If you have found yourself hungry for some more race bling, or are thinking about trying out a 10K distance, I recommend registering for Women’s Running Magazine’s 10K race series. As a race ambassador, I have happy to share my discount code with you below. It is valid for any race and there are training plans provided to get your ready for the start line.
I have to admit, the thing I am most excited about is that I am also leading the warm up at the Milton Keynes race on Sunday 3rd July. This is a huge opportunity for me as I will be able to meet so many women on their fitness journey to health and happiness. If you see me there, please do say hello.
Soon I will have a video or two up to help you with your training for the race. If there is anything in particular you want to know, whether it be about training, kit, fuelling, or race day, please leave a message below and I will do my best to answer you.
On Wednesday, I accidentally ran a marathon. Accidentally probably isn’t the right word. Maybe unexpectedly is more appropriate? My friend, Lucy, (we ran Mill Hill Marathon together) and I set out to take part in Saxons, Vikings, and Normans (SVN) Cookie-a-Thon. The course was a 5.36 mile loop with lots of cookies in between each lap. I had 6 miles to do according to my Berlin marathon training plan from Hal Higdon. Lucy had been toying with the idea of running 100 marathons but wasn’t planning on it when the starting bell went off. We decided we were aiming for a half marathon and then would see how we feel.
It was an early start for both Lucy and I as the race was in Challock, Kent. We both left our homes by 6am and she picked me up from the Ebbsfleet International train station. I didn’t fuel properly in the days leading up to the race and didn’t get much sleep the night before so I was unsure how I would feel on the day. I did 90 of spinning both Monday and Tuesday nights meaning I wasn’t physically rested either. I was also worried about injury. If my Achilles tendinitis, plantar facisitis, or periformis pains started acting up again, I would be really cross with myself.
But the gang at SVN are so incredibly friendly it is hard not to have a good time when you are at one of their events (we had previously attended their Unusual Suspects challenge in February). We had a late start due to the toilet queue but set out on the trails only a few minutes late. We weren’t worried though because the time limit was eight hours. I found the course to be hilly (1500+ feet elevation change according to Strava). There were some bits in the sun and some in the shaded wood which was nice. The weather was a bit funny, as half the time it was raining and the other half the sun was out.
Bit of the course through the Forestry Commission park we ran in.
We aimed to run the first two laps and would then use a walk/run strategy if we were going to continue. Lucy’s stomach was bothering her so we did walk a little bit on the first two laps. For the next lap, we decided to walk uphills. We didn’t stick to a specific time or distance interval when breaking up the final three laps between walking and running. We listened to our bodies and tried to get around. Many of the participants were doing the same and we had a good chat with them too. Lucy learned what ‘Quest for the Vest’ is and declared she is out to be part of the 100 marathon club.
So many cookies!
Part of the Cookie-A-Thon was runners bringing in cookies. Awards were given out for best cookie, best cookie with peanut butter cookie, best vegan cookie and best cookie with chocolate. The SVN community is very inclusive. Everyone on the trails is friendly and encouraging other runners as they pass. There are many smiling volunteers supporting the event and Travis, the co-founder & chairman of 100 Marathon Club, walked the route backwards and chatted with each runner as they went passed.
It was an amazing feeling as we set off on our last lap because we knew we were going to have completed another marathon. We took inspiration from Lucy’s daughter, who isn’t a runner, yet managed 15 miles at the Unusual Suspects event. It gets to the point in the ‘race’ (not the best word in this case due the to community-feel that is more akin to parkrun) where it is more mental. When you take away the pressure to run all 26.2 miles and you don’t have masses of people passing you, it is very freeing. It was my 3rd marathon and Lucy’s 9th. The bling is amazing (so heavy I couldn’t wear it while I was stretching out). We spent a lot of time stretching after we finished and talking to some of the people who ran ultras that day. I was a bit stiff that evening but today my legs felt alright.
Check out the bling!
I must still be delirious because I signed up to run the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2017 with Plantlife today. Instead of running 100 marathons, I am aiming to run the World Marathon Majors courses (I have always wanted to do a race in every state and as many countries as possible. I have a long ways to go).
If you love running, and eating, I highly recommend you become involved with the SVN community. You will not regret it.
If you have run any of the Major races, please leave a comment below with your favourite memories of the race. I have Berlin in September and will need to work on the rest in 2017 and beyond.
School holidays are rapidly approaching. If you are headed to London, here are some ideas on how to stay active during your trip.
Up at the O2– Thanks to Simply Health, my husband and I were recently invited to climb the O2 Arena in Greenwich. It isn’t for the faint-hearted, although there are many safety precautions put into place. The ascent is 28 degree climb, while the decent is even steeper- 30 degrees! You are given trainers with good grip and are locked on to a wire, so you can’t fall off or knock too many people over.
Ready to climb on s sunny day
Photos before the climb starts
Capturing the view
My descent
James and I went on a sunny day down to Greenwich. The entire experience takes about 90 minutes as there is a safety briefing, each visitor is then given proper shoes and climbing gear, and then there is a 10 min break once you reach the top of the O2. James and I climbed the O2 three years ago but it was a cloudy day, thus making the view unimpressive at the time. We had gorgeous weather this visit around, but a new hotel and flat tower now block the views across the river to Canary Wharf.
I walked about 22,819 steps that day with climbing the O2 after parkrun (see next point) in the morning, burned 2,673 calories, and had 118 active minutes according to my Fitbit Flex. Even though I have been running and riding a bit more lately, I still felt an increased heart rate during the climb (stairs always get me, so this is no surprise). As you are strapped onto a safety cable, the whole group has to stay together because no one can pass each other. There is no pressure to rush as people are enjoying the view with every step. Unfortunately, it isn’t something I can afford to do every day, but between Up at O2 and parkrun I walked many more steps that day than I usually do (I aim for 10,000. 14,000 if I want Bounts points).
parkrun-Admittedly, I only started going to parkrun when we moved to Forest Gate as there weren’t any locations close to our previous two flats. I am happy to say I even have turned James into a regular attendee (I think he has been more times than me). It is a free timed run on a Saturday morning, not a race as everyone is a finisher. You can find a one here on a global map if you are not based in London as there are several international locations. If you are visiting London, it is a good way to meet the locals and discover a new park while sweating a bit too.
Oliver, one of the kids at my parktun
#Stancerun = socks + run
East London art run with Stance– True, this evening itself was a one off, but you can reach out to Alternative London to arrange another street art running tour. Stance socks launched their European Street Art (#Stancerun) tour last week. We were treated to a four mile run around East London (follow me of Strava and you should be able to see the route). We stopped often to learn about the art work and the artists behind them. It was amazing to me that the art ranged from Banksy in Tower Hamlets to miniatures on pieces of gum by Ben Wilson, to huge black & white murals by Phlegm, to bronze statues atop light poles by Jonesy. Big thanks to Gary, our tour guide, for spontaneously adding in a woman artist (can’t remember her name) to our route (wooden blocks on a lamp post) after I inquired about the lack of women street artists mentioned so far on the tour.
Wee bit of gum that is also art
After, we were able to watch a live street artist make a mural on Stance boxes and we were then able to take a box (aka a piece of the art) home. I have box #33. Stance socks are super comfy and range in design and functionality (I am going to find a pair of Olympic USA socks if it kills me!). They also have high-vis reflectors to keep you safe when running in low light conditions near cars.
Street artist making art for us to share
There are lots more active things in London to try if you visiting. I will post a part III in a few months. What attractions in London do you visit to keep active when travelling?
Last year was the inaugural North London Half. (You can read my review here.) It was perfect for me at the time as I lived 2 miles from the start in Mill Hill and had 17 miles to run in prep for Prague marathon. My husband and dog were at mile 11 to cheer me on too, which gave me a boost at the end.
I think most people found the start line in 2015 challenging to get to because this year the race started and ended in Wembley Stadium. I have moved house since, so it took me ages to get to the stadium (between disruptions and a super early start). Once I got there, I saw a few friendly faces (Miss Wheezy and Lauren) and dropped my stuff off in the media area. It was a pain to get to the room as it was deep in the stadium but it was interesting to walk through central command where all the organizer’s and safety services were monitoring the race.
The race started on time but was uphill for at least a mile (this came in handy at the end though). My goal was to finish in 2 hours so I started off pacing with a woman, Catherine, who I met in the press area and aiming to keep to 9 minute miles. Overall, the route was very similar to last year’s. There were some fans cheering at the stadium and near the Tube stations, as well as a few bands along the way, but most of the route was quiet. It was nice to have large roads to run on so it wasn’t too congested with runners. The route featured plenty of (heavily staffed with volunteers) water stations, loos, and Lucazade.
View of the start line as I exited the Tube station
At the halfway point, I stopped on the Allianz Park track for some photos so I finished up the race on my own. I just couldn’t catch up with Catherine! It was cool that at the track side there was a huge video screen that put your name up as you crossed over the timing mat. I missed my name, unfortunately, but love the idea!
Entering Allianz Park, the midway point
Names up on the big screen
Everyone who ran the race will agree the hill at mile 9.5-10.1 was the worst thing ever which I am naming Heartbreak Hill after the one in Boston Marathon. The next few miles were unremarkable as I was simply trying to keep on track with 9 minute miles. The last mile was downhill and I was cutting it close to my cut-off so I kicked it up a notch. I felt like I was close as I passed the Tube station and thought the end would be at the end of the Olympic Way. In doing this and not seeing an end in sight, I had to have a gel in the car park, less than 0.2 miles to the finish because I was about to hit the wall. We entered the stadium on the east end and finished on the turf in the stadium. Fans were allowed into the stadium to watch for free, so it was cool to see some folks sitting and watching (but I wish they were cheering more loudly). And I hit my goal with a finish time of 1:58:47!
Boom! Me and my new bling
After crossing the finish line and getting a million selfies inside the stadium, runners were corralled out and received a navy blue technical shirt, a great goody bag (last year’s had more chocolate) and a foil blankets. This was amazing as it was a bit cold, windy and a little rainy on the day. These blankets would have been a great idea last year!
I went back to media area where I met the 1st & 2nd place men’s winners who are on the Run Fast team and from Kenya. I asked them about the weather and the hills, they said the hills were similar to Kenya. They were really nice and I wish them the best with their running careers.
Trying to get a quick photo but we are too fast. Ha!
Before we knew what was coming. Photo by Owen Fern
My second marathon ended up being nearly six hours of running up and down hills, through smelly ankle deep mud, and around neighbourhoods in Totterirdge and Barnet. Trust me, I earned that medal!
I took a taxi to the start line, which gave me an hour to get organized. My co-worker, Lucy had signed up with me and we have been training together on our lunch breaks. I gave Lucy a gel before the race and packed 4 in my Fleetfoot 3 Max waist bag, along with my phone. I sipper my The Protein Works iSurge as pre- drink while I waited and just before we headed out the door, my Energy Bits. I tried the iSurge once before but at a more diluted concentration. I was worried it would be raise my heartbeat but I didn’t feel out of control (if that makes sense) at the recommended concentration. Overall, I averaged 1-2 gels per lap with Haribos and squash at check points. Somehow, we didn’t warm up properly as we were worried about what to wear and how challenging the course would be.
Here is a very brief recap of the race: Lap 1- Sunshine, laughter, and a quick realization that this was going to be a tough race. Hill climb within first 10 minutes on a small gravel path.
Ready, set, go! Photo by Owen Fern
Lap 2- My friend, Pattie, who lived locally, came and kept us company. We discussed running the Loch Ness Marathon for 2017. Unfortunately, Pattie could not be convinced to join us for lap 3
Lap 3- Lucy’s calves started hurting her and she got a stitch, so we slowed down. My left piriformis and hamstrings were starting to play up a bit too so I didn’t mind. It was a dark place mentally but we got out on the other side. James, his brother, and his brother’s girlfriend were at the check point with more gels and Lucozade. I didn’t plan very well and we needed some electrolyte replacement.
Lap 4- The last one brought us to a happy place mentally but Lucy still struggled with her calves. We met a stallion meters from the finish line who was checking out his new neighbourhood. Rather than a sprint finish, I had to stop to say hello so as to not spook him. Lucy did the same but then his trainer got a bit chatty. But we both finished in under 6 hours.
In the end, we endured. Probably one of the hardest races I will ever do, and it was lonely too. With only about 70 runners, we quickly spread out. The route was a lap without any hairpin turns to see oncoming runners. There were various signs marking the trail, but I got distracted by dogs twice and would have gotten lost if I was on my own. Luckily, Lucy was paying attention. We did get lost once while chatting with Pattie, which lead to a short detour in a residential area. This probably added a half mile to the 26.6 mile course. At one point , I was so delusional I considered aiming for 30 miles so I could call myself an ultra runner but I quickly came to my senses.
Thank you everyone for you tweets & well wishes. I finished just under 6 hours. It was muddy, hilly & beautiful pic.twitter.com/g5nPuSuuaQ
Thanks to my friends for braving the hail, snow, and rain to watch me run by once or twice: Jamie, Miranda, Matt, Pattie (she came back after a hot shower), James, Michael and Lee. The group of runners and organizer’s were smiling and friendly the entire day. This community spirit was fantastic. If they re-route the race to be flat next year, I might consider signing up. If you like trail running, I would definitely recommend this race. The first finisher crossed the finish line in 3:29 so it is not for the faint-hearted.
I was back to work the next day and am still struggling on stairs 2 days later. I have 2 spinning sessions his week and will volunteer at Park Run on Saturday. I will try to get a longer run on Sunday as the North London Half is not far off and I haven’t run much because of my cold (which still lingers). No rest for the weary.
Well this is it. My marathon is Sunday. And I have had a cold since two weekends ago. I woke up with cold, ran 12 miles to work and sniffled my way through the week. Friday, Lucy and I did a slow 4 miles in the sun as she has also been sick. Everyone is at work really, so I guess it was hard to avoid. We put in the miles and are not expecting any PB’s so if there is any race to get sick for, this is the one.
I was too sick to teach spin last week but gave it a go last night. Coughing and sniffling, of course. I have been using my resistance bands to help strengthen my glutes and hips, so not all has been lost. My left piriformis is still acting up but I don’t if this is from the extra resistance band exercises or something else. But I don’t have free time that aligns with my massage therapist. And now the right side has given some indication that it isn’t happy either. I must get more serious about strength training before Berlin! My only guess is that my piriformis is compensating for something that isn’t strong enough.
Not much to do this week but fuel and rest. My plan has me running 10 miles over 3 days but I am going to skip these. I am off also off Diet Coke and cookies this week. The plan is to keep this up through April as I have a photo shoot for new head shots and am not happy with how I look. When I did Whole30 while marathon training last year, I slimmed down. I am sure some of that was due to a reduction in bloating and lots down to not eating crap. I need to remember how strong and healthy I felt during that time and draw on that when I feel like eating something that isn’t good for me.
If I don’t stumble upon a London Marathon place, I start Ride London training in April and Berlin marathon training in May. It is going to be a busy year!
If you want to cheer me on or pace me for a lap, the Mill Hill Marathon is Sunday at 9.00am starting at Camdenians Sports Club. It is a fundraiser for Marie Curie so if you are impressed with how far I am running, feel free to donate on the organizer’s website here.
We are meant to wear yellow shirts, so I got my nails did. 🙂
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