louisejack

Yes, thats the number of miles I have to run this week! I’m suffering a little bit with some hip pain, but that’s the mileage, as it goes up, something starts to complain. So I have been looking after it with an ice pack and then a heat pack, after every run. I’m really enjoying the marathon training, but it does take over your life! As soon as you wake up, you are checking your plan for the miles you have to run that day, then working out when to fit it in. Before I decided to train for the marathon, I had a chat with my family. As it’s not just me, it’s my family, namely me out running, when I could be spending time with them. They are used to me running anyway, but not for 3 hours on Saturday morning, or sometimes, 6am and then again at 6pm in the same day! So lucky for me, they understand, and I just have to run!

Eating wise, I’m eating lots to fuel my runs. Everyone thinks when you train for a marathon, you lose lots of weight. It’s not true, you have to fuel your body, also your body takes and stores food, so when you hit the long runs. it can fuel it more efficiently. You train you body to run 26.2 miles, also your body to use the fuel effectively to get you round so you don’t hit the wall!  Thats why many trainers say you can’t train for a marathon and lose weight too. So be advised, if you want to train for a marathon, make sure it’s for the right reasons As a runner, I want to be able to say, yes I have run a marathon. It’s funny when you say you are a runner, everyone asks, have you run a marathon? As running is not hard enough

I also bought myself a new swimsuit last week, to try and fit in some swimming, as I have an idea of doing a Triathlon next year I have booked onto my second marathon for April 2011 too, I guess I need to run my first one in 7 weeks first Check out my new costume, my son Cody took the pic on my phone, and I sent it to a freind as she didn’t believe I would ever wear a costume. Anyway starting the week as I mean to go on, strong

I’m trying to comment on friends blogs, but my posts just don’t appear, even on my own blog I’m not ignoring anyone, I’m trying to comment, and say hi, I will keep trying  ….

Hi Everyone

I know its been soooooo long since I was last here! BUT I still get e-mails/messages, asking how my training is going and how I have inspired some of you to run, which means a lot I just wanted to say I’m doing good, well and truely in my marathon training at the mo! Up to 20 miles on Saturday mornings and 25 spread over the week, so yes it’s keeping me busy! 7 weeks today, and I will be running my first marathon in Scotland!  I have just had so much on my plate, and you know how it goes, one day turns into a week, a week into a month etc.

Hopefully everyone is doing great, I will go and check out some blogs ….. Have a great Sunday everyone

I was up at 6am, breakfast for my long run, running by 8am. 16 miles along country lanes, very warm sunshine, nice rolling hills, felt great afterwards A good stretch, re-fueling, and re-hydrating, sat on the sofa, and gone, asleep for 30 mins! I was sooooooo tired, but just 30 mins and I was up, fresh and running around after the boys. I seem to be doing it since I have started Marathon training, and I have to admit I’m now a fan

Still running, 10K race pic from last night ….

I was actually told this, marathon training will just take over, and yes it does! This is my second week of Marathon training and routes, mileage, speed/hill training is all I think about Last week I ran 35 miles, with my long run being a half marathon. This weeks long run will be 15 miles. I had a 10K race last night, it was fantastic, another new PB, and a great night with my running club mates. Sorry I havent been around much, it’s half term this week, so been out and about with the boys, and running at 6.30am to get a run in. Finally a day at home, just pottering around, so lots of time to catch up with my friends here. I’m doing good, even though it’s lots of running I’m soooooo enjoying it

More time with the boys tomorrow, going to the beach as the weather is gorgeous. I actually have a tan, from running and getting out and about. It’s summer at last in the UK, may it last for more than a few days ;-)  Thats about it really, nothing too exciting, it’s running and more running, and eating more, yay

Well since my fab day on Sunday, I have had another good couple of days. Marathon training has now started, and the past two days have been nice and sunny too. On Monday I ran 7 miles, and then did some weight training. I also met up with the running club for a business meeting. The seven miles were a little tough, having raced the previous day, but the sunshine, and a new route, I enjoyed it. I have been asked to help out with the newbie sub running group. So I will be out running with people that can’t run 5K yet, and are totally new to running. I’m sooooooo excited, I love helping people, and I know I will get so much for it. I really enjoy sharing my passion for running, and will tell anyone that will listen

Yesterday was an easier day running wise, just the four miles. In the evening I had a spinning class scheduled. As it was so nice weather wise, I decided to take out my racing bike. I hit the country roads, enjoyed the peace and quiet, and I loved every minute of it. There are some HUGE hills that are very challenging, really get the heart going up, and the adrenaline coming down I have really missed my bike over the winter. I won’t be on it much this summer, as I will be running more, but they days I cross train, I will be on my bike.

As marathon training has commenced, I have 2 runs to do today. I ran at 6.30am and did 6 miles, and I have a 6 mile Fartlek to do tonight with the running club. It’s not easy 2 runs in a day, but it has to be done. It’s the return on the long run on Saturday morning too. Will be starting with a 10 mile this Saturday, as I have had a little break. I will be running with a couple of the guys from running club. One is also training for a marathon for September, which is great.

Nutrition wise, I get to eat more, as I’m running more miles, so can’t complain. Need to fuel to run, re-fuel to recover.  I have invested in some sports drinks with  electrolytes.  As I’m running in the heat, it’s highly recommended to fuel and replace everything I’m sweating, this is better and faster than water.  I’m doing really well, I’m focused on my marathon now, and it just seems to keep me from eating all the wrong things, in HUGE amounts. Having a goal, keeps me on track, I know that, so I just keep moving that goal post

I was asked yesterday, why I run so much, when I look great, and don’t need to lose weight? I don’t run to lose weight, I run because I love running, I love the fitness that comes with it. To me running is part of my life, not something I have to fit in, I just do it, like looking after my family. I know to some it is hard to believe, as they see exercise as a chore something they have to do to aid weight loss.  But for me running, cycling, weight training, eating well and in moderation is now just part of my lifestyle. Sure I have times when I eat more than I should, or eat things that don’t fit into my plan, we all do. I like to socialise with my family and friends, have chocolate now and again, life is just too short to cut out everything. I have just learned, it’s ok now and again, and moderation is key.

Some pics from my bike ride route  …..

I have just had the best Sunday. It’s 6pm now, just relaxing, after a very early start, and on my feet kind of day! I went and ran the Marwell 10K today, took my fan club (my partner, and 2 sons), and we had lots of fun. It was hot 27 celcius, I really struggled running, but came in at a really good time of 47 mins The best bit, walking around the Zoo afterwards, visiting all the animals, having a nice picnic under a tree, hiding from the sun.

I’m doing good, usually faced with lots of food, especially picnic type, it could lead to a binge! BUT the weather, my mood from the run, I ate well and healthy. I made sure I had my chicken breast, salad, fruit and yoghurts put in the picnic. It was full of sausage rolls, crisps, mini sausages etc. I did have an ice-cream though on the walk round, it had to be done :-)  Anyway thinking about it, I havent had a binge monster visit for a while, BUT I always like to have a look over my shoulder! I’m soooooo tired, I will sleep tonight! It has been a good day

Relaxing before the race!

My biggest fan Cody!

Ian and Jon, club mates also running Marwell today

Some of the guys and girls from the running club I go to, that actually remembered to turn up early to get in the picture

It’s such a gorgeous, sunny and warm day. I have just got back from a run, and yes I have to get used to running in the warm weather again! It just zaps the energy out of me, I know it may sound nuts, but I rather train in the Autumn/Winter :-O I have to get used to it, even running early mornings and late evenings it will still be warm! So I just have to get used to it, I have a marathon to train for! It’s a bit of a lazy day today, no work, just housework, then I’m going to sit in the garden, try and get a tan, read and relax, until I have to pick the boys up from school. Looking forward to a fun filled weekend in the warm weather. The run on Sunday may not be the best, due to the hot weather, but afterwards, going around the Zoo, having a picnic, that I’m looking forward to! Yes life is good

Sorry I haven’t blogged for several days. I have been doing fine, enjoying some rest, and more time with the family. I went for the sports massage today and it has done me wonders. I feel like I have a new pair of legs No more tight hamstrings, and heavy legs for me!

I have a 10K race around a zoo on Sunday, so the ‘new’ legs should come in handy My partner and family are going to support me, then we will be visiting all the animals and having a picnic. The weather is supposed to be really warm, so shorts and vest for me, catch a tan That’s me at the mo, all happy

It caught me again, those post race blues! I feel down today, I felt the same yesterday, but working through it. I also think it’s a mix of missing Leeds, missing my sister and mum, but it’s OK, I need to push through it! I had a great night with the family at bowling, the boys loved it. It lifted my spirits a little bit, I know it will pass, like it did last time.

I have booked a sports massage for next week. I have been really suffering recently, and it’s time to get one, loosen all my leg muscles. My butt is killing me at the mo, it’s come from tight hamstrings, it effects your butt and your back! I do stretch after every session, but you can’t beat a sports massage. It HURTS, as it breaks down all the muscles, like weight training, and they re-build more supple. I have decided to book in for one every month, especially as my mileage is going up for the marathon training! I just have to put up with some aches and pains until Tuesday.

I have Jack’s annual review at school today, then I have a short run and spinning tonight. I need to keep in my trainers, these blues are not kicking my butt :-)  Eating wise, all good, no binges, no eating out of boredom, it’s going good I can tell I have lost some weight since the weekend. I was nervous and out and about lots, just eating when I had to. It will all even out, like it always does.