Just call me Mrs Job.

Well, I give up.  Just call me Mrs Job - that's Mrs 'limping not running' Job. Mrs 'sitting on her bum with an ice pack on her elevated leg' Job.

I'm not bitter, oh no. I am furious and resigned and tearful at the same time as trying to be patient and grown up about it all - and failing.

According to my googling I have a grade 2 calf strain which requires RICE for about a week and then a few weeks before even starting to run, but I will get it confirmed by the physio tomorrow.

How did this happen, you ask......

'Twas Christmas Eve at the Northrops. The tinsel sparkled, fairy lights twinkled, reflected in the polished tables and floors. The clothes hung freshly washed and ironed in the cupboards and the smell of mulled wine floated through the house. I had just changed into my running gear for a short easy run when the phone went. As I skipped down stairs to answer it, something in my calf went ping. That horrid ping that you know is something really, really not good. Like that crunch you get when the car collides with metal. For a split second you hope it's not really happened, you try it again. It still hurts and you know it's not your imagination. You have an injury.

The rest is tediously predictable but essential. Off with the running gear and on with the ice pack, in with the ibuprofen and up with the elevated leg. Apart from limping round the kitchen, that's been me more or less for the past few days - sitting and waiting to get better.

I know that there's nothing I can do if I want to get fit enough to even think about a marathon, but I am getting ready. I am prepared to postpone my marathon if I have to. A weekend in Barcelona is not a hardship and everything happens for a reason. I'm also ready to lower my goals and go back to just focussing on getting round in one piece, if I'm lucky enough to run at all. In a way, it's easier because I have no choice - I can't run.  It's pretty clear that anything more than a hobble makes it worse, I am not being a wimp and to run would be plain stupid.

The post mortem is postponed til I can talk to the physio, but of course I am trying to understand why this happened. Of all the bits of me I worried about, I've never even had a twinge in my calf. I'd been listening to my body after @nuuutymel and @santababy reminded me that it's not just about Garmins and numbers, so I was paying attention and not working against myself.  I stretch religiously and do calf raises regularly and work on core strength most days. I even 'rest'.  And to think I worried about my toenails falling off!

Did I push too hard too soon? I had just done a slow 14 miles the day before, but I added a few hills, and there was a headwind and mud - was it too much? I'd done 13.5m the week before and had gone slowly so surely that was within the rules and I felt fine when I finished. Did I over do it? Did I do too many long runs on the trot? Is it because I couldn't slow down enough? Am I just unlucky or weak or stupid or just not up to running a marathon? Was I too confident or arrogant? Is it the revenge of the mouse! I'll have to wait and see.

I can feel already the doubt setting in and the negativity and that's a bigger risk than the injury itself. I know from my Twitter chums that coping with injury is hard and can be immensely testing and frustrating. If I can be a fraction as dignified and patient as @DunsRunner I'll get through it. If I can have the courage and honesty of @Rhinomittens I can cope with what might lie ahead. Already I've been getting lots of tweety help and support to get me through. Massive thank yous to @RunningJoelnJax,  @Canteenrun, @MsClareSmith @Pyllon and @DiminutiveRunr for advice, sympathy and cheering me on.  Thanks guys, I just hope I never ever have to return the favour!

I know it will be okay. I have seen many tweeps who have gone through injury and out the other side victorious. I know this too will pass and I will be fine. This is not serious in any meaningful sense of the word. BUT.......

So dear reader, we await the next chapter. Is this the end of my dream of running my first marathon in 2012 or just a hiccup along the way?  I don't know yet ("wipes a tear from the keyboard and smiles bravely through the tears").  Whatever happens I will achieve something in 2012, I just need to wait a little while to work out what I'm aiming at and when.

In the meantime, I am blessed with the company of great friends and family and festive cheer.  Fliss and Terry last night.  Sue and Ed today and the family arrive en masse to see us and Mum tomorrow. On the downside, I have put on a few pounds and developed a serious Stramash habit. Oh well, at least I still win at Uno!

This is the last blog of 2011. Thank you to everyone who's commented, encouraged, advised, commiserated, amused and just been you! I really appreciate every tweet and comment.

Wherever you are, whatever you're up to, may you stay fit and healthy and happy and loved.

Have a great New Year when it comes!

Take care

Suex

Of Mice and Mums - a week in Marigolds

I think I might well give up trying to plan anything.  I had this week all sorted out, a week off work to help Mum settle in after her stay in hospital, get us all ready for Christmas and enjoy a run or two. A whole week. You'd think that would do it wouldn't you? Well, it didn't quite work out like that. Yes, expect the unexpected number 3 million two hundred and fifty thousand and one.

As I type this blog, I hope the worst is over and things are back on track for Christmas - but my fingers are still crossed! My once soft hands are calloused and dried out by days of washing and scrubbing.  I am whacked, but every bit of this house has been scrubbed within an inch of its life.

It all started with the pre Christmas urge some of us have to tidy up (i.e. blitz) the house. Christmas is such an evocative time, and each one brings back the ghosts of Christmas past. The ghost of 'let's stock up the fridge in case it snows'; the ghost of 'who forgot to set the oven timer'.  And the ghost that sets you on your knees with everything from the kitchen cupboards on the floor and a j cloth in your hand tidying up for Santa. Yes, my Mum told me that story. I think it's linked to the winter solstice and some cleansing ritual or another.

Anyway, I donned the Marigolds, filled the bucket and started off and the first little treat happened. When I emptied out the porridge and pasta cupboard I found ....  mouse poo. Yuk! Not much, and most of the food is in plastic containers, they'd only got at Ali's (unopened) rice crackers and a low fat 'health' bar (the latter probably for bedding!). But even one turd is enough.  My first reaction was to have a little chat with the two fur beings that are allegedly cats. How can you have two cats and a mouse move in? Age is no excuse I told them as they lay on their cushions staring at the fire. I was pointedly ignored, they reckon their hunting days are over and I guess they are well over retirement age, even in these hard pressed days.

So out goes every bit of food that a mouse might possibly even have looked at, in came the mouse traps and on went the boiling water and the marigolds. Luckily it was a very limited mouse visitation. I like mice and we live near lots of fields.  I can't blame them for wanting to keep warm and get a nibble or two.  I just don't want them nibbling our food!

Once the kitchen has been cleaned to within an inch of its life, I begin to relax.  It's beginning to feel like Christmas and I start to clean the rest of the house, planning my nice long run. My legs have got really twitchy, but I just couldn't run until I got everything cleaned up. Housework is quite good cross training and great upper body work - isn't it??

Next thing, Mum gets out of hospital, so time to get her ready for Christmas. I pick her up, stock her fridge up and get her settled in. All is looking good and back on track, I begin to eye up my running shoes and think about a route.  I bring Mum round for a cuppa and a bit of company - a rare treat for us both. She's happily watching Catherine Cookson when she gets a sore tummy. The wee scone is safely back in the Edington whilst they get her better.

Yesterday morning dawned overcast but I headed off to get a run in before visiting time. I really do have to run when I can and I made the most of it and had a good long one - 14 miles, my longest run yet.  The sun came out as I ran towards Tantallon Castle and on to the beach. I only need a tempo and a short run this week to keep on top of things. That feels manageable.

I think we're more or less shopped out now, just pressies to wrap, family to gather and the big day to prepare for.

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you have planned, all goes well for you and your loved ones.  If you get a run, savour it and treasure it, as the saying goes, you never know the moment.

Take care

Suex

Taking it easy: slowing down to speed up

I am one of these people who charges about like the proverbial blue ar**ed fly. I do everything far too fast, including running.  I run as fast as I can for as long as I can, or until I can't run any more.   I just don't do slow, and I don't do easy, so a slow easy run wasn't top of my training priorities. That's got to change and last week was part of that lesson. I have to learn to take it easy if I'm going to do this marathon.

My first easy run was on a cold morning, when I decided to slip in an extra run to see how my body coped with 3 runs close together. I went at my jog pace, put on some easy listening and set off. It felt good to be out with no pressure and no hassle, just to enjoy the run. My main focus was to make sure I didn't injure myself or scupper my evening run. It worked.  I had a lovely relaxed run and was up and running that evening, legs fresh and springy.

I forgot about easy runs after that as I focussed on the core long, tempo and sprint/hilly ones. Once again, I was dashing about, making the most of time and training hard. But last Saturday I set off on a long slow run as part of my marathon training. Except, I did it again; I got the pace wrong, I was still too fast.

But the penny had begun to drop. As all the guides say, a marathon is just a really long run, so whatever speed you go, you have to run for 26.2 miles. A slow easy run means your body works within its comfort zone in terms of speed, so you only push on one element - distance.  Now when one reaches the middle years, wear and tear is an issue, so a slow easy is gentle on the limbs, gentle on the joints, gentle on the body and gentle on the mind.  A welcome relief in the frenzied push towards getting that marathon done and everything else.

I have found it really hard to switch off the speed bit of running, partly because it's just my way and I have got into a pace rut. But going fast is also about vanity and ego. In the gym, on the road, on the beach, I hate the thought that people see me running slowly and think I'm not very good. I am aware of every car driver, walker; dog and gym rat and I know that they are all, every one of them, judging my speed - and finding me lacking. I am embarrassed to run slowly.

Egotistical and narcissistic I know. But if I'm going to run a marathon, I have to get over this and run longer, farther and slower and not care what other folk think.  They are, of course, not in the least bit interested, and are not going to be there when I pass the finishing line and complete my first marathon.

I've had to give myself yet another talking to and change how I think.  I have put on a hew head, probably like actors do. In my head I am a serious runner, doing serious training that is essential to me achieving my goal - my marathon. This is my race, my training, my body and mind. I have to get through 26.2 miles more or less alone. It doesn't matter a jot what others think - except of course Ali, my family and friends and they all think I'm bonkers anyway!

So far so good, but I only managed a very small slow run at the gym this week.  No long run this week due to work and social pre Christmas madness (and a slight surfeit of red wine).

This week's stats - are a bit rubbish as a result.  Only 17.5 miles; 4 runs - one intervals, 2 tempos and 1 mini slow.  However, my 9 mile beach run was 4 miles into a strong headwind on soft sand, so I'm not too fussed.  That beach is very very useful when it's icy!

Here's the view today from the beach, one final hill at the end and then back for soup! What a beautiful day to run!

With the holidays coming up, Mum coming out of hospital and Christmas to prepare for, can I up my mileage to 30 miles and get my long run over 15 miles by the New Year??? Watch this space!

Whatever you're up to, I hope you're having a good week and all is well with your world.

Take care

Sue

Preparing to Succeed: Week 3: Speed Freak

Week 3 done and I've had a big learning point and a shock revelation. This week has been about speed; I am a speed freak.

First the learning point: you run better times if you keep a consistent pace. You wouldn't think that was critical, but the stats show it. I always, but always, start quick and end slow (and knackered!). I have negative splits, they need attention. 

I tried running more slowly and I was amazed. I felt much better and I could run longer. At the end of my long run, I felt I could do another mile or so, usually I just collapse at the front door. What a revelation! I still am running too fast, I need to run slower and longer, but I can see where it fits in my preparation. 

Now for the shock bit. This has made me think about pacing, what 'steady' and 'tempo' mean for me. Then I twigged (or twug??) - I have to nail my colours to the mast and set a target finish time. I now have to admit to myself and you that I want to do more than just finish. There, I said it!  Of course I want to finish, that's the point and no mean achievement. But I have to commit to a time. It's scary. I need to be brave and bold.

I'm afraid I'm going to be a bit coy now and not reveal the magic number; partly because I haven't decided, but if I'm honest, because I don't want to fail.  But if I don't set myself a challenging target, how do I know what I can truly achieve? I have to go for it. 

Not trying hard enough is a pretty good strategy. If you do well, you're a star; if you fail, well you didn't really give it your best.  But I could not hold my head up in front of my twitter chums if I didn't give this run my best shot. Look at the athletes I follow on Twitter and you'll see how shameful it would be not to try as hard as I can. 

So, dear reader, I am going to set myself a goal, one that I might well fail to make.  A goal that will stretch me in training and preparation and on the day. I have to do this or I will have failed at the first hurdle.  But I hope you don't mind if I keep it to myself. It feels a bit too brave to tell you what I aspire to. You'll just have to trust me, at least for now.....

Here's the stats for this week:

• Monday tempo 3.1miles. 29.56mins
• Tuesday - 45 mins of spin
• Wednesday - Hill running and sprint finish 2.92 miles 30 mins
• Thursday - Treadmill steady 10k plus sprint finish 6.2 miles, 58.00 mns
• Saturday - long steady 13.2 miles; 2hr 14 mins 58 secs.
• Sunday - active rest 8.5 mile walk

So, 25.4 miles run, 4.2 hours running, about the same as the week before but with a spin class and active rest day. Feeling good. 

With Christmas coming and Mum (I hope) coming out of hospital soon, my goal next week is to run as much as I can. My main run next week needs to be a very long and slow run, to see just how far can I go - I'm quite excited about it!

Thank you to everyone who's sent me comments, advice and support, I really appreciate it - thank you!

Take care

Sue

Preparing to succeed week 2: Running Roots

Second pre training prep week and it's been a very useful week for learning new things and remembering what matters most, what underpins everything and what I already know:  I run because I love it and that is the most powerful training aid anyone can have. #that is all!

Started off in techie mode. Monday I was up with the lark and very aware that there are people with colds everywhere, spreading the germs.  This reminds me I need to boost my immune system and stock up on remedies. I started an echinacea burst, stuffed the first defence in my bag and checked cold remedy supplies. I need to beef up my cold avoidance strategy. This coincided with some useful advice from @XFmGirl on garlic and ginger - definitely my kind of cold remedy.

This week's running - Monday a tempo run - according to the running gurus, the most important thing in marathon prep next to the long endurance run.  This will increase the ability of my muscles to process lactic acid, increase my running efficiency and my aerobic capacity.  I like that!  Thanks to my garmin I know that I ran at around 80% of my capacity which is about right. But a problem. As I hit the shower I got that horrid nippy feeling - chafing alert in the sports bra region, a new and totally unexpected experience. Body glide and a new sports bra (different model) go onto the shopping list.

Tuesday was supposed to be a speedy 5k, but ended up a not very fast 5K, my legs were sore after Monday. No Garmin, so I don't know how hard I worked, but by 11 am, I could barely walk. I was sooo stiff despite some quality stretching and a bit of yoga. It was a real novelty, it's been ages since I was stiff after running and in totally new places. What has been going on? I was pleased in a weird sort of way, it helps me remember I've worked hard.

Wednesday morning,  I'm still stiff, so I do an easy run to try and loosen up. Despite the macho air in the gym, I go very slowly, listening to my body, carefully monitoring aches and pains, ready to stop if anything seems a bit iffy. I'm not sure why, but I hurt the same amount in the same places all through. It didn't feel like an injury, but boy did it slow me down. I do a slow 2.2 miles in 30 minutes and hobble off the machine for some more stretching and yoga.  A Pilates class at lunchtime really got the legs moving and got me on the road again, but Thursday and Friday were rest days so that my legs were as best they can be for an essential long weekend run.

Weather and having a nice time with Ali took precedence on Saturday so Sunday I was ready for my long endurance run.  And I couldn't have timed it better. I had a marvellous run, it reminded just what I love so much about running. I felt great and loved every minute (almost!). Set off into a howling westerly and as I ran, I knew, the wind is my friend. It gives me resistance to add to my endurance training. Looking at the Garmin, it was certainly boosting my workout rate! Plus it cooled me down, yes I am at an age where the cooling  breezes are often welcome.

What a wonderful run. Slow, I walked a bit. I managed a nut bar as fuel. I realised that you cannot run to Willie Nelson but the Vatersay Boys and George Michael can give a real boost.  I revelled in East Lothian, surely the most beautiful county in Scotland? I am forbidden by my Yorkshire upbringing from making grander claims, but my heart swelled. And that is what running is all about for me.

So here's this week's weekly stats:

• Monday - tempo run. 6.4 miles on 60 mins. 520 calls. 9.22 mm
• Tuesday - 3.1 miles in 30 mins. 250 calls 9.40 mm
• Wednesday - easy recovery run. 2.2 miles, 30 mins. 108 calories 13.38mph
• Sunday - endurance (with resistance!) 13.5 miles; 2.14 mins; 760 calls 9.14mph

Total miles - 25.2 (16.40). Total mins - 254 (155).  Total xtrain 0 (30). Total cals - 1,638 (?)

I've been slower this week, but longer. That might reflect treadmill running; I might just be slower in the mornings (now that would make sense!). Is it a women's thing? Who knows!

So this week has brought some useful reminders about two predictable unpredictables - chafing and colds. Plus a lesson that my legs do in fact have limits, and that they can only do so much. If I over do one run it has knock on effects and I need to make sure I am up to doing my core runs Thank goodness for the easy run, it is such a useful tool in the runners toolkit in so many ways. It is going to be a good friend over the coming months.

I also had some very useful advice from @crammy76 and @juliesmith08 about the merits of integrating club running into my training. I can see the benefits and I am drawn to it, but I'm not that organised (and it has been said that I am not 'clubbable'). It has however reminded me that I need to book a few races into my training schedule and get along to jogscotland one Thursday if I can. But my heart is with @rowenanews, I have the best running club in the world - Twitter and the Tweeps!

The best bit about this week is the most important lesson of all. You need to love your running. I got a mile high run today that will keep me going through the cold dark mornings and the treadmills and the late night runs. Bliss! I've had a good week, aided and abetted by knowing that Mum is recovering happily and safely in hospital and I had a modicum of control over my time.

Next week the training schedule proper kicks in and I start stage 1. I'm starting early because - well why not! I may need a week or two in my back pocket over the coming months. Golden rule 1 - run when you can!

Three months, twenty days, 15 hours and 52 minutes to go until the big day. I'll be there.

Hasta la Vista babies!

Have a great week everyone!

Take care

Sue

Preparing to succeed: week 1 - expect the unexpected!

Well, marathon pre - training week one draws to a close.  It hasn't gone quite to plan I have to say, but that's the point of the trial run (excuse the pun) -  to set out the plan against the reality.  And I've certainly done that! So time for  quick stock take ready for this week's cunning, super-duper improved plan.

How did I do? The core runs went into the diary - tick. I was flexible and ran when I could - tick.  But.....I've only managed 2 runs and one cross training session all week.  This in no way reflects my planning, commitment or opportunism (of course). But it does reflect the way my life tends to go!  The maxim 'expect the unexpected' certainly held true and it brings home to me that this really is about 3 lives and may well need to be extended to the two furry fiends that allow us to share their space.

To cut a long story short, I've been in serious carer mode this week. We're all in one piece and very grateful to the wonderful staff of the NHS and our local vet Frances for that. This is what matters more than anything else, my challenge is to see if I can do a marathon as well.

From a running point of view, it's not been great. Not just because there were more pressing things to do than run, it's also because it's very unhealthy being in hospital - sitting or standing for ages; healthy food and drink options hard to find.

I was so glad I had my plan B. The 'be positive and flexible' rule came into play this week, and this of course is just what it's there for. It meant I managed 3 runs (7m and 10 & 5K) and a good cross train. I just ran when I could and made the running count. I also realised I had a very important secret weapon - Ali was excellent at encouraging me to get out and run and that made a big difference.

The cross training session was in fact a failed run, I took a totally dead sports bra with me to the gym so had to make do with those funny machines. The upside; I did some good quality exercise and I was able to do the equivalent of running backwards which I find really therapeutic and gets my gluteus going. I suppose it makes a change from running in circles..... The downside - I was irritated, my lack of preparation and attention to detail (!) meant I missed a hill or speed workout I really needed this week. Grrr.

On the food front, I am very pleased that I didn't lapse into comfort food mode, well maybe I did a little bit! I got M&S healthy options from the train station and carried apples everywhere. I only ate 1 kitkat (that was definitely comforting).  I walked quite a bit trying to find which ward Mum was in, and I even thought about running to the infirmary and back (I didn't but I might, it's another option).

So, what lessons and tweaks to the plan?

I ran through a crisis. My rules helped me keep positive and run. I did not give in.  I could have run more. I could have got up early and run before work, and its good to know I have that to draw on later when I need to up the ante a lot.  I undermined myself, I could have been better prepared and had the equipment I needed with me.  I missed my Twitter friends and the encouragement and inspiration I get from them too, but they were there when I finally resurfaced - thank you guys!

Next week? A long run is a must. I want to get to grips with the garmin heart monitor, I've never used one before. I need a hill session and I could do with a spin class. My hamstring is niggling (I suspect from sitting down so much) so I want to make sure I get some yoga or pilates in.

Stats for this week:

• Sunday road run - 6.3m. 56.04min
• Monday beach run - 7m. 1:12:18 min
• Friday treadmill - 3.1m. 26.54mins
• Thursday cross train - 30mins. 402 cals.

Overall assessment? 7/10, a good start but....

I suppose me, Ali and Mum have done a marathon of sorts this week - though not a running one!  And what really matters is that we're all in one piece, one week nearer my marathon and a few steps on in my training plan. Onwards and upwards as they say!

Take care

Sue

The Road to Barcelona: It's so much more than 26.2 miles....

Well, the time has finally arrived, I have formally started my marathon prep. As I wrote this weeks blog, I realised, the next stage of the journey is underway. What I do now determines whether I make it to the finishing line.

It's not that I sat down and said to myself, right let's go. It's not that I've started on my shiny new training plan or finally got round to trying a gel. Nope, I sat down to fill in my diary and realised what a challenge it's going to be to fit a marathon into my life for the next four months without everything falling apart. This is the most important bit of preparation I do - I need to make a marathon shaped and sized space in my life.

Imagine the scene.  I sat down with 10 training plans, a head full of stuff and my diary.  I was feeling smug, I'm a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. Then I started to put dates in my diary.  They didn't fit. This marathon is competing for precious space in a busy life.  No, 3 lives -  me, Ali and Mum.

I slept on it that night, had a good run the next day and things got a bit clearer. I don't just want to run 26.2 miles, I also want to stay married, look after Mum and do a good job of work. I'm juggling like crazy as it is, so what gives?   I need to make more time for running. But time is probably the one thing I have least of and have least control of.

Well, there's one practical and obvious thing to do - put the minimum 3 core runs into my diary now and work round them. These runs will get me to the finish, they are essential.

Next, I have to look for opportunities to kill lots of birds with as few stones as possible.  Ali and I love walking and cycling, timetabling this in is good for us and helps my training.

To succeed, I have to think positively. I worry about not spending enough time with Mum. I went round at the end of my run the other night and she was tickled pink by the running gear and we had a very lively discussion about training. Mum spoke about how proud Dad would be and how proud she was too. I was touched and humbled. Mum might not be able to come running with me, but she can help my motivation and I need as much of that as I can get.

I also have to be opportunistic and flexible and make every second count. Even if I only have 20 minutes between meetings or before work, I can still sprint or do a hill. I need too use the information I'm collecting on my Garmin to push myself and focus on the hard bits. I get a lot of food for thought from my Twitter friends and they have a wealth of advice and wisdom to draw on. I am not alone.

When I started writing this blog, I was thinking about problems. Now, after a spot of running, rumination and (w)riting, I've got a couple of things sorted.  I'm clear on what I'm trying to do, I've removed some energy sapping dead ends and I've created a bit of physical and mental space. My challenge isn't just to run 26.2 miles, it's to integrate a successful training programme into a busy life and into the lives of those closest to me. This marathon isn't just about me. That's really important for me to know.

I think it was in @nuuutymel's ryding to health that I first heard the phrase 'failing to prepare is preparing to fail'. I remember nodding sagely and thinking what a wise statement it is.  But to succeed, you have to be clear about what you are trying to achieve. My personal best for Barcelona isn't a set time or pace; it's more than that, and I need to prepare accordingly.

Whatever your goals are, whatever you want to achieve, may your preparations go well.

Take care

Sue

PS If you're doing your first marathon in 2012, get in touch! Tell me about your marathon and your preparation. Send your blog and we can all read it. Or Tweet me and join my first time marathoners list on Twitter (@NBSue).

pps. I haven't forgotten my toenails. I am hoping to keep them on!