I'm pleased to report that 'the blister' is looking - and feeling - considerably better following an appointment with a pair of nail scissors and copious amounts of surgical spirit. I'm hoping that I've turned a bit of a corner with it, but only the next long run will tell.
Heavy rain all morning lead me to think that an outdoor excursion might be off for today, but around mid-afternoon the sun peeked through the clouds and the rain relented for a few minutes. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, I railroaded oldest daughter into coming out with me.
If you have ever travelled with small children, you'll be familiar with the 'are we nearly there yet?' question that accompanies every car journey. It seems that it's an ingrained habit that lasts well into the teenage years. At the end of the road, daughter asked if we'd done a mile yet. Not quite. Maybe 1/20th of a mile, but not a mile. This elicited a pout and a huff, but we motored on regardless.
We did a sprightly half a mile walk to warm up, and then a light jog for a mile. It was really good to have company, even though I was told more than once that 'I was trying to kill her' and that she had 'stitch in four places'. Don't ask.
We made it home as the clouds were turning black, and within minutes the rain was pelting against the windows again.
'We could do that again tomorrow', I said.
She didn't reply, but gave me a long hard stare.
I'll take that as a maybe.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Thursday 24 February 2011
A catalogue of errors
This week is half term, and hubby and I have both had time off. Lots of rest and relaxation, you say? No. It's been a mad dash around to finish all the jobs that really should have been done a long time ago, like buy new school uniform, mend the broken banisters (ask the children about that one - grrr!) and ferry said children and their friends around the countryside.
Blister repair kit...a bit like a puncture repair kit, but slightly more sterile, and an awful lot more expensive
Training has been sporadic, and less than satisfactory, so I was determined to fit in my long run today.
I won't bore you with a long and complicated history, but hubby has some nerve damage in his spine that has resulted in a loss of sensation in his feet and legs. His patience and positivity throughout has been amazing. He could name a lot of downsides, but the one I notice most is the restless leg phase that hits him some nights. Unfortunately, last night was a particularly bad episode. Not that he'd know it. While he snored contentedly, his legs were doing the can-can, and by 7am I'd only managed about two hours of sleep, and was covered in bruises!
I won't bore you with a long and complicated history, but hubby has some nerve damage in his spine that has resulted in a loss of sensation in his feet and legs. His patience and positivity throughout has been amazing. He could name a lot of downsides, but the one I notice most is the restless leg phase that hits him some nights. Unfortunately, last night was a particularly bad episode. Not that he'd know it. While he snored contentedly, his legs were doing the can-can, and by 7am I'd only managed about two hours of sleep, and was covered in bruises!
Look on the bright side, I thought. I might be tired, but the sun is shining.
The persistent blister on my right foot has been quite sore this week, and I am trying various combinations of socks, insoles and dressings - along with liberal splashes of surgical spirit - to try to find a cure. This morning I applied a rather expensive moleskin dressing along with copious lengths of plaster to anchor it in place. It felt secure, and I was keeping everything crossed that this one would be a winner.
Rather than repeat the same old circuits, hubby had offered to drive me into Redditch so that I could make my way home. I happily agreed, and we set off bright and early. Doubts set in as I realised that the entire journey there was downhill, and this meant only one thing...the way back would be the opposite. Gulp. In hindsight I should have abandoned the plan there and then, but somehow it seemed easier to go with the flow.
The first six miles were the best. The blister plaster held, I made good time, and was soon at Hopwood. It was about that time that I really began to regret not taking my jewellery off. I find that my fingers swell on long runs, but in the rush to get ready today I'd kept them on.
At the same time that I was thinking about my poor swollen fingers, and how quickly my supply of water was running out, I looked up to see the Redditch Road stretching ahead of me. For those of you not familiar with Birmingham, the Redditch Road is very long, and - heading towards Birmingham - very uphill. There was no way around it, so I just kept going (encouraged by a car-full of strangers who hooted their horns, waved and cheered me on - I've no idea who they were, but they boosted me just when I needed the encouragement!)
I followed the Redditch Road all the way up into Cotteridge, then cut left along Middleton Hall Road and out onto the Bristol Road. I popped into the newsagents to stock up with Lucozade, which promptly fizzed all over my hands, so not only were they swollen, but they were also sticky. Gorgeous.
The blister plaster had worked loose by this stage, and I could feel a whole lot of rubbing going on, but I didn't dare stop to investigate for fear that my socks would stick to my hands and I'd have to make my way home barefoot.
I had a blissful mile of downhill before my calf muscles decided that enough was enough. I had the most excruciating cramp, and no amount of gentle walking or stretching against lampposts made any difference. Twelve miles into the run, and two miles from home, I phoned hubby and begged him to rescue me.
Notes to self for next time: pick a route that isn't all uphill, leave jewellery at home, wrap plaster at least four times around my foot to ensure no movement and only but sugar-free drinks en-route.
Blister repair kit...a bit like a puncture repair kit, but slightly more sterile, and an awful lot more expensive
The blister
If you have any good ideas about getting it to vanish, please let me know! All ideas gratefully accepted!
Thursday 17 February 2011
Just chillin'
Long run day again today, although at half past seven this morning I could happily have stayed tucked up in bed til lunch time.
I forced myself to put my running gear on, and by the time my laces were tied I was feeling a little more optimistic - but not much. I kidded myself that I would just go out for an hour and see where that got me, knowing full well that I would end up doubling that, but every little psychological trick helps.
The air was quite damp when I set off, which made the first mile or two a bit uncomfortable as I struggled to keep my breathing even. I managed to get past that with my inhaler still in my pocket, and by about 4 miles in I was feeling much more comfortable.
In my quest to explore new routes, I circled Cofton park, headed through West Heath and under the railway bridge at Northfield, then reappeared on Middleton Hall Road and headed back along the A38 towards home.
My road was in sight at mile 8, and I was soooo tempted to dodge up there, but the thought of having to confess to you that I'd cut my run short made me veer left and complete a large loop before heading home. I completed just shy of ten miles, so can tick the training box for today.
Recently, I've been reading about ice baths, and how they help the body recover from long runs. I've got a busy weekend coming up and need to be on my feet all day on Saturday, so decided that I
would give the ice-bath theory a go. I half filled the bath with cold water, put two fleeces on top of my running t-shirt, zipped a hot water bottle between the fleeces, and climbed in.
There was probably a delay of about twenty seconds before I began to scream.
All I can say is that it's a good job I was in the house on my own, and that the neighbours were at work, or someone would have suspected the worst and phoned the police.
A minute in, and the pain was intense - the only way I can describe it is like having both legs crushed in a vice. Much shouting followed, which morphed into a mantra-like 'I can do this. I can do this'.
By about four minutes, numbness had set in, and I didn't feel cold at all.
The idea is that you stay there for ten minutes. I lasted eight. By that point my thigh muscles were twitching uncontrollably, and my legs had turned a not-altogether-flattering shade of purple.
As I got out, it felt as though a million electric shocks were shooting up and down my legs (which wasn't entirely unpleasant!) and as I sat on the bed wrapped snugly in towels I can honestly say that I felt quite revived!
Will it stop the achy muscles tomorrow? I don't know.
What I can say is that I'm normally ready for a good sleep after a long run, but right now I feel remarkably sprightly.
I forced myself to put my running gear on, and by the time my laces were tied I was feeling a little more optimistic - but not much. I kidded myself that I would just go out for an hour and see where that got me, knowing full well that I would end up doubling that, but every little psychological trick helps.
The air was quite damp when I set off, which made the first mile or two a bit uncomfortable as I struggled to keep my breathing even. I managed to get past that with my inhaler still in my pocket, and by about 4 miles in I was feeling much more comfortable.
In my quest to explore new routes, I circled Cofton park, headed through West Heath and under the railway bridge at Northfield, then reappeared on Middleton Hall Road and headed back along the A38 towards home.
My road was in sight at mile 8, and I was soooo tempted to dodge up there, but the thought of having to confess to you that I'd cut my run short made me veer left and complete a large loop before heading home. I completed just shy of ten miles, so can tick the training box for today.
Recently, I've been reading about ice baths, and how they help the body recover from long runs. I've got a busy weekend coming up and need to be on my feet all day on Saturday, so decided that I
would give the ice-bath theory a go. I half filled the bath with cold water, put two fleeces on top of my running t-shirt, zipped a hot water bottle between the fleeces, and climbed in.There was probably a delay of about twenty seconds before I began to scream.
All I can say is that it's a good job I was in the house on my own, and that the neighbours were at work, or someone would have suspected the worst and phoned the police.
A minute in, and the pain was intense - the only way I can describe it is like having both legs crushed in a vice. Much shouting followed, which morphed into a mantra-like 'I can do this. I can do this'.
By about four minutes, numbness had set in, and I didn't feel cold at all.
The idea is that you stay there for ten minutes. I lasted eight. By that point my thigh muscles were twitching uncontrollably, and my legs had turned a not-altogether-flattering shade of purple.
As I got out, it felt as though a million electric shocks were shooting up and down my legs (which wasn't entirely unpleasant!) and as I sat on the bed wrapped snugly in towels I can honestly say that I felt quite revived!
Will it stop the achy muscles tomorrow? I don't know.
What I can say is that I'm normally ready for a good sleep after a long run, but right now I feel remarkably sprightly.
Tuesday 15 February 2011
Who are you calling a wimp...?
Last night made for a nice change - I cooked tea while hubby sweated it out on the exercise bike and treadmill. It's quite good fun watching someone else suffer!
I'm working a late today, so knew that I needed to fit in some training this morning. A quick peek outside confirmed my worst fears...pouring rain. Determined not to be defeated (or accused of being a wimp and settling for the treadmill) I headed out for a puddle-splashing three miles. I made good time, despite constantly muttering under my breath about the rain, which seemed to seep through and under every inch of clothing.
The thought of a hot shower waiting for me at home kept me going, and I feel good that I made the effort - now I'm sat snugly with a cup of tea and a blanket.
Too wimpy to run in the rain? Not me.
But I still don't want it to rain on marathon day!
I'm working a late today, so knew that I needed to fit in some training this morning. A quick peek outside confirmed my worst fears...pouring rain. Determined not to be defeated (or accused of being a wimp and settling for the treadmill) I headed out for a puddle-splashing three miles. I made good time, despite constantly muttering under my breath about the rain, which seemed to seep through and under every inch of clothing.
The thought of a hot shower waiting for me at home kept me going, and I feel good that I made the effort - now I'm sat snugly with a cup of tea and a blanket.
Too wimpy to run in the rain? Not me.
But I still don't want it to rain on marathon day!
Sunday 13 February 2011
Rain, rain, go away
The marathon is in nine weeks time.
I can't believe how fast the last few months and weeks have gone.
I am incredibly frustrated that my injury slowed me down so much, but relieved that I am back to training properly again, and so far the injury is being kept at bay.
I wasn't too achy after Wednesdays 12 miles, and have been doing lots of stretching.
Sundays are always busy, but I managed to fit in a quick 2 miles on the treadmill today before lunch. I had hoped to go out, but it was raining quite heavily, and I'm a bit of a wimp. I don't 'do' cold, and I don't 'do' rain.
'What will you do if it rains on the day of the marathon?' Hubby asked.
'It won't,' I replied, 'It just won't.'
I hope I'm right!
I can't believe how fast the last few months and weeks have gone.
I am incredibly frustrated that my injury slowed me down so much, but relieved that I am back to training properly again, and so far the injury is being kept at bay.
I wasn't too achy after Wednesdays 12 miles, and have been doing lots of stretching.
Sundays are always busy, but I managed to fit in a quick 2 miles on the treadmill today before lunch. I had hoped to go out, but it was raining quite heavily, and I'm a bit of a wimp. I don't 'do' cold, and I don't 'do' rain.
'What will you do if it rains on the day of the marathon?' Hubby asked.
'It won't,' I replied, 'It just won't.'
I hope I'm right!
Wednesday 9 February 2011
A demanding dozen
It was disappointing to wake up to rain after yesterdays sunshine, but I was determined not to be defeated by the weather today.
I left the house at the same time as oldest daughter and walked with her to school. It was a lovely way to start the day, and gave me the opportunity for a slow warm-up before I did any running.
When she turned left to school, I headed on through Longbridge, along the Redditch Road and into Kings Norton. I've not run this route before and it was nice to try somewhere different for a change, although it was frustrating to have to wait to cross at so many road junctions.
Hubby works in Kings Norton, and I called in to see him to break up the run. His workplace coincided with the 6 mile mark, and so it was a good opportunity to catch my breath and stretch. The bonus was being handed water and a bacon and mushroom sarnie by his colleagues. Thanks guys - both were much appreciated! Maybe I should take this route more often!
After half an hours rest I set off again, this time heading up towards Northfield before turning back towards home. The second half was much harder as it was more uphill, the wind was blowing directly at me and I could feel a blister developing under my left foot.
At least I made it home in the dry, and was able to collapse on the sofa for an hour.
So, I've made it to twelve miles.
My schedule of long runs for the next few weeks is 10-12 miles next week, then up to 14, back to 10-12, up to 16, back again to 10-12 then a final long run of 18 miles. That allows me two weeks to taper before the big day.
In between long runs I'm planning two shorter runs a week of up to 4 miles, depending on how I'm holding up, and I really should start swimming again.
I'm exhausted just writing about it!!
I left the house at the same time as oldest daughter and walked with her to school. It was a lovely way to start the day, and gave me the opportunity for a slow warm-up before I did any running.
When she turned left to school, I headed on through Longbridge, along the Redditch Road and into Kings Norton. I've not run this route before and it was nice to try somewhere different for a change, although it was frustrating to have to wait to cross at so many road junctions.
Hubby works in Kings Norton, and I called in to see him to break up the run. His workplace coincided with the 6 mile mark, and so it was a good opportunity to catch my breath and stretch. The bonus was being handed water and a bacon and mushroom sarnie by his colleagues. Thanks guys - both were much appreciated! Maybe I should take this route more often!
After half an hours rest I set off again, this time heading up towards Northfield before turning back towards home. The second half was much harder as it was more uphill, the wind was blowing directly at me and I could feel a blister developing under my left foot.
At least I made it home in the dry, and was able to collapse on the sofa for an hour.
So, I've made it to twelve miles.
My schedule of long runs for the next few weeks is 10-12 miles next week, then up to 14, back to 10-12, up to 16, back again to 10-12 then a final long run of 18 miles. That allows me two weeks to taper before the big day.
In between long runs I'm planning two shorter runs a week of up to 4 miles, depending on how I'm holding up, and I really should start swimming again.
I'm exhausted just writing about it!!
Monday 7 February 2011
Multitasking
You'll be pleased to know that I did jump on the treadmill on Friday evening to top up my mileage.
Saturday stayed dry, and between us we chopped up enough wood to refill the wood shed. I love sitting in front of an open fire in the winter, and we'll have no worry of running out of fuel for the foreseeable future. In between chopping wood and making coffee and bacon sarnies for hubby while he chopped more wood, I also jumped on and off the treadmill and fitted in four intense runs.
I gave myself the day off yesterday, and was pleased that I wasn't suffering too much from the running - although my shoulders and hands were achy from wood chopping.
Today was incredibly busy at work, but I was determined to do some running as soon as I got home. By the time I'd got tea started it was too dark to go out, so I spent half an hour on the treadmill while helping oldest daughter with her homework project.
I was heartened to see that it was still light when I got home today, so my chances of going out for runs will soon be increased. The treadmill has been great during the winter, but it's not as interesting as being out and about.
Saturday stayed dry, and between us we chopped up enough wood to refill the wood shed. I love sitting in front of an open fire in the winter, and we'll have no worry of running out of fuel for the foreseeable future. In between chopping wood and making coffee and bacon sarnies for hubby while he chopped more wood, I also jumped on and off the treadmill and fitted in four intense runs.
I gave myself the day off yesterday, and was pleased that I wasn't suffering too much from the running - although my shoulders and hands were achy from wood chopping.
Today was incredibly busy at work, but I was determined to do some running as soon as I got home. By the time I'd got tea started it was too dark to go out, so I spent half an hour on the treadmill while helping oldest daughter with her homework project.
I was heartened to see that it was still light when I got home today, so my chances of going out for runs will soon be increased. The treadmill has been great during the winter, but it's not as interesting as being out and about.
Friday 4 February 2011
Must try harder
This really is the wrong time to be feeling exhausted as I need to keep up the momentum of the long runs over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, I'm still not feeling my best, and seem to have run out of steam.
I did the weekly shop at the supermarket this morning (a challenge in itself!) and then forced myself to go out. I was determined not to let another day go by without doing anything, but I knew I wouldn't get far before I set off.
I didn't take my Garmin, so it's just an estimate, but I think I only managed about 2 miles. The wind is blowing an absolute gale, and when you're heading directly into it most of your energy goes into staying upright; any forwards motion is a bonus.
I'm trying to tell myself that I was good to go out - that I could have just sat in the warm with a cup of tea - but it's simply not good enough. I will try to either go out again later on, or spend a bit of time on the treadmill.
Does anyone know where I can buy a big bag of motivation...?
I did the weekly shop at the supermarket this morning (a challenge in itself!) and then forced myself to go out. I was determined not to let another day go by without doing anything, but I knew I wouldn't get far before I set off.
I didn't take my Garmin, so it's just an estimate, but I think I only managed about 2 miles. The wind is blowing an absolute gale, and when you're heading directly into it most of your energy goes into staying upright; any forwards motion is a bonus.
I'm trying to tell myself that I was good to go out - that I could have just sat in the warm with a cup of tea - but it's simply not good enough. I will try to either go out again later on, or spend a bit of time on the treadmill.
Does anyone know where I can buy a big bag of motivation...?
Thursday 3 February 2011
The best laid plans...
It's been such a busy week at work, and at home, hence the lack of posts. I can't say I've been overly diligent on the exercise front, although I have managed to fit in a couple of short runs and an hour of aerobics before work on Tuesday.
My long run was planned for today - I was aiming for 10 miles - but I think I've picked up a bit of a sickness bug, or eaten something dodgy. I'll spare you the details, but I'm sorry to report that the run will have to wait until I feel better - hopefully tomorrow. I only hope that when I do get to venture out the weather is like it is now. It's still very cold, but the sun is shining and I have an optimistic feel that spring is well and truly on the way.
So...back to bed, I think. At least I have a good book to read!
My long run was planned for today - I was aiming for 10 miles - but I think I've picked up a bit of a sickness bug, or eaten something dodgy. I'll spare you the details, but I'm sorry to report that the run will have to wait until I feel better - hopefully tomorrow. I only hope that when I do get to venture out the weather is like it is now. It's still very cold, but the sun is shining and I have an optimistic feel that spring is well and truly on the way.
So...back to bed, I think. At least I have a good book to read!
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