As usual, I’ve been meaning to write something for ages. We are already over halfway through the year and I haven’t written a thing!
So, here’s a quick recap of my year:
I continued doing gymnastics which I started in December but didn’t last long as I had to quit. The motion sickness that lasted for days afterwards, just wasn’t worth it. I was really enjoying gymnastics and had a great coach but it really wasn’t worth the days of sickness that ensued.
I continued with the chiropracter, to fix me and she did a great job.
Sadly, I didn’t make it to the start line despite the training going so well.
My 20 milers were being run at 7.05-7.10 pace per mile. I was in good shape and running 70 miles a week.
About 3-4 weeks before the race, I picked up a bug or virus. Possibly covid? My breathing was terrible and my lungs burning. My energy levels were poor too. I had trained hard and wanted to run a 3.10 marathon. I decided that it was best to withdraw. I was strangely ok with my decision though and felt that I had learned a lot from running those 70 miles a week. The commitment needed is very demanding!
I don’t think I’ll be in a rush to enter another one.
I have read some great books on running and nutrition this year too which have really helped me on my way and made vast improvements.
As they say “You can’t outrun a poor diet”.
Quite a few parkrun pb attempts this year and good to be getting more consistent with the sub 19 minute parkruns. I have managed to hit three 10k pb’s over the last few months as well!
Netley 10k: 38.32
Worthing 10k: 38.06
Lordshill 10k: 37.32
My last 10k PB was in October with a time of 39.28.
And finally a parkrun pb at Swansea bay parkrun this weekend. A time of 18.11, beating my previous Soton parkrun time of 18.27. My first time over the 80% age grading too.
I have done some fabulous parkrun tourism with my girlfriend Clare who is also improving her times and fitness too. Great to be on a progressive path together. She had inspired me to volunteer at parkrun more as well.x
I reached my 100th different parkrun location this year at California country park.
I have also done: Haldon forest, East Brighton, Eastbourne, Sandy water, The old showfield, Brighton and Hove, Blaise castle and Oxford.
Sandy water and The old showfield being my faves of them. Probably because I ran quite well at both.
I have recently been climbing more to improve my upper body and core. Climbing is so much fun. Also important for me to do the odd bit of yoga and stretching as I approach being 50!
In other news, I decided to leave Vegan runners after 4 years and join a new club and an old club. I am now first claim for Lordshill Road Runners again. Looking forward to reconnecting with friends old and new. Hoping to run the HRRL races and rep the new vest when it arrives. I will focus on the half marathon distance now for Stur half (only a few weeks away, whoops) and Solent half in October.
I have a big birthday in between in September but haven’t decided what to do yet or where to go? Suggestions welcome. X
I am also a member of “Vegan Running Club” or VRC. A new club set up this year. I love the t-shirts and vests and also weekly reports and updates. A lovely bunch of people.
You can check us out here:
https://sites.google.com/veganrunning.club/vrc/home
