Race Report: Nike Run to the Beat

A year ago it was unthinkable that I would run 10k, never mind double that - in one go. My training has been 'stunted' to say the least. Two weeks in the South of France coupled with the appeal of eating good food and drinking nice wine into the small hours saw to that. Somehow I managed to do some form of training, including two 10 mile runs, which didn't actually give me that much trouble.

Last year I volunteered at Nike Run to the Beat for team Macmillan  This year I wanted to be the one crossing the finish line. In the last week it has become incredibly cold. Layers or no layers in the staring pen it was FREEZING. 90% of competitors wear the coloured Nike shirt, which is a bit odd as it means you cannot necessarily represent your chosen charity. Macmillan had sent me a vest and letters, but I wanted to stick to the Nike top which also has your colour coded number on it (colours represent start pens).

OK so this is getting wicked boring, onto something more interesting. I was aiming for a close to 2 hours as possible. Here's the math: for 2 hours you have to run in 9 minute miles. The whole way. I started out with 9 miles 30 seconds which felt pretty maintainable. Nike Run to the beat is London's music half marathon. Throughout the course there are 14 stages each having different 'beats' to encourage the runners. The first stage is pretty 'main' with headliners such as Reggie Yates and Jamila Jamil. Not that I got to appreciate any of that as I was off!

I also had my headphones on with a pre-prepared playlist including such gems as Bieber, Taylor Swift, No Doubt and Wilson Phillips. Yep I'm that cool. Handily there are signs telling you where there is a stage up ahead so you can pause your track. One of my favourite acts were a tribal drum group in Greenwich park. They were really good, and the perfect rhythm for my pace.

Towards the latter part of the race there is a lovely downhill. I was happily skipping down maintaining to keep my 9.5 minute mile pace even though we were post 10k (I posted a PB for my 10k - TBC by the official chip result, but YES according to my Garmin). Anyway, we were happily going downhill and then turned a corner. All I could see in front was a SEA of yellow. People going up a SERIOUS hill. Why do they do it to us?! I went down to 11 minute miles on the hill but would not stop running. Lots of people around had started to walk. My stubbornness kept me going.

Once I had done 10 miles I was in uncharted territory. I have never run further than this before. In training I ran 10 miles in a decent time, but broke this time today. The miles 11 and 12 seemed particularly long and I could feel my legs turning to lead. What is great at this stage is the motivation you can give yourself "It's only 5 more KM, that's easy...you do that everyday in your sleep to work" "only 2 more miles to do, 20 minutes and it will all be over!" When we could see the 02 I knew I was going to be able to do it without walking, which is a massive achievement in itself.

Champagne at the finish, standard

I couldn't see the chute up ahead when I knew I was close to 13 miles. I switched my headphones off completely at this stage. I had my name on the shirt so people were cheering me on, which is great. I however started my 'sprint finish' a bit too early! It was great motivation but it was too long...I slowed a bit and the end was in sight. I still managed to cross the line at 9 minutes and 30.

AAAAND Collapse. The difference between 10 and 13 miles is amazing my legs were killing! I walked it off to go and claim my medal. Well done me, especially since I've raised a fair whack of Money for Macmillan Cancer. You may also find my '8 year old boy' look attractive. Trust me the hat helps, keeps the fringe out of the way and any rain off my glasses. Looking awesome is optional...

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Half Marathon Training: Week 5

I haven't done a sporty post for a while, it's because I've been pretty sporadic in my training. Some weeks I totally kill it, am motivated and all is good, some weeks I opt for the extra time in bed and sack it off completely. I've just 'finished week 5' of a training plan that culminates in my half marathon in October and actually did stick to it (there or thereabouts) the pinnacle of this week? A 10 mile run on Sunday. This is longer than I've ever ran, but I do comfortably run 8 miles in training bit I haven't been training like that for a while so my prediction is: this is gonna burn.

I wrote the above before my run, right now I am 'post' and how do I feel? Amazing. It was chucking it down with rain so I popped on a peaked cap to save my glasses and myself from total blindness, updated my running playlist with some new music and set off. I was doing a straight out and back, that's 5 miles one way - turn around and come home. I got up earlyish to force myself to eat. Usually I don't tend to eat before a run as I do it first thing in the morning. What I've learnt through this training though is that it's so much easier to eat in the evening when you've got some 'fuel' in you.

I also bought a couple of bottles of Lucozade and drank one with my breakfast (gag) and took another with me. Again usually I wouldn't bother with a drink but thought I would need it. I ran at a comfortable pace knowing I wanted to do the whole thing non stop, I would call this a 6-7 out of 10 on the effort scale. I would have been able to comfortably held a conversation should I have been running with someone else.

I reached 5 miles and felt great. The distance was a bit deceiving as the first three miles flew by, but by my judgement the 3 mile mark and 5 mile were pretty close by, they felt miles away. I didn't feel the need to stop for a big stretch half way and just wanted to carry on, so around I turned to come home. Amazing. There was also some nice hills. One on the way back was a nasty uphill, but the beauty of doing an out and back is that I knew I was going to be rewarded with a pretty nice downhills soon after.

I could have done it again. Feel great and pretty confident on my half marathon now - that is most definitely a mistake!

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Race Day; Macmillan Cancer 10k

This Sunday marked my first ever 'competitive' 10k. Following the marathon I was inspired to up my own game and give a bit more purpose to my frequent running. I opted for a Macmillan Cancer fundraising (FUN rather than competitive) race. It was more of a challenge to myself than to wonder where I came in the scheme of things. My race was against the clock...(that came out way cheesier than I was intending)

My 'training' was unstructured to say the least, mainly from necessity. I run the 3 miles to work an average of 4 times per week and at least one other longer run at the weekend. The raining plans I see online feature lots of walking, which I don't need. I therefore just went with my best instinct. I was also scuppered by a week in southern Italy and a few days away with work.

On the day it was gorgeous and sunny - aka hot. Luckily the race was kicking off at 10am so it wouldn't be too hot by the time I finished. I can't really moan about anything else or give any other excuses...only that my training wasn't as it should have been.

For breakfast (in case you are interested!) I went for two small bananas and an alpen bar. I also loaded up with a couple of Lucozade lites. Still on my diet you see! My carb loading the day before was also weak...a Marks & Spencer count on us mushroom risotto for lunch with a count on us Cajun Chicken Fettuccine with one wholemeal pitta for dinner. More carbs than I've had for a couple of weeks, but still I was going to be burning them off.

I started really fast, a minute under my target mile time. I needed to slow down but felt good. Sure enough not before long I was running comfortably at my target time that would allow me to hit my 'stretch' target. Unfortunately that didn't last. I ended up running in and around my 'safety' target time. There were a couple of sneaky but long hills on the course (three times around the seemingly flat Regents Park in London). The hills and the heat were tough, but I powered on.

Going strong rounding the corner into the second lap

My second lap was unexpectedly slower than my first, but my target was still achievable. Finally on this time around I could take notice of the 8 and 9k signs that had taunted me on my first two laps. The park was of course not closed to the public and at one stage I tripped over a runaway dog. I stayed on my feet but gave the owner a knowing look of disdain. 

Finally the end was in site, the last 2k felt like 10k on it's own. It was ridiculously tough. Luckily I had arranged my music perfectly to account for this so the epic Florence and the Machine Shake it Out came on just when I needed it.

Smiling, but dead

I hit my safety target just. I'm keeping it a secret target. I know I'm not the fastest person in the world but boy did I try. I now have a target to beat next time. They had a tent of snacks and I allowed myself one finger of Twix. My supporters got more benefit tucking into the rest. I however got to enjoy this all myself!

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10k to start the day...

Having just finished one of my toughest training runs (attempting my target time over the distance), in the gale force winds, mostly uphill and having only recently finished my scrambled egg (singular) on toast...part of my current 1200 calorie per day diet something occurred to me. Possibly it's not a good idea to be on a 1200 calorie per day diet while attempting to run a 10k. Also that that is an incredibly long sentence.

Post Italy I have been trying to get into fighting fit shape including shifting the additional pasta and pizza lbs. I have set myself a target weight loss, while weeks away from my run. Good points of that...one is certainly doing some favours for the other...The other interesting twist in the tale, I am away on a work trip for the 4 days immediately before my race.

Post the jubilee weekend (so since Tuesday) I have not had a drink. A horrific hangover from Monday, yes. A drink? No. This is going to be impossible while away with work, especially as we are hosting a cocktail party on one evening. Networking and not drinking? I wonder...

In other news, I have been a sloppy blogger since leaving my camera cord at work, and not being in the office for two weeks now = bad. Some of the things you have to look forward to include my new hair, new shoes, new nails and lots more on Italia.

Until then, I really must have a shower...

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I'm so good...until around 2pm

Since being so inspired by the marathon I have really got back into the swing of things with my running. Last week I ran 22 miles (Mon-Sat) as well as one swim. So far this week I am 9 miles and 1 30 minute swim.

Diet wise, I am so good until after lunch (you get the name of this post now right?!) Cereal at work post work out, sushi or something healthy for lunch then I get the munchies. A mid-afternoon chocolate fix leads to a couple of drinks, maybe some chocolate or pizza for dinner (or nachos last night...) Is this OK?

My 10k is in just over 6 weeks but I have yet to commit to a scheduled training plan and am just going on running when I can...hopefully this will work out. The training plans available on line don't really fit with my schedule as I am running to work, which is a set distance. If anyone can recommend me somewhere to get a personalised training plan - that would just be lovely...now must pack my bag for tomorrow's run.

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Run, run as fast as you can

This weekend a good friend of mine completed the Virgin London Marathon - his first one, in an amazing time of 3 hours and 36 minutes. Now I have no aspirations to do anywhere near as good a time as that but man has it made we want to cross that finish line next year.

I always go and watch the marathon since living in London and it is such an emotional and inspiring day, however I've never been tempted to do it before. The furthest distance I have run 'competitively' (I use the term loosely, I am in no way competitive with my running, only against myself) is 5k. Last night I entered a 10k in under 8 weeks time. This is a big step for me! When I ran the 5k (over 2 years ago!) I was aiming for a time of 25 minutes. I was completely gutted with my time of 26 minutes. This time I am aiming for under an hour.

In the last two days I have run 9 miles and done a 30 minute swim. I am also going to do another 3 miles tonight. My back is aching but - no pain no gain right?

The Brighton Marathon is not ballot led, you can just enter, however I really want the prestige and support that I reckon only comes from London (any regional marathoners out there, please correct me if I'm wrong). I will enter for the London ballot and did think if I am not successful I will go for a charity place. PR (Pocket Rocket, pictured) ran for charity and doing so had to commit to raising £1,600. This year that figure has gone up to £1,800. The cancer charities I was thinking of running for are £2,000. I am not sure I can raise this sum (PR has some seriously good friends, and lots of them!) They must be in a really difficult position, obviously wanting to raise as much money for their causes as possible but that could deter me from raising anything for them.

So in the meantime, 10k training. I need to sort out a plan - not sure my 5k will just 'double up' but maybe...
And to any marathon runners out there - congratulations!

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So...I'm doing it again

Maybe it's a good thing, it may beat lots of wordy commentary, but I've had such a hectic week again the only thing I can do to capture it is another week in pictures. I've taken 74 on my iPhone this week (not including all the ones I delete as I go). I do however think I'll break it into two, a work week and the weekend. The work week has been fairly exciting though. I attended an evening panel discussion on the craze that has swept the nation, not so reality TV - or structured reality as they are calling it. I also attended the fabulous Virgin Media shorts awards whereby I rubber shoulders with the stars and supped champagne. It's a hard life....

Monday started with a trip to the Soho Hotel for a meeting followed by sushi

Tuesday I got to enjoy some of my favourite things, the red cups at Starbucks (second only to the Coca Cola advert to know Christmas is coming!) and something cold and sparkly...(alas not a diamond)

On Wednesday lunch was minorly marred by the student protests, or more accurately the grossly over exaggerated police presence. There were literally hundreds of them - and we saw about 20 protesters. Nice to know my tax dollars are being well spent...hmmm

Quite a pretty horse through. Now what is better than chocolate cake? Eating chocolate cake off Justin Beibers face, that's what. A birthday at work prompting a sugar overload.

And while we're on the subject of overloading on food, in honour of some American guests in the office we ordered a vast amount of fish & chips...giving them a real British welcome. After eating this I was literally stuffed for the day...luckily all I had to eat in the evening was canapes.

Luckily as I've been consuming a ridiculous amount of calories I managed the same number of workouts as last week (all before work of course) - four 3 mile runs, 2x 30 minute swims and 1x 45 minute walk to my hour long personal training session. I also ran for 10 minutes to the supermarket today with an empty backpack and then back with a full one, not the longest in the world but as they would say...every little helps!

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The week in pictures

It has been an exceptionally busy week...hence being at home cozied up in PJ's at 8pm on a Friday night. I am however exceptionally proud of my fitness regime this week, although I have been out every night I have managed to get up every morning and get in a workout before work. Running 3 miles to work Monday (and swimming for 30 mins), running 3 miles Tuesday and Wednesday, walking the route Thursday followed by an hour personal training session....my first in a while and the 3 mile run this morning followed by a 30 minute swim. I had the pool to myself as well and it was utterly divine.

The best way to give an idea of the rest of my week is through my unfortunately low 6 mega pixel...

Charbonnel et Walker truffles in Liberty chocolate room...added to the Christmas list!

Filet at The Hansom Cab

These fabulous looking concoctions are from Purl in Marlybone

More venues should have pinball tables

Balloon making - kitsch but oh so cool

Rounding the week off with lunch at Shoreditch House

Next week is looking equally busy...you can tell it's the run up to Christmas. I'm also having my hair cut and coloured tomorrow - the first time this the very odd experience. Here's hoping Headmasters do a good job. I may even do a before and after post.

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Shake and bake...

"That is the best thing I've ever put in my face" was a comment from one lucky recipient of the brownies I made. Admittedly they were delicious, and incredibly easy to make. The hard part is burning them off.

It is seriously easy to do...packet cookie mix (I used white chocolate chip) packet of Oreo biscuits (I alternated the rows between chocolate stuffed and original) and a brownie mix (I opted for Betty Crocker fudge, standard).

Following the recipe on the cookie box I found getting the greaseproof paper staying in the dish to be the hardest thing. After spreading this out, top with the biscuits and finally the brownie mix. Bake for 35 mins and voila...delicious melt in the middle gooey yet crunchy on the top and bottom brownies.

Speaking of burning off, I also joined the gym this week near the office. The plan is to run there (3 miles) followed by a leisurely swim and shower before heading to the office. I have only encountered a couple of problems thus far...

1) You have to pay extra for a towel at the gym...I find this odd since there is a pool - do you really have to pay £1 a time?! that is really going to add up on an annual membership. Taking my own towel not only takes up lots of space in my back pack that I'm running with - it also needs to dry during the day.

2) When I was running to work previously it was direct to the office - therefore I had left all toiletries, make up, towel, shoes etc there leaving lots of space in my bag. Faced with running to a gym I am having to carry this back and forward every day (the office isn't unlocked early enough for me to pick it up at the end of my run - another perk of previous office/running situation I had the keys and alarm key since I was usually the first person in.

By the time my towel, make up, clothes etc etc are in my backpack there really isn't room for a coat - not ideal in the winter. Also shoes are a squeeze - totally ruled out wearing knee high boots. I've also been trying to be good and make my own lunch to take in - again the need for space is a compromise. What gets left out?

3) I'm not a fan of taking a back pack out with me in the evening, especially as I have so much on in the week.

So that is the current situation. After joining on Tuesday I managed to run on Wednesday. Wednesday evening I had an awards ceremony thing - to which my back pack accompanied me. It was a fairly late night and I knew I was out on Thursday and didn't fancy a big back again so decided against the run Thursday vowing to do an extra hard workout Friday morning, little did I know I was going to have such a good night on Thursday I wouldn't be getting home until Friday morning. Damn.

As ever with Sunday nights....I promise to be better this week! I've made my lunch already so that needs to go in. With it being Halloween tomorrow I have a party to go to in the evening so will have to carry the bag. I also have very difficult decisions to make regarding footwear. The aforementioned knee high boots I purchased yesterday from Office in the sale (£25 off £120, pics to come) are divine and incredibly comfortable. I also want to wear a fairly structured blazer which doesn't pack down very well...

The joys of trying to be fit!!

Thank you to The Londoner for the fab brownie recipe...recommend the blog

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The calm before the Cannes

This week I have mainly been staving off illness. *I will not get sick* *I will not get sick*. There has been something going around the office, a nasty cold/flu/cough that refuses to go away for weeks on end. I will not catch it.

This weekend I am going to Cannes, and I need to be on my game. Thus far good old fashioned remedies of early nights and lots of water has been working. It also means I haven't been up to anything noteworthy. Being in bed by nine every night does have it's merits, not being knackered all day. It does however get harder to get to sleep at 9 due to not being knackered! I'm also managing to save the money...good timing post Vegas!

Following Cannes I am off for a long weekend in Luxembourg, a holiday that I won - so lots of exciting weekends coming up. *I will not get sick!*

In other news, after purchasing an emergency pair of Reebok Reetones in Vegas I have started walking home from work - a 42 minute route. Do I notice my bum getting perkier and my thighs getting thinner? No. I would however recommend them, they are very comfortable and the mental benefits have me practically running a marathon and earning some chocolate of an eve.

Speaking of running, I really must get back into it - and Zumba. Exercise has been on the back burner and my BMI is feeling it. It's amazing how just a couple of miles a day can allow you to eat and drink all the things you like guilt free...it just has to be after Cannes now!

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Hopper Fitness

Average Tuesday night - arriving early for a new fitness class, we decide we do not fancy taking our Zumba lessons outside with people watching (Zumba is another one of our current endeavours - lots of fun) So, watching the ending Zumba class we see the balls arriving for Hopper Happiness, now I had wondered how the trainer managed to get 10 space hoppers to Highbury fields - turns out they are deflated and our first challenge was to pump them up!

So thinking that we didn't want to do Zumba in front of others in the park was soon dispelled when we had to race around cones on space hoppers! Then came squats - lots of them, holding the ball in the air, honestly the arms were killing! It is really a good work out, social and fun but more importantly I hurt for the next couple of days. We used the hopper like a Swiss ball but also the hopping (which is effectively squatting!) Oh and people were taking pictures and a small boy said 'my Mum says you're mad' - but it was definitely good fun. Usually Tuesday is Zumba night, and I've really been enjoying this of late, and obviously hopping in the park is very weather dependant. But I would do it again and recommend it!

The Vegas body is still in production, now if only I could work more on not wanting good food!

Find out more about Hopper Happiness

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