Grey skies give way to......

eyrie

Well done on the park run! It's a great feeling when you win the mental battle of not giving in and walking when it feels tough (though sometimes walking is fine and necessary too!). And I'm clinging on to shorts for as long as possible too!

Sunny Dayz

Sun 08/10/17 9.8km 1hr 3mins 13 sec
Splits: 6:12, 6:41, 6:22, 6:13, 6:22, 6:39, 6:21, 6:10, 6:37, 7:00 (0.8)


A local group had organised their last marathon long training run for a charity. It wasn't a timed race or anything like that, just a training run and if you wanted to join in for the full thing or hop in and out along the route for a few miles, whatever you wanted to do. I decided I would join in for the last 6 mile/10km. I parked up and waiting for the group to pass through, I sussed out the pace of them passing by and when I seen a group that seemed in and around my pace (remember they are doing their lsr) I tucked in behind them. I have to say I really enjoyed the run. The first km I spent trying to suss out my pace, I did initially speed up a little to catch the group when I learned the next group was bit behind and I didn't want to wait on for them. The second km was a little slower as one of the people in the group took a walking break and I caught up to her and slowed a bit to keep her company and boost her up, she had done 14 miles at that stage. After that it picked up again and I really enjoyed the run. The route was lovely, I've driven it many times but never run it and was spotting views and houses I had never seen before and it didn't feel hilly, one or two climbs but they weren't bad at all (and this coming from someone who dislikes hills). I couldn't believe my pace any time I glanced down at my watch, it felt good, it didn't feel hard.


However the 9th km hit. At this stage we were on the outskirts of the town and it suddenly felt very hard. Any climb felt like a mountain, the main group I had initially joined I had passed by (I had fresher legs doing 6 mile as opposed to 20 miles) and I hadn't really anyone in front of me to focus on as the other group were much further ahead. I wasn't sure where the finish line was so I felt a little aimless. But when I seen the time on my watch at the end I was pretty pleased with it. It's up there with my two fast 10km races from earlier this year which were both pb's and yet this felt like an easier effort. Overall pleasantly surprised.

gypsylee

Well done on your 10km. Great pacing.

Sunny Dayz

Last week was yet another week of I really should go out for a run, but then not bothering! Monday I usually go out for a run but I came home from work in really bad form, a run probably would have cleared the head but I knew I would have ended up crying if left alone with my thoughts! Curled up under a blanket with tea and tv while hubbie brought the child to training.


Went to the fitness class on Fri evening which I hadn't done for ages. It was a tough class but really enjoyable. Saturday afternoon I knew about it though! My core hurt when I laughed - which prompted my husband and son to crack all the jokes and I had to leave the room!


Sat morn - parkrun tourist!
5km 30:18
Splits: 5:45, 6:06, 6:01, 6:32, 5:51
Decided Fri night, buoyed up after a gym session, that a bit of parkrun tourism was on the cards and we decided on a fairly flat parkrun about a half hour drive away. I decided right I was gonna try for the elusive sub 30 mins! First km was nice, had to remind myself to slow up a bit, bit disheartening to have people pushing buggies going flying past me. 2nd km felt ok, crowd had thinned out a bit so distracted myself by looking around as this section was along a canal. 3rd km started to feel harder. There was a lady and a younger girl ahead of me and the gap between us was growing wider. Was also starting to feel a bit of digestive discomfort but tried to distract from it. 4th km wasn't great, took two walking breaks - I had thrown away any chance of a sub 30. The two women were further ahead of me, there weren't any great views to look at, scenery was fairly boring so I couldn't even distract myself. Usually I think about where to go from breakfast and what to order, but those thoughts wouldn't have helped me! When the last km kicked in I decided to try and get as near to 30 as I could. I started to make some good ground on the young girl ahead of me and had practically caught up to her at the finish. I was happy with my time at the end but a little disappointed that the 4th km got to me again. I wish my mind had been stronger and more focussed. I think I'll be back to try and crack it again! At least I know sub 30 is within reach.

gypsylee

Well done on your parkrun, that sub 30 is nearly yours!

Have you signed up for any more races this year?

Sunny Dayz

gypsylee wrote: »

Well done on your parkrun, that sub 30 is nearly yours!

Have you signed up for any more races this year?

No, there doesn't appear to be any races locally for the next while that I'm aware of. I'm not sure I really want to travel too far and I will be busy with work for the next month. A few weekends are also booked with the young fella doing xc. Plus a friend had a baby recently and I kinda want to wait until they have set a christening date as I don't want to miss it. I know the Run in the Dark is on nearby next month but €25 is very saucy. We did it last year, €75 for the 3 of us to run 5km untimed.

Huzzah!

gypsylee wrote: »

Well done on your parkrun, that sub 30 is nearly yours!

Plus one to this. You're within touching distance!

Sunny Dayz

Thurs 19/10/17 3.5km 25:31
Splits: 6:38, 7:30, 7:05, 8:36 (0.5)
This was just about physically getting myself out of the house. I have got out of the habit of running during the week and half the battle is getting back out the door after getting in from work, especially when the evenings are getting darker. Did have to pause along the way to stretch out the calves, they got very tight around the 2.5km mark.


Sun 22/10/17 4km 27:05
Splits: 6:34, 6:47, 6:46, 6:47
Another one of those "I have a brief window and an inclination for a run, quick, get out the door before I change my mind" moments. A nice enjoyable run. Legs felt much better as I had walked around the shops earlier that day. Only realised when I uploaded to strava that the splits were so even, that wouldn't happen if I tried!


Mon 23/10/17 5km 40:13
Splits: 7:04, 7:56, 7:53, 9:12, 7:34
Ok that was a fairly crap run. I've got it into my head that I want to try my hand at pacing. Now obviously it would be a slow enough pace seeing as my average 5km time is 31 mins. I got it into my head that I could pace 35 mins. So when the child went to training I decided that I would do a practice run along my local parkrun course of 35 mins pacing with a guinea pig! Well it was a fail! It was so dark, even though we brought a torch it was still difficult to see. My ankles felt quite sore cause I knew I wasn't running correctly, I was trying to get my footing in the dark. I could hardly see my watch! Stubbornness in me wanted to keep going but I had to concede and walk the darkest parts of the course.
Now I wondering is 35 mins too ambitious for me to pace and should I extend back to 40 mins? I'm not required for pacing but I'm trying to get a few practices done incase my local parkrun does a pacers week and then I can volunteer to do same.

Sunny Dayz

Sun 28/10/2017 5km 31:41
Splits: 5:40, 5:58, 6:38, 7:00, 6:17
A local 5km run was held for charity, small crowd so no race atmosphere as such, just a group of people out for a sunday stride really. Clashed with the marathon so that was probably why. Ran with one other and we said we would try and give it a good stride. First 2 kms were good. 3rd km it started to get very warm out. 4th took a walking break longer than what we should have. Last 5km was just digging the heels in and getting it done. I probably should have started a little slower and not walked as much but I was alongside someone and they were delighted to get what they think was their 3rd fastest 5km.


I probably should have got out yesterday bank holiday Monday being off work. But I had a few things going on and although a run might have helped to clear the head, in reality I think my mind would have gone into overdrive with my thoughts. So I kept busy at home and signed up for the Clontarf 5 mile instead!


Well done to all who took part in DCM. I think maybe next year I might go up and spectate.

gypsylee

Good luck with the Clontarf 5 mile. Having a race to aim for will help keep you focused. I have never ran a 5 mile so I am going to sign up for the Raheny 5 mile at the end of January.

Do you have any thoughts of doing DCM yourself?

Sunny Dayz

gypsylee wrote: »

Good luck with the Clontarf 5 mile. Having a race to aim for will help keep you focused. I have never ran a 5 mile so I am going to sign up for the Raheny 5 mile at the end of January.

Do you have any thoughts of doing DCM yourself?

Thinking of signing up for Raheny also.
I'd be fairly doubtful about doing DCM.... I'd say it would be some achievement. But the half I did in the summer, it was no mean feat. I'm not sure I would have a full marathon in me and that I could commit to the training it needs, my work is busy for Sept and Oct. I'll never say never though...


What about yourself Gypsylee?

gypsylee

After the half in August I swore I would never do a marathon. Watching it on Sunday gave me an idea that maybe I could. It would be a very slow one and I would like to build up my fitness a good bit before starting a plan. Hoping to do the Wexford Half in April so I can improve my Half time and will make the decision then.

Huzzah!

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Thinking of signing up for Raheny also.
I'd be fairly doubtful about doing DCM.... I'd say it would be some achievement. But the half I did in the summer, it was no mean feat. I'm not sure I would have a full marathon in me and that I could commit to the training it needs, my work is busy for Sept and Oct. I'll never say never though...


What about yourself Gypsylee?

Raheny is a great race and, even if it wasn't, the goody bag alone is worth the entry fee

Sunny Dayz

Gosh it makes such a difference when you have signed up to a race and have downloaded a training plan. I suppose that fact that yesterday evening was lovely running weather and I had seen a friend post up on social media that he had just been for a run also helped me out the door!


01/11/17 4km 27:38
Splits: 6:33, 6:56, 7:02, 7:02


Not much to say, glad I got out the door. Was overdressed for this run, running jacket not needed as yet, so I was sweating buckets. It was ideal running weather and great to see so many other people out walking and running last night.

ariana`

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Thinking of signing up for Raheny also.
I'd be fairly doubtful about doing DCM.... I'd say it would be some achievement. But the half I did in the summer, it was no mean feat. I'm not sure I would have a full marathon in me and that I could commit to the training it needs, my work is busy for Sept and Oct. I'll never say never though...


What about yourself Gypsylee?

gypsylee wrote: »

After the half in August I swore I would never do a marathon. Watching it on Sunday gave me an idea that maybe I could. It would be a very slow one and I would like to build up my fitness a good bit before starting a plan. Hoping to do the Wexford Half in April so I can improve my Half time and will make the decision then.

A couple of weeks before DCM i had a flash-back to my first and only HM which was last October... After i finished it i told my OH that any notion i had of ever doing a full marathon was well and truly out the window as there was no way in heaven or earth i could run a mile further never mind another 13.1 miles further :pac: I actually enjoyed the full much more than the HM, the support is unreal, it's hard to explain the difference it makes

gypsylee

ariana` wrote: »

A couple of weeks before DCM i had a flash-back to my first and only HM which was last October... After i finished it i told my OH that any notion i had of ever doing a full marathon was well and truly out the window as there was no way in heaven or earth i could run a mile further never mind another 13.1 miles further :pac: I actually enjoyed the full much more than the HM, the support is unreal, it's hard to explain the difference it makes

Now you are sowing the seeds well and truly in my mind!

gypsylee

Well done on your run yesterday Sunny. What plan are you going to follow?

Sunny Dayz

gypsylee wrote: »

Well done on your run yesterday Sunny. What plan are you going to follow?

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51096/8K-Novice-Training-Program
Loosely following the Hal Higdon novice 8km plan, might have to chop and change the days a bit, eg Tuesday's run was done last night! Skipped ahead to week 5. I probably should have picked the intermediate plan but I'm going to be busy with work over the next couple of weeks so this one might suit me better time-wise.

ariana`

gypsylee wrote: »

Now you are sowing the seeds well and truly in my mind!

A plan well executed so

Sunny Dayz

gypsylee wrote: »

Now you are sowing the seeds well and truly in my mind!

Stop trying to tempt us ariana!! :P

Sunny Dayz

Well, it's been a while....
Due to the nature of my job, end of Oct to mid Nov tend to be quite busy, this year seemed to be the one of the more crazy ones I've had in a number of years. Anyway it resulted in no time for running, between work, family stuff and all the rest.


Mon 20/11/2017 9km 1:06:44
Splits: 6:37, 6:09, 7:51, 7:58, 7:38, 7:42, 8:11, 7:21, 6:50
So start of a new week, child had training as usual so I decided to get back into the habit of going for a run at this time. Was all fired up and ready to go. But after 2km I went downhill. I got too warm - it was too mild for the long sleeves. I had no water with me and was gasping. I felt tired after being on the go all day. I took loads of walking breaks and found it difficult to get settled on a pace, it was very stop/start and I couldn't even find a slow pace to tick over with. I put it down to not having run in a while.


I'm doing the Clontarf 5 mile this weekend, was hoping to do well in it but I think after that run and the break it's gonna be just complete it and try not to walk.

Sunny Dayz

Clontarf 5 mile 55:06
Splits: 6:28, 6:33, 6:23, 6:49, 7:00, 7:04, 7:29, 6:54


Wasn't really sure how this was going to pan out. I had printed off a training plan with a min number of days as I knew I was going to be busy in work. But I ended up being busier than I anticipated and it was literally sleep, work and squeeze in eating somewhere. Then the week leading up to the race was just catching up on everything else in life. I got one run done before the 5 mile and that didn't go well.


Night before I didn't sleep well at all. Luckily we were travelling by bus, the roads were snowy and frosty and I wouldn't have been able for travelling to Dublin in that by car. Bus parked up and nipped down to get race numbers. Was starting to warm up a bit on the brisk walk back to the bus. So I decided to just have a long sleeve top and forego the tshirt over it. Back down to the start area, short queue for the toilets as the half runners were gone and into the start area where we did some stretches and jog on the spot to keep warm.


Started off and went with the flow. Many people went on the grass to bypass the crowds but I didn't bother, too much effort! Just went along, trying to pass groups of 3 or 4 abreast running on the prom. First km time came in and was happy enough with that, didn't go out too fast anyway. There was a bit more room for running and passing now and settled into a nice rhythm, was nicely warmed up now and had to take the gloves off. The 3rd km brought us across the bridge and onto Bull Island. Just as I finished this km the leader of the 5 mile passed heading back the way already! The 4th km was where it got tight. The path got really narrow, you were meeting the pack coming back the way and there was only enough room really for one going in either direction. This made it nearly impossible to pass anybody, you had to just go at the pace of the person in front of you and try not to clip their heels. It was nice though meeting the people coming the other direction and saying hi and exchanging words of encouragement.
Turned at 4km and headed back, we were on the home stretch now. The crowds heading out to the turning point were starting to thin out so you had a bit more room to try squeeze past people. But wind was something else. It blew in across you, biting. The gloves had to go back on and the headband was pull down over the ears completely. It was starting to get harder to move, running felt like it needed more effort. Back over the bridge and a little walk as we were turning onto the prom. Grabbed a jelly from the kind people of, I think, Waterstown and tried to get going again. 2 more walking breaks along my 7th km. Legs felt tired and heavy and the body felt cold, I shouldn't be cold having ran 7kms. Last km and there were some great supporters which helped us along. I tried to pick it up for the last km but again it felt like I was running and getting nowhere!


Was glad to have completed it. I was too cold to admire the scenery along the way. I would like another crack at it again next summer but turns out it's the same day as the Michael Buble concert I'm going to. Lovely route, not a hint of a climb. By right I should have been around 50 mins, had to make do with 55 mins.


Lessons learned:
1. Get a good night's sleep
2. Need to up my water intake
3. Get out for more runs, they don't have to be long or fast, just get out more.
4. Don't do a gym class the night before a race, I think this is why my legs felt heavy.

Huzzah!

Well done on the run. The route is on my old stomping ground and the wind can be tough on the return leg. 50 minutes would be a nice 2018 target for you

Sunny Dayz

Huzzah! wrote: »

Well done on the run. The route is on my old stomping ground and the wind can be tough on the return leg. 50 minutes would be a nice 2018 target for you

Thanks. I did my first 5 mile race earlier this year locally and was around 51 mins with the last 1.5km all uphill. I thought with a flat course like Clontarf I would get closer to 50mins but running has fallen by the wayside this past month.


Looking forward to getting back to parkrun this weekend, I have actually missed it. Hoping to give 5 mile another crack with Raheny at the end of Jan. I'm a bit conflicted though. The past 2 January's I've done the Rhythm challenge, 5k a day for the month of Jan cumulating in a 5km group run at the end of the month. The facebook group is brilliant for motivation and the 5km run at the end of Jan has a great atmosphere. But I've heard great things about Raheny....


http://lilliputadventure.com/bressies-rhythm/?mc_cid=a4df63c2a7&mc_eid=064fbf3dad

Sunny Dayz

Saturday - parkrunday! 5km 31:51
Splits: 5:47, 6:41, 6:39, 6:56, 6:32
My local one - gosh it's been so long since I ran this - on the one hand I was looking forward to it, on the other I was dreading it cos I feel out of practice!


Started off ok, a bit too fast in hindsight. One of the ladies who runs just sub-30 was just infront of me for the first short loop, I stupidly thought that I would try to hang on to her. But after 1.5 km I realised that was not going to happen. Found myself struggling with the hills, I had a gym class the night before I dunno whether that tired out my legs, it should be strengthening them! I had a small water bottle stashed where we loop around and when I went for it, it was gone. Mouth was as dry as the Sahara! The last 1.5km was spent checking over my shoulder to see was the lady behind me catching up on me! We joked about it after: her behind me pushed me to keep going I didn't want to her to catch up on me and her saying she was trying to hold onto me as best she could to keep herself going!

Sunny Dayz

Mon 4th Dec 10km 1hr 12m 28s
Splits: 6:35, 6:36, 7:39, 7:11, 7:40, 7:04, 7:49, 7:24, 7:14, 6:54


What's this? Two log posts in a row!


The child had training and I had gotten out of the habit of going for a run during his Monday session. I didn't want to go, you know that feeling, even the hubbie said sure drop him off, go home and collect him after. But I knew I had to go out, even if I was to walk.
Had an 8km route mapped out in my head. First 2km were along cycleway, flat, straight, boring. I knew I was too fast along this and shouldn't have been struggling that early. Once I got off the cycleway I slowed it right down to a pace above walking, a pace I could maintain, this was much better. Just kept moving and spotting houses with Christmas lights or trees up. Got back near the car with 8km done and 15 mins before the child was finished so I knew a 1km loop close by, did 2 loops of that and back to the car just as training was finishing.
I did notice it easier to move on that run, I think because I did parkrun on Sat. I am going to have to get out more frequently, even if it's just for 2 or 3 km. But we've quite a few things on this coming week and some bad weather forecast, we shall see.

Sunny Dayz

It's been quiet on this log - almost a month without a post!
I wish I could say I've loads of runs to post here but I don't. I just lost my motivation in December. Between work, getting Christmas sorted, family stuff etc I just managed a few walks.


I did attend parkrun but it was only as volunteering as they've been tight on numbers. I did hit my 25 volunteer milestone in Dec so I think I'll try and be a bit more ruthless in 2018 and get more runs done at parkrun.


Tues 26th Dec - 5 km 31:12
Splits: 5:55, 5:55, 6:25, 6:27, 6:27
We heard on Christmas Day that there was a 5km in my local town the next day, we had already signed up to do the Goal Mile so we juggled our schedule and realised we could do both! A little voice inside me said this could be your last shot at getting sub 30 this year... The run was along the cycleway which I'm not a fan of, I find it quite monotonous. The first 2.5km I was bang on target for squeezing just under the 30. Then (as usual) the 4th km fell apart, I felt tired, I hadn't run in a while. Still 31 mins is grand but I could have done better, sometimes I feel like I need someone around that point in a run to give me a kick up the ar$e!
Goal Mile after, done in 11:28 as it's not raced as such at our local, it's just an excuse for locals to catch up after the Xmas and walk off a few sweets. I jogged around with a few and had a chat.


End of Year Review:

• Covered 755kms
• Didn't break sub 30 for 5km but got 30 on the button at one parkrun
• PB's twice in my 10k's - 64:02 in April and down to 62:56 in June.
• Completed a half marathon in 2:30:45
• Did two 5 mile races

2018 plan:

• Really want to get my 5km times down - really going for that elusive sub 30!
• 10k - not really thought of this - I won't be able to do the VHI mini marathon this year as I've something else on that weekend and that's been my goal 10km that past few years.
• Half marathon - yes I am going to do another one this year - my husband has a milestone birthday this year and has a half on his bucket list so I said I would do it with him. We haven't decided which one to do yet but it won't be run for time, just for completion.

Mon 1st Jan 5km 38:09
Splits: 7:10, 7:13, 7:55, 8:04, 7:45
This was never going to be fast as we did have a fair few drinks the night before. Trying to train the husband to run slower! Managed to squeeze it in between the showers.


Have signed up for the Raheny 5 mile, I can't do any worse than 55 mins in Clontarf, I should, by rights, be closer to 50mins.
I've also signed up to a 5km a day challenge but missed yesterday because of the weather and did a 30 HIIT workout instead.

gypsylee

Good luck with your goals for 2018, that sub 30 5km is there for the taking.

I am doing Raheny as well, have not done a 5 mile before so I am sure of a PB. Would love a sub 50 but doubtful.

Good luck to you and your husband on the half marathon plan. I am so jealous of your 2.30 time!

Sunny Dayz

I've started off my new year with a resolution to walk more to work. My workplace is in walking distance of the house. But with typical Irish weather and dangerous roads, I tend to really only walk to work in the summer when it's bright morning and evening. However measures have recently been put in place which makes it safer now so I've been doing that the last few days while it's still a novelty. It's not perfect but it's a good deal safer than what it was.


I'm behind on my 5k-a-day challenge so I supplemented my 2km walk to work with an 8km jog, I think that leaves me 1 day behind on the challenge.
Thurs 04/01/2018 8km 1:05
Splits: 7:30, 8:31, 8:23, 8:33, 8:24, 8:09, 8:01, 7:45
Did a bit of exploring in my town and managed to stretch out a 6 km running route to 8km by going up and down a few side streets. Happy with this route as it's all on footpath and streetlights which is great for running in a small town on winter's evenings. I've been out of regular running this past month or two, I've felt it in my more recent runs that my fitness, love and motivation for running has slipped. So I brought it back to basics with a slow (and I was hoping steady) jog. I just wanted to be able to keep going and build up some endurance again. It felt largely comfortable which is what many of my runs have not been lately. My slowest run in ages and yet the one I've been happiest with! And the little tingle in my legs this morning when I got out of bed, I think my legs are happy they are starting to remember what it's like to run again!

Sunny Dayz

I'm liking that this 5km a day challenge is getting me out the door. The support and motivation on the facebook group is great.


On Friday I was back to my usual fitness class, mainly weights and it felt like they got heavier as the circuit went around! When I got home, I figured while I was still in my gym gear, sure feck it, I'll pop out for quick walk, rack up a km or two! Who is this?!!


Sat 06/01/18 parkrun 5km 33:51
Splits: 6:39, 7:06, 6:57, 7:05, 6:41
Certainly wasn't going to set the world alit with that run, I did feel quite tired and the legs felt heavy. But with one short walking break and two small bits at walking pace as I struggled up the hills I kept it moving. Good to be back running at parkrun again, it feels like ages.


A 6km walk after dinner on Sunday, even though I wrapped up well, it was fing Baltic out!! As soon as I got home I climbed in under the duvet with the electric blanket!

Sunny Dayz

I enjoy reading other people's logs but I forgot all about updating my own log in the past week!


Mon 08/01/18 10km 1hr 20mins
Splits: 7:42, 7:58, 8:36, 8:25, 7:17, 8:15, 8:45, 7:12, 8:41, 7:28
First 10km of 2018 and boy was it a tough one. After a day's work, rushing to get dinner made at home and out the door again all I wanted to do was take a nap! I had company in the form of my husband but I was the slow one for a change and if I was on my own I think I would have cut the run short. In my slowness I just made in back in time to collect the child from training.
Also I walking in and out of work - 2km


Tues, Weds and Thurs - walking in and out of work - 2km walked each day


Weds - juvenile athletics training - back in at it again! Was kind of dreading it, I don't mind helping out but when I'm given a group of kids and have to train them myself I get nervous and worried I'll do it wrong. But once I got into the swing of things it was ok. Think I might have tugged my left glute during training, I get a little dart now and again, often if I've been sitting on my tush for a while.


Fri 12/01/18 - no run on Friday but went back to the local GAA gym class. Enjoyable, good craic but it was tough. It was largely focused on core which mine needs a lot of work. I could hardly plank or do bicycle crunches and normally I can do them no problem - I didn't realise I had gotten so bad.


Sat 13/01/18 - volunteered at parkrun. I could have brought running gear and done a run of the course afterwards but the lure of breakfast and errands to do in town won out. I could have gone for a run when I got home but I didn't.


Sun 14/01/18 - I could have gone for a run - but I didn't. Motivation to get out the door is low this past few days, procrastination seems to have taken over. I'm doing the Raheny 5 mile in 2 weeks time and do not feel prepared at all. I had a headache going from dull to painful all weekend. It was raining all Sunday afternoon. I got fed up of making excuses, put on my runners and a raincoat and went for a brisk 3km walk and it cleared my head a good bit, and I didn't melt away in the rain!

gypsylee

Sounds like you had a busy week! Well done on getting out yesterday, sometimes it hard to push ourselves.

You'll be grand for Raheny though I admit I am a bit anxious about it too!

Sunny Dayz

Mon 15/01/2018 8.4km 1hr 1min!
Splits: 7.01, 7:26, 7:01, 7:05, 7:17, 7:28, 7:39, 7:24, 6:01 (0.4)


Decided on 8km this time while the kiddo was at training just so I wouldn't be stuck for time. Did an out and back route to make up the 8km, just measured slightly over as I started the watch at an earlier point than I normally do. Had to pause for a calf stretch at the 2km mark, they were very tight. The next 2 km it started raining and it was that ice cold stinging your face rain, probably why I was a bit quicker! The way back was ok, the rain had stopped but I was feeling the cold even though I had wrapped up it was from the rain. A bit of a run-to-this-building, run-to-the-next-junction type of return. The last 500m I said f-it and pegged it. Had a 15 min wait for the kiddo to finish training, I should have drove down to the nearest garage and got a hot drink as I was quite cold.


Tues 16/01/18 - 3 km walk in the snow! Wasn't even going to attempt a run or jog in that, so dragged the family out with all the layers and enjoyed the snow!


Started thinking last night about a possible target time for Raheny. I've run two 5 mile races so far - my first was last June in 51 mins and then Clontarf in Nov was 55 mins.

Sunny Dayz

Unfortunately a few days got away from me and I didn't manage as much running as I'd like. Still doing a bit of walking in and out of work.


Sat 20/01/18 5km parkrun 32:56
Splits: 6:18, 6:50, 6:56, 6:52, 6:33
I know I've done better times here but the course was fairly waterlogged, Few parts were mucky and slippy but sure that's all part of the fun, ya know something a bit different. Usually my mind wanders to breakfast when I'm doing this run but not today, full concentration on not slipping, staying going and not losing the person in front of me!


Sun 21/01/18 - I should have gone out for a walk, run, something in the afternoon when it stopped raining and was still daylight. But I had got into a major house sorting mode so I wasn't going to break my stride!


Mon 22/01/18 8.3km 58:35
Splits: 6:56, 6:45, 6:49, 7:15, 6:52, 7:34, 6:47, 7:31, 6:08 (0.3)
Same route as last Monday. Little bit shaved off the time. I've had better runs. I was up to 90 all day and as a result hadn't time for food when I got home as had to bring kiddo to training. After 3km I could feel the energy levels go down. The last 2km felt like I had nothing left in my legs, it reminded me of the last few km of the half last year. When I had finished I had 15 mins before collecting kiddo so I walked 2 laps of the outdoor track as cool down.

Sunny Dayz

Sat 27/01/18 5.3km 36:15
Splits: 6:18, 7:13, 7:03, 7:11, 6:32, 6:21 (0.3)
Volunteered at parkrun this morning. After I had to bring the child to music so I went for a bit of a run. I was quite near to the cycletrack so I headed out there as I had daylight for a change. Realised that running on the cycleway on your own with no music is bloody boring. It was warmer than I expected and felt I struggled a little which left me nervous about doing the Raheny run the next day. But on the plus side it made me realise that I should be wearing a tshirt when it's warm and that served me right in Raheny!


Sun 28/01/2018 Raheny 5 mile official time 50:31 (watch read 51:05)
Splits (per watch): 6:15, 6:22, 6:24, 5:55, 6:16, 6:38, 6:23, 6:21
Was both excited and nervous about this run. I hadn't a good run in Clontarf last Nov which lead me to believe that the good 5 mile time I got last summer was a fluke. Raheny is not an area of Dublin I know at all but we were lucky to get parking quite nearby. We had plenty of time to get our race numbers, do a decent warm up and few stretches. There didn't seem to be any starting pens for times so we just joined in the crowds, think we did start about the right place in fairness.
Off we went, I started my watch as soon as we started moving and a bit before crossing the start line so that's why there's a difference in my recorded time. Was a bit congested for the first km. I didn't realise what distance I had gone until I checked the watch to see if we had done 1km yet and I had nearly reached 2km! Felt I had settled into the run by then, anytime I checked my pace it seemed to be faster than what I was aiming for, but because I felt comfortable I kept going. Couldn't believe how quick my 4th km was, apparently it was all downhill - I didn't even notice! At the start of the 6th I got a stitch on my right side just before St Anne's Park, I rarely get stitches, I don't go fast enough. I tried to slow it down but I ended up walking a bit in the Park. When I got to the out-and-back section I picked it up again, looking at the crowds and by the time I got to the other side of the out-and-back I felt back on stride again. Once you get out of the park, you are nearly at the finish line.
I was surprised at my time when the official results came through. Made me wonder could sub 50 be possible... A good start to the year, time to figure out what's next...
The race was well organised, the running crowd were lovely, plenty of chat in the starting area and there was such great support all along the route.

ariana`

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Sat 27/01/18 5.3km 36:15
Splits: 6:18, 7:13, 7:03, 7:11, 6:32, 6:21 (0.3)
Volunteered at parkrun this morning. After I had to bring the child to music so I went for a bit of a run. I was quite near to the cycletrack so I headed out there as I had daylight for a change. Realised that running on the cycleway on your own with no music is bloody boring. It was warmer than I expected and felt I struggled a little which left me nervous about doing the Raheny run the next day. But on the plus side it made me realise that I should be wearing a tshirt when it's warm and that served me right in Raheny!


Sun 28/01/2018 Raheny 5 mile official time 50:31 (watch read 51:05)
Splits (per watch): 6:15, 6:22, 6:24, 5:55, 6:16, 6:38, 6:23, 6:21
Was both excited and nervous about this run. I hadn't a good run in Clontarf last Nov which lead me to believe that the good 5 mile time I got last summer was a fluke. Raheny is not an area of Dublin I know at all but we were lucky to get parking quite nearby. We had plenty of time to get our race numbers, do a decent warm up and few stretches. There didn't seem to be any starting pens for times so we just joined in the crowds, think we did start about the right place in fairness.
Off we went, I started my watch as soon as we started moving and a bit before crossing the start line so that's why there's a difference in my recorded time. Was a bit congested for the first km. I didn't realise what distance I had gone until I checked the watch to see if we had done 1km yet and I had nearly reached 2km! Felt I had settled into the run by then, anytime I checked my pace it seemed to be faster than what I was aiming for, but because I felt comfortable I kept going. Couldn't believe how quick my 4th km was, apparently it was all downhill - I didn't even notice! At the start of the 6th I got a stitch on my right side just before St Anne's Park, I rarely get stitches, I don't go fast enough. I tried to slow it down but I ended up walking a bit in the Park. When I got to the out-and-back section I picked it up again, looking at the crowds and by the time I got to the other side of the out-and-back I felt back on stride again. Once you get out of the park, you are nearly at the finish line.
I was surprised at my time when the official results came through. Made me wonder could sub 50 be possible... A good start to the year, time to figure out what's next...
The race was well organised, the running crowd were lovely, plenty of chat in the starting area and there was such great support all along the route.

Of course it is

Well done, great running, despite the stitch you got it back together

Huzzah!

Sub-50 is absolutely possible. Well done on your run. I get cursed stitches all the time, even when doing an easy run. It's a cursed nightmare. I think it's potentially related to eating to close to a run, but I haven't been able to pinpoint a cause yet.

Looking forward to hearing about your plans.

gypsylee

Well done on a great run yesterday. That sub-50 is yours for the taking.

eyrie

Well done! Sub 50 is definitely possible, you're so close!

Sunny Dayz

Unfortunately there's not been much running this past week due to a sick child. Still keeping the walking going in and out of work. Went for an hours long walk on Sat evening s cabin fever was setting in!
Gonna try get out maybe tomorrow for a short run and I'm looking forward to some parkrun tourism this weekend.

Sunny Dayz

Another week of not much running...


The Mon eve I hadn't an opportunity to go for a run. The young lad wasn't doing training and the hubbie had a meeting. So I brought the youngster to our local GAA club for the Operation Transformation Light up Ireland campaign. I met my parents there and the child went off with his friends. I walked about 3.5kms.


Tues eve was the only eve I had a window for a run this week. However when I went outside, the footpaths were dicey enough for running, I just wasn't going to chance it. So I walked 3.5 kms around the town.


Sat 10/02/2018 5km parkrun 31:23 (official time 31:04)
Splits: 6:35, 6:17, 6:27, 6:00, 6:04
Was away with the hubbie for the weekend to Manchester so we took the opportunity to get a bit of parkrun tourism done! We arrived in plenty of time, weather was a bit drizzley and we introduced ourselves to the run director. Just under 400 people ran this run, our usual parkrun has about 50! It was a lovely route, one lap of an athletics track, two loops of the park and one final lap around the track to finish. Start was busy enough, we just went with the crowd. There were two big deep puddles on the course, both of which we had to meet twice - sure feck it just run through them for the craic! The course was as flat as a pancake, I never noticed a climb at all. The finish was great, as you come into the athletics ground for the finale, the people who have already finished were standing near the entrance, recovering or getting barcode scanned and they cheer everyone on. I was kinda hoping to get under 31 mins but considering we didn't push ourselves too much, we were in holiday mode, hadn't much sleep, plenty of eating, drinking and many kms walked the previous day, I was pretty happy with that time.

Edit: While it doesn't look I did much running last week, I have still been walking in and out of work most days, which is 2km return. Also with the weekend away we covered 18km and 19kms in the 2 days we were away.

Sunny Dayz

Routine has been a bit all over the place lately and still is. Between changes to the son's training, busy at work, mid term etc running and fitness has unfortunately taken a back seat. However towards the end of last week things started to come back together a bit. The Friday night I got back to my GAA club fitness class, think I've missed the past 3 weeks of this. Wow I couldn't believe how much of a set back I've taken in this. I haven't been back at it properly really since the Christmas break. Things that I normally would have been fine doing I struggled with. I didn't push myself so far cos I knew I had a break but I didn't realise how far I had gone back. I really should be doing something at home myself.


Sat morn - parkrun tailwalker. I volunteered as parkrun tail walker. I know it sounds mean but I was kinda hoping there would be no walkers this weekend and that I could do a slow jog. However there was one walker, ah sure not to worry. I enjoyed a walk and a chat with her nonetheless and crossed the line at 49 minutes. My local course is a nice for a workout of a walk, the few climbs get the heart rate up and the legs pumping!


Sat afternoon 3.38km 21:01
Splits: 6:02, 6:51, 5:54, 5:50 (0.3)
I had a small window for a run while the child was at music. Still in my running clothes for parkrun I got out along the flat cycleway. I decided I try for a faster run. First km was good. 2nd km I took 2 walking breaks after 1.5km. When the 3rd km started I tried to press on and imagine it was the last km of a race. Ah it was an ok session, an attempt at running a bit faster although I must try and structure it a bit more. The cyleway is the best place for those types of runs but ours isn't lit so trying to get daylight to run in!


Lastly, I did a few stupid things in the past week or two - I registered for races!! I have been registered to do a half in August with my hubbie. It's for him moreso rather than me. There is a half on Easter Sunday in a lovely location which also has a relay option. I've never done one of those before so decided to give it a go, hubbie will be my tag team! Also a 10km race is on Easter Saturday, I half thought of doing it, I did it last year and really enjoyed it. I seen the medal and tshirt released and I really want them! So like an eejit I registered for it so I now have two 10km's one day after another! That was clever!

Sunny Dayz

Last week consisted of no running but walking in and out of work. Was flat out busy all week and was battling to keep a head cold at bay before going away last weekend. Managed to squeeze in a bit of volunteering at parkrun. I also attended the AIT Grand Prix in Athlone, it really was something else to watch them go. The pole vault was really enjoyable and the finale with the mile was great.


Mon 26/02/18 10.26km 1:15:13
Splits: 7:06, 7:29, 7:15, 7:52, 7:53, 7:02, 8:07, 7:14, 7:12, 6:36, 5:36 (0.26)
I knew it had been a few weeks since I got a long run in but didn't realise it was 5 weeks! That's appalling! I wasn't going to push too much as I knew I hadn't been on a long one in a while and wasn't sure how I'd be with the weather so I picked the 8km route and figured if I was doing alright for time I could extend it a bit when I got back to the car. Didn't know what was pace was like as I ran the 8km route, my watch was well buried under layers. The weather was lovely for running though, no bitter breeze and no stinging of the lungs, just calmness. There was no-one out running though, usually I meet 6-10 people about running, just seen 1 near the start and another near the end of the run.
When I got back to the car, just over 8km done and 15 mins before the child was finished training. So I went to the outdoor track and did 1 lap slow, 1 lap fast x 2 - hence the faster 0.26km! Just to change things up a bit and practice getting the final dig in near the end of a race when you are tired. Glutes and hamstrings are a bit achy this morning.

Sunny Dayz

Mon 05/03/18 - 9.37km 1:10:26
Splits: 6:42, 7:13, 7:57, 7:19, 8:07, 7:26, 8:13, 7:51, 7:21, 6:05 (0.37)
Did the same out and back 8km route as last week. Weather conditions were perfectly fine for it, as were the footpaths. I think I was a bit overdressed though, the chill to the bone I experienced in Clontarf back in Nov still haunts me!
I just felt really sluggish, tired, legs felt so heavy, as did my feet, I was barely lifting them off the ground, and at one stage I looked down to see was I still wearing my snow boots which I've been getting good wear out of the past week. Bit disappointed, the same route last week was fine and dandy but this week it felt difficult. Did 2 laps of the track when I got back to the car, should have squeezed in one more to bring me up to 10km even!
Feels like I need to pull my socks up or the 10km x 2 at the end of the month is going to be a huge mistake.

ariana`

Sunny Dayz i wouldn't worry about feeling sluggish after a week of not running, i'm always like that too getting back into it. I bet if you now today or tomorrow it will feel a lot easier.

Sunny Dayz

Tues 06/03/18 4.14km 30:31
Splits: 6:51, 7:33, 7:47, 7:25, 6:17 (0.14)
Made more of a effort to get out for a run, even if it was more a case of knowing I needed to get out rather than wanting to get out. It didn't feel as bad as the previous night, felt a little easier but still not in the easy effortless gliding along feeling. Of course I was glad I got out, you always are really.


No running Weds or Thurs - was back helping out with the kids athletics Weds night.


Fri night I returned to the GAA gym. Was dreading this. The last time I went was again after an unplanned break and it was awful, I had felt I had lost all my strength and ability and was almost crying with disappointment in myself. This time around it didn't fell as bad as I was expecting, I was better able to do things like Russian twists, burpees and bicycle crunches than I thought I would have been. One thing I hadn't realised I'd miss was the chat and camaraderie.


Sat 5km parkrun 33:37
Splits: 6:27, 7:05, 6:54, 7:24, 7:05
Even feels like ages since I've ran at parkrun! Snow was gone but the ground was wet and mucky in parts, has been worse though. Just kept plodding along, it did at times felt hard to lift the feet. But I was happy that I didn't feel like I had to slow down or walk, I was happy to keep going. Only time I stopped was when I spied someone out for a jog on the opposite side of the perimeter wall and he asked what was I doing and I gave him a few lines about parkrun! Not one of my better times but still happy enough with staying going although it did feel like the run required more effort than the time showed and even two faster runners complemented my running which was surprising. However from 3km onwards my foot felt sore, like a blister was forming and sure enough a belter on my instep! I put on an old pair of running socks and part of it seems to have folded or wrinkled along there and caused a blister.


Sun - would have been a perfect day for a run, feels like the first nice day we got here. But the son was running in the Leinster Indoors so spent Mother's Day cheering him on!

Sunny Dayz

Mon 12/03/18 7.2km 51:06
Splits: 7:04, 6:53, 6:48: 7:41, 7:51, 6:58, 6:36, 6:06 (0.2)
Had an errand to do after dropping the kid to training so decided to run from there and get a change of scenery. It was a good route and I'll do it again. However from 4km onwards my foot was not playing ball and I could feel the blister returning. Of course I was stubborn and just kept going but I did cut the 8km planned route short with a km to go. Need to stock up on compeed plasters!

Sunny Dayz

Tues 13/03
Needed to get out but didn't want to chance aggravating my blistered foot anymore so got in a brisk walk of just over 4km in around 40 mins. I wanted my foot to be ok for parkrun at the weekend.


Sat 17/03 parkrun 5km 31:18
Splits: 6:01, 6:55, 7:18, 7:13, 6:37
We were up with the inlaws for the long weekend so decided on a bit of parkrun tourism. Falcarragh is about an hours drive away but it was an enjoyable scenic one in a part of the county I've never been in. Welcoming bunch of people but there was a bitter cold breeze. Luckily the run is largely sheltered bar one exposed bit near the golf course. Started off fine but after about 2km the body started to feel tired, I hadn't a good sleep the night before. The course is tiring too, it's very twisty, unless you've ran the course a few time you have to keep your wits about you although it has plenty of signage. You see people running through the trees in all directions and you don't know are they ahead or behind you! Due to the trees, walled garden etc my watch only measured at 4.58km. Lovely spread put on by the group after. I plastered up my foot and didn't get any blistering.


I brought extra running gear and had planned on getting a run on Sun or Mon. But the coldness was so bitter that all I managed was a 1km very brisk walk home from the pub on Sat and Sun nights!


Tues 20/03 12.25km 1:33:34
Splits: 7:23, 7:43, 8:00, 8:09, 7:54, 7:39, 7:43, 7:36, 7:39, 7:23, 7:08, 7:26, 7:08 (0.25)
Getting conscious that in less than 2 weeks I'll effectively be running a half marathon in one weekend, what on earth was I thinking arranging that! Think of the medal, think of the tshirt, think of the easter egg...
I felt I needed to get a good long run in, just to get myself feeling ready physically and mentally. There's a 6km loop from the house down the town, all footpaths and streetlights so I decided I would do that twice. There was, of course, the temptation to call it quits at the first loop when nearing the house but because the run was nice and slow, it was comfortable and I knew I could do the second loop no bother. It was cool enough out. Can't believe I went out and ran for an hour and a half after doing a day's work.


Plan of action for the rest of the week:
Hoping to get out for a short one tomorrow. Probably doing parkrun on Sat morning and then there's a local run on Sunday with a handsome Irish rugby player fronting it, would be rude not to support it ! Next week I'm thinking maybe 8km on Mon while kiddo is training, 3 or 4km on Thurs and rest til Sat and Sun.


I also want to do something about my weight. I'm not overweight but I've a family wedding in the summer and would like a dress to fit a little better as I'm borderline in sizing. Decided at the start of the year that half a stone in 6 months would be grand. 3 months in, I weighed myself at the weekend and I've put on half a stone instead, I knew my clothes were feeling tight lately, especially my work clothes.

gypsylee

Well done on your long run last night. Good luck with the rest of your week's runs.

I find it so hard to lose even a couple of pounds lately. Thought the running would help with it but I just eat a lot so that balances it out! If I was not doing any running I reckon I would be huge. Good luck with loosing a few pounds

Sunny Dayz

Sat 24/03 parkrun 5k 30:49
Splits: 6:05, 6:36, 6:26, 6:39, 6:15
Fairly happy with that time. T'was a warm morning out and was glad I took a chance a wore a tshirt. Few people about doing similar pace to myself, had one person infront of me and I knew two were behind me so that made me stick at it. Between 3.5 and 4km I caught up with the person in front of me and carried on. The next person was a guy and I kept him in my sights although I got close at one point. Happy with how that went.


Sat 24/03 5km 36:07
Splits: 7:00, 7:27, 7:11, 7:20, 6:55
Yes I did another 5km. The child was at music lessons, I said I'd just go for a walk but I knew as soon as I stepped outside the gate that it was a run for me. Did one lap around the park, out the cycleway to the next road crossing, back to the park for 2 laps as I had time and then back to the car. Took it handy enough, just enough to move along and enjoy it. The weather was fab and the crowds enjoying the park were great to see.


Sun 25/03 5km 30:23
Splits: 5:51, 6:08, 6:16, 6:21, 5:51
A local school was hosting a 5km run and wow they got such a crowd, fab weather and a serious spread of food after. Really enjoyed this.
Started off fine, tried to keep an eye on the pace and not go too fast out, plenty of eager kids flying past and then running out of steam, but they were all enjoying themselves. First half of the race was kinda hilly. In the first km I sorta locked onto two women who were doing a nice pace and kept them near enough. Enjoyed a bit of a chat along the 3rd or 4th km and didn't notice that passing at all. I pushed on a bit after she dropped back. Took a little breather around the 4km mark, put the head down and chased after the two women again and was back up with them around 400m to go. I dunno what distance was left when I checked my watch and 28:xx on the clock and I could hear the finish line so I really pushed on. 30:22 was my chip time. I hadn't actually set out to race it, just would have liked sub 31. I just went to run it, bearing in mind I've 2 x 10km next weekend. After 2 x 5km yesterday and a 5km race today, I'm (stupidly) a little less apprehensive about next weekend...