need to do that more often. I think I would swap Bodycombat for BodyPump though... such choices. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tk8zJSzjc0KQyaqX0id6IF_aVUf12gxIPA-c-xWtsVva8UX13mqsEwIQ_8TJNIGXHlQCJQk-t0oFD_gdK8_xwy4UFEe39Afecc_6mMmU7kaZh3eFMcm4csPl471JR3G-ziCNcwQ1tw6U/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tk8zJSzjc0KQyaqX0id6IF_aVUf12gxIPA-c-xWtsVva8UX13mqsEwIQ_8TJNIGXHlQCJQk-t0oFD_gdK8_xwy4UFEe39Afecc_6mMmU7kaZh3eFMcm4csPl471JR3G-ziCNcwQ1tw6U/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out with IOW in the distance...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I was also very lucky that I did some run tourism this weekend in the Bournemouth area. I am a huge believer in going out somewhere new to run (or somewhere you at least don't go to normally to go running). It really revitalises you and also just gives you something different to look at. Sometimes you do not even need to go very far: simply changing the direction of a normal loop or heading some different side streets is enough to add inject some excitement into your 'normal' route. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also very excited as the <a href="http://www.runthrough.co.uk/?event=chase-the-sun-summer-series-pass-2017" target="_blank">Chase the Sun</a> series has started up again so that will help me inject some faster runs (or maybe just fartleks) into my running during the week. I can do either 5k or 10k, and either way guaranteed chip timing and a delicious flap jack at the end. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know my 50k is nothing compared to the AT-- but wow I was definitely motivated after watching <a href="https://www.redbull.tv/film/AP-1QJ5RKYGN1W11/made-to-be-broken" target="_blank">this documentar</a>y on Karl Meltzer beating the course record. So inspiring! So much calories!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope everyone had an amazing Easter weekend. I think we need more four day weekends don't you?</div>
</div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-66825012864566875562017-04-09T20:34:00.004+01:002017-04-09T20:34:52.320+01:00Ultra Training: Week 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Total Miles this Week:</b> 27.75 miles<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1Gqbdcm_Qe6LzYpU4oOgy9dfc9nRqEpgqIL7_O3zV_D2PLRj4jNOsvXEFvA6wLcmUCa2cNT_-0LxIMLkn7wlYg5aGP7lsTD2XCk_BlFkEqJVu8I84HBK0oiU7LfoLpr-KZFKI_FpHXO9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-09+at+20.32.53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1Gqbdcm_Qe6LzYpU4oOgy9dfc9nRqEpgqIL7_O3zV_D2PLRj4jNOsvXEFvA6wLcmUCa2cNT_-0LxIMLkn7wlYg5aGP7lsTD2XCk_BlFkEqJVu8I84HBK0oiU7LfoLpr-KZFKI_FpHXO9/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-04-09+at+20.32.53.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Bridge! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So it turned out the week of the hendo I went to was actually week one... oops! Let's just crack on with week two.<br />
<br />
I am determined to incorporate more cross training into my workout, so I did a Bodypump class this week as well as a Core beatdown/workout put on by the nice people over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thetribeway/" target="_blank">Tribe</a> in Shoreditch. Of course we did have to run to Haggerston Park and did sprints in between the core sets. Never mind! I also did a <a href="http://ar-endurancesports.com/" target="_blank">beigel run</a> on Thursday morning with the love AR collective. Been a while and was so great to hear stories from Manchester. Tell you what-- the earlier sunrises really makes those 6am starts a lot easier.<br />
<br />
And... this is where is started to go a bit wrong. I read that a bagel shop up in Angel was doing a promotion for £1 salt beef bagels for lunch. I checked mapmyRun. Definitely doable for a lunch time run there and back as long as the queue wouldn't be too long. I dutifully packed my bag the night before and was looking forward to a nice sunny lunch run.<br />
<br />
Friday at work I am getting ready to run. Sports bra? Check. Socks? Check. Running shorts? Check. Shoes? ....... No shoes! I was almost giving up when I realised I was sporting a pair of Converse AllStars (yay casual Friday). Should I run in them? I decided yes, how bad could it be? Its about a 5k round trip!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnplzW0huusWSROQ4992qaTmgITLhlk34HmPHVBdhBj4YnjVjRMyjMHWM2Kz5YjMjeoxWzjYkZQLKbbYZzqXFJYkyBSwYB16KAaNknUYSUABMPJIvU0zpTTODfmYruNKFxtRaG8cwWIIRM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-09+at+20.32.40.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnplzW0huusWSROQ4992qaTmgITLhlk34HmPHVBdhBj4YnjVjRMyjMHWM2Kz5YjMjeoxWzjYkZQLKbbYZzqXFJYkyBSwYB16KAaNknUYSUABMPJIvU0zpTTODfmYruNKFxtRaG8cwWIIRM/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-04-09+at+20.32.40.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic gin wench attire :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, since that nice run (and nice bagel I should add) my feet/ankles have not been the same. I ran a total 15.5 miles this weekend and my ankle still feels funny :( However I was NOT going to miss my <a href="http://www.secretlondonruns.com/" target="_blank">SecretLondon Gin</a> run and wow the weather this weekend was pretty brilliant wasn't it?<br />
<br />
So niggles aside, I am trying to get back into the swing of running and its going OK so far! I really need to allocate some time on the weekends for longer runs though. I am not running 50k over two days, just one. SO next week I hope to do my LSR in one day (14 miles). Also if I am lucky get on some trails soon.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone else had a brilliant weekend running, be it for a race, for fun, or for training. Remember you got out there and did it and that is the hardest thing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-4303646783099697622017-03-19T19:13:00.000+00:002017-03-19T19:14:23.919+00:00Escape to Trail: Run Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6k1KjOK6MPJV81jtgx5YCRNCzU9r20Q23Snsl-yjOvUMHDan7BRLKERoEwSaJy6GhW9vJjf3Z-lxp14Ts7ARxQO4AAHok3OgTbfpIuT05StiahNjyYtMFul5ttYbh9b6vEbnJW_sZP4G/s1600/esc2trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6k1KjOK6MPJV81jtgx5YCRNCzU9r20Q23Snsl-yjOvUMHDan7BRLKERoEwSaJy6GhW9vJjf3Z-lxp14Ts7ARxQO4AAHok3OgTbfpIuT05StiahNjyYtMFul5ttYbh9b6vEbnJW_sZP4G/s320/esc2trail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Sights from the Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I signed up for this run (<a href="https://www.picatic.com/escapetotrail2" target="_blank">Escape to Trail Series</a>) I believe last year when I was training for Honolulu and was putting more mileage in. It sounded ideal though, a low cost (£12.50) race close to London on a trail, accessible by trains (even Oyster Card!), and a good distance between a half and a full. The organizer (Dean) was very quick to answer all of my questions. Are there water stations? No. Is there a bag drop? No. It was a charity run -- so not only does it feed my running soul, it feeds my feel-good karma soul.<br />
I arrived at Enfield Chase with about 20 minutes to spare, and although there was some initial confusion, all the runners basically grouped together and located the greasy spoon where we were setting off from. One loo, much queue. Good thing I didn't need to go too badly. <br />
<br />
<b>Race Itself:</b> This was epic. I am so glad I know about this route now. It will make some awesome training runs later. We ran 17 miles of the <a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/new-river-path-walking-route" target="_blank">New River Path</a> (28 miles total). Think Regents canal but not nearly as crowded and more animals. With start/finish points in Islington and Hertford, it has awesome transport links. Although the sign posting at times was a <i>bit </i>off (I was glad I was close to other runners) and some fallen trees blocking paths, the route was <i>generally</i> easy to follow. Did I stop to check my route at times? Once right near the end. Again for the entry cost I am not going to fault the organizers for it. They did provide a Strava Route for us to follow if need be. The end was clearly posted and thats what matters. There was even a goody bag (<a href="http://uk.bouncefoods.com/" target="_blank">Bounce energy ball</a>, <a href="http://vitacoco.com/uk/" target="_blank">Coconut Water</a>, and an <a href="https://www.upandgo.co.uk/" target="_blank">Up & Go breakfast drink</a>), which I was happy with given the cost of entry. I have paid more and received worse goody bags.<br />
<br />
Everyone was friendly. Course was brilliant. Finish line was obvious which is really what you need.<br />
<br />
<b>Finish: </b><a href="http://theoldbarge.com/word/" target="_blank">The pub</a> where we finished had awesome staff and delicious food. A friend who lives nearby met me there and we had a delicious chicken burger and chips. THEY DO A DUCK RACE ON THE EASTER WEEKEND. How adorable is that? Very. <b> </b>Close to Hertford East train station which has trains into Liverpool Street and accepts Oyster. Hertford North is a bit farther and does not take Oyster, but drop you off at Moorgate. So again, many options.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMEe_ey0hKE1YORiAPLzlVP3qpOa486NJ2ibw2JpKPjyZnmJp6RNN1fR4YG7slx1jF5oFTlQ0MSMwrM4_0kVU123qMyGzPmnabXQqwWn-5y_-LxAxP8UUlB1YxEWrC5wAmh8jENCFXWFo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-19+at+18.50.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMEe_ey0hKE1YORiAPLzlVP3qpOa486NJ2ibw2JpKPjyZnmJp6RNN1fR4YG7slx1jF5oFTlQ0MSMwrM4_0kVU123qMyGzPmnabXQqwWn-5y_-LxAxP8UUlB1YxEWrC5wAmh8jENCFXWFo/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-03-19+at+18.50.58.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When In Doubt... Slow Down... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Personal: </b>I knew physically I was not ready for this run. When talking to my friend who was trying to gauge when to meet me at the pub, I gave her an estimate which equated to a 10-11 minute mile pacing. I had not done anything longer than 10 miles this year, so I figured I should be on the more cautious side. I finished just outside my range with an average pace of 11:01 min/miles. It was very tough mentally and with about a 10k left I just switched off my pacing alerts on my Garmin. I was finding them annoying and de-motivating. I figured it is best to let me body get into whatever pace it felt would be good given the situation. <br />
<br />
I think the aspect which disappointed the most was just how drained and sore I felt after. I am trying to chalk it up to lack of time on my feet lately in terms of long runs, but its it hard when thinking back to last year when doing back to back 16 mile days was not an issue. It's learning to tune out those niggles of doubt and remind yourself that with training those days will come back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q9TYB-zr698pEdQwEuH0hqxR_OZR1kErVHV52Ar75Y1RnfaTfzY_sOBhpOtiLn4ryiJY0jW1l6WtyGLmCWfdr9XzvtbbU2AMNmq-xmzeycSGHVHXuRcNrFjOqDJHCtFBI6A9JyPQUL_8/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q9TYB-zr698pEdQwEuH0hqxR_OZR1kErVHV52Ar75Y1RnfaTfzY_sOBhpOtiLn4ryiJY0jW1l6WtyGLmCWfdr9XzvtbbU2AMNmq-xmzeycSGHVHXuRcNrFjOqDJHCtFBI6A9JyPQUL_8/s320/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-34283887331556105152016-12-20T10:26:00.001+00:002016-12-20T10:26:41.090+00:00Recap: My First Marathon - Honolulu 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everyone always says that your first is never what you expect. The nerves, the apprehension, the too fast out of the gate. I told myself I have heard enough of those things to know I should <i>not </i>be doing them. Yet. Somehow.... here we are.<br />
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4 hours 55 minutes 10 seconds.<br />
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I am of course chuffed to bits I finished. I was even more chuffed about the free malasadas (donuts) at the end. I was not too pleased with my performance. Who is ever 100% with any of their first marathons? Anyways, lets kick it off.<br />
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<b>Training? What Training?</b><br />
I had some injury which limited me on my running pre-trip. When given the choice of not running to try and rest up the hip or running through the pain, I chose the former. This meant I never got in the training that I should have done. I was able to run a LSR of 20 miles before, so I knew it was doable but would be a slog.<br />
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<b>Two Week Taper</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3VTlKNmO7zU-1qri0xdCdChuV3C4pG4TXREuYXTO3W7ONlLK1tlDNnif43G3lfHdufZviYUjeujfwy7ZXzynn_8DOzqzNd8KJ3iOjsmHehmMADG2V-0dEVPNPuK-zqnTnYdaWC6Jnm3a/s1600/shrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3VTlKNmO7zU-1qri0xdCdChuV3C4pG4TXREuYXTO3W7ONlLK1tlDNnif43G3lfHdufZviYUjeujfwy7ZXzynn_8DOzqzNd8KJ3iOjsmHehmMADG2V-0dEVPNPuK-zqnTnYdaWC6Jnm3a/s200/shrimp.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp from Giovanni's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did this a bit backward. Rather than vacation after the big event, we holiday'd before. In my defense, I did a few runs in that 2 week period and we also did some hiking and diving. However, I was not going to skimp out on the plate lunches, poke, and loco moco whilst there. So if I wanted it, I ordered it. Mai Tai? Yes please. That did NOT help.<br />
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<b>The Prelude</b><br />
My alarm went off at 3am. I felt very smug as I prepared my Quaker instant oatmeal and nibbled on a banana for breakfast. That was soon replaced by annoyance as I had no spoon with which to eat the oatmeal. I used my fingers. I used the banana. We got through it.<br />
<br />
After asking Google Maps, we decided to walk the 2 miles to the start rather than wait for the buses at the zoo to take us to the start line. It was interesting as the nightclubs had let out so there was a colourful combination of runners and revelers. We arrived on site near the Ala Moana Park at 0400.<br />
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I jogged over to wait in the loo queue. That took about 45 minutes. I would pay money to have a dedicated loo for me at the start of races. I also get annoyed that people do not understand the rules of the loo queue. Barely made it into the corral to wait around an additional 10 minutes to get moving. Me and about 30,000 other people were slowly but surely underway.<br />
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<b>The Start</b><br />
Off I went. I was trying to keep a slow and steady pace. I knew this would be important given the humidity. However I speeded up quite a few times to get out of the way of other runners. I also found it interesting that there were runners STOPPING to get their photos taken at Christmas lights. What? I know its not a competition per se but just full on stopping seems weird. I also enjoyed the Japanese tour groups of runners. Each group had a different hat on to identify themselves. One group had a hat with Mt. Fujisan on it. Another had a stuffed pineapple. This pleased me.<br />
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I skipped the first 3 hydration stations. Too crowded.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZC05223rEOqIIhp-1H4jGgGVbfYxpt41dEE5yrNxn7n2R6I_pyeCXhZwag_p6m2xEwY0bqH_HuMd4L0pWuIhagYGjVZMLiPYvcs7QH-aFwQOw17t8XDwy7b7ypY4z1WAivLfPC73AS1A/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZC05223rEOqIIhp-1H4jGgGVbfYxpt41dEE5yrNxn7n2R6I_pyeCXhZwag_p6m2xEwY0bqH_HuMd4L0pWuIhagYGjVZMLiPYvcs7QH-aFwQOw17t8XDwy7b7ypY4z1WAivLfPC73AS1A/s200/IMG_0023.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is NOT the Marathon Route. <br />We just hiked this for funsies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>25% of the way Completed (pace 10:27min/mile)</b><br />
I realise that 65% of the course is a giant switchback. I hate switchbacks. I find them depressing seeing people blaze by me when I have an additional 10 miles to go to get back to that point. Sadness.<br />
<br />
<b>50% of the way Completed (pace 10:41min/mile)</b><br />
I started taking Bloks a little earlier than halfway. Ripping the Bloks packaging is hard when sweating. It's humid. I am not very chuffed. I make sure I am stopping at all water stops now. I take sponges where I can and use my Buff to keep it on top my head. Win.<br />
<br />
<b>75% of the way Completed (pace 10:53min/mile)</b><br />
The sun has come out. Oh god. Its now humid AND hot. England has not prepared me for any of these scenarios.<br />
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<b>Between 75-100% (pace 11:18min/mile)</b><br />
I may have started to walk a bit. It was just draining and OF COURSE we are going uphill. I felt like walking was faster than my plod (it wasnt). I was keeping a runner in my sights to make sure I didn't slow down too much. I decided to run 7/10 of a mile and walk the remaining 3/10 of a mile.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLc1W3_VU45VsndAh6gKvGPWViVAhzwFyZO70ZktEjIY9IA4v34KnoOyHL-qME78C1Mxrx2YKVbq8Y5Wvsl2DmCgA_kmThM5iM8PE-xKeWIfJc-Y7uscThj_8YRkx6QbKowi5yIRvwuhgO/s1600/mile25_tebow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLc1W3_VU45VsndAh6gKvGPWViVAhzwFyZO70ZktEjIY9IA4v34KnoOyHL-qME78C1Mxrx2YKVbq8Y5Wvsl2DmCgA_kmThM5iM8PE-xKeWIfJc-Y7uscThj_8YRkx6QbKowi5yIRvwuhgO/s200/mile25_tebow.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 25: FREE Dog Hugs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had some friends and Mr.Moose waiting at Mile 25. The thought of seeing them kept me going. They were giving out free hugs to anyone who wanted one. I wanted the whole thing to be over, but I accepted a hug instead. The nice thing was it was literally downhill from there.<br />
<br />
Maybe about 400 meters it was almost a straight shot to the finish. You know that thing when you can see the finish but it seems like no matter how much longer you run it still seems really far away? That was happening. However I know I was making progress and even passed a few people. I was trying to encourage those who stopped moving to dig in and finish strong. Too close to the finish to stop now!<br />
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<b>Post Race</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBtBuTeYJd7NZWr5YZvXf6uMvw1NWt0ww-_ADiwQoPnGX515OIq4yU9TJsWWLzGgw4mdS63YhHjHkKPGkfVc29jql0v1yLydi1ZUXlIStV-RJadPlRgqqIsH7belSeJ4KvEZ9FDYtAdRj/s1600/15400540_10103911091318494_5304090148150925258_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBtBuTeYJd7NZWr5YZvXf6uMvw1NWt0ww-_ADiwQoPnGX515OIq4yU9TJsWWLzGgw4mdS63YhHjHkKPGkfVc29jql0v1yLydi1ZUXlIStV-RJadPlRgqqIsH7belSeJ4KvEZ9FDYtAdRj/s200/15400540_10103911091318494_5304090148150925258_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>Down the funnel... I get my giant medal and a shell lei (yay Hawaii!). I make a bee-line for the mist showers and just kinda stand there for about a minute or two. It felt soooo nice. By now the sun was really starting to beat down so I was very happy I managed to finish before full sun. It was a bit confusing finding my finishers shirt, but after asking a few folk I found the tent. They also had a video of the finish line delayed by about 20 minutes or so, allowing runners to come up and watch themselves cross the line.<br />
<br />
I found Mr. Moose who had my change of clothes. I queued up AGAIN for the bathrooms. On a side note, I wonder how terrified the Japanese were of the Hawaii public restrooms... Japanese toilets are always so clean. Anyways, new clothes and a quick baby wipe down. I was ready to head to Teddy's for a celebratory burger and then a massage.<br />
<br />
Of course the day of the marathon it's pretty much the nicest day we had on our holiday. Typical.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
Looking at my pacing I was actually a bit more consistent than I thought. It was the last 10k that I really lost ground. This makes me even more angry I could not motivate myself enough to keep plodding. That being said, I am still proud of overcoming the heat and humidity. When I heard the start time I thought they were nuts, now I think it was a godsend.<br />
<br />
I was also fine with my food/water intake during the course. I waited until about halfway to start nutrition but I started having water well before that point. I never really felt dehydrated or a lack of power due to poor nutrition. It was more the heat sucking my energy. <br />
<br />
<b>You Should Do This Race If...</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>You love early start times</li>
<li>You love heat & humidity (although I have been told it was due to the lack of trade winds that day)</li>
<li>You love a tropical paradise</li>
<li>You love carbs (Hawaiian food is 99% carb)</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzqvdUWzmIoOHi_0aep-7vCERPUHvcupQWFBgnjqjumd_DV8l4luyH6lHaU2FmcEFJ46JGvTsdlknFnhf0dZkZNsImeG0gOAWQQW9CTaVP3SdLwLH4HgKB-tl0xZbuU5-_lDQOmGgxyu3/s1600/diamondhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzqvdUWzmIoOHi_0aep-7vCERPUHvcupQWFBgnjqjumd_DV8l4luyH6lHaU2FmcEFJ46JGvTsdlknFnhf0dZkZNsImeG0gOAWQQW9CTaVP3SdLwLH4HgKB-tl0xZbuU5-_lDQOmGgxyu3/s400/diamondhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hui ho!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-57403468356160482032016-11-21T23:33:00.001+00:002016-11-21T23:33:25.893+00:00Trail Running + You : Winning Combo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9m6T7wSHWraY6J-wtX0IIzhJYHs5gjjvMH9kfluvqeNF0dsuHjh-FqnXcA7YQlMVEd-MYP9GvG2d5bWMr0vUSnxqrjsECKSiOIl3C_3Kyu1RpCc69h-VKjC-ybhcoozDBbG3tafdKu4n/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9m6T7wSHWraY6J-wtX0IIzhJYHs5gjjvMH9kfluvqeNF0dsuHjh-FqnXcA7YQlMVEd-MYP9GvG2d5bWMr0vUSnxqrjsECKSiOIl3C_3Kyu1RpCc69h-VKjC-ybhcoozDBbG3tafdKu4n/s640/IMG_4411.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you believe this is an hour outside of London? (near Denbies Winery to boot!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Everyone says variety is the spice of life. This applies to running as well. I am normally a road runner (meep meep!) but every once in a while I like to mix things up a bit and do a bit of trail. I feel like the photos I have interspersed in this posting would be reason enough (all were taken on a trail run or a hike), but still if you must ask why...<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1BIvdcO1sRpaJCEESYH4-h_VkbdZV_OiFQfmhlW5xbtmyxrzGUsCcpisGaK3Zk-QoM9jqtEDLG0zadyjd76XgLapeEArgKwXV3-pvq8oY8FRokEOLJt29445xRAKkpUNKYnk-vJdMUkW/s1600/IMG_9815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1BIvdcO1sRpaJCEESYH4-h_VkbdZV_OiFQfmhlW5xbtmyxrzGUsCcpisGaK3Zk-QoM9jqtEDLG0zadyjd76XgLapeEArgKwXV3-pvq8oY8FRokEOLJt29445xRAKkpUNKYnk-vJdMUkW/s320/IMG_9815.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical view along the Cotswold Way.. NBD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
1) <b>Workout!</b> Posh Spice did not lie- spice up your life! Its good to vary your routine. Trail running forces you to work your core as you are obviously not as stable as you would be on a nice flat road. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2) <b>Hills! </b>Yes the countryside typically has more of these than your roads. In fact, they seem to be bloody everywhere. If you are not used to these bad boys take your time and don't be afraid to stop and walk. Endurance is built over time, not in a day. </div>
<div>
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<div>
3) <b>Views!</b> The best part of trails are that they are typically in the countryside, which means-- epic vistas. I defy you to not start singing "Land of Hope and Glory" when you hit a sweeping panorama or an idyllic country scene. It makes you realise that maybe these non-city slickers are onto something....</div>
<div>
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<div>
4) <b>Trails everywhere! </b>So I know this goes against #3 but to be fair London does a pretty good shout of having trails within the M25. Epping Forest and Richmond Park are two of the big areas where you can go off-piste, but there are so many parks and woods around we are actually spoilt for choice. I am sure most cities have the same, you just gotta do some Google-foo, or ask at your local running store... those cats certainly know their stuff!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5) <b>No new equipment! </b>I say this with a bit of a caveat, because not all trails are created equal and of course weather can play a role. However, on a normal day and on a normal trail (nothing technical) you can wear your normal running shoes. Of course if you begin to make it a habit or you want to do more technical running, or maybe don't want to twist an ankle if very muddy, trail shoes would not go amiss. However I have done all trail runs this year in either my Brooks Ravenna's or my Asics Kayanos-- and I did pretty OK. I have also done less than 10 trail runs this year... which now that I think of it, is quite sad!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So the next time you are feeling a bit blah about your running regime-- throw in a trail run. I guarantee you that it will reinvigorate you in your training. If not, you can at least have a pint after in an awesome country pub ^_^.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qlFUm5MNTlc2YPvx5BZStaPa72Vh6AP7Tcnjuvd2pThFJ2LLV9M8f45NQV9OteeSavub-Dc08gRhG9mpZDgZ4KNqdMFifsA-l3sfVO2lGa3e3E9rer0bczgf_S_8TltfEKshFuxrhHT1/s1600/IMG_9459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qlFUm5MNTlc2YPvx5BZStaPa72Vh6AP7Tcnjuvd2pThFJ2LLV9M8f45NQV9OteeSavub-Dc08gRhG9mpZDgZ4KNqdMFifsA-l3sfVO2lGa3e3E9rer0bczgf_S_8TltfEKshFuxrhHT1/s640/IMG_9459.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven Sisters and Liz (not my sister)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-68643205589895825152016-10-16T15:57:00.000+01:002016-10-16T16:01:49.708+01:00My Trip to Profeet...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So-- I am a wonky runner.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGyXsHWysLJuV4AyCmpebo9wYdC2BoPYn3ZcwY2d3N8TRR0FKT_pXIG67j_0BWVOjk9Jz1GGn9OqxR7CjUskpNM1suWeVpzDms7tNjhM7KxGz45qKkvGHT7e3abmec_knHXirmD0jPgtm/s1600/overpronation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://manhattanrunningco.com/fitting-process/" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGyXsHWysLJuV4AyCmpebo9wYdC2BoPYn3ZcwY2d3N8TRR0FKT_pXIG67j_0BWVOjk9Jz1GGn9OqxR7CjUskpNM1suWeVpzDms7tNjhM7KxGz45qKkvGHT7e3abmec_knHXirmD0jPgtm/s200/overpronation.png" title="" width="96" /></a>The gait analysis proves it. My right leg is all over the place on the treadmill. It almost looks like my left leg will hit it (it goes WAYYY into the left side). I have been ridiculed when I was younger for waddling like a penguin. It is now coming back to haunt me. My <a href="http://www.smithssportsshoestauranga.co.nz/video-gait-analysis/" target="_blank">overpronation</a> has (IMHO) gotten worse since post RTB. In the video, you can almost see my right big toe from the camera (which is behind me). Thats bad. The coupled with the fact that I lean my top half back naturally when doing any movement has resulted in hip pain which manifested itself in my feet and then finally in my hips themselves.<br />
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That right Shakira, the hips don't lie.<br />
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To just see how bad this all is, I went to ProFeet in Fulham to get Run Sports Fit. This means I get the classic gait video analysis and also some pressure analysis which is done by running on a sensor pad a few times. This shows where you have more pressure as your foot moves through the movement. Steve walked (ran?) me through the motions and explained everything as we moved along.<br />
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The results were.. interesting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGbG50TgNVcKPKGaqLNZhLRtEdtyDSohmK6pOii2mmI0wM3DHFjPkEFVwqLwifVojYFu8AQFze-MeETxtW_Zq_ogIZRpL6Jo5KKwF8YnN2ppAREWcaKL0Cx2ouml518DgPh8QtFRiZQvL/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+15.19.20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGbG50TgNVcKPKGaqLNZhLRtEdtyDSohmK6pOii2mmI0wM3DHFjPkEFVwqLwifVojYFu8AQFze-MeETxtW_Zq_ogIZRpL6Jo5KKwF8YnN2ppAREWcaKL0Cx2ouml518DgPh8QtFRiZQvL/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-10-16+at+15.19.20.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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To the left we have the pressure points for each of my feet during the run. I am assuming the angle is my natural angle (almost 45 degrees).. more maybe that's how ProFeet puts them.So you see the purple line and the black line? They should be in somewhat of alignment. They are not. Especially on the right hand side. I am spending a lot more time on the left side of my right foot then I should be, this has to do with me sweeping my right leg well into the left hand 'side' of the treadmill/area. The left side is a bit more fluid. <br />
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My knees also roll inward (knee valgus) when I run, so combined with all my other issues... it's just madness.<br />
<br />
Good news? I am a fore foot striker. Which is apparently a good thing (silver lining?)<br />
<br />
I knew I was not too flexible, but like many people, one side is a bit more stiff than the other. It was no surprise that my left side is less flexible in the toe/ankle area. <br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
How to Fix? Anyone got duct tape?</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/62/4b/bb/624bbbf5b3c8a293950c8ed24a0c4eef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/62/4b/bb/624bbbf5b3c8a293950c8ed24a0c4eef.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am not THIS bad.. but close!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Stiffness</b> -> yoga/pilates</li>
<li><b>Knee valgus </b>-> I need to get my core and legs in sync, meaning core workouts, squats, and the like. There are quite a few classes at the gym to help out. </li>
<li><b>Pronation </b>-> new shoes with more support. I was really sad to leave my Brooks Ravennas, considering I used them for 3 or 4 iterations. However, I was kitted out with some <a href="http://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/gel-kayano-23/p/0010266033.5809" target="_blank">Asics Kayanos</a> (known to be good for overpronators) and <a href="https://www.sportsshoes.com/adidas-supernova-sequence/" target="_blank">Adidas Sequence</a> running shoes. They provide a bit more support in all the right places to try and help keep my feet in line(ish) when I am running</li>
<li><b>Ministry of Silly Walks</b> -> My physio told me this is important. Currently when I run/walk, my backward lean basically forces my front muscles in near my hips to activate in order to stabilise, and there is no letting up. Running of course aggravates this. My back/butt muscles are just along for the ride. So-- standing near a mirror, my physio basically moved my chest a bit forward (which I felt as leaning over). Then I looked in the mirror. I was straight. I also noted how the slant of my neck seemed pretty bad (the result of sitting on an office chair-- holding you head up is hard). Rolling my shoulders back fixed that. So now I need to be paranoid when I am running and walking to try and check my posture. In doing this-- I will be 'firing on all cylinders'.</li>
</ul>
<div>
So-- in slow slow steps, I am going to try and do these things. I am still going to sub the cross-trainers/spin bike for 1 or 2 of my runs during the week. I don't want to injure myself any more than I already have!</div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-40556311860398445652016-10-02T22:25:00.000+01:002016-10-02T22:26:00.920+01:00Two Year Running Anniversary: Recap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFado_jIU2PJ5AlCOYROJhsjFOuEmhSGlrRw8qTWofYpDdgZKkF8aDx1YSl__r3ZY8F42t0ZnTMBmuMkLguHEoBFX9t_6tmQDoaKBMYe7C1gOJpRuSeLBh7Q5MT_1FpkyxUhXwxvKVFvc-/s1600/10622704_10152431637266235_4467789123342110876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFado_jIU2PJ5AlCOYROJhsjFOuEmhSGlrRw8qTWofYpDdgZKkF8aDx1YSl__r3ZY8F42t0ZnTMBmuMkLguHEoBFX9t_6tmQDoaKBMYe7C1gOJpRuSeLBh7Q5MT_1FpkyxUhXwxvKVFvc-/s320/10622704_10152431637266235_4467789123342110876_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Run that Started it All...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I slogged through my LSR (maybe not so L at the moment, which is a good thing) I was listening to <a href="http://www.marathontalk.com/" target="_blank">MarathonTalk</a>, as I normally do on these jaunts. <a href="https://twitter.com/myelling" target="_blank">Martin Yelling</a>, who is a presenter on the show, helps to coordinate the <a href="https://www.bournemouthmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Bournemouth Marathon</a>, and he was talking about the logistics and setup of the event. I recalled fondly how that was my first official half marathon and what I would call, "the gateway drug" into more serious running. The crowds, the backdrop, the delicious post-meal chili Mr.Mooses mother made for me and my friends...<br />
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Suddenly I stopped, and looked down at my watch, October 2nd. I thought two things:<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>"It's dad's birthday I need to call him" </li>
<li>"Oh wow it's been two years since my first half marathon."</li>
</ol>
<div>
Yes folks, two years of race entries, loo queues, goody bags, and technical tees. Granted I did some races before that. I can recall quite fondly doing a <a href="http://news.nike.com/we-own-the-night" target="_blank">Nike Women's 10k</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/Blueeyedsoul13" target="_blank">Ciara</a> in Viccy Park and going to the Palm Pub nestled in Mile End Park; which I always thought was closed, but no-- it only looked like that from the outside. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjxihcuhh6OA065zGZarWoQpeDQg48YN85x8LqhneRMlEDfqGBiX917fAEE8tTdkYoh6D1kHk2ks4fpPJ7pRmaUNtUpzY7XlYwOn3UsY5m-1JyWeYNdB8II2Y88ILAv78c_3DyrhxkQ4J/s1600/12376098_10153165579132791_2385444634975714912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjxihcuhh6OA065zGZarWoQpeDQg48YN85x8LqhneRMlEDfqGBiX917fAEE8tTdkYoh6D1kHk2ks4fpPJ7pRmaUNtUpzY7XlYwOn3UsY5m-1JyWeYNdB8II2Y88ILAv78c_3DyrhxkQ4J/s200/12376098_10153165579132791_2385444634975714912_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osterley 10k has mince pies. WIN.</td></tr>
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But Bournemouth really started me out on this crazy path. That and Ciara, who I really should thank for getting me into this mess in the first place. We have done many races together, and even though we would cajole and harass friends, it would typically just be us two at the starting line. She also ran two of #RunTheBoroughs, including one very early Sunday morning run in Lambeth, only to find out about 5 minutes before I rocked up that Burgess Park was closed at 6am so had to impromptu find a route then and there. Skills this woman has. A very awesome, special set of skills. </div>
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So this blog is a look back at my 2 years of running. <a href="http://smashrun.com/" target="_blank">Smashrun</a> is absolutely brilliant for this. I also enjoy how it tells me what I can eat (healthy or unhealthy) based the calorie burn. Always good to know when I can eat a 5kg watermelon.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Basic (/dev/rand) Stats</h3>
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<span class="s1"><b>First half marathon:</b> <i>Bournemouth 2014 -> 1:50:44</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Fastest half marathon:</b> <i>Surrey 2016 -> 1:48:10</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">I find it a bit disheartening that my PB has only improved by 2 minute 34 seconds. To be honest though, I have never really <i>trained </i>specifically to run faster times. I always assumed if I ran more, I would get faster, which is true up to a point. With my marathon training I do hope to quicken my pace, as long as my body doesn't fall apart first... which reminds me I need to book my physio appointment. </span></blockquote>
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<b>Day I Run The Least:</b> Thursday<span class="s1"></span></div>
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I have no problems with Thursdays honestly, I just like random statistics. </blockquote>
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<span class="s1"><b>Average Run Length: </b>5.8 miles</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I basically ran 32 5k's in August over a weekend, that may have skewed my numbers slightly. However, better than the total overall mileage of the day skewing the other way. Still, surprised this number was not higher.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="s1"><b>56% of my run are morning runs</b> </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Hard to say I am not a morning person based on those numbers. I guess it means I have a 50/50 shot of actually paying attention to my alarm clock. </span></blockquote>
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<span class="s1"><b>Number of Weeks I Put in 50+ Miles: </b>8 </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This was in preparation for my first half (when I was young and foolish) and then the lead up to Run the Boroughs, which makes perfect sense.</span></blockquote>
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Goals and Aspirations</h3>
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Besides just hoping to feel 'normal' running again I of course have some desires leading into my next two years of running. Achievable? Who knows, but I want to give them a shot!</div>
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<b>Run Sub 4 hr Marathon</b></div>
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How sub-4 is up for debate, please talk to my body about it. I feel if it is not too humind it should be doable in Hawaii, but we shall see. I bascially need to run a 9:09min/mile for 26 miles... or better. </blockquote>
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<b>Run an Ultra</b></div>
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I am not sure which one, I have been looking at the <a href="http://www.isleofwightchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Isle of Wight</a>, the <a href="http://www.cotswoldwaychallenge.com/" target="_blank">Cotswold Way</a>, Hadrians Wall, <a href="http://www.racetothestones.com/" target="_blank">Race to the Stones</a>, <a href="http://www.racetotheking.com/" target="_blank">Race to the King</a> Just so many races out there... this requires much more research. </blockquote>
<b>More Volunteering</b><br />
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The amazing thing about running are the number of people who wake up at god-awful early hours to stand in ridiculous weather, and point a bunch of people running in the right direction or give them a smile and a cup of water. I want to do more of that to help give back. </blockquote>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-2275545353099876922016-09-19T23:07:00.001+01:002016-09-19T23:07:33.585+01:00Doh! Oh dear... A female deer! (Richmond Running Festival Half Review)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.richmondrunningfestival.com/" target="_blank">Richmond Running Festival</a> - Half Marathon Review</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very hard to photograph when in motion...</td></tr>
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<b>Location: </b>This is the ONLY running race which takes place in <a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew Gardens</a>. This automatically makes it freaking great. You go by a giant pagoda, you see amazing greenhouses that you wish you could have (if you even had a garden that would be a great start). Well OK, maybe not a greenhouse of that size, but come on London, a little patch of garden would be wonderful. The route is not limited to Kew, it also takes in the Thames path, turning around in a bit of a loopy fashion around Teddington Lock (the 10k turned around at Richmond Lock, and the marathon goes all the way towards Bushy Park before coming back) around Ham House. <br />
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Stuff to look at is at an all time high. Again, you don't really miss headphones. By the way, headphones are allowed, but like all races, they are strongly discouraged.<br />
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<b>Bib Pick Up/Bag Drop</b>: I did not have to utilise either of these on this race, as Mr. Moose acted as my bag drop and as I was in the UK they mailed me my race pack. <a href="https://twitter.com/heartrunnergirl" target="_blank">Heartrunnergirl</a> picked up her bib no issues. She also found another Dutch runner simply by looking at her shoes... that's what I call situational awareness! The end of the race is in Old Deer Park, but they bring your bags over so there is no trundling back to the start to get your stuff.<br />
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<b>Loos: </b>Well I knew there was going to be a wait at the beginning and for port-a-loos I cannot complain. This means A) there were no nasty surprises on the toilet seat AND B) there was toilet paper<br />
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I was told though that the loos at the end had crazy long queues. I cannot speak as to the validity of this as I did not utilise them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Will Run For Beer' takes on new meaning...</td></tr>
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<b>Atmosphere: </b>More like your typical race vibe. As with any tow path and any given point in London, the constant battle between runner and cyclist was quite high. I just wish people would get along sometimes. I also wish people would not run with headphones during races, because they have no chance of hearing other runners or cyclists using the path. I know I know there is technically no difference between a runner just out for a jog and a runner with a bib on. I feel as though you are <i>representing</i> runners when you put a bib on-- so it behooves all runners to put your best foot (pun intended?) forward. Cyclists should feel the same way... I don't know I feel like I am talking in circles. It's a widely contested debate....and the battle rages on! <br />
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There was a man dressed as a Fuller's Beer-- he won the race in my eyes.<br />
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<b>Drink Stops/Marshalls: </b>I did grab a water at some point along the way and kept it with me for a few miles just to have a few sips until it was empty. They also had Lucozade, but personally I cannot handle the stuff when running-- too sugary and since I am clumsy I typically spill more on me than I drink, resulting in sticky hands. Lovely volunteers and little kids I said thank you to were picking up discarded bottles along the path.<br />
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I felt very sorry for the lovely marshall at the very end. She had the tough job of telling the half/full marathon runners to go left (a final, painful loop in a field where you could see/hear the finish) rather than go right (a nice straight sprint to the finish for the 10k). I tried to smile at her as I begrudgingly went left, but it probably looked like a grimace.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out my bling...</td></tr>
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<b>Post Race:</b> I think I got the last bag from the finishing crew as people after me seemed to just be carrying as much as they could in their arms. I am happy to report they had plenty of fluorescent yellow (I am talking VERY yellow) racing shirts, so there was no worry of getting stuck with a circus tent or a body conscious size. I contained my desire to hoard all teh <a href="http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/things-we-make/coconut-water" target="_blank">coconut water</a> and gleefully accepted my <a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/beer/explore-our-beers" target="_blank">Fuller's</a> ale. I also scored some <a href="http://www.lucozadesport.com/product/lucozade-sport-elite/jelly-beans/lucozade-sport-elite-jelly-beans/60/" target="_blank">sports 'jelly beans'</a>, a High 5 <a href="http://highfive.co.uk/product/energy/energy-gel-2/" target="_blank">gel</a> and a couple of High 5 <a href="http://highfive.co.uk/product/recovery/proteinsnack/" target="_blank">Protein bars</a>. Not going to lie, the protein bars look pretty horrendous, but don't worry they taste just fine.<br />
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Oh and the medal is also a bottle opener. I felt like they missed a trick giving us cans of beer rather than bottles, but I am pretty sure that was a smart move from a health & safety perspective.<br />
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The band at the end was pretty great, and we spent an hour or so sitting on the grass, stretching, drinking and just enjoying the vibe before heading back via Richmond station.<br />
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<b>Conclusion: </b>From a race perspective I highly enjoyed it. The course was flat but interesting, the crowds supportive, and the goody bag quite fabulous. Again the fact the race starts in Kew makes this a unique one to add to your race calendar. Good transport links to both the start and finish, although some would argue the District Line should never be classified as 'good' (I swear it gets slower every time I take it... but darn it the old girl she still gets you there).<br />
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Personally-- I had two goals in this race. The first was to run it in its entirety, something which after Bacchus I was not sure I was ready to do. Second was to keep my pace under a certain time. Save for the first mile I was well under that. So even though this was my slowest half marathon that I can recall, I feel proud that I accomplished what I wanted to do. It gives me that little boost of confidence, and a glimmer of hope that maybe not all is lost and maybe I can achieve my marathon goal if I just keep the faith and stay true to my training.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1367410986" title="Richmond Half" width="465"></iframe>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-6396520318371112322016-09-15T22:02:00.001+01:002016-09-15T22:02:29.706+01:00Quit Your Wine-ing: Surrey Bacchus is Here!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Top of Ranmore Common</td></tr>
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I walked into this race with a ton of apprehension. I did not feel ready at all to run 13.1 miles on the hills of Surrey. Legs still did not feel ready. "Trial by fire" was the phrase that came to mind as I boarded the train at Waterloo. At least the trains were working, unlike last year.<br />
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I was hoping by this time I would have had an answer about my foot. In a amazing feat (feet) of almost Monty Python proportions, Bupa gave me a doctor for hand injuries, not feet. Imagine my surprise after telling the nice Doctor all about my condition, only for him to say "I wish I could help, but I am a hand specialist."</div>
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Oh well, it was a nice office. </div>
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Anyways, onto the race!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a Bad Venue....</td></tr>
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<b>Location: </b>First off, Denbies Winery is crazy close to the Dorking train station. Heck, if you wanted to you could get there with 20 minutes to spare and you could roll up to the start as long as you did not have a bag drop off or bib pick-up. <i>Probably. </i>Don't quote me on that. </div>
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However getting there does require an epic roundabout navigation. And it can get quite busy-- so hone your Frogger instincts!</div>
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<b>Bib Pick Up: </b>Queue manic queues #1. It got a bit confusing as we were not aware the lines were split into alphabetical ordering. We realised this quickly though as we got towards the front, told the people behind us, and quickly truffle shuffled to the correct lanes. I wish they would move people along who were just loitering in that room, made it a bit more chaotic. </div>
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<b>Loos:</b> I can only speak for the ones <i>in </i>the Winery, as I did not use any port-a-loos (my loss). Of course there was a line, but it moved quickly enough and there was plenty of toilet paper. There was a woman in there tidying up and checking the stalls so good kudos for that!</div>
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<b>Bag Drop: </b>Easy and quick. Same for pick-up which is a Godsend when all you want is to change out of your trainers and into flip flops. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much Super Glue was Used to Make This...</td></tr>
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<b>Atmosphere: </b>Wheee! Such a fun vibe on and off the course. As you can gather, most people are in fancy dress (especially the half) so it's a very friendly race. Cheering each other on (<i>"Go Batman! Come on Robin, don't let Batman show you up!"</i>) and typical banter is very common. It makes me doubly glad that headphones are not allowed. A running buddy (<a href="https://twitter.com/_jen_mo" target="_blank">@_jen_mo</a>) put together a video of our group and the race in general which you can watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8LWtyOXxEo" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Drink Stops: </b>Well this is really what we all come here for. The wine... err.. water stops. Whatever. There were 7 stops this year, with 1 (near Ranmore Common) being dry, I assume thats because it's on National Trust land. Who knows, maybe they didn't have any more wine choices. </div>
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Either way, all the stops have <i>amazing</i> volunteers distributing wine, water, and various treats. It was a cornucopia of culinary delights: swiss rolls, brownies, bananas, oranges, jelly babies. Pretty much anything a runner could want. The wine samples were a bit small, but I think they have no issues with you going up for seconds. </div>
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Stop 4 and 7 we definitely my favourites. The former was served by two older gentlemen in waiter uniforms. I wanted to take them home with me and adopt them as my grandfathers. They had an amazing band playing. Whatever group that runs that drinks stop should get medals. It was brilliant. </div>
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Stop 7 was at the top of the hill overlooking the Winery, so the end was in sight. This was the only stop that I saw that had red wine, but what got me was the food serving was: cheese and crackers. Oh. My. Goodness. I could have stood there and ate it all, but with finish line looming-- I managed to tear myself away. </div>
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One negative was some of the stops were overrun (literally) with people, so the queues were getting a bit unwieldy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOM NOM NOM</td></tr>
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<b>Hog Roast/Finish: </b>Yes there were even more treats after we crossed the finish line. Tea (I love this country), coffee, water, and again more snacks, including pineapple and melon. However, no point in filling up when you have a hog roast to look forward to! The portions were pretty great with some good sides and the ever important applesauce. They also had a vegetarian option, but I cannot comment on that.<br />
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<b>My Personal Notes:</b> I did this in a run/walk fashion, this worked out well as although I was part of a larger herd of unicorns (actually it's a blessing), the two friends I was running with were also fine to do a walk/run so there was never the "I am slowing people down" feeling. I also kept telling myself to manage my expectations, I was not going to finish in the time I did last year. It was also quite warm (about 18° C) and no clouds in sight. Is it an excuse? Maybe but I am going to take it. I had a great time, and even partook in a sprint finish. </div>
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<b>Conclusion: </b>This is a pretty brilliant race, with epic views of the Surrey hills. There are also cows (real and people in costume) on the course, which is always a win for me. Great volunteers, marshals, and a venue with ample parking and close to rail. I have not run this course in the rain, but I feel everyone is having such a good time it would be taken in stride. <b> </b></div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-48183950709725877462016-09-03T17:40:00.003+01:002016-09-03T17:40:24.133+01:00One Month Without Running Makes One.... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When running is "your thing", when it has become pretty much what you do most waking moments, it is quite difficult to suddenly NOT do it. You feel bad, you envy every runner you see, and abstain from that slice of cake because you are not running crazy miles anymore. Nothing seems to compare to running.<br />
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What is even worse when you cheat and go for a run, and it hurts. When you realise your legs are still tired and something is still not right. Then you wonder if you will ever run again and panic at all the races you already signed up for.<br />
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That's me right now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NJ8LWKLUiX0SDj243fQ-xSfWBP8Gnavt_iJ7NzO1twUuKYh3azNSwFW1niUteExmnTWu_EvZEmXcEXTnd7CqNUodvvSAwkmFnLO6TK5r-E5mFyWxiy7rjWWglXCMz8ALKr0-49HLYH1M/s1600/IMG_9140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NJ8LWKLUiX0SDj243fQ-xSfWBP8Gnavt_iJ7NzO1twUuKYh3azNSwFW1niUteExmnTWu_EvZEmXcEXTnd7CqNUodvvSAwkmFnLO6TK5r-E5mFyWxiy7rjWWglXCMz8ALKr0-49HLYH1M/s320/IMG_9140.JPG" width="240" /></a>I had a wonderful time back in <a href="http://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/">Buffalo</a>, and if you ever around the area you should definitely go. It's <br />
changed so much since I was a kid, the <a href="https://www.canalsidebuffalo.com/">waterfront</a> is so vibrant and people are actually coming downtown for the afternoon/evening with no sporting events. Restaurants are popping up everywhere, and the food is (of course) phenomenal. I did some <a href="http://buffaloriverworks.com/kayak-rentals/">kayaking</a> along the Buffalo River-- with the backdrop of the old silos, the once powerhouses of industry that made the city one of the largest in the United States. Brilliant.<br />
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Still I missed running.<br />
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So I decided to go for some runs. I couldn't help it. The weather, although high sun at times swelteringly humid, was too lovely to pass up. A run in the 'burbs, a little trail run, and run along Lake Erie. All under 5k. The last one was very hard for me, but I blame humidity and my Uncle running at too fast a pace for me to keep up for long. Still after running the distance I did, it was heartbreaking to feel so winded and so tired.<br />
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As soon as I got back to London I called the doctor for my X-Ray results. I didn't know what worried me more; finding something or finding nothing.<br />
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The result was the latter, with my GP recommending me to an orthopedic surgeon. That sounds... terrifying.<br />
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I am meant to start <a href="http://www.honolulumarathon.org/">marathon</a> training next week, which is of course interesting given my weird limbo running situation. Never minding that, I have <a href="http://eventstolive.co.uk/products/bacchus-half-marathon">Surrey Bacchus</a> coming up as well. I have not run more than 10 miles IN A MONTH. No pressure here! Currently my hope is to ensure I run a 10k this week in prep for the half... gosh really cutting it fine aren't I? This should be interesting to say the least.<br />
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So everyone happy and healthy in running, don't think less of me if I slightly scowl if you pass me by. I am insanely jealous of you. We take for granted running, it's always when you take it away that you realise it really has become a part of your life. </div>
-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-86031476030159705222016-08-19T08:09:00.002+01:002016-08-19T08:11:05.732+01:00When A Runner Can't Run<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's every runner's worst nightmare. The last thing they ever want to hear. <i>No running</i>. It sounds so easy! There are plenty of other activities!<br />
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I thought I would be looking forward to a break after #RTB. And to be fair I was fine for the first few days. It was glorious sleeping in (until 0730) during the week and *gasp* 0900 on the weekend. Not worrying about how I was going to it my social life into my running schedule. Let me check my cal... oh wait! I know I am free! </div>
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Then the pain started to happen. </div>
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It was small it first, but now it's become more prevalent. A pain in my right foot, just below the ankle. I think this pain causes my arch pain as well, which occurs when I am stationary for more than a hour. My tennis ball has become my best friend. My roller is starting to get jealous.</div>
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All this is making me try and keep pressure of my foot, which means a whole load of NOT running. </div>
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Maybe this is a good thing. I am doing more core and arm work, while continuing to do my runner's strength training. I am doing more yoga. I worked up a great sweat on the spin bike. I have plans to swim and SUP (stand up paddle) when I go home next week. </div>
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Still-- my running shoes are calling me. Is that dust I see on them?! Surely not-- it has not even been two weeks!</div>
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This morning I went and got an X-Ray. The results will take a week (A WEEK O_O ). She did give me some cheering news: "Its not broken." This was my face.</div>
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So in the meantime, I must wait it out. I am really hoping to get some idea of what is wrong and what (if anything) I can do as come September I want to start training for my marathon in. I also have a few races coming up...<br />
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Trying not to think about it. Take one day at a time. Continue my torrid affair with the tennis ball. Use smelly deep heat. Continue to keep my physical activity up. Eventually the day will come where I can dust off the running shoes and head out into the great big world for a run. </div>
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I just hope it comes sooner rather than later. </div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-345954066764554312016-08-09T22:26:00.002+01:002016-08-09T22:26:52.599+01:00#RanTheBoroughs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Finished. It's incredible to finally say that. I know many people can relate. You have spent months planning something, checking and rechecking in the hopes everything goes right... then the day finally comes. And then-- over!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebratory Prosecco Shower :D<br />
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I cannot give you all the stats just yet, as I found out the hard way Garmin Vivoactive's only record 10 activities, wiping out most of my first day runs! Who actually RTFM? Luckily I have been able to get 7 of the 17 boroughs for that day from people, so all is not lost. I DO however have some awesome maps from the total of both days, including transport.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Day One</h3>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1291548963" title="Total Day One" width="465"></iframe><br /></div>
So I started out in Havering and then worked my way back west and then eventually south. I saw ponies on my way out to Elm Park, a bit of change from what you would expect. It was cool as I went from countryside to urban and back all in one day :D<br />
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<b>High Point Day One</b><br />
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I really remember in Redbridge being in this amazing open field and in the distance seeing the buildings in Canary Wharf and the City. The heart of London was never far away, yet in looking around it felt like you could have been anywhere in the English countryside. People may find that depressing, but I found it reassuring-- this symbiotic relationship the urban area shares with the rural. It doesn't always jive but when it does, sheer brilliance.<br />
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<b>Low Point Day One</b><br />
Bromley. Not because of the route. I just had a mental breakdown. I just finished a solo run on Bexley (I actually did a mini audio recording on my run you can listen to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-612462305/rtb-bexley">here</a>) where my husband met me because it was getting quite dark and I was running (pun quasi intended) very behind. I was tired. I was hungry but I wasn't eating. I shut down. I had a bit of a tantrum near the station. I refused to move anymore. Unbeknownst to myself, my husband was desperately trying to get me to the station as we would miss the last direct train back into Waterloo East. We walked along the platform to try to get as close to 5km as possible. I felt horrible. After taking my shoes off, giving them a bit of a massage with my trusty tennis ball (godsend) and being forced to eat food, I felt much better. The last borough of the night (Southwark) was tough but I was in familiar territory and who can feel poorly seeing St. Paul's and Tower Bridge?<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Day Two (aka excited bat map)</h3>
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I was a bit worried on Sunday morning. I ended day one not so well, and was feeling tentative about the whole thing. I had a full day ahead, having someone to run with me every step of the way. I also got more encouraging words from my logistics team. There was no turning back now!</div>
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<b>High Point Day Two</b></div>
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I really enjoyed Hillingdon. We got out at West Drayton and took the canal up to Uxbridge. We were so close to the M25, which is the defacto 'boundary' of London, yet it could barely be heard on the towpath. It was also blissfully quiet, something one can barely experience anymore along the more eastern bits that form Regent's Canal (go to Kings Cross/Camden on any given Sunday for proof of this). And not just this-- almost every crossing had a pub nearby! I am not talking weird pop-up we serve drinks in sardine tin pubs, I mean like proper looking country pubs! Amazing what a few miles can do to change up the scenery!</div>
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<b>Low Point Day Two</b></div>
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I am happy to report I really didn't have a low point on day two. Nothing nearly as bad as day one. Maybe it's because I was taking paracetamol and eating properly. Sure there were points my brain was asking to stop, but my feet just kept shuffling along! </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Wrap Up</h3>
It has been one crazy roller coaster over the past few days. I had some pretty amazing moments and a few not so amazing moments, but all I will remember as it's all part of the overarching story. Victory always tastes better when you have endured a defeat. Camaraderie always is better when you have felt the coldness of being all alone.<br />
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I of course could have not done those without my logistics crew. One of those individuals is Marijke, a Dutch woman I met on UKRunChat by chance when she was in London and became friends with. It was her who ultimately pushed me to choose this challenge over the London 100 cycle ride. She actually completed her <a href="https://heartrunnergirl.wordpress.com/2016/06/25/alpe-dhuzes/">own challenge earlier this year</a>, going up the Alpe d'Huez three time in one day to raise money for cancer research. She flew over for the weekend to sit in a my London flat and stare at Twitter, and for that I am grateful.<br />
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I also have to thank my husband, who I am not sure I pressed into logistics service, but he took on the challenge with unabated enthusiasm. He was my voice of reasoning and reality check ("But Melissa, WHAT ABOUT BATHROOM BREAKS"). It was his methodical planning which ensured I had everything charged and ready to go. He also held my hand as I walked along the station platform in Bromley crying. Thank you very much Mr. Moose.<br />
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Of course I have to also thank everyone who supported me on social media, cheering me on with happy and encouraging tweets. When I had breaks I would check my Twitter feed myself, and it was very cheering to see people actually caring.<br />
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Also to my friends who had to put up with me talking about this for months leading up to it. Don't worry I have no major challenges planned yet, so you can all rest! Thank you for listening and being supportive.<br />
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I also need to thank everyone who <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/run-the-boroughs">donated to CrisisUK</a>, whom I was raising funds for in this challenge. I know homelessness is a major issue everywhere, and I appreciate you all for helping to support those less fortunate. It was (and still is) amazing to see the amount go up and up!<br />
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And last but not least, to all my running volunteers. I could not have completed this without you. I know that for a fact. Some people I have known for years, others I met for the first time at station entrances. Either way you all greeted me with such warmth and enthusiasm, how could I not want to spend time talking with you all? Thank you thank you thank you.<br />
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I have a video talking about my wrap up of #RunTheBoroughs, you can watch it below. I do not know what the next challenge will be or when it will be, but I hope this has inspired you to get out there and discover what the world has to offer you! Sometimes you don't even need to stray far :)<br />
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2388476930512845712.post-46973559261040676732016-07-31T20:23:00.002+01:002016-07-31T20:23:36.277+01:00Do Runners Dream Electric Podiums?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="text-align: center;">If you want to learn more about my challenge: Running a 5k in every borough in London August 6 & 7, please go <a href="http://moosenshoes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/running-boroughs-my-personal-london.html" target="_blank">here</a>! Interested in RUNNING a borough with me? <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/15e1CmaSOFqY1I5qwEIsHOCuklC7eSPGaDRJDNcTlYAA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Check this out</a>! </i><i style="text-align: center;">I am running for CrisisUK, and you can donate to the cause <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/run-the-boroughs" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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This was <i>meant</i> to be an audio blog. I recorded it when I was running today. It was a masterpiece, certain to reach the echelons of audio blog greatness, standing shoulder to shoulder with the greats such as <a href="http://www.marathontalk.com/archive/tonys_trials.php">Tony Audenshaw</a>.<br />
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Of course, this was not meant to be, as I accidentally deleted it when trying to edit out the bit at the end.<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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So here it is without the witty banter. What do I think about on those long runs to help the miles tick off?<br />
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<li><b>Marshmallow World: </b>One recurring theme I have is wondering what life would be like if we lived in a world of marshmallow. Would car accidents be a thing of the past? Would people be falling asleep everywhere? How firm are these marshmallows and what happens in the sun? Important questions. </li>
<li><b>Counting to 50 and back: </b>Sounds simple enough right? Well twenty or so miles in this thoughtless exercise becomes a bit trying, <i>especially backwards</i>. Shit... did I say 38 already? No idea. For added funsies I also do this in German and Spanish. I do this audibly, so others can learn as well (of course).</li>
<li><b>Dog Will Hunt: </b>You know you always want what you can't have? Thats me and dogs. I love their carefree, joyful nature. I am also jealous of their seemingly boundless energy. I say hello to dogs typically before I acknowledge their human counterpart. If it's an English Bulldog... oh my I go a bit nuts. I always remember where I encounter a bulldog. I think thats a gift. </li>
<li><b>Okie Dokie Doctor Jones: </b>I am a bit of an Indiana Jones fanatic. I love the films (there have ONLY been THREE, don't tell me otherwise) and have them almost memorised. So what better way to while the hours recounting lovely lines from one of the best trilogies ever ("What happens at 11 o'clock?!"). Or I hum the theme tune... how can that NOT pump you up?</li>
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Do any of you have some weird things you think about to while away the hours on your runs? Or do you listen to podcasts/music and zone out?</div>
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-Sketchymoosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01290388703543060500noreply@blogger.com0