I have a confession

I feel like a fraud. For the past ten weeks I've been training on a treadmill. There it is, swing your punches, bring the abuse, I'm ready for it.

The race is in less than a month, and I've been happily plodding along each week in the gym, increasing my distance and time, but still not braving the elements and trying out my kit properly pre-race. That was until today. I feel relieved to have finally got it off my chest.

Following some advice from one of the girls at the Scope training day,  I incorporated some hills into the 11K today - although I could hardly not, being the type of person who does in fact live on top of a hill.) It slowed my pace but it was worthwhile, I'm sure my body will thank me in four weeks time. I also tried out one of the TORQ gels, which tasted bloody divine, and I'll be ordering some more just as soon as I finish writing this. It helped me refocus and freshen up at the 10K mark, and I felt like i could have kept going for longer, but my hips were killing me.

It was so beautiful running outside today. It was cold, but I warmed up quickly, and my mileage passed much quicker because I was so distracted by the route. I also only got beeped at once -bonus!- which is something that has always put me off running outside more. Ultimately I'd like to live in a world where I can venture outside to exercise and not be objectified, but it's a work in progress I guess.

Do you run inside on a treadmill, or outside braving the elements? Which do you prefer, and why?

I think from now on I'll mix it up a little bit, but with the weather brightening up I'm sure the outdoor runs will be more frequent.

25 days to go

Scope training day

This weekend I travelled down to London for a runners training session led by Rhian Martin at Scope HQ. I was pretty nervous, but I knew it'd be a good experience to get some final words of wisdom before the Brighton Half in 27 days (eek!)

Photo courtesy of http://www.run247.com

We covered lots of ground in the four hour session, from nutrition and kit, to a practical including running technique, speed work and stretching tips. We had a chat from a lovely lady from Six Physio  called Emily, who demonstrated how to use a foam roller - which I have since ordered... oh my goodness! Amazing. Who needs a personal masseuse when you've got a foam roller? 

We were also lucky to get a little goodie bag, including a TORQ gel which I'm looking forward to trying on my next run. Rhubarb and Custard flavour - will either be absolutely disgusting or amazing - will let you know.

I didn't meet anyone else doing the Brighton Half, most of the people there were either doing the London or Brighton marathon, but it was great to meet lots of like-minded people, all with different goals, experience and expectations for race day. It made me realise how up in Nottingham I don't really have anyone to talk about running with, or go and run with! I'll definitely rethink joining a running club, and getting out there a bit more. It's given me a massive boost of confidence and although I'm still nervous about Feb 22nd, I feel like I'm definitely doing the right thing. 

Things they never tell you about running

The dreaded black toe. I'd never heard that this was a common complaint that comes with running longer distances. They should stamp this on boxes for trainers like they do with cigarette warnings. It came as a wee bit of a surprise to me last month when the big toe on my right foot ended up black after smashing my PB. 'Running's good for you,' they said. 'It'll be fun,' they said. :/

Don't worry, I'm not going to post a photo of this one. It's gross. Apparently it'll just grow out and drop off eventually (the nail, not the toe). I wonder what other things will come up along the way that no one really speaks about...?

This girl can

Cue Missy Elliot. I think this is one of my favourite western female empowerment campaigns I've seen in a while.

When I was growing up I felt like there was always the expectation that sport/fitness was driven to appeal more to boys. I loved running around with my sister, playing games, trying to outrun her & the other girls in our street (although I often fell behind, being the youngest with the littlest legs.) When I reached primary school I played netball but I lost interest in it by the time I was an awkward thirteen year old trying to work out how to survive secondary school. I'd get embarrassed with how red my face went, how awkwardly I moved, how 'unfeminine' I felt & how I so desperately wanted to fit in and make friends. In my head doing exercise and sport made me look ugly and clumsy, rather than strong.

Now I love running. I love being sweaty. I love playing competitive games. I love pushing my body to the limits. I love getting stronger and moving faster. But this was something I only really came to terms with recently. That can be part of my identity, as a woman. It was something that I'd kind of brushed aside, that I wasn't 'sporty' enough. Then I grew up, and I realised it was something I valued and actually enjoyed. It surprised me, but I was glad for the realisation.

This Girl Can is a fucking brilliant campaign. I hope it encourages lots of women and girls to enjoy sport on a much bigger scale.

R.I.P ipod shuffle

This year hasn't started so great as far as the running goes... a whole two weeks off due to sickness and then I returned to Nottingham to find that I'd only gone and bloody put my iPod shuffle in the washing machine. Waaaah! Onwards and upwards.

On the upside I've surpassed 50% of my fundraising target for Scope which is amazing.

Back on the treadmill this afternoon to complete 15K, then will do a 5K recovery run outside later in the week. It seems kind of surreal that I'll be doing a half marathon in 47 days. All the nerves and anxieties about the event seem to be kicking in this week. I don't really know what to expect, and no matter how much I read about the subject, or even how much I actually run before then, nothing can really prepare me for the day itself until it comes along.

Reasons to run

Because I LOVE food. Running makes my bum look good. The feeling of accomplishment when I finish a run longer than I've ever managed before. Having all that time just to myself, in my head, daydreaming wherever the fuck I'd like to go. Having a boiling hot Lush bath or shower right afterwards. Chocolate milk recovery drinks ♥  To look good in my clothes and feel positive about my body. Just incase I ever need to outrun a zombie apocalypse/Hunger Games/I am Legend type situation. Healthy lungs, healthy heart, better circulation. Enjoying all those good endorphins! Pretending to race with the guy next to me on the treadmill. When life is cruel, it gives me a place I can shout & rage against it all; even if it is just inside my head, and in every heavy step. For all the days I have spent curled up in bed feeling sorry for myself. Running to the best music (i.e Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual.) Proving myself wrong when I don't want to run. To make my Mum & Dad proud. Because I have legs and I can bloody well use them. To get closer to completing a marathon. For the wind in my hair & the salt on my skin. So I can wear my nice Sweaty Betty kit. To push myself beyond the limits I give myself.

I will add to this as I go along :)