In search of.....Consistency!

The evenings have really began to close in and with the clocks changing, running in the dark will be the norm for the next few months. Finding good well lit routes without traffic light etc.. obstacles is challenging..  

Meeting in Lidl, and following a quick discussion on where we were heading, we set off. Instead of heading left toward town we went right and headed out to Fossa. A new route which meant new views. The thing about running pass peoples houses is that you get to have a good peek and sometimes see houses you wouldn't even see when driving. Poor Karen, who had given her leg a weeks rest had arrived this evening to run but her injury once again flared half way out, so she had to walk the rest of the way. Just pass Killarney Golf Club, we turned to head back. Then I noticed how quickly evening had turned to night, when driving you would think this road is lit all the way into town but there is a stretch which is not, so we tried not to delay. And were thankful, when we saw the street lights and that we live in an age that electricity is a common utility for us. 

During the week I only put in one more run as I went to Dublin for a few days, of course running wasn't to far from my mind even though I didn't go for one but look what I got..

New runners.. love it..

Monday dawned once again, it was chilly, we were a few short, as I chatted to Anna and Michelle, I noticed two girls heading toward us all kitted out, I thought they must be meeting a group and have mistaken us for them. Turns out it was Maeve and her friend, I never wear my glasses when I run (so if you know me and I pass you, it's probably because I haven't seen you, apologies in advance). Heading out I went up through the town once more and I wasn't long warming up. and with a storm forecast we didn't delay too long at the end of the run. 

This week also marked Johns return to running. We headed out on Thursday for a run and he noticed straight away the improvement in my pace and overall running. In fact, I passed him out on one occasion (yeahh!! it may not happen again but I'll take it as a bonus this week).

Headed into the park and it was a lovely evening. Also, the run took me back to my 'beloved 'STOP' sign. Hahaha!!  At the end of it I was satisfied, good run done!

A bit of root attention needed for the hair..

So, I have felt my running has become more consistent in the last few weeks and today, I went out for a run and hit a new 5K PB. I took nearly a minute off but it could have been more. I am sooo happpppy!! 

I pushed on today but I could have pushed on more in the second half of the run.  Finishing, I was fine and So, I know there is more in the tank.

Next Saturday, we head to Mitchelstown to do the d'Hillbillies Mud Run which is raising money for the Mercy Hospital Cancer appeal. I have heard whispers of costumes... I don't know which terrifies me more the dress up or the mud! But, my aim is to complete it, in good company and have a good laugh while supporting  a great cause.  

My hope for my running heading into a new month is summed up in one word 'consistency'.

And so Winter has arrived...

In the last post, I did say I would take a picture of the view on the 10 miler and so I did..

A view to run a 10 miler for...

It is beautiful! #lovekillarney.

Blue sky is something which has been missing this past week or so, the weather seemed to change once the calendar hit October. I have to say I like that slight nip in the air when you run at this time of year.  Natures colour palette really shows its subtlety at this time of year. Varying shades of greens, yellows, browns, it really makes a run more interesting..

The Monday after the 10 Miler my legs felt extremely heavy but I managed to put in 3 miles before I gave in and went for a coffee with Bernie, Michelle and Anna. Which was great, as I felt weary to be honest.

Sun setting on last park run with group

As the evenings have been closing in, we decided as to start meeting at the Lidl car park.
Last week, we met at 7, we welcomed back Gillian and Karen was back from injury. Bernie was also carrying an injury. The first thing to say was that it was chilly even cold and so as we waited for Maeve we ran down to the roundabout and up, to warm up. We decided to head down to the Cathedral. As usual, I left them all off ahead of me and I continued at my own comfortable pace. Unfortunately, Karen's injury flared up  hopefully, there won't be any serious injury.
As I headed up Mission road the girls came down against me, we turned and as I followed them, I think our route and planning of it went askew. Bernie with her injury headed back to Lidl. Karen followed Bernie straight up through the town. The girls went up to Lidl via a St Finians shortcut. I, on the other hand, went pass the cinema, the friary, headed down College St, up Main St and up St Margaret's Road to Lidl. All in all I did 3 miles. They were waiting for me when I came back, the thing about running around town is that you have to stop for traffic lights and people a problem I hadn't encountered while running in the park. I also have to take out my luminous running bib as it was black night when we finished.
Looking back on the garmin after my run, the pace was fairly consistent which I was happy with.

The following day, I set off for my run after work it was dry, slightly chilled and a bit damp. There was a good few people around but as I headed to the Castlerosse Hotel it started to drizzle then the sky really opened. It was so wet I could hardly keep the rain out of my eyes. Then, I saw Anna and Michelle running toward me, they were heading back but stayed with me for awhile. Amazingly, this was the first time Anna had ran in the rain since she joined the group last Spring. We turned as we reached the Castlerosse Hotel. The girls  headed off at the horses crossing their company was very much appreciated and shortened the journey back to the car for me. Reaching the car I was drenched, it was the first evening I could wring out my clothes and my feet were really wet which I don't like!  I don't mind too much running in the rain in fact for the most part I enjoy it, there is a real sense of freedom but Tuesday evening it was a bit torrential.

The last week/10 days I haven't had the same dedication to going out for a run I have been LAZY! Lack of pace consistency has always been my downfall and having finally found some, I don't want to lose it, so this week I will put in the miles, (Fingers crossed!)
Also I am excited as I am planning to get new runners and that always gives my running a boost.

I have luminous bib, torch, running tights, jacket so Winter I am ready for you. I THINK!!

'The hills were alive with the sound of my moaning...'

On Monday, we met up at the demense once more, we had a chat about the previous Saturday's run and put some time in training for this Saturday's run, the Killarney 10 mile. I really don't think any amount of training could have prepared me!!!
Strangely enough, I do believe it was the most relaxed I've ever been before a run. I slept like a log, the night before a run I usually toss and turn and wake at first light, feeling like I haven't slept a wink. Not this Saturday I woke refreshed, I ate the breakfast, loaded the car and headed into Killarney.

So relaxed my eyes are half closed..

The reason for my relaxed state was because my aim was just to finish. That's all just to finish. I knew about the uphill and in fairness if you have ever glanced at this blog before, you will know my aversion to anything vertical! So why, do it? I hear you ask. Well the run was being held to raise funds to help the construction of a running track here in Killarney which will be of benefit to the whole community, that sums up why.
As I collected my number and tech shirt, I had to pass the finishing line and I did have a moment where I thought I hope I see it later. 
I met up with Bernie we headed toward start line. Tina arrived although not running,  herself and Susan were the cheer squad for the day. I headed to the bathroom and then came back to the girls. That was the one thing about Saturday between collecting number and start there was a lot of time to hang around also we were unsure of the start but it was at Ballydowney Roundabout. As we arrived at the roundabout, Michelle and Anna strolled up. People were steadily arriving now. As usual we took a before pic.

As we took off, I was relaxed, the first mile or so was lovely and then the roads incline became more noticeable. As I hit Madams Hill, I headed up walking and then for the next mile or so I ran/walked. As I hit the Aghadoe graveyard, I had a wobble and said no I'm done. As people passed, My old 'I don't want to be the last, or the slowest' thoughts crept in and I stopped still. Took a deep breath looked at the road behind me and thought F*** it, I'm finishing! And I powered on..
I took some water at the stop but didn't take any oranges even though did look lovely.
As I passed the Aghadoe Heights Hotel, I did think shame there is no one here to take a picture. I will try take one at a later date and share it, for those of you who may not have seen this view. It's amazing! (I should have taken one..)
From there was a good downhill stretch, great, Yes and No!  My thighs were burning as I reached the Golden Nugget, which I would pay for later. I was smiling and coherent which is always a good sign for me when doing a run. As, I entered the Fossa Way I was on familiar territory.   I sweat alot and for some reason I felt a real need for a fizzy drink and so rang John to see could he have one at the finish which was less than 3 miles away. Something to look forward to.. As I passed the playground, the legs felt like lead, as I headed up towards the demense entrance I saw Bernie. I knew I had yet to climb the Knockreer hill (which is torturous to me on the best of days) but today with heavy legs. It was UGHHHHHH!!!!  (No words people, no words).
Bernie offered to stay with me, but I declined I had to push on alone. The next mile or so passed on and as I headed up the canal, I knew I would get there.

As an aside, Bernie offering to stay with me even though she had completed 10 faster miles already or Anna doing Knockreer Hill twice to urge Michelle on, this is what a running group is all about. We really got lucky with this group Brenda created...

Heading down the Bishops path, I was run/walking, (More walking, I must confess. I know your surprised..) then in front of me I saw Susan, John and Tina.

I picked up the pace and headed to the finish line and didn't stop until I crossed the line. And, I was glad that it was over! I told the girls I never wanted to go up a hill again. And at the moment, I truely meant it!

I had completed the 10 miles. It was the first finish line this year that I genuinely felt happy after crossing.  I may even attempt it again next year if they get rid of a hill..or two!! Yes, I could have done better but I had battled one or two of my own inner voices along the way and those little battles will improve my ability more in the long run (no pun intended). 

Happy to be done!

So as my inner voice conflict will no doubt continue, this is what I know after the last few months:
I will always be an end of the pack runner, the runner who ends before the walkers or on a bad day after the walkers. But I will finish! This does not mean my ability is anything less than those who run faster or further, it just means it may take me a little while longer to get there.  I always strive to push on forwards even if sometimes it looks like I'm standing still. I will run (with some pace, if possible) across the finish line. I will improve. I have improved. And above all else, I won't give up. 

Mind training needed.. or maybe a kick in the ....

Well, where do I begin..

Saturday morning dawned, breakfast of porridge and coffee, twenty trips to the bathroom (maybe should have made it 21) and I was out the door. Mum was doing the 5K walk, so having collected her, we arrived into Killarney in plenty of time. Parked car and headed out to meet the girls.
Having met up we walked to the start line, did a run to warm up stretched (very professional!) and waited, at this stage I was relaxed enjoying the morning. I even have pictorial evidence of this.

We are rocking the Black and Pink..

As we headed to the start line, Tiffany appeared and we had a quick catch up. Then with a massive bull horn we were off. Heading down Mission Road with Bono singing in my ears, (I am loving 'songs of Innocence') I kept a steady enough pace. There was a good crowd around me and in we headed to national park. Down by the canal, around this time the 60min pacer and his group passed, I could see him just ahead of me, which was quiet novel for me because of course that's the dream. Across the gravel path and then up the hill, still running, impressed, so was I, then I walked - briefly, at the top (but its like going to the bathroom when your out, once you go once you have to go again & again) and that was it I had given myself permission to walk.
Pass the playground the 70min pacer passed, I confess I was shuffling/walking, I shook myself off and caught up to them and kept up/kept him in sight pass the castlerosse hotel. He was a bit ahead as I crossed the second cows gate. Now I was Running/walking and I was progressing steadily.
For some reason when reading the route, I was convinced I didn't have to do the Lake loop and so when I was directed towards it , I was completely thrown.  Silly, as we had ran it at least 3 times in the last few weeks but my brain had taken it off the table for the day and it fought with me all the way around it.
Onwards, a girl was do a run/walk and I joined with her for a part of the loop, she took me over the hill to the views of Ross castle. Two miles to go!
I beg your forgiveness for what is to come, but these are the experiences of 'my running' and so, at this stage as I huffed along I felt a trickle. I tried to squeeze  but to no avail then a whoosh. F***!
I just continued on, mortified and embarrassed. I thought about the people running behind me 'going oh look that fat girl just p****** on herself'  , of course the only thing they were thinking of at that stage was finishing. To get me through I thought about the training we had done the previous Monday, where the group ran to certain point turned and ran back to the last in group ME. Miserable was I, then I saw Bernie coming towards me and it really was Bernie. She had finished her race and she come to run with me to the finishing line. Amazing! It wasn't pretty but we got there, as I headed towards the the playground, I think I uttered the immortal line 'I can't'. 
What an idiot I am! (Fill free to interchange the word or thought with eejit, lame, crazy).
I turned and bolted toward the finishing line. Catching sight of the time, I won't even comment! I should have been in at least 7 mins earlier! Because you know what I can do it.

The girls had done really well! Smiles abounded. I headed over to queue for ice cream and I pondered my now regular mental breakdown.  Bernie checked the sheets which were up and was able to report to us that she had finished in the top 25. Anna was also happy as she had serious shiny bling around her neck.

The cold was setting in..

Pondering answers to my racing breakdowns both mentally and physical:-
Growing older and weak pelvic floor result in leakage and maybe trip number 21 to the bathroom would also help.
The solution lies in the title of the post, I will try to focus my mind more. But this lack of focus is as a lack of belief in my abilities and that will require me to give myself a good kick in the posterior.
Sometimes its what's needed..

Sweating, aches and foam rolling..

Sweating, a few aches, leaky bladders (the latter is self explanatory and so I'll say no more about it, just to save my own blushes..) these are a few of the joys of running which I have experienced over the last week or so.

The air is so heavy, dead heat and it is so hard to run. I wish I could say the sweat was from how fast I'm running but its not!  The worst is when it goes into your eyes, it stings, so I also have red eyes. TRX is also causing me to sweat buckets!! But it will be worth it, a strong core and better running. Yeahhh..

With a few aches developing, I decided this week to invest in a foam roller..

I just have to figure out to use it properly. Fun times!

This weekend, we as a group are taking part in the women's mini marathon in Killarney. As I suffer from some form of performance or race anxiety, I'm not expecting to smash any records,  (No surprise there, I hear you say).
I am looking forward to seeing the girls on Saturday especially at the Finish Line.

Putting in the miles and muscle..

Training continues, Monday evening usually goes something like this:- waiting for the group, chatting, a warm up, various sessions - usually I pull up the rear but hopefully a bit quicker than last year. The Demense is our training ground at present but even as I write the night sky is dark and it is only 8.30 p.m., so a change in venue will come a lot sooner than last year. 

The plan at present is to run the women's mini marathon and also do the Killarney 10 miler both at the end of September. And with these runs in mind, I have set out each week. The latter frightens me because it has one or two hills in it, but it is for a good cause!!!! 

Michelle, Anna and Karen ran part of the course, report - tough but doable. 

With these runs in mind, last Sunday, I set off to do an 8 mile run.  Leaving the Gleneagle Hotel, I headed toward the Golf Course, steady, steady, steady. 

All was well as I headed towards the Castlerosse Hotel, when a big f****** dog went for me, teeth gnashing, he was on a lead thankfully but his owner didn't seem bothered. The couple coming along after him asked how I was, the shock of it, I stopped. Giving myself a little shake, I went on . Trying to keep my pace steady. 

I have taken to running with a book in my ear, mostly to try and drown out my inner monologue, at present Rob Lowe is my running partner. Not bad having Rob Lowe talking in your ear as you run through Killarney National Park is it!!!

He tells them well..

I headed out the Fossa way, I turned at the entrance at Fossa, 4 down 4 to go.. Heading back, I met Tiffany who had completed the Toughathlon the previous day. A 10K obstacle course which combined running with alot of mud and water. Fair play to her!! 

In fairness, as I am running the view is great, which does help. The various shades of green are so pretty I had to take a picture.

Not a bad view to have in front of you as you run..

But even, with Rob (as I now call him) in my ear, my mind kicks in every now again, the monologue goes something like this , 'Really Majella, are you this fast, you're not that runner, plodder,  Remember!' and invariably, I slow down. But, sometimes I don't, so progress!

As I headed into mile 8, I found it the hardest, I felt tired I suppose. But I stopped and started, a few times. Aghhh!!  But, wanting to finish strong, I sprinted toward my stop sign.  Yeahhh..

A few weeks ago Siobhan came to training telling us about a TRX/kettle bell class, she had started. Her enthusiasm for it encouraged the rest of us to sign up for a once a week class. Wow, tough but my core will thank me around about February. I hope!  At present, it's crying it doesn't know whats going on. 

Over the next few weeks there are a few runs ahead of us and this Saturday, Karen heads to Dingle to complete the Half Marathon. How great is that! She'll do fantastic.. Can't wait to see the bling!

The Rose of Tralee 10K..DONE!!

Where to start, at the beginning I hear you say,and so that is where I'll begin...

I was doing the Rose of Tralee 10K with John,  I must admit I was looking forward to the company, usually I'm on my own with my thoughts and if you've read this blog before, you know how that monologue goes...  Last Sunday, the 10K was starting in the Tralee Bay Wetlands, as we walked into the centre, the rain began to fall, it was a really heavy Summer shower that came out of nowhere. A while later, I would have appreciated a drop of rain!
Kick off was at 11am, we started at a nice steady pace and I was comfortable, we saw Susan and my godson Daniel, as we left the wetlands and gave them a cheer, smiling we ran on with a spring in our step. Around the roundabout, forward we went and then disaster I heard Owhhh!!! Someone, had stood on the back of Johns foot and he came down on to it hard. We stopped and reassessed, I asked did he want to pull out but no we continued. It was slightly unsettling, for the next mile or so, we slowed, sped up but continued on.
At this stage of the run, we on a long straight road out of Tralee heading to Banna, I knew we were turning right near Mount Hawk school and so I waited patiently for it. As we turned and continued on, we got into a nice easy rhythm, I thought to myself  I am enjoying this. Although, I have to say it was warm,  hot even, we were running a straight road with little or no shelter, which led to much, much sweating. But not that you were too uncomfortable.
 (I have since discovered that this new road is nicknamed 'the fat mile' because of all the people walking and running it).
Ahead the steward directed us downhill to the water station, I had water so didn't take any, John did and as we went up the hill, I thought this was a bit cruel at the half way mark!!! Onwards, we went, pockets of people cheered us on, which was really great. One lady in particular, clapped and offered a word of encouragement to everyone who passed and it was much appreciated!
Heading towards Rock street, then down Rock Street, we were nearly finished and then we turned the corner and were in Denny Street. I felt tired, but crossed the line, thumbs up!!
It wasn't a day for a PB but I was happy, I hadn't pushed myself but was consistent. Medal received, we got water and banana which were welcome. I didn't realise there was no tech shirt as I had been looking forward to it as the one they got in 2013 was lovely.

Johns foot was swollen! (Thankfully, no serious damage but it is badly bruised).

Bernie also ran, she she a good run  and was at the finish line, so we could swap stories.

I have to say on reflection I enjoyed the experience as a whole. The route was just tough enough to be enjoyable. And so, like Arnold, "I'll be back..."

More Bling...