A tale of two races

The first weekend in September saw us go through to Glasgow for the annual Glasgow running fest! Normally I would run the Half Marathon but this year I was pretty sure I wasn't really up for running 13 miles, what with having a dodgy tooth taken out three days before and a few months of having felt a bit wonky from said tooth abscess. So I swapped my half marathon number for a 10K one.

My mum was also taking part in the 10K. She had been training hard for this and was looking forward to it. So rather than pull out altogether I wanted to still go through and enjoy the best of running experiences that you always get in Glasgow.

We got started in George Square (or if you are a Still Game fan otherwise known as Georgie Square). The atmosphere as always was fantastic and the commentator was, Brian Burnett, I think he has been at every race I have run this year - we are becoming quite chummy! He has even cheered me on at the end of the Great Winter Run, Edinburgh Marathon and the Keswick Trail 10K - well he shouted "c'mon Fetchie"!

That's my Mum waving in the middle! Look at the smile :)

Once the countdown was over and the first three waves had gone it was our turn and off we went climbing up St Vincent Street, heading for the Kingston Bridge. I love this bit of the run because it is an amazing sight seeing all the runners stretch up the hill in front of you and then all the way over the Kingston Bridge. The Bridge has great views down the river and is just brilliant to run over.

Once we got over the bridge we headed on through our route. For the first 3 miles the route was the same as the Half Marathon, I did at this point start to feel a little bit nostalgic for my Half Marathon, but as we turned away from the half route and onto the 10K route I realised I was in for a different run altogether. Blinkin' heck it was hilly and not at all the easy option I had hoped for. But as always with Glasgow there was a lot of "oggy oggy oggying" as we passed under bridges. The route was totally different from the half marathon and I had a great time. I finished in 65 mins which reassured me that I had done the right thing not running the half marathon this year. I had a really good time. And my Mum was brilliant, she ran walked it and had a great time taking part.

My fabulous day out in Glasgow was complete when who should I see wandering across the Green but Margaret (the lovely Fetchie I chat to on Fetch). We had a lovely catch up before she headed off to chase down her Dad who was swiftly heading off in a different direction!).






So that was the first week in September. Now for the second weekend. In the glory of the Peebles Triathlon I stupidly entered the Haddington Triathlon. At the time it felt like I had forever to train for it and suddenly it was here. I really was not up for it at all. And despite the best efforts of all my lovely Fetchie Friends and Tracey doing their best to talk me into doing it, I was still trying to talk myself out of it right up to 6.30am in the morning. However, it was a gorgeous morning, the sun was shining and it was warm. I have no real explanation for why I felt like I didn't want to do it, a whole lot of things built up to me just not being up for it. But, I am made of sterner stuff and Alistair told me that "I was as strong as an ox and that I should just go and do it". He is right, I have been running a long, long time and can keep going no matter what. So up I got, had my shower, ate my banana and grabbed my enormous bag of stuff (you do need a lot of stuff for Triathlon).

Anyway, got to Haddington and there was a real buzz about the place. Parked my bike in transition.

I got all my stuff sorted in the wee box and turned around and there at the back of me was Lesley and Michelle from Fetch. After regulation hugs I turned around again and there was Tracey and her gang. There seemed to be loads of them. One Tracey and Stephen had organised their transition spot and Eilidh's Dad Allister had checked my front wheel for me (I was a wee bit worried I had put it on wrong and it would fall off - but it was fine) we headed inside to register and listen to the race briefing. Before long we were in the water and ready for the off. I was happy that I had Tracey in my lane, that meant that there was at least one person in the lane who would not drown me. I had planned to try and swim the way that Lynne had taught me and I had been practising, however there was a man in our lane who kept swimming really fast and hassling me. So I just got back into my stride and got on with it the way I did in Peebles. Finally, I was done with my 30 lengths and got out of the pool. I wobbled my way out of the building (can't quite get used to this running thing). As I ran out the building I heard my name, it was Alistair and Rhona, they had whizzed down on the motorbike to see me. It was so lovely to see them both there.

Is it this way?

got to remember my helmet.

right that's me off!

Once out on the bike I was quite happy cycling along. The route was absolutely gorgeous and the weather was just so nice. Before long Tracey whizzed pass me, she is awesome on the bike! After quite a long climb up we eventually turned left, and it felt like we were heading back to Haddington. On one of the last climbs I was finding it a bit tough, and in the distance I could see a blue motorbike coming, it was Alistair and Rhona again. I mumbled something about it being really hard and then waved them on. Finally, I turned left again and I was on my way back. At one point I passed Lesley's husband and scared him half to death shouting out "Are you Bob?". He has taken some of the most amazing photographs of the triathletes, even managed to make me look okay!

So got myself back to transition again for the run leg of the triathlon. Now this is the bit I am supposed to be good at but the wheels all came of my wagon and it was not fun! I got my bike racked in it's wee spot and then put my trainers on (no socks and everything - hardcore triathlete me!). The pain in my legs was horrible. Not a sore pain, just a weird pain. I hobbled onto the run route and eventually had to stop to introduce my legs back to my body. Finally got going and then climbed up over a nice wee bridge which took us onto a path that ran alongside fields. As I got to the top of the path I spotted the combine harvester spitting dust out from whatever crops it was cutting. "Pants" is all I could think. This is not going to be pretty. I could feel it settling on my asthmatic lungs and the wheezing started. I had to walk alongside the path as my chest just tightened and when I get like that the energy goes right out of my legs. I guess that is a lack of oxygen, but not that scientifically minded to really understand. Anyway, I walked a bit and ran a bit, finally getting into some woods and away from the fields. My breathing settled a bit and I was able to start running again a bit. There was another wee bridge we had to run over and I passed the lovely lady I had met at the Peebles Triathlon, Liz, and who I found out lives in Penicuik too!!! We run the same route in training just the opposite way around, we have probably been passing each other all the time for ages!

Liz was lovely and encouraged me to keep going so I did. Not long after that I spotted a familiar face and heard the "whoo hoo, hiya Jane" and then as I passed her, Tracey was telling me about a magic log. 

I had no idea what she was talking about because at that point I hardly knew which way was up. I got a lovely cold drink of water which helped, touched the magic log!! Now I get you Tracey, and headed back along the path. Passed Bob again, with his magic camera - how do I look so good Bob when I really wasn't. You are an amazing photographer Bob!!

I just got slower and slower as I had to pass the field with the combine harvester again and the breathing problems all started up again. However, I am a bit stubborn and unless I was literally dropping I would get myself to the end. Finally, got back to the bridge at the bottom and knew I was nearly there. Over the line in one piece, if a little knackered. Eilidh even managed to get me looking okay as I crossed the line. 

Tracey was there screaming at me as I finished which was so nice. We had a lovely time afterwards taking lots of nice pics. Met up with Lesley and Michelle as well, it was so nice to spend time with them too.

Fetchie legs

Glam Fetchie ladies

The triathlon was probably not my finest few hours, but on reflection a day later I did actually enjoy the triathlon. I am still a bit wheezy so it may be that I have an underlying cold or maybe even still a residue problem from my tooth abscess. I really enjoyed the challenge of the triathlon and in particular the swimming. So I will be spending the winter months working on my swimming and my running. The bike bit is my weakest so the spring time will be spent building the miles up. 

But which of the two races was my favourite? Sorry, triathletes, running in Glasgow gets my vote!!

One more race to go (Edinburgh 10K) and then that is me for the year, will just slip into a few months of running for running's sake. I think I need a wee rest from racing now.

Thanks for reading,

don't worry, be happy :)

Parkrun and a first!

Alistair, Rhona and I took ourselves down to Cramond today for the Parkrun.

 It was really sunny and warm and the beach at Cramond looked lovely. Alistair had decided that he wanted to give his bike a go on the flat after almost two years of not being on it. Rhona said she would go with him on her bike and chum him. It was so nice to see him back on his bike - where he should be! He said he didn't feel the clot at all however, a lack of muscles and perhaps a little too much Alistair meant that he could feel his muscles groaning a bit when he was on his bike. Still baby steps! Six months ago he was saying he would perhaps never get back on a bike!!

I left Alistair and Rhona, as they cycled off along the foreshore, to go to the start of the Parkrun. I still have a bit of a niggle in my left hamstring and have been working hard at trying to stretch it out. It doesn't seem to bother me too much when I am running other than to nip a bit when I try to stretch out in my stride. However, I was determined to try and run under 31 mins today as I have been feeling quite good recently. It was roasting and not a breath of wind, which is really unusual for Cramond. Still I kept pushing on. Passed Rhona and Alistair at the 3k mark and gave them a wee wave. As usual I started to struggle a bit at 3.5 - 4k (I swear there is a bit of an incline here but Tracey disagrees with me - although Alistair reckons there is too!!!). I passed the 4k marker and started to feel a bit better again. And then my final struggle, the wooded path. This is the very last stretch where you know you are nearly home but it is still quite a wee bit away. I always slow down here no matter how much I try to speed up. But try I did and what was the time on my watch??? 31.11 aaaaggghhhh!! Not sure even the official parkrun time will be less than that. So nearly there. It was just too hot. :( I also think that not having Tracey bearing down on me made a huge difference to my perseverance,  I think I must subconsciously must keep going as I know she is behind me normally. 

Anyway, I was still delighted as Alistair was back on his bike! He loves his bike so much and it may be that he can't do mountain biking as this does involve lots of falling off but if he could get back to his road bike then this would be good. Rhona and him reckon they cycled about 4 miles so that is a good start! 

Now I am going to watch Mo Farah run twice the distance as me in half the time ! ha ha ha :)

don't worry, be happy :)

day twenty one of July Streak

Headed for Parkrun this morning. It was a gorgeous, sunny, warm morning down at Cramond - yes we were still in Scotland! It was quite busy and we had a great wee blether with Pam (who always looks so glamourous all made up and neat and then she goes and pulls out 22 min 5K's - what is that all about????).

My leg was a bit sore after pulling a muscle whilst body boarding in Perranporth. But thought I'll give it a go anyway. Started off slowly and then tried to pick up the pace a little bit. But the sore muscle was just shortening my stride a bit and it was really quite hard work. It doesn't feel like a hamstring injury but it is around that sort of area - it doesn't feel like it will get worse but is just stiff nonetheless. So, once we got to about 2.5K I started to struggle a bit and I did slow down. I was convinced that Tracey would pass me as I was not doing well at that point. I couldn't see her on the turnaround leg and normally I can see her as I turn so I was sure that she was doing well and would pass me at any point. At 4K (my usual struggle point) I dug in because I knew my head would start to tell me to start walking. The final stretch always catches me out at Parkrun as it is quite a long way even though you can see the finishing line. I tried really hard to push it a little bit as I basically just wanted to finish and go home. Just as I crossed the line (approximately 31.30m) I heard Tracey right behind me! She had a great run. Me not so.... :(

Anyway, onwards and upwards, the bad ones are there to make the good ones seem so great. I have a long run planned for tomorrow so we will see how that goes.

don't worry, be happy :)

Sunny Saturday morning

This morning started bright and early with the Edinburgh Parkrun. Rhona had decided to come and join me. We met Tracey and her friend Fiona and had a good laugh at the start line. There were loads of people there.

We took some nice pictures of each other at the start and then waited for the off. 

We got started and Rhona was doing really well. We got to about 2K and I noticed Rhona's shoelace was out. I told her and she bent down to tie it. Once she had tied her shoelace we started running again. She looked like she wanted to just plug into her ipod and get running at her own pace so I asked her if I should just let her get on with it. "Yes" she said. However, the mummy in me got the better of me and I had to stop and see how she was doing. I ran back to her because she looked like she was struggling a bit. She was. She said she felt a bit funny and didn't think she could finish. "How about we walk a bit?" I asked. Stroppy teenager reared her head and snapped at me :( so when she said she was going back I said I would run on and then catch up with her at the end. Better option all round! Well, then I just got all worried and because I was half way there all I could really do was keep running to get back quickly. Still managed to pull off 32 mins despite about 5 minutes dithering in the middle, I was actually feeling really good. Eventually got back to Rhona and she said she still felt a bit faint. She wasn't faking it poor wee soul. We got back to the car and reassured her that it didn't matter that she didn't finish - we all have dodgy runs from time to time doesn't mean the next one will be bad. 

Her 5K is in 3 weeks time, plenty of time to get over today. Anyway, we are doing a race for life on our holidays - no racing just lots of fun - lots of walking if necessary.

I felt really bad for her, cos I know what it feels like when you have felt really bad running and can't finish what you start. But still chalk it up as an experience.

Now, settle down, le Tour de France begins.........................................

allez, allez, allez.........

don't worry, be happy :)

Father's Day and Trail Running

Today is Father's day and I just thought I'd tell you a bit about how I got into running and how my Dad fits into it!  Almost 26 years ago when I was but a lass, my Dad was a marathon runner of some standing - can't quite remember the time but he is my Dad so it was a 3.30 marathon he was capable of doing (or thereabouts) pretty damn good if I don't say so. I had just left school and was forging a career as an office junior (okay not a career but a decent wee job) and decided that I quite fancied having a go at this running lark. Dad got me a pair of Reebok Phase 3's (if I remember rightly) and gave me a training schedule for absolute beginners written by Seb Coe and his Dad. The plan basically called for the novice runner to run out for 5 mins and then back. Gradually you built up to 10 mins, 15 mins etc until you were running a decent amount of time. So before I knew where I was I had entered my first half marathon on 26 October 1986. I was but a lass.....

Over the years my Dad and I went to many races, our most favourite was the Glasgow Half Marathon. 

End of the half marathon in Glasgow.

I have never quite shared the success of my Dad however, where I haven't clocked up fantastic times I have kept running for 26 years and am very proud of myself still running and taking on new challenges at 42 years old. Dad doesn't race any more but still goes out for runs and whenever I have been out with him he still skips along and beats me! So for a lifelong hobby thanks Dad and happy fathers day :)

Anyway, onto today's adventures. A few months ago Alistair pointed out a new race which was taking place in Keswick. Now, he knows what I am like, the chance of any race in Keswick and my ears prick up and I get the application form in! The Karrimor Great Trail Challenge. 10k up Latrigg, my most favourite wee fell in the Lake District. 

After staying the night in Carlisle we headed down to Keswick for the start of the run. There was a marathon and a half marathon at the same time. And there was also an elite 10K run. We got there after the marathon had started and just as the elite 10K finished. We passed one of the front runners who was looking slightly despondent. She had been in the lead, just as she got to the finishing straight and then took the wrong side of the finishing straight (there were two sides, one for the finish and one for the loop that you had to run if you were doing a longer run distance). She had to turn back and ended up 3rd!!!! not a happy camper. :(

The half marathon went off and then it was my turn to line up at the start. I have never been at such a spectacular start line, with the magnificent Fells in the background. Alistair took my photograph before I started and for once I actually like it!!

We had a bit of a run around the field first, presumably to make up the distance, and then we took off along the railway.

I have spent many a holiday in Keswick and I was running on very familiar territory. It was great. After 2 miles we turned up onto the hill. Boy was it steep! Everybody started walking which suited me fine. I even managed to take a couple of photos on the way. Chatted to loads of people as we walked up the hill. It was a fabulous atmosphere.

Once we turned off this very steep wee hill it was time to go up onto the Fell properly. Again I have walked this route loads and loads of times and knew what was coming. However, I have never run up this side of the hill and somehow running was just not going to happen. Everybody was walking, thank goodness. 

As I was getting to the top of the hill I met a lovely Fetchie, autumnleaves, we had a great natter about our teenagers and running as Fetchies. Then we got to the best bit - the huge downhill!!!! It went on for 2 miles - fantastic. My toenails began to grumble a bit when we got to the really steep bit because they are still a bit bruised from my marathon 4 weeks ago. At that point I lost autumnleaves because she was skipping down the hill and I had to slow down to protect my wee sore toes. Once I got to the bottom of the hill it was a short run on the road, which was tough as I had gotten used to running in the mud by that point. Then we were there! The finish line was just a couple of hundred yards away. Into the field was theeeee biggest mud bath you have ever seen and the energy was instantly sapped out of my legs as I paddled my way through the mud trying not to fall over. But there was the finish line 

(My time was 1 hour 11 mins and 50secs (not the 48 mins on the clock!!! ha ha ha))

and waiting at the end was Brian Burnett, presenter of Scottish Passport and more recently the end of many of the running races I have been in! He shouted out "here comes one of the Fetch runners, go JaneyM" - what he doesn't know is he is making a habit of shouting on me, in Edinburgh he shouted "go JaneyM" at the end there also! I finished as per usual with my Fetchie wingwave and he just laughed saying "she is flying into the finish". 

Nice t-shirt and a lovely wee medal. 

Excellent day out, fabulous wee run - can't wait till next year - I'll be signing up for it the minute it comes on-line :)

don't worry, be happy :)