Littlewood Ireland Blog Awards 2016

Trumpet fanfare please...

'Turning 40 so let's run' has made the long list for the Littlewoods Ireland Blog Award under the 'Health and Well being blog' category. This just so cool.  It's listed with some of the most entertaining and informative blogs. I am blown away.

To make any this list is great but It would be lovely to make the short list.  Aim high!!

This nomination makes me  look back at where this blog and I started, I have  come along way. A few years back, a mile was a trek and barbells were for the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger..

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog over the past few years and I'm looking forward to the adventures ahead..

Run Killarney Half Marathon 2016

As with many of these runs the day began with an early start, a quick bite and a cup of tea, I loaded the car with all the stuff I might need for the day ahead.  As usual I used very little of what I packed. I collected a few fellow half marathoners Marie and her friend Lucy, Lucy had just arrived from Australia a few days earlier and we headed over to the Gleneagle Hotel. As I pulled into the car park I spotted Bernie. The main aim after parking the car was to make a mad dash for toilet which I promptly did. Now the weather wasn't to bad it was damp but dry and not too cold so nothing that gave us cause for any worry at that stage. To get to the start line we headed to the buses which took us through the route we would be running later. Thoughts going through my head at this stage;  'It seems along way even on a bus. Am I crazy? I should be in bed...'

Bus selfie..

As we reached the start at Molls Gap the weather appeared to be closing in. During the next 13.1 miles we would get a few heavy rain showers.

We were milling around and I was to meet up with Helen from Crossfit who was running her first half marathon. Helen had come up with Eilish from Crossfit and Mum who were power walking it.

First half and no problem to her #strongwoman

As you can see I wore my sunglasses in hope that the sun would come out which it did later on in the day.  There was plenty of people I knew milling around there seemed to be a lot of runners and many looked like serious competitors. We met up with Marie and Lucy again. We discussed the glamorous side of running; queueing for portaloos and finding places to pee.. Not long after, we met David and TJ from Crossfit they were also doing the run. We discussed running tactics, the finer points of Thursdays Crossfit Double Helen plus some (Pyramid style) and the lack of our preparedness for the run we were about to do (which was not evident in the times they did).  Everyone was in good spirits . We had done a bit of a run to warm up the muscles and stretched so all that was left to do was get started. As we all headed to start line I wished everyone a great run and said I see them at the Finish.

Well MY HALF MARATHON, how can I find the words to describe the roller coaster that it was.. We crossed the start the start and I took off faster than I should have. I was stopping and starting too often (even for me) I just couldn't get my run together. Which would have been OK if it was just me plodding along but Helen was beside me . The 2:10 pacer passed us and he was doing a great job joking and keeping spirits up so Helen set off with that group and I tried to settle in to a some kind of run..

Which after a while, I did I even began to enjoy myself. As I have always said the views are just fabulous and there's always runners stopping to take photos. As we all know I'm a real sweatybetty it was quiet humid for the first few miles and as we ran the 'midges' (a small biting fly) were out in force. I must have swallowed a good few and I  had a good few stuck to me as I crossed the line. Oh, the Glamour! 

I kept the 2:10 pacer in my sights for a good while but as they ran out of the reach of my legs I kept my focus on a few runners as used them as as my own little pacer group.

As usual I got my 8 mile itch and had my usual mental collapse and utter lack of faith in my own abilities although this year it did stretch on for a few more miles than I would have liked.  Now those of delicate nature may want to skip the next few lines.  I also spent this half marathon looking for the loo. I had woken yesterday morning to the arrival my period. There are times when it won't bother me but just like Murphy's law this wasn't going to be one of them them. I had a dull ache in my lower back for the majority of the run. I stopped and stretched my back out a few times. I felt at times I  couldn't run but I power walked when I had to and moved forward.  The route deviated from last years and It was lovely to come down by Muckross Abbey. As I headed towards the finish line I tried to muster a bit of oomph.. none arrived. I finished, I crossed the line. At the start line I was hoping for a 2:30 finish I crossed the line in 2:35 which I was happy with.

Never never will I look good in a running picture..

I headed across the road to collect my medal an t-shirt, where I met David and TJ who looked none the worse for running 13.1 miles they told me how great Helen had done. #CrossfitKillarney. I was quickly surrounded by my fabulous friends and family, it is always important to have a good cheer squad and I have one of the best, although a few cheering yesterday hopefully will be back to their running ways next year.

Cheer squad.. (missing from pic is my Dad and Anna )

I was delighted to see Bernie at the finish line, she had run a good half marathon.  We had once more survived or should I say run the Run Killarney Half. This is our 4th year doing this half marathon together..

After my Mum had come in after finishing the 10K we headed across the road for coffee, a hot dog and some chat. I also met Yvonne O Sullivan a big Kerry GAA supporter and a fellow runner who completed the 10K,  next year she's going to aim for the half marathon. The announcer said this year for the first time there was more women than men competing.. #STRONGWOMEN.
I finally caught up with Helen, she did an amazing run for her first half marathon. Not a bother to her...

The BLING..

The rest of day was filled with good food, laughter, good friends and fun places..

Hanging with the girls and Gollum in the Shire (bar in Killarney)

To recap , on my previous post I asked was I half marathon ready, reflecting on it today I think another longer run over the last few weeks may have helped. I didn't hit a half marathon PB but despite my second half slowdown I wasn't far off the time I had aimed for. So next year, I'll aim for that new PB!!  As usual around mile 10/11 I was never doing another half marathon again but as usual this morning here I am thinking about next years run. The big difference I feel this year is a physical one, today I have no aches, no pains or stiff legs, I feel completely fine.
It wasn't the Morgan Freeman narrated run I was hoping for but he did make guest appearances so I'm hopeful for the next Run Killarney Half marathon.

Am I half marathon ready??

The best answer I can offer is I hope so. I have been putting in the miles but compared to this time last year probably not enough. But I won't panic Yet! Maybe around mile 8... #touchwood.
Over the past few weeks I have had some lovely blue sky runs. There is nothing better, everywhere looks fabulous and as long as it's not too hot and muggy the run is always good. I find I smile more and everyone you meet is smiling too. Although a run in the rain can be good too living in Ireland we're more used to the latter.

I've been making friends with the local wildlife too as last Sunday I ran into a swarm of bees. They weren't interested in me thankfully preferring to fly in large circle but my pace quickened significantly so they wouldn't get the chance. On another run I ran into wildlife of a more woolly kind...

Only in Ireland...

I feel my legs are definitely stronger than last year which is as a result of better running and Crossfit. I have Crossfitters thighs,  although mine were big long before I found Crossfit but were way more flabby than they are now. As the Crossfit games are on in California this week I'll be distracting myself from the half marathon by watching the athletes do their stuff online especially the ladies #strongwomen. Also I'll make sure to take on some extra fluid.
Over the last few years the Runkillarney half marathon has become a regular part of my running year. As I love a good view the scenery on this half marathon is truly stunning which is always a plus when I run.

The Lakes of Killarney

I'm hoping to finish strong  by which I mean I finish smiling with no aches. Other than that my only plan for my run is to cross the finish line and collect my bling...

Putting in the miles..

I have just been trying to get out as often as I can to run. The half marathon is at the end of July so I have been trying to put the miles on my legs. The weather has not been co operating with me especially when I have planned any kind of long run its either humid and clammy or wet, windy and humid. I am a real #sweatybetty these days.
About two weeks ago on a Sunday morning I headed out for a steady 10 mile run. As I set out the mist descended and very soon the rain fell but worse than that the wind picked up. The first couple of miles was a battle against the elements running into wind it was just URGHHHH!!! There were also a few climbs but I kept moving.

A dark dreary slog uphill

Glimpses of good weather?

I had a bit of a wobble in my own head I thought its too wet, the hills, the wind is making this hard, I'm too slow but unlike other times when I've left my mind wreck my run I pushed on. I was running at a steady pace. The rain was heavy I was completely soaked, thankfully I was wearing my
Gore-tex asics which saved my feet as best they could but the rain was so heavy my feet were squelching in my asics by the end of my run. (Living and running in Ireland Gore-Tex runners are an essential).

I thought at one stage it was going to clear up but it was not to be. The showers were heavy and just after I hit the 7 and half miles my legs felt heavy and from there the run felt like a real slog through to mile 9. I always try to finish strong as its a weakness so the last mile or so wasn't too bad as I dreamt of a hot shower, change of clothes and a coffee. It wasn't a great run due to the weather but I was happy to be increasing my mileage.
I haven't run as much with the girls as everyone is busy with life even this past Monday I didn't get to run with them but I did  a quick run around the roads at home. It was a beautiful evening sun shining blue skies and sweat. I took off too quickly and paid for it at the end when my legs felt heavy and I missed out on a new 5K PR..

Missed PR selfie...

General things from the last few weeks:

I just seem to have piles of running and crossfit gear to wash all the time due to me being a #sweatybetty or wet damp gear.

I am NOT a Sprinter

I need to foam roll and stretch more.

I still can't straighten my arms over my head.. but I'm working on it!

I have developed a taste for Earl Grey tea, it's so refreshing.

And so the next few weeks will be about putting in time and the last few miles on my legs before the Half marathon while enjoying it and keeping a smile on my face.

Crossfit, regionals, half marathon training..

Even before I started Crossfit, I had began to watch it on Youtube in particular the crossfit games and regionals. So with great excitement at the end of last month, I headed to Madrid to see Europe's top crossfitters compete in the Meridian Regionals. What an experience it was, edge of the seat excitement for three days. Teams, Men and women competed, I have to say the women's competition was absolutely brilliant. The regionals were held at the Caja Magica which is easily accessed via the metro. The whole venue buzzed with excitement, each event and heat added to it and everyone was willing all the athletes to do well. Crossfit heaven...

There was plenty of shopping to be had for any Crossfitter need among a few brands that were there were Reebok, Rogue, Rehband, Rocktape, PurePharma, Progenex, FitAid and many more. I have to admit I came away with a few bags.. To see the action up close was cool and motivating. One of the things I loved to watch was how everything was set up so quickly. 'Boz' was there this year for the first year it was cool to watch him oversee the events.  Women's Event 7, was beyond exciting the crowd was on their feet enthralled by the action developing in front of us. A no rep and a sprint to the line was the heart thumping, exhilarating finish that the women's competition gave us. I just cant wait to watch the Meridian athletes in Carson this Summer. There will definitely be a few of them of the Podium in July.  I also had the pleasure over the weekend of meeting a few crossfit legends..

Dan Bailey, Mikko Salo, Annie Thorisdottir and Rory McKernan #TEAMRO

I left Madrid full of renewed vigour for Crossfit hoping that some of the crossfit prowess I was surrounded by would rub off. I'm still waiting for it to kick in any day now!

The weather has been lovely and warm for the last few weeks so all physical activities has meant I end up in puddles of sweat. #Sweatybetty.  I have tried to be as consistent with my runs and so I was delighted when in the last week I hit a new PB in my Mile and Km. I also was able to knock a few minutes off my longer runs and more importantly I was able to run consistent over the distances. Instead of running off at pace and wearing out I was able to finish at a consistent pace.. #loveit.
That is my ultimate aim for my running as ye all know fast is good but consistent pace is better..

Big sky over the Top of Coom

I feel I'm on track with the half marathon training a few more long runs and I'll be there.

6 photos 6 runs...

Its amazing how a few weeks off can have an affect on your running. Previous to the injury I had picked up at the Banna beast challenge I had been treating myself for shin splints turns out they were small stress fractures. All this combined has meant my running is below what it should be 9 weeks out from the years first half marathon. I'm adding the mileage slowly but the pace I had run many miles to gain has for the most runs deserted me. I have been back at it now for a few weeks the following are the highlights..

The start of the month offered fabulous blue skies. I had to start back running by doing no more than a 5K with each run. It was glorious to be out once more and the natives seem to be enjoying the good weather too.  I felt my foot was weak as I ran the first mile or so, it began to ache so I slowed to a walk. To be honest I was afraid to push it!! After a quick stretch I ran on happy to be able to run.

As I needed to put more miles on my legs, I decided to run after Crossfit.  My legs felt fairly heavy to begin with but as I ran on they began to feel looser now It wasn't the fastest run but my leg didn't ache as much and I felt I had turned a corner. But my pacing was not there I was all over the place fast slow fast slow...no consistency.

A wet Tuesday evening found me at the track after Crossfit, I did a few 100m sprints and 200m sprints. I find the track really does help with increasing the pace, which I need. Also, I find running on tired legs helps with the longer distances. It was raining steadily, John took this picture and told me I was a crazy person!! But I really was desperate to do some running...

The smile was an indication that all was going well. I had finally been able to increase the mileage of my runs and was OK. Still a bit achy but not as achy..The sun was also out once more so an added bonus.. Although not the best running weather, as I just move and have sweat dripping off me. #SweatyBetty. But it does makes every view that bit prettier.

Friday 13th saw 'The Fitz Run' on the board as part of the evenings WOD. The run was from the entrance door up the road pass the Fitzgerald GAA Stadium by 200m and back down again.  As I took off I was running OK not at the speed of my fellow crossfitters. I crossed the road but  I noticed everyone else had not but I carried on and crossed back over further up. I  met everyone coming down against me at around 400m I slowed to a walk confused about the distance and pure habit. I don't know why I thought it was an 800m run rather than a 1.2Km run. I turned ran back down I didn't sprint. I probably should have considering how slow I was... Now I know the run I hope to improve the next time I take it on.

I might be turning a corner as yesterday I ran my best 5k in a few weeks and today I was able to put in a solid 7 miles. Both runs were on the plan but the rain that fell over the last two days meant it wasn't too appealing for running. Living in Ireland I can't use the rain as an excuse not to run although some days I do... The 5K run was just one of those 'yeah I'm having a great time' kind of runs whereas the 7 miles was a slog but not as much as I thought it would be. With todays run it took me 5 miles to ease into the run the last two felt the best and showed on the Garmin.

So over the next month or so, the mileage will increase in preparation for Julys half marathon. Hopefully at a pace that is consistent...

Taking control..

I've entitled this post 'taking control' and that's what I need to do. Of what, you maybe asking? Of what I put into my mouth is the answer. I've really let the nutrition side slide. I didn't take the losses I made in my weight and progress with it, instead I slipped back into old habits. I want to be a healthy person. Even though I run and do crossfit I am not as healthy as I could be. Of course there is also some or maybe even a lot of vanity I want to look good in my gym gear, to not worry about the jiggle of my 'gluteus maximus' as I run or squat and have thighs that don't have saddle bags attached to them. It isn't always about buying the right dress size etc.. I sometimes feel that I can't do a movement in Crossfit especially the gymnastics because I'm too large which when you consider the 1000's of people around the world who do these movements, is completely ridiculous. 

As I have been told the success to a healthy weight is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise, which is sometimes easy to forget. How easy it is to tell yourself you deserve the big cream bun after the hard workout or run. Now that's OK every now and again but lately the treats have becoming more routine and they have headed straight onto my saddle bags. 

And so, over the next few weeks I'm going to re-focus my eating habits.  Also as part of this renewal of fitness I am going to be doing some HIIT with Eric as part of the 4 week Body Shred Challenge, which couldn't have come at a better time for me.

Now don't get me wrong I haven't put an awful lot of weight back on but enough to make my jeans feel snug. It is easy to put your head in the sand, which I have done a few times, So this time I'm not going to, I'm going to get back on track and get to work.

So more funtimes ahead..

'It's good to have an end to journey to, but it is the journey that matters in the end'  

- Ernest Hemmingway