Bupa London 10000 - Challenge 3 - 25/5/15

So this is the second time I have completed this race and the last time I set a PB for a 10K race of 59 mins 42 so I was chuffed with that, not sure will manage that again but you never know I'm going to go for it if I can. Am a bit gutted that Jay won't be running with me (and think he is too) but its no good running if ankle gives way after a while as obviously I'd stop too. So at least this way, I get to enjoy running the new route in London, Jay gets to walk around, and its only an hour and we can be travelling back home.

So kit and running gear is all ready again.

So Challenge Number 3 completed:-) Unfortunately didn't beat my PB of the last time I ran it last  year, but was close enough really on a very hot day again (and I hate the heat!!). So 1 hour and 55 seconds and I really went for it on the last 2 miles, which shows on my watch time as had 2 negative splits so can't really complain at that. Most runners don't run quicker at the end than the beginning as they are too knackered, I admit I did run quick at the start, then at just before half way point I checked my watch and thought wow I could do this in 48 mins (too quick for me to keep up that pace) and yes it was too quick as by the 5K splits I'd dropped to over 29 mins for the half way so knew I wouldnt beat my time. Anyway I didn't stop, just slowed down a little when I had to and danced around a few slower runners, although some had to pass me at points and then ran like the clappers for last 2 miles:-) Saw Jay at Bird Cage Walk again and he took a video of me, and just concentrated on running to the end as it wasn't far.  Hit my watch button at 1 hour 55 seconds (although Jay thought I was quicker) but chip time confirmed I was right.  Still good time though, I was wilting in the heat but was determined to just keep going.  Didn't enjoy the new route as much, the Strand was a bit boring although Jay and I go up London so recognised loads of it.  Had a nice ice cream afterwards on walking back and was amazed that people were still walking/jogging (not many really running) along Bird Cage Walk even then - I'd finished, collected goody bag and medal, had pictures taken, collected baggage, met Jay, changed, walked to get an ice cream and walked back towards Westminster so must have been at least half hour if not more.

So would I do again, ofcourse, I've already paid my money to do next year on 30th May 2016.  Just the matter of a couple more 10K's this year and a bike ride and not sure what else, will have to see as still have ankle issues but hopefully they will sort themselves.

Now hope I don't get bored, but will still be running and cycling even if no races planned, but I'll always be updating my blog - you just never know.

Life post Marathon and pre Challenge No 3

Well, I can honestly say I've not had the marathon blues this time around. So pleased about that as I remember only too well how I felt 2 years ago. I haven't managed a run yet, been very good resting up but managed spin Friday night which was good, nice weekend away walking and then hopefully put me in good form for a little run Bank Holiday Monday. It's only another 4 weeks till my next challenge and although much smaller - just 6 miles, I'd like to go a little quicker and get another PB there like last year if I can:-)

So first run since the Marathon and it felt great. Ankles good, legs good, hips good, the only bad thing is still the ball of left foot still.  I did go to Dr's and as they are pretty useless (which is why I never go normally), all he said was pad it out - yeh great tried that and had to stop last Sunday about 6 times and even this mornings little run of 6.5 miles I had to stop 3 times to re-adjust the padding as it had gone flat and then was pressing on toes and making them go numb!! Not sure what I can really do apart from try different padding each time I go out -just a pain especially as felt good today.  The sun was shinning, there was a few cars on the road and the odd dog walker (who wouldn't move over!!) but wasn't too bad really. Glad it wasn't as hot last Sunday thats for sure, but nice to get out in the sun again, even though its not the best weather for me to cope with when I run.

So plan for next few weeks till the Bupa 10000 is few little runs in the week, maybe at the weekend (if Jay is working), back to combat and spin and hopefuly a few bike rides when Jay is off too as we need to get pedling practice for the London to Southend Bike ride too. Not going to knock myself out much, its a much smaller distance and I know I can run that as my normal runs now-a-days but would be nice to get another PB there but you just never know.

The ballot has opened today for next years Marathon, I haven't been on line yet - but know my friends already have, so I'm contemplating it again.  Its only the ballott, wouldn't be a hardship not getting in, and if got in again its an omen I suppose so can either run it again or defer till the following year - won't be 50 but one year nearer I suppose:-)

So I decided to enter the ballot again much to Jay's dismay and him telling me I shouldn't but if you don't enter you just don't know.  I'd like to do in 2019 when I'm shhhhh 50 but thats a few more years so need to keep running for the next few years and see how it goes.  Been looking on line for new races, just 10k's and half marathons, have decided would like to enter the Royal Parks Half  next year thats a ballot too I think and opens in Jan and found a few new 10ks although they are part of a series of races in Royal Parks in London and the Olympic Park so am going to look at them too - just different runs with different people and if they are on days when Jay is working gives me something to get out and about for.

So out for an early morning 6.5 miler this morning, reverse route as the RRC had their first 10k race this morning so have to go past the school it starts and finishes from and I couldn't do it as originally we were going to be doing the Farleigh Hospice walk but Jay is at work so that stopped that, then it was too late and the places had gone.  Not that worried in a way as can't use headphones and its a bit more cross country than I like (although probably better for the old legs than road running). Passed a marshall on the car park this morning and wished them well, am sure I will hear all about it soon enough on facebook.

So plan didn't really go to  plan at all, work got in the way big style and haven't run or done much in last two weeks. Hoping to get a quick short cycle in when Jay returns from work today (infact cyclings been the easier of the exercise routes but still feel good to run tomorrow).  Unfortunately its not been good for Jay and he's decided (says he's gutted) that he won't be running because his ankles really not holding up well, its ok cycling but just not running for an hour so he'll be there cheering me on with his Macmillan t-shirt none the less.