Running on Full

Random thoughts, used to be about running

recovery

postrace lurgy

A Case of the Post-Race Lurgy

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

It had to happen. The post-race lurgy. After months of training with only a cold that lasted for a few days, post-race, I’ve succumbed. I’ve known for a few days though I was in denial. A clear sign I’m getting sick is carb loading – the sort of carb loading you might do in the lead up to a marathon or ultra, only with more cake and no running to be done. I figure this is pretty normal. After months of training followed by the marathon with 40,000 other folks, I’m bound to pick up something.

postrace blues

Getting over the postrace blues

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

Ah, the postrace blues. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Surely someone must have written a poem or a song about this. Haiku anyone? It’s that feeling you have when you’ve focused all your energy for months on one week, one day, one moment, and then it’s over in a flash. Reality comes back to bite you in the butt. Don’t get me wrong. It was an amazing day and I loved every second of it. I’ve managed clearly to already forget those moments when running my second marathon hurt and I wanted to cry. At least this time I […]

Reason to Run

London Marathon 2017 – Not Long Now

Sophie–Training Updates–

Not long now … nervous, excited, filled with trepidation – this is how I’m feeling with only a few days to go until the London Marathon 2017 as you can see from the photo! I’ve been a little reflective of the last few days about how far I’ve come in training. The long runs, the races, and the added miles throughout the weeks have not always been easy. I started from a pretty poor base with Parkrun feeling difficult on 1 January. Since then

Tapering advice

Marathon Taper Tips – Getting to the Start Line

Sophie–Race Day, Thoughts on Running–

Marathon tapering tips…what can I say about the madness that is taper time! Here’s some great advice I got at a pre-marathon workshop with Barry Crane at Run and Become in London. I wanted to share some of the advice given as taper time can be rough. It’s when all the niggles and concerns can get blown out of proportion. There’s a lot of excitement mixed with fear about whether you’ll get to the start line and if you can do this. I wonder if anyone ever truly thinks they’ve done enough? This is only my second marathon with my first […]

3 weeks to London Marathon

Training Recap – 3 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

So it’s 3 weeks to London Marathon. This week has been a great confidence builder as well as a reminder of why I run. My running week starts Saturday. I started the week by helping out at the beginners’ group. My club holds 2 x 8 week sessions a year for beginners. I get to meet some great people and we chat as we run. And why do I go along? I get a lot out of it. I meet great people and every now and again I get to run with someone who is convinced they will fail. But […]

4 weeks to London Marathon

Training Recap – 4 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

4 weeks to London Marathon and it’s starting to feel real – an 18 mile run, arrival of the registration form, making arrangements to meet up with folks at the Expo, it’s all happening. I’m caught between excitement and paranoia. I had to defer the London Marathon last year 3 weeks before the big day due to facet joint issues in my lower back. This year I’m working it a little differently with regular core and stretching (OK, so it’s meant to be daily…), pilates and the occasional sports massage. Any niggles I’m getting on to straight away. Last week […]

6 weeks to London Marathon

Training Recap – 6 weeks to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

With only 6 weeks to London Marathon, it’s been mixed when it comes to running. There have been highs and there have been lows. But it’s spring so I’m slowly getting over the winter blues. However, on Sunday, things did not go to plan. I apologise now to anyone who came across a very grumpy runner swearing very loudly. That was a bad run that seemed to go on forever. I just couldn’t get it together. I can’t blame the gels as thankfully I didn’t have any issues with them – perhaps doing a fast run Thursday, sports massage Friday […]

homemade baked beans

Great for Recovery – Homemade Baked Beans

Sophie–Mains, Running–

The miles are upping and I’m focusing a little more on nutrition. As part of this, I’m getting back to cooking food with flavour that can also support recovery – homemade baked beans fits the bill. I make a big batch of this stuff to have for breakfasts and after long runs to help with recovery and also to keep me happy. I throw in some garlic and chilli to give it a bit of a kick.