Running on Full

Random thoughts, used to be about running

Running

runner envy

Runner Envy: When the Lurgy Strikes

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

Ah, the ill runner … it’s when the terror of running envy strikes. And let alone if you’re training for a race – clearly it’s the end of everything. This is something that all us runners have experienced at one time or another and it sucks. It sucks big time. Knowing I can’t run because I’d be likely to end up flat on my face if I did frustrates the hell out of me. Now it might not be the sort of envy that immediately pops into mind. I’m never going to be a fast runner. I also think it […]

Ultramarathon training

Ultra Training Diary: Slow and Steady Progress

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

I’ve hit my highest ever mileage for the week in ultra training. A week where the heat and humidity hit hard!   Some would see it as low (I do), others as ‘bloody hell… that’s a long way’. In total, almost 38 miles.   The 50k in July is going to be tough so the miles don’t give a sense of how many hours I’ve spent on my feet, wandering about, and walking up those escalators at tube stations. I’m certainly not having any problems with sleeping – I’m wanting to do a lot of it!

Women Can Marathon

Race Review – Women Can Marathon (Relay)

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

When I heard about the Women Can race, a women only trail marathon (with the option of a relay) to celebrate 50 years since Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially complete the Boston Marathon, I was in. This was a real landmark in women’s sport and one to be celebrated. And the location, Devon, with its rolling hills and trails galore to make any trail runner happy.

Getting into the groove

Ultra Training Diary: Getting into the Groove

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

I’m getting into the groove of ultra training. My miles aren’t as high as I’d like them to be and it’ll be slow – I need to manage it between life and staying injury free – but it will be done. 50k in mid-July in the Chilterns with XNRG. I’m trying to shift my headspace a little. Marathon training is about the miles, it’s also about keeping running. Running and walking up hills etc takes a little getting used to on trails. Trails are taking a little getting used to.

What have I done

Ultra Training Begins …

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

I’ve done it now. Yep, really done it. I’ve signed up to my first ultramarathon – the Chiltern Challenge 50k with XNRG. I did this pre-London Marathon thinking I’d build on all the training I’d done for that. But now, after 2 weeks of doing some shortish runs and being on the ‘see food’ diet, I’m not feeling my fittest. The food was good. There was cake. Since booking, I’ve been in denial. It was only last week I counted the weeks till the day. No, not freaking. No. No, really, I’m not! 10 frigging weeks to go! So much […]

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 […]

Photo of me waving as I run along in front of Big Ben, alongside St James Park. Turn the corner and the finish line is in sight.

London Marathon Review

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

Here’s my London Marathon review. Since January 1st, it’s all been leading to this – the London Marathon. Months of preparation – of long runs, of runs on tired legs, races with bling, almost daily rolling and core, pilates classes and only a few trips to the physio. Tingles down the spine as it gets closer to the big day. There is something special about running London – with 40,000 people who all have stories to tell, when with a clear line of sight you see thousands ahead of you. It’s the crowds shouting your name, willing you on especially at […]

London Marathon

Training Recap – 1 week to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

 One week to London Marathon and what will be will be. A few more miles to do to keep my legs ticking over.   But the dreams. I’m not one for remembering dreams on the whole. This has been some crazy stuff.   Dream 1 – turn up at the start point in a panic as I’m late. I look down only to discover my kit is all wrong – wrong top, wrong shoes and no number. I have also forgotten my gels and jelly babies. I wake up in a panic wondering  why I haven’t got my gel belt on. […]

Grand Union Canal Half

Race Review – Grand Union Canal Half

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

Review of Grand Union Canal Half: To celebrate 10 years of the Grand Union Canal Half, Purple Patch Running added in a spring ‘special edition event’. This race is otherwise always run in the autumn. This is a point to point race from Cowly in Uxbridge to Cassiobury Park in Watford. I’d decided to run this as a training run and my final 10 mile plus run before the London Marathon. And I’m so glad I did – the sun and heat were brutal. The race was a 10am start and I managed to get a lift with friends from […]

Tapering Runner

Training Recap – 2 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

Ahh, the tapering runner! I’m so grateful it’s only 2 weeks to the London Marathon. While the miles are down, my legs feel heavy and unresponsive and I’ve got too much time on my hands and way too much energy to know what to do with.  Slight irritations are turning into major ones. I’m stuck in sucky thought loops that go something like this ‘This is going to be a disaster…I’m so unfit…I’ll never finish…Nooooo…’ Maranoia hasn’t hit yet so that’s something to look forward to.

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 […]