Felt quite brave tonight!

Another first for me this evening! My usual runs are along the sea front (which means a 10 min drive each way) but with the dark evenings it's not really safe to run down there and with me being do busy in work can't really afford to take out more than an hour! So, after an absolutely fab day today I decided that I would get my gear on and run around the block. Now this may not seem like much to many of you, but this involved running on the main roads, something I have never really done before. But I did it! The route was just over 2 miles and involved a few gradients which were a killer for me as I'm only used to flat runs! Managed to run for 14mins before I had to walk, but this was cause I was going up hill. All in all, I felt quite proud that I did it (as the fact this was a mid week run was also an achievement too!) - so long may it continue. Wouldn't want to commit to when my next 'round the block' run will be but I don't think it will too long! So here are my results: Distance: 2.06mi Time: 00:23:24 Pace: 11:22min/mi Speed: 5.28mi/h In my opinion not a bad pace! And with a bit of training I think I can get it under 11mins/mile And don't forget to pledge a donation to my 'Run for the Bus' sponsorship: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202880829786600 So far I have raised a grand total of 40p!

All the gear and no idea!!!

Ok, so I headed out this morning with all my new gear on!  Sparkly new trainers, funky head band and my long sleeved top!  And as my partner rightly put it 'All the gear and no idea'!!!

It certainly started off well, in fact, too well!  My trainers seemed nice and bouncy so I probably ran a bit faster than what I would usually run leaving me getting out of breath and a little warm.  The long and short of it is that I ended stopping a few times to walk.  My mind was full of excuses:

• I've put on a bit of weight
• Didn't eat the right food last night 
• The route has become a bit boring
• Prob a bit dehydrated
• I didn't set any goals for time or distance so had nothing to aim for
• Don't have anything to aim for such as a running event
• It's windy & sand is blowing in my face

SO - on my little run I decided that I would list of the reasons and turn them around into actions - here goes:

• I've put on a bit of weight - This one is simple, I need to stop eating crap and focus on treating myself just once a week (rather than multiple times per day)
• Didn't eat the right food last night - Another simple one, the night before I'll make sure I have healthy food, again not the usual crap!
• The route has become a bit boring - Going to start running with friends so that we can choose some interesting routes
• Prob a bit dehydrated - I'll just have to start drinking more water! 
• I didn't set any goals for time or distance so had nothing to aim for - Simples, going to train as if I'm starting out which means going back to the running/walking patterns, that way I'll be able to build up and see my progress (For those of you interested in this type of training - scroll down the blog as I've kept it in the right column)
• Don't have anything to aim for such as a running event - Already sorted that one as I've registered to do the Tenovus Run for the Bus event next April and set up a way to get sponsorship & keep me training - click here to see the event on Facebook which will explain it and you'll also be able to see my progress in a new page I'll be creating on this blog!
• It's windy & sand is blowing in my face- I just need to grow a set of balls and stop making lame excuses!!!

So, thats the excuses out of the way then!  My next training session isn't going to be until next Saturday morning - unless I can get some serious work done today, freeing up some time during the week!

And for those of you who also need something to aim for - get yourself booked onto an event - it will def help!

http://www.tenovus.com/get-involved/sign-up-to-an-event/run-for-the-bus.aspx

Watch out I'll be running on a street in Cardiff today...

Well, it's been quite a few weeks since the Half Marathon and since I ran last!  I recovered quite quickly this year but have used all sorts of excuses as to why I've not been pounding the pavements.

SO - one of the excuses was that I needed new trainers as the last pair gave me extreme pain in my ankles after the half marathon and I was always prone to getting blisters on the inside arch of my foot.  (And yes, there is blood on the trainer on the right!!!) PLUS I was told by my Mikey Wills (Chiropractor/Sports Masseur) that I had a high arched feet.  

I've been advised that Run and Become in Cardiff is the best place to go as they've been going for years and haven't had any negative feedback about them (in comparison to Up an Running in Swansea).  Only negative here is that they are going to make me run on the pavement in Cardiff, but I suppose it's for the best as I know I run differently on the treadmill.

I'm planning a little run in the morning as I've also got some long sleeved sports tops for running in the colder weather!  My next post will hopefully have a nice little pic of my brand new running shoes (preferably on me ready to go for my run)

I also wanted to provide a link with some tips about those people who are thinking about starting running.  I've (apparently) already inspired a handful of people to start running so I'm hoping that I will inspire even more people in 2012!  

http://www.runandbecome.com/Blog/Running-Advice/Training/Beginners%E2%80%99-Marathon-Training-Tips

It was really tough but I did it! Cardiff Half Marathon 2011

Well, I did it again!  Another Half Marathon under my belt!  

It was a tough old route this time as there were lots of inclines,  less spectators and was fairly boring as there were miles and miles of dual carriageways!

The day started off great, meeting with the rest of the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer team at the Novotel Cardiff!  All a bit nervous and apprehensive about what we were about to be faced with! 

It was great to see everyone, especially as we'd all been talking and tracking our progress on the team's Facebook group and the fact that this year there were 60 of is in comparison to last year's 60!

Lucy & I at the start of the race!

Managed to bag myself a buddy, Lucy Walker.  We'd only met earlier the week at The Business Network lunch in Bridgend but decided to stick with each other, at first only had the intention to start, but we ended up going the whole distance together... and more importantly didn't stop for the whole 13.1 miles! 

Although one part of the route double backed on itself, it was great to see lots of people that i knew and gave each other a great wave!

It was an amazing day had by everyone and well worth the effort!  My next step is to invest in a new pair of proper running trainings as my poor ankles feel like someone has smashed them with a hammer!  I think it might be something to do with my 'high arched feet'! 

My MapMyRun app recorded the following results:

Distance: 13.65mi
Time: 02:33:34
Pace: 11:15min/mi
Speed: 5.33mi/h

This is the 2nd fastest pace/speed I have ever run! The other time was only for a 5 miler - so quite proud of it!

My official chip time was 2 hrs 33mins 5 secs.  (35 seconds slower than last year, but last years race was short and I'm convinced this one was longer too!)

Here is a copy of the route!  As you can see - mile 6 - 10 was on the dual carriageway!  Not a great location at all!

Don't worry you can still sponsor me...

Since publishing this blog to my Twitter and Linkedin accounts, lots of people have acknowledged it and the training I've been doing - which is great as my final blog before the big day will reveal the reasons why I've published something so personal to my business accounts.

In the meantime, for those of you who have said you'd like to sponsor me, here is a link to my Just Giving page:

www.justgiving.com/natreynolds

For those of you who want something a bit quicker, you can also donate via text - simply text the words

NATR99 £5

to 70070

My fastest time yet...

Just a few more sleeps to the big day!

Did what was possibly my last run before the big day last night.  Was late getting out and it was dark but there were loads of other people out running too.

Was determined to smash my times and speed from previous runs.  For some reason I had loads of energy yesterday.

Well, I did it!  I took over a minute off my last 5 mile run (and the run before that I'd taken 7 minutes off my time!!!) and managed to get under 11 minutes per mile!  Something I've not done before!

Distance: 5.15mi
Time: 00:56:29
Pace: 10:58min/mi
Speed: 5.47mi/h

I really should get another run in before the weekend but not sure if that is going to be possible as I'm having my sports massage on Thursday afternoon/evening - so tonight is my only chance.

I've checked the weather for Sunday and it isn't looking great.  Its going to be heavy rain in Swansea and Light Rain in Cardiff.  As the day gets closer I'll have a better idea.  Just need some tips on how to cope with the rain as I've heard some horror stories!

As I've enjoyed running so much I've made a concious decision to take it up permanently.  Will be seeking some expert advice so that I can make proper progress.  Need to find some other runs to take part in now!

Took nearly 5 minutes off my time...

Had the best run this morning which is great knowing that next weekend is the big event, might have something to do with my new vest!

Started out not knowing if it would be a good run or not and got straight into the run again, like last time. For the whole journey I kept going, not even a 30 second walk! It would be funny if I put the conversations i have with myself onto a loud speaker! I tell myself that I CAN do it and then at times where I would usually stop for a 2 minute walk, I kept asking myself why?, and do you really need to? Your legs aren't hurting? Your not out of breath? So why do you need to stop? And because of that I ran the whole distance, the longest distance run in a training session without stopping! Great progress even if I say so myself.

Didn't feel as tired as I did last week (but that might have been because the temperature was ideal today). Only downfall about today was that I have a bit of a pain in my left ankle and my shoulders and neck have been a bit stiff. But got the aches sorted today by Deb Byers with a little shoulder and neck massage!

Here are today's results:

Distance: 8.73mi
Time: 01:39:06
Pace: 11:21min/mi
Speed: 5.29mi/h

Same speed and pace as my 5mile run on Tuesday and shaved nearly 5 minutes off my time from the last time I did this distance. My plan is to do another big run tomorrow afternoon, so this time really I should park over in sa1 to get over the 9 mile mark. However, may see if someone is going out at 830 from the village tomorrow morning! Followed by a few shorter runs in the week!

No turning back now...

Picked up my running vest this morning and received my pack for the Cardiff Half Marathon!

No turning back now!  Heading out in the morning for a big run!  Lets hope the weather is good!

I'm probably the only one who is appreciating the current weather!

So, now that the sun has finally gone and the temperatures have dropped to what they should be in October I headed out before it got too dark. and of course, had to pull out the long sleeved running top for the first time!

It was quite comforting to see so many runners out this evening in comparison to the couples and families giving me the strange looks. Instead of the usual 2 minute warm up walk I got straight into it, as I would when i'll be running in the half marathon.

It didn't seem to make too much of a difference, which is great news. Stopped for 30seconds to catch my breath as I could tell i was running faster due to my excessive panting but then got right back on it.

I'm looking forward to comparing next years training records to this year to see if and how much progress has been made! There has certainly been an improvement on last years training... Let's just hope it makes a difference on the big day!

Next training session is planned for Thursday evening followed b some big runs on Saturday and Sunday... My last big runs before the main event!

Here are today's results:

Distance: 5.10mi
Time: 00:57:48
Pace: 11:20min/mi
Speed: 5.29mi/h

Probably my fastest run to date for that type of distance! If I can sort out my breathing, might be able to sustain the speed for the bigger distances!

This time is 6.5minutes faster than the last time I did this route back at the end of August.... That is he'll of a time even if I say so myself! :-). If I'd gone this speed during the 10k I would have come in under 1hr 10mins.... Think it might have something to do with high carb lunch I had at the Dragon Hotel today!

It was a tough one today in the heat...

Had a busy week with work so haven't manage to 'pound the pavements' and it hasn't helped that the sun hAs been shining.

Headed out to the usual spot knowing it was going to be a tough one because of the heat, and was planning the usual 9miler!

Started off ok, but the sun really was shining down... Great for a tan though!

Put my mind to it and was determined to do the best I could. Was hoping to get under 1hr 40 but really slowed down for the last few miles as my chest was getting a bit tight?

With the big day in just 2 weeks I'm really going to have to put in some shorter runs mid week and really focus on my nutrition as I think that had a major factor to play in today's run! Planning another long run tomorrow and really need to get up to the 10 miles somehow... Hopefully will go out with a few others!

Distance: 8.65mi
Time: 01:43:58
Pace: 12:01min/mi
Speed: 4.99mi/h

My first Swansea Bay 10k and a personal best too!

So, after falling flat on my face last Tuesday in the rain and cutting/bruising BOTH knees, I managed to do the 10k on Sunday achieving a personal best. To be honest once id started I couldn't feel a thing and was determined to run the full 10k without stopping. It was a lovely day... Weather was great and the sun starting shining too! Was quite nervous about the event as the majoribof entrants really do treat it like a race... In comparison to the 5k Race for Life and the half Marathon where there are many runners wearing fancy dress or those who simply have the aim of completing it.... The 10k was simply full of people trying to achieve their personal best... Including me too! I started the race with a slow pace so that I wouldn't wear myself down. My timing for the first half, 5k was a great time of 36 minutes.... And the last 2k I certainly picked up the speed. And for the last 400k could only be described as a sprint for me... Lol! It felt really great to finish it knowing that I hadn't stopped! So, the mission now is to keep training right up to the half marathon.... Need to work on my stamina and my speed as really want to come under the 2hr 30 mins.... Train, train, train.... Need to pound the pavements at least 7 or 8 times before the big day!! Even if just doing 5ks!

I did it in the rain...

After a disappointing 3.77 miles yesterday I was determined to get out today, however the weather forecast was not looking pretty. Showers pretty much for most of the day. So, I decided to commit to going out for 12pm... Which meant I managed to watch a little bit of the Great North Run for a bit of inspiration!
As a result of me broadcasting my plans on Facebook meant I got myself a training partner, Alison!

So, headed down to the usual spot and it was looking very grim... But at the same time I was determined. At the same time a little apprehensive about running with someone as it's not something ive done before!

As Alison mentioned that she doesn't tend to break for a small walk we ended up running without stopping much further than normal for me. Unfortunately Alison had to turn back by Singeton lane as she had pains in her hip.

So the weather wasn't too bad, in fact in parts the sun was shining down meaning I may have actually got a tan! Whilst I was running, I kept telling myself , 'just another minute' which meant that I ran for a he'll of a lot longer than Ive done before!

In summary, my speed is definitely improving as I'm now under 12 minutes per mile. Ideally I'd like to get under 11 minutes per mile for the big day! It's certainly something to aim for!

Here are today's results:

Distance: 8.91mi
Time: 01:45:22
Pace: 11:50min/mi
Speed: 5.07mi/h

Plan for next week is Zumba on Monday and aim for a run on Thursday and Friday. Rest on Saturday as 10k for Sunday!

I wish this weather would make up it's mind...

As I write this blog in sitting on the sofa with the sun beaming through the blinds... Not quite the scene I just had during my run!

Before leaving this morning it had rained but it was looking like the sun was going to start heading out.... Arrived at the usual spot, made my preparations and started my run... Within 2 minutes it started hammering down. So, when leaving the house I was aiming for an 8 miler and just 2 minutes in I had set myself up to only do a couple of miles.

Ok, so it continued to rain and as I was approaching the 1 mile marker about to turn around, I saw Joanne Popham and decided to keep going. The rain was intermittent.

I ended up getting to Singelton Park and headed back. By this point I'd realised I'd run faster as could feel my cheeks burning! At least there weren't so many spectators out today.

So, plan of action is to head out again tomorrow and get in a 8.5 mile run... Maybe a bit further if I'm feeling brave!

Here are today's results... Which show an increase of speed! Yay.

Distance: 3.77mi
Time: 00:42:35
Pace: 11:18min/mi
Speed: 5.31mi/h

If this was a 5k run it would probably be my fastest run ever!

JUST 1 WEEK TO GO FOR THE 10K! AND 4 WEEKS TO THE CARDIFF HALF MARATHON!

Don't worry, I'm not about to have a heart attack...

Well, after a blip in my training plans I managed to get out for a run this evening. Not particularly planned as the weather over the past few days has been wet and windy. Today was a lovely sunny day.

Headed down to the usual starting point with a 'I will' attitude, rather than 'I can'.... As I needed to tell myself I will do it, so it was more of a command really! Saying 'I can leaves scope to argue with myself to say 'I can't! (please stay and read the rest... I'm not as mad as I make out!)

So, it all started well and once I got into the swing of things I decided not only was I going to do the usual 6 miles but I was going to try and pick up my pace!

The short story is that I managed to do it... The longer one however is that the route was full of walkers and couples. Which meant fatty natty was probably a talking point for them... Possibly the wobbly belly, sweaty Betty or maybe the fact I was the usual crimson colour which made me look as though I was about to have a heart attack. I certainly had some strange and almost disapproving looks from the passersby... Maybe they didn't think I was 'fit' enough to be running... If only they realised how long it has taken me to get where I am, or the effort I've made to raise money for charity or simply the fact that I'm challengjng myself rather than sticking to the norm... If only eh?

For readers of this blog (if there are any of you out there), if you happen to pass me on the Swansea bay front route, please beep you horn, flash your lights, give me a shout out or simply a smile to just reassure me that no matter what I may look like it's all for a great cause!

Ok, rant over... Here are today's results.... (which I'm quite proud of as ive shaved off 4 minutes off my time!):

Distance: 6.28mi
Time: 01:14:00
Pace: 11:47min/mi
Speed: 5.09mi/h

Don't forget to sponsor me and leave some encouraging messages: www.just giving.com/natreynolds

Entered into the Swansea Bay 10k...

So today I entered the Swansea Bay 10k as a way to practice for the big day! It will work out at around 6 miles, which I can generally do in about 1hr 18(ish)minutes.... So with 3 weeks to go I should be able to do it quicker than that! Well, as long as the old blisters on my feet take a break! I'm hoping the 10k won't knock my confidence as if I struggle it will put my confidence back... I suppose I won't know until I try it! So there are less than 3 weeks to go to the 10k and 6 weeks to the Half marathon. Currently I'm doing approx 20miles per week and am planning on keeping this up! Zumba this evening, rest day tomorrow, gym Wednesday and a run of some sort (min 6 miles) on Thursday. Followed by gym on Friday and a big run on Saturday morning.

Got a little hot today...

Well today was my longest run so far! Pretty pleased with myself as when I first started was ant sure if I would be able to go further than the usual run!

Didn't head out until about half nine which meant the crowds of people were out and about, and then the sun started blazing! Managed to catch a bit of a tan... But my face was probably a darker shade of red than normal!

Saw lots of people I knew on the route... Jo pops, Rhian and Matthew, David from the Diet Tribe and Leanne who I used to got to school with. It spurred me on to keep going.

The run was from the Marina to the West Cross Inn! My pace seems to be about the same at the moment!

SO, here is the plan for next week! Zumba on Monday, rest day Tuesday, Wednesday gym, will do a 6 mile run on Thursday, gym Friday and my long run next Saturday (meaning that I will be running that little bit further than the West Cross Inn) Having my chubby day next Saturday afternoon for Linda's divorce party. Being realistic, shouldn't drink so that can get out for a run on Sunday... Not going to make an promises as I really can't tell!

Here are my results from today:

Natalie Reynolds
I completed a Regular Run!
Distance: 8.25mi
Time: 01:43:10
Pace: 12:30min/mi
Speed: 4.80mi/h

A little bit harder today:

It was a little harder today... Not sure if it was because I wasn't feeling 100% yesterday? Or generally because it was a Saturday morning (had to set my alarm!)

Weather was forecast for light rain this morning but luckily I manage to miss it.... Started to rain when I was getting back into the car. Did the same run I did last Sunday, Marina to Blackpill. Lots of people out running, must be training for the 10k and half marathon. That reminds me.... I'm going to enter the 10k which is in 3 weeks time.... Should be good as a practice run for the big day which will be 3 weeks later! Yikes!

Going to increase my distance tomorrow by going as far as West Cross.... That should take me over 8 miles.... So next Sunday means I will be starting from the Village hotel and going as far as Blackpill... Will need to check on mapmyrun that it will be further than the week before. I want to use my Sunday runs to increase my distance and my mid week and Saturday run to increase my speed by doing approx 5-6.5miles.

So here are today's results.... A tiny bit further and faster than last time:

Distance: 6.44mi
Time: 01:19:54
Pace: 12:24min/mi
Speed: 4.84mi/h

Little workout in the gym...

Stuck to the plan and did a little workout in the gym. Decided I really don't like Life gym, but it will have to do for the next 5 weeks!

Bike, treadmill and cross trainer!

Treadmill was a combo of 2mins walking and 3mins jogging at approx9.4kmph.

Got my sweat on and much prefer running outdoors!

Rest day tomorrow. Going for run on Saturday morning and will be doing my 6miler again... And Sunday will be taking distance up to 7ish miles by going to my next marker... May even consider starting at the village hotel with the team! We'll see how I feel on Saturday afternoon!

Got dark early tonight...

As planned headed down to the Marina for my run tonight. Left the house at 745pm which was a little later than planned and certainly won't be going that late again. By about 820pm it started to get dark and there were quite a lot of people out and about.

As a result changed my route which meant I was running on the main road by Singleton! I didn't mind so much as my music was blasting! Every time I go out running I'm amazing myself... This time ran for over an hour with only 4 minutes walking... That really is an achievement for me! Hope I'm not to achy in the morning!

Here are today's results: Distance: 5.08mi Time: 01:04:22 Pace: 12:40min/mi Speed: 4.74mi/h

So the next part of my plan.... Going to go to the gym tomorrow (and also buy another pair of running leggings), rest day on Friday followed by a morning run on Saturday (hair done in the afternoon) and another run on Sunday too! I'm totally on the fun bus! Ding ding!

Determined...

Just a little post... Zumba this evening and determined to get a run in tomorrow. Looks like it will be tomorrow evening... Will need to make sure I plan my meals so that I'm eating early... Need plenty of time for my food to go down!

Will need to do the 6 mile run to get into building my stamina so will need to start my run around 730pm as will be done by 9pm and hopefully it won't be getting too dark!

JustGiving...

My plan to go for a run this evening didn't quite go to plan... But on a positive note I set up my JustGiving page and had a bit of fun setting up the JustTextGiving and QR CODES!

Hopefully this will make it easier for people to donate.

ZUMBA tomorrow evening, and DEF going for a run on Wednesday, gym Thursday... Still not sure about running plan for the weekend, but will need to run on 2 out of the 3 days over the weekend!

Yet again, back into it...

I've done man posts like this where I have said that I'm back on it but this time I really am back on it... I have to be.... As there is something like 7 weeks left till the half marathon.

The main reason or at least the main excuse has been because I fell down the stairs a few weeks ago and my anke hasn't been right since. And even though it can be a little tender tontouch I bit the bullet and just did it!

Yesterday went to the Life gym and did a pretty normal workout including a jog on the treadmil... Admittedly it wasn't easy... Might have bee cause I just don't like the gym, but I'm only there for 6 weeks!

Decided to go for a jog with the view of 'taking it easy' and completely surprised myself! Here is my results (used the map my run application on my phone which is amazing!)

Distance: 6.31mi
Time: 01:18:46
Pace: 12:29min/mi
Speed: 4.81mi/h

Half way through I saw the rest of the James Whale team which spurred me on. I hAve 'markers' on my run, which are points that I ran to along the Swansea bay front... I've probably got about 5 and actualy went to the 3rd which is fab... But what is even better for me is that the periods that I ran for were around 15 mins at a time... Again, a nit stunned about this!

So, plan of action is to do another jog tomorrow evening, Zumba on Tuesday ... Not really planned after that but will get a session in the gym and at least one jog in before Saturday!

AWESOME!

Still on it...

I'm now pleased to say that I'm 3 sessions in (which is great for my training for the half marathon as it isn't for another 5 and a half months, but not so good for the 5k Race for Life I've entered for next weekend!).

Progress is coming along nicely at the moment as each time I've slightly increased my distance!  The weather really has helped, altough it is meant to be taking a nose dive and getting quite bad!  Hmm, lets see how that affects the training!

Have another session tomorrow and will aim to go again on Monday as it is hard to see where I am going to fit in the next session before next weekend.... which might mean I have to go for an evening jog which will be the first in a long time!  Will be moving my training to week 3 which will see me run for 5 minutes and walk for 3!  Should be interesting!

Here is hoping I can fit in a few before next weekend!

Back on it...

Only a quick post to say that I'm back onto the jogging!  2 sessions down and looking forward to the next on Friday morning!

Really hasn't been that bad - started with blocks of jogging for 3 minutes followed by blocks of 3 minutes of walking!

Will aim to keep updating this after every session to track my progress!

Its been a while!

Well, its been a while since I last posted but I'm back!

Officially booked onto the Race for Life in Bridgend on Sunday 8th May, which is just under 8 weeks away!

Not put much thought into what training I will be doing, but will def be getting into full swing this week so that I can run the race and beat last years time!

x