It was a running/fun-filled Saturday morning. Out we all rushed to get to Hilly Fields on time for our Parkrun, Edward running, me on the barcode scanner and Hector doing a bit of everything in between. We continue to have more and more runners turning up every week, a combination of warmer weather, word-of-mouth and bikini diets(?). Amazingly, since we started the Hilly Fields Parkrun back in September, I have never taken on the role of barcode scanner. I can’t say it’s my favourite (this being Run Director, of course), too much concentration needed and, as the numbers increase, a line of tired runners wanting to get home/get to the cafe/flop on the ground – you do get to congratulate people on their achievement though. Edward ran, though didn’t feel great ahead of the run, but still managed to run within about ten seconds of his PB. Once we’d scanned in the last few runners, we ran down the hill to catch a bus over to Peckham Rye, where I was to run the Peckham 10k.

We were very early, underestimating the distance, so found ourselves sitting in the cafe (to keep warm, it had suddenly turned cold again!) chatting to two runners who had just run Hilly Fields and then to another regular HF runner, Parkrun is a very socially-enhancing event you know! I ran this race two years ago and, though I found it a bit disorganised and was upset to find they had run out of water at the end, I still came back for more, well it’s local, small and cheap! So off we headed to the start line.

Edward told me to do a running pose

Heading to the start

It was a bit unclear as to where the actual start line was, I wasn’t entirely sure when to start my Garmin and couldn’t hear anything the race organiser was saying (a mega-fone might help in this situation). So we suddenly seemed to be running in a random direction (back to where we came from as it turned out).

Assembling at the start

I was now reminded of how chaotic this race is, as we ran through the Saturday morning footballers (who gave the best cheers!) and along narrow and uneven paths, to squeeze through a narrow gate at the top corner of the park. I do think the park is big enough and varied enough to avoid sending a group of runners through a gateway, along pavements and across the path of cars, it’s amazing we got to the finish line unscathed! While I narrowly avoided road traffic accidents, Edward and Hector enjoyed exploring the safer parts of the park and stumbled across this chap:

A turtle ‘this big’!

When I finished, Hector ran up to me to tell me he had seen a turtle ‘this big’! I think it was probably someone’s tiny pet terrapin until they realised how big they grow, he also had a similar size friend who was teasing the ducks by sticking his nose out of the water.

I found the 10k distance a bit challenging as I hadn’t really trained towards it properly, so didn’t manage a PB – I looked down at my Garmin when it said ’9k’, looked up at the loop of park still to go and knew a PB was out of my grasp this time. Oh well. I did, however, find it in me to sprint to the finish, especially when I saw the boys cheering me on, it really helps to see friendly faces as you go.

Sprint finish!

It is a lovely park, and I enjoyed meeting the ‘turtle’ after the race and also a restorative breakfast in the cafe afterwards, but there are quite a few flaws in the organisation that might put me off running it again. Here are my own stats, as I can’t yet see the results on the race website.

Distance: 6.17 miles

Time: 56 minutes 21 seconds

Average Pace: 9.08

Best Pace: 5.52

Calories: 755

I am a little back to front with my blog-writing at the moment, I will try and write about the London Marathon later this week.

I’m a bit behind! Last week you could have been led to believe that I was running the London Marathon, I was certainly entering into the marathon build up with great enthusiasm, right down to going along to the expo but, alas, that crossing-the-line feeling of joy was not to be mine. I was invited along to a special New Balance expo breakfast event on Thursday, so sneaked out of the house super early to ride the DLR with the sleeping people to the runners’ mecca that is Excel. I was greeted along with other running bloggers/writers Carla, Shaz and Kate by the lovely people from NB, all kitted out in matching black outfits and funky shoes. We quickly and enthusiastically drooled over the colourful array of new shoes before being introduced to New Balance’s new concept ‘Good Form Running’.

New balance have taken all of those things we know we should be doing when we run, to make us into more efficient (and injury-free?) runners, and condensed them into four key areas: posture, midfoot, cadence and lean. In the next few weeks this concept is being taken out into fifteen shops across the country so runners can pop in and have a look at their own form and receive some advice about what they might think about adjusting to make things run a bit more smoothly. To help us understand this, Kate took to the treadmill (already in some Minimus shoes) and demonstrated exactly how we should be moving. She was keen to point out that she found the shoes naturally put you into this optimum position, partly due to the fact that it hurts to heel-strike in a ‘barefoot’ shoe. First of all we looked at posture. We were told that it’s good to start thinking about the key points before you even set off, resetting your posture by standing tall, pointing your toes forward and, whilst running, allowing your arms to swing easily at about a 90 degree angle. Next we discussed foot-strike, with the midfoot strike being the kind of strike we should be aiming for. I sat there imagining my own running form, picturing a heavy heel-strike all the way, but actually, since attending the event I have realised that my footstrike is pretty much midfoot anyway (well phewee!). An interesting point that was raised next was cadence, how many times we strike the ground each minute. To help us reach the goal of 180 strides per minute, we were given a neat little metronome, which was pulsing away in the background to keep us in check. Finally we talked about lean, leaning forwards from our ankles, not bending from the waist. This can also be addressed pre-run by leaning forwards against a wall or tree and setting that position in your mind to carry you forward into your run.

Having seen it in action, this all makes perfect sense and, having just four key points to consider helps it become easier to implement in your everyday running. I can see how wearing lower heel shoes can make this happen more naturally, but all of these things can be put into action on any kind of run. Enthused by it all, I set out the next day with the 180 beat in my head and I simply sailed along! I’m not sure how long I could keep it up, but this is something you work on over time (NB suggest you go back to the shop around six weeks later, to see how you are getting on and reassess anything that might need addressing). In addition to learning about Good Form Running, we were shown some fantastic new shoes, ranging from tough and chunky ultra shoes to light-as-a-feather ‘barefoot’ shoes. I was most delighted to be given a pair of the rather special shoes created just for the London Marathon, inspired by Savile Row tailoring and with a matching ‘chap’ t-shirt

I have put together my photos of the day and you can find out all about New Balance shoes and apparel here.

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This morning’s run is dedicated to all those affected by what has happened in Boston. It looks like the London Marathon is going ahead, and we will be there to support all of our runners and friends.

Distance: 5.09 miles

Time: 51 minutes 28 seconds

Average Pace: 10.07

Best Pace: 6.05

Calories: 647

The sun’s out! It’s amazing the difference a bit of sunshine will make to a run, and the dryer, grippier ground at Hilly Fields on Saturday made all the difference, with a total of 25 runners getting a new Hilly Fields Parkrun PB! I set out with a few seconds improvement in mind, but – according to my Garmin time, the official time was slower – I knocked almost a minute off my best time so far I was well chuffed. I wasn’t sure how my lack of running during the Easter holidays (just one run last week) would affect my ability to tackle those hills, but I needn’t have worried. I do worry though about how I will manage to maintain any kind of fitness over the summer holidays, if I can’t get out over the shorter Easter break. I will need a plan of action.

One option I suppose is the gym in the evenings, but it doesn’t come close to a nice sunny run. I do have a couple of cool new tops to try out in the gym though, sent to me recently by QTag, who sell running and leisure clothing online at really great prices. I’ve been feeling very bright in my ‘Girly Cool T-shirt’ in hot pink (yes, I know, I feel very obvious in it!), and I will be bravely getting my arms out in the gym to show off my ‘Girly Cool Vest’ in Kelly green, which is a really nice, eye-catching colour to run in. Both tops have wicking properties and are very cool for the gym or outdoors when we do eventually (please!) get some warmer weather. I think QTag would be a good point of contact for running clubs and groups, with the option to buy good quality clothing in bulk and with a wide range of colours to choose from.

Hot Pink and Kelly Green

In the meantime, I will try and get Hector out on his bike to accompany me on a run, and attempt to motivate myself away from the comfort of the sofa and my growing crochet project, to push and pull a bit in the gym of an evening, we’ll see.

I find that running becomes all the more attractive when you can’t actually do it. This week I had planned to run five miles on Tuesday, but was woken in the night by a poorly boy and our Tuesday was spent snuggled up on the sofa, Hector under his duvet and me (on vomit-watch) under my growing blanket:

My growing yarny creation

(I have been attempting to crochet for a long time now, and only got the hang of it when I went to a workshop. I would recommend it, it’s one of those things that you really do need to see in action. If nobody else appreciates this, I at least know that Travelling Hopefully will )

By Wednesday Hector was back up and at ‘em (it’s amazing how small people bounce back as if nothing has happened) and I was able to tackle that run I had planned. I mentioned to Edward that I planned to run five miles and he said: ‘You could run 10k in about an hour, slacker!’ (that was all said in the nicest possible way, for anyone who doesn’t know him!), so there it was, I had a challenge. I dropped bouncy boy off at school and set off towards Blackheath. For some reason I thought it might be good to include a hill and anyone from the SE13 area will know that Lewisham Hill lives up to its name. Oh, how I gritted my teeth! It’s been a long time since I did this particular route and it felt good to open out onto the heath and saunter over to Greenwich Park with its gorgeous views. All the time I had a delightful selection of music in my ears, courtesy of my superb ‘Adele’s Big Four Doh!’ CD compilation from our lovely friends Bas, Mirjam and Aletta. All on the theme of running, or with a subtle mention of running, these songs really gave me a boost when I started to flag. Knowing that it’s been a very, very long time since I ran 10k, maybe over a year, I wasn’t going to be too hard on myself, and just enjoyed the run but, as I got nearer to home I started to glow a bit, feeling a buzz that you only get when you’ve hit that running goal.

It’s amazing how varied our ‘running careers’ can be. Not so long ago I was training hard for the Brighton Marathon, then the Royal Parks Half Marathon, then I haven’t raced for over year, preferring to run just for the pleasure of it and I now find myself stuck around the 5k mark. How happy was I to see these stats?

Distance: 6.23 miles

Time: 59 minutes 55 seconds

Average Pace: 9.37

Best Pace: 6.47

Calories: 756

I feel better now. Last night Edward persuaded me to go to the running club. I haven’t been for a while: tiredness, coldness, can’t-be-arsedness, but he said I would feel better afterwards… I got there and huddled in the doorway, not wanting to be outside in thin Lycra. I joined the pack, warming up around the track for a mile, I listened to other people’s conversations, I took in all the amazing athletes darting around me in all directions, I kept my head down. We tackled the session, my ankle hurt, my knee hurt, my head hurt. I cried. I sidled off the track, cried some more and wandered home, defeated. A DNF.

This morning was a new day. I put on my brightest running top and dropped H off at school. I ran hard up to Hilly Fields, familiar and friendly ground. I ran up, down and around and felt more like myself again. Maybe the running club isn’t the right thing for me right now.

This little video mentions sweating tears and the beach scene certainly lifts my spirits, when will the sun come out?! These new Mizuno Wave Rider shoes are being marketed as ‘Smoother, lighter, faster’. If they can make the wearer feel thus, then they have to be good

I’m so glad I got out and ran this morning. School was – amazingly – open and I pulled Hector on his sledge to the gates, the best way to travel right now. On my return I knew I had to get that snowy run in before it all disappears, so wrapped up warm and headed out along the Waterlink Way. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Golden glow

I ran along the river, hoping to spot the kingfisher, and was delighted to not only catch a glimpse of the blue flash, but to be treated to a perching/swooping show as he darted under the bridge I stood on then briefly settled on a branch until he decided to dart again. I crunched happily through the snow and spoke to pretty much everyone I saw along the way; it just felt right.

When I got back I didn’t want to stop, so decided to go to the gym as well.

Untouched

I commented to the lad on the desk that it looked beautiful on the track, and he said people keep coming in and asking to build snowmen there, but they’re ‘not allowed’. Imagine a series of snowmen going around the track! I found myself stepping up and down in an attempt to warm back up and started to chatting to the man on the treadmill next to me. He was proudly telling me how he is running the London Marathon, his first marathon, at the age of sixty. I told him I have done three and said he could ask if he needs any guidance. We chatted happily about marathons and running in general for about half an hour, the stepper a mere distraction.

Yesterday I put on my running gear then weighed up my options (slightly in the wrong order). I made the decision that I can run any day, but it’s not often I get to go sledging and play in the snow with Hector, so off we went up the hill again. I’m glad I chose option number two, it’s such excellent fun whizzing down hill on a bit of plastic, screaming!

Off they go!

On our return home, we didn’t want to go inside, so spent some time building another snowman, well, snow alien (I think). The orange thing is ‘his eye popping out’.

Garden alien

Yes there was snow on them there Hilly Fields and yes we were going ahead with our Parkrun. Forty-five runners turned up for a frolic in the snow this morning, but I resisted the urge, being Run Director and marshal, then satisfied my snow-fun needs afterwards:

Oh, what fun!

Hector and Edward kept themselves very busy building a snow monster/alien thingy:

Watch out!

Yesterday was a gymmy day, then I got hot running around in the park after school, avoiding being hit by snowballs.

In yer face!

And trying to persuade Hector it might be getting dark, and we should go home.

So angelic. Ahem.

On Thursday I succumbed to the lure of an extra layer and wore a vest under my long-sleeve top, I even wore a hat. I normally reserve such excesses for when there is snow on the ground, but I seemed to require a little extra help in getting out. I woke with a few alien aches, a result of my hard work on the floor on Wednesday: that Pilates class is good, with the aches being in all the right places (abs, butt) so I will definitely be back for more next week. It seemed like the perfect time to try out a pair of tights I am testing, the new ACTV tights from Puma. I had a sneak preview of these leggings back in the summer at a Puma press day up in East London, with the backdrop of the Olympic Stadium to glance at wistfully. The thing that interested me about these tights was that they are like a compression garment, but instead of being worn post-exercise, they are designed to be worn during exercise. The inside of the fabric is lined with little rubber tracks that massage your muscles as you run (this is the inside-out view of the knee area):

Wiggly

They are interesting to get on, with the rubber bits sticking slightly – there was some stealth-like manoeuvring going on in the bedroom and, as my legs are seemingly shorter than the average leg, some interesting wrinkling occurring around the ankle. Oh, to be able to order a few extra inches of shin online… As I left the house, it was very tempting to rub my thighs, but that would mean looking like Vic Reeves and getting the neighbours talking, so I resisted (whilst in public anyway). Did I mention it was cold? Well, I wasn’t expecting one of the qualities of these tights to be extra warmth, but they did seem to keep my legs warm and there was something reassuring about the gentle hug they were giving my lower limbs. I have been experiencing some ankle and knee pain in the past few days, but amazingly there was no sign of this. Maybe this was coincidence, but it would be great to find a garment that can offer this much support during a run. I suppose if I was doing a more scientific sort of test I would have gone out for a run in a regular pair of tights to offer a comparison, but I really needed to jump straight in the shower and grab a cup of tea on my return. The Puma tights will be available exclusively from Sweatshop and will retail at £100.

It was a gorgeous day for a run along the river and I was treated to views like this:

Through Ladywell Fields

And this (but no kingfisher today):

The River Ravensbourne

And, on my way back, this caught my eye:

One sided

I didn’t make it to the yoga class on Monday morning, so I decided to try and get to the pilates class today. One minute it was 9.10 and I was sitting reading blogs with a cup of tea in my hand and the next it was 9.30 and the class started in a quarter of an hour. Oops! Undeterred by such a challenge, I jumped on my bike and pegged it down the road. Things might have been a bit easier if I hadn’t got distracted by the bird-watching man and wondered nosily what he had spotted, thus carrying on along the path instead of going up the hill. This resulted in a detour around Catford (never a fun experience), finding I couldn’t take a right turn, annoying pedestrians by riding on the pavement for a bit (I know), and avoiding getting crushed by big lorries, buses and impatient van drivers. I got to the gym at 9.44, flustered, a bit sweaty and very snotty, perfect.

My previous experience of pilates has been as a dancer, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The room was full and there was already some deep breathing going on, so I sneaked in and found a mat and a bright yellow rubber band thing that everyone seemed to have, and got down and breathed. There were points early on in the class where I was slightly bored, being more of a go faster, get sweaty sort of person, but I soon found myself working hard and engaging previously neglected muscles in the midriff region. I felt strong on some of the harder exercises, so the run/gym thing seems to be paying off. It was a good class and the teacher was attentive and obviously experienced, so I think I might go back. I’m not convinced by the opera-pop mix, wailing lady whale music thing though and I tend to mis-read pilates as ‘pirates’, which I think would be a far more exciting sort of class.

My pre-club run conversation with Edward went something like this:

Me: I don’t want to go.
Edward: Really?! You’re kidding me!
Me (flopping down on the stairs): I don’t feel like it, erm, my knee hurts.
Edward: Do you want me to make you go?
Me: No.
Edward: But you’ll feel better afterwards.
Me: Yes, I like that bit where I’ve had a shower and I’m in my pyjamas and I’m eating my dinner.
Edward: So you like the bit where you’ve run?
Me: Yes, I like running when I’ve done the running.

So, I made that slow journey between warm, over-sized woolly jumper and jeans (and a scarf, it’s cold) to lycra, and made my way down to the track. It was a Hilly Fields hill session tonight. It was tough, it hurt, I breathed hard and somehow, somehow I managed a sprint finish AND I WASN’T THE LAST PERSON!