Medal update

Paris to Paris

#16 Paris

12th April 2016
3:53:06

A return to the city of my first marathon exactly 1 year ago, and a stonking twenty-one minutes thirty-one seconds course best.

Having now over the last year gotten myself totally involved and engrossed in the Paris Marathon thread over on the Runners World forum I'd decided to throw myself into every social opportunity over the weekend, meet up with as many people as possible and have a generally awesome time. The marathon itself was almost secondary to the experience.

Friday
Eurostar- met the first couple of runners here in departures. I was wearing my 'club' shirt so they were able to recognise me.
Expo, bib collection, met two runners here for a long chat.
We left them there and took a walk to the Eiffel Tower and sat in the sun on the Champs de Mars for a bit.
Went back to the apartment to cook up some tea and chill for the rest of the evening.

Aw cute

Saturday
Metro (RER) to l'Arc de Triomph for group meet up. A good turn out.
Breakfast Run in the sunshine,
Ate croissants and pain au chocolat with a few of the gang,

Breakfast run- RHS I'm the Jack-with-a-stool flag and red headed Phil

Mid afternoon Metro to Franklin. D Roosvelt for meet up and cinema,
Then a walk around the corner for first big meet up, photo, and on into restaurant for pasta and pizzas.
Swift metro home and early to bed.

Group meet up before pasta

Sunday
An early rise and back onto the RER this time.
Big meet up at l'Arc, lots of chatting, group photo, then waiting in the sunshine until it was time to head towards the pens.
Quick pee between some cars in a side street, then on into the crowds for a little dance to the blaring music while we waited for our turn to cross that line.

Big group meet up before THE race 

Race report
The race for me, with the slight downhill and the pace those around me took off from the pen I started out at the faster end of what I'd planned and kept that average pace quite well. Checking my data on Nike+, heart rate was spot on, up to 170bpm by 5miles and rising to 180bpm in the final few km.
It was obvious from the off it was going to be a hot one, and only getting hotter. I'd say I managed my hydration, electrolytes, fuelling and caffeine pretty spot on. Visor+headband+water as I'd used before on races for cooling was working a treat. Kit all good. Got some friendly remarks about the phrase on the back of the vest "Where the Foch is the finish?" As I'm sure nearly everyone running would have gotten the joke. (They're fools if they didn't)
Waved furiously at the minion support team which had claimed a fountain at around 8km and were waving their flags from there.
Enjoyed the first park- the Bois the Vincennes, bit of shade from the trees, and I'm always looking fwd to dropping down beside the Sienne for that stretch of the course,
My watch flipped out in the disco tunnel and added a whole mile on, throwing my average pace. Looking back I should have stopped my watch and started a new run so as to keep reasonable tabs on average pace. We don't think straight while out there do we eh. I also had a second watch just doing stopwatch function, but had forgotten my pace band. Disorganised!
Calf tightened a bit at 12 miles, I took a bottle of water from the next aid station, but at just past the halfway mats Phil was on the course on supporter duty. He'd been briefed to do his best to get a Powerade to me- we did the perfect baton pass to exchange drinks.
Calf continued to tighten thereafter, but I know my rhs has it's issues due to my lower back, piriformis etc so knew what the cause was. I was fearful I'd be limping by 18miles, but it didn't get much worse and as my form dropped me more onto my heels from 20miles or so it stopped hurting and didn't flare again, while running anyway.
Didn't really have any speed in me for a fast finish, which is unusual, but I blame my 'training', the heat and a cold I'd had in the last week.
I didn't really look at my watch much after 20miles which is a bit of a shame as time wise I was a meagre 19 seconds over my PB time-- though saying that I am very happy indeed to think I have the same ability in me as 6months ago with only intermittent bouts of non-specific running since then.

First time back to a single day marathon course and totally different experience though I loved them both. So great to finally complete a year of (30?) races; feels as though the loop is complete and now I'm getting psyched up and raring to go start the next one.

Post race
Burgers with a few and a good start to the unravelling of race stories.
Pub, with brownie and shortbread nibbles, lots of runners, some I hadn't met before, some partners/accopnices, some beers, some silliness, kilts, stories of highs, lows, PBs and future plans.
There were cute/humorous awards given out. I was awarded "Most marathons run in a year" which really should have gone to the person giving it to me but I am very grateful for and it will help keep me motivated.

A few of the 'club' in the pub

I am massively appreciative to all the runners, supporters, lurking posters, sofa-stalkers, pub goers, grub goers, flag wavers, meet up organisers who made the weekend so special for everyone in the group and I really REALLY enjoyed every minute of it and am looking fwd to next year!

#15 Hugin Challenge

22nd February 2015
5:12:28

Note to self: don't plan to run an epic-ly awesome hilly trail marathon and then run anything the next day, especially not another marathon.

Had a lousy (pathetic) and incredibly painful 5 hours of hobble-jog-faff-walk-shuffle yesterday with pretty views and copious amounts of cake and jammy-dodgers.

I really shouldn't have run more than a couple of miles after the leg burner yesterterday- it was a 'challenge course' of 3-and-a-bit mile loops you could complete as few or as many as you wished in a 6 hour period. But I'm too stubborn and completed 8 laps for 26.4 miles in a painfully slow 5hours12- my slowest time by far for a 'decent surface' marathon.

Laps 1 and 2 went ok. I was plodding long at a steady speed. Hungry and tried to stay savory with Ritz crackers and water.

Lap 3 I started walking top of the big hill. Took a quick #1 break at the aid station. Moved into jammy dodger territory.

Lap 4 I walked quite intermittently. Stopped at the top o f the hill to stretch my QL using a gate to hang off. Wind picking up now at the far end of the loop. Jelly babies at the aid station from here on.

I rang the boyf on lap 5 and made him talk to me on speaker.... he was nice about it. So while I had my phone I took some snaps of the views on the loop. I was walking quite a bit now.

White cliffs in the distance

The National Trust: Pegwell Bay 

The Hugin ship

Cliffsend sign

Lap 6, pretty brutal, everything hurt. lots of run-walk. Wind getting ever stronger and becoming a
nuisance. At least the kite surfers were enjoying it (jealous).

Laps 7 and 8, really wanting to just run and get it finished. Ran as much of each loop as I could and did find an extra gear for the home straight but it was nothing which could be described as fast.

The epic goody bag and giant 'Hugin' Medal

Full credit to Travis and Rachel, and all their team of helpers from handing out hair bands we wore on our wrists to count laps, manning the picnic *ahem* aid station and always cheerful and encouraging. 

#14 Trailscape's Rail to Trail, West - Wendover

21st February 2015
5:50:51

Was naughty at the weekend and decided as I'd paid up for both events, to go to the Trailscape event on Saturday knowing I could drop at half way, and then go to the Hugin on Sunday knowing I could drop at any 5k interval if I needed to.

Anyhoo- had an total ball on Saturday and did the full route in the snow, forests, loam, slop, slodge and sunshine. Barely any Tarmac- brilliance in route planning, wet feet, tripped over a tree root, took a gazillion photos and ate about a half a kilogram of Haribo gummy rings. Sunshine, glute busting ascents, quad mashing descents and the most awesomely epic views. Absolutely loved it!

Honest, best fun I've had all year.

Sudden snow on the M25 on the way there. Boyf asks, should we turn around?

Conditions a bit unusual as no snow(or any wet) forecast, expecting sun and about 5degrees with a bit of a breeze.

Took a gazillion photos because phone was on the mandatory kit list, and I got a bit carried away. This is just a selection. Most of them are fuzzy because I didn't stop to take them, or check them.

Snow making the forest all pretty.

The sun did play ball and was a real mood lifter.

About 5 miles in, trying to keep feet dry

About 8 miles in, embracing the mud and getting the f on with it.

The back of the 10k race just started.

Some signage and tape

Epic view

Loved the quotes, "Blisters are in this season."

Signage was awesome. X sign ahead prompts to look for arrow.

Some enormous house

Really quite near the finish now.

Insane view

Piri-piri

UPDATE
I'd been struggling since the last double with what started as pains either side of my calf and had my sports massage guy listing scary injuries as possibilities, but none of my symptoms really quite matching. I was having weird shooty-needle pains up the outside of my lower right leg, when walking, as the heel comes to the ground. Worse downhill. He was most sure it was a soleus strain or compartment damage because the pain was so localised to my calf and gave me some stretches to do over the next two weeks saying one would hurt and then we'd know what the issue was.
Anyhoo, I did the stretches and nothing hurt, but the shooty pains were still there. About 10 days later, still unable to walk properly, I was resting up on the sofa and my back, bum and whole right leg was aching terribly which developed more specifically to my piriformis going into spasm. (or at least that's what it felt like). I commenced piri stretches twice a day and things eased off in a matter of days! Hurrah!

I was feeling great from the Sunday 2 weeks after the double (, also 2 weeks before the next) but like a good girl I acted on the advice of my sports massage guy and kept stretching, icing and resting. I missed the Wokingham Half marathon, something I signed up to 18months ago but was cancelled last year due to flooding on the course. It just wasn't meant to be. I went as personal supporter to Phil who beat my PB by 45 seconds..... Grrr. I'm proud obviously.
In total I had 3 weeks off running completely, and then a (difficult) 3 mile and 6 mile before my next adventure! 

#13 Viking Coastal Day 2

25th January 2015
4:10:23

Ran most of it with E,
Phil joined us for the second half,
Wind was still quite strong but not half as bad as yesterday.

Double medalling

BCRC girlies

I'd literally just fallen over the line so I look like death.

A less noticeable headwind-tailwind pace difference, I guess I spent a bit more time at the aid station than before.
Super 'kick' at the end.

#12 Viking Coastal Day 1

24th January 2015
4:12:16

Bluewater Friday night, met up with L who'd travelled in from Dawlish. Bit of Pret, browsing the sports shops and Pizza Hut tea (no cheese).

Forecast
19 gusting 29mph
Highs of 6degrees (plus windchill)
Sunny

Course
4x out then back, very flat, very straight, mainly (old) Tarmac with some of it off-camber.
The usual awesome aid station.

What to say.....
Similar to Martello a strong headwind on the outward leg towards Reculver Towers, glad of full jacket, buff and hat/headband combo.
I ran as slowly as I could really, I was aiming for 4.25-30 as I was slightly over 9h for my first double in December. I'm quite well wind-trained after Martello, my legs are getting strong with the strength training, and it does feel similar to running uphill. I say I was running as slowly as I could as weirdly any slower just felt like being blown backwards.
Once I turned around at the far end (gate) the wind was enough to catch in my lower back and push me along.

I love on this chart how you can see the headwind-tailwind pace for each of the 4 laps.

Anyhoo......
My pace was steady. A little over 6'00"/km on average including breaks at the aid station each 'lap'.
I'd found some space and was running on my own, naturally seeing runners coming the other way and occasionally passing/being passed.
I saved my iPod until the third outward leg, the beach was beautiful, the sun came out, and an awesome first song came on. I got such a kick. I don't remember what the song was- I should sync and check iTunes to find out, but I was miming and dancing my way along the path for a while. I was beaming after that and either it was contagious or other runners were a bit happier now too. I was mouthing along, singing aloud in some places I didn't care and it felt so good.

I kept a reasonably consistent pace, I wanted to not trash my legs so I could a) run happy tomorrow, and b) get some proper training runs in ASAP as Paris training has been hindered somewhat by all these marathons.
A slight increase on the final lap and I brought my average down just a little bit to 5'55"



Fuelling
Strategy: OTT fuelling and early to help protect carb supplies for tomorrow and promote some recovery
3x shot bloks at the far end of the first 3 laps
Sweeties at the aid station.
I'd put a Lucozade sport there (didn't bother with it much) and a Powerade (gave myself brain freeze it was that cold when I gulped it down. Ow. )

Clothing
Flyknits
Brand new socks (lush for the feeties)
Nike winter tights
Nike LS high neck wool
Reebok LS high neck thick jersey
Taped seam wind/water proof jacket
Buff
Thin hat + fleece headband

#11 Martello

11th January 2015
4:27:53

Saturday inland had been wiiiindy, heavy showers at times and pretty grim overall. I'd been back runner for the school's cross country event. On the coast had been yucky wet, gale force and even hail.

The Sunday marathon was set to be sunny, dry, and probably less wind.

Got greeted by E at number collection, had an inkling she would be there after spotting a Facebook post relating to doubling in Kent.

The previous Sunday I'd run a very slow 15 and suffered fudged legs for days afterwards so was planning to take things easy.

First outward leg- into the wind. I dropped behind a group going about the right speed and used them as shelter. I walked a little at the turnaround.
First return leg- feeling a bit better, taking a few walk breaks, legs happy. Caught up with E and two buddies after she'd nipped behind the sea wall :o stayed with them and chatted. Run-walking.
Second outward- stayed with the group, enjoying the company and conversation. One dropped back so three of us continued. Again run-walking.
Second return- same.
Third outward- R stayed a little longer at the aid station so it was just me and E. Wind was really picking up but it was /just/ still quicker to run than power walk.
Third return- we picked up some speed.

Fourth outward- I took some cake at the aid station but really I shouldn't. E pushed us on into the howling treacle. She suggested running to halfway up and reassessing, at halfway, the question, "do you need to walk?" I was ready to walk, but did I /need/ to walk? No. So onwards we ran. I was zoned out a bit by the end- I though I was watching for the chalk marking the turnaround, but I missed it and E shouted me back- I laughed- ironic to miss the thing you're desperately waiting for.
Return and final leg- we pushed the pace. And pushed it again. And again. We are well matched runners even down to stride length and cadence. This was our fastest 10k, with an insanely fast last 2k (4'50"?/km) and a top speed of 4'08/km- threshold pace.

4'27" and a hug from Traviss.

Such a buzz.
I'm still buzzing two days later.
Company in the second half really helps. And a fast finish just feeeeels soooo gooood.

Love the medal. Great detailing, enamelling and turquoise ribbon.
Good goody bag. Chocolate appreciated.
I had to get changed pretty pronto-too cold. Then had the chicken wrap Phil had made me, and scoffed some more cake while chatting to a few people inc Rob- "MarathonMan" before heading for home.

I made myself an awesome Monday breakfast with the Cadbury Caramel Buttons.:

#10 Flitch Way

New Years Eve 2014
4:50:50

Visiting family and travelling I'd forgotten to think about how I was eating. Food in days before consisted of chocolateageddon, fudge and KFC. Managed to eat some sweet potatoes the night before but probably was too little too late. It doesn't help that I've put on some 'holiday weight' either.

Ground conditions- solid ice and frozen mud- the kind of mud that has been churned up by bikes and horses to form peaks like whipped cream cheese frosting on a birthday cake.... But is now so solid it's like running on granite or marble and was an experience to run on something so unforgiving and hard. Ow my knees. Ow my feet.
The start was treacherous as crowds of us stormed down the track not seeing the huge patches of ice between the mass of bodies.
Some areas had thawed and were soppingly squelchy and took a great deal of care to dodge through.
Between 11 and 15miles the ground was good. Compacted gravel, quite level.
Then back onto the mud and frozen stuff. My feet were agony by 40k due to the hard ground, and I'd begun to walk on-and-off. The warmest part of the day had been and gone and I was quite tired and had started suffering the cold, shivering in my jacket and hat, hands getting cold for the first time. Whimpering. I didn't feel too well tbh.

Aid stations awesome. Volunteers so cheery and fantastic selection and volume of snacks, sweeties and drinks. Minor criticism was the spacing of the aid stations 5miles, 11miles, 13miles, 15miles then an age back to 21miles and another loooong trek to the finish. At the finish there was a small jug of water but only 4cups which runners were sharing round. No thank-you do I want people's winter germs at the end of a long run!

Gear- Inov8 Roclites- ideal for conditions as the icy mud was like rock. Taped seam jacket- good, not too sweaty, keeps the chill off. Thin hat- glad I had it, probably best option for cold-hot-cold conditions.

Fuelling- handful of Haribo at each aid station, and cola at the later ones too.

Pacing- did the first 6miles or so at a very leisurely 7mins/km and the ramped things up a bit after that but only to around 6mins/km which is still very comfortable. When feet started giving me grief near the end was when my pace suffered.

Body- hamstring/glute first area to feel tiredness. Must strengthen this in gym. Feet painful (aching) but blister-free- taping is working. Right ankle taped for support was fine, applying the tape I maybe was a bit rough and upset things a bit, but running on it was fine, I was being cautious with that foot in particular over rough ground but nothing to report. Post race some tightness above knees, more so on rhs, in lower ITB area.

Course- out and back mainly along an old railway line. Most of the time easy to follow. Though on the outward leg there were at least 3 occasions where we saw other runners had missed the tape and were running off in the wrong direction! They were called back.

Finish- the race director clearly thought his idea for the finish was funny but I assure you after slogging out 26.2 miles in the freezing cold, ice and mud the last thing runners want to do is hill sprint up a muddy bank to touch a monument. (Or hobble back down it afterwards). And no it didn't spread us out so your marshals could take down our numbers more easily.



Medal very nice, bit smaller than I'd expected from the photos, but clever non the less and good quality. Nice shirt, bit big in a size small, but again good quality. I think I will wear it to the gym.

Ticket inspired medal