Parkrun Fail

I was really looking forward to Parkrun today – it was my first since moving into the 55-59 age category! 🏃‍♂️💨 Started with my usual routine: a good mobility warm-up and a slow jog to get the blood flowing. 🏃‍♂️💪

Just as I was heading to the start line, I overheard a couple of guys behind me, clearly newbies, trying to figure out how to scan their paper barcodes for the time. 😅 And then it hit me... I hadn’t put my wristband barcode on! 😱🤦‍♂️ 

Too late now, but hey, it’s all part of the experience! 🤷‍♂️

No worries though – my watch said I ran a solid 32:19. ✅ The main thing is, I showed up and gave it my all! 💯
Next time, I’ll remember the barcode! 😂

#Parkrun #FirstTimers #AgeCategoryChallenge #KeepMoving #RunLife #StayActive #UltraAmbition #NoExcuses #Consistency #KeepPushing

The Holme Run

Today I ran a 10k at the ATW Nottingham Holme Run 🏃‍♂️. 

My time was 1:06:18, which is a new PB for me at this distance! 🎉

But… it wasn’t my best race. 😓 My heart rate stayed high the entire time (average 177 😳), and my performance condition was below baseline. Over the past week, my HRV, training readiness, and body battery were all in the rock bottom ⚠️, my sleep was poor 😴, and my watch kept telling me I was “strained” ☹️.

I felt drained, so I listened to my body and skipped training on Friday. 💪 I had an active day and my body battery was only at 7% – definitely not the best state for a workout! 🔋 Thankfully, after a solid night’s sleep 🛏️, my HRV returned to normal, and my body battery recharged to 81% (up from 31% earlier this week!). 🔋✨ I’m glad I gave myself the rest I needed.

Sometimes, recovery is just as important as training! 🧘‍♂️💥

#10k #PB #HolmeRun #RunnersLife #ListenToYourBody #RestAndRecover #TrainingJourney #HeartRate #PerformanceCondition #HealthAndFitness #RunningCommunity #Runner #RestDay #MentalToughness #UltraAmbition #StrongerEveryDay #FitnessJourney #RaceDayVibes #holmerun@eventsatw

Monday: The Long Run Struggle and the Power of Recovery 🏃‍♂️💪

 Mondays are always long run days for me. After a fun weekend away, I started the day already feeling exhausted. The day started off busy, with a delivery of materials for our house renovation 🚚. Then a morning of wallpaper stripping 🧽, followed by a well-needed lunch 🍽️.

         

Despite my fatigue, I laced up my shoes and set off for my afternoon run 👟. The sun was shining 🌞, and the weather was perfect for a long, steady pace run. But as the miles ticked by, I couldn’t ignore the lack of energy in my legs and the heaviness in my body. I knew something was off.

By 4pm, my Garmin did what it does best: it gave me a reality check ⏱️. My body battery was a 5%! The message was clear - today wasn't about pushing harder; it was time to embrace recovery 🛀.

Progress isn’t just about the grind—it’s about knowing when to rest, recharge, and listen to our bodies 💡. For me, Monday turned into a reminder that recovery is just as important as the run itself. Time to focus on restoration and ready myself for the next challenge 💯.

#LongRun #RunLife #RecoveryTime #ListenToYourBody #RestAndRecover #RunnerLife #FitJourney #HouseRenovation #PostRunRecovery #BodyBattery #RestIsKey #RecoveryMode #StayActive #RunningCommunity #FitnessMotivation #MindfulRunning #RunAndRecover #UltraAmbition

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

Power Failure: A Lesson in Resilience

Yesterday marked the first Monday of January, a day that signalled the end of holiday festivities and the start of my new fitness routine. I had my running gear laid out the night before, and I was up and ready to go by 6:30 a.m. to tackle a 6-mile run. The day before had brought a fresh layer of snow, and the temperature had plummeted overnight. Rather than risk slipping on ice, I made the decision to head to the gym and hit the treadmill.

But when I arrived at the gym, I was met with an unexpected sight—the building was dark, and the car park was nearly empty. Apparently, there had been a power failure. I felt annoyed and headed home, planning to work for a while, before returning to the gym later in the day.

The day unfolded with its usual demands. I had to visit a client, so I quickly changed into work gear, then headed back home to get changed again in preparation for my gym session. But when I arrived at the gym, it was still closed, and now it was starting to get dark. In the past, I would have thrown in the towel, letting the series of setbacks derail my plans for the day.

But the new me—armed with a fresh mindset for 2025—decided not to give up. I chose to do my run outside, even though it was dark and freezing. The snow had mostly melted, leaving just a few piles of melted snowmen scattered around, and thankfully the footpaths weren’t icy.

So, I laced up my shoes and ran laps around the block. It was a bit repetitive, but it got the job done! It wasn’t the workout I had originally planned, but it was a reminder that sometimes things don’t go as expected—and that’s okay. The key is in how we adapt and keep pushing forward, even when the circumstances aren’t perfect.

In the end, this “Power Failure” wasn’t just about a gym losing electricity. It was about powering through challenges and finding alternative solutions to stay on track with your goals. The obstacles will always come, but it's up to us whether we let them stop us or find a way around them.

The moral of the story? Even when things don't go as planned, there's always an option to push forward. And sometimes, the run outside in the cold is the one that feels the most rewarding.

#snowmen #icy #gym #powerfailure #challenges #obstacles

Running Out Of Steam

By the end of 2024, I definitely ran out of steam. I had a short break in the Lakes at the end of November, with plans to do the Keswick Parkrun, but unfortunately, it got cancelled due to Storm Bert. I didn’t let the weather stop me completely—I did get out for some hill walking, even though the winds were pretty strong. Living in Doncaster, I don’t get the chance to walk in the hills as much as I used to, so I made the most of it.

After my trip, though, I just couldn’t seem to find my motivation. Then I caught a cold and have been feeling drained for the past three weeks, which led to a serious dip in my training. I did manage some therapeutic walks, but that was about it. I had to cancel a few Christmas events too, not wanting to spread the cold around.

Now, as we ring in the New Year—I’m not quite back to full strength, but I’m slowly getting back on track with my training plan. I can definitely feel the lack of activity in my body, though, as I’m now sore after a session at the gym. But I’m determined to keep going and get back on track!

#runningoutofsteam #december #newyear
 

The Goalposts Have Shifted: Embracing New Challenges

I recently received an email announcing a significant change to my challenge: the distance has been increased to just shy of 50 miles, with a cut-off time of 14 hours. Initially, I was thrown off by the jump from 35.7 miles to nearly 50 - it felt huge and, frankly, impossible. But after taking a step back, I'm starting to see the bigger picture. This change has opened up new possibilities and has given me a fresh sense of purpose.

The Mental Shift

At first, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. The jump from 35.7 miles to 50 miles seemed like an insurmountable leap. My training so far has been working towards a challenging distance but one that felt achievable to me, so the idea of stretching that goal even further made me question if that was even possible.

However, after a bit of reflection, I realised that this has freed me to explore new opportunities and other event formats or distances I hadn’t considered before. I've recently discovered the Ultra Challenge series which offers a variety of events, that are designed for participants of all abilities - you can choose to walk, jog, or run. These events include a 50 km distance (31.07 miles), which is close to the distance I was already training for, but also 100km and multi-day events.

A Change of Pace: Focus on Parkrun

So I’m still keeping my long-term ultra goal in mind, but I’ve decided to switch things up for a bit. Throughout November, I’ll be focusing on improving my Parkrun time.

For those who aren't familiar, Parkrun is a weekly 5K event that’s free, and open to everyone with runs all around the world. It’s a fantastic community initiative that brings people together and promotes fitness in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. My current PB (personal best) is 31:55 at Clumber Park, and I’m determined to chip away at that time over the next few weeks.

I’ve always enjoyed Parkrun for its community feel, and having a “quick win” goal like improving my 5K time will give me a nice break from the long, slow runs that are often required for ultra training. It's a chance to work on my speed, stamina, and overall fitness. After all, being able to maintain a quicker pace over shorter distances will undoubtedly help when the time comes to tackle longer ultra events.

Looking Ahead: The 20-Miler Milestone

I’m also aiming for a big milestone in June next year: a 20-mile run. Specifically, I’ve signed up for the Rasselbock Running Hardwick Hobble on June 14th, 2025. It’s a looped course with each loop being 6.3 km (3.91 miles), so five loops will total 31.5 km (or 19.57 miles). This will be a perfect stepping stone toward the ultra distances I’ll be training for later on, and I'm excited to see how I handle the loops and manage my pacing over a long distance.

It's not just about increasing distance but also about building endurance, learning how to fuel efficiently, and practicing mental toughness. I’ll be working on all of this in the lead-up to June 2025.

The Work Begins

With all of these new goals and changes on the horizon, there’s plenty of work ahead. Whether it's improving my 5K Parkrun time, ramping up my training for the 20-mile race, or preparing for the 50-mile ultra distance, it’s going to be a long journey. But I’m embracing the process, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. The goalposts may have shifted, but I’m excited to keep moving forward.

Thanks for following along with me on this journey. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as I hit new milestones and face new challenges. It’s going to be an exciting ride!

Until next time, keep running, keep moving, and remember—every step counts!

#ultrarunning #ultraambition #parkrunPB #endurancetraining #ultrachallenge #runningcommunity #distance running #mentaltoughness

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

Olympics

I have been following the Olympics along with many sports fans and have been inspired by Team GB's performances. I am particularly interested in running, so it was amazing to see Keely Hodgkinson win gold in the 800m.

I have been dedicating a lot of time and effort to my own training regimen. Balancing training with work and home responsibilities can be challenging, and I often feel tired and sore for days after intense workouts. However, I am fully aware that my training efforts pale in comparison to the immense dedication and sacrifices made by Olympic athletes to reach the pinnacle of their sport and achieve success on the world stage.

I will never become an Olympic athlete, but I can still learn some valuable lessons.

1) Consistent training leads to improvement over time.

2) Not everyone can win gold, but every participant adds value to the competition.

3) Persistence is key - never give up on your goals!

#Olympics, #KeelyHodkinson, #Gold, #800m, #Goals, #Training, #Running

New start

This week I started a new training plan, new shoes, new insoles, new socks and a new strength plan at the gym. I also have a new running vest which I will be trying out soon.

My new goal is the Run Through Carsington Water Half Marathon on Saturday 16th October. 

I've also booked to do the The Malton10k  - "Le Sans Arret" on Sunday 15th September. This race starts at a very civilised 10.45 so no early start required. After the run there is live music, Sunday market, street food and entertainment. There is also a fun run option with food and drink stops along the way!

My new Topo shoes, combined with toe socks and supportive insoles are working well so far. I haven't done any long runs in them yet, but so far so good.

I have lost a bit of running fitness over the last few months while I've been recovering from my injury but I hope to gain that back quickly. I've got some help at the gym with a more targeted approach to my strength days. I previously did the JD classes as my strength workouts plus occasional home workouts provided by my running coach. I now have a new programme which I aim to do twice a week using the gyms strength equipment with a few 1-1's with coach @sophiebtye. I'll mix this up with my running coaches strength sessions and an occasional class.

#injinji #topo #running #newstart #strength #carsingtonwater #runthrough #visitmalton #sophiebtye @jdgymsdoncaster 

It starts with the feet

There is lots of free information on YouTube and the internet, I don't know how we all managed before the world wide web.

I've read so many articles and watched a lot of videos which show exercises and stretches to deal with my snapping hip and weak glutes. It's easy to become overwhelmed and end up reading and watching but not actually doing what is necessary.

Another useful snippet I picked up somewhere was to look at my feet. After all if the foundations aren't good then the rest of the structure is always going to be a problem!

I do have quite low arches, they aren't flat, but definitely low. It has caused me problems in the past when doing long walks and I solved it by putting insoles in my walking boots. It never occurred to me to change the insoles in my running shoes. Looking at my current, well used, pair of running shoes, there is definite wear to the outside edge which is more pronounced on my snapping hip and injured side.

So I've invested in a pair of RunPro Currex Dynamic Insoles. The box claims they will enhance recovery, reduce injuries and increase performance.

I've also enlisted the help of a personal trainer at the gym. After discussing what I need, she is going to put together a programme for me. I need the accountability and structure to make me do it. I'm very much a facts and figures person and need to see steady measurable progress. I'm hoping this will be a big help and fill a gap in my training.

I have now started doing a little bit of running and can do so without any pain. So I'm building back up slowly - I started with 1 min, then 2, then 4, 8, 16 etc.  

Injury

 

Two weeks before I planned to run a half marathon at Carsington Water, I've injured myself. I was initially annoyed by this but I've now pulled myself together and I'm using this as a lesson on how to improve.

                     

This is how the injury developed:  I was doing great and was really pleased with my progress. I had only missed a couple of training sessions over the 3 month plan and I could tell that my fitness was increasing. I was doing my last long run before tapering for the half marathon. The run was going well until the last 3 or 4 miles, I was getting tired and my legs felt fatigued, so I walked the last bit (I couldn’t run in the woods anyway due to the slippery mud). I didn’t slip or do anything unusual. The next day was rest day, then I did a strength class and cross-training as usual and was fine. The next day I went out for a sprint session and felt a bit stiff/sore in the groin area while doing the warm up jog, but this eased when I got going. I did warm up before going out 😉. I did a few sprints but it didn’t feel right, so I didn’t push as hard as I would normally. After doing a few more sprints, I knew I wasn’t right so came home, doing a bit of light jogging en-route. The next day I really knew I had done something. It hurt if I lifted my left knee, crossed my legs or stepped forward to run putting weight on my left leg. I couldn't run, even for a minute.  It was painful to turn over in bed and I wouldn't have been able to drive if I hadn't got an automatic car.

I went to see a physio who said I'd got adductor tendonitis/bursitis of the Iliopsoa (hip flexor) muscles. What I think has happened is that the exercises in the class at the gym change slightly each week and we did one where you shuffle side to side, then touch the floor with your hand, switch and go the opposite way. This puts a strain on the inner thigh. Doing this particular exercise on top of the increased distance and sprinting I’ve been doing, has strained the muscle and irritated the tendon. The physio also pointed out that I have an exaggerated curve to my lower back, anterior pelvic tilt and weak glutes and I'm compensating for this by using other muscles. I've spent 37 years sat at a desk which is the worst thing you can do for your glutes!

I also have internal snapping hip syndrome. I've had this for as long as I've been running. When I warm up and swing my leg front to back or stretch my left leg in certain positions, I feel a pop deep within my groin/hip. This is caused by the tendon from the Ilipsoa muscle flicking across the front of the hip joint. It hasn't been a problem up until now and it wasn't painful, but it is a symptom of something not working as it should.

It has taken 2 week for the pain to go away during normal daily activities - in that time I've done some targeted stretching, trigger point massages, light strengthening exercises and low-impact cross training.

Next I need to ramp up the exercises to strengthen all the glute muscles, hip flexors and core.  At the moment I can't do a single leg bridge so when I can do those, I'll know I'm improving!

Winter Training

I've found Winter training to be pretty challenging at times. I've had to deal with the cold, icy paths, frozen water, wet feet and mud!

I'm currently on holiday in beautiful Cornwall and don't have access to my usual training facilities. So I ended up doing some sprint intervals on the beach and unfortunately got caught in a hail storm. I got a few sideways glances from the few locals who were out walking their dogs! I was only wearing a t-shirt and thin waterproof jacket (as well aa trousers, hat and gloves!) and the hailstones were quite painful due to the strong winds. As I was only going to be out for a short while and I was quite near to the car, I didn't want to wear lots of layers - I'm always hot while running and especially while sprinting!

Despite the bad holiday weather, I managed to complete a few long runs including a 10-mile easy run along the Camel Train from Padstow to Wadebridge and back. The photo shows the Little Petherick Creek Bridge, a former railway bridge which crosses the Camel Estuary just outside Padstow. Although the weather looks beautiful in the photo, it was actually very windy, and I almost lost my beanie hat while crossing the bridge. I wore my rain proof jacket - for the wind rather than the rain, but the top of the jacket flapped in the wind and kept hitting me in the face and the hood acted as a sail! The sound of the wind running through the bridges steelwork was quite eerie.

Despite the obstacles, I'm hoping that my continued training throughout the winter will pay off in the summer.

Next event: Carsington Water Half Marathon, Saturday 20th April 2024

Hill Repeats

Last week I was doing speed intervals on the flat, today I've been doing hill repeats. After a warm up and an easy jog I arrived at my hill (see photo). Starting about half way up, I had to run for 30 seconds up as fast as possible and then walk back down for a minute, repeating that 10 times. Not so long ago I couldn't have run up a hill at all, so I was pleased to find that I could actually sprint up a hill. I'm not saying it was easy, I was tired at the end of it and glad to get it over with, but I still managed an easy 10 minute cool down jog afterwards. My heart rate which is always high wasn't too bad considering what I was doing, with a max of 183bpm (I can get it up to low 190's doing a Parkrun!). My legs were definitely the weakest link.

#firelighter #fitness #heartrate #parkrun #running #training #hillrepeats #sprinting #runningandmovementhub #coach #speedintervals

Carsington Water Half Marathon

Saturday 2nd December 2023 Carsington Water Half Marathon:

I completed the half marathon in 03:04:17 chip time. Just over what I was aiming for but taking into account the conditions I am happy with that. It didn’t get above 0 degrees all day. The paths were icy in places so I didn’t want to run across it and risk slipping and injuring myself. I saw one guy slip over and one lady was turning back because she had fallen over. Even the water at the drinks station had ice in it! I started off with a run 3, walk 2 but ended up walking where there was ice and running where I could.

I was 376^th out of 384 runners

109^th Female out of 113 runners

9^th in my age category

                                                                         

I'm sure a lot of people didn’t turn up because it was so cold.  The total number of runners for the 10k and half marathon was 654 - there was supposed to be 1000 attendees so that is a whopping 346 no-shows! 

Despite remembering to tape my toes up this time, I still got a blister on my big toe which was the only one I didn’t tape up - it was caused by the tape on the adjoining toe! 

I was knackered at the end of the run – my legs were tired and my butt muscles were complaining!  I need to work on my strength and stamina.  Lots more work to do…

runthrough.co.uk #runthrough #running #firelighter #halfmarathon #medal