Running on Full

Random thoughts, used to be about running

racing

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 […]

Review of Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run

Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run – Review and Lessons Learned

Sophie–Race Day–

Review of Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run. Ahh, the start of British Summer Time mixed with a race starting at 8am. I’d set two alarms the night before, bib on running vest, timing chip on shoe, gels squeezed into running belt. Waking up at 5am (4am the day before) is pretty tough when you’re not a morning person. But needs must and the Lidl Kingston Breakfast Run has a reputation as a good prep race for the London Marathon with four weeks to go. There are three options for distances, 8.2 miles, 16.2 miles or 20.1 miles – I’d signed up […]

So you like running huh? Tell me more about carb loading

Getting the Basics Right – Nutrition and Fuelling for Marathon Day (Part 1)

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

We all know good nutrition is essential to performance. With this in mind, I was lucky enough to be invited to an event hosted by Science in Sport (SiS) on nutrition and fuelling for marathon day. In return, I was asked to write this post. I also wanted to share some of the key takeaway messages. The afternoon included a number of presentations and a run. Presenters included Dr James Morton – SiS Knowledge Director, expert on sport and exercise metabolism and academic at Liverpool John Moores University, also nutritionist for Team Sky Alan Murchison – SiS Ambassador and owner of […]

8 weeks to London Marathon

Training Recap – 8 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

8 weeks to London Marathon! Last year was a rubbish running year for all sorts of reasons. It was one of those extended periods where running took a dip, I mainlined Netflix and my favourite pair of running shoes gravitated to the back of the wardrobe.  On very rare occasions, I’d look on the scales – the numbers didn’t change much but clothes got a little tighter and I was feeling soggier around the edges. This brings me to the wonders of London Marathon training. Again, the numbers on the scales really haven’t changed but I’m soon in need of […]

original hampton court half

The Original Hampton Court Half – Review & Lessons Learned

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

The Original Hampton Court Half Review – I love seeing a rhino at a race. That way I know we’re getting close to London Marathon time. So here I was at the start line of the Original Hampton Court Half and a few thousands others, the rhino a little ahead in the pen. My mate, Peter, had picked me up a few hours earlier and we’d traveled from southeast London to the pre-arranged carpark at Giggs Hill. It was going to be an unseasonably warm day which was a lovely change to the snow and sleet of the week before. […]

12 weeks to London Marathon

Training Recap – 12 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

Only 12 weeks to London Marathon! It’s been a big week – 10k race on Saturday followed by my first run into double digits for almost a year in preparation. And it’s been cold, so cold! I’m not a huge fan of races. I always get twitchy and nervous. I know most folks do. I have a bad habit of comparing myself to others, namely the speedy runners.  It’s hard doing a race at training pace. My training pace is slow – 11 min miles. I’m a plodder.

Race Report: RunThrough at Battersea Park

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

What is it about races that sends me into a tither? My fist RunThrough at Batersea Park. It’s the feeling the night before when you’ve got your kit sorted, you know what you’re eating in the morning, you’ve sorted out how you’re going to get there, you’ve checked the weather at least 15 times, you’ve set two alarms just in case you turn one off but still … what if you’re late, what if they’ve lost your registration … what if …

starting marathon training

Welcome 2017 and Marathon Training Begins

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

Sixteen weeks to go to Virgin London Marathon 2017 and I’m starting marathon training. Shit. Shit. Oh shit!     Base Miles 2016 was by no means a good year in building strong miles – work stress, life stress, catching everything going around and injuries. On the good side, having lost my mojo, I found it again with the help of my running buddies. While mojo is still lurking about, my fitness has taken a dive. It’s been a huge year

Cross-country racing

Where’s the Mud? The Joy of Cross-Country Racing

Sophie–Race Day, Running–

I hated cross-country racing at school. While I didn’t have to deal with the mud that is a little more typical in the UK, I was not what you’d say sporty. Why? I went to a competitive school but I don’t have a competitive nature. I hated individual sports and I particularly hated team sports. I could never quite see the point.  

Cartoon on runner lying on a physio table bandaged up asking when he can run again.

The Injured Runner ….

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

There is little worse than being in the presence of the injured runner. In early 2015, I was at my physiotherapist, lying on my front while he worked on my torn calf muscle. I had a decision to make.

ANZAC Biscuits – A Great Post-Race Treat

Sophie–Sweet Stuff & Snacks–

    Ahhh…ANZAC Biscuits … the story goes that the mothers, wives and girlfriends of ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, WW1) would make these to send to the troops. They were good for shipping as they didn’t spoil. Little chance of them spoiling as they went down a treat post-race with friends from my running club – after a 10 mile race through mist and fog. These are little bits of goodness and great for replenishing your energy stores post-race. They’re easy to make and oh so good!