Running for RP

I have started my training for the Llanelli 10k and it is going really well. I have never run before and hated sports and PE in school. Can’t say I really enjoy it now, but I have surprised myself over the last week.

I went out earlier this week and couldn’t even make it to the top of the road without stopping. I was gasping for breath and my chest and throat were on fire. I really felt like giving up. John ran ahead whilst I walked a little way until I was ready to start again. I picked up the pace and managed to run just under 1 mile consistently without stopping. I was so proud of myself. My legs ached for the next two days!!

I went out again yesterday and did even better. I controlled my breathing so I didn’t get the sharp burning sensation and managed to run 21/2 k without stopping. I powered up a really steep hill and only then stopped to catch my breath.

Stopped for a five minute walk to steady my breathing and then completed the rest of the route. And my legs aren’t aching half as much today. Yay. 

Its great that I can see myself making progress and it is helping to motivate me. 10k here I come!

Laurie 27.04.09

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Have been training twice a week at the moment. Want to increase this to three times but I’ve been having problems with shin splints and bad back so it takes me two full days for recovery before I can go again.

It’s been great seeing the improvement almost every time I’ve gone out. Getting that little further without having to stop or cutting a few minutes off my personal best.
Mainly been doing a 5km circuit around the block however I’m now at the stage where I can keep a nice slow pace without having to stop, along the flat anyway, so I’m now increasing my distance by 1km every so often. Really didn’t want to go for a run yesterday but after only completely half my run earlier in the week through shin pain I surprised myself when I ran 6 km with only having to slow to walking pace twice with a time of 40mins. I was shattered though and can barely walk today. Noticed a big difference in my running depending on the time of day and what I’ve eaten before hand. Not quite worked it out yet though.

Really looking forward to Manchester and expect the excitement and adrenaline of the event will give us a boost. Not expecting a fantastic time as it’ll be a very busy run and just want to enjoy the day. Looking at the pictures from the brochure it seems like a very fun event with people of all abilities. Llanelli should be even better with a lot more friends and family too. Can’t wait!!

Mike - 27.04.09

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I had a brainwave on Monday night to run home from work. Took all my running gear into work with me. Got myself revved up through the day and then changed for the run home.

Not the greatest idea I have ever had!! The run is just over 5kms with the majority of it being uphill. I managed to do the majority of the distance running but when I reached the windy steep lane my legs and chest gave in and I had to walk.  It was really hard work, but pleased with the fact that I did get the majority of the route completed. Think I need to find somewehere flat to cover a good distance before the run. I am doing well though and have knocked 3 minutes of my best time and have lost almost a stone in 3 weeks.

2  more weeks to go until the Manchester run so going to push the pace over the next few weeks.

Have had my details through in the post and I will be in the pink wave. It is starting to feel very real now!

John 29.04.09

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Went for a run last night. Again I really didn’t feel like going at first but once I was on the open road it felt good. Ran a 6km on 40mins again but this time I ran a little slower so managed to run almost the whole way. Apart from when my concentration was thrown by some youths being ‘friendly’.

I’m very happy that I beat the hill for the first time. It’s about a third of the way around and I’ve always had to stop half way up. Felt good.

Felt I still had plenty of go left at the end which was surprising as I ran the last leg quite quickly. Think I’ll try and up the pace next time. Did surprise me how easy it has become when your running within your aerobic range as my heart beat was good and wasn’t out of breath on the flat at all. A few weeks ago I really didn’t think I’d ever be able to run 10km and would never be capable of a marathon but the body adapts quickly just run two runs a week. Also my shins aren’t hurting as much so I’m thinking of joining the ParkRun near Cardiff Castle tomorrow. Early start though!

Tip of the Week: Don’t run through a dodgy estate after dark!

Mike, 1st May 2009

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I am sooo proud of myself. I have just got back from an early morning run. I ran 3 k without stopping in 19 mins 31 secs. I can’t believe it, only my 4th time out (ever) and I killed the Nant Mill route. I felt great afterwards too. Only a little out of breath and my legs slightly ached. Bigger and better tomorrow methinks! It is a really tough route with steep hills so really pleased.

Laurie 03/05/09

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Over the last 4 weeks, intensity has become a big part of my training regime.  Intensity has been achieved via the inclusion of  steep hills and timing myself, with great results. 

To be honest with you I am pretty upset I am in the pink group, and have not been placed in the elite running group.  This means that Usain Bolt will have a 30 minute head start, therefore I will have to increase my stride, to catch up. 

I know one thing Usain Bolt has’nt got in Jamaica and thats hills, bloody coedpoeth is full of the buggers.

I hope I can get gold. lol

John 03 May 09

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I was submitted to 51/2k of torture last night!! John forced me to do the run with him and boy was it awful. But I did it. The route is fairly arduous with a lot of windy uphill roads, and the strong wind blowing right at me didn’t help. I stopped 3 times for a small walk when I couldn’t feel my feet. My feet were burning so badly and I had really bad pins and needles. That was the worst part of it. John thinks this is because my feet are so used to be crammed into stilletoes my toes are still pressed together when I am running! Saying that I am going to do it again tonight and try to beat my 55mins last night. I am going to reverse the route tonight so that it is more downhill and I can run far more of it. I will let you know how it goes tomorrow!

I think that the running may also be having an effect on my digestive system, and not in a good way. Each time I have been on a run around 10 - 12 hours later I am being struck down with stomach cramps and end up sprinting to the loo. Seems that the training is acting as a laxative! This is a very unpleasent and unexpected side effect!

Laurie, 06.05.09

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I did it, I reversed the route. Have just checked the route on Google Earth and it is actually 7k!! I am so pleased with myself. Only my 6th time out and I actually managed 7k. It was sooo hard and it really took it out of me, but if I stick at it I am sure I will be doing just fine on June 21st.

I did walk a few times around the route, but only for 2 minutes here and there where we had to tackle really steep hills and I needed to get my breath back. All in all I think I am doing quite well!

Laurie - 08.05.09

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Training has been particularly tough this week. The heat over the past few days has made the running unbearable. I had to give up half way through our training route on Monday evening. It was really hard! My shins are also beginning to hut and my calfs and thighs really ache. I need to do some hill training this weekend to strengthen my legs.

Laurie 3 June 2009

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