Race Review: RUN HACKNEY

Warning this might the fewest photos in a race recap ever!

On Sunday 10th May 2015 I completed my first half marathon of 2015 and ran the Vitality Hackney Half Marathon. This race was the end of my marathon training and signalled to me the start of my taper. Having cancelled a half marathon in February due to ill health and with an unhappy body for the last two months, I wanted to finish this race feeling strong.

I got to the race eventually after sunday engineering works, I will run a local race on a sunday where I don't have to trek across London. I arrived on time with a very efficient bag drop and not massive toilet lines which always makes me happy. I missed the organised warm-up (but usually do) but did my own stretches while waiting in the pens.

The pens were split up to 1:00-1:30, 1:30-2:00, 2:00-2:30 and 2:30+ and I clearly went to the end, having an achievable goal of 2hrs 45 in mind. I was going to stick towards the back and casually run my own race. Having done all my previous training runs with audiobooks I wanted to test out running without headphones for the majority and my plan was to run without music until 10 miles and then have it kick in for a boost until the end. 

I started slowly and ignored all the other runners around my rushing off, I wanted under 12 minutes mile and I constantly kept my pace between 11:20-11:35 up until mile 8. I smiled and enjoyed the atmosphere, Hackney had a great amount of supporters and it really felt like a community race which I loved. I was happy plodding along telling myself my mantras 'its just a training run' and 'slow and steady' which funnily enough I managed to do. When I got to mile 9 where they were meant to have energy drinks  but they had unfortunately run out! I ran past all the discarded bottles from other runners feeling mighty thirsty. I then decided to put my music in to push me through and decided the finish line was close enough to push for it. As the sun got higher I saw more and more people struggling and I did hear the phrase 'dropping like flies' over the securities walkie talkies. If you are one of those people I hope you are feeling better, I have never seen so many people at the St John's ambulance stations and although I felt comfortable during the run I was worried about the other runners.

Post finish line selfie! I finished the race in 2 hrs 41 and even managed a sprit at the end (mighty proud)

I loved the support around the race and the atmosphere during the whole race. I love how well organised the vitality events are and would absolutely sign up to the Hackney Half again.

Struggling through the long runs!

Hello! I'm sure everyone is aware I am struggling through my 2nd time marathon training. I was reading a company refer to a blogger as a 'two time marathon runner' and I thought - in five weeks that will be me. Now I've changed my mind-frame with every other part of my marathon training except one-the prospect of long runs still reduces me to tears. I have been known to cry by the front door before I leave and the fear is made worst by being 5 weeks away from my event and not got my fuelling or pace sorted.

So I have followed as many online tips as I can-audio books saved just for long runs (good idea) fuelling with nuts and dried fruit (bad idea) but nothing has consistently helped me. I can not lie that I'm worried that I'm going to run out of energy and that I am simply not going to be able to do it. My plan this week is to watch the London Marathon and be inspired by all the runner to kick myself up the butt and tell myself if they can do it, I can do it (again!)

So with two long runs left before my marathon I am planning on fuelling my run with mars bars and jelly babies and run along the long flat Thames path that is not preparing me for any hill. I am not caring about times I'm just doing the distances and as it stands I will run my marathon without a watch and just enjoy the route and Edinburgh.

This is my new 'I'm going get this done' pre long run face!

Summer Wishlist

How beautiful is the weather at the moment? I'm enjoying the sunshine while it's around and it's making me think of summer plans and what I'd like to do over the spring/summer months. If your interested here is my list:

1. Not get sunburnt!

2. Go to Brighton and enjoy being by the seaside.

3. Hire bikes and ride round Richmond Park.

4. Go to an outdoor cinema viewing - and hopefully stay awake.

5. Get a PB (Beat either my 5:30 marathon 2:31 half or 1:06 10k)

6. Have a picnic in Hyde park - sparkling wine is compulsory.

7. Get my swimming confidence a bit better so I can swim in either the Olympic pool or Hampstead heath ponds

8. Run in 3 different Parkrun events.

9. Have a summer feeling confident and not wearing about what I'm wearing.

10. Take a Boris bike out in the sunshine (eyeing up riding along either the Thames path or Regents canal)

How to Snap Yourself Out of a Bad Spell

I've been struggling recently with a bad IBS flair up and while I have been struggling I have been feeling sorry for myself and being very negative. Although I don't have full control of what my body is doing I've been blaming myself. Beating myself up for not sticking to my training, feeling guilty for having time off work and trying to force my body to do things that it simply isn't up to. The more I push myself the worst my body feels and the cycle goes on and on.
As I know I'm not alone in having these negative thoughts, I decided to do a post to what I've done to help when I'm feeling down:

1. Go outside! I know this is easily said as the weather at the moment is sunny so sitting outside in the sunshine reading a book in my lunch hour is very appealing. But even when it's grey I have found that a walk round the block clears my head and makes me more productive in the afternoon.

2. Talk to someone about how your feeling. If it's your mum, your boyfriend or your best friend they will tell you the truth or give you practical advice that should help. I know its hard to admit that your feeling down but sometimes it helps to just know that your not alone.

3. Treat yourself- do a face mask, paint your nails, have a long bath whatever makes you feel like your winning at life. I know it can be hard to find the time or motivation but a bit of time to yourself can give you a pick me up.

4. Avoid anything tight. When I'm feeling like my body is is not in it's best shape I don't go near tight clothing. I personally can't wear anything without an elasticated waist when my stomach is a bloated mess. Bring in my wardrobe of loose fitting dresses where I feel I look like I have my stuff together and not putting too much pressure on my sensitive stomach.

5. Nourish your body right- I don't always do this but my body feels better when I'm eating healthier and if I'm not feeding it well it shows in my face and bloating. Although eating ice-cream and chocolate will give me short term satisfaction I will not benefit in the long term.

What do you do when your not feeling 100%? How do you stop negative thoughts?

How I survived a Marathon

I just tried to rename this post so many times and I feel this should come with a disclaimer, I am amateur runner and these are the things that helped me survive. As April is Marathon month with Brighton, Paris and London all this month I thought I would share how I survived my first marathon last year.

1. Watch the video of the course you are doing!

26.2 miles is a lot longer then you think, I was shocked the first time I watched the video of the Brighton course as it was a lot longer then I thought even with a motorcycle riding it. I watched it plenty of times before my race and it really helped my visualise the course. When I was struggling running round the quieter part of Shoreham I was safe in the knowledge knowing how until I was back on the seafront.

2. Pack Supplies!

I can not recommend this enough, in that little bum bag I had jelly babies, plasters, Vaseline and paracetamol. I didn't need the Vaseline or plasters but was happy I had them just in case.  Its better to pack something and not need something then be hitting 15 miles and not having it. 

3. Have a variety of weather options.

Have you seen how changeable the weather is in the UK? My bag for Brighton had 3 different outfit variations which were all well tested gear. I go with dressing for cold weather as I can always take clothing off but if I'm cold and I haven't got any more layers I will struggle on that run. I always end up wearing more then the majority of the other runners but I do what works for me.

4. Get all the support that you can.

Its completely acceptable to put what your doing on social media-this is a massive achievement and people should send you messages of encouragement. The texts and facebook messages put smiles on my face as I was running round and they will help. Also having a name on your vest so people on the sides can cheer and get your attention by name, you really appreciate it.

5. Have fun and finish the race!

On my first race all I had to do was finish and that knowledge meant that I didn't push myself too much and could comfortably run and enjoy the race without hitting the dreaded 'wall.' I have friends who have run a marathon and hated it and I'm happy to say I enjoyed my first marathon and it continued my passion for running.

Spring running essentials

1. Good sunscreen- you need to protect your skin as exposing your skin during your run is going to damage your skin. I have been told that running gives you wrinkles, but doing any activity outdoors without the proper protection will give you wrinkles so as long as you wear a high factor sunscreen should protect you all year round.

2. I'm loving these bright running shoes, if these shoes could support my feet then I would have them as I think they are beautiful. I'm sure brightly coloured shoes make you run faster, right? Maybe I should buy them to do non running exercise?

3. I actually own these shorts, they were brought for me for a Christmas present. They are so comfortable and actually let my legs breathe which is crucial as the weather gets warmer. They are my go to shorts for long runs and I can't wait for the weather to be warm enough to wear them again

4. Is sunvisor one word or two? Who knows but I want one! As much as I'm adamant about my suncream routine (and yes that's through winter not just spring and summer) I want a visor to keep the sun off my face and to help me stay cool in the hotter weather. I can picture myself with the pony tail over the top and running in the sunshine keeping away the wrinkles.

Sweaty Betty Splash Bikini Review

I decided that I would start swimming- a low impact exercise that helps to work the whole body. It seemed a perfect idea to fit into my marathon training. But then I remembered anytime that I tried swimming on holiday that my chest would pop out of my bikini tops. To save the eyesight of anyone at my local pool I decided to look for a more suitable swimsuit. My problem while investigating costumes is that I have a long body so swimsuits are too tight & I worried I wouldn't get the support from a bikini.

Where oh where is a girl going to find such a miracle?

Step in Sweaty Betty Splash Bikini- a lovely fashionable bikini with a highly supportive top and beautiful print.

I've taken it for a couple of swims so far and the top secures down my chest while keeping a comfortable fit. The double straps looked like they would be uncomfortable but they actually are very supportive. If your not keen on your chest being held down then this isn't the bikini for you-but I personally think that I feel more confident to know my chest isn't going anywhere.

The bottoms are also comfortable with a flattering fit around the bum, not slipping anywhere during your swim. These bad boys have even been in a jacuzzi and not slipped anywhere uncomfortable.

If you are looking for a comfortable but fashionable swim option please check out the sweaty betty website. Customer service and care is excellent and if my bikini joy is anything to go by, you will be impressed.