Running on Full

Random thoughts, used to be about running

racing

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.

Nutrition

Nutrition and Fuelling for Marathon Day (Part 2)

Sophie–Thoughts on Running–

In March, I was lucky enough to be invited to an event hosted by Science in Sport (SiS) on nutrition and fuelling for marathon day. The key lessons from that session can be found here. Now the marathon is done, I thought it would be useful to update on how it went. And how it went on the day? I would’ve like a faster time but given a 5k seemed a long way on New Year’s day, I’m happy with the outcome. You can read more here.

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 […]

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

sub 2 possible

Is a sub 2:00:00 marathon possible?

Sophie–Books–

Two Hours: The quest to run the impossible marathon by Ed Caesar (2015) I watched the men’s and women’s marathons at the 2012 London Olympics. I was standing in St James Park within spitting distance of the runners as they flew past. It was extraordinary to watch. It was more than just the pace – it was running form, tactics, drama and facial expressions – each runner pushing themselves to the absolute limit. The world record for the marathon stands at 2:02:57. It was set in Berlin in 2014 by Kenyan runner, Dennis Kimetto, and it was the first time […]

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 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 […]