Runners United - Conwy Cockwatch, a live birth and Alex "Rhet" Ferguson in one thread. What more could we ask for?

[fannybanjo]

LET'S FUCKING DO IT....!

rhet I just think a race planned would give you something to aim for, without a race, training does kind of fall to the plodding along (for the majority of us, not just you!). I would look into doing a hilly one if I were you, that would mean you get out on those hills. You only have to do it once a week or fortnight to get the benefits, I can't say enough how I fly on the flat now. My 8m/m pace is now classed as pretty easy to me and when my friend and I did our hill intervals the other day, we were laughing how easy they are now becoming. Base fitness is enhanced dramatically. Your call though, you will have a newborn baby too.

I am definitely going to do Loch Ness. Will have a word with DH later when he arrives home, see what he thinks. Could hire camper van and make a long weekend of it as close to his birthday or I will look into Loch Ness hotels. DD2 will be starting school though so have her to consider. Probably won't do the GNR too, it's not easy juggling 3 kids so two races in two weeks (and huge ones) may be a bit mad. I've done the GNR but the Loch Ness Marathon looks amazing. Not a bad elevation either, I was presently surprised!

I have just fallen down half of the stairs. Ironically, I tripped over the hoover wire. DD2 and DD3 been particularly hard work this morning and I burst into tears. Sobbed on the stairs and DD3 came out and said "Mummy crying" and waltzed back in to her room to play. It soon shut them up though. Got big carpet burns down my arms, on my arse and on top of my back. DH is going to think I've be romping with Winston while he's been away.

Well done sonic great time - how hot was it ?

Hope todays races have gone well. And thebody combat marathon.

On the south coast - 6 miles yesterday along sea front , v.v. wild and woolly. Great training though against the winds .. the headband kept my ears warm.

Off now to look st Christmas artists houses in Brighton. Well, hove actually - ha ha.

Oops posted early by accident.

Also meant to say, rhet, 6 races is a good amount. More than I've done this year (twice as many actually) . I won't do as many as that next year either.

Oh dear Fanny hope you're ok. Loch Ness marathon sounds good ! Maybe its just me that doesn't race much. I would do more but its just hard to fit it in , out weekends seem to be always full of other things (not sure what though !)

I think 6 is probably enough too, I don't have a problem making myself go out even without a goal (actually sometimes find it easier) and it's not like it's aimless training - 12 weeks of base, then 12 weeks introducing speedwork, then 12 weeks adding distance etc then prepping for each race in turn. The big question for me is the marathon - which I'd want to put at least 16 weeks into, preferably 20, so I'll need to decide about that in May - if I do that then the other races will be folded into that programme anyway. I might add in the half in Clonakilty that takes place around Dec 10 that I would have done this year if it were feasible.

The hill stuff is tricky - the park has hills and I could certainly run some fairly stiff hill repeats over short distances, but aside from the 600m slow climb they are fairly minor. I'd have to travel from work out to Tirbradden and the Hellfire Club to get real hills, and I can only really do that after Christmas I think.

We are a much less grumpy household here today due to adequate sleep all round - fanny see, housework, it's an extreme sport! it comes with dangers!

peach hope you are getting at least some zzzz - thinking of you!

I think that's the right decision fanny, 2 weekends away so close might be asking a bit much! I find it had sometimes to justify events that mean dh has the boys for a whole day. I'm encouraging him to join a 5-aside league so he's got more 'him' things so I don't feel bad about doing more than him.

I did 5 events this year, 2 triathlons, a duathlon and 2 10ks. But they were all in 6 months. Oh and a relay marathon.
Next year I want to do the HM, 1 tri, at least 1 duathlon, a couple of local 10ks and maybe GSR. But only if I can stay injury free.

Sonic well done, great time! I bet you are chuffed with yourself.

Fanny loch ness does look good. Tho it being billed as the 4th best and 3rd most scenic did make me go and look at what were the "better" ones! Very alluring - both in the Lake District... Please do be careful doing all that ultra-housework!

rhet glad to hear you've all got more sleep - you'll be needing them zzzzs! I must admit to resorting to your DD's methods when DD2 went overdue. God I was pissed off with being pregnant (and I was only a week over. Impatient moi?!)

I hardly do any races! There's the getting to them, and the expense, but mostly the childcare issue. Having park run always there to do is a good thing for me, in that respect.

Just back

Think got in just under 1hr 55.

Windy

More later

Will have a look at Loch Ness, I have happy memories of walking all the way round it when I was about 18, camping on the way.

futurity yes I meant the RW one (unless you have a secret one I don't now about?!)

Had to abandon the post as something is up with the pc, taking forever to type anything so I've had to use my phone - our pc is in the dark ages and I'm seriously considering upgrading it to a new one, but as always £££££. Or I guess we could have an ipad or playbook or something, and then only use the current pc for when we really need it?

Just had to send DH down to Morrisons to buy a new emergency iron, as the old one has just blown up as I was getting stuck into work and school shirts - see, further proof that housework is A Dangerous Thing. PMSL at fanny's carpet burns. I'm very accident prone and often fall over my own feet. We used to live in a tiny terrace with very very steep stairs and I fell down them so often it was embarrassing.

Not feeling great today, not sure if I have a proper cold coming or just brewer's flu - only had two glasses of wine but that's a lot for me now on my new regime. Also just had to brave the boys' swimming lessons, and it's hotter than hell in there.

Just going to do a brief run today, then Shred .

Well done ibby , look forward to the full race report.

Have you heard of the Medoc Marathon in France? I've just been reading about it in Women's Running magazine. It sounds amazing. The have oysters and wine instead of water on route!

Great time sonic well done.
Oh fanny you ok? tThe Loch Ness looks good.
Well done ibby, great time too. Looking forward to all the reports.
Having a very bad pmt day, just shouted at dh then burst into tears. Think he now thinks I am a psycho.

No monkey...no secret training plan...just the runners world one stuck to the fridge which I will no doubt end up scribbling on when I realise that I put the wrong estimated finish time on

yes I have heard of the medoc, right up my alley...

Loch Ness sounds good Fanny, sorry about your fall. I used to hate it when DH was away when DCs were younger. Still hate it it now, but a bit more manageble!

So Norwich Half marathon report.

Pre-race Bad night's sleep as was woken by wind and fretting about possible cancellation. Woke to a sound that has not been heard in our neck of the woods for some time - torrential rain! Had breakfast and then faffed around fretting big time about what to wear. Shorts? Cropped Ronhills? Running tights? Club vest only? Club vest over t-shirt? Club vest over long sleeved top? By ow rain had stopped and sun was out, so plumped for vest only plus shorts. DH (also running) patiently waiting with his already packed bag - he is v organised, I am not.

At venue parked car, and heavens opened again. Thinking earlier that sun was out for good, I had not brought a coat! Everyone else getting out of cars in waterproof jackets! I had 2 tops on top of running vest, and nicked DS2's gilet, which kept me warm and cosy. Fortunately downpour was a passing shower, and once that was over, there was no more. Walk from carpark to race start v open and exposed and made me wonder whether vest and shorts was a good idea. Met up with running club friends (another good reason to join a club - for support at races) and fretted again about attire. Many were wearing vest over top, but a few like me had only vests. DH and I joined queues for loo at same time, amazingly when I came out he was still waiting to go in!! He said the queue was mainly for the cubicles.

Start agonizing waiting for the off, had good luck snog with DH then we parted to stand in time appropriate pens. Freezing at this point, and better dressed friends told me later that I was covered in goose-pimples. Started to the strains of Chariots of Fire which was great. Walked for about a minute, and then slowly jogged off.

Mile 1: told off by friend for wearing orange gloves
Mile 2: windy (but not cold)
Mile 3: windier (still not cold)
Mile 4: sheltered and gorgeous sunshine (finally feeling glad I had vest and shorts on)
Mile 5 Saw a lot of club members who were there to support us - was lovely having so many people shout your name. In fact someone running beside me commented "wish my name was too
Mile 6: Couple at side of road with biggest dish of jellybabies ever
Mile 7: Pass close to start and on to second lap.
Mile 8: Passed DH's friend, which was a surprise as he is usually a faster runner. Windy at this point, even more so than in first lap.
Mile 9: Struggling in the wind
Mile 10: Thinking about the finish
Mile 11: Enjoying the sunshine, and the prospect of the finish not too far
Mile 12: Tiring
To end: Atmosphere for final mile or so fantastic, so many people cheering and encouraging.

Managed a sprint finish, heard name called out, met by DH (1hr 44) and DS2. Knackered.

Chip time: 1.54.10 Gun time: 1.52.25

What I loved most about this race though was that I managed to enjoy it I think usually I find the first few miles in a race quite a struggle.

Great time, and looking forward to others' reports

Great reportibby.
Fanny where did you get your fanny bag from? Is it good?

Great report ibby .. :) at good luck snog with your husband. Fantastic time!

Is Fanny's bag one which goes round the waist and carries water bottle as I think I need one of those. Needs to be able to hold phone as well.

Fanny Loch Ness marathon route is AMAZING. I was thinking about it for next year, but think we're fairly set on trying for another baby soon. Well, we were before this job came up, so you never know...

ibby great race report and great time, well done!

Debi I was reading about that too. They can keep the oysters, I'll just have double the wine :)

Well done to sonic, too! :)

Have had the laziest weekend ever. Although spent Saturday night marking Higher reading comprehensions. Lost the will to live and went to bed. Wonder why I bother sometimes... away to finish the marking off now. Oh, and there appears to be a zit party on my forehead at the moment. Not impressed...

Still not done job application. Am stressing. Might explain the spots.

Well done Sonic and Ibby!

ibby, sounds like you ran a great race. Enjoying it? Well you can't ask more that!

Rhet, I think 6 is ok for now, especially with a wee bamina around. You are extremely self-motivated so I don't think you need a race to kick you out the door. Re. Names, we never told anyone what we were thinking of as, like others have said, people are very quick to offer opinions but once the baby is named they have to say "oh, lovely!!" . June, Calypso is a supercute name, very pretty.

Ladies, ladies, how many more housework injuries must we endure before we learn. Just say no girls!!! Poor you fanny. Who's Winston?

Loch Ness sounds brilliant! Reckon you defo need to go for one or the other though, bit much too weekends in a row, unless you turn the intervening week into your holiday? Actually no, guess that wouldn't work with school. Just Loch Ness then. You must run in tartan though. I insist!

Had fairly good night last night! Longest wakeful period was 1-3 which isn't long at all! I think in total I had about 6 or 7 hours sleep so feel pretty awesome today. Went out for nice lardy pub lunch.

Good lord Debi, that Medoc marathon sounds mental. I do love oysters and wine, but flipping hell, during a race. A marathon no less. Bleeuugghhh!

Sorry about the pmt, orange, am sure DH doesn't think you're a psycho. Have you got any emergency chocolate?

Glad you had a better night peach. I think my day was made worse by being up at 4 with ds1 vomiting. He only had a tummy bug 2 weeks ago. Abit strange.
Don't know if if fanny's bag holds a water bottle too. It more a place to put my gloves. Ten mins into a run I take them off.

wow ibby sounds like you ran a great race! And hooray for jellybaby couple. People are so nice!

and yay Kate for giving peach a few more hours kip last night! Was she a bit more wakeful during the day too?

orange sounds like you could do with a bit of r'n'r too. Have some , and or any combination thereof that you fancy!

debi I think oysters/wine mightn't stay down too well if I had them mid race. I'd love them after, tho. Perhaps you have to be French to cope with such things?

It's been so windy. Like ibby I was up a lot of the night listening to it, and if not, dreaming that all the tiles had come off the roof, or that I was that woman in a boat in the Twinings ad. Hope it's a bit calmer tonight. Tho - slattern's result :) - all the leaves in our garden that I've been procrastinating about have gone!

orange I got a little bag just for holding keys/phone/gel pack/spare pins. Had it three years now - it's made of neoprene, doesn't move and am very happy with it.

She was ibby. Less so today, slumbering/feeding in my lap while DD1 and I watch Toy Story. Will try for a wakeful eve! at your leaves. What will happen if I leave mine? ( never really had a garden before), will they decompose into thin air or just turn to mulch which will need tidied in Spring (clueless emoticon)

Orange, what you need is a long piece of elastic. Sew gloves on either end and wear down sleeves of long sleeved top, like what a toddler would have. Not sure how it would look on a grown woman, but then didn't you get ID'd recently? Am sure you can carry it off!!