Fear not avid blog followers, I have not over exerted myself so much that I have keeled over. I have been very busy personally and professionally and have just been doing a couple of runs a week and a gym session if I'm lucky. Last week I did three runs, two with other people which felt really good, and one on my own which I really struggled with. But I seemed to completely mess up my pacing, doing 7 miles in one hour five minutes, so no wonder I felt a bit ropey at the end. It is still the mental aspect I'm struggling with most. Fighting boredom and the want to give up even though I'm perfectly capable of keeping running. I've been reading some running mags and looking more at doing a proper warm up to prepare both physically and mentally.
This week sees me set off on my wonderful skiing adventure returning, hopefully, with nothing worse than dented pride. Before then I will be squeezing in a gym session, probably tomorrow after work, and a run on Wednesday morning. I am really hoping to push for ten miles Wednesday as when I come back from skiing it's then only 2 weeks until the half marathon and 10 weeks until the real thing. It still seems a daunting task but I'm convinced we'll get there.
However, just a push about the fundraiser. Please please come and invite absolutely anyone who you pass in the street. Friday 25th March, 7.30pm til late, disco, chip shop supper, dessert and games for £10 per head. Bargain and a great cause. However, the thing that will make it great is having friends, family, supporters, and anyone else who wants to part with a crisp ten pound note in exchange for a shiny ticket :)
Monday, 28 February 2011
Monday, 14 February 2011
The Fundraiser
Breaking news! Teresa and Sue have just announced details of their forthcoming fundraiser to be held on Friday 25th March.
It will be a disco type event with chip shop supper and dessert table to be held in the clubhouse at AFC Sudbury. There will also be some extra fun and games on the night, and we promise you will have a good giggle. Tickets are £10 ('is that all?' I hear you cry) and can be bought directly from myself or Teresa or from the club shop on match days at AFC Sudbury. All the money raised will go towards the work of Ormiston.
If you can't make the event there will be plenty of other opportunities to support us financially, don't worry! (But even if you're not in a position to support financially we appreciate any moral support you can offer too).
So I haven't blogged for a few days. Probably because I also haven't trained for a few days. I went out for a run on Saturday morning, intending to do about 10miles. After a mile I stopped and just had a look around at the countryside and my head/ heart just wasn't in it. Ended up doing 2.5miles and heading home with my tail between my legs. (Obviously I don't actually have a tail, just speaking metaphorically :S).
This isn't just a training thing. I've generally just lacked motivation for anything in the last few weeks but this has had a knock on effect to running. This morning I hit snooze instead of going to the gym but for the first time I actually cut myself some slack and didn't feel guilty for the rest of the day. I do know that I need to get back on the wagon sooner rather than later though so the plan is: tomorrow, gym after work, Wednesday again, gym after work, Thursday, run with Teresa, Friday morning probably swim. We'll see how I go with sticking to that before planning any further ahead.
It will be a disco type event with chip shop supper and dessert table to be held in the clubhouse at AFC Sudbury. There will also be some extra fun and games on the night, and we promise you will have a good giggle. Tickets are £10 ('is that all?' I hear you cry) and can be bought directly from myself or Teresa or from the club shop on match days at AFC Sudbury. All the money raised will go towards the work of Ormiston.
If you can't make the event there will be plenty of other opportunities to support us financially, don't worry! (But even if you're not in a position to support financially we appreciate any moral support you can offer too).
So I haven't blogged for a few days. Probably because I also haven't trained for a few days. I went out for a run on Saturday morning, intending to do about 10miles. After a mile I stopped and just had a look around at the countryside and my head/ heart just wasn't in it. Ended up doing 2.5miles and heading home with my tail between my legs. (Obviously I don't actually have a tail, just speaking metaphorically :S).
This isn't just a training thing. I've generally just lacked motivation for anything in the last few weeks but this has had a knock on effect to running. This morning I hit snooze instead of going to the gym but for the first time I actually cut myself some slack and didn't feel guilty for the rest of the day. I do know that I need to get back on the wagon sooner rather than later though so the plan is: tomorrow, gym after work, Wednesday again, gym after work, Thursday, run with Teresa, Friday morning probably swim. We'll see how I go with sticking to that before planning any further ahead.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Yeah Baby!
Just a quick update. Today has been a good day. Spent last night with a lovely family in the country, great night's sleep, very refreshed. Went running in the woods with Veronica this morning, probably did about 20 minutes or so but really enjoyed it. It was quite spontaneous, relaxed and just lovely to have a change of scenery.
Ended up running with Teresa tonight, again fairly spontaneous, and plotted a route in my head around the town that I thought was about 4.5-5 miles. We talked most of the way round, it felt comfortable, enjoyed it. Got back, had been gone an hour and twenty minutes and wondered if we'd just been running really really slowly. Worked out the route on t'internet- 7 miles. Yeah baby! What a difference from yesterday. Maybe my body doesn't respond well to planned runs and needs more surprises?
So, if you happen to be passing my house at anytime feel free to call on me for a run, it seems to work! :)
Ended up running with Teresa tonight, again fairly spontaneous, and plotted a route in my head around the town that I thought was about 4.5-5 miles. We talked most of the way round, it felt comfortable, enjoyed it. Got back, had been gone an hour and twenty minutes and wondered if we'd just been running really really slowly. Worked out the route on t'internet- 7 miles. Yeah baby! What a difference from yesterday. Maybe my body doesn't respond well to planned runs and needs more surprises?
So, if you happen to be passing my house at anytime feel free to call on me for a run, it seems to work! :)
Monday, 7 February 2011
Down the Rabbit Hole...
So this weekend I finally found an hour or so to dust off my sport psychology research. I'd forgotten what a minefield it all is. It doesn't fit into neat categories but all the theories interlink with other theories. It really is like going down the rabbit hole and my revision is going to take longer than planned!
Initially I have looked at some studies I have on mental strategies in endurance events and will be adopting some associative strategies during training and the race. Essentially this means associating with my body by focusing on pacing, breathing, technique, positive self-talk etc for the majority of the time rather than using disassociation (basically distracting myself from the pain/ sensations of running by counting sheep, looking at the scenery, planning what I'm going to have for lunch etc). Apart from decreasing the risk of injury in training and the race I can't remember why this is good but the studies were pretty scientifically sound and used both elite and non-elite subjects so we're going with it!
Other things I'm starting to look back into are achievement goal theory, motivational climate and attribution theory which are mainly going to help in the training process by setting realistic goals, and creating an environment which encourages and measures success by personal improvement rather than by comparison to others. Which I am very prone to. So, for me, this is really interesting and it's great to get back to study and use my degree for something other than adorning my bedroom wall.
So that's the mental stuff covered. Physically I am really really tired. Like pit-of-the-stomach exhausted. I definitely overdid the exercise last week and didn't really have a proper rest. Because of my tendency to just spiral out of control with my eating on rest days, I'm a little nervous about having them in case one rest day turns into two then three etc. We did run on Friday, about 6.7 miles, and I gymmed on Saturday and just did a bit of walking Sunday but was so busy I didn't really rest. This morning I did get up and go running (5 miles) but it was really really hard work today and there was just nothing in the tank. I'm still glad I went but I think in order to start clocking up the miles I need to schedule a rest day in before a running day so that I am refreshed enough to enjoy it and not just plod round.
So, on that note here's the schedule for the next few days- gym/ run tomorrow, swim Wednesday, circuits Thursday. Yep, I've really learnt my lesson. I think I might rest Friday then try a decent length run on Saturday morning i.e. 7.5miles + (Maybe even 10 if I'm feeling really enthusiastic but that is doubtful). Also am going to push to lose a little bit more weight in the next few weeks. The further I'm running the less I want to carry really! Mmm, lettuce and dust. Yummy.
Initially I have looked at some studies I have on mental strategies in endurance events and will be adopting some associative strategies during training and the race. Essentially this means associating with my body by focusing on pacing, breathing, technique, positive self-talk etc for the majority of the time rather than using disassociation (basically distracting myself from the pain/ sensations of running by counting sheep, looking at the scenery, planning what I'm going to have for lunch etc). Apart from decreasing the risk of injury in training and the race I can't remember why this is good but the studies were pretty scientifically sound and used both elite and non-elite subjects so we're going with it!
Other things I'm starting to look back into are achievement goal theory, motivational climate and attribution theory which are mainly going to help in the training process by setting realistic goals, and creating an environment which encourages and measures success by personal improvement rather than by comparison to others. Which I am very prone to. So, for me, this is really interesting and it's great to get back to study and use my degree for something other than adorning my bedroom wall.
So that's the mental stuff covered. Physically I am really really tired. Like pit-of-the-stomach exhausted. I definitely overdid the exercise last week and didn't really have a proper rest. Because of my tendency to just spiral out of control with my eating on rest days, I'm a little nervous about having them in case one rest day turns into two then three etc. We did run on Friday, about 6.7 miles, and I gymmed on Saturday and just did a bit of walking Sunday but was so busy I didn't really rest. This morning I did get up and go running (5 miles) but it was really really hard work today and there was just nothing in the tank. I'm still glad I went but I think in order to start clocking up the miles I need to schedule a rest day in before a running day so that I am refreshed enough to enjoy it and not just plod round.
So, on that note here's the schedule for the next few days- gym/ run tomorrow, swim Wednesday, circuits Thursday. Yep, I've really learnt my lesson. I think I might rest Friday then try a decent length run on Saturday morning i.e. 7.5miles + (Maybe even 10 if I'm feeling really enthusiastic but that is doubtful). Also am going to push to lose a little bit more weight in the next few weeks. The further I'm running the less I want to carry really! Mmm, lettuce and dust. Yummy.
Friday, 4 February 2011
Just keep swimming...
So I've had a bit of a chunky monkey week (and I'm not talking Ben & Jerry's for once). I've actually behaved myself and have been doing everything right in terms of training but I just feel like a chunky monkey. But it's times like this you just have to know that the hard work will pay off and 'just keep swimming' as Dorey would say.
I'm very very enthusiastic about my new gym programme and am looking forward to getting in there again Sunday and playing. We've thrown in a few things like assisted chin ups which I can't help but grin/ laugh all the way through. Doesn't really help me with keeping a low profile while I'm working out. The worst bit is that being the start of the year every time is peak time at the moment and I hate having to wait for equipment to be free. Patience is not a virtue I possess while exercising. Get in, work out, get out. So as much as it's great that people are changing their lifestyle etc and on here I have been championing that cause and encouraging everyone to make those small changes, on a selfish note I'll be happier when those new years' resolutions start to fall by the wayside...
I also went to the revamped circuits session last night. It's been all change since Christmas and if I thought the pre-Christmas programme was challenging...this is an absolute beast. Spinning, every squat imaginable, burpies, bunny hops, lots of arm weights, side plank- plank- side plank, cycle abs, pulses. Then when we'd done our four circuits of everything our instructor decided to finish us off with some jumping and boxing. Thanks for that :-/ However, having said all that I will be going again next week. No pain no gain :)
Pretty tired today. But good tired from having done something. Still looking forward to the run after work in my brand new running shoes :) Went to a superb triathlon shop in Colchester last night called 53-12 (bit of free publicity for you there!) and the guy analysed my gait etc then sold me some expensive shoes. Again, thanks. I already knew I pronated. But didn't realise that I 'lilt' (I think that was the term he used) on my right side and also I bring my right foot out and round and splay my foot. So as much as I appreciate the analysis and the advice regarding a good pair of running shoes I am now very aware that I run like a freak. Again, my efforts to keep a low profile while exercising were delivered a heavy blow.
Next few days. Hmm. Think I might swim tomorrow morning then devote a few hours to some sport psychology study and get some kind of strategy/ training scheme down on paper. Sunday will be gym day, Monday will be a run unless it's still blowing a gale, in which case I'll swap for Davina. I think by Tuesday I'll have earned a rest.
Happy weekend everyone :)
I'm very very enthusiastic about my new gym programme and am looking forward to getting in there again Sunday and playing. We've thrown in a few things like assisted chin ups which I can't help but grin/ laugh all the way through. Doesn't really help me with keeping a low profile while I'm working out. The worst bit is that being the start of the year every time is peak time at the moment and I hate having to wait for equipment to be free. Patience is not a virtue I possess while exercising. Get in, work out, get out. So as much as it's great that people are changing their lifestyle etc and on here I have been championing that cause and encouraging everyone to make those small changes, on a selfish note I'll be happier when those new years' resolutions start to fall by the wayside...
I also went to the revamped circuits session last night. It's been all change since Christmas and if I thought the pre-Christmas programme was challenging...this is an absolute beast. Spinning, every squat imaginable, burpies, bunny hops, lots of arm weights, side plank- plank- side plank, cycle abs, pulses. Then when we'd done our four circuits of everything our instructor decided to finish us off with some jumping and boxing. Thanks for that :-/ However, having said all that I will be going again next week. No pain no gain :)
Pretty tired today. But good tired from having done something. Still looking forward to the run after work in my brand new running shoes :) Went to a superb triathlon shop in Colchester last night called 53-12 (bit of free publicity for you there!) and the guy analysed my gait etc then sold me some expensive shoes. Again, thanks. I already knew I pronated. But didn't realise that I 'lilt' (I think that was the term he used) on my right side and also I bring my right foot out and round and splay my foot. So as much as I appreciate the analysis and the advice regarding a good pair of running shoes I am now very aware that I run like a freak. Again, my efforts to keep a low profile while exercising were delivered a heavy blow.
Next few days. Hmm. Think I might swim tomorrow morning then devote a few hours to some sport psychology study and get some kind of strategy/ training scheme down on paper. Sunday will be gym day, Monday will be a run unless it's still blowing a gale, in which case I'll swap for Davina. I think by Tuesday I'll have earned a rest.
Happy weekend everyone :)
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
GI Sue
So I finally made it to a bodycombat class last night. Brilliant! Hig energy, used a lot of muscles I didn't know existed, they turned the lights off so no-one could see that I was in fact doing a completely different move to everyone else...
I can't normally make the Tuesday session because of footie but as there are two other sessions a week I'm pretty sure I can fit it into my schedule! I did also make it to the gym on Monday night but I got so frustrated with the blessed new machines again that I did about an hour and then cut it short before I got in a bigger huff or cried. I have got my programme review thing tonight so hopefully once I am set up on that I will be raring to go and will no longer feel the need to scowl so ferociously while working out.
I very much looking forward to running on Friday and hoping we will make about 8 miles. I know we can do that distance, although I'm also sure that after a week at work my body may think otherwise.
I've not achieved the whole balance thing again yet in terms of food. I ate cake before 9am yesterday (was truly amazing though) but now that the exercise is getting back in check that will fall into place. I'm thinking that I might gve the mini-eggs a miss today, and also that I might hand out my photo to all local shops and ask them not to sell me chocolate, no matter how much I plead.
Well, I'm off to practise my right hook...Ciao!
I can't normally make the Tuesday session because of footie but as there are two other sessions a week I'm pretty sure I can fit it into my schedule! I did also make it to the gym on Monday night but I got so frustrated with the blessed new machines again that I did about an hour and then cut it short before I got in a bigger huff or cried. I have got my programme review thing tonight so hopefully once I am set up on that I will be raring to go and will no longer feel the need to scowl so ferociously while working out.
I very much looking forward to running on Friday and hoping we will make about 8 miles. I know we can do that distance, although I'm also sure that after a week at work my body may think otherwise.
I've not achieved the whole balance thing again yet in terms of food. I ate cake before 9am yesterday (was truly amazing though) but now that the exercise is getting back in check that will fall into place. I'm thinking that I might gve the mini-eggs a miss today, and also that I might hand out my photo to all local shops and ask them not to sell me chocolate, no matter how much I plead.
Well, I'm off to practise my right hook...Ciao!
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