What a weekend!

Having looked forward to a weekend away for so many months, the excitement was building very nicely when all of a sudden my train of thought was turned upside down. 'I'm not going to be running London as I'm injured would you like my place (you've done all the training after all!)' was the text message which appeared on my phone from Nikos. My heart missed a beat and then began to race, thoughts that I could run this year after all were looming around my head, reliving a dream I had a few months ago that I had been offered a place, exclaiming to Alison and Dawn on a training run 'Friday night's dream, told Saturday morning comes true', not that I believed it for one minute but I can oft recall my Mum saying the self same thing many, many times! I addressed the possibility with my husband Martin, the expression on his face, however, gave me my answer immediately. He then went on to explain why he did not want me to run. Giving me the reasons why he felt like this didn't make me feel any better. I reasoned with it all in my head, perhaps if he had given me the choice then I might not have wanted to run. As it was now I began to think the weekend was ruined. I would be unable to forgive him for not letting me take the chance to run so we wouldn't enjoy the trip to London anyway. Hours later I seemed to come to my senses and realise how we had looked forward to the weekend away without the stress of the marathon, we would be able to travel around, see the sights and generally enjoy ourselves and then watch the race on Sunday. His negative reaction to the news that I may well run after all was of course, well and truly justified.

So now I could sit back and enjoy giving my support to the runners!

Boarding the coach on Friday morning everyone was buzzing, milling around, discussing this, that and the other. The journey down to London didn't seem to take too long and before we knew it there was the familiar sight of the Expo. Once inside the sights, sounds, queues to register and pick up numbers and timing chips were all too familiar and it seemed only yesterday that I was in those queues myself.

Photos taken, shopping done, well wishers wall written on, we boarded the bus to continue our journey to the hotel. Again, all too familiar, we checked in and were all allocated our room numbers. Down for evening meal at 8 - the start of a great weekend was signalled.

Helen, Janice & I met early Saturday morning to go for a run in place of our planned London parkrun, we had been assured it would take us over an hour to reach our nearest one and also make it difficult to make the return journey back to the hotel in time for breakfast and so we agreed to a jog around Canary Wharfe. How lovely it was too. We found ourselves eventually in the beautiful surroundings of The King Edward Memorial Park, nearly a parkrun then, just not quite!

Saturday was our 'free' day. Martin and I decided that after our run we would hop on a Thames Clipper boat and head to London's Soho district. Martin had years ago helped his former boss to move the contents of his Lexington Street art gallery and picture framers up to Bradford and he said he would like to take a trip down memory lane. We also agreed we would like to look around Carnaby Street. Hours later after much to-ing and fro-ing we had fulfilled our expectations and much, much more, taking in many of the famous tourist areas, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Piccadilly, Chinatown, Pandora, The National Gallery, Hamleys, St James Park, etc etc, we wearily made our way back to the Thames Clipper to return to the hotel to prepare to surprise Janice with a pre-arranged get together. I put in a request to the hotel manager to seat our whole group together for dinner so that we could surprise Janice for her 50th Birthday with balloons, cards, pressies and a cake!

After a full and eventful Saturday we all retired to bed at a reasonable hour and I woke early next morning with thoughts of how the runners would all be feeling. I hastily got dressed and went down to the dining room to find Dawn, Sophie and Gill sitting eating breakfast, they all seemed fairly relaxed and after breakfast off they went back to their rooms to make their final preparations. I came back down just before 7:30 to wave them off to the start. The hotel was a hive of activity with runners making their final preparations and leaving the hotel. I went back to our room to continue watching the marathon coverage on the TV before going outside to find our spot opposite the hotel, mile 18 of the route, behind the barriers! I can honestly say it was a very emotional, energy sapping few hours as we anxiously waited to catch a glimpse of our ERR runners and the many other familiar faces including friends, other club runners, celebrities etc. I never realised how difficult it is to spot someone amongst the crowds of runners. You are fully aware when you're running just how many people are around you but it's impossible to imagine how difficult it it for your friends and family to pick you out of the masses!

Thankfully we managed to spot all of our runner and sadly we missed a whole lot of others. Oh well maybe next year!

All that remains is to say how immensely proud it felt to be part of that epic journey for the runners from our club and a few others. I am immensely proud of their achievements and am truly thankful to have now been able to experience the London Marathon from both sides of the fence!

I'm now excitedly awaiting the opening of the ballot for the 2012 (Olympic year) marathon on 26th April!

Time for tea!

It feels like only yesterday that I finished the bulk of my training and was looking forward to the Virgin London Marathon in only a short weeks time. This year I feel exactly the same except I'm in a totally different position in that I still feel the excitement and trepidation but it's on behalf of someone else, or four someone else's in the plural form!

This morning 10 of us met at Rawdon Meadows for the last significant run, 45 minutes out and 45 minutes back along the canal towards Rodley in the brilliant sunshine for the four 'marathoners' Sophie, Gill, Dawn and Karen just a week away from achieving the goal they set themselves during the latter part of last year. Karen now feels like 'one of us' since she's been training with Dawn and Sophie and I hope she will continue to hook up with us when this is all over. Following an excellent run, if a little faster than I had anticipated, a large group of us then strolled a little further along the canal to Toby's Tea Rooms to put an end to what I know has been a long few months of training for them all, leaving them with the bare minimum left to do in the week ahead. I also hope that for all of them it will have all been worthwhile, I'm sure it will and I'm really pleased that I'm going to be there on the day to share in their jubilation and to see out their journey to the end. It's impossible to imagine exactly how they'll feel when they cross that finish line but I have a very good idea!

The tea and cakes at Toby's were exquisite!

Wot no Dave?

After some indecision I managed to haul myself to club on Friday evening. The boys went off at their usual fast pace, Helen and Gill were just ahead, I had a lovely, if slow and steady, 6 mile run with Pam. I felt much better for it afterwards so was really pleased I made the decision to go.

I also received a very kind offer of a lift to parkrun from my sister-in-law Tricia! I didn't however, fancy the prospect of taking Dave in her car since he would have had to sit in the car itself rather than being able to be tucked away in the boot! Apart from the risk that it would rain and he would end up being all muddy and wet I am also acutely aware that he is very unpredictable and may well have taken a dislike to travelling in a saloon car, no telling what might have happened.

The number of people who shouted 'where's Dave?' as they ran past was incredible! One of the two young ladies I was running with made a valid point, 'would people ask where I was if I were missing?' We joked at the prospect of Dave running round as back marker alone and people quizzing him as to where I was!!

This week it was a joy to see an elite athlete from Ethiopia (I must admit I did wonder if he was Kenyan when I first spotted him!) on the start line with all the other parkrunners. Just another fine example of the versatility of parkrun - a joy to behold running around the park effortlessly and most probably unaware of the admiration surrounding his presence! It's a mystery to me how he knew about the run, had he stumbled upon it by mistake? He hadn't registered in advance and thought he needed a number to run! Unfortunately, although he won the race in a fantastic time of just over 16 minutes, over 2 minutes ahead of his nearest rival, he went down on the results as 'unknown' which is the best you get if you don't register in advance and print off your barcode! Incidentally, and much to my surprise, I even spotted my dentist running this week!
So, having gone against all that might have been on Friday and Saturday I felt better prepared for my intended race on Mothering Sunday. I was just a little apprehensive as I stood under starters orders for the first of this year's Yorkshire Veterans Athletic Association races at Horsforth Hall Park, why I have no idea and as Helen pointed out we run much further on a regular basis in training but a race, for some reason, causes those little flutters just before you set off! The sun shone and though a little breezy the conditions were perfect for a run, with the added bonus of being part of our Eccleshill team, I just love the team spirit! I had a really good race, the course was rather tough, a two lap course with it's fair share of downhills as well as up but one of those where you really are satisfied you gave your all. The results never seem to reflect that though but hopefully my continued effort on club nights will rectify that situation over the coming months, with a bit of luck! I'm not expecting great things but live in hope that I can get back to where I was this time last year and I remain optimistic about that goal. To move nearer to that we have another 'Speed & Hills Session' at club tonight!

Team ERR at Horsforth

Cigarettes & Alcohol!

I feel like a bear with a sore head.
Having been a migraine sufferer in my late teens well into adulthood I have noticed that since beginning running nearly five years ago there has been a marked decrease in attacks, this may or may not be exercise related but I would like to think it has played a part. It's widely known that a whole range of things are cited as 'triggers', smoking, cheese, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and the list goes on. I, however, have never been able to pinpoint a cause, other than on occasions, lack of sleep and stress. I have read several articles relating to running and migraines, some suggest that stress can indeed be a trigger and running (or any physical exercise) quite often reduces stress, also high cholesterol and again running (or any physical exercise) can help eliminate the condition. So even though a few weeks ago I was diligently informed by some of the younger members of my family that running makes your skin sag and makes you look older I absolutely intend to continue. Me vain? Not in the least? It's amazing what you can find in the cosmetic bag!

Migraine did, however, get the better of me on Wednesday. I wanted to leave work early and go home to bed but that would have meant two buses from Queensbury so I stuck it out and retired to bed as soon as I did get home. Still entertaining thoughts that I may go to club and do the 10 mile run if I felt better when I woke up. I didn't.
Which brings me to this evening. Should I run or shouldn't I? The recommendations are that as long as you're not retching (oh the thought!) and feel it's possible then there's no reason not to. I don't have too much experience of running with or after migraine so I'm undecided. Fellow sufferers will sympathise when I say I still get the pulsing pain when I bend down or cough today, two days later, so not sure if I will be able to run but maybe I will go along and try. I ran a couple of months ago at parkrun the morning after a migraine and felt that it was beneficial but I figure this one was a much worse attack.

My parkrun tomorrow is in doubt as our car is off the road needing major repairs for the MOT - so if I don't run tonight it may well mean that as I haven't run since last Monday the first in this year's YVAA races will be my first run in a week. Not a very good prospect to expect to be able to have a good race with no preparation at all.

As this Sunday is Mothering Sunday perhaps I should put my feet up for the rest of the week and start afresh on Monday?............ Hmmmmm that thought doesn't actually appeal to me.........

British Summertime begins

I remember a few weeks ago telling Dawn that I would be totally unavailable to run on Sunday the 27th of March. My brother-in-law had planned a surprise 50th Birthday party for my sister, could I make her a cake, could I go into the venue early and decorate the party room and set out the food ready for him leading her unsuspectingly into a room full of baying relatives and friends, Of course! No time (or no state!) to run!

A week or so later I had moved the goal posts, 'I could probably run in the afternoon of the 27th' (If it meant Dawn didn't have to run alone).

Another week passed, 'I don't drink to excess anyway and I am usually up early after a night out so I'll text you when I'm up and we'll set a time to run in the morning'.

A kindly text from Dawn on Saturday evening reminded me that the clocks go forward and not to forget but have a good time at the party! Oh yes British Summertime begins!

The party went to plan and my poor sister was suitably shocked at discovering she was in fact attending her own party and not the 'going away party for the Sicilian exchange students' she was expecting! Her face was a picture! So, a good time had by all I rolled up home at 1:10 just in time to put the clocks forward to 2:10 a.m.

As I had expected I was wide awake at 8 am (7 am) and so I went downstairs and text Dawn to say I would be ready for off in 2 hours. We met at Rawdon Meadows, Apperley Bridge and Dawn outlined the route, in fact I had emailed her an extract from my training log last year where Lisa had mapped a run out to Horsforth, Adel, Bramhope and back via Yeadon Airport but the directions were a little sketchy but it sounded like much the same route. It was a fine morning - it was lovely to see Helen, Don, Janice & Karon who were also meeting to run. Off we set along the canal, the three Musketeers, Me, Dawn and Alison.

It wasn't long before we heard a voice from one of the barges - there stood Lisa, a fairly new member at club. I jokingly shouted 'that's the life!' after a brief conversation we went on our merry way. It was one of those days where it felt good to be running and everyone (or almost everyone) you encounter is very pleasant, people stood aside for us to pass 'keep going' they would shout as we thanked them for letting us pass. Even the cyclists were pleasant. Horsforth was the first place we passed through and as we travelled along the road towards Lawnswood I began to remember running the same route with Lisa and Sophie but in the snow, what a difference to today's weather! Going through Adel a large crowd of scooter riders we had earlier seen taking a pit stop in a pub car park all came riding past, vying for the front spot they were all overtaking one another, what a site to behold all those scooters in one big group. Next we came into Bramhope, passing Liz and Chris Jones' house I wondered whether they would be at home, unlikely as they too are doing London Marathon they are probably out training, I thought.

A little further along the road we came to a sign saying 'Fox & Hounds' ahh that was the pub which Sophie had to make an unscheduled stop at last year. Dawn announced we weren't going up that way but carrying straight on. Arriving near the top of Pool Bank with about a quarter still to go we set about making our way towards Leeds Bradford Airport. The hill wasn't nearly as bad as it had looked but I must admit I was feeling quite tired and my 'dancing' feet were aching. The traffic was immense and with just a narrow part of the road to run on, facing the cars head on it got a little bit hairy for me, my heart was pounding and I couldn't even bear to look at Dawn in front of me running head long at the traffic, I dropped back behind Alison and put my head down, I was so relieved when the pavement appeared once more and we could get off the road. Phew!

As we neared Yeadon, Murgatroyds etc I visualised our arrival at Apperley Bridge. Approaching the turn off to take us down the hill to the car park Dawn announced we weren't going that way but down to Guiseley first! I turned to Alison and chuckled, she's trying to kill me off! Lo and behold half way down the hill she began talking about carrying on along the canal for a couple more miles. Alison said she couldn't manage any more her hips were hurting and I was at the stage where I really wanted to get finished and I also needed to get back out to Otley and pick up my car which I had left there the evening before. I had to admit I couldn't manage any more so Superwoman got me my bag out of her car and off she trot towards the direction of the canal. I really must ask her what she's on, I'll have some!

So another week has ebbed away leaving just three weeks until London and their taper in sight! I can clearly remember getting to that stage last year, the feeling that all the hard work is done and it really is just a case of keeping your head when all around you lose theirs and getting to that start line. OOOh the excitement and that's just me!
Footnote: I've been dreaming again, this time I dreamt that I got a number for VLM from a complete stranger who pulled out - she told me her name but I can't remember it! I really must stop this late night eating!

All the twos

I have warnings to shout from the rooftops this morning on several counts!

Firstly this blog was written last night and lost last night after I pressed the control key by mistake so be warned ctrl + d = delete! So here I am on Monday morning starting from the beginning......

However, it's not such a bad thing since I am now in a position to report about how I feel having acted like a boy (well they are often accused of acting like girls!) and after raving about my ice bath last week, I was unable to face it this week! Having run 4 miles before a race, run the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k and then run to Bingley town centre and back - 22 (albeit fragmented) miles I got back home and literally felt wiped out, extremely cold, very hungry and fatigued, I got into the bathroom and visualised a hot, bubbly bath, considered an ice bath, no points for guessing which one won! Consoling myself with the fact that this lovely hot bath may well serve as proof that ice baths really do work (but praying that it's on the contrary) I laid there soaking up the lovely hot water.

The verdict: I have to say contrary to last week when I felt tip top on Monday morning after 19 miles on Sunday it was truly a very different story this morning. I had broken sleep, kept waking up with pains in my lower legs, and this morning I positively know how many miles I did yesterday - or at least my legs and lower back do.

I never indulged further than 20 miles in training before I did London last year so this was a (training) first for me (and Dawn) - which brings me to my second revelation, carb gels really did help in keeping me fuelled. You do have doubts as to whether forcing the terrible gloop down really does help or whether for the most part it's psychological. I think due to the fact that the mileage was going to be broken up I didn't pay much attention to whether or not I needed fuel. Didn't buy any gels and during a fleeting last minute thought I grabbed a Boost bar at the till at Morrisons on Saturday teatime after reading the word 'energy' on the wrapper, got home packed a couple of small boxes of raisins and a bottle of juice into my bag and gave it no more thought. The focus for Sunday really was on the race even though I had made the decision to run a few miles beforehand and stay with Dawn throughout the 10k so fuelling regrettably took a back seat. I have to say on the way back to the car to ready ourselves to run to Bingley I felt quite light headed, got to the car and sipped some juice and had a bite of my Boost bar, I could have eaten it all but thought better of it. I ate a small box of raisins and began to feel much better and off we set.

It turned out to be much more of a traffic fest than I had anticipated. Being an average kind of Sunday, fine and dry even though the sun wasn't out, the Sunday drivers certainly were! I was glad to see the sight of the Bradford and Bingley building towering over all the rest as we approached a slight incline to the town centre. Once there, we paused for a moment for Dawn to take fuel on board and set off back the way we came. I found myself drifting off into my own little world, focusing on every step. Getting back into Bradford along Canal Road seemed to take an age, again I think due to the lack of energy I found the last few miles really tough. Dawn on the other hand, expressed dismay at the fact we hadn't quite hit 22 miles as we approached the point where we had left our cars, she proceeded to turn around and run back out along Canal Road. I sat on the wall in disbelief, just where does she get the energy? Oh of course carb gels!

This week I hope to take a step back as I have family celebrations to attend to, a cake to make amongst other things so the mileage may drop slightly but I'll be back!

4 weeks to London and I'm nearly as excited as the runners are - just a tiny bit envious now that I am going to be on the other side of the barrier this year..... Hmmm how things change!

Ice, Ice Baby!

Our planned 15 mile run yesterday turned into a 17 mile run at the blink of an eye! Torrential rain through the night on Saturday would mean puddles galore on the canal. Puddle dodging is not something to partake in at the end of a 15 mile run!

So, Mick rather helpfully suggested to Dawn to cut off Baildon Bottom and follow the road round behind the canal side apartments and return along Leeds Road from Shipley. This obviously didn't register in my mind as I would have recalled doing a similar route last year which was 17 miles, the last few being torture. However I happily went along with the plan and it wasn't until we came under the railway bridge at Dockfield Road I realised we were actually joining the bottom of Leeds Road. I tried desperately not to think about the long haul ahead but my effort was in vain. Thankfully it wasn't too long before we reached Thackley and the road levelled out. Starting to feel much better if a little achy we arrived back at Apperley Bridge in no time at all. focusing on my aching limbs, thoughts of a cooling remedy lurked in my head. Ice bath? I thought. I remembered some weeks ago I had read (BBC newsreader) Sophie Raworth's blog (she is training for London), she documented how she considered an ice bath a la Paula Radcliffe, she however, chickened out, I didn't intend to. At the time of reading Sophie's blog I filled several ice cube bags and placed them in the freezer, as I hadn't plucked up the courage to use them until now, I forthrightly filled the bath with cold water and tossed in the bags of ice cubes. It seemed like a good idea at the time! I placed my watch on the toilet cistern so that I could monitor the time I spent in there, just how long was one supposed to immerse ones self in the icy depths? Ah well I would play it by ear....

First one foot, then the other, finally I managed to sit down, focus on my breathing and devour the rest of an energy bar I had started during our run. Goosebumps a plenty, I managed 7 minutes before the pain in my toes got the better of me - wondering if I had spent enough time in there for it to be of benefit - I pulled out the plug, turned on the hot tap followed by the cold until I had a luke warm mix to get washed in, hopefully not undoing the good that the cold water had done.

Result! Today my legs feel tip top! The 17 miles just a distant memory! Looking forward to tonight's speed and hills session at club.

I hope that I can now become a champion of the benefits of ice baths - time will tell, if I have the courage to partake further after next week's long run......