This fat girl runs, breathes and believes

career move · 08-12-2014 10:15AM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Thanks!

It's the first I've heard of it but I'm tempted!! Are you running it?

Do it. It's a great race. Part of the Lord Mayors challenge and a fab way to start the new year

I'm doing it with my sis

dintbo · 08-12-2014 11:03AM

Great report, well done!

This Fat Girl Runs · 14-12-2014 10:43PM

I've been debating with myself whether I should keep trying to run 4 days a week or stick to 3 days a week. I have to be honest with myself and remind myself I'm not a lithe, fast, fit runner like most people. As healthy as I am, I'm still carrying all this weight around, and maybe I should run within my current limitations, while always focusing on making sure those limitations change. It bears thinking about. I'm happy with my week though, I got some good distances in and two really good workouts with my trainer.

Monday 8th December
Managed my usual short run this morning but was still feeling tired, I was surprised I ran slightly faster than usual. Maybe I just wanted to get it over with?! Also had a one hour workout with my trainer, with some fast 2 minute jogs on the treadmill in between weight circuits.
Distance: 3.74km
Time: 32.13

Wednesday 10th December
My tracker app didn't register this run, but I know my route and so it was well over 5k, I just don't have the exact distance or time so this is approximate.
Distance: 5.?km
Time: 42?

Saturday 8th December
Went for a long run this morning, although it was a very slow and careful run due to frosty footpaths. I ran into the Phoenix Park and then it was easier because I could run on the grass. Still, it was a lot slower than my usual time but better safe than sorry! Also had a one hour workout with my trainer, doing a lot of weight lifting with the arms.
Distance: 8.1k
Time: 1:10:05

For the coming week I'm going to take each day as it comes and see how I feel. The last thing I want to do is overdo it, and I have to remember that I am not in the same league as most of the runners I know here and on twitter. There are runners I know who think a 26 minute 5k is a terrible time and there I am celebrating a sub-40 5k. Which of course is a great achievement for someone like me, and of course I am not comparing myself to others. Which is why, I shouldn't try to train like them too, right? But while I'm not in the same league as these runners, of course, I have high hopes that one day, I WILL be!

Ososlo · 14-12-2014 11:02PM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

For the coming week I'm going to take each day as it comes and see how I feel. The last thing I want to do is overdo it, and I have to remember that I am not in the same league as most of the runners I know here and on twitter. There are runners I know who think a 26 minute 5k is a terrible time and there I am celebrating a sub-40 5k. Which of course is a great achievement for someone like me, and of course I am not comparing myself to others. Which is why, I shouldn't try to train like them too, right? But while I'm not in the same league as these runners, of course, I have high hopes that one day, I WILL be!

For that particular person it might be a terrible time. It's all relative. That person might be running a lot longer than you. They might be doing a lot more training each week. They might not be carrying any extra weight and might be fit from other sports.
Also, some of us also just progress at a slower rate than others for whatever reason.
You just keep on doing what you're doing with the training and the diet and ramp up the time on your feet carefully and gradually and you'll be just as good as you can be.... for you!

Dubgal72 · 14-12-2014 11:07PM

Ososlo wrote: »

For that particular person it might be a terrible time. It's all relative. That person might be running a lot longer than you. They might be doing a lot more training each week. They might not be carrying any extra weight and might be fit from other sports.
Also, some of us also just progress at a slower rate than others for whatever reason.
You just keep on doing what you're doing with the training and the diet and ramp up the time on your feet carefully and gradually and you'll be just as good as you can be.... for you!

+1 I also see that you are starting to do shorter distances at a quicker pace and longer distances at a conservative pace = recipe for success. Successful running (again relative) is all about throwing a number of ingredients in the right quantity (for you) into a bag and shaking them all around. It also involves a work/life balance and only you can work that one out

Three days one week, four days another...whatever works for you and keeps you happy.

career move · 14-12-2014 11:07PM

I'd say if you felt like it you could easily add in a 4th day. If you did 20min at a slower pace (30 - 60 sec / mile slower) it would be a good start. If you do that for a few weeks then you would get used to 4days and you could then increase the pace slightly and the length of time you were out for

This Fat Girl Runs · 14-12-2014 11:24PM

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement! I think I've been trying to train like I was a fitter, faster runner but have felt like it was too much, felt tired and run down. I know it was partly due to my iron deficiency but also came to realise I'm trying to do too much.

I am going to keep it to 3 times a week for a bit, and then like you guys suggest, try to ease into a 4 run per week training plan on a more gradual basis.
e
I do feel relieved that running 3 times a week is still effective, I think I've been feeling that that wouldn't be good enough (even with my workouts twice a week!). But I have to realize that for me, it IS good enough!

Ososlo · 14-12-2014 11:32PM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement! I think I've been trying to train like I was a fitter, faster runner but have felt like it was too much, felt tired and run down. I know it was partly due to my iron deficiency but also came to realise I'm trying to do too much.

I am going to keep it to 3 times a week for a bit, and then like you guys suggest, try to ease into a 4 run per week training plan on a more gradual basis.
e
I do feel relieved that running 3 times a week is still effective, I think I've been feeling that that wouldn't be good enough (even with my workouts twice a week!). But I have to realize that for me, it IS good enough!

If you're starting to not enjoy it then it's definitely time to step back. You HAVE to enjoy it or it just won't work long-term and you won't stick to it.
Good luck with sorting the iron deficiency. I found last year that by increasing my protein and green veg intake it sorted itself out in a few months.
Lots of people train effectively with 3 days a week. Don't rush the increase.

Hannibal Smith · 15-12-2014 08:42AM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

The last thing I want to do is overdo it, and I have to remember that I am not in the same league as most of the runners I know here and on twitter. There are runners I know who think a 26 minute 5k is a terrible time and there I am celebrating a sub-40 5k. Which of course is a great achievement for someone like me, and of course I am not comparing myself to others. Which is why, I shouldn't try to train like them too, right? But while I'm not in the same league as these runners, of course, I have high hopes that one day, I WILL be!

My two cents; I spent the better half of this year beating myself up for not being faster or better. I turned it all into a total chore to the extent I wasn't enjoying my runs at all.

When I started in 2013 I was a size 18

and couldn't do the 60 secs first couch to 5k week for about 2 weeks! Because I was heavier I had to adapt it to suit me and so my progress in two years is way behind what others have done.

My great morun that I was delighted with completing a few weeks ago? When I told someone my time they asked had I gone around twice

You're working hard towards your goals and knocking them out of the park. Who gives a hoot what anyone else is doing. Keep asking on here pay attention to the feedback and you will get exactly where you want to be.

This Fat Girl Runs · 22-12-2014 10:48PM

Crazy week for me so ended up running only twice instead of three times like I wanted. Still, I felt great for it particularly because I went for a run the morning after my work Christmas party. I think that counts for a few bonus points, right? No one at the party could quite believe that I was planning a run the next day

but I had and I did!

Monday 15th December
One hour workout with my personal trainer. Lots of weights and some tough pilates moves!

Wednesday 17th December
Short run this morning, felt great for having had the rest of a few days.
Distance: 3.07km
Time: 27:17

Saturday 20th December
My plan was to go for 8k but to also take it easy. I’d been out the night before and while I didn’t drink loads (and interspersed my drinks with plenty of water), I still got home quite late so didn’t get a lot of sleep. At around 6k I knew I was fading, so I ran a little bit further before turning around to run back home. I’m quite happy with it though, all things considered! Today was also my last workout of the year with my trainer (back in January!), he did a pre-Christmas assessment and some intense stretches for my legs.
Distance: 6.38km
Time: 55:05

I’m not sure what this next week is going to look like in terms of running. I have plans to run, but it all depends on certain things, especially Christmas Day itself. I hope to run home from volunteering on the day but that will only happen if I have enough energy left! Still, I plan on bringing my gear and hoping I can get that run in.

This Fat Girl Runs · 28-12-2014 07:26PM

In keeping with what seems to be a new Christmas tradition, I've been sick with a sore throat and cough all week. So, absolutely no running for me.

I did manage some walking on Christmas Day, 5k to the RDS to volunteer at the dinner and hamper pack there, then 5k home. Not sure what time it took as I forgot to turn my tracking app off when I got there but it was definitely under an hour each way.

After I got home I managed to make Christmas dinner for me and my roommate, then took to my bed for the next few days.

I'm starting to feel better and hoping that tomorrow I will be ok enough to actually venture outside and get some fresh air!

Hope everyone had a restful and peaceful Christmas!

Dubgal72 · 29-12-2014 09:04PM

Get well soon!

This Fat Girl Runs · 04-01-2015 02:46PM

Happy 2015, fellow boardsies!

Just a little post to say I didn't get any running done over the Christmas break (well, ok I went for one run!) due to illness.

At first I felt guilty about not doing anything, but then I realised I have a really busy year ahead of me in terms of both personal plans and running plans. So I decided to take this opportunity to really rest up. I'm not sure when I'll get a chance like this again!

As for my running plans, I have some good things lined up that I'm training for and my latest goals are:

To run 5 miles in under an hour
To run 10k without stopping or walking
To run 5k in under 35 minutes

I think those are very achievable for me and I'm looking forward to a great year of running and racing!

First up, the Raheny 5 mile on January 25th!

Dubgal72 · 04-01-2015 03:31PM

I have no doubt that you will achieve your goals, in fact I'd lay odds you'll be setting new goals by autumn if you maintain the consistency. Best of luck!!

This Fat Girl Runs · 04-01-2015 03:45PM

Thank you! That's so kind

This Fat Girl Runs · 27-01-2015 01:00AM

I posted a full report on my blog, but am just putting the race part here as it's quite long. Pre-race, post-race, thank you's and some photos are on my blog if you are interested.

.....after getting onto the road and under the starting gantry my race with myself began in earnest. I really wanted to beat my previous race time, and I wanted to run this race in as close to an hour as I could but given my lack of quality runs this month, I would be happy to come in under 1 hour 10 minutes.

I settled into a slow but steady pace soon enough, but as usual I felt very much on my own as the main pack had disappeared. I wasn’t totally alone however so that was an improvement on past races. I was happy to see runners ahead of me so I knew I was on the right route at least!

I ended up having to run on the footpath from about mile 2 or so as the roads were all open to traffic once the main field passed by. Again, I am not surprised as this happened to me before at a different race. Still, I am determined that one day I will run a road race ON the road! Running on the footpaths, having to wait for traffic and dodge pedestrians…I wonder how many seconds I could shave off my time if I didn’t have to contend with that? That’s a question I will have to answer as I get faster!

I felt pretty good during the race; I knew I was running a good pace and decided not to check my Garmin at all because I didn’t want to pressure myself too much. As long as kept running I was happy. From about mile 3 it started getting tough and for some weird reason I felt my arms going numb and a kind of tingling in my fingers. Very strange! I’m not sure why that happened but I kept on regardless, determined to keep up a running pace.

Coming downhill to the coast road was my favourite part of the run, not only for the downhill but for the view. Wow. It was stunning! I would have stopped to take a picture but I didn’t want to stop. Running the coast road wasn’t easy, on a kind of footpath with cars parked all along it, but I got past all that and then came to the dreaded hill.

I’d done really well up until then but knew I could use the walk so I slowed down a bit and that’s when something happened that’s never happened to me before. A woman who had been running behind me caught up with me and said ‘no, don’t stop! You’re my pacer! You’re setting a great pace!” Me?! Yes, me!! I didn’t want to let her down so I power walked up the hill while she ran beside me; we chatted for a bit about the race and running and at the top of the hill I picked up my pace and started running again. We stuck together for a bit, which was a novelty for me as I have never run with another person before. It really kept me going! When I was feeling the strain and tempted to slow down or walk, she was beside me and I knew I just had to keep running.

Mile 3 to the finish were my toughest miles; everyone, marshalls and finishers kept saying ‘it’s just around the corner’ but really, it wasn’t! Of course I could hear the announcer getting louder as I got closer to the finish and then I did turn a corner and there it was but oh heartbreak of heartbreaks there was a little loop to run before I could hit the homestretch! Being that close to the finish line, but so far away was mentally the toughest challenge of the race. Huge, massive thanks to everyone who stayed on to cheer at the end! That big cheer carried me up the road and gave me that extra charge of energy I needed.

Also, most amazingly and wonderfully, my personal trainer had finished the race well ahead of me and stuck around to see me finish. I turned the penultimate corner and there he was waiting for me with a big cheer. It meant so much to me to see a familiar face when I was struggling, I’ve never had anyone I know cheer me at a race before. It made such a difference! He ran with me for a stretch then left me to sprint for the finish.

And sprint I did. I could see the clock ticking at around the 1:11:00 mark and I knew I had to finish fast if I was going to make it with a chip time of under 1 hour 10. It felt amazing to put on that burst of speed, to know I had that energy left in my legs. For me, it was a fantastic finish to a challenging race. My official chip time was 1:08:17 which is 3 minutes faster than my previous 5 mile race time. I am so, so proud of myself for that!

The post race goodie bag is probably the best goodie bag I’ve ever gotten from a race. Unfortunately it was filled with chocolate, caffeine drinks and fizzy drinks and since I don’t eat chocolate or drink caffeine or fizzy drinks I had to give much of it away. Love the protein bars and digestives though! Those I can eat! I missed the prize giving as it was over by the time I finished, and I didn’t even know there was tea/coffee in the GAA club house. Oh well, I will know for next year!

All in all it was a great race and I will definitely run this again next year! Big thanks to the people of Raheny who came out to cheer us on and to all the volunteers and organizers for putting on such a great race!

Dubgal72 · 27-01-2015 02:50PM

Great race report, thank you! Especially loved the bit about pacing and not giving in, I really really felt proud of you (stranger on the internet

). Well done for not being a slave to the garmin and especially, well done on the PB. You've been a bit quiet round here lately so wasn't sure how training was going...you've answered that one loud and clear! (Ps prize giving was still going on up til 5 so next year...)

This Fat Girl Runs · 28-01-2015 12:02PM

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Great race report, thank you! Especially loved the bit about pacing and not giving in, I really really felt proud of you (stranger on the internet ). Well done for not being a slave to the garmin and especially, well done on the PB. You've been a bit quiet round here lately so wasn't sure how training was going...you've answered that one loud and clear! (Ps prize giving was still going on up til 5 so next year...)

Thank you! Your comment has made my day

I haven't been posting much, I think I took a little break from blogging/posting without intending too. I must have needed it!

I'll try to make it for the prizes next year but I never win anyway; would like to watch it though, just for the buzz!

HelenAnne · 28-01-2015 03:30PM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Thank you! Your comment has made my day

I haven't been posting much, I think I took a little break from blogging/posting without intending too. I must have needed it!

I'll try to make it for the prizes next year but I never win anyway; would like to watch it though, just for the buzz!

Most of us never win -- but in this case there are spot prizes too, so you never know! come along next time!

This Fat Girl Runs · 29-01-2015 04:45PM

HelenAnne wrote: »

Most of us never win -- but in this case there are spot prizes too, so you never know! come along next time!

I never win those either :P but always worth keeping my hopes up for!

This Fat Girl Runs · 15-02-2015 11:39AM

I have been really lax about posting my training logs, but I haven't been feeling guilty or anything. I suppose I just needed a little break from the blog/log/posting. Anyway, I had a really good week this week so now is as good as time as any to get back to it, right?!

Monday 9th February
No running today but I had a one hour workout with my trainer. I did a circuit of weights and cardio. It was good, really kept the heart rate up and I managed more weights than usual.

Wednesday 11th February
I've been running my shorter distances faster than ever and really feeling confident about my abilities lately. I've also had to switch back to evening running for a bit and I'm still not sure how I feel about that!
Distance: 3.1km
Time: 24:48

Thursday 12th February
Keeping up with the shorter, faster runs but pushed it a little further tonight.
Distance: 3.61k
Time: 29:14

Saturday 14th February
Planned a long run in the morning, was going to go 5 miles but I felt so great I ended up running further! I kept to a slower pace deliberately; I wasn't trying to beat any records. Perfect weather for running too, cool but not cold, breezy but not windy, bright but not sunny.

I also had my usual one hour workout with my trainer, concentrating on arms and core with weights and pilates.

Distance: 9.1km
Time: 1:16:04

All in all I count this as a very successful week! I accomplished what I wanted to do, pushed myself to do more and ended each day smiling for it.

Next week will be somewhat different. I am going to the Netherlands for the weekend to visit a friend. I will try to get a run in but won't feel guilty if I don't!

Dubgal72 · 15-02-2015 01:41PM

Good to see you back

You sound happy with how things are going! Enjoy the trip.

This Fat Girl Runs · 17-03-2015 12:08AM

Not a lot of running from me (again, but there's a reason which will become apparent in time!) but I did run the St. Patrick's Festival 5k so am posting part of my race report here. Full report with photos is on my blog for those interested!

On Sunday, 15th March I ran the St. Patrick’s Festival 5k. I didn’t get a PB like I hoped but I did learn a lot of good things that will help my future running/racing plans. I can’t say this was my favourite race of all time, but I think it was the most beneficial one!

So what did I learn from running this race?

Lesson One: I need to take a minute before a race to ensure my shoelaces are tied! I didn’t notice my shoelace was undone while we shuffle/walked to the start line once the horn went off, but I knew as soon as I started running that I had a problem. Of course, the street was lined with people cheering so I couldn’t stop then and there to tie it. I ran for about 100m before the street cleared of people and I found a spot where I could stop to tie my shoe. I was pretty miffed with myself though. I wanted to try for a PB and this wasn’t helping! One I got my shoelace tied I took off and worked on getting into my stride.

Lesson Two: People cheering at a race help me run better, they really do! The start had some great crowds cheering away but after that, the race was pretty quiet! We were running on city streets, but because it was Sunday the streets were pretty deserted. The route took us through more office/business areas instead of residential. But even the marshalls, what few there were, weren’t cheering. I do appreciate the first marshall who was stationed around the first corner from the start. He was funny, energetic and seemed happy to be there. Other marshalls along the route just seemed bored. Towards the end of the race I realised that I get a lot of energy and motivation from being cheered on at a race. Although the start and finish were noisy, I missed the energy and atmosphere for the rest of the route.

Lesson Three: I’m not as good a runner as I think I am. I was hoping to PB and beat my previous time by at least a minute or two. I realised too late that it wasn’t going to happen, even with the shoelace issue, I wasn’t running fast enough or feeling strong enough. I admit, I could have looked at my Garmin during the race and picked up the pace, but I didn’t. I thought I was doing great! Turns out, I wasn’t. I need to learn to pay better attention to my pace and to gauge my own strength and stamina. After the race I walked home, then back into town for lunch, then back home. So I know I had it in me, I had the energy which would have been better used during the race!

Lesson Four: I’m a better runner than I think I am. I know, I know this doesn’t go with what I just said about Lesson Three. But, not getting a PB doesn’t mean I’m a bad runner. I set a steady pace, kept to it and didn’t stop until I crossed the finish line. I ran the race for myself, enjoyed the achievement and have come away with a better understanding of who I am as a runner. I also have a better idea of where I need to improve, what things I want to work on and where I can go from here.

Other than the lessons learned (and probably because of them!), I did enjoy the race. The pre-race atmosphere was great; I saw lots of people in fabulous Patrick’s Day costumes and everyone seemed in an upbeat, happy mood.

After the race I didn’t bother trying to find my results in the hall where they were posted. Far too many people there and if you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know I do not like crowded places! I found out my time online and it would appear I finished the race in 39:46. This is debatable, unfortunately, because my Garmin shows me a different time and distance (5.15k in 39:50). I also heard a rumour that the race clock had a technical difficulty and needed repair mid-race. Regardless of that I am not counting this as a PB but like I said, it was still a good race to run and learn!

At the end of all that, I enjoyed the race enough that I will be running it again next year!

Dubgal72 · 17-03-2015 12:16AM

Welcome back stranger and well done. Like you say, you can learn from the 'bad' races as much as the 'good'. I've certainly found the negative experiences have benefited me hugely as a runner. Great report (as usual!), thank you

This Fat Girl Runs · 27-03-2015 12:02AM

Again, not much running from me this week. I was in London this Tuesday and Wednesday, and even brought my running gear because I had every intention of going for a run. I ended up not going though, but I don't feel guilty about it at all! I made it to some great running shops in London. And met running friends there too which was pretty cool! I've put up a blog post about it for anyone interested.

But, some big changes coming up next week for me, and all will become clear then! Watch this space!

This Fat Girl Runs · 31-03-2015 01:42PM

Well, the news is out!

I've signed up and registered to run the Dublin Marathon this October!!!

So I haven't been running this month because my marathon training plan (eep!) begins tomorrow; I gave myself some time off to rest before the madness starts. It's going to be a long year of running for me!

More on my twitter and blog if you're interested!

This Fat Girl Runs · 06-04-2015 11:26AM

Well, Week 1 of marathon training went well!

I covered 8.5 miles this week, over 3 days spread out over the week.

I've decided to start training in terms of miles, not kilometers, so that on race day the mile markers won't throw me off. It's taking some getting used to, and I'm having to look at my Garmin a lot to hit the right distances. Once I get used to it though I'll know where the miles are on my route and can run without thinking about it.

The first few months of my training are a build up to the longer distances, my longest run scheduled for this month will be 6 miles.

I'm really looking forward to this experience! Any tips/hints/advice you have for a first timer, let me know. I'm hoping to join the DCM Novice thread when it starts up, if that's alright. I know I have a coach but it would be nice to meet/talk to other novices!

Chivito550 · 06-04-2015 02:25PM

Can I ask why are you running a marathon. No offence, but if you are struggling to break 40 for 5k then you could be looking at 7 hours plus for the marathon. I'm not sure that's such a smart move. Personally I don't think you should be considering 42.2km until you can safely negotiate 5k in around 25 mins. Have you attempted a 10k, 10 mile or HM yet? Why the jump up straight to marathon?

Pacing Mule · 06-04-2015 04:18PM

Going to ask a very sensitive question but since you seem open enough about things via your user name etc can I ask what weight you are now at the moment?

I ask having come from a very over weight background myself to running a marathon whilst still overweight. I count it as a great personal experience but it wasn't pretty at all by the end. I'm wondering how near you would be to my own weight at the time.

This Fat Girl Runs · 06-04-2015 05:27PM

Chivito550 wrote: »

Can I ask why are you running a marathon. No offence, but if you are struggling to break 40 for 5k then you could be looking at 7 hours plus for the marathon. I'm not sure that's such a smart move. Personally I don't think you should be considering 42.2km until you can safely negotiate 5k in around 25 mins. Have you attempted a 10k, 10 mile or HM yet? Why the jump up straight to marathon?

Fair question that I'm happy to answer.

The short answer is: because I can (I wrote a whole blog post about it if you're interested).

The reality, in terms of my distances/times etc, doesn't look good from your point of view, I totally understand that. But the point of training to run a marathon, for me, is to push myself. Having a goal (a difficult one at that!) is better motivation for me than anything.

I've worked hard over the last year to get myself to a point where I can handle the training. I know I can do it. My trainer knows I can do it and my coach knows I can do it. And I have 7 months to get ready.

In the meantime I have smaller goals to focus on, like running 5k in 30 minutes; running 5 miles in under and hour; and running 10k non-stop.

I know I will do all three!

This fat girl runs, breathes and believes

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