TracyBliss

Free Advert for RTTB with Further Fame for Me :)

TracyBliss — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:18:00 GMT

http://www.meningitis-trust.org/local-events/London.html

This link is to the Meningitis Trust who I ran RTTB for - scroll down the page and you'll see me!

Oh.. by the way RTTB.. I'm waiting for my Top Blogger prize ;)

Best wishes,

Tracy

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Dear RTTB Team

TracyBliss — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:06:00 GMT

Dear RTTB Team,

I had a terrific day on Sunday (although it's taken me a while to get over the pain to realise!). As I have said on the forums, the transport and weather problems didn't make for a great atmosphere, but I thought it was great. Yes there were hiccups but it was the first London Half (we made history!), and me and my friend David Sandland (charity place for Leukemia) thoroughly enjoyed it.

We were there in time (after horrendous journey which took over 2 hours and 2 cabs, instead of tubes and less than 1 hour), facilities were plenty (toilets no problem), Banana Army tent (could have done with more ponchos) was great with coffee and jellies. We queued at the Help tent (wrong line) to collect his number and there were plenty of safety pins for those that forgot, as well as wrist bands to help track where you should be at mile markers to be within your target time. The mile markers were clear (saw all but one) and these were my focus (blurry focus at that!) and fortunately the timing chips worked even in the rain!

We started 8.30 over the start line which was no time at all (compared to previous 10ks I've run) and naturally we were soaked when we started.

The crowd, completely crazy to stand in that weather to support, were great, in particular the guy with the cowbell brought a smile and seemed to turn up everywhere!

With plenty of training I didn't expect a good speed, and problems with my knees made us slower than I would have liked, but with a finish (and almost collapse) across the finish line, we finished in 2hrs 35mins.

Collected medal, more water, goodie bag, collected bags no problem and got changed in the very vacant portaloos.

The times published are correct for us, and the sportcam photos are fab! Really in action.. can even see the pain on my face as I try to smile for the camera!

I've enjoyed blogging which my friends also see on my Facebook, and have now had 1100+ views on the page where called 'I don't know why I thought I could do this'.

Well I did!

Thank you RTTB - I got exactly what I wanted out of it: A major personal achievement for me and raised over £900 for Meningitis Trust.

Yesterday was a definite no, but today my legs are slightly less painful.. and I'm thinking.. maybe next year ;)

Best wishes and good luck for next year,

Tracy

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Done and Dusted! I did it! 2hrs 35.5 mins approx ;)

TracyBliss — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:35:00 GMT

After meeting my friend at Euston (charity place gained to support me.. thank you RTTB for giving him this), and in need of a quick drink (bad timing, disastrous date.. needed to recover ;) ), fully prepared the night before.. including pasta (too much?) for carb load (thanks Mr. Kelly for ensuring I did!), I went to bed for an early night to find I couldn't sleep. Not only couldn't I sleep, when I did I woke at 2am and found I was mainly awake, slightly dozing, till 5am. Had to get up at 6am for early start.

Power breakfast, energy drink, water, tube lines engineering works so cab to local overground station, finding that Jubilee line has broken down, queued for a bus for a half hour journey.. to squash with the hoards to get on... for the bus driver to argue with people arguing with him.. that after 10 mins of him not going, we jumped off the bus and then fought for a black cab (with two others that joined us) to the 02. Expensive beginning. Raining. Time tight.

Over the start line 8mins 30 into the race.

After the 1st mile my trainers were like running on wet sponges. By mile 5 I was soaked through (thank goodness for Vaseline idea!).

Hi Araqnid! I saw you for about 5 minutes in front of me but couldn't catch you up (enjoy Bangalore!).

Focussed on keep moving keep moving, don't walk. The worst thing I could do is walk (although this is acceptable it's not what my achievement was). With left hamstring doing something at mile 6, knee cracking up at 7 miles, downhill not much longer after made it 100 times more painful.

I ran with my friend Dave, and particular thanks goes to him. He doesn't realise how much I appreciate his friendship (goes both ways I believe), but without him (who had to run slowly which was painful for him being a runner) I would never have finished.

By mile 10 (the easy part) I wanted to give up. I found recovery getting more difficult, nagging stitch/pain, and knees severely painful, with intense sick feeling. I could not give up. I was nearly crying (yes, yes, I'm soft) at the thought of not running it all. Dave says... just slow down. For goodness sake.. we couldn't go any slower.

Mile 12.. We can do this.. you can't, I bloody can.. come on!

I feel good - James Brown came on far too early on the ipod (didn't even get to We Are The Champions!), rewind, rewind, need the Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger.. next thing the end was in sight! Dave grabbed my hand.. we legged it (Hi Lili! Lovely to see you supporting and sorry couldn't catch up after). Just under the 2.44 finish line, my legs started buckling, but he got me to the side. I couldn't breathe. We were moved on. We moved over to the other side. I heaved and heaved.. ambulance lady came (thank you), Dave got me a silver blanket thingy, I got my breath back but seriously thought I was passing out (never having passed out before).

I think as well as being physcially nackered, it was also the emotion.. I did it! We did it! I ran all the way.. finish time I believe is around 2hrs 35 with over £800 raised for the Meningtis Trust.

Thank you everyone who reads this that has supported me verbally and sponsored me actually.

Best wishes,

Tracyx

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Bring Back The Positive - Nearly Time....

TracyBliss — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:24:00 GMT

After a disastrous and really low training weekend, convinced I can't do it, I don't enjoy seeing others (on forums) displaying similar negative thoughts, but it has helped (in addition to very supportive friends!) to know I'm not the only one going through it.

I went out for a slightly over 5k lunchtime, pouring of rain and very windy, just slow and steady - other nutters were running along the Thames too - bear in mind it might rain Sunday, it was still worth the training time. As soon as I started, I felt lighter on my feet (not an easy task) than I have for ages, and get going. Yes 5k isn't far, Yes the weather is irrelevant (unless you are a fairweather runner), Yes it helped bring back the Positive and Yes WE CAN DO THIS!

My aim is to finish, even if last (have bagged the last place to help others out with their worrying), but I MUST keep running and and MUST complete.

I CAN DO THIS! WE WILL DO THIS! BRING IT ON!

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Don't know why I thought I could do this..

TracyBliss — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:36:00 GMT

... but it seemed like a good idea at the time :(

I'm hoping out of 10,000 applicants for RTTB I'm not the only one to go through this, not that I wish it on anyone, but would be nice to know I'm not abnormal (although it has been said I am before!).

What was going so well a week ago has fallen apart a week before the run. I am so disheartened and not sure I can do it. Of course I will try, and pray for my positiveness to return.

Naff time at the gym, so disappointing I can't even blog my distance/time/pauses.

Hope you are all doing well.

See you next Sunday!

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Surely we all have our off days :(

TracyBliss — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:33:00 GMT

20mins on the treadmill and I didn't have the energy to go further. What a sh1tty run, but had to blog as said I would.

Rest and lots of water today. Better luck tomorrow hopefully.

Oh I can tell you that Cha Cha Slide makes you want to do just that... and not run (am removing from playlist).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

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Had to Share This..

TracyBliss — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:47:00 GMT

1 week to go ;)

Okay, the anti-bs and painkillers are having a horrific effect on my body that I might lose that half stone by next week yet!

Am sorting music (for the 100th and hopefully final time), and confess am getting so obssessed by this run (all or nothing!) that I'm currently working out which song at which km (for motivation and inspiration) - then hopefully heading to gym for a 13miler (yes treadmill is easier than road, but cannot risk injury so close).

I can't do Chariots of Fire, but Bryan Adams Summer of 69 seems a great addition.

Back later with update, and hopefully a successful one.

Happy final weekend of training ;)

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Dear lili and Viv

TracyBliss — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:36:00 GMT

The pain is easing a little today, but have an assessment at the end of the day to know whether to extract. I wish I would have done that Monday! As long as it's better tomorrow and I can do final Friday/Sunday distances with lili at Hyde Park I will be happy.

Thank you both so much for your support - this toothpain really has dragged me down.

Am meeting Matt from Meningitis Trust today for a chat and to get a race vest from him. Do you wear those over your runnings tops (in addition)? Am considering buying a crop top so not too many layers - but concerned about the muffin top wobbling with exposure!

Oh! Also lost a pound somehow which is amazing considering I'm still troughing on the better side of my gob :)

Someone said that a few days after the race, the weight will go down. I've now (in some shape of form) lost a stone, but am not the 10st (more for that) I wished to be. If I can be 10.5 by the 5th I will be delighted! 7lb to go with the help of toothpain?!

Lili, hope to see you Friday.

Tracy x

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So Near.. yet So Far :(

TracyBliss — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:41:00 GMT

With plans to run Hyde Park tonight, Fri and Sun with lili, we were then tapering training for the Big Day.

I mentioned toothache last week, went dentist Monday, root canal treatment due to infection, anti-biotics and painkillers (they are pink so the look nice). Briefly the two injections didn't take fully, but we got away with it until he pushed down temporary filling and hit a nerve! This pain was round my jaw, up the side and through my head. I sat up thinking I was going to be sick... and swore at him with words Gordon Ramsey would be proud of, although my mother wouldn't. It was the shock of the pain.. and the upset of being damaged for the run!

With pain and sickness, possibly too many pink painkillers, I worked around at home for two days, went back to dentist today with pain again, more anti-b's (2 lots), showed concern over painkiller addiction (but they are pink!) - looking at extraction by Friday if pain isn't gone, but this is only because of the Race. The pressure is on! I can't (over)train like I have and fall short when it's so near! This was about the Me, the Race, the Charity.

Also meeting Matt from Meningitis Charity tomorrow!

Am sure I shouldn't be running tonight, but if result is extraction Friday, I won't be meeting for Friday run either!

This might all sound chipper, but am devastated to get a problem like this which is out of my control, taking drugs and losing sleep.

At the end of the day.. The show must go on!

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Motivational Tip ;)

TracyBliss — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:12:00 GMT

After planning a quick 10k this morning, being up since 4am with toothache, taking painkillers, mouth gel, energy drink and feeling sick running (no surprise!) I did a quick 5k - 31 mins (quickest road run) and pleased to be home.

Quick Tip: Imagine the whole journey is your home run... crikey I can't half leg it then ;)

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Treadmill 13.1 miles simulating Half Marathon :)

TracyBliss — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:26:00 GMT

I have to blog again... I confess that without my blog I have had a hard time. I think it's my motivation.

I have had a tough week with a pulled shoulder muscle (now 99% okay), toothache which is ongoing until dentist on Monday (hope it's fixed before the race), and issues at work, it hasn't altogether been a good week.

This week I only did a 1mile swim (50 mins) and a 10k run (planned 10 miles but toothache/shoulder/etc/excuses).

Who else thinks up their blog whilst running? Who thinks about anything? Sometimes I think I zone out as I don't remember half the k's today.

Thanks to the RTTB team for publishing the treadmill simulation of the half marathon. Over a (much needed but against my rules) couple of drinks last night after work, I sat with the printed up treadmill post to get help from clever work people to translate it into a run:

0-6.4km at 1% gradient
6.4-9.6km at 2% gradient
9.6-10.4km at 0%
10.4-16km at 1%
16-16.8km 0%
16.8-21.08km 1%

Confess to too many 30 second walks to remember (6+) and also the last .5km on flat and increased speed. No wee breaks though. The treadmill is boring boring boring. I think I'm nearly ready for it thought.. felt more ready 2 weeks ago. Bring it on! Let's get it over with!

Total = 2hrs 22 mins

Noel, yes! I am proud of how I've done, cos having done the London Marathon last year yourself, and knowing me, you will know how hard this is. Confess to loving the running though - relieves many of lifes frustrations too

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All About Me ;)

TracyBliss — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:47:00 GMT

I think this will be my last blog until after the Race to really focus (all or nothing?), but in case you haven't heard enough, I wanted to tell you why it's all about me before I go.

In the last year my life went like this:

was dating a man I thought was the world - after a brief split (his decision) in the summer, then begging me back and unnecessarily promising me the world - unfortunately he had infidelity raydar (brain in his lower regions)
after the split in Nov, my mind and body lost focus (brief depressive periods)
my son's father (divorced centuries ago) went to Scotland never to be seen again (although they have phone contact) - hence gorgeous son with me 24/7 - potentially less time for me
cared more about other people than myself - never put myself first
joined a single parent community website which added to my head being erm... funny, sympathising with issues, people far to involved in other people's lives with negative opinions, shoulder to lean on with other people's issues
did a part-time counselling skills course - self-awareness, self development, bit of a head messer to be honest

Now my life is like this:

better relationship with my son who at 14, has become a supportive and best friend (parental authority still present tho!)
published yesterday in a single parent article in a ladies glossy, reminding me of how I don't want to look/feel
joined a gym for 'me' time and hoping my son will follow - thanks James Brown at the gym for your advice - gym and otherwise :)
made some fabulous new friends who have influenced my life massively and how I feel now (thanks Cherry (firstly!), David (HW), and DS (doing RTTB with me) and Martin - too many to list but massive support this year from lovely Becky too and my newest friend lili for getting me running further
become more confident in my working role with fab working relationship (I think anyway!) with Jim my boss who has supported my work and my personal circumstance/issues
thanks to my friend Noel for challenging me to spend time without a man in my life - one of the best things I've ever done ;)
put on and lost more weight than I remember, but am under 11st (just) where was nearer 12st - muscle weighs heavier (thanks Viv for that article) and gone from 14s to 12s just last weekend
am focussed mentally and physically with a noticeable positive outlook at least 90% of my waking hours

People come and go into our lives, for reasons or not is irrelevant. It's all experience and makes us what we are today - it's liking what we are that's the priority.

Simply, it's all about me x

p.s. Oh and I can Run!

(You may be able to see before (May) and after (this week) pics on this page what a difference 4 months makes:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56581&l=f2154&id=646753222)

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17.2km/10.68 Miles - Who put the STOP button there?!

TracyBliss — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:55:00 GMT

Plan today was 18km/11.1 Miles.

Up early (working this afternoon), early breakfast, bottle of water, headed to gym. Forgot sports towel.. not a bad thing.. the OCD traits I've picked up are more unnerving than the actual run. We know about My Treadmill, but also have a setup of stuff on My Treadmill i.e. tissues to the left, watch in the middle, water to the right, sports towel hanging over the right handrail.

Okay, so panicked without my sports towel, as we all know I sweat loads (inc. my midriff Viv! x), but by forgetting it the other day, I concentrated more on the run and less on mopping my brow! So today, forgot it again and felt good! I hate getting addicted to things as tend to have addictive personality ;)

Training went like this:

Treadmill set for a short while on 1.0 incline, went flat as I train on a hill program (hate road inclines though), and wanted to do distance today.

Out of usual comfort zone of 9.0km an hour.. mainly a steady 9.5kmph. Was pleased.. was just as comfortable - lili, am I really honestly getting faster?!

5k - 31 mins (fastest ever!)

10k - 62 mins (fastest ever! - attempted sub 60mins, but left it a little late)

1min stretch and walk for recovery from speeding up to attempt 10k sub 60mins

I was training for 2 hours. In theory that meant 20k, even though wanted to do 'only' 18. No problem!

Okay, a three further x 1 min recoveries, after upping speeds. Right thigh muscle went numb or pulled, not sure yet but am addicted to freeze spray so seems well just now.

Got to 16.5km and thought about the 9min mile pace.. and thought I want to do this. So decided to push faster, but not for that long unfortunately.. hit the bloody STOP button by accident! Considered starting it up again, but was sad as wanted to photo my 11 mile summary and publish on my blog!

So am embarrassed to report that I didn't do my 18km/11.1miles but did run almost constantly (no wee breaks!) for 110 mins, 1450 calories, mainly at 9.5kmph. Bring it on!

p.s. am considering triathalon next year ;)

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All in the Name of Charity - a serious post

TracyBliss — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:11:00 GMT

When we entered this Run we paid the £30 to enter, which potentially goes to Leukemia Research, but there can't be much profit after providing t-shirts and the organisation of the event. I have a friend www.justgiving.com/ds33 who wants to run to help me (he's a runner, god help me!) and was fortunate to receive an RTTB Charity Place for Leukemia and I have sponsored him (thanks Dave!).

I decided, however, to do this for Meningitis Trust, as a colleague at work had his daughter rushed to hospital earlier this year, and it took her misfortune to raise awareness for me. The awareness for Meningitis is promoted particularly when we have children, the risks to babies, but this child was 10. It shocked me, as selfishly I related it to my 14 year old and my feelings, and certainly made me more aware. Fortunately, due to the research and information provided, it was caught immediately and she recovered successfully with the help of the experienced medical teams, intensive care and intensive antibiotics. The family had to be treated too.

I feel sometimes we enter these runs and sometimes don't go through with the raising money for charity. This could be because we always have the same people to ask and can't keep asking, it could be because we don't know enough people to ask, and sometimes people may fancy the run but not the fundraising.

I have a sponsor page www.justgiving.com/tracyruntothebeat and if anyone that isn't raising further money for charity and would like to donate I'd be delighted to accept. Min. amount is £2 so loose change appreciated.

I am meeting with the London Fundraiser of Meningitis Trust this week to personally receive a charity running vest. I would really like to boast of my sponsorships and the fantastic support from buddies.

This year is all about me (more later ) but this Run is all about the Charities. Please help in any way you can. Thank you.

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First Ever (sub) 9 minute mile ! :)

TracyBliss — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:47:00 GMT

Really didn't want to go to the gym. Tired, grotty, sugar overload, Red Bull (Yuck but was sugar free) - thought I would either go into a diabetic coma or run like the wind. Took the risk.

So RTTB have published the first 5 miles is flat, 5-10 miles is hilly parts, 3 miles flat. Thank goodness for that! Should fly through the last 3 after doing 5 with inclines! Am sure I signed up for this as was a flat route. Does anyone know how hilly it is compared to a treadmill gradiant?? Might have to start training all over again ;)

So planned 10k hill programme - 2 hours (well.. 10 miles approx). Treadmill didn't like 60min+ hill programme. Wierdly, did over 1k, then it just stayed flat.. the red squares disappeared off the screen. Started again.. same thing for another .5.

Finally, thought 60 mins, hill prog. Straight through yes! Although confess to some recovery parts being walks (1 min hill - 1 min flat) after the first 40 mins. Do enjoy that programe though.

Was pleased with effort. Felt great - Red Bull kicking in?? Sweat? It was pouring off me (all over Viv, even my midriff - don't need the excercise belt!). So worked out a 9 min mile in k's. My favorite treadmill.. has become My Treadmill (signs of OCD with this training!) - and is in km's.

So 1.61 km (please tell me if I'm wrong but I might cry), 8mins 54secs. Breathe! I was chuffed! Breathe! Chuffed! Breathe! Oh.. might have excercise induced asthma! Struggled to control it, but at least I did for the 9mins.

Now.. to do that effort for 13.1 miles ;)

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Keep Smiling - Nearly There :)

TracyBliss — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:44:00 GMT

Really didn't feel like running today. My knees are gettin crankier, particularly the left, although this is an improvement on the right thigh AND knee being bad, it's now isolated to my knee these days. Even putting the clutch down in the car was painful :(

As I have a scary 10k race pace with lili on Thursday (all welcome!), I wanted to rest my legs so I can do it as I was ropey running with her last week.

So tired, eating junk today, fed up, I thought of swimming. Inspired by Rebecca's post about running 3 days, swimming, cycling and STILL socialising (it works for some), I went for a swim. Working out the mileage/metres, and did 1 mile within 50 mins. Was quite pleased cos it shows stamina, knee was hurting even during swimming, although the cute guy in the very very fast lane was pleasant enough and gave me something to look at that made it worthwhile staying in there ;)

Rest night tomorrow (thank goodness!), then Hyde Park 10k Thursday.

Keep smiling - we're nearly there

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Don't Under Estimate the Importance of Rest Days

TracyBliss — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:16:00 GMT

So after a couple of good days at the gym, knowing I had Fat/Fit(?) Club tonight, I did a short run at lunch. Lunch boys couldn't make it, so ventured out for 2.5miles myself, hopefully at speed.

My feet hit the pavement without difficulty until my shins felt the impact. Wasn't as bad as it could have been, and wasn't in real pain, but the discomfort was evident. My shins felt like they were made of wood. Not splinting but thumping - if that makes sense. The rest days are So Important.

I did it.. 2.5m in 10.4 min miles.

Went Fat Club.. lost 2 lb.

Am raising money for Meningitis Trust (for personal reasons) - I contacted them and they are suggesting to meet. I think they are expecting some fit chick :)

Great News! My northern mate applied for a Leukemia charity place on RTTB and today he got confirmation he's in! Now, he's a 9min miler easily, and wants to run to support me. How lovely is that? So either I have to get to 9min miles (HELP!) or he has to be prepared to run for 2.5hrs plus! Not sure which sounds better ;)

Welcome to all the new bloggers! Wish you all loads of luck! I know I'll need it but can't wait!

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Exercise Bore? Me?!

TracyBliss — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:29:00 GMT

Friday night I confess to having a small wine or two, or three, in the pub after work. It takes even less to have an affect since the running, and reducing consumption due to training. Yes, yes.. cheap date.. heard it all before ;)

Friday I was told:

My face is getting drawn
Yes the fat is going/has gone around my neck and chin but I had plenty there to go and it's taken quite a while
My work trousers are so baggy they look disgusting
I would love to be a fit size 12, so yes my 14's are baggy but unfortunately I am not an easy enough 12 yet to walk in a store and just get some (a fit size 12 being my target).
There's concern that I'm over-training
Well, if I am it's not hard enough as I am enjoying the exercise but I do understand concerns about resting the muscles but there's only 27 days left!
I'm an exercise bore!
Aaah, this one flattered me ;)

Today was gym. Inspired by Runner's World article about hill, long distance, sprinting and all the different versions.. I spent the evening wondering what to do at the gym. It went like this:

- 5k (33 mins) hill program - was fab! More interesting that steady treadmill usual plod! Inclines up to 5.7 and soon go used to the 1min flat, 1 min incline (which varied) - maintained same speed throughout
- 5k cross-trainer, (30 mins) inc. reverse mode (really hard when squatting to get the bum cheeks tight! - although my saddle bags were satchels, but admit they are more like clutch bags now.. so seeing physical improvement at last)
- 5k bike in cardio mode (10mins)
- 10 full pushups, 100 stomach crunches, bit of kettlebells
- 30 length x25m swim

Oh.. bought some jeans.. size 12! They are fab as long as I don't want to sit down.

Exercise Bore? Me?!

Hope all your training is going well - particularly for the beginners like me. Only 27 days to go!

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From 1 - 17km in 6 months

TracyBliss — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:38:00 GMT

10.5m+ - not great but fairly happy :)

Treadmilled over 17km/10.5m at the gym this morning. Determined as ever, feeling up for it.... but... there's always a but!.. it went like this:

9km - 3 min walk to warm up, 9.0kmh - 60 mins FAB!

Wee break and stretch (3 mins?)

9km second half (18km being target):
- 5 x 1m walks due to constant nagging stitch?.. not sure, not as painful as stitch but really constant dull ache that was uncomfortable
- had set the 9km for 60 mins (as the first half took 60 mins)
- erm... went into cool down mode after 60mins but due to walks needed more than the 60mins!
- put it up 11.0kph - hammered it (for me anyway)
- cool down mode
- back to 11.0kph - hammered it (for crying out loud! was nearly at 18!)
- cool down mode
- back 11.00kph - had to get to 18!
- 17.5 I think (was 17.something) - got fed up with the interruptions
- finished

New Nike+ ipod band was great (as was, still, Chelsea Dagger, repeat repeat at the end!).

1000 mile sox did a good job too... no blisters!

Tomorrow. 5-10k speed, bike, weights swim.

How you all getting on? Is distance or speed your preference?

As long as I'm moving.. I'm happy :)

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Rant!

TracyBliss — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:44:00 GMT

I have so many blog posts now that I can't see the stats on the graph! Why don't people blog? I find it a great help to 'get it off my chest', or boast, but not in this case.

Here goes... worked at home today due to son going back to school. Although he's 14 still wanted to be around for him, but not sure he wanted me to be. If working at home, I do longer hours so was hell bent on getting on and off the work PC early, I'd arranged to meet for Hyde Park 10miler by 5.30. Work made me late. Tubes were stopping to regulate the service! Perhaps I could use that on the half? I'm stopping to regulate the service!

Did an absolutely terrible 10k instead of 10m, note the difference in the letters between the k and the m - about 4 miles I think!

lili isn't going to blog cos now she leaves it to me, however, she needs to give her version on her own blog as she's a more positive person than me - and smiley!

It was absolutely crappy (am I allowed to say that?), and am sooo disappointed. Neither of us felt like running but agreed we needed to try. We were late. We were tired. Dare I mention PMT?? How do other girls find training during that time? Worst still is potential date of PMT clashing with the RTTB Half!!

I am soooo ashamed. Do other people get disappointed? Is it cos I didn't have my rest day and did a lunch run?

Who knows, either way, I was on a roll, and now I've rolled off :'(

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3.8 Miles = 38 Mins!

TracyBliss — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:50:00 GMT

My goodness! How the men helped me!

I ran with two previous marathon runners at lunchtime, friends of mine at work (thanks Howard and Mike!).

Spent the morning looking forward to it but very nervous. We ran round the Thames and over bridges (still hate inclines!), timed it and measured it when we got back.

Now usual average lately seems to be 11.3min miles - a huge increase from original 12-13 min miles.

Today was fastest ever - no wonder I struggled! 10 min miles! Yipppeee! (No lili, I'm afraid I can't see our 10 miler in Hyde Park tomorrow night being the same x)

Am well chuffed at fitness improvement but couldnt have done it without the guys dragging me... now to shift that bloody weight ;)

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Muscle vs Fat

TracyBliss — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 03:40:00 GMT

Ran the 2 miles to fat/fit club. Weighed with 4.5lb weight loss which is nothing (considering PMT and she said that sweat weighs!), AND the amount of training I've been doing (& age against me!)

Does muscle really weigh heavier? I'm not convinced. I'm sure I read an argument against this somewhere.. will have to google. If so, how much muscle do you need to build for it to outweight the fat? Doesn't muscle knock the fat out? How complicated!

Either way.. I want the weight off!

So the Hyde Park Runners are being joined by a friend at work for 10miles on Thursday - feel free to contact lili if you'd like to come.

Also now going for a speed run, 2.5 miles tomorrow lunchtime with a 9 minute miler mate! Help!

Going to bath and overdose in freeze spray afterwards ... sweet dreams

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Thank you James Brown :)

TracyBliss — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

My lovely gorgeous friend at the gym, James Brown, who's a manager and personal trainer (I have useful friends ), gave me advice today after doing my long run yesterday.. sticking with the 'something different' theme.

Cross-trainer (think Viv suggests this as part of the training too)
Level 9 (increased from 7 which is my usual easy level)
25 minutes
Reverse Mode

Do the trainer as normal, then it will tell you to prepare to stop and change direction. Well.. have you done reverse?? As you do it, sit back a bit, like a squat, and it iscolates your top half, so all concentrating on your bottom half! Apparently it will tighten my bum. Daft thing is it's half the size it used to be now and can still cause an eclipse ;)

I followed on with kettle bells, weights, push ups (full length x 20), crunches, 40 length swim.

Do something different x

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YOU CAN DO IT !

TracyBliss — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:17:00 GMT

Hands up who runs flat on a treadmill? I was told you have to do at least a 1.0 incline to reflect road running. I've always done this.

Today my target was 17k but no I made it to 15k/9.3m (approx 110-120mins - was a blur after 100!) although put the treadmill flat after 5k!

Didn't find it too hard to be honest, just pretty boring and very very perspiring (as women don't sweat). Had about 3 pauses for 30 seconds due to drink and stitch.

Travelled at 9.0kph for most, towards the end went up to 11.0kph (briefly!).

Fave song today was Chelsea Dagger/Frattelis. It's half a km for me and it went on repeat when I did lose faith.

If you knew me, you'd know this isn't me. If I can do it.. anyone can :)

P.S. Damn the weight! It's just not moving. Although my purse is £40 lighter having bought new running gear reduced at the gym!

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TRY SOMETHING NEW!

TracyBliss — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:57:00 GMT

Slightly achey from the 14k with Hyde Park Runners (all 3 of us!) yesterday, knees a little tender and toe with half-toenail fallen off (sign of a long-distance runner!) - I ventured to the gym.

As long distances are tending to be outside, which I much prefer and am getting used to, I have time to 'play' at the gym. It went like this:

Cross-trainer 5k 24.5mins
Bike 10k 24 mins

10 push ups, full ones, good-form, as part of the 100 push up challenge ;)
100 stomach crunches
Small amount of kettle bells and some weights.

The Something New: slightly confident my runs aren't going too bad, the other day I tried a fat burn session on the Bike. Today I ventured to the HILLS program! I chose cascade, there's several to choose from. This built me up, up, up, top, down, down, down and over again. It wasn't easy and only burnt about 200 calories! (Unless the bike knew I hadn't eaten so had not much to burn.)

I haven't had the confidence to play about with programs, and, as with life, I like to play it safe (those that know me are now laughing their heads off).

The Hills gave me a proper challenge and the back of my thighs felt it most.. although not as bad as the guy that's doing a 24hr bikeathon for children's charity at the gym, finishing at 6am tomorrow, must be feeling.

Eye of the Tiger played on my steepest climb (good timing!)
Chariots of Fire.. that came when I had enough at my last few gradients down.

Must be honest, the music made me laugh and kept me going. Never mind BPM, the cheesiness of choosing those did it for me :)

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