Today was a great day!

Monday is long run day for me, and I managed to cover 8 miles—well, it was more of a walk/run. I alternated between running for 3 minutes and walking for 2. The final stretch took me through the woods, where the paths were a bit tricky; at times, I felt like I was prancing about like a show pony! However, I enjoy the change of scenery, as pounding the pavements can get a bit dull.

          

During the running segments, I averaged 11:19 per mile. My running coach has advised me to aim for an average run pace of between 11.30-12.00 min/miles, so I’m pleased with that result. Last week was a recovery week, which I think really helped refresh me. My heart rate was manageable, but I did find myself in Zone 4 for 26% of the time, with a maximum heart rate of 164 bpm. There’s definitely room for improvement, but overall, I’m satisfied with my run today! 🏃‍♂️✨ 

           

#UltraAmbition #RunningJourney

🏃‍♀️✨ What Went Wrong with My Parkrun Today?

 🏃‍♀️✨ What Went Wrong with My Parkrun Today?

Two weeks ago, I achieved a new PB of 31:26, and I was feeling on top of the world! But today? Every muscle in my body seemed to be screaming, “Stop!” I finished with a time of 32:51, and my heart rate was far too high. 

           

The weather didn’t help—cold, rainy, muddy, and slippery at @sandallparkparkrun. Plus, I’ve had two strenuous gym sessions this week, one with my brilliant PT @sophiebtye, and I think I might have overdone it. I swear I was using muscles I didn’t even know existed! 💪

Was it the conditions? Am I just tired? Perhaps a bit dehydrated? Who knows! But that’s all part of the journey. It’s about showing up and trusting the process. 

Remember, progress isn’t always a straight line. 🌈

On to the next one! 🏅💖 #Parkrun #RunningJourney #TrustTheProcess

🔥 Your Calves: The Second Heart! 🔥

Did you know your calves are often called your second heart? My running coach once wrote about this, and it stuck with me!

I’ve always had chunky calves—so much so that I struggle to zip up high-street boots (35cm circumference, if you’re wondering!). You’d think that means I can run super fast… but size doesn’t always equal speed or strength!

Here’s something fascinating: your calves play a vital role in pumping blood back to your heart and lungs, especially the soleus muscle. But there’s a catch—this only works when you’re moving! That’s why sitting for long periods, especially as we get older, can impact circulation and overall heart health.

Today, I put my calves to work with a strength session at the gym, including single-leg jumps forward, backward, and side to side over a line. Tough but effective!

Key takeaway: Keep moving, stay strong, and give your “second heart” the workout it deserves! 💪❤️ #Running #CalfMuscles #StayActive #HealthyHeart #Firelighter2023

Parkrun PB 🏅

Yesterday, I bagged another Parkrun PB with a massive 30-second improvement! That’s a big jump for a 5k. I’m also really pleased that my heart rate stayed low right until the very end.

I started doing Parkrun's back in 2019 after following the Couch to 5k programme. On my first run, my only goal was to run without stopping, and I wasn’t too fussed about the time. I finished in 35:24. That year, I only managed 3 Parkruns – in May, June, and October – and didn’t return until after Covid in June 2022, when I ran 38:05. Clearly, the lockdowns had taken their toll on my fitness. By the end of 2022, I’d improved to 33:50.

In spring 2023, I decided to work with a running coach (@therunningandmovementhub), and I’ve been getting stronger and stronger with steady improvements every year. It’s been a tough journey, and I’ve definitely put in the effort – running doesn’t come naturally to me. Because it’s often such a struggle, I’ve never felt I could call myself a runner.

But you know what? I am a runner. I might not be the fastest, but I’m out there, improving every time, and that’s what matters. If you’re putting in the effort and making progress, you’re doing brilliantly. Let’s keep going! 💪

#Parkrun #ParkrunPB #Running #Couchto5K #Covid #Running and Movement Hub