Training Updates Archives | Running on Full

Pre-training Training: Part 2

Sophie — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 11:28:29 +0000

I might not be fast. I might not run far. But over the days, the weeks, the months, I am seeing some progress. It’s hard to know where I’ll get to. Will I run the London Marathon again? Will I get to the Guernsey Ultra? I want to run far but whether my body will let me is another story. And I miss it. I miss being out in the world – of running in torrential downpours, of running through my local woods, of the chats when running along with someone, of the social connections, of the random stuff you […]

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Pre-training training – Part 1

Sophie — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 17:10:51 +0000

Or perhaps I should call it gymlife, this pre-training training lark! At the moment I’m getting my butt into gear to start training for marathon number 3 next year (an an ultra a few weeks later). I’ve found an 18 week schedule which kicks off in about 8 weeks. I’m getting back to basics. This year I’ve been sidelined by injury – a dodgy knee. But slowly, oh so slowly, I’m on the mend. I’m now at the gym pretty much daily. I don’t know if my plan will work. While I’ll be deeply disappointed if I don’t manage to […]

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Coming back from injury…

Sophie — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 19:12:40 +0000

It’s been a while, a very long while. Coming back from injury, it’s been slow going. These days I’m taking it run by run. Some background It was January. I was on a run and felt a tweak in my left knee. While I’ve had various issues with my right knee including the fabulously named fat pad impingement, my left knee had never caused me issues. After that run, I went home and rested. Knee was swollen, elevation, ice, physio. More elevation, ice, physio. Tried running again, same issue, and again. I deferred the London Marathon. I’d already deferred […]

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Week 3 of London marathon training … the lurgy

Sophie — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 14:10:49 +0000

Ah, week 3 of London marathon training and struck down by the lurgy. It had to happen at some point. I’m working on the basis it’s a virus which, as long as I’m sensible, should disappear in a day or two. That’s my hope. So I’m not sitting here feeling sorry for myself, though that might happen if it means too many runs missed. My priority is on getting better so while the miles won’t run themselves, rest and tweaking plans is what I need to do. Thankfully it’s still early in the training cycle. Running when ill The […]

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Week 2 of London marathon training … a little chilly!

Sophie — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 11:33:37 +0000

Week 2 of London marathon training, and slowly, oh so slowly, the miles are starting to build. So far so good. It’s been a little chilly but it is London, and it is the middle of winter. Thankfully it’s not yet been icy or snowy, just a little grey and grim…! And how I deal with the grey and grim – lightbox, sunrise alarm clock, Vitamin D supplements, running. Saturday’s run was planned at 9 miles, I ran almost 10. My reason – it meant I could reach the cafe that does a pretty damn good mocha, faster. A mocha […]

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Week 1 of London Marathon Training

Sophie — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 10:50:05 +0000

A few weeks ago I got some great news! With thanks to my running club, and the ballot it holds for those unsuccessful in the public ballot, I have a place in this year’s London Marathon. I’ve been fortunate. This is my third London Marathon, and when I haven’t been running it, I’ve been a marshal. Because of getting a place, I have taken the decision to defer the Guernsey Ultra, a 36 mile mixed terrain race around the island of Guernsey. It’s only three weeks after London. It looks to be a truly superb race in a unique environment […]

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May Roundup: Feeling hot hot hot

Sophie — Thu, 31 May 2018 17:48:03 +0000

May Roundup: Ah, that time of year when it hits 16 +, it’s sunny, running equals pools of sweat and distinct tan lines… fun times… (and well, the tunes, I couldn’t help myself). Now, I’m well aware that my friends in Australia will laugh at me. Growing up, we’d put our jumpers on once it hit about 20 or 21 degrees. Very occasionally in winter it might get really cold and dip below double figures. Yep, I’m from Brisbane so a little sub-tropical and where they sensibly start Parkrun at 7am – even then you need to take water, wear […]

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April Roundup: When training doesn’t go to plan

Sophie — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 13:17:31 +0000

When training doesn’t go to plan … I’m training for the XNRG Chiltern Challenge, a 50k race in July. This was how I fared last year … I was slow, so very very slow. There was pain, there was sobbing, but I finished. I laugh every time I see this photo. You can read how it went in detail here. I’m doing this race again because I have a point to prove to myself! But over the Easter weekend, about a month ago, I tweaked my back … again. This time is was soft tissue damage in my lower back – […]

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February Roundup: Playing with pace

Sophie — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 11:38:33 +0000

A mixed month for running – some good weeks on miles, some not so good weeks. I’ve been playing with pace and hitting the hills. My aim for this year is to get PBs from 5 to 50k which means some serious work …. Let’s just say I haven’t been as consistent as I’d like. Indeed, on some days I’ve been rather slack. I think there’s a bit in my brain which is hoping those PBs will just magically happen! So here’s how it’s been … Highlights Was off to a good start with the Watford Half – a fab race, well […]

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Target Race Update: Reading Half

Sophie — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 19:16:15 +0000

Target Race Update – So this year I’ve set myself a challenge – to aim for PBs for distances from 5 to 50k. No PBs yet which is pretty much as I expected. I’ve completed two races – Tadworth 10 and the Watford Half. My next is The Big Half where I managed to score a £10 community place via my running club. My target PB race (no pressure….no pressure) is the Sage Reading Half ! I’m a blogging ambassador for that one, so yes, I get a free place. Only 4 1/2 weeks away – argghh! So, here’s to put it out there, […]

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January Roundup: It’s been a busy month!

Sophie — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 08:45:09 +0000

January Roundup: I have no list of New Year’s resolutions. It means there’s no list hidden that I pull out in 6 months time and then get to feel miserable about my utter failure to keep any of them. Instead, I have some broad goals for the year, to get PBs from 5 to 50k. Insane of me I’m sure. So with that in mind, I’ve decided to do a monthly roundup of the highs and the lows, what’s worked and what hasn’t, and to think about what I should be doing more or less of. Here goes…. Running […]

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2017 Running Review

Sophie — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:03:08 +0000

The 2017 running review – and what a year it’s been. I was going to do a ‘best of…’ and then realised it was impossible – too many moments, meetings, and races, to choose from – each unique and memorable in their own way. So here are some of the highlights… Panic training Those moments. You know those moments where you realise what you’ve signed up for? The first – When I realised I had the London Marathon to train for. It wasn’t that I didn’t have a plan. It was the fact that life had gotten in the […]

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Ultra Training Diary: How I’m thinking my first ultra will go

Sophie — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 13:52:43 +0000

They say a picture paints a thousand words. So rather than rambling on about what Saturday might be like, this is how I’m thinking my first ultra will go … Fear of not waking up on time means setting multiple alarm clocks at 1 minute intervals and no sleep The next morning Breakfast Coffee Getting dressed Leaving home The arrival First things first At the start line of my first ultra A few miles in A few more miles in At the aid stations A few other thoughts […]

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Ultra Training Diary: The Taper Grumps

Sophie — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 12:43:35 +0000

Be warned: writing this while with a case of the taper grumps. On Saturday I headed out to do my last double digit run until my 50k this weekend. I’m now familiar with how the taper goes: legs feel heavy; thoughts of I’ll never do this creep in; the end of the world is nigh! Every physical tweak makes results in a feeling of panic. So I wasn’t expecting much. But this was beyond the bad run. It was a warm day. I started off with a loop of a local park and then headed into the woods. A mile and […]

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Ultra Training Diary: It’s Taper Time

Sophie — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 08:40:44 +0000

It’s taper time and for once it brings a sense of relief…for now! 12 days to 50k! But it’s also when the questioning starts: Have I done enough? What’s it going to be like on the day? What’s the weather going to be like? The last week has been hard work. After covering a marathon distance a little over a week ago, there’s not a lot left in my legs. There have been a few nights out as well, with some wine…hmmm. But I’m very glad to report my lower back is better with no aches and pains. And there […]

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Ultra Training Diary: A Marathon as Training

Sophie — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 16:52:10 +0000

If someone had told me 6 months ago that I’d do a DIY marathon as training for my 50k, followed by a run (well, more of a painful walk) the following day, I would have laughed. And that laugh would have been a loud, verging on hysteria. But on Saturday that’s just what I did. But I’m getting ahead of myself… It’s been a strange week. My facet joints in my lower back have sorted themselves out and I’m back to doing core work. But it was still the case that on Wednesday I had one of the worst runs […]

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Ultra Training Diary: Running with Back Pain

Sophie — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 07:42:20 +0000

Running with back pain is not fun. After a 4 mile run on Tuesday and 40 lunges, I decided it was time to do some squats. BIG MISTAKE. I felt my lower back tense as soon as I went into the squat. I stood up gently but knew my friendly L3 and L4 in the lumbar region of the lower back were giving me a lovely little reminder that they’re there. It’s on ongoing issue for me and when it comes to running, it’s meant I had to not do the Rotterdam marathon in 2015 and had to defer my place […]

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Ultra Training Diary: 5 weeks to go

Sophie — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 11:56:47 +0000

I’m exhausted. No surprises in training for an ultra – the last week was my highest mileage ever in a week, 44.6 miles. I know there are many folk out there who do a lot more. To be honest, I should as well given I’ve gotten a 50k trail race to do in 5 weeks. I’m happy – a 5k seemed tough at the beginning of the year so the fact I’m doing a 50k so soon is exciting. I know there will be walking and there will be hills. The plan is to treat it like a fun […]

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Ultra Training Diary: 6 Weeks To Go

Sophie — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 18:42:23 +0000

Six weeks to go to my first ultra and it’s been a week of running blergh. During the week there’s been good and bad and I’ve needed some time to reflect. 1. On the plus side, I have lovely new trail running shoes from Snow + Rock – Akasha Black/Yellow from La Sportiva! I was really impressed not having been to this store before – superb customer service and they listened to what I had to say. I ended up with men’s model as while the women’s were prettier, the store was out of stock and I always need to try on […]

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Ultra Training Diary: Slow and Steady Progress

Sophie — Wed, 31 May 2017 11:34:51 +0000

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! Training for this […]

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Ultra Training Diary: Getting into the Groove

Sophie — Mon, 22 May 2017 10:44:43 +0000

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. But there’s something about the chill factor I’m finding on […]

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Ultra Training Begins …

Sophie — Tue, 09 May 2017 10:08:58 +0000

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 […]

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The Day After the London Marathon

Sophie — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 10:33:05 +0000

The day after the London Marathon – my plan was to write a post-race review. The reality of my day was a little more like this… With some of this in between naps… And this… And a little of this… And to end the day after the London Marathon, probably this… So how did you find running the London Marathon? Happy recovery all! Update: I did go out later in the day. Clearly the celebratory mocha and crisps and cider following the marathon worked their magic. I was able to walk downstairs going […]

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Training Recap – Two Days Before London Marathon

Sophie — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 09:14:03 +0000

While I’m no longer having dreams about showing up late and completely frazzled to the start line of the London Marathon, the excitement/ nervousness has upped. Nothing like going to the Expo for a little anxiety inducement! But the excitement of Expo was upped by getting to meet some more twitter folks – Melinda and her husband who on twitter is known as MFH (Melinda’s favourite husband) who are over from the US, Paul, one of the pacers, and others. It’s a small world in runners’ land! I’m doing my best this last couple of days to try and stay […]

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London Marathon 2017 – Not Long Now

Sophie — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 09:11:59 +0000

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… I’ve had the occasional gut-wrenching bad run; a minor injury (sorted now); done numerous races (more […]

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Training Recap – 1 week to London Marathon

Sophie — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 12:45:53 +0000

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. […]

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Training Recap – 2 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 10:56:31 +0000

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. There is nothing rational about this but it is very normal. So OK, my […]

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Training Recap – 3 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 08:33:07 +0000

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 […]

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Training Recap – 4 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 11:02:33 +0000

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 […]

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Training Recap – 5 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 08:56:18 +0000

This has been a week of irritations, mainly in my left calf and only 5 weeks to London Marathon. After a short set of hill reps last Thursday, I felt a bit of an ache in my calf muscle. On Friday it hurt a little more. I tested it out on my long run on Saturday and it seemed fine – a few slight niggles but no pain as such. If there had been pain, I would have stopped. Come Sunday and Monday, my calves felt tight so off to the physio I duly went. As suspected, I have either […]

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Training Recap – 6 weeks to London Marathon

Sophie — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:08:08 +0000

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 […]

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