The best runs aren’t always your fastest

We were celebrating Newcastle parkrun’s 2nd birthday this weekend, so any excuse for cake and celebration! And you just know that meant I had to be there.

The plan was for the run as normal and then parkrun celebrations with cake, hot drinks and presentations in the nearby Royal Grammar School afterwards, complete with special guest Mark Allison, aka Run Geordie Run.

Mark Allison - Run Geordie Run

For anyone who doesn’t know, Mark is something of a local hero. In 2011, he ran an epic 3,100 miles across America in 100 days, and raised over £100,000 for two North East charities – St Benedict’s Hospice and the Children’s Foundation. In 2013 he’s taking on the even tougher challenge of running across Australia.

He’s a real hero of mine. I loved reading his blogs and catching up on his twitter feed as he was running and was very disappointed to miss an opportunity to shake his hand when he came in to give a talk at a work event last year.

On Saturday, after his first ever parkrun, he spoke with much humour about the challenges, highs and lows of his amazing achievement. It was inspirational stuff and the parkrun crew were hanging on his every word. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s put some thoughts in some heads. I did get to shake his hand this time. I hope some of his determination rubs off.

It’s not usual for there to be prizes at parkrun, but it was a tradition started by our first race director Niyc Pidgeon and it’s great to see it continue. There are prizes for the highest points scorers and some more light-hearted awards, nominated by parkrun regulars. I discovered we had a duathlon champion – someone who takes on the role of lead bike around the course and then runs parkrun in an impressive 36 minutes.

Parkrun regulars also showed their support to the volunteers who make our runs possible. There’s a hardcore team of volunteers at Newcastle who really are the backbone of this community and make sure a growing number of people can enjoy a weekly timed run on the Town Moor.

So what about the run? For me, it was one of my most enjoyable runs. I’d offered to pace Danielle, a runner I’ve made friends with on Twitter at sub 30 pace for a new PB. It was great to finally meet her and it gave me a chance to run, but at a sensible pace.

It’s quite a responsibility to pace another runner, especially one you don’t know very well, and conditions were rather challenging, with gusty winds making it hard going over the exposed stretches. And it didn’t help that in messing around with pace and speed on my Garmin, I’d actually switched it back to miles rather than kilometres, so I had to do some working out in my head, without letting on to Danielle.

I figured 9:30 min miles would see us right and checked my watch at the 1k sign. Even with a tough start into a headwind we were spot on at 5:55 for the first kilometre.

As we turned into the shelter of the trees along Grandstand Road, I encouraged her to pick it up a little, and actually pushed the pace a bit too hard towards the middle of the run, recording a 9:04 mile along the way, but Danielle stuck with it and was running really well. I kept offering little nudges of encouragement and positive messages.

The rough ground between 3 and 4k always saps your legs and your mental commitment to a fast time and it was made even more difficult by a ferocious headwind as we turned into the last kilometre. Still we kept going and although at times, Danielle was struggling a little with her breathing, she found a way to get it together.

As we approached the last corner I reassured her that she had it in the bag and we powered for the line. It was a brilliant run in far from ideal conditions and I felt really proud that Danielle had done what she set out to do. Here’s her version of events.

As we were waiting to get our barcodes and tokens scanned, another lady tapped me on the shoulder to say that she’d tucked in behind us, listening to me and it had helped her too. Well that just made me feel 100 feet tall.

I’m not the fastest runner, but I’ve benefited from so much advice and encouragement from other runners and have, in my turn been paced to some challenging times by faster runners. So I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end. And it feels even better to be on the giving one.

I guess I just love that feeling of achieving something, knowing what it takes to do it and how positive a force it can be for boosting your confidence. And it’s great when others can feel that too.

More pictures and video of the parkrun celebrations on Newcastle parkrun’s facebook page

Stats and stuff:
3.1 miles 29:03
1) – 1m – 9:19(9:19/m) – 102cal
2) – 1m – 9:04(9:04/m) – 104cal
3) – 1m – 9:57(9:57/m) – 103cal
4) – 0.1m – 44(7:13/m) – 10cal

Parkrun, a plan and a pork pie

Sorry, I’m a bit behind on my blogging and just catching up with last weekend before i enter into the business that will be this one.

Brrrrr, it was a tad nippy on the Town Moor on Saturday and I was glad of my multiple layers from thermals upwards as I volunteered at Newcastle parkrun. I’d hoped to run it, but in a bid to keep my pace sensible, had offered my services as a pacer, only to be told they had a full set. So I was on registration duties, ready with my barcode scanner.

It meant I had a bit of time to chat before the start and it was nice to be approached by a couple of new people wondering what to do and how it all worked. As always with Newcastle parkrun, you think there’s hardly anyone there and then just a few minutes before the start, you realise runners have been arriving from all directions and there’s quite a crowd.

Soon the runners were away over the silver green grass, a multicoloured stream tracking across the moor. The first finishers were quickly through and then it was busy time, scanning barcodes and numbers and occasionally looking up to see a queue of runners patiently waiting to record their results.

I recognised names, but barely saw any faces as my chilly fingers wrestled barcode, number and scanner. A chorus of thank yous and some very cheery runners who promised they had a PB if only it would scan properly kept me smiling.

I didn’t have time to miss running it, but as the tokens kept coming it looked like we were on for a record turn out and as Fred the tail runner came in, we were up to 366 a very keen turn out on such a cold and frosty morning.

So, back home and de-layered, into another set of kit that would see me drop off something to be mended, take my mountain bike for its service and then allow me to head off for a run. Tasks done, I jogged back home, ditching my cycle helmet and jacket in the hallway, changing the settings on my Garmin and heading out for a run.

My foot’s still playing up a bit, so slow and steady is the aim. And I’ve realised I need to rethink my definition of slow. Slow is not the pace I ran my best half marathon at, not even over a shorter distance. Slow needs to be slower than that. I need to ditch my speed thinking and just do what I can at the moment.

Anyway, I ran a couple of loops locally, giving myself the option of ducking out if I felt anything not right in my foot. It was mainly road, but took in a bit of beach and playing fields too. It was nice just to have the freedom to get out and run and not know how many miles I’d done until I heard the beep of the Garmin.

In the end I managed just over 5 miles and wouldn’t you know it, only started to feel a stiffness in my foot when I was at about the furthest point of my loop, meaning I had to run just over a mile to get home. But I relaxed and tried to remember the form advice, trying not to push off with my toes and keeping my knees bent and I made it without any trouble. Stretches and ice straight away when I got in and it’s okay.

Homemade pork pie

On Sunday I tried out a new workout on my plan. You know me, I love a plan. And with needing to be mindful of my foot, but wanting to burn off some of the Christmas excess, Ian’s come up with some interesting variations. I tried some indoor tri cross training with a sort of brick session between the rowing machine and spin bike.

It was pretty tough and I was glad I had some power tunes on my iPod to help me power through the bike section. I’m really not fond of static biking except in a spin class, so I used the music to do some intervals, faster and slower to reach 15km in just under 30 mins. And actually I got a great buzz from doing it.

I cooled down with a bit of a swim. I don’t really have a plan for swimming, but I’d like to improve my 400 and 500m swim time so, after some advice on fetcheveryone.com I swam 4x100m off 2:20 and was amazed that I was swimming 100m in less than 2 mins. A few more focused interval sets and hopefully I’ll be shaving some time off my longer swims ready for sprint tri season.

And after all that exercise, I made my first ever pork pie, courtesy of a recipe and ingredients from our friends at G&S Organics. I’m rather proud of how it turned out.

Run for Bob

I had a lovely active weekend, that’s shown me I shouldn’t take my fitness for granted. I know when I’m training, focused on a race or event, I get fitter and stronger, but it’s not been quite so clear how much fitter and stronger.

I’ve wound down my training over December, taking it easy to allow myself to recover from the plantar pain in my left foot. And that’s no bad thing. So I haven’t run as much. I’ve done no distance over 10k since September and I’ve only done that once, on a flat road at an easy pace in December. And I haven’t run much during the week.

But I managed 5.5 wet, muddy and off road miles on New Year’s Day and although my foot niggled a bit immediately afterwards, I iced it, stretched and rested the rest of the week and it stayed quiet.

But maybe 7.5 miles off road was a bit much on Sunday. It certainly breaks the 10% rule. And when you add on a 45 minute bike ride on Saturday and a 6 mile easy bike commute to and from Sunday’s race… what was I thinking?

I was thinking of one of my favourite run routes, great weather for being outdoors and catching up with some of my running buddies. And I did love getting out for a run. The feel of the cool fresh air and the astonished faces of those wrapped up to take their kids out on the scooters or throw a ball to their dog as around 100 runners dashed by along the seafront promenade and onto the beach.

The organisers stress this isn’t a race, it’s a run. We wear numbers, but there are no times. It encourages a friendly, low key feel. I was running with my friend Penny knowing she’s marathon training and had already clocked up a couple of miles before the start, so trying to keep my pace sensible – conversational pace we said. And we did have a nice chat for a while until I did my usual trick of hooning off over the beach. Sorry Penny. Thanks for sticking with me. I think I’ve proved I’m a lousy marathon training partner.

Up from the beach, we ran along the coastal path, a favourite route of mine in the summer. Today we were dodging muddy puddles and saying hello to the alpacas. At times the path was too narrow to run side by side so I struck out in front and then we caught back up by the road.

Ducking under the gate we ran downhill towards the marina and then on into the dene. The paths change shape here, muddier, narrower and more undulating. And I thought they would slow me down. But I was feeling good and strong and just enjoying the run, and Pen getting a fly in her eye dropped behind.

It was such a lovely day for a run. Cold, but not icy and in the shelter of the Dene, even the guy marshalling the stile remarked on me smiling. I knew there were a couple of uphills to come, but determined to run them.

The first passed easily on the road. The second came just after a fallen tree that we’d been warned about blocking our way. I ducked under the hollow and chose the road up a steep muddy bank to the top of the dene. I normally take the lower path alongside the river, with a hill at the end leading to the smoother waggonways.

I chased and passed a couple of runners on the upper path and despite keeping my eyes out for the path back down, I almost missed it. Running on my own now, I began to feel a bit of a tightness in my left leg and stopped for a few seconds to stretch out my hamstring and tighten my shoe laces.

I kept my eyes open for the other runners on the lower path and as I turned for the long straight route I knew would take me back to the start, I felt sure that Penny would be ahead.

The long road on the waggonways is deceptive. It’s a straightish path, and easier terrain underfoot than much of what’s gone before. But each brambly bush, each piece of vegetation hides another stretch of path ahead. And with few landmarks visible through the hedges, it seems to go on and on with no end in sight.

Now I started to pay for my earlier enthusiasm. Now I began to feel my form go, and my body drop. Here, where I could stretch out my legs, I could feel myself stumbling into a shuffle. I woke myself up with a shot of dried mango and told myself to pick my knees up, but it felt like I was grinding it out.

It reminded me of what it feels like to start building up distance again on the weekend long runs. For me, training for a half marathon over the summer, there’s always at least one or two that just feel like a slog towards the end. The ones where you’re really convincing yourself you have to stick to the mileage target.

Relax and enjoy, I said to myself, breaking down the remaining distance. Just about 20 more minutes to enjoy this run. Your legs will come back to you.

Even knowing the route and ticking off the markers, the underpass and the playing fields just ahead of the track didn’t make it any easier. I was afraid that trying to pick up any pace in the last half mile would mean I’d struggle to finish. Even when my feet hit the track I couldn’t wind it up.

Just 300m. I kept the same plodding rhythm down the first straight, then stuck tight to the line on the turn and forced my legs into a faster turnover. The last straight and less than 100m to go, I hit the sprint button at the relay marker and powered on for the line. A foolish trick as there was no one ahead to beat. But I enjoyed the adrenaline rush and it looks like I may be continuing TheScribbler’s sprint finishes at races in 2012. Well, it is Olympic year.

One of the best things about this run, apart from it being local, cheap and raising money for charity is the great spread of cakes and food put on by the club afterwards. I dived into the flapjacks and pop and had a lovely chat with one of the club members who had been lead bike on the course and caught up with a couple of running pals.

The ride home was quite hard work, into the wind and feeling the chill a little, but I took it steady and was soon enjoying a hot shower. My foot was niggling, so as soon as I was settled down with some lunch, I used an iced bottle to roll it and did plenty of stretching.

It does go to show the extra value that I get from training. When I’m focused on a specific event and training for it, it gives me an incentive to do the sessions, eat well and rest well. And that in turn does mean my performance improves. I’m not as endurance fit as I was in September, which shouldn’t come as any surprise, but it’s a useful reminder and another pat on the back for me for getting to that level of strength and fitness.

Stats and stuff:
7.47 miles 01:13:53
1) – 1m – 9:21(9:21/m) – 102cal
2) – 1m – 10:14(10:14/m) – 104cal
3) – 1m – 10:14(10:14/m) – 104cal
4) – 1m – 10:08(10:08/m) – 106cal
5) – 1m – 10:20(10:20/m) – 101cal
6) – 1m – 9:53(9:53/m) – 105cal
7) – 1m – 9:44(9:44/m) – 106cal
8) – 0.47m – 4:00(8:29/m) – 48cal

Resolution Run

Muddy, tired, but still smiling. Picture by Melanie Hudson

I’d given up running the New Year’s Eve parkrun in favour of this race, so I was very relieved to thoroughly enjoy it. After my worries about road shoes and running on a muddy Town Moor, I was kindly offered a loan of some trail shoes on the day, but decided in the end not to risk aggravating my plantar problems trying out new shoes. So I stuck my old Saucony’s on, taped up the gaping toes and hoped for the best.

And so I found myself being warmly greeted by Jane (a Fetchie I haven’t seen for a while) at the deserted cafe where I lined up to pick up my number. A quick pop back to the car to lose a few layers and decide what I was running in, and then back to see hundreds of runners arriving, including Dave, Peter and Mark as well as some other familiar faces from local clubs and races.

Trying to keep warm and regretting opting for short sleeves and no gloves, I chatted to Ian, Les and Kelda and finally got to meet George the pug who is gorgeous. I could have just picked him up and snuggled him under my vest, but instead settled for some ear tickles, snuffles and a good lick.

It was a bit of a delayed start as runners were still turning up to register and there was a short children’s race beforehand. But soon we stood, looking at the hills that lay ahead, the horn sounded and we were off along the path and over the grass.

My goal was just to treat this like a training run. Relax, enjoy and don’t think about time targets. Certainly nothing like a road 10k. And so it proved with people foolishly trying to skip the puddles out on the rough path and then stopping to get through the narrow gate.

I remembered my lessons about trail running, shortened my stride and stopped trying to run like I was on tarmac. The damp grass meant I often had to pick my feet up to escape a muddy slide and the off road route forced me to take it steady.

I was on steadier ground on the rough path along the side of Grandstand road, part of the parkrun route. My hands were still a bit chilly and I got the sharp, nerve like pain in my right shoulder that I sometimes get on a cold run. Thankfully I know this will pass if I just keep on moving and ignore it.

I exchanged a cheery greeting with Jane as she caught and passed me but resolved to try and keep her light blue hat in sight for as long as I could and just settled into the run. A shout out from parkrun regulars Ian and Angela Kirkley was a welcome boost as supporters would have had a cold afternoon on the moor.

I was always keeping in mind those hills and taking on board my Ian’s advice to keep it steady, but shortly after that shout out was the toughest bit of the course – a path over a long grassy slope, a hard slog, pulling on my legs and still the hills to come.

Almost an oops moment

When they arrived, I said to myself I’d try to run as much of them as I was able. Up ahead people were walking, but I powered on, taking little steps and using my arms. It was hard going and my feet slipped a couple of times, until about 2/3 of the way up to keep my footing I slowed to a walk. But I’d overtaken a good couple of runners on my way and managed to stay on my feet for the downhill.

Next, another hill, not so high, but possibly even more slippery underfoot. I ran this one on the first lap then almost came a cropper on the way down. A nifty bit of speedy footwork and airplane arms saved me. A short spot of tarmac and round for the second lap.

Now I knew what to expect I relaxed a bit more and with feet already wet through went sploshing over the ground. Despite the grass being more churned up by the runners ahead, I actually felt on safer footing the second time round as my devil may care attitude settled in.

On the rough path I began to feel my foot niggle a little this time and I wasn’t sure whether I should slow down or plough on. I went for the later option, as by now I was nicely warmed through, breathing easily and actually enjoying my longest run for a couple of weeks.

Another shout out from the Kirkleys and then a marshall pointed out the figure ahead and said “You can catch her, she’s a reasonable target”. I looked up and saw Jane’s hat, still quite a distance away, but definitely catchable. Slowly, slowly over the grassy slope I ground the distance down, eking out the inches ahead of the two hills.

I knew I had a chance on the hills, using my upper body strength to power me up. But alas, my footing and the churned up ground meant I had to slow to a walk around half way up the first one and once I lost my rhythm I went slower and slower, chest almost to my knees with the effort.

Down the slope, and conscious of staying steady on my feet. I followed the path taken by another runner, slightly away from the groove taken by many pairs of other feet. And somewhere between the down of one and the up of the next I managed to catch and pass Jane. I hope she caught my breathless encouragement.

By now I knew I was close to the finish. Just a wet muddy field to cross and then a welcome bit of tarmac to the end. I managed a smile and a wave to a friendly photographer and then began to wind it up a bit, still conscious that the ground here was very wet and slippery. I glanced at my watch and saw just over 5 miles and I knew then that it would be a short course. I had I reckoned less than 5 minutes to run, so I pushed on.

As I approached the tarmac of the final straight I saw Peter who gave me an encouraging shout for the finish. And I went straight into a good wind up sprint. It was way earlier than I normally go, but I managed to keep something like 5k pace for the last couple of hundred metres and really blitzed it out over the finish.

Ian and Les came over to say well done as I crossed the line, but as I looked to reply, I had a massive head rush and went a bit wibbly legged. Luckily a quick head down and stop restored my senses and I was soon smiling and comparing mud spattered trainers. What a good fun way to start the New Year!

Stats and stuff:
5.35 miles 52:43
1) – 1m – 8:54(8:54/m) – 101cal
2) – 1m – 10:43(10:43/m) – 105cal
3) – 1m – 9:32(9:32/m) – 101cal
4) – 1m – 9:29(9:29/m) – 104cal
5) – 1m – 11:18(11:18/m) – 101cal
6) – 0.35m – 2:47(7:52/m) – 36cal

Adding up and looking forward

Sprinting for the parkrun finish on Christmas Eve

I volunteered at parkrun this morning to save my legs for a New Year’s Day 10k. It was great to see so many friends and  talk to a few new parkrunners too. The race was won by a junior for the first time and there were some cracking sprint finishes even without me running!

I’ve been tracking my total training hours this year, and reached my goal of 250 hours in December, but noticed when checking my training log that I was on 269:24 for the year. And, well, I like a nice round number, so I decided to go for a swim to make up the time.

That session in the pool, trying out my new kickboard and pull buoy means I clocked up 270 hours of training and racing in 2011.

I ran 640 miles, cycled 540 miles, swam 23 miles and did 109 hours of cross training including pilates, boxercise, weights and my brilliant PT sessions.

I’ve completed 3 triathlons, competed in 43 races, including 23 parkruns. And scored PBs at 5k, 10k and half marathon distances, not counting distances I haven’t raced before including 5 miles and 10 miles. And I had loads of fun pacing two 30 minute parkruns.

Fetchies at the Northumberland Coastal run

I’ve done some new races this year, the highlight of which was the Northumberland Coastal Run. It really is a beauty and this year it was made all the more dramatic by the sudden change in the weather which saw me running the last mile along the beach watching the thunderstorms inland that struck just after I finished. Meeting lots of friends at the start and having great company in Penny on the run, it was one to remember.

It has been an amazing year for me. I have achieved so much – everything I set out for and more. And I’ve learned a lot about myself along the way. The goals and times are exciting, but what stays with me now are the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made and got to know even better.

Even when I run on my own, I’m often thinking of someone running with me, spurring me on or hearing their words of advice in my head. Thinking of Ian, keeping easy pace with me on one of our Quayside runs, encouraging me to be the best that I can be. Hearing Jeff shouting, encouraging me on to another sprint finish. Or Al just saying ‘relax and enjoy’.

I’ve had some great runs and rides and even swims this year. I did my first 750m swim in the pool on one of Lesley’s tri days and Peter has been more than generous with his time, taking me out to recce my first tri route, and encouraging me with my cycling. I have managed to get out on my bike and cycle every month this year, even if the mileage has been small. That’s something I’d like to do more of in 2012.

And as we’re looking forward, what have I got planned? Well 3 races entered so far, or they will be:

Resolution Run – 10k on the Town Moor. This will be a long slow run, steady pace, not 10k racing. I’m a bit worried as it’s mainly on grass and there are a couple of muddy hills and I only have road shoes. But it’s just a run – no times or targets.

The Olympic parkrun – if this isn’t my race of the year in 2012, I don’t know what will be. Just the thought of running through the Olympic Park and into that stadium – wow! No time targets for this one, it’s just about enjoying the experience. Oh and sprinting hell for leather down the finishing straight on the athletics track.

Great North Run – yes, I’m in again. But I’d really like to see how I go without making this a PB target race. I may very well train less and just tootle round further back in the pack and enjoy the atmosphere. Then again, I may feel like I’m having another amazing year and might just go for it again. We’ll see.

But 2012 is really all about triathlons. My first one at Ashington this year was the biggest buzz ever. I loved it. And now I have my road bike and have drowned my water demon, I know I can get better at these.

My big target challenge will be to complete my first Open Water event, which I aim to do at the QE2 triathlon in June. It’s a sprint tri, so 750m swim 20k bike, 5k run. The new bit for me will be the longer, lake-based swim. And then really I want to do as many sprint tris as I can get to and fit in, including the new Weardale event.

As far as running goes, I definitely prefer the shorter and faster distances, so I won’t be stepping up from the half marathon in 2012. I’d like be running sub 25 minute parkruns consistently and get that sub 50 min 10k. I need to find a nice flat course somewhere around April/May for that I reckon.

And I’d like to 1) get a place in the 150th Blaydon Race and 2) run it in under 50 mins. I’ve been seconds over on my last two attempts. I’m torn over this goal as I got upset with myself this year when I failed to PB at this race. I don’t want to fail to enjoy such an atmospheric race, but it’s so close I can taste it. So if I’m fit well and in form, I have to give it a shot.

I’d like to take on a bike challenge, maybe some longer rides and races, or simply a good day out on the bike. I’ve thought about the Coast to Coast or an option of a long ride that my work are organising, but the timings don’t work out. I think the Seahouses to Tynemouth ride may be an option, but I’ll keep my eyes peeled for others.

I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the some much valued help and support. Ian continues to be the best coach and trainer I could ever hope for, constantly focused on what’s  right and what works for me; testing my limits, never putting any pressure on me, but helping me reach my goals and finding new ways to make me the best I can be.

And my running, biking and triathlon friends are always good people to be around, always there to describe a route, cheer me on or share in some amazing experiences.

I’ll keep on supporting running and racing at parkrun and other events where I get the chance, or simply by smiling and saying hello to the other runners I pass.

I want to continue enjoying my training, stay fit and well and strong. And I know if I can do all those simple things, I’ll have another fantastic year full of fitness, fun and friendship. So I’ll drink a New Year’s toast to you all (elderflower cordial and fizzy water, if you please)- May your feet fall fleet and sure and may your friends be firm and fast.

The Scribbler’s 2011 running round up

WARNING: You my need a cuppa and some Christmas chocs to get through this blog post. It’s time to sum up an amazing year.

January 
My focus at the start of the year was to get triathlon fit. And shaking off the festive torpor, I ran a succession of parkruns, enjoying the social side as much of the running. I also got to grips with my swimming, starting to feel more confident about doing the 400m I’d need for my sprint tri.

February
February marked the official start of my tri training, going from no cycling to building it into my exercise plan week by week. My ancient old mountain bike isn’t the fastest of beasts, but gradually we started to have fun together and braved a wet and muddy track one weekend. The weather was not kind this month as a small, band of fools gathered to run a Fetch Mile on Newcastle’s quayside one wet, dark evening.

March
I returned to the track where I’d run as a youngster, swapping the 100, 200 and relay for a 10k around the familiar childhood grounds of Stanley Park. I was pushing for a PB, which I didn’t get, but I ran well on the twisty turny course and my family turned out to see me.
Later the same month I ran a new distance and had a great day out at the Hartlepool 5 miler, thanks to two of the loveliest Fetchies you’ll ever meet, Lesley Anne and Jeff. Catching up with Jason and Lisa was a real bonus at this lovely race.

At my first triathlon

April

I couldn’t have had a better start to my triathlon experience. I was massively nervous as I stood poolside, but I conquered the swim and jumped on my bike beaming as I knew I could do the next bit. As I sailed down the final stretch back to transition, I got my own ticker tape parade as cherry blossom blew down from the nearby trees. And suddenly I was running for the line. Pounding out a sprint finish to encouraging shouts and feeling the biggest sense of elation and achievement. One of the highlights of my year.

May
What a busy month I had in May! I met up with a huggle of Fetchies for a Rendezvous Run on a lovely sunshiney day. And just two weeks after my first tri, I completed my second at Darlington. A much tougher, longer bike course and wet conditions meant this was a tough call. But I still finished smiling. And just a few days later, on a warm sunny evening I went and ran a 10k PB. Not the accepted training route for a 10k race – but it worked for me.

And just to round off the month there was a blustery Pier to Pier race and another 10k at Druridge Bay.

A gathering of Fetch runners at the start of the Blaydon Race

June
In June I said hello to my beautiful road bike. Shiny, sleek and gorgeous, she stole my heart and promised lots of good times together, but not before I suffered a few scrapes trying to get used to the clipped in pedals. After I dislocated my finger in a freak non-bike-related accident, I lost a bit of confidence and returned to standard pedals.

Thankfully nothing got in the way of me completing my third run of the Blaydon Race and only my own competitive stubbornness upset me when I failed to beat last year’s time. It was vastly silly to get upset at my favourite race, so that taught me a valuable lesson about tempering my competitive spirit. A 5k PB at parkrun the same week soon proved I did have it in me to run fast and not pile the pressure on too much.

July
I took a break in Scotland, ate well, explored some beautiful coastlines and generally had a relaxing holiday. But by now I was also building up the run miles and for the first time ever enjoyed the magnificent Northumberland Coastal Run, which marked my 50th race. That was a wonderful day. The rain lifted long enough for me and Penny to enjoy the coastlines and castles and then shift along the last sandy straight as the clouds gathered and the thunder and lightning stormed at the finish.

August
My new baby brother, Lewis James brought a whole heap of joy to our family. August also marked my third and probably favourite triathlon of the year at Hebburn and the first on my road bike. With another crowd of supporters, including Ian who stood alongside me at the poolside and Peter who cheered me through the finish, this was a great race and a tri PB.

Me, Al, Paul and Mark at the finish of Great North Run 2011

September
September’s always been about one race. Even in the years before I ran I was aware of the Great North Run. And this year I really knew I could finally chase down that elusive sub 2 hour time.

Confident in my pacing with a race pace run at the 10 mile Jelly Tea; relaxed and smiling thanks to meeting up with Al and his pal before the race; and then just running, relaxed, focused and as well as I could. Picking up a bottle of water from Tanni-Grey Thompson again, starting to feel the strain at 9 miles and getting a boost from seeing Jeff and his dad.

Getting to the bottom of the John Reid Road and knowing I was on target as the heavens opened and a refreshing rainfall sped me on. Totally blanking out that long slow uphill slog and suddenly realising I was on Prince Edward Road and then turning onto the last stretch out along the coast, sure and certain I could do it. Scanning the crowd for Gary through the rain. Reminding myself I still needed to get a move on as my focus drifted and then powering on through the line in 1:57:32. Brilliant!

Meeting so many fabulous Fetchies at the finish, including my annual catch up with Mark, spotting Dawn in her fab sailor costume and hearing myself described as a triathlete, congratulating many many on PBS and everyone, but everyone asked if I’d got my sub 2. Well I did, and it was a definite highlight of my year.

A muddy team Inspire

October
Time for some fun and some mud. There was plenty of both at two very enjoyable races this month. At the Hellhole 10k I enjoyed a lovely trail run with reminders of last year’s exploration of the woods with Lisa. This was also a memorable run in that I managed to score my first ever race place and a prize for 5th lady veteran. I enjoyed choosing some high viz gear with my vouchers ready for winter running.

Then there was the Newcastle Stampede which saw me diving over hay bales, balancing on tyres and plunging waist deep into cold muddy water. Too much fun!

But the real highlight of October wasn’t a race I ran, but a race I supported – the Town Moor marathon. Another bevy of Scottish Fetchies visiting for the day and plenty of local support at the bandstand. And it was a brilliant day. I think this is another race that will stay firmly in my portfolio, although I still don’t feel the compulsion to run it.

November
This month saw a significant birthday for me, which I celebrated in style with parkrun and cake and more cake and Fetchies. It wasn’t quite the day I had planned at the beginning of the year, but it was the one that suited me best.
And it was swiftly followed by another fabulous day tri training in Scotland with lovely Lesley and friends and more cake. I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful friends.

December
Traditionally a month of slowing down, low mileage and an ease off in training. So it has proved this year. A touch of plantar fasciitis has had me running cautiously and festive holidays have meant classes and training sessions cancelled. But I’ve still enjoyed a lovely Quayside training run that got my 10k confidence back. And a memorable parkrun relay where the coldest of cold days didn’t diminish the warm support.

I was sad to miss the Saltwell 10k, but happy that Jeff took my place and I got to cheer on some incredible performances from among others, Claire and Sue who ran amazingly well to PB on that course. And I enjoyed trying my hand as race photographer too.

A Christmas Eve parkrun and a Boxing Day 5k dash have fulfilled my need for speed and burned off some of the festive excess. And there are still a few more days to go before I wish a fond farewell to 2011.

For this has been a grand old year for me. At the beginning, my aims were to complete a triathlon, and go sub 25 at Newcastle parkrun. I did that and more, picking up a 10k PB and finding some new and enjoyable races. And although it only became a goal later in the year, when I felt it was possible, I did run that sub 2 hour half.

There have been ups and downs, good moments and bad. But it’s been my best running year to date. So I look forward to 2012, Olympic year full of hope and excitement for the possibilities ahead. 2011 will take some beating, but I think 2012 may just do it.

Last two races of the year

And I didn’t run either of them. And it didn’t matter a jot.

Newcastle parkrun was always looking doubtful after a smattering of snow and rain and a temperature drop below freezing overnight. But I’d casually volunteered so I wrapped up warm and headed out onto the moor. Even as I made my way across to the start, I learned the run had been called off and the icy paths gave evidence that it was absolutely the right decision.

But still, quite a few hardy souls were out for their Saturday morning fix and decided to do a freedom parkrun. I was surprised how many still turned out in good cheer and how many ran.

Ever faithful Malcolm, our gate guardian had headed out to stand at his usual post, so as I walked towards the start line, I decided to head out to the little gate on the moor to help the runners coming through. I got lots of waves and smiles and thank yous and I even managed to take a few pictures. And it was great to see a couple of youngsters toughing it out in the cold. What a great opportunity and community parkrun is building all over the UK.

A quick dash home to do some chores and have some lunch, before wrapping up again to go out and support the Saltwell 10k. I really enjoyed this race when I did it last year. It’s a tough hilly course that laps round a park, so it’s quite pretty, very wintry and well supported.

I’d entered again this year, but having taken some time off running to sort out a niggly case of plantar fasciitis on my foot and coming down with a stonking cold that kept me off work and in bed most of the day on Monday, I decided maybe it wasn’t wise to run it. So I was very happy to be able to transfer my place to Jeff.

I’d been hoping to blast out one last 10k, with a target of beating last year’s time for this course. And having been twitter stalking Claire, half having in my mind trying to keep her in my sights as long as possible as she’s running well, consistently and just a good bit faster than me.

But it wasn’t to be. I could have just run it as a training run. But I know my competitive spirit and it didn’t feel right. Besides, I’d risk making my injury worse pounding up and down the hilly course. I did get my compensation with a quiet, still, early morning 10k along the quayside on Thursday with Ian. Just a steady pace, talking all the way, stretching at the halfway point and totally shaking off my anxieties about running.

So at Saltwell I was a spectator, and despite being a bit sad that I wasn’t running, I had a great time. I met up with Claire and her lovely support crew, and cheered on Fetchies left right and centre, including Penny, Sue, Jeff, Flip, Anna and Paul, plus loads of parkrunners and random club runners. If you’re an Elvet Strider, you’ll always get a shout from me. I took my serious camera and managed to get a few decent shots:

It was fffffreezing, so shouting and cheering people on was a great way to keep warm. At one point, one of the other spectators asked if I was taking pictures of everyone as I seemed to know so many people. I do enjoy running, but I do enjoy supporting too, and it’s always good to be among friends, especially those you know have supported and encouraged you.

And, it’s not quite the last race of the year. There are still a couple of parkruns that are possible and a Boxing Day race that I’ve never yet managed to run as it’s been called off. I will run on Boxing Day whatever happens this year. It was the first day when I just went out for a run because I wanted to. Not because it was on my exercise plan, just because I felt like it. The first day I knew I was a runner.

Old shoes, meet new shoes

Hello shoes. Here you all are together. My third year of running and my first year of three pairs. And yes I know, new Asics, you’re still waiting the moment when I lace you up and take you outside. But be patient my dears, your time will come.

My 2011 traners l-r Saucony Pro Grid Triumph, new Asics Gel Nimbus, current Asics Gel Nimbus

Saucony’s, you’ve really weathered the tough runs this year. You’ve been taped up to tackle sand, mud and puddles; trecked your way along the coastline past castles and climbs; changed your laces and slipped on my feet for three triathlons of bike and run. You have done me proud.

It took a little while to settle with you. You were stiffer and harder than last year’s Nike’s but I soon broke your skin, gaining toe glimpses as I ran. Your support remained steadfast, even when I changed my allegiance to another pair.

You were there for my 50th race and returned from retirement without faltering to plodge through the mud and leap haybales at the Stampede.

For workhorses you were fast. A couple of close to 25 minute parkruns before we broke through that marker. And on one warm summer’s evening, a glorious, unexpected 10k PB. Thank you for some amazing adrenaline filled moments.

Asics Nimbus, do you remember that day when I tried all those different shoes on the treadmill and chose you, knowing you’d be the ones to take me round my third Great North Run? What a weight of expectation on your soles!

You slipped on so easily. We were soon in step and increasing the miles. Through the summer we ran out along the coast, to the lighthouse and back, a little further each weekend. And just two days after the Blaydon Race you sped me to a parkrun PB, sub 25 and a time not matched since.

But you always knew what you had to do. The goal I returned to as, step by step, you made me see it was in my reach. You kept my pace, kept me steady, took the strength and endurance built from cross training and gave me the faith in myself that I could do it. I could run a sub 2 hour half marathon.

We always understood each other you and I. So you knew my strange ways, my little habits and superstitions. You knew I’d run better with the pressure off. So on that day when I ran part of the course; on the day when I was meant to run 12, you gifted me the numbers and a 13.1 mile training run in less than 120 minutes.

And then we did it again. On a day marked by great friendships and amazing support, we carried each other. Focused, certain, confident. Just you and me doing what we knew we could. Running from Newcastle to South Shields, pace perfect in 1:57:32. You know how much that meant to me. Thank you.

New shoes, sister Asics, learn from your companions. Learn their strength, endurance, speed and reliability. And this year, their sensible side. Draw from the quiet confidence and self belief, the support and hope placed in you. There’s no need to fear the expectations. We have time to get used to each other’s quirks and rhythms. And although I’d hoped to race with you this weekend, be patient for our time will come. The Olympic Park is calling and we will run.

Newcastle parkrun – the Fetch relay

The fabulous Fetch relay team and friends

I was so chuffed to be asked to be part of a Fetch team relay for the 100th Newcastle parkrun. And to be pitched as the final leg (must be that famous sprint finish).

I’m afraid my fellow team mates had to put up with me being a bit gloomy about my running prospects this week as I continue to take a cautious approach to what I think is a touch of plantar fasciitis in my left foot. Thanks to everyone who has offered advice, sympathy and support, especially Lisa  and Gav. Touch wood, I’m getting off lightly.

But after an easy couple of miles on Tuesday and no further real niggles, I woke up Fetch Ed, made a baton out of the inside of a roll of kitchen foil, baked post-race gluten free brownies and headed off to meet Penny, Rob, Martyn and in a late substitution, Lesley Anne – back running parkrun.

You know how some people make the day better just by being around? It was like that x 100.

Lots of crazy batons including a stick of bread and some Christmas crackers and some fancy festive headgear among the relay runners. It felt strange to set off at a steady pace ahead of the rest of the parkrunners as we dropped off relay team members around the course. As the numbers dwindled, I began to feel nervous. It wasn’t far to run, but I’ve barely run at all for a couple of weeks, what if I can’t turn on my speed? My team would have worked hard to get the baton to me, I couldn’t let them down.

There was nowhere to shelter as we stopped at the 4k marker, nervously trying to keep warm, awaiting the runners to come. We started to see them streaming across the path and then the first through, close behind the lead bike, carried a baton. And we were off.

Sprinting for the finish at the 100th Newcastle parkrun

Scanning the gate for our team mates, watching our numbers dwindle, cheering on other parkrunners including Jeff and, then I saw Obi the dog, bouncing along, swiftly followed by Martyn. A smooth, standing changeover and I was away.

A surge of adrenaline carried me off, legs hammering. But the cold wind in my face soon checked me back to a more reasonable pace. Hard to pace a 1k distance, but just feeling good to be running again. Usual markers passed me by and soon I realised I was almost at the last corner. Encouraging my legs to kick on, I negotiated the turns and powered down the finish waving the baton to the timers.

Barcode and token checked in, hoodie on and back to the finish to cheer on the rest of the team with the biggest smile coming from Lesley Anne. Then over to the cafe for a feast of cakes and biscuits brought by the regular parkrunners. Celebrating with specially made medals and a team photo. I also caught up with the lady I paced to her first sub 30 parkrun a few weeks ago.

It was good to be back running, good to be back on the town moor, even in the wintry chill, and good to be part of a community of parkrunners and the volunteers who make sure we can have such fun.

Battling the niggles

I haven’t run since I did the double parkrun on 26 November when the post-run pain in the base of my left foot made it obvious that I needed to take some time out to rest and investigate the problem.

Plenty of rolling and some stretching seemed to ease it and I managed all my other training, including a tough PT session that really worked my quads and glutes on Thursday morning. I went for a sports massage on Thursday afternoon. Roz did some intensive treatment on my foot and calves and advised me to ice my foot to help with the inflammation.

So I spent a couple of evenings with an ice pack or rolling a glass bottle full of ice under the arch of my foot. I even took the ice pack to work (well no one can see under my desk and it’s the best chance to catch me sitting down). And it’s definitely improved. In fact, by Friday I was suffering more from post workout aches in my glutes, quads and hips after Thursday’s training.

The work Christmas party on Friday night had me in my sparkly dancing shoes and another chance to wear the beautiful dress my sister chose for me to wear as a bridesmaid at her wedding. I wouldn’t say I’ve put on weight since then, but I’ve probably stretched out across my back and shoulders, so it was a bit of a challenge to zip it up! But it went on and I felt gorgeous in it.

On Saturday we went up to Christmas Farm for a festive feast and had great fun helping get the place ready and decorated for all the organic box scheme customers. I decided not to risk a Sunday run and made do with a swim, spin and body balance class instead.

I’d managed to get an appointment with my podiatrist first thing on Monday. Part of me thought this was overkill as I was confident I was well on my way to sorting out my niggle. But she took a good look at me, watched me bend my knees and honed in on my pelvis which was jinking out of line.

I then spent a good 20 minutes with her elbowing accupressure points around my hips and calves. I wouldn’t have said there was any tightness in either, but boy, she found the tight spots. And she’s given me some stretches to do.

She suggests that speed work may have caused the problem. That changing my gait a little has unbalanced my pelvis and that the problems in my foot is linked to the nerves rather than the muscles. I haven’t been running huge mileage or more sessions. But I had been doing hill and flat sprints with the running club untiil a couple of weeks ago.

She also recommended new trainers (the heels are rather worn and softening up). And thankfully I got some vouchers for my birthday that I can put to good use. I think it may also be time to get a foam roller to massage out the muscles.

I’m glad I went if I’ve managed to treat the source rather than just the symptoms of the problem. I count myself pretty lucky that I haven’t had to struggle through long term injuries and niggles and now is a good time for me to ease back. But my eye remains on the future and if good habits now can keep me running into my 70s, I’ll take that over any amount of pushing myself to breaking point.

I’d like to run at Newcastle’s 100th parkrun on Saturday, but I’ll still be taking it easy if I do. And next weekend I’ve entered a 10k. I already know I won’t be able to blast that out as fast as I would have done a couple of weeks ago. I’ll give it another few days and decide whether it’s sensible to run it at all.