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I've been rather busy catching up with things-wot-needed-to-be-caught-up-with and have only only done a few 5 mile runs and a couple of 4 mile walks so nothing exciting to report really. I could of course moan about the weather 'cos it's really getting on my nerves now. I'm so far behind with my gardening and will have to adopt an even more relaxed than usual attitude to the weeds this year as it's impossible to dig our heavy clay atm!
Exhausted, very jealous of your visit to the botanic gardens. I last visited there about 20 years ago as part of a tour with the Horticultural Trades Association and the gardens were stunning when we visited in July. Are you doing VLM this year?
WtnMel, good luck with your golf coaching seesion. I'm sure you'll see an improvement as a result.
Glo, good luck with your newly required qualifications.
TE, I hearby rename you KIng of Spin! You are quite correct about my travel mileage which doubled in the last few years when I was doing so many multiple events. It should settle down this year as I won't be running anywhere near as many events and I'm looking forward to more trail running.
Hi Columba, glad to hear you're nearly at 5k. I thought of you last weekend as it was the Hastings 1/2 - the weather was not nearly as kind as it was when we ran it together!
Hi DBIW! Big huggles to you and the doggies.
Today is a rest day.
Glo2, good news about your new job, but a right pain that you have to do more studying to obtain a further qualification.
DBIW, you must be getting really fit now with running, swimming and indoor work outs. I prefer the hill climbing during the spin sessions, and remain seated whilst the others stand. The Instructor always says to increase the resistance whilst standing, as it will be easier. I increase it anyway, and work with the highest gear that I can manage.
WtnMel, I will start attending some evening club sessions when they return to the forest, but intend keeping up the spin classes. It will be interesting to see how I cope with a 60 minute spin workout in the morning, and a club session in the evening.
Good luck with your golf training lessons. You will be "The Oldest Swinger in Town
Exhausted, I'm trying to "reign back," as I don't want to overdo it.
Interesting information about Haydn. I wonder what happened to his head. Perhaps it was pickled and is in glass case in some obscure museum.
The forest is still wet and muddy, and I ran a good pace 8 miles yesterday morning, two of them being at sub 10 minute pace. I think that it is the HIIT efforts in the spin, that is helping the improvement.
I was reading in the RW magazine this morning, that holding the plank for as long as possible, is not beneficial. The new thinking is to do short repeats as follows:- 5 x 10 seconds, 4 x 10 seconds, 3 x 10 seconds, 2 x 10 seconds 1 x 10 seconds. I tried it and it is really tough. I thought it would be easy, as I can now hold for 3 minutes, but it wasn't. It actually totals 150 seconds, which is 2.5 minutes, so a good work out.
DBW: The ultimate irony of my new job is that my boss brings his dog in for the entire day. So Non-Dog Woman spends the whole of her working day with a Jack Russell! (I think that's what he is, anyway). He dismembers bones and chews other things, huffs a bit, licks his privates, sleeps in the visitors chairs and watches me studiedly while I eat my lunch. We've sort of established an uneasy understanding.
Aquarius: The job is so badly-paid that it doesn't really make much difference. I suppose it stops us eating into our capital and keeps my brain ticking over. I like my colleagues, which is why I joined. Sorry about your bug, but good that you're eating now.
Glos2. Go and boss those tests. Show them what you're made of.
HS: I like the idea of an exercise that is beneficial if you do it for a shorter time!
Columba: I admire the fact that you're carrying on with your comeback, and that you're at the end of the beginning. It sounds rather Churchillian!
Redhead: I haven't really run seriously now for a couple of years, so I didn't even conceive of doing VLM. Thinking about it, if I did just pitch up, I guess that from a standing start I could just about pelt to the Isle of Dogs stage, then I'd have to walk the rest of the way.
I was going to run tomorrow but it will be so puddley here that most of my routes will be impassable. I'll go to the Palm Sunday service instead. "All glory, laud and honour!"
Today is a rest day.
Red, good luck with your proposed trail running. I much prefer them, and will be doing very few road runs in the future.
Aquarius, the article about the planks didn't mention any recovery between sets. What I did was to do the sets continuously, but paused after each 10 second effort for a few seconds.
Sorry to hear that you have been suffering with a virus, and hope you are feeling better now. You are wise to give the races a miss, and as you say, there are always other races.
Exhausted, thanks for the link to Hadyn's Head, a very interesting article.
The plank efforts are each shorter, but overall time for all the sets is not much different.
The only way to describe the forest yesterday was a sea of mud, flooded fields, and streams of water right across the trails, necessitating a lot of walking and wading. I managed however, to complete a very tough 13.1 miles. I pushed myself hard the whole way, as was very pleased with my average pace of 11.18 minute miling. this was my best run since last years injury.
Running is very uncomfortable. I've always found it so. However, it's worth persevering. You're not wasting your time, as the sense of achievement you get from getting faster or going further is really something. Just accept that you'll be glad to get home from EVERY run, and it's never a comfy experience.
Pammypods, welcome to the thread! You've taken the first steps on a wonderful journey so please don't feel disheartened. I started in exactly the same way - I went to the gym, started running on the treadmill and ran what I thought was 15 minutes but turned out to be just 2 minutes 'cos that's all I could manage to begin with. I gradually increased the running and decreased the walking breaks until I could run for 30 minutes on the treadmill. Overjoyed at my success I decided to go for my first run outside - it was a complete disaster! I couldn't get my breath, I couldn't get into my stride and white van drivers kept shouting motivational comments such as "Come on darlin', nearly there"!!!!! I really thought I'd never get the hang of it but I persevered and it's now so much a part of my life that I couldn't bear to give it up. Just keep plugging away at it and if you struggle to run, then take a walk break and start running again when you've got your breath back. Good luck.
TE, that was a jolly tough run yesterday so well done you, especially at such a good pace for the conditions.
Aquarius, hope you're feeling a bit better today. Please make sure you're fully recovered before you contemplate a run xxx
Exhausted, thanks for the link about Haydn's head. What a story! get yourself out for a run please, you are too speedy to let it lapse completely (stern stare!). Chuckling at you and the dog, sorry. I'll be glad when Easter's over as Mike's been coaching the 'choir', at our house, in what should be a rousing anthem, - I'm hoping the organist will be able to drown out some of the noise.........
Bright and sunny, and the wind seems to have dropped.
Pammypods, welcome to the thread, you will get lots of advice and encouragement from us. I've had the opposite experience to you regarding treadmills. It was after many years of running that I first tried one, and didn't get on with it. I still don't, but the fact that you can run on one means that you should be able to run on the roads too. The advice from Exhausted and Redhead, in the above posts, should be helpful.
Exhausted, I'm sorry to hear that you find running uncomfortable, but it is to your credit that you are able to run to such a high standard.
Red, glad to hear that you enjoyed your 10 mile trail run so much, and you now know why I do the majority of my running in the New Forest. Best of luck with the RAF 100 challenge. I'm a bit puzzled though, as to how 100 miles can be classified as "a short ultra."
I ran 7 miles on roads with Giuliana this morning. It made quite a change from wading through mud and water. I have to run on roads from time to time, otherwise, I will only ever be able to run off road.
Run done in the sun followed by my annual asthma review in which I recorded my best ever breath-flow. Happy girlie
TE, lol, sorry for the confuson - The RAF 100 challenge is celebrating 100 years since the RAF was formed! It's a 6 hour lapped event so there's an opportunity to use it for a shortish ultra.
Lovely day here so will be playing in the garden this afernoon as I believe it's going to rain for the rest of the week.
They were in the rafters of the garage of my house in Wootton Bassett alongside the windbreak and other beach-related stuff. Must have seemed like an obvious place to 'file' them at the time ..
TE: I'm always impressed at how you soldier on through such disagreeable conditions underfoot, as you have in your recent run in the New Forest.
Redhead: How did Mike get roped into conducting and rehearsing the choir?
I'm trying to keep a sense of humour with the dog, but finding it difficult. Work should have a certain attention to dignity and health and safety. I think bringing a dog into work is a selfish abnegation of that. It's saying to a new recruit that you couldn't care a toss how they feel.
The RAF 100 sounds a noble challenge. I'll think of you on April 1st and wish you well.
Exhausted, I read in the Parish News that they were in need of someone to help them learn the notes so suggested Mike offfer to help so it's all my fault! It's been like herding cats as they don't all turn up for rehearsals and when the missing ones come back eventually he's had to go through the same things again and again. Plus, only a couple of them actually read music so he had to produce samples of their parts so they can practice. When they've been here the cat and I have secreted ourselves upstairs out of the way!
Agree about the dog at work thing - not very professional at all.
Red - you can imagine how pleased I was when I climbed into the garage rafters and laid my hands on the boules after all that searching. Still smiling to myself imagining that cat's chorus practising in your house
Just back from a 5ml run - happy to report I was quicker than usual and hardly needed any walk breaks and the pedestrian/traffic/dog-walker gods were on my side so I didn't have any delays or need to manoeuvre my way around anyone or anything! A quick shower/lunch than I'll be off to play bowls (as opposed to boules - this could get very confusing!)
Wet and gloomy here this morning so procrastinated long enough for the rain to stop and am just off for a 6 mile plod up and down some hills.
WtnMel, LOL for your sympathy! There was a dull drone throughout from one of the Bass boys and then old lady warbling from 2 of the sopranos on the high notes. I resorted to headphones and a talking book as a distraction. Well done on your 5 miles.
Who else has got any events planned for Easter?
It's bright and sunny now, after raining all night and most of the morning.
WtnMel, Hope your golf lessons prove beneficial, so that you can beat your friend Alan. Good news that you found your boules.
Exhausted, I quite enjoy running under difficult conditions, as it disguises my lack of pace.
I think it bad practice, your boss bringing his dog into work. The only exception should be for Guide Dogs. Many years ago, back in the sixties when I worked in London we had typing pools, and short hand writers. There was a blind short hand writer who had a black guide dog. One of the retired S/Leaders in the office, always asked for him to take down dictation. The dog used to lay by his side, and was no trouble at all. Whatever happened to typists, everyone does all their own typing now. I actually went to night school to learn to type, never dreaming that one day, I would be typing on PC's, Laptops and phones.
Red, good to hear that your breath flow is now the best ever. Must be all the mileage that you are running, clearing out your lungs.
Trying to imagine the choir practice in your house. I expect the cat keeps out of the way
I ran 1.6 miles yesterday morning after the spin session. I found that I was running much easier, probably because my legs were well and truly warmed up.
This morning's spin session was definitely the toughest so far, with hill sprints, off road efforts, and sprints on the flat. To complete the session, we did 5 x 10 seconds HIIT's using the highest resistance that we could manage. I did mine at level 6, which is the highest level I have reached. I don't know how many levels there are, but must be near the top. I reached a top speed of 35km per hour during one of the level sprints, and "rode" 23.5 km's in total. that's the furthest I have managed by quite a distance.
After a glorious morning, during which I was out and about doing boring stuff then enjoying a nice hour with Mary Massage Lady, it has now turned very cold and windy and the sky is black. Looks as if it's going to be a rather dull Easter weekend but looking forwrad to the RAF 100 Challenge which is going to be very emotional as there are several active servicemen taking part, one of whom will be celebrating his 100th marathon. It really won't matter if it rains and a part of the entrance fee will go to the RAF exservicemens charity.
TE, the cat and I are both trying to forget the choir incident. I'd never have suggested he helped them if I thought he'd invite them home!!! You are doing so well with your cycling and I'm getting worried you're heading to the dark side. Now if I hear you're going to see the quack about your 'asthma' meds then I will be really worried ;-)
Red, It's been very wet and windy here, but has brightened up now. Hope the RAF Challenge 100 is a great success for all concerned.
I haven't got to the drug cheating level yet, and have no intention of heading over to the dark side. Running is still my number one priority.
I ran 8.6 miles this morning on roads with Giuliana. This is the furthest road run that I have attempted since my injury in June. I'm hoping to do a long run in the forest on Saturday, if the rain holds off. Conditions are the worse that I can remember, yet I don't think the rainfall this year has been that much worse than in previous years.
Red. Poor old Mike. However, the funny thing about choirs is that it always turns out alright on the night.
I no longer sing in choirs. People jostling to move away from me in the altos gave me all the hints I needed on what a terrible singer I am.
TE: I agree with you about the weather, although it doesn't seem to keep a good man down, as you have proved. In fact, with your record breaking personal performances as you move back to fitness, it seems to bring out the best in you.
Another wet and windy day, typical Bank Holiday weather.
Exhausted, I knew that doing nothing wasn't the answer to my injury, so have done everything possible to regain my fitness. I've been very patient, not "trying to run before I could walk."
Today is a rest day, but I have done all my stretching exercises, including the new thinking 5,4,3,2,1, ten second planks.
Yep, typical Bank Holiday weather here too. We went for a short trip out this morning just to get Mike out of the house as he's finally getting over his bad cold (a REAL cold, not man flu for a change!), got drenched and came home. I then made hot cross buns and baked a cake for Sunday and now I've lost the urge to to go out for a run. Never mind, I'll get out early tomorrow instead.
TE, those new planks are harder than doing it all in one go so I'm going to incorporate them myself.
Exhausted, I'm sure your singing voice is beautiful. I used to love singing in choirs but would be too frustrated to sing with the church choir as none of them treat it seriously and they turn up to rehearsals on an ad hoc basis which would drive me mad!
Have a lovely EAster everyone. I'm just off to write clues for an Easter egg trail hunt for MIke as he'll ne home alone on Sunday
I've been up long before the lark as for some unknown reason I decided to get our Ocado delivery extra early today!
Aquarius, what a lovely gesture, thank you so much from me and ARUK (there is no such word as 'only' where donations are concerned). You helped make my day. Sorry to hear you're still lurgified though and hope a celebratory meal with your son will aid recovery.
WtnMel, well done speedy boy and yes, I do know not to eat yellow snow!!!
Have a lovely weekend everyone
Rant over!
Red, losing the urge to go for a run, I had to pick myself off the floor
Aquarius, sorry to hear that you now have a streaming cold. Very wise to avoid running over the weekend.
WtnMel, well done with your 8.45 pace over the last few hundred yards of your club run. Your fitness is definitely returning
I'm pleased to say my fitness appears to be returning too. I ran 9 miles on road yesterday morning at an average pace of 10.33 minute miling. Mile 9 was the quickest at an average pace of 9.45 minute miling.
I have, however, decided not to run in the Salisbury 10 mile road race which is next Sunday, as I would be tempted to push myself, and probably damage my knees again. I have offered my place to another club member at no cost. Today is a rest day, and it's not raining, typical. Tomorrow will be heavy rain all day, I believe. Just can't win.
Have a lovely Easter Sunday everyone.
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My post needs to be reviewed by the administrator of the FB page so what's the betting it won't actually appear?
Red - at least you didn't forget you'd organised an early delivery. Speedy(ish) boy would be more correct
HS - as above, rather than join you in your rant, thought I would at least try and get RW's attention by posting on their FB page. The other thing I may try (don't think there would be any 'admin' involvement) will be to aim a tweet at them asking why they never seemingly bother to deal with spammers/trolls on here. At the club run I did say to those around me, "sprint finish?" and heard someone say "yes, let's go for it" but I was by myself when I finished. Well done re your 9ml road run.
Yesterday I went out without any pre-conceptions and started steadily hoping to delay any walk-breaks (not really needed - and a bad habit I would like to stop before it becomes too ingrained). I ended up managing to run all the way round on my route and even better, managed to run just over 6mls which is my longest run since April last year. Just as well really as it's only three weeks until the Corsham 10K that I've entered. If I can get round in less minutes than my age (66 on Tuesday) I'll be happy.
BTW, I was almost too good at hiding Easter eggs for my grand-daughters to find - they found most of them fairly quickly but there were a couple left over and I had to wander around the garden surreptitiously looking for the ones I had overlooked and forgotten where I had put them!
So in the spirit of guerilla warfare I've taken to posting the same comment on every new FB post of theirs I see (basically asking why they never respond to complaints about spammers/trolls).
I shall continue posting the same comment until either (a) someone from RW does respond .. or (b) some other users complain about my continual posts. Then we may see some action on RW's part or other action (maybe they'll remove me as a 'troublemaker'. If my account gets suspended or I disappear you'll know the reason!!
WtnMel, good news that you managed your longest run for about a year, and without walking.
Thank you for the action you are taking regarding the spammers/trolls. RW has totally ignored every request or query, no matter what from the RW Forum members. There was a thread on the original RW Web, specifically for queries etc. which were usually responded to and actioned accordingly. The web has been a nightmare since its "upgrade" and consequently has lost the majority of its regulars. Ironically, it seems to be nearly impossible for prospective new posters, to start new threads. This is supposed to prevent spammers from starting them, but doesn't stop them posting on existing threads. The web used to have Moderators, who would remove spam etc. on a regular basis. I hope your actions produce some positive results, but I have my doubts. They will probably just ignore you, just as they have every one else that has complained since the "upgrade."
I ran 10 miles on road this morning, the furthest since last June. The weather was dreadful, cold, windy and very heavy rain. Ironically, the rain stopped when I got home.