Stock taking......

Due to the Spring Bank Holiday I've only managed to visit the gym once since my programme was put together for me.  I am under no illusion that I am going to have to work very hard to fit it in at all but none the less I remain confident that I will do just that at least twice a week. I still have the swimming to master but again - time permitting I am going to try and get there a couple of times a week.

I'm already feeling the benefit mentally because I have made the decision to join and also mastered the basics during the times I have been there. Never having stepped inside a gym to train before I am surprised at my attitude to it so far. I'm also confident it will have it's benefits since I have visited after tough sessions and definitely felt it eased my DOMS. following a hard sprinting session and subsequently, the YVAA race at Bingley which was tough for several reasons. Not least the hills but also the rough terrain over which it was set, fields with cow hoof holes to twist the ankles, a very long path through fields resembling the yellow brick road but in concrete slabs, moorland up on the top of Shipley Glen all interspersed with woodland tracks, paths and snickets (ginnels if you rather). Alas these things are sent to try us!

Love this action shot courtesy of Linda Bussey
YVAA Bingley Tuesday 28th May

I now think I pushed my luck on Wednesday having had a tough race on Tuesday.  Club training session stated that there was an 'element of a time trial' in the route, one route, which is unusual for a Wednesday.  However, we split into groups and went along with suggestions of treating it as just that, a time trial, loosely translated as not meeting at strategic points as we would usually but staying as groups.  For some unknown reason I set off we a group containing runners I knew to be much faster than me. We set off on the uphill route, I gave it my all and after the 6 mile jaunt I felt similar to how I often feel post race, satisfied I've worked hard even if I don't get the result I want.  My thoughts immediately turned to the fact that I can't seem to go under an hour for 10k. Distant memories of last year's personal bests constantly invade my thoughts. Brain training to give ourselves a break anyone?

Arriving home I take stock. My left leg has been troubling me on and off for some weeks. Same old same old. Run, it feels better, stop, it give me pain.  Things - as they do - came to a head.  I made my regular visit to Peter May and explained how my leg had been troubling me.  He did a lot of work on it and advised me to rest for a couple of days and then try it out which is what I intend to do. Fingers crossed  his healing hands will have done the trick!

Goals, training programmes and more........

The jury is still out on the gym business.  I went along with Marc last Sunday and did an hours session but steered well clear of the weight machines as neither of us felt confident in how to work them or what we should be doing on them.  We did a total of an hour on the cross trainer, rower and a little floor work before making an appointment to take advantage of their offer to find out what we want to get out of it and tailor make a training programme for us to help us achieve our goals.

Meanwhile, I fulfilled my promise to myself and entered some races. After this coming Tuesday's YVAA race at Bingley I then have the first of my planned races, Otley 10 mile on Wednesday 12th June.  Hopefully that will get me back into the swing of things.  I really can't get away with standing on the sidelines for too much longer.  I am repeatedly being asked 'why aren't you running?'  People (who I know have done marathons too) look at me as though I have got two heads, my explanation that I have not long since run the marathon doesn't wash! A lady much more senior than me reeled off that she had done Manchester marathon, all three John Carr's, and every other race she could think of! I felt a tad inadequate! Just what happened to the rule that after a marathon, runners should take one day per mile off to recover?

Rolling up to the gym for my programme making session I was introduced to each machine in turn by a lovely young lady (her name escapes me) and given lots of advice and guidance - at the moment I have pledged to go twice per week so I'm just hoping I can get into the swing of things and fit everything in, I've yet to work out when I will get to the swimming pool.  I really enjoyed my session on Wednesday but it's whether I can keep my focus when I turn up to do it on my own.  I already have aching abs so must be going some way to achieving my 'washboard' stomach!

Despite a cold and windy evening, Martin and I went down to Apperley Bridge to support runners in the Apperley Bridge Canter 10k race.  Organised by Horsforth Harriers it's a well attended race - it seems to attract quite a few unattached runners.  The cool evening made for perfect running conditions although it was a little windy, that didn't stop the first runner coming in at 33 minutes! I am in awe of the faster runners but it's amazing to see everyone finish, it's no wonder I get attached to race supporting instead of running them.  Copious amounts of cheers and shouts saw 5 Eccleshill runners home and as each finished we eventually made a sizeable, if a little rowdy group who stayed on until the end to cheer all the runners home.  That's Eccleshill for you!

Lost, one race mojo.....

The merry month of May is a manic month each year for me, Birthdays galore keep me busy but one person I wish I could celebrate with is Arthur James. Today would have been his 78th Birthday. It's difficult to believe he has been gone for over a year already.  The Bradford parkrun in his memory was a chance to remember him in a way we all know he would have wanted us to - running.  I felt proud as we at Eccleshill jogged around Lister park in a large group chatting and laughing, he would have loved it! The club are also planning to arrange a relay race for members to compete for the 'Arthur James Trophy' so we don't plan to let him be forgotten any time soon!

Team ERR at Arthur's (Bradford) parkrun 4th May 2013

I seem to have lost the inclination to race of late!  I just don't seem to get on and enter! That is until most of the time it's too late and entries have closed. I'm putting it down to 'marathon blues'!  I am though going to make an effort to enter the Otley, Eccup (on my Birthday) and Guy Fawkes 10 mile races to give me something to focus on. The next YVAA race at Bingley will hopefully get me kick started since I already have my number at the ready! Nothing like a team activity to rekindle the mojo.

Meanwhile the mojo stayed firmly tucked away yet again as I spent the evening cheering on runners at the second race of this year's John Carr 5k series. - the first time in quite a few years that I haven't run them, it was though, great to cheer on my youngest son Marc and ERR members, along with hundreds of others in this fast and furious race. It also provided me with an opportunity to encourage my husband Martin to come out for a run yesterday morning to replace what would have been Wednesday club night. Although the weather wasn't on our side we had a brilliant 10k run and Dave (the dog) came too. We went through Yorkshire Water to Esholt Village and then came back along the canal. It did, though, improve for the race and barring a shower at tea time was a most pleasant evening.

Not yet knowing how I am going to fit it in on a regular basis, I have signed up for gym and swim at Eccleshill pool.  I have decided it's high time I introduced regular cross training into to my regime as niggles, aches and pains frequently surface following each run. First session on Sunday, watch this space!