tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11990012058213398952024-03-05T22:17:00.154+00:00BrandedRunnerKatie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-58612132478858395572016-03-21T16:52:00.001+00:002016-03-21T21:19:40.185+00:00Breastfeeding and exercise<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I've already blogged about the impact that pregnancy and labour had on my fitness so thought I would continue that theme by discussing the challenges of exercising whilst breastfeeding. I'm a huge advocate of breastfeeding - it's not often easy to get going (despite what Jamie Oliver might have you believe...) & can be very tough, but for me the rewards have very much outweighed the early problems and at the moment I intend to carry on for the foreseeable future. It hasn't impacted on my ability to train anywhere near as much as the other issues, but these are my tips for any other breastfeeding runners: <div><br></div><div>1. Fuel properly. Breastfeeding means that you are providing calories & nutrition for a whole other person (allbeit quite a small one) - when I run, especially in the mornings, I notice that I need more energy than I used to so factor that in to make sure you don't have a big energy crash.</div><div>2. Try and time it so the baby won't need a feed half way round the course - that won't be fun for anyone. Breasts are super clever and can start lactating in response to the baby crying even before the baby has latched on! </div><div>3. Wear a decent sports bra. This is a tricky one as you can't easily feed in a normal sports bra, but I learnt the hard way that a feeding bra doesn't provide enough support. You can buy special feeding sports bras - generally American companies are more clued up on pre/post natal fitness wear. </div><div>4. Hydrate properly - breastfeeding makes you thirsty anyway so you need to ensure you're keeping your fluid levels topped up after exercise.</div><div>5. Be flexible & patient. Babies aren't predictable especially in the early weeks/months and they might need a feed unexpectedly which could scupper best laid plans. If you are exclusively breastfeeding then it can start to feel a bit overwhelming and like you'll never get out, but 6 months on I'm beginning to get some freedom and independence again. In the grand scheme of things, 6 months of cuddles on the sofa isn't going to impact on amateur runners & even Olympian Liz Yelling tandem breastfed her twins for 6 months! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeXxNzudelfhCYq0egG1xeSMuM4rR9P54ddZd5X2wgmajdOmih5Wc5YTnn28Wx2LqBH_XHXqCYJT2ZgEFV_nYPRac3lil7yHfffXh7rJTif9ImfIz9CRJKw3i1-VE4nQTSgLqgEW2G70/s640/blogger-image--657815476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeXxNzudelfhCYq0egG1xeSMuM4rR9P54ddZd5X2wgmajdOmih5Wc5YTnn28Wx2LqBH_XHXqCYJT2ZgEFV_nYPRac3lil7yHfffXh7rJTif9ImfIz9CRJKw3i1-VE4nQTSgLqgEW2G70/s640/blogger-image--657815476.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-83647547699001013132016-02-10T15:42:00.001+00:002016-02-10T15:42:52.126+00:00Buggy BootcampI've posted before about the physical challenges I've faced with returning to exercise after pregnancy, but another factor to consider is the lack of free time available to me. Classes that you can take babies to are therefore very appealing. I already do a postnatal mother and baby yoga class but wanted something a little more intense, so headed to the local church hall for my first BuggyBootcamp class.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJovlKAPLyyH0Y_tuXENRdcJuXhp3HH9hrQ8_aTobjlf0Urcf5Z6VQWvxykgCNMewJQql92NpznagvCohb_DX-NRIYE_cLYkR1Oyd_aK9B0OiIcBm52MmP1lXRMO3doUfO_sMSb4wV6eg/s640/blogger-image--332323403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJovlKAPLyyH0Y_tuXENRdcJuXhp3HH9hrQ8_aTobjlf0Urcf5Z6VQWvxykgCNMewJQql92NpznagvCohb_DX-NRIYE_cLYkR1Oyd_aK9B0OiIcBm52MmP1lXRMO3doUfO_sMSb4wV6eg/s640/blogger-image--332323403.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Photo from postnatal yoga - I have to share my mat these days!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>In warmer months the class is outside & ordinarily I love heading outside in all weathers. However, with the needs of a baby to consider, the indoor venue was great. I spread a blanket on the floor with some toys and baby Flo was (largely) happy to play by herself and watch what was going on. </div><div><br></div><div>The class was led by Nicola who set up BuggyBootcamp (there is a similar class called BuggyFit) and she was great - she made an effort to use everyone's names throughout the class to give individual feedback or encouragement which made newcomers feel welcome and supported. We started with a fairly traditional warm up before moving into 4 sets of high intensity intervals. The exercises were relatively simple but quickly got my heart rate up which is exactly what I wanted after months of taking it easy. Nicola told me afterwards that every class is different which I think is good as otherwise the exercises could get a little repetitive. <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">After the high intensity section, Nicola led a short core workout sequence followed by a series of stretches. I wasn't able to participate in this as by then Flo had started to grumble, but the core exercises were very similar to those I had enjoyed in Pilates. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The atmosphere throughout was lighthearted and relaxed (babies tend to mean that has to be the case!) - breastfeeding there was fine & the hall had baby changing facilities. The first class was free but normally it is £7.50 per class or £60 for 10 classes (valid for 3 months) - not an insignificant sum when on maternity leave but in my opinion worth it for the ability to exercise properly.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Overall I think that BuggyBootcamp will help me get back to fitness and hopefully complement my running. I can recommend it to other mums - I've included the flyer for anyone local. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6m2VVfUttECgaVfslxQx5-9eiq8YMKnHT40aAGbz0OiCexn8w4iVmSALwW2ilyu2rP6Nqyql3RtA3wjB3WdRPbY3zoEWxOBXB52EANrRoDB8qpjiau-nHWCNQ2tNUjbJ0GAseJSBPfA/s640/blogger-image--1953681067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6m2VVfUttECgaVfslxQx5-9eiq8YMKnHT40aAGbz0OiCexn8w4iVmSALwW2ilyu2rP6Nqyql3RtA3wjB3WdRPbY3zoEWxOBXB52EANrRoDB8qpjiau-nHWCNQ2tNUjbJ0GAseJSBPfA/s640/blogger-image--1953681067.jpg"></a></div>Are there any other baby friendly fitness classes anyone can recommend?</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></font></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-14069444892874985772016-01-26T09:21:00.001+00:002016-01-26T09:21:33.601+00:00Post-natal fitness: the first few weeksAs I've already blogged about, I was able to keep fairly active throughout my pregnancy and as a result thought I would be able to resume exercising pretty quickly afterwards. I was worried that if I wasn't up to running or being active then that would hit my emotional wellbeing pretty hard. As it turns out, I didn't do more than little walks for about a month after giving birth but I was so all consumed with being a new mum that actually I wasn't bothered.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJu7LFXD3AsZwQ8BKaHsSklpyzSXnpWg5-6veYGQwS_wcIxTcBguoG4j304clyX4_iLgzpFiFTkEvP9t5NrcseaElYjzMxprH_1PAOv41Su12UdDWYO5ew5D-gXI3K25-ieHLHLSSorM/s640/blogger-image-848099728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJu7LFXD3AsZwQ8BKaHsSklpyzSXnpWg5-6veYGQwS_wcIxTcBguoG4j304clyX4_iLgzpFiFTkEvP9t5NrcseaElYjzMxprH_1PAOv41Su12UdDWYO5ew5D-gXI3K25-ieHLHLSSorM/s640/blogger-image-848099728.jpg"></a></div>Labour took a bigger toll on my body than I expected. Without going into too many details, it was a massive physical effort and afterwards it took me about 36 hours to feel that I'd eaten & drunk enough to get my energy back - I spent several hours shaking due to feeling so weak. I got very little sleep in the days either side of the birth and missed an entire night of sleep the night she was actually born so it was difficult to begin recovering. I also ached all over for several days & had to cope with the more delicate aspects of post-birth. In short, going for a run was not on my list of priorities! </div><div><br></div><div>By the time she was 5 weeks old I had started wearing her in a sling which gave me a lot more freedom. I went for a walk along the river - my old 5K running loop. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xoi5jW2mBb4Vw6M6THQsa7EMSH7LM1ObytUs29BOPy6aemSlS3IRnE7-ntLaiogHPs2Fgj-y0p8OsFtI8Q71_gf8TLrB_EvHiwiNo7nb7vRavXvwXQRHcOKxPyx1eh0Ayw-u4Dv_c54/s640/blogger-image-364689907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xoi5jW2mBb4Vw6M6THQsa7EMSH7LM1ObytUs29BOPy6aemSlS3IRnE7-ntLaiogHPs2Fgj-y0p8OsFtI8Q71_gf8TLrB_EvHiwiNo7nb7vRavXvwXQRHcOKxPyx1eh0Ayw-u4Dv_c54/s640/blogger-image-364689907.jpg"></a></div>She slept through the whole thing! </div><div><br></div><div>A few weeks later I returned to parkrun, initially walking with her and then progressing to running. However, it hasn't all been straightforward - pelvic floor issues have set me back and I've decided to start walk/running again as well as focusing on core strength. On that note, the impact on pregnancy and birth to a woman's pelvic floor is huge and it is a pity that it is not spoken about more. I don't think it's anything to be ashamed about - it is entirely natural, understandable and normal, but because incontinence issues are often hidden or worse joked about, it becomes embarrassing. I'm going to be blogging more about my (hopeful) return to fitness so if any pregnant women or mums are reading then do share your experiences.<br><div> </div></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-26458423054678505852016-01-04T17:20:00.001+00:002016-01-04T17:43:43.564+00:00Pregnancy: training for labour?Throughout my pregnancy I kept noticing little things that reminded me of being in training for a long race. Perhaps it was just my way of rationalising everything that was happening and preparing for the birth, but I thought I would share the (light-hearted) similarities I noticed.<div><br></div><div>1. When you sign up for a big race, you start to focus on race day. With pregnancy, that big date always on your mind is your due date (even though only 4% of babies are actually born on their due date - at least races tend to be more predictable!)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPKYOqdX1Ey86e9v6eGvBCetxE4729wnHs9nmqD8yAW4GjrPlG6uRHpVzg10VXrTsCkGiSt5MDcf5zVXX4YiYlBrvhr4uC1xq4VlD4IRlcrltSfmKmfIFkn0sCV1IoY2XxgSKPFJaJa4/s640/blogger-image-556958137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPKYOqdX1Ey86e9v6eGvBCetxE4729wnHs9nmqD8yAW4GjrPlG6uRHpVzg10VXrTsCkGiSt5MDcf5zVXX4YiYlBrvhr4uC1xq4VlD4IRlcrltSfmKmfIFkn0sCV1IoY2XxgSKPFJaJa4/s640/blogger-image-556958137.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>2. Marathon plans are in weeks & most runners can tell you exactly which week they are on. Once you find out you're pregnant then you also measure in weeks. You might not have a training spreadsheet but you'll almost certainly have an app telling you exactly what's happening to your body and your baby as each week passes. </div><div><br></div><div>3. You eat a lot! Training for a race uses a lot of calories and, believe me, so does growing a baby. In the first trimester all I could stomach for lunch was a white bread roll, babybel and ready salted crisps (eaten furtively at my desk so my colleagues didn't notice the weird new eating habit!) - maybe I was carb loading ready for labour?! </div><div><br></div><div>4. Lucozade features heavily. As part of standard antenatal care there's a glucose tolerance test which involves drinking a bottle of lucozade an hour before a blood test. Additionally midwifes recommend taking lucozade sport to hospital with you - I don't actually like lucozade but I'm glad I took their advice, the instant sugar got me through labour just like gels & jelly babies did in my marathon! </div><div><br></div><div>5. At the end of it all you might not get a shiny new medal but you get a brand new baby instead! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ffsMlK8XFYEewLO-S2EqTz-HQvX4R-8yz1b76Iaswenufu-UOEVdrf_nK8AgpK-Gouram4Om1vXnjSVXbBvSZBwfYEU3g8NS05sGPccqkUJUQkjOwrdj4tGOidh3L6blFFEJObnCofY/s640/blogger-image--27924254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ffsMlK8XFYEewLO-S2EqTz-HQvX4R-8yz1b76Iaswenufu-UOEVdrf_nK8AgpK-Gouram4Om1vXnjSVXbBvSZBwfYEU3g8NS05sGPccqkUJUQkjOwrdj4tGOidh3L6blFFEJObnCofY/s640/blogger-image--27924254.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-82010381021570121512016-01-01T12:27:00.001+00:002016-01-01T12:27:54.069+00:00Running for twoI'm resurrecting this little blog of mine to talk about my experiences of running when pregnant and as a new mum. There's relatively little information or even anecdotes about running when pregnant so I hope that my experience will be interesting or useful to any other mums or mums-to-be out there.<div><br></div><div>Baby Florence was born on 7th September 2015 and I ran my last pregnant parkrun on 8th August. Throughout my pregnancy, friends were asking when I planned to stop running and my answer was always that I would keep going as long as I could. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The NHS advice is positive towards exercise in pregnancy, though with the caveat to discuss it with your midwife. My midwife was very supportive and agreed with my plan to keep going as well as I felt able to. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I am chuffed that I managed to still enjoy running in the 3rd trimester even though I started to receive a few comments about needing hot towels etc towards the end! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOXJ8qCguns-c2JjyEDBdW68b-JyRWMw7ol-rG8gatFoGlvneERtfVkkePpBdy0Mln1e-nGrZnlaNZv_FIlD3omLhK7OVjeTsxdkVkjiRn8aj3kGCShtFBV-DgqiMvdtZeKEfe-yW5JI/s640/blogger-image--1115452090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOXJ8qCguns-c2JjyEDBdW68b-JyRWMw7ol-rG8gatFoGlvneERtfVkkePpBdy0Mln1e-nGrZnlaNZv_FIlD3omLhK7OVjeTsxdkVkjiRn8aj3kGCShtFBV-DgqiMvdtZeKEfe-yW5JI/s640/blogger-image--1115452090.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found out I was pregnant in the middle of January 2015 and almost immediately felt differently about running. I didn't want to push my body too hard so PB hunting was off the agenda, but I still wanted to keep fit. I'd raced a lot over the Christmas holidays and unfortunately had picked up a slight foot injury. This became quite handy in covering up why I wasn't running as much as usual until I was comfortable telling people I was pregnant (after the 12 week scan). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found the first 12 weeks the hardest - I didn't have a bump but was completely exhausted most of the time so had very little energy to run. This made me feel quite down and a bit like my identity was being lost. Pregnancy can be a very emotional time (blame the hormones) and not feeling physically up to running meant I couldn't turn to my usual form of therapy! Luckily things improved in the second trimester and I was able to enjoy running once again, including on holiday in California.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng09b8nJIq8Gfp_8Cg2niN9FtmB-H1cW1X4Ed6KhXSItm1WLZkbwjp_UkQbzowxNzNxkoUtXF41eVOOz2h46SSKHd0mKQaQBGA2NZCsNdKtMgTwKMGticMXvySwCGE-1cMPjfe1ErOfs/s640/blogger-image-1365045256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng09b8nJIq8Gfp_8Cg2niN9FtmB-H1cW1X4Ed6KhXSItm1WLZkbwjp_UkQbzowxNzNxkoUtXF41eVOOz2h46SSKHd0mKQaQBGA2NZCsNdKtMgTwKMGticMXvySwCGE-1cMPjfe1ErOfs/s640/blogger-image-1365045256.jpg"></a></div>By the third trimester I still felt physically well but the bump was becoming more cumbersome and I was running a lot more slowly. I also had to be careful not to overheat in the summer sun as that could have potentially been risky. I swam a lot which was lovely - the water makes bumps weightless so it's easier to move more freely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jrnpgs-c-f3wBUERCaakMo8BryGzAiwgIdRHzh0Ezjp82QhPjXs0kcRO-mK-nq8FqqWnU2v5biNLFj31iw2JkQiHf47hXV2osot1tg_y3mieynWuslmDQcBPnflfHaNVRUrawxRwdoQ/s640/blogger-image-755110595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jrnpgs-c-f3wBUERCaakMo8BryGzAiwgIdRHzh0Ezjp82QhPjXs0kcRO-mK-nq8FqqWnU2v5biNLFj31iw2JkQiHf47hXV2osot1tg_y3mieynWuslmDQcBPnflfHaNVRUrawxRwdoQ/s640/blogger-image-755110595.jpg"></a></div>Overall I can really recommend running through pregnancy particularly if you have a supportive community like parkrun. However, the old cliche of listening to your body is even more important so if you are pregnant and feel too knackered/sick/weak/sore to do anything then remember it's only a few months and your body is growing a whole person which is pretty amazing in itself! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K2pZQLsuG3LLrY0My6u2MulLC0kHnhKe_Ey1aNDGM4pmRKBU_eKFQI6bdaDafrmXgeKL9qUcFR1G8sgboxlIS7HQEjZ77l93xVnB3OPrRhthiIDHoS3P6-qXWCF4vvBGKfVaR6JzzN0/s640/blogger-image-319151397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K2pZQLsuG3LLrY0My6u2MulLC0kHnhKe_Ey1aNDGM4pmRKBU_eKFQI6bdaDafrmXgeKL9qUcFR1G8sgboxlIS7HQEjZ77l93xVnB3OPrRhthiIDHoS3P6-qXWCF4vvBGKfVaR6JzzN0/s640/blogger-image-319151397.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-47560212361503678142015-04-28T20:30:00.001+01:002015-04-28T20:30:34.372+01:00Supporting at a marathon<div><br></div>Along with thousands of other people, I spent much of Sunday lining random streets of London and dashing around on the underground to support at the marathon. This was the third year that I'd been down and now consider myself pretty pro at finding decent spots to watch...here are my tips! <div><br></div><div>1. Plan your route in advance. Your runner/s will know the course and it's probably even more important that you do too. London give out guides for supporters at the expo - get one! It'll be busy everywhere on marathon day and having a plan helps.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Decide if you want to spot everyone once or one person multiple times. You can't do both unless all your friends happen to run the same pace. This year my husband was running so for me it was all about seeing him as much as possible. That meant I also saw anyone who was quicker than him but no one who was slower than him because as soon as he came through I dashed off to the next place. </div><div><br></div><div>3. If you want a front row spot, get there early. I claimed my first bit of pavement at 9 miles before the race had even started. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtNQK13xe1MMs7Xgix6b-vexeVrw98myRHYSJabBYzSTeEF8329Z6oWPLLnsItoqpWl6Jp4jpHqZyP4OgMUS5thRaj128Cmg43h2TylrTTW26lTK1lzRgzaBwpevZ0biOH2hfb1i_bEI/s640/blogger-image-685957399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtNQK13xe1MMs7Xgix6b-vexeVrw98myRHYSJabBYzSTeEF8329Z6oWPLLnsItoqpWl6Jp4jpHqZyP4OgMUS5thRaj128Cmg43h2TylrTTW26lTK1lzRgzaBwpevZ0biOH2hfb1i_bEI/s640/blogger-image-685957399.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4. Wear comfortable shoes, take layers and pack snacks - it's a long day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5. If you don't want to get there early, or for later miles, make friends with the marshals. One drinks station was manned by my club mates which meant a cheeky front row pass just in time for Paula to fly past. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAsDCjjszRcnNydClCBhOxA3Aypw-0tcCi5gqyQbwRGzt6CcaZdMEHOE0kK2iLsB03D95Ulszxl3FSugjtXD7gsG_KBhyphenhyphenNdcrkk1oAzYZkiwl8TlSpSbuOq3YFxMqye9yd2WErltoskY/s640/blogger-image-1047003519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAsDCjjszRcnNydClCBhOxA3Aypw-0tcCi5gqyQbwRGzt6CcaZdMEHOE0kK2iLsB03D95Ulszxl3FSugjtXD7gsG_KBhyphenhyphenNdcrkk1oAzYZkiwl8TlSpSbuOq3YFxMqye9yd2WErltoskY/s640/blogger-image-1047003519.jpg"></a></div>(Paula having a drink running past the arms of my friends - admit it, it's a great photo...) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">6. Find somewhere to touch out your Oyster card even if the barriers are open & the station staff tell you you don't need to on marathon day. You do & it costs you if you don't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">7. Cheer and clap everyone, not just your friends, but cheer them extra loudly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">8. Know that it's all about the runner you're there for but that they will really appreciate your efforts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSkb35chsKyDWMgHbKA8xz46sXapHSiY1mA0EJmG2CSVBoAqsjXf_DgG7UQ3eEx06_6HMVv6h6octx1ZsYU0XMsNwLBJEVPpb94xAVt7OfhXHcwtQC1tTLBM_F5CrAzbI4LBCKr5bgLE/s640/blogger-image--1023143730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSkb35chsKyDWMgHbKA8xz46sXapHSiY1mA0EJmG2CSVBoAqsjXf_DgG7UQ3eEx06_6HMVv6h6octx1ZsYU0XMsNwLBJEVPpb94xAVt7OfhXHcwtQC1tTLBM_F5CrAzbI4LBCKr5bgLE/s640/blogger-image--1023143730.jpg"></a></div>Husband smashed his goal time & ran a huge PB with negative split - I am very proud :-) </div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-90991753913642717172015-04-19T21:59:00.001+01:002015-04-19T21:59:41.982+01:00Losing my identity?I named my (much neglected) blog 'Branded Runner' because being a runner had become a massive part of my identity. Last year was very focused on running - I ran Brighton Marathon & spent the rest of the year trying (and sometimes even succeeding) to smash out some PBs at 5K and 10K. I saw in 2015 in the now traditional fashion of a 10K race on NYE followed by a double parkrun on NYD. Business as usual for 2015 then? Well, no not quite. A few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. Suddenly running wasn't my priority anymore! <div><br></div><div>I was (and still am) delighted to be expecting my first baby but the first few months of pregnancy haven't been as straightforward as I perhaps thought. Physically I have so far got away fairly lightly but the first trimester was marked by exhaustion that meant any thoughts of running were quickly forgotten. I found myself spending my short evenings lying on the sofa rather than doing exercise and if I'm honest that was tough to handle emotionally. I was a runner, so what happened if I wasn't running?<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I had been so determined to have a healthy, fit pregnancy but I just didn't have the energy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It didn't help that we didn't tell anyone our news until we'd had a scan at 12 weeks. I was pretty anxious about the whole thing until we had that scan so it was hard not sharing that with anyone. We also had various running events booked in, including a race weekend to Barcelona, which we still did but I spectated rather than competed. It was tough not being able to be honest about the reason. </span></div><div><div><br></div><div>The last month or so has been much better - I'm back parkrunning, albeit much slower than before, which has really helped me feel like myself again. My new target is to get back under 30 minutes - yesterday I was 2 seconds over so there's still hope before I get too massive! </div><div><br></div><div>This might seem like quite a negative post on what is an amazing experience & joyful time, but I felt it was important to be honest. Sometimes, like anything, pregnancy fitness blogs or Instagram accounts can make it seem like everyone else is able to carry on and that can make it hard if your body just needs to adjust to it's massive new task!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65KGxUnDEpjtPT4s3m-xSMPnvtQ4o_MJg-eqjaFp36-C7LxYRYrpGUxiDjMUu4FhKFnVwKUPkJq3wxyNVKgUihZrh23DHbr0KyvmMUhCsrzJ09-T_O9GHoRRpayLH1GcFFGxcJeaJKvg/s640/blogger-image-585907437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65KGxUnDEpjtPT4s3m-xSMPnvtQ4o_MJg-eqjaFp36-C7LxYRYrpGUxiDjMUu4FhKFnVwKUPkJq3wxyNVKgUihZrh23DHbr0KyvmMUhCsrzJ09-T_O9GHoRRpayLH1GcFFGxcJeaJKvg/s640/blogger-image-585907437.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Not sure if or how this blog will continue, but at least I can now explain this recent silence ;-) </div></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-30151323492521098322014-11-30T17:23:00.001+00:002014-11-30T17:23:07.621+00:00Two baths and a shower later.It was definitely a dirty Friday night. I've had two showers and a bath and I'm still not sure I'm that clean - my toes in particular still look grubby. My trail shoes stink and my formerly white socks have been washed twice but are still showering the floor in mud if I accidentally knock the airer they are drying on. It was the best run I've had in ages though.<div><br></div><div>On Friday I headed over to Wimpole Estate, a local National Trust property and one of my favourite places. This is what it looks like in the daytime. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnWNb3UrfUSOtQv_j5EBfKafJZtE3ZUJ083chXlvP_cG5UIzQZwfLwC7iPoscMuobACNWQT16pjsZ36BdxYE6xYopo3mTNmVOL4gDXWdKNIyA2fguKNzAMTqmKB9-fROE-PK3xG2faV0/s640/blogger-image--1953755945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnWNb3UrfUSOtQv_j5EBfKafJZtE3ZUJ083chXlvP_cG5UIzQZwfLwC7iPoscMuobACNWQT16pjsZ36BdxYE6xYopo3mTNmVOL4gDXWdKNIyA2fguKNzAMTqmKB9-fROE-PK3xG2faV0/s640/blogger-image--1953755945.jpg"></a></div>By the light of a headtorch, those views are condensed into the mud immediately ahead of you, the hi-viz of another runner & the glowing eyes of sheep. It doesn't matter that you can't see anything though - that's what makes it so magical.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There were about 12 of us who thought that running 10K across the estate at 7pm was a good idea and I'm pretty sure we all loved it. We took it at a gentle pace, chatting away, breaking the silence of the otherwise peaceful woods. We squelched through puddles, slid our way up the steepest muddiest hill & raced down the drier shallower slopes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Someone described it as running that was good for the soul and I couldn't have agreed more. </span></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-63206616054538727692014-06-29T14:25:00.001+01:002014-06-29T14:27:15.004+01:00Learning to run againI don't normally mention specific brands on this blog (ironic given the title...) as I firmly believe that just because I like something doesn't mean everyone else will too - we all like different styles of shorts for example because we've all got different bums and thighs. However there are a few brands that I am pretty loyal towards, mainly because they make stuff that works for me. I like adidas because they make brightly coloured, comfy, reasonably priced technical clothes and also because they sponsor parkrun. I like Workplay bags because they fit my small frame and make running & cycle-commuting easier. I also get a lot of stuff from Sweaty Betty because it's stylish and functional and most importantly it fits me well. It is expensive, but I'm fortunate that I can afford it and as I wear sportswear on most days then to me it's worth spending the money. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Sweaty Betty run lots of free classes and collaborations with other fitness studios and have clearly worked hard to develop a community around the brand. A lot of the guest events are based around the London stores, but the Cambridge store also organises lots of events (including the hot yoga one I blogged about a few months ago) so I don't feel too left out being out in the sticks!</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sweaty Betty also run some good competitions and I recently entered a triathlon-themed competition on twitter. All you had to do was tweet why you wanted to win a training session with a triathlon coach - my entry was a photo collage & it won! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHJY_VO7voDLOuO7CexYEy-fksPFDcvonlPGmf6Z3KKO0quJUts3taV7QpqZD6Wmce-wZiHhe1MHH0ugddbFyuHSaJwyThdrDdWeY2hmSlm6K1pOBMETFC-Zu5oN0uer1r62QfeJU1PA/s640/blogger-image--1771324252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHJY_VO7voDLOuO7CexYEy-fksPFDcvonlPGmf6Z3KKO0quJUts3taV7QpqZD6Wmce-wZiHhe1MHH0ugddbFyuHSaJwyThdrDdWeY2hmSlm6K1pOBMETFC-Zu5oN0uer1r62QfeJU1PA/s640/blogger-image--1771324252.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sweaty Betty sent me my prize of a triathlon outfit (which so far has been great) and put me in touch with Michelle Dillon, a former Olympic triathlete & now successful coach, to arrange the coaching session. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The session was held in Bushy Park (home of the original parkrun) which is a beautiful large park in Teddington, South London. I took the day off work and had a relaxed morning pottering around Covent Garden before catching a train to Bushy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michelle was lovely - she immediately put me at ease and was very friendly. We started out with me running along whilst she analysed my running style. She quickly identified what was inefficient about my natural style and gave me some tips to improve. Although it felt strange to try and run in a different way, I could tell that when I was getting it, it felt smoother and actually more natural. We then did some exercises to work on firing up my glutes - they were very similar to those I do in my Pilates class so it was reassuring to have two coaches/teachers saying the same thing! We then did a training session (2x90 secs, 4x60 secs, 4x30 secs, 4x15 secs with equal recoveries) with the focus on maintaining form. It may have been just Michelle's enthusiasm but I certainly felt like I was running faster and I can't wait to practice some more. Having a one to one coaching session was a real luxury - Michelle was completely focused on me which meant I got constant encouragement and reminders about my form. I felt like I learnt loads and I ended the session feeling really motivated and inspired. Sadly Bushy Park is just too far away for me to visit regularly but if you live in South London and are looking for a coach then I can highly recommend Michelle (Team Dillon Coaching) - her style is very positive and encouraging which really worked for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqffsLSlYxuxvLEzPhkdo-yUkRSIjt3rrrfdyjslncArFBwRt02GH6i-ofAI9RilV7JkULM1a1mLdwLYqtnUkpaEeFAUfJukJMqkwLncm8WRHOKdlcUf3DKjpAo8P2sNXTy_ExyxEX2wk/s640/blogger-image--443993630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqffsLSlYxuxvLEzPhkdo-yUkRSIjt3rrrfdyjslncArFBwRt02GH6i-ofAI9RilV7JkULM1a1mLdwLYqtnUkpaEeFAUfJukJMqkwLncm8WRHOKdlcUf3DKjpAo8P2sNXTy_ExyxEX2wk/s640/blogger-image--443993630.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks Michelle and Sweaty Betty for a brilliant prize. </div></span></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-13307315922977169102014-06-22T16:30:00.001+01:002014-06-22T16:55:53.941+01:00100 parkruns laterYesterday I ran my 100th parkrun, earning myself a place in the "100 club" and qualifying for a much coveted black parkrun Adidas tshirt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPc4Y8e01BYjY59YIPCQUUMBLrKvRvsbhqcTONwDBq6UEuVn1jnnEo_86vpkRy8rFSNvLF9dQvJuUKBN4qArMczzuA0YdzKw9HtxvsQAu1CX6F4mMm8-JAfR2_dF18PrZnfSKCfm9ebc/s640/blogger-image--2075083363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPc4Y8e01BYjY59YIPCQUUMBLrKvRvsbhqcTONwDBq6UEuVn1jnnEo_86vpkRy8rFSNvLF9dQvJuUKBN4qArMczzuA0YdzKw9HtxvsQAu1CX6F4mMm8-JAfR2_dF18PrZnfSKCfm9ebc/s640/blogger-image--2075083363.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My 100th run was great fun - I ran round with my husband and some of my best parkrun buddies, one of whom had arrived early to decorate the course with balloons & bunting. They dressed me in a tiara, wand & massive 100 badge and tied a helium balloon to me - it was amazing! I got cheered the whole way round & it was an excellent example of why I love parkrun. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but I'm sure you can imagine! Thank you Michaela :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskVkuBh3S8tQUryoR73jvw6Vw6yOSusxGsKJO24cPd-5sWDzxoqqdjhHbcWnPBJYSNwmHD1zOxSE4D-0tmDQHyBUJPJOgeYZYhnMogZUxx1ImLHjppTf2v4FHL5mlB_gULuRQ-dvJ7u0/s640/blogger-image--106879009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskVkuBh3S8tQUryoR73jvw6Vw6yOSusxGsKJO24cPd-5sWDzxoqqdjhHbcWnPBJYSNwmHD1zOxSE4D-0tmDQHyBUJPJOgeYZYhnMogZUxx1ImLHjppTf2v4FHL5mlB_gULuRQ-dvJ7u0/s640/blogger-image--106879009.jpg"></a></div>My first ever parkrun was on 25th June 2011 so I've run 100 events in almost exactly 3 years. My first one was all about completing the full 5K - I was nervous that I wouldn't make it, but the fact that parkrun is a run not a race really came into its own & I was cheered down the finish straight just as loudly as the front runners had been 15 minutes earlier. I completed that first one in 31.40. The first target was sub-30, then each minute after that was a new challenge. My PB is currently bang on 24 minutes and getting under it is proving tricky, but I remember when getting under 28 was just as tough. I've been paced round by excellent pacers (thank you Dr Dave, Sam and Rob) and been proud to lead my own pacing buses around a course I know so well. Sometimes when I run I push myself as hard as I can go, sometimes I run with my friends, sometimes I tail run, sometimes I just chill out by myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Afterwards, however the run went, I'm always glad I got up for parkrun. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've volunteered 53 times, not because parkrun ask you to but because I love it - it's helped me become much more involved in the parkrun community and I enjoy it as much as running. It's also led to new opportunities - in a few weeks the Tour de France is coming to town and I'll be a Tour Maker, something that I'd have never thought of doing before I volunteered at parkrun. Without parkrun lots of things would be different. I wouldn't be a runner, which means I wouldn't have done a marathon - one of the things I'm most proud of. I wouldn't have joined a running club or have entered a triathlon. I wouldn't blog! I wouldn't know lots of people who I'm lucky to call my friends. I wouldn't have an easy way to balance the stresses of life and I probably wouldn't be as happy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Last week Paul Sinton Hewitt, founder of parkrun, was made a CBE. It was very well deserved. Thanks parkrun. </span></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-15979522410209705652014-06-17T13:43:00.005+01:002014-06-17T13:43:42.804+01:00Trying a triathlon<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I think it’s fairly common after a marathon to fancy trying something new. Despite having had a very positive first marathon experience, I’ve still not wanted to head straight back into a training cycle. I’m enjoying shorter runs but I’m also enjoying having time to do different sports and the temptation to do a triathlon has started to increase. Recently a local triathlon club advertised a “GoTri” mini triathlon event about 3 miles from my house (given that I live in a village that’s about as close as events get) and I signed up. </div>
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It was a bit of a mixed experience but overall I’m definitely glad that I did it – I’ve summarised what I liked and didn’t like below.</div>
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Overall, the buzz I got from finishing and from the transition (particularly the post-swim transition – who knew I’d get such a kick out of that!) means that I’m almost certain that I will sign up for a proper triathlon. The event was useful for giving me a feel for that, but unfortunately it has put me off considering joining the triathlon club who put the event on – telling people off for being late, especially when they weren’t late according to the published start time, set a very negative tone and I don’t think it ever quite recovered from that. I was lucky in that a big group of supportive friends from parkrun and my twitter friend <a href="http://splutterandroll.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a> were all there and that made it fun, but I can imagine that if you’d turned up on your own you might have felt a bit intimidated by the organisers. Giving out medals definitely helped regain them some favours though…</div>
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Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-79074046043539851442014-06-09T10:47:00.000+01:002014-06-09T10:47:25.889+01:00Running around Japan<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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I spent the last two weeks of May on holiday in Japan. Japan is somewhere my husband and I have always wanted to visit and this year we decided to take the plunge and go for it. We had a fantastic time and really fell in love with the country. We also managed to squeeze some running in, starting with a guided running tour of Tokyo for our first full day, aiming to shake off the jet lag and get a sense for this amazing city.</div>
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A quick google led us to the Tokyo Great Running Tours. The cycling tours arm of the company was well-established and had positive reviews on TripAdvisor, but the running section seemed to be new and as such we couldn't find much information about it. </div>
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The tour covered some of the main sites of Tokyo, including the Fish Market, the Kabuki Theatre and the Imperial Palace. Jogging through the middle of the enormous working fish market was quite surreal but nobody seemed to notice or mind! The pace was pretty tough for me - definitely faster than I expected and it was also pretty warm, but the frequent stops to look at things meant that it was kind of like a 12km interval session, so once I decided to treat it like that rather than as a continuous run it was much more manageable.</div>
Our guide was excellent - she worked in a bank during the week but led tours at the weekend and she was clearly doing it because she loved running. It made Neil and I wonder whether we could do something similar in Cambridge...<br />
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Tokyo initially seems like a very busy city that might not be great for running, but actually, running with a local meant we could head straight to the popular spots. We ran along the river and were<br />
treated to lovely city views (and a photo stop gave me chance to recover!). One benefit of the<br />
flexibility of running combined with being in a small group - just us and a Danish couple - was that<br />
we could turn down any side street that looked interesting, or decide to stop off and look at a local<br />
temple.<br />
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We eventually ended up at the Imperial Palace. You're not allowed to run in the grounds, but there is a path around the outside which is 5K long - you can guess where all the runners go! It reminded me a little bit of Central Park, with the leafy park area surrounded by sky scrapers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-au3xeBa8Bvj7VaZDrbYUe6WPmJmMGLcQKiP2FS0Beaalsa0RvLEB0lRjdBHBzuzH8C0L3K2JX7f52-3hU67AbjyP-ZMlsWvgHeaKXZC-jN33iuKr8RPFN9GOf6OCFhnGvsdFNIwt21U/s1600/blogger-image-599396448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-au3xeBa8Bvj7VaZDrbYUe6WPmJmMGLcQKiP2FS0Beaalsa0RvLEB0lRjdBHBzuzH8C0L3K2JX7f52-3hU67AbjyP-ZMlsWvgHeaKXZC-jN33iuKr8RPFN9GOf6OCFhnGvsdFNIwt21U/s1600/blogger-image-599396448.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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All in all it was a great way to start our trip. We didn't actually end up doing much more running when we were in Japan, mainly because we spent our days walking round so much that our legs and </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DNRjwI7NVGx5XJEsgzqjzfcVEP90GmogNPAcqcW3ukvLXtSIULpk_2A6iD31Cnzk1y4XUJNL9SBLptd6lSO9cwB6glX3RNK2F2giR7eO1bsetiXx0_3Lehp5IfCdBBZ1njt3s8U2_ag/s1600/blogger-image-904083957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DNRjwI7NVGx5XJEsgzqjzfcVEP90GmogNPAcqcW3ukvLXtSIULpk_2A6iD31Cnzk1y4XUJNL9SBLptd6lSO9cwB6glX3RNK2F2giR7eO1bsetiXx0_3Lehp5IfCdBBZ1njt3s8U2_ag/s1600/blogger-image-904083957.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a>feet were exhausted by the evening! We also hiked up a mountain and followed countless trails.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUniP1dpXfxIf8zG90-G4UVq1A5Vqz_ZF0kx5jRgi_3GNFjy7vxMrEPhfrVvHuUCZmq0xNOdjxCivXXTvf-Po45FZuptSAA4lYEBuhUWxKgePoqg3Q948SLfJ8GHBeRa1wurNz7s2t_KY/s1600/blogger-image-37170897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUniP1dpXfxIf8zG90-G4UVq1A5Vqz_ZF0kx5jRgi_3GNFjy7vxMrEPhfrVvHuUCZmq0xNOdjxCivXXTvf-Po45FZuptSAA4lYEBuhUWxKgePoqg3Q948SLfJ8GHBeRa1wurNz7s2t_KY/s1600/blogger-image-37170897.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>The Japanese are also big fans of the "sweat rag" which is basically a flannel specifically for mopping your brow. Check out my Hello Kitty version (much needed....)!</div>
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In lots of ways Japan is a runners' paradise - plenty of healthy food, beautiful scenery and natural hot springs. We particularly enjoyed treating our tired feet to the hot spring foot bath at an open air art gallery!</div>
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It you have ever felt like you might want to go to Japan then do so - you won't regret it. </div>
Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-91975027270059789822014-06-01T13:14:00.001+01:002014-06-01T18:58:18.225+01:00Becoming a Tour MakerI'm just coming to the end of over two weeks off work and although by now the post-holiday blues would normally be kicking in, I've instead been distracted by my Tour Makers training event today. <div><br></div><div>The Tour de France is this year starting in England, the first time it has since 2007 (it often starts in different countries and the route is different each year). The first two stages are in Yorkshire and the third stage is Cambridge - my home city - to London. I love being involved with sporting events and in recent years have become increasingly interested in watching the Tour (due to my husband being an avid fan rather than me just jumping on the Bradley bandwagon!) so once the call for Tour volunteers went out I was quick to sign up. </div><div><br></div><div>Today was the first of two face to face training events. It was held in the Copper Box arena at the Olympic Park which gave us an opportunity to visit the Park. We watched some Paralympic events here back in 2012 and then last year we ran the 'Back to the Stadium' run which mostly involved running through a building site. I was keen to see what the public park was like and I wasn't disappointed. It was a sunny morning and the park was gradually filling up with families, people sunbathing, cyclists and runners. </div><div><br></div><div>Right from the very beginning I have been pro London 2012 (I backed the bid!) and although I know that some people have concerns about the vast amounts of money spent, I think the current park is clearly helping leave the legacy that was so talked about. I spent most of the time we were wandering wishing I either had my bike with me, or my swimming kit so that I could try out the Olympic pool!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFIdC6jntFYq1LKiwm0NSsfJdtSl8EWK_N7WoZrRTf6KgcXYAGs4FctixD7Pxt_ckziSdatWsfhzR_LCLhez78mmeRmUemXKyvnJpJi_V4bPlgVS0HGn6ArVXg2LSxKSohr3cU-dTGtA/s640/blogger-image--266601456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFIdC6jntFYq1LKiwm0NSsfJdtSl8EWK_N7WoZrRTf6KgcXYAGs4FctixD7Pxt_ckziSdatWsfhzR_LCLhez78mmeRmUemXKyvnJpJi_V4bPlgVS0HGn6ArVXg2LSxKSohr3cU-dTGtA/s640/blogger-image--266601456.jpg"></a></div>A perk of being a Tour Maker was 2 for 1 entry to the Orbit. I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about going up as I don't really like the design of the Orbit but my husband was keen, so we paid our £15 (still pricey even with the deal!) and headed up in the lift. As it was a clear day, we were able to see right across London and actually I'm really glad we went up.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cIWBlLoi2sWh4PJbJOFRId5mbR-zawjFt2gIrU-2Qnkp2AhnuUMZlHmZzyTf5F_AUYSjvV9Z4rlJhocUgYXbB8Eg8hgqj_4BZeWkkFkFOhpv5saqK8DYnlWIb4n0TY8vQcuSS62oqU0/s640/blogger-image-1532094330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cIWBlLoi2sWh4PJbJOFRId5mbR-zawjFt2gIrU-2Qnkp2AhnuUMZlHmZzyTf5F_AUYSjvV9Z4rlJhocUgYXbB8Eg8hgqj_4BZeWkkFkFOhpv5saqK8DYnlWIb4n0TY8vQcuSS62oqU0/s640/blogger-image-1532094330.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>I'm not sure whether I'd recommend it at full price and the whole experience only took about 25 minutes - you get the lift up then walk down and there's no time limit so you could take longer - but if you're visiting the Park on a sunny day and like views then it probably is worth it as a one off. As we said, it's something we'd have done if we were visiting another city so it was nice to do it in our home capital aswell.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ml4ChKqebd1Kfu0x6ylaa10fqCG4QhDRAVKUAcGLGsK02yHJahvPtKZ-fWpO1sjaWYlP27rAVe4j5CfYcoeLbTBx-YVR0qcPigzuKhKwIff5mVko1f3nCRlUcgsd31xRPGEVI_NQo9k/s640/blogger-image-573740563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ml4ChKqebd1Kfu0x6ylaa10fqCG4QhDRAVKUAcGLGsK02yHJahvPtKZ-fWpO1sjaWYlP27rAVe4j5CfYcoeLbTBx-YVR0qcPigzuKhKwIff5mVko1f3nCRlUcgsd31xRPGEVI_NQo9k/s640/blogger-image-573740563.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a spot of brunch and a wander round more of the park, we arrived at the Copper Box. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgXNkeeOFbJG6KL8qlaStpRCGaW0mRNjPeKZNyAU0FELxpneVtKF9MHwGmwDVPAWBrq857x6KM3YPZgdJkgQyMF56O6axhi-JnTt0dujPn0y3v3hsGM81GI7B_Befokvz3C0dXR4EyHY/s640/blogger-image-1432545611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgXNkeeOFbJG6KL8qlaStpRCGaW0mRNjPeKZNyAU0FELxpneVtKF9MHwGmwDVPAWBrq857x6KM3YPZgdJkgQyMF56O6axhi-JnTt0dujPn0y3v3hsGM81GI7B_Befokvz3C0dXR4EyHY/s640/blogger-image-1432545611.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The event was more of an introduction to being a Tour Maker rather than a specific training session. The organisers were obviously keen to thank all of the volunteers and also to make us enthusiastic for the event itself. This meant we had lots of interesting guests - Perri Shakes Drayton chatted about how the Games Makers had contributed to London 2012 (and she encouraged us all to take lots of selfies!), Ian Stannard gave us a cyclist's perspective and several of the key organisers briefed us. We were also treated to a brilliantly funny live performance from Kate Fox, a comedian and poet who has written the official Tour poem, plus a live rendition of the (very good) official song, "The Road". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNIa4YvKuiA-TNhoATQzgLUqjqLJhKIbxfepESiNf1YO3Zxn8ASokqGV3rOxtV8sEhLfI3eQjr3Kjo2kSQPNqsx2xr1u7_oQZPMeC_7CdUEJKtBcG8lxVAHdPFzmnlRAQCtf3B2np7EA/s640/blogger-image--1943069057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNIa4YvKuiA-TNhoATQzgLUqjqLJhKIbxfepESiNf1YO3Zxn8ASokqGV3rOxtV8sEhLfI3eQjr3Kjo2kSQPNqsx2xr1u7_oQZPMeC_7CdUEJKtBcG8lxVAHdPFzmnlRAQCtf3B2np7EA/s640/blogger-image--1943069057.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All in all it was an excellent day and I'm really looking forward to being a Tour Maker. Is anyone else volunteering for a big event this summer?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AVVOQqnlOSpS4MBTfaynVbbr2RLu-JGtgVb4f1zxeO-k-I6zkU3WKlSK_wBWCrFJqjDONs-Lpi_fYhlYPVjzW6KalJrbxNv597Pl16vLe-WCLuDd0VXwBFskgC7-4tCfg5ulx1Kt9Yo/s640/blogger-image-523747459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AVVOQqnlOSpS4MBTfaynVbbr2RLu-JGtgVb4f1zxeO-k-I6zkU3WKlSK_wBWCrFJqjDONs-Lpi_fYhlYPVjzW6KalJrbxNv597Pl16vLe-WCLuDd0VXwBFskgC7-4tCfg5ulx1Kt9Yo/s640/blogger-image-523747459.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Katie </div></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-18041138959282852082014-05-13T20:05:00.001+01:002014-05-13T20:05:45.048+01:00New beginningsI haven't really felt like blogging since Brighton marathon. The whole focus of my blog for me had been to record my training and experiences leading up to my first marathon and since the highs of finishing have died down I've been a bit in limbo about what to do next, so I didn't want to blog for the sake of it. <div><br></div><div>I had been looking forward to a #summerofspeed but since my 10K race things haven't gone to plan. My knee/hamstring felt niggly for ages and then I got a chest infection. I've had about 10 days off running and exercise and I'm off on holiday shortly so won't do that much when I'm away. A small part of me is worried that I'll lose all my marathon fitness but a much bigger part of me is enjoying relaxing - I think my body needed some proper time off and the chest infection forced me to provide it with just that. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBwydCnN1soaT8PaTmLSokaSw34R3Uq4oYJC0Epe-22T70RGTig1CjRiUOocil1IRKTGS_kPBTpaMph7v_uAwL0j44zxUS82EtjInJldAGKxyfrjpvwbVczVhB-eSAvwKNweIOl3rtfU/s640/blogger-image--1568200981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBwydCnN1soaT8PaTmLSokaSw34R3Uq4oYJC0Epe-22T70RGTig1CjRiUOocil1IRKTGS_kPBTpaMph7v_uAwL0j44zxUS82EtjInJldAGKxyfrjpvwbVczVhB-eSAvwKNweIOl3rtfU/s640/blogger-image--1568200981.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So what is next? Well I'm hoping that a holiday will reinvigorate me & that I'll come back desperate to run! Soon after I return I'm going to the Olympic Park for my training to be a Tour Maker when the Tour de France comes to Cambridge. I'm really excited about that & pretty sure it'll inspire me to focus on cycling again over the summer. Also in June, I should run my 100th parkrun which will be awesome and will involve friends and cake. I may even try and PB into the 100 club if my legs and lungs are up for a challenge. Just to keep things interesting I've also signed up for a mini "try a triathlon" training event, so June is looking pretty good. I better carry on resting well in May! </div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-30351626540264676102014-04-21T09:01:00.001+01:002014-04-21T09:01:46.902+01:00Running Naked<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4NH_g3MN98JSVAj-1xP-_XnhOwgXKeMwBkQ2M4DcNOQ6Ubmt7y8VUgupcUFPCCqkJDqCfVY7637RaPrsq1-yjK-w5eJ8M36A4iFb9Fsb4ZpqJ6I_GAnG-rJPETGuvaCB6Ecg6J9Qvt4/s640/blogger-image-508325279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4NH_g3MN98JSVAj-1xP-_XnhOwgXKeMwBkQ2M4DcNOQ6Ubmt7y8VUgupcUFPCCqkJDqCfVY7637RaPrsq1-yjK-w5eJ8M36A4iFb9Fsb4ZpqJ6I_GAnG-rJPETGuvaCB6Ecg6J9Qvt4/s640/blogger-image-508325279.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A month or so before my marathon I had entered Trowse 10K, a race that was on Easter Sunday. It was my friend Michaela's favourite race and apparently gave out the best goodie bags as well as having a medal. With little regard to whether my legs might be up to running again,or whether I would want to be up at 6am on Easter Sunday, I signed up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't prepare very well for the race. On top of the whole marathon a fortnight before, I did parkrun the morning before and then 2 hours of hot TRX and barre the afternoon before. This meant that my legs were sore and tired before I'd even started. As a vague nod towards proper preparation I did eat the traditional spaghetti bolognese the evening before, but couldn't face getting up early enough to have porridge so just had toast. Can you tell that I wasn't really that fussed about this race?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't bother to charge my Garmin and decided I would just run naked (without a watch) by feel. I was a bit worried that that might result me settling into the familiar marathon pace so set off quite fast. I regretted that by 3K when we faced a long hill and I started to feel a bit sick and had a few black spots before my eyes! Maybe my attitude towards the 10K (it's only 6 miles, I've done 26...) was a bit blasé. The sensible runner would have slowed down at this point but my competitive instinct kicked in and refused to- luckily the hill did eventually end and what went up did have to go down so I was able to recover on the downhill. It was two laps and after the first lap I shouted to Neil that I'd gone off too fast but I still didn't really know what pace I was running. I'm almost certain I slowed a bit in the second half but I had got used to running by then so was feeling, not exactly good, but a bit less sick. At 9K I think I slacked off a bit and decided just to ease in to the finish - my legs felt heavy and my arms were also aching; my body was just understandably tired. However just before the turn to the finish Neil shouted at me that I could get under 52 minutes...what?! Apparently I did have a sprint finish in me after all and legged it to the line for a new PB of 51.37 - almost a minute quicker than my previous PB. Running naked had worked for me this time but I'm not sure whether to risk it at my next 10K in a couple of weeks time. Either way, Project #summerofspeed is off to a good start!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39MjHoY3X4JAQpLCeW8scCR1IUkTEE-7VnjkCeA0874D8c6aB9QirDlO23Dl4HdAMbnA42kM1ajrRnVjAIuF6VmDwGV3Ib_RLS7dC7An4KIBni0IE0S59LRZY9B8IcHxoRWkyjJ07bZQ/s640/blogger-image-225496041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39MjHoY3X4JAQpLCeW8scCR1IUkTEE-7VnjkCeA0874D8c6aB9QirDlO23Dl4HdAMbnA42kM1ajrRnVjAIuF6VmDwGV3Ib_RLS7dC7An4KIBni0IE0S59LRZY9B8IcHxoRWkyjJ07bZQ/s640/blogger-image-225496041.jpg"></a></div>(A comedy race number always helps) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-57667273589539845982014-04-19T18:39:00.001+01:002014-04-19T18:42:45.027+01:00Bank Holiday WeekendSince the marathon, I have slowly eased my body back into exercise. I didn't do anything for the first few days (I was still walking like a penguin so I didn't have much choice!) but after a restorative massage on the Wednesday, I was able to cycle commute for the rest of the week and to take a gentle Pilates class. I had hoped to be back running at parkrun last week but I was concerned about one of my hamstrings which was quite tender, so volunteered instead (whilst wearing my marathon finishers tshirt!). The following day I headed down to London to cheer on everyone in the marathon. I had a great day in the sunshine and came back really motivated to get training again.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4il_obX5Z8t371uPMH-RM2vwS6hEQ-dLE0yPSEt1xsXOR0daOBtb2bppm8P_CCW0RTmJ8aWKOya7tLIl1tkHfS-6Bh2Dc4XzzVa2uF11XlC3f0sXYPIBu6JW5PNlkAHPpzrsyRvO9kGw/s640/blogger-image--919217414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4il_obX5Z8t371uPMH-RM2vwS6hEQ-dLE0yPSEt1xsXOR0daOBtb2bppm8P_CCW0RTmJ8aWKOya7tLIl1tkHfS-6Bh2Dc4XzzVa2uF11XlC3f0sXYPIBu6JW5PNlkAHPpzrsyRvO9kGw/s640/blogger-image--919217414.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This week I've cycled more, swum in my gym's outdoor pool & been to an energetic Pilates class. I tested out my hamstring with a short run on Thursday and decided it was fit enough to do parkrun this morning. I ran without my watch & despite my aching knees (marathon training seems to have aged them beyond my 29 years!) was pleased to finish comfortably in just over 26 minutes. </div><div><br></div><div>Now that I'm not in training for a specific event I'm looking forward to doing some more non-running exercise. I was therefore excited to see that my local Sweaty Betty store was collaborating with a Hot Yoga studio to offer free classes. I'd tried Hot Yoga a few years ago at a different studio & was keen to give it a go again. The package I signed up for was 1 hour of Hot TRX followed by 1hr 15 of Hot Barre. The TRX was good - I want to improve my upper body strength & there was a lot of work for my arms, supporting my body using the ropes system. I struggled a bit with some of the floor based work because I didn't quite trust my (very sweaty) hands to hold on to the ropes whilst I did back bends etc! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEOfjYS_syOT52X0CkN2LNXx2wPh4Id8vVvaPi_9vcN4ldwFWdOOA-gNHwXnl3HcEqACXEMzrwebJc9LonAuC4y0Gx6_7HExn1tsvwxWAQsScQoPY6c2tmVLLwsZ4eFkKmJoRoGVleG4/s640/blogger-image-1794511196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEOfjYS_syOT52X0CkN2LNXx2wPh4Id8vVvaPi_9vcN4ldwFWdOOA-gNHwXnl3HcEqACXEMzrwebJc9LonAuC4y0Gx6_7HExn1tsvwxWAQsScQoPY6c2tmVLLwsZ4eFkKmJoRoGVleG4/s640/blogger-image-1794511196.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I enjoyed working in the heat and it didn't seem as hot as I thought it would. The Hot Barre was in a different studio though and was much hotter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I enjoyed Hot Barre more than I was expecting given that I am not a natural dancer by any means and tend to struggle with any kind of choreographed routine that requires co-ordination. The mention of a routine to Bolero (think Torvill & Dean) panicked me but it ended up being very short and simple so I could just about keep up. The heat meant that we were all dripping with sweat (I was glad I had taken 2 towels) and even relatively simple movements got my heart rate up. This meant that I felt like I'd had a really good cardio workout from a strength/flexibility based class.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm not sure if I'll go back, partly because I have a regular Pilates class which I really enjoy and it's difficult to fit in everything I want to, but if I did it would be for the TRX. I loved how the instructor combined yoga with the ropes. Overall it was great to be able to try out two completely new classes. The studio (Ethos Yoga for anyone Cambridge based) was lovely and seemed very clean and fresh despite all the sweating! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95z07kifIposmHhsmOYckyIL5MSuIWx3bQqcWCcjlmkIf9671deXPMQEx7AUS425UwYhMdMAdcn4YFIOKqpxcVqgJyzDK6xR_5WHxsniNhSpXrRbgkqKMTHZso1Pk6UEfBeXVqkYxX6o/s640/blogger-image-801810551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95z07kifIposmHhsmOYckyIL5MSuIWx3bQqcWCcjlmkIf9671deXPMQEx7AUS425UwYhMdMAdcn4YFIOKqpxcVqgJyzDK6xR_5WHxsniNhSpXrRbgkqKMTHZso1Pk6UEfBeXVqkYxX6o/s640/blogger-image-801810551.jpg"></a></div>Tomorrow I'm heading to Norwich to run a 10K with my friend Michaela - I've been promised that there will be creme eggs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How is everyone else spending their Bank Holiday weekend? </div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-38228118313554114132014-04-07T07:16:00.001+01:002014-04-07T07:39:35.667+01:00The day I felt like a rockstarSunday April 6th 2014: My day in minutes and miles.<div><br></div><div>6.15: Wake up, gingerely test legs - think, they're not sore considering I ran a marathon yesterday.</div><div>6.16: Realise I haven't run it yet. Oh. Feel a bit sick.</div><div>6.20: Check twitter, notice a Happy Birthday tweet - oh yeah, it's my birthday. The marathon takes over everything.</div><div>7.00: Attempt to eat breakfast. Manage to force down half a bowl of porridge and a banana without throwing up & consider it an accomplishment.</div><div>7.45: Walk the 2ish miles to the start very slowly as a warm up (and because all the roads are closed so it's the only way). Both my hamstrings feel tight but tell myself it's only nerves.</div><div>8.20: Arrive at Preston Park and immediately join a toilet queue. It's just like any other race and that's a good thing.</div><div>8.45: Neil takes the obligatory "before" photo before heading off to his first spectator spot.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_uIqJJ4XZNUkG4TsJw91gsdU4WL6zYxMKOZDvRT9nbZPQWXLLBt-5O9a7QdJWTVTKGYEemd6BhxEVXl2PB9555pdGCLP1Pzk123CmeblUdb02cEUuF05xFd5ZUILWGiP9YScvXAP7Z4/s640/blogger-image--1075058787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_uIqJJ4XZNUkG4TsJw91gsdU4WL6zYxMKOZDvRT9nbZPQWXLLBt-5O9a7QdJWTVTKGYEemd6BhxEVXl2PB9555pdGCLP1Pzk123CmeblUdb02cEUuF05xFd5ZUILWGiP9YScvXAP7Z4/s640/blogger-image--1075058787.jpg"></a></div>9.00: Head to the start pen. Huddle under a bin bag when it rains. </div><div>9.05: Rain has stopped - maybe the running gods love us after all and the forecast "heavy rain and strong winds" might not happen.</div><div>9.15: Klaxon goes. We don't move.</div><div>9.23: Cross the line, high-fiving Paula Radcliffe in the process. </div><div><br></div><div>At this point the concept of actual time becomes lost and it's all about minutes per mile. Some mile highlights:</div><div><br></div><div>Just before 3: First glimpse of spectating team with personalised signs. These guys rocked.</div><div>3: Spot Neil - exchange high fives. Let's do this thing!</div><div>5: Spectating team (now including Neil) whooping away</div><div><br></div><div>The next part of the course was an out and back along the coast- I knew I wasn't going to see the team until about mile 14 so I just concentrated on keeping my rhythm and getting on with it. Quite enjoyed this part - I still felt fresh and the pace was manageable. I didn't enjoy not being able to open my gels though - I ended up squirting one all over my face to the delight of a small child watching. Sticky gel mixed with sweat - nice. </div><div><br></div><div>Mile 13: Back in town, amazing support. Putting my name on my vest was the best decision ever - I felt like the whole crowd was there for me! </div><div>13.5: Spectating team out in force again.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Miles 14-18: The hardest ones for me. Another out and back and I was getting tired but knew I still had a long way to go. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">18: Stopped for a quick hug with Neil then it was time to head to the power station, on the "Road to Hell"</span></div><div>20-22: Round the power station which says it all.</div><div>23: Turned for home but the pier still looked a long way away.</div><div>24: Realised I'd either miscounted or lost a gel. Panicked that I was going to run out of energy. Stuffed my face with all the jelly babies I could find- thank you people of Brighton, IOU some sweets.</div><div>24: A very long mile. </div><div>25: Saw my team again - now I really was "nearly there"!</div><div>25-26: Loved this mile, it was through crowds who were all shouting my name - I think I smiled for the whole mile (in between the grimaces - it hurt too)</div><div>26: Suddenly I was at 400m to go - wow! Sped up, or at least felt like I did and raised my arms in the air. The sun came out & suddenly I thought that there was no better way to spend a birthday.</div><div><br></div><div>Finish: 4:23, consistent 10 minute miling. Delighted. </div><div><br></div><div>1 minute after the finish: Learn that a sprint finish + half sobbing = difficult to breathe. Manage to calm myself down before needing medical attention. </div><div><br></div><div>Later that afternoon: Reunited with the best team of supporters ever. Discover that slightly damp pebbles are heaven for sore feet. Feel high on endorphins for the rest of the day (and it turns out, all night - I couldn't sleep!). I think this photo says it all. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRa3-pWOXP8V0IYhtes6qjIkDvcMbvRpFdyfc5SUnV22KyX_qBsL8TTgNgfCOSSnC13Uxg2X4-NLrxKu_d-iusYFbA_Si79morBzERkYs_sI8-24IwaNvbLkn6RUn64q0atYY2ye36SU/s640/blogger-image-1495765883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRa3-pWOXP8V0IYhtes6qjIkDvcMbvRpFdyfc5SUnV22KyX_qBsL8TTgNgfCOSSnC13Uxg2X4-NLrxKu_d-iusYFbA_Si79morBzERkYs_sI8-24IwaNvbLkn6RUn64q0atYY2ye36SU/s640/blogger-image-1495765883.jpg"></a></div>Thank you to everyone who has supported me - I get the glory but so many people were there for me. Marathon running comes highly recommended. </div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-23741625804815424512014-04-04T22:03:00.001+01:002014-04-04T22:05:24.823+01:00My first Expo<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have successfully arrived in Brighton and have already been to the expo to pick up my number. I wanted to get this over with as I was expecting to be queuing in a cramped space with lots of other nervous runners but actually there was no queue at all and it was all very smooth.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had never been to an expo before - for the uninitiated out there, the first bit is like normal race registrations but then you get funnelled into nervous runner shopping dreamland. I managed to resist the running jackets emblazoned with the marathon logo (nice but £70!!), considered a tshirt but decided it was unlucky to buy a tshirt before I'd done the race, almost compromised on a towel but then decided to concentrate on breaking the "nothing new on race day rule".</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The forecast for Sunday is pouring rain. This worries me but I've just got to deal with it. However the main issue is whether to go for short sleeves (preferred option as I've already put my name on my favourite race top!) or long sleeves. At the expo I bought some bright pink arm sleeves to hopefully solve that dilemma. I also bought a turquoise cap to try and keep the rain off. I might hate both items but I'll just chuck them away/to a supporter en route if I do, so I don't mind breaking the rule.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also discovered that at an expo you basically get the goodie bag in advance. This one was pretty good - best item was a buff type thing, most random item was Worcestershire sauce sample!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All that remains now is to eat yet more pasta, rest & then actually race the thing.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bring it on Brighton!</span><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgrQicXZZCC6ObduwnmO3x3ySVVxBAgZ3BCcNjcDdVuh58bBrQeuurTCgAYH1f6vhzrZPAyqDA77Jn1jPPlww_if16mwg38-98LkGxnW-j2LJ2STcdSYVXfwzAbUQfysrGvqIqFq3YDQ/s640/blogger-image--1996327115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgrQicXZZCC6ObduwnmO3x3ySVVxBAgZ3BCcNjcDdVuh58bBrQeuurTCgAYH1f6vhzrZPAyqDA77Jn1jPPlww_if16mwg38-98LkGxnW-j2LJ2STcdSYVXfwzAbUQfysrGvqIqFq3YDQ/s640/blogger-image--1996327115.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-9739601169686850982014-03-31T13:37:00.000+01:002014-03-31T13:37:25.760+01:00Looking ahead to life after the marathon<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With only 6 days(!) until I tackle 26.2 miles for the first time, I’m starting to look ahead to life after the marathon. I’m sure I’m not the only runner whose focus has been so much on one race that it’s been hard to think of anything else, but taper time has reminded me that I won’t always be too exhausted to contemplate anything other than work, run and sleep!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18fnuup1V7wI_EXwj973sfGMCX2cr_pEXHxkRZLnsoGwlK5DjgVX2uRzKkU7i9QihcwbbH5ptYqIGvAqgi9uE91ZJdgRL9qIOwWjmsRGi30jv60vHXe6zEzWhs0dDf-AJYjCbZlQ9CEM/s1600/blogger-image--1139839327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_625835="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18fnuup1V7wI_EXwj973sfGMCX2cr_pEXHxkRZLnsoGwlK5DjgVX2uRzKkU7i9QihcwbbH5ptYqIGvAqgi9uE91ZJdgRL9qIOwWjmsRGi30jv60vHXe6zEzWhs0dDf-AJYjCbZlQ9CEM/s1600/blogger-image--1139839327.jpg" height="320" uta="true" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The initial plan is just to chill out – I don’t intend to run again until parkrun the following Saturday and even then I might switch to volunteering if my legs aren’t up to it. I need to catch up with my friends and family, including celebrating my birthday (same day as the marathon so not been given any attention so far!) and if I make it as far as the gym it will be to sit in the Jacuzzi and steam room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I have really enjoyed feeling fitter as a result of all of the training and I don’t want that to slip. Once my legs have recovered, assuming that they do at some point, I’m going to start cycle-commuting again. The realities of sweaty hair, flies in eyes and other road users have been replaced by my rose-tinted memories of rides like this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiZ_tFArUlQyfEHwWe6dRm5h7WJIsXyh3VxcFZ4iXX-fpOoepXVs6WQLJWSPLd7kRPe3rkOhVVadKGDF67ANfIKfHsBM_0BHZAzV6GxBpqQDXKxCKYIsEfcEj-DSD4PsvsCmJoBTBTjo/s1600/blogger-image--441629690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_625835="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiZ_tFArUlQyfEHwWe6dRm5h7WJIsXyh3VxcFZ4iXX-fpOoepXVs6WQLJWSPLd7kRPe3rkOhVVadKGDF67ANfIKfHsBM_0BHZAzV6GxBpqQDXKxCKYIsEfcEj-DSD4PsvsCmJoBTBTjo/s1600/blogger-image--441629690.jpg" height="320" uta="true" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also want to get my 5K time down. It currently stands at 24 minutes exactly and it was one of my goals for the year to get it under 24 – I think that some focused track work, on fresher legs, should make that possible, hopefully in late spring, early summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that part of my problem is that I don’t like feeling sick/seeing black spots etc so I let myself ease off, but if I keep doing that then I’m never going to get faster. Plus the quicker I go round parkrun the less time I have to feel like that…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other things on my radar are some swimming lessons, to remind me how to front crawl without drowning, and to try a spinning class. I’ve shied away from spinning during marathon training as I think I put my legs through enough, but I reckon it would be good cross-training and should improve my fitness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll continue with Pilates and Yoga too so at this rate I won’t notice any respite from marathon training…good job I’ve pretty much loved it! Having said that I am reclaiming my Sunday mornings; I’m looking forward to welcoming back pain au chocolats (abandoned in favour of porridge), orange juice (rejected because acidic reflux burps when running are horrendous) and lie-ins (pointless when you’ve got training guilt). Bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-63778615048627426672014-03-27T20:35:00.002+00:002014-03-27T20:35:40.120+00:00From the NHS to Lycra and back again. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My posts are becoming like buses...nothing for nearly a month and now two in as many days! I wanted to blog as a reaction to some twittering about medical certificates. For those that don't know, some countries require runners wanting to enter races to submit a medical certificate certifying that they are fit to run. Some GPs charge for these and some people don't think that they should. I won't cover the same ground as the wonderful <a href="http://goldilocksrunning.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">GoldilocksRuns</a> has done, short of saying that I think being able to race abroad is essentially a luxury and I don't believe that the NHS should subsidize that. Speaking bluntly, it also frustrates me to see people who can afford to go on what are essentially running holidays moaning about the service that provides free healthcare to everyone, including people who would not be able to afford to get basic medical care if it did not exist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving on from my first mini political rant as a blogger, it also made me think that there are lots of things associated with running that people pay for, lots of which aren't necessary. Personally I don't really care how other people want to spend their money and I'm as much a kit junkie as the next person (I really am - I can't stop buying the stuff), but I don't want newbie runners to see all the sponsored blog posts, matching kit and tweets about everything you can buy and think that that's what it's all about, because it's not. Ultimately for me the joy of running isn't in the fancy kit, or the big corporate races (though they do do the best medals...) but instead it's in parkrun, or a hard club session, or a long slow run where everything just clicks and you feel lucky to be able to run. When I wax lyrical about running to my ever-suffering friends and colleagues I'm generally not going on about my new leggings, or any of the other "stuff" associated with running - I'm talking about how much I enjoyed myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some things that I would consider essential now, for my running but that doesn't mean they will be everyone's essentials</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. I'm not going to list items and brands as I'm not an expert - go shopping - it's fun - and buy what you like, not what everyone else says you should! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This post has been a bit of a hastily put together ramble, but in summary - running is good, enjoy it and be grateful that you can run safe in the knowledge that if you fall over the NHS will pick you up. </span>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-10669745711394019302014-03-26T13:33:00.000+00:002014-03-26T13:33:55.165+00:00Marathon Training...The Final Countdown<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Firstly, apologies for the cheesy title – I try and come across as a sensible blogger with interesting ideas but really I’m just a sucker for puns, cheese jokes and clichés.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I haven’t blogged for ages – I meant to do a race report on the Cambridge Half (in summary, I loved it – sunny day, great course that showed off my home city brilliantly and a new PB to boot) but never got round to it. I was also planning to write up my disastrous yet triumphant 20 mile training run (in summary, I wanted to cry, throw up and have a little sleep at various points but I managed to complete it without doing any of those) but couldn’t face it. I think one of the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm for blogging afterwards has been that my experiences have been so up and down that I’ve usually moved on soon after so it doesn’t seem as relevant any more. I thought that I would provide a quick summary of the highs and lows, to remind me how far I’ve come (see told you it was all about the cheese). Hopefully it’ll help steady the taper jitters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If I was to do a graph of just the last couple of weeks it would be very spiky as I alternate between panic and excitement. I’m also developing niggles in what seems like every part of my legs but I’ve got a sports massage booked for Monday to hopefully ease those out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How’s everyone else getting on? Paris is also on the 6th April with London the following week so I guess most people are hitting Taper Time now? Apologies to those Milton Keynes and Edinburgh runners who don’t race until May and will be upping the mileage around now – your rewards will come! </span></div>
Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-76317762457053290492014-02-25T13:51:00.002+00:002014-02-25T13:51:43.275+00:00Marathon Training: A Progress CheckIt’s just under 6 weeks to go until Brighton, which means I’m hitting my highest ever mileage and counting down to taper time, so I thought I would update you with a progress check. Here’s a little bit about what I’ve learned during training so far.<br />
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I think I’ve got my long run strategy sorted – I have a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea about an hour beforehand and depending on the length of the run, top that up with a Nakd bar or a banana closer to when I set off. On the run I’m using High5 Isogels – they are quite bulky but don’t need to be taken with water and crucially don’t upset my stomach. One approximately every 4 miles seems to be working out for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGd09owznNzZMj9M3xeqqXclY9yiiABrw2_wU69E_5qdIGF5aQzfLbsUOJVp-bsJOiqg-HOV5it03Ijqava2pAB5vzdpinSkJG7VmYHsxNDvEnJ1IRa-nolZX4hXprqcfTanHZTU81Nc/s640/blogger-image-512723497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGd09owznNzZMj9M3xeqqXclY9yiiABrw2_wU69E_5qdIGF5aQzfLbsUOJVp-bsJOiqg-HOV5it03Ijqava2pAB5vzdpinSkJG7VmYHsxNDvEnJ1IRa-nolZX4hXprqcfTanHZTU81Nc/s200/blogger-image-512723497.jpg" width="200" /></a>When I’m not running, I seem to be eating all of the time! I’m trying to make sure that I refuel healthily which means not just eating chocolate (though I have been doing a fair bit of crème egg scoffing too). Two of my favourite recipes are <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes/recipe_directory/p/prawn_and_chorizo_jambalaya.html">Prawn Jambalaya</a> (rainbow food!) and <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/breakfast-muffins">Breakfast Muffins</a> (no added sugar and you can cram them full of fruit).</div>
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<b>Sleep</b><br />
I need lots of it. The afternoon of a long run day is spent lazing around; if not actually sleeping, then at least completely resting. The rest of the week I’m usually in bed by 10pm and out like a light until the alarm goes off at 6.30ish.</div>
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<b>Long runs</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRc0yjT-DnQCXeoFf-TtOKQrgHy2UDN8y8-M3WoSyoZUmQ8Xemh1i02YUgItCO1tVBQHr4PNULOhkM7QbyazSktzZ-VjhzaS4HNLUmrnjjywbP5epOcZbTRgSClxJ6f-cOq2kBzrvCvs/s640/blogger-image-552773356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRc0yjT-DnQCXeoFf-TtOKQrgHy2UDN8y8-M3WoSyoZUmQ8Xemh1i02YUgItCO1tVBQHr4PNULOhkM7QbyazSktzZ-VjhzaS4HNLUmrnjjywbP5epOcZbTRgSClxJ6f-cOq2kBzrvCvs/s320/blogger-image-552773356.jpg" width="240" /></a>I’ve now run 18 miles twice – once in the <a href="http://brandedrunner.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/valentines-30k-race-report.html">Valentines 30K</a> and once by myself. The one by myself was slower and tougher, but it helped knowing that I’d covered the distance already. I enjoyed the 30K race so I’ve entered a 20 mile race this Sunday to use as a “catered training run” again. I’ll then do 20 miles by myself a fortnight later – hopefully that’s a good combination of race experience mixed with increased mental toughness!</div>
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<b>Midweek runs</b><br />
I don’t really have a motivation issue at the weekends – I will always go to parkrun and the long Sunday run is, to my mind, the most crucial session for getting me marathon ready so I’m not going to miss one unless there is a very good reason. However, sometimes in the week I find it hard to get all of the scheduled runs in. I’ve dealt with this by using my running club more – I’ve been braving the speedy track session on Tuesdays and although I am one of the slower runners, as long as there are other runners at around my pace then it’s a really good session. Last week we bonded over bondarenko (no I didn’t know what it was either!). I had been a bit daunted by the Thursday tempo sessions but one of the running leaders has set up a women’s group which goes a bit more slowly and for a slightly shorter distance – I headed out with them last week and really enjoyed it. On Wednesdays I have a recovery run scheduled and although I’m conscious of “junk miles” I tend to just plod round for four or five miles at a slowish pace before heading to my Pilates class. It’s all time on feet at the end of the day! <br />
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<b>Sports Massage</b><br />
I thought my legs deserved a treat after the 30K last week so I booked in for my first ever sports massage. I expected it to be 30 minutes of bearable torture but actually it was lovely – a couple of tender spots but no pain and a great chat with the therapist who has been working with Jo Wiley on her Sports Relief challenge!<br />
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How is everyone else getting on with their training? Please do bear in mind that this is my first ever marathon so I’m just learning as I go along – I’m by no means an expert and what works for me may not work for others.<br />
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Katie<br />
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<br />Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-50581680131419248952014-02-16T17:53:00.001+00:002014-02-16T18:17:45.875+00:00Valentines 30K - Race ReportThis report doesn't contain any photos I'm afraid, mainly because I didn't take any. I could take one now of my massive new toe blister, but that would give a negative impression of this race and that wouldn't be fair because I loved it. <div><br></div><div>I'd entered for the race (put on by Stamford Striders) at the end of last year when I was writing out my marathon plan. I had 18 miles to do so thought that it would be nice to do it with other people- as Marathon Talk put it, a "catered training run". Since then, it's been looming - highlighted yellow on the plan - the first real rest of how training was going. The wind and the rain of the past few weeks coupled with the repeated mentions of "challenging" and "undulating" (we all know that means mountainous) on the race website had put the fear of bad race gods into me and last week I was seriously considering pulling out and just doing a flat easy run by myself instead. I'm really glad I manned up and got myself to the startline - it was a gem of a race.</div><div><br></div><div>The sun was shining, registration was quick and easy, yes there were queues for the toilets but only because the lorry carrying the portaloos had broken down (we saw it- with hindsight a photo of that would have been good, sorry readers!). Stamford Striders were a friendly bunch with some of the best marshals around - they wore silly hats, they whooped, they cheered, they had jelly babies and generally made us runners feel awesome. The course itself was hilly - downs as well as ups but hardly any flat. It was tough but the hills were also a good distraction, as were the amazing km markers - heart shaped for the valentines theme and each one included a "motivational" message. My favourites were: (at 2k) "You're not almost there"; "It's all downhill from here. Apart from the uphills" and "In 3 days time you'll think you enjoyed this".</div><div>The whole race epitomised why races put on by runners, for runners are generally the best. Thanks Stamford Striders - I'll be back! </div><div><br></div><div>Time: 3hrs 6mins, or an average of 10 minutes a mile, aka marathon target pace! </div>Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-17177261047652114462014-01-07T17:24:00.000+00:002014-01-07T17:24:01.728+00:00The highs and lows of marathon training<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ICHWaIqZcvgfy7_rvPd8LtuauSw6MWf7O2JpGwobqWdcC1dUU7sfLnIYcee4YA4BF0C8BJ0BMI6c5s9hmwiypYeIG-yuk3qXQd5lgA87dW5yAMo06pntCGvz_4mc6E7cDX-czA3xEto/s1600/Smiley.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_625955="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ICHWaIqZcvgfy7_rvPd8LtuauSw6MWf7O2JpGwobqWdcC1dUU7sfLnIYcee4YA4BF0C8BJ0BMI6c5s9hmwiypYeIG-yuk3qXQd5lgA87dW5yAMo06pntCGvz_4mc6E7cDX-czA3xEto/s1600/Smiley.bmp" height="107" hua="true" width="320" /></a>Do you keep a training diary? I never have before, but I am trying my best to stick to my marathon schedule and I’m finding it helpful to tick off sessions as I go along. I am hoping that, as long as all goes to plan, I will be able to look back during Taper Time and feel prepared based on all of the sessions I’ve completed. I’m using a highly sophisticated recording method, involving the most technical of tools – smiley faces. </div>
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Unfortunately I succumbed to a tummy bug just before Christmas which scuppered training for about a week but gradually the smiley faces are beginning to dominate again and I feel that at the moment training is on track. I had a really positive 10 mile run on Sunday and I’m feeling confident about the distance increasing. This may all change, but I’m aiming to stay positive for as long as possible. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmLlM6v6qSzXjSfRPVyTRpD_EW1EjxYr_DSyZceqtHWp2qmZhtqTdmVG6fNxz1yePvpxRmMckpGQgaK09kGgZ9WTxRNRzGXlKGbXQ0Q0PoB7mAxeuRGDM7NZnz4K6VA-WKq2hxUVE0hM/s640/blogger-image-1321955430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmLlM6v6qSzXjSfRPVyTRpD_EW1EjxYr_DSyZceqtHWp2qmZhtqTdmVG6fNxz1yePvpxRmMckpGQgaK09kGgZ9WTxRNRzGXlKGbXQ0Q0PoB7mAxeuRGDM7NZnz4K6VA-WKq2hxUVE0hM/s200/blogger-image-1321955430.jpg" width="150" /></a>Other highlights so far have included the purchase of The Marathon Trainers (but they are too shiny and new to have actually been taken outside yet), my first attempt at taking a gel being successful (i.e. not resulting in a visit from the Gingerbread Man) and the increase in training providing perfect justification for new lycra. Let’s hope the run of smiley faces continues.</div>
Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1199001205821339895.post-57909139572071357202014-01-01T17:09:00.000+00:002014-01-01T17:09:19.025+00:00Double parkrunning How did you welcome in the new year?<br />
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I had a lovely chilled evening at home, just about stayed awake to hear the fireworks and then woke up with a 7am alarm to head to Huntingdon parkrun. This was the first of a special New Year double and pleasingly 153 other people had decided that charging/slipping/ambling their way around a very muddy 5K course at 9am was an excellent way to start 2014! A quick change of leggings, socks and trainers and we were back in the car heading down the A1 for the second half of the morning's parkrunning.<br />
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287 runners had woken up by 10.30 and were ready to tackle Peterborough's course. The weather had worsened slightly by this point, but the course was significantly easier - all on Tarmac paths and completely flat apart from a bridge. I was just under 5 minutes quicker than I had been at Huntingdon but by the end my legs were reminding me that it might have been last year, but they had run a PB yesterday and wanted a rest. Luckily rest and sustenance came in the form of Eggs Benedict at a friend's house afterwards together with lots of running chat and free flowing tea.<br />
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The rest of the day has been spent relaxing on the sofa - later I'm going to do a spot of yoga to get #21daysofyoga started and then just to balance things out, I'm making a pie.<br />
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Thanks go to all my running buddies for making this a great start to the year but final word to all of the volunteers for making the runs possible - you guys rock.Katie@BrandedRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387109518875804305noreply@blogger.com0