Training begins again and the sun shines...

Well our training group reconvened a little over two weeks ago, there were both old and new faces, the dread I had felt earlier in the day was not warranted. I wasn't as bad as I thought as Tina reminded me 'think of what you were like last year'. In truth, there is no comparison even though I complain about my lack of pace I am a runner this year.
Our first night of training was to show Brenda what we were capable of . All our newbies our very good, I will get all the names down soon! Brenda gave us a good 'ol workout, talking as I was doing squats and lunges was not a good idea ( as I lost count of the number done), for the next day or so,  I had severe pain in my gluteus maximus!!!
By our second night in, I definitely felt my pace improve also so was the weather. Which made a great difference to my training, blue skies meant I couldn't wait to get outside rather than the past few months of  dragging myself out into the wind and rain.
The weather has been so good that I have been out as much as I could. I have been looking at new routes, killarney really does come into its own when the sun shines. It's amazing that until I took up running I really didn't appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
I've put up a few pics of the scenery I'm passing as I run.
I'm looking to the half marathon now. The motto at the moment is #bringiton

Maybe I should take up sailing..

The constant dampness, rain & wind is really a struggle. The car is full of damp clothes. It's a struggle to find routes which are not flooded.
I went out one day it was damp chilly the usual weather but 3 miles in & 2 miles from the car, the heavens opened. I was plodding away wiping away my hair and the driving rain the pace was slowing with each step, when this fella passed the rain seemed to bounce off him. By the time I got back to the car I completely drenched. I have also decided I'm sick of running around the town, just as I'm getting settled into it I have to stop at lights etc.. Which for some reason knocks me off track.
The last week has really taken its toll weather wise so it was great when on Saturday the 10 mile valentines run in Tralee had blue skies. Susan & I went back to cheer on a few of our group who were running. Bernie, Caroline & john did amazing, it's when you go to a run like that  that it fires you up again.
Waiting for dry weather is not an option as I have also tried the treadmill over the last few weeks and it's not for me. Running while looking at all my fat jiggling in the mirror is not for me.
Here is a few of the last few weeks

Route flooded..

Rainy days & anniversaries

I have been enjoying my running since Christmas. In fact, all of Killarney seems to be out in the evenings, and as these runners pass me by or in the odd case I pass them by, I gain great encouragement. This time last year I could barely move and now this year I relish my evening runs.                                        Although, the rain is playing havoc with the routes it also means the chances of getting wet while running is very very high.
I have to say when it is raining or threatening rain it's harder to get up and run.  I can talk myself out of not going quite easily. Although, I try not to.
I did an 8 mile run last weekend. At around 3 miles there just an almighty downpour, I just mentally put the head down and kept moving forward. Thank goodness for dri-fit clothes but from miles 6-7 there was another shower. It made the last mile and half miserable. But, rain or no rain I did it. At the start of the run, I had headed down to Ross castle and hadn't realised it was flooded, so I turned back going a different route. This weather is just sooo annoying. I did like running in the rain but weeks of it, is just too much.
I have been going out three evenings a week,  I do just over 3 miles and can feel my legs & my ability to keep going getting better with each run.
I have to say I miss the running group, I think it definitely helps to improve your running. Before Christmas, I could feel myself improving week to week, my pace had improved. We'll be back on the road in February. So I can't wait! In the meantime, I'm gonna run so I won't suck as bad as February last year.
This weekend marks a year since I gave up smoking and started running. Thanks to everyone who was part of a great year - Brenda the no1 trainer, running group, family, friends & the two best cheerleaders ever {looking forward to next July }.

2013 summed up....

I saw this on another site and thought it was a good idea. So, I had a look back at the year 2013 and put these facts together...

MY MILEAGE

Total mileage run for 2013 - 565
miles

Highest mileage month - June

Lowest mileage month - February

SPEED/PACE

Slow or very slow

MY RUNS

Total number of runs - 121
(not including run/walk)

MY RACES

Total no. - 5

Half marathon
Run Killarney

10K
Killarney women's mini marathon
Clonakilty Waterfront 10k

5K
Kerry GAA ladies

Adventure race
Hell mountain

PERSONAL RECORDS

Half marathon - 2:58:12

10K - 1:16:21

Not too bad for a turtle...

Itchy feet

The constant barrage of wind and rain over the last few days has left me lounging indoors.  I need to go out for a good run, my training is a few weeks behind. All the running routes are flooded. This
I did go for a run during Christmas and over the new year. Both weren't as long as they should or could be but the spirit is Willing!  The run during Christmas was particularly nice as I had always wanted to run In London and now I have. London was full of people running, they all looked fit and able, in my head that is how I want to look when I run. I fear the reality is vastly different.
As time has a habit of flying by so quickly, it was nearly 8 months since I got my last runners as so I got new ones yeahhhh! I'm sure they will serve me as well as my last pair!
This year my main running goal will be the half marathon in Killarney. Also, as last year was the year of giving up cigarettes 2014 must be the year of losing the lard off my big backside. I'm sure I'll add to this list of goals during 2014.
My one hope is that this year is as life altering & challenging as last year was!

Bring it on..

Not a happy camper...

Well  let me say, I was ready and primed for the Clonakilty 10K it was going to be the best run of the year. In my training, I was running consistently I had developed a good steady even pace, so I was prepared for a good run.
My woes started late the night before the run, I was in and out of the bed with each wave of nausea that hit. I did get some sleep and when the alarm went off after 6am Saturday morning, I did consider just turning over but I didn't. I got ready,  left the house to go and meet Susan with the sound of John giving out saying 'give it a miss'. It took us just over an hour to reach Clonakilty, we were directed into a field which was full of cars and people, you could feel the nervous excitement in the air. I gathered my bits as I was dying for the loo we headed for the hotel to queue. From the hotel, we walked down to the start line, there were people everywhere milling around waiting for the start. My stomach was still not right, I thought I was probably a bit nervy and it would settle once I started.
And then off I was running, I was OK steady, I made it through the first mile but my stomach was in my throat, it was not the most comfortable feeling.  After the second mile, the road began to climb, we were directed to keep to the left and coming against me on the right were fabulous men and women who were racing to cross the finish line. Unlike me who on this particular day was hoping to see the finish line. Onwards, I climbed the hill I could feel myself slowing, slowing, slowing, ahhhhh - WALKING!!  When I say hill, I mean 'mini-mountain', my only bit of comfort in the misery which engulfed my mind and stomach was that I wasn't alone, everyone around me was walking too. At the peak, there was a steep decline, which led to the water station, the run was at this stage was flat and then a 'mini mountain' which was virtually vertical loomed before me. I just laughed and pushed on.
Onwards, I had by this stage reverted to the stop start method. Along the coast I went, on another day it would be fabulous to run beside, the view spectacular! Going forward, I couldn't even sprint to the finish line it was a mild trot and I crossed the line.
Susan met me she had a great run, I was sooo jealous!!! I was 4 Min's slower than the 10K in Killarney and I just knew I was better than that at this stage. I went to get water and just take a moment. I decided to put a smile on at least I hadn't given up. Some consolation to my battered ego!
We waited for Bernie to come in, she was running the half marathon, we also met John from the run Killarney group, he said it was tough, but he was smiling.  Unfortunately, Bernie didn't have a great run either having pulled a muscle along the route.
There was a great array on offer at the finish line, coke, water, berroca, tea, coffee, biscuits and clonakilty pudding. The medals we were given were lovely as was the tech shirt we got.
Clonakilty over  I am taking a few days off running and then training  begins again for 2014's 10 miler.

Happy days and runs to come.... (fingers crossed)

Fake it till you make it....