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