Success!

I achieved my goal! I was targeting a time of under 2:50:00 and I finished in 02:42:10 chip time. In my previous race at the same location in December last year, I clocked 3:03:07, but the conditions were icy with temperatures below zero. This time, the weather was just right, not too hot or too cold.

Results: I placed 277th out of 289 overall, 99th out of 105 females, and 8th in the V50 category. Looking at these stats, it may seem like I didn't perform well, but just completing the race is a significant accomplishment.
There were pacers in the race, but the last one was at 2:20:00. I felt that having a pacer for a run/walk strategy might have been distracting. Having a chip is convenient as you don't have to worry about starting at the front.
I felt fatigued at the finish line, but I believe I could have pushed myself a bit harder. Considering I have to pull out of this race in April this year due to injury, I'm pleased with my result.
I experienced some knee pain and a slight discomfort in my butt – there's still lots I need to improve.
Now, I'm enjoying a well-deserved recovery week and contemplating my next steps.

      

#running #achievement #carsingtonwater #runthrough #halfmarathon

Peaking

Tomorrow is race day. I will be participating in the Run Through Carsington Water Half Marathon. I must admit, I am feeling a bit nervous. I have put in the hard work and completed the training, but I can't help but wonder if everything will go smoothly on the day.

The last time I was at Carsington Water, I was there to support my husband during his run. I had signed up for the race as well, but unfortunately, I had to sit it out due to a strained groin that made running painful. Since then, I have learned a great deal and focused on strength training and improving my hip mobility to prevent injuries. I feel more fit and strong now. Running has always been a challenge for me, but I can see definite improvements.

During my training, I have completed runs of 11 and 13 miles at paces of 13:29 and 13:40 per mile, respectively. My goal for the race is to maintain a pace of 13:00 per mile, aiming for a finish time of under 2 hours and 50 minutes. If I am unable to finish within this time, I will not progress to the next stage.

Today, I am resting and have been tapering my training this week. According to my Garmin Fenix 7S, I am at my peak and in optimal race condition.

I have prepared all my gear, packed water and snacks, and taken precautions to prevent blisters by clipping my toenails, taping my toes, and applying 2Toms. The alarm is set for an early start tomorrow. I plan to have a bowl of porridge for breakfast before embarking on the 1 ½ hour drive to the race venue. This will allow me enough time to park, have a snack, go to the loo, get my shoes and running vest on, register for the race, go to the loo again, and warm up before the race begins at 9:30 AM.

#Garmin #CarsingtonWater #runthrough #Peaking #HalfMarathon #Pace

Parkrun PB's

Last Saturday I ran our local parkrun with the pacers. The previous week, I ran it in 35:18. My previous PB at the local parkrun was 32:46 from the previous year on 13^th May 23. This time I ran it in 31:56, sprinting past the 32:00 minute pacers to the finish line. It had felt for a long time that I wasn’t improving and sometimes even going backwards! On this occasion, my heart rate stayed low until the very end, and my performance condition, according to my Garmin, was fantastic too. I’ve been training hard, working towards the Carsington Water Half Marathon, which is on the 26^th October in three weeks, so I was pleased that the effort I’ve put in over the last 3 month are paying off. (Thank you, coach Rachael at The Running and Movement Hub for all you help and encouragement 😉). However, something else which may have made a difference is the fact that I’ve recently increased my water intake. I know I don’t drink enough water, but I hadn’t realised how much dehydration can affect flexibility, speed and endurance. When dehydrated, the blood is thicker, and the heart has to work harder to pump it around the body. Therefore being well-hydrated prevents the heart rate and body temperature from rising too much. My heart rate has always been high, and I assumed it was just the way I was!

Today I ran at Clumber Park on their 500^th event. My previous PB at this location was 33:35 on 2^nd March 24, before I injured myself. Today I ran it in 31:55, a huge improvement and without the assistance of pacers too! 1:40 off a 5k is quite a lot. I was pleased that last weeks PB wasn't just a one-off. I'm starting to believe I can do this 😊

 Before                After

   Before              After

#progress #hydrationiskey