Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K

Week 5

2012-02-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

After taking it fairly easy last week, I pleased to say I had a much better week of training this week! Started on Monday night by making it along to Spin. Having had to miss it the previous two weeks it was good to get back on the bike again! Tuesday, for the first time this year, I managed to get out a run at night! I have to admit though it did take a bit of persuasion from Hubby to get me out the door! Did 4 hill runs in total. There’s a hill near us which is 500m long and although it’s not the steepest, it does get the heart pumping!

Had a night off on Wednesday, so come Thursday I was full of enthusiasm and made it out for another run after work! This time did a 5k, in a time of 28m 29s (ave speed 10.5kpm). I was really happy with this as it was a minute faster than I ran 5k in last Sunday. So hopefully I am managing to get some speed back into my running! I also did some weights in the house on Thursday night,

Had Friday night off also, and then on Saturday morning went out for more interval training with the Hubby. Did a mile and a half warm up and then a few hill sprints, this time the hill we used was just under 200m long but a lot steeper, so quite challenging but at least you know it will be over sooner!!

Finally on Sunday, I did a 10k run, and was very happy with my time of 59m 09s (ave speed 10.1kpm). Its by no means the fastest I’ve ever done it, but considering its only February I’m very happy to be able to do 10k in under an hour. Usually at this stage in the year I’m still struggling to make it to 5k! Think the extra miles I’ve been doing lately have definitely been helping!

Fog, Sweat and Mince and Potatoes!

2012-02-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

Track session last night at Linwood with the Club. Hard session. 5 x 1600 metres (4 times round the track). The session is decided by our Coach, Derek Parker who is a very well respected coach in the running world and coaches some real talented athletes like Haley Haining and Claire Gibson. I'm lucky to have a little bit of his time and he has helped me immensely since joining the club last year. I'm one of his older runners (wouldn't really call myself an athlete like the others), but what's great is that despite Derek having top class runners to coach, he always has time for people like me who are just trying to achieve some personal goals and we get access to his wisdom to help improve our performance. That's the benefit of running with a club.

So, last night's session. In a word - murder. But again a step closer to my 41 minute goal. Ran the session with another club runner Kat. We run similar times and its good to share the pain. Kat ran really well and gave me a good run for my money. On the cooldown laps we venture out of the track and run round Linwood just for a change and that's when we talk about getting home and what we're all having for dinner. We're usually beat and tired after our run and thinking about dinner always puts a smile on our faces. So last night we talked about corn beef hash, pasta and mince and potatoes!

One of the really important things about training is trying to get your diet right as well and one thing I''m not great at is eating qucikly enough after I finish a run. The first hour is really important to refuel and I don't always manage that. Derek has again been good for me in this respect introducing me to more isotonic drinks and gels etc which I really need to use more this year especially when I move up to half marathon.

Talking of which, in a moment of madness last night I committed to running a half marathon before the Women's 10K which I haven't done this early in the season before. I usually run 10K's for the first half of the year and move onto halfs for the Great Scottish Run in September. So, looks like I'm doing the Alloa Half in March which means a long run of 15 miles in about 3 weeks. Can't wait. Long plods are not my speciality but again, if it helps my 10K time, I'll do just about anything!

Anyway, back to food. Last night's dinner which consisted of mince, potatoes and beans, shared with my partner Keith was a lovely end to the day! And of course a few squares of my favourite chocolate and a cuppa. I'm easily pleased!!!

The start of my 10K journey.......

2012-02-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

Well here I am at the start of my Women's 10K journey for 2012. I've been running the race for many, many years and only had 2 off that I can remember - one when I was pregnant with my son 14 years ago and once with a broken toe, so I'm pretty dedicated as a runner and I'm pretty dedicated to this race - partly because I work for Glasgow Life and have the privilege of working on such a brilliant event. As a female distance runner this race is the absolute highlight of my year - I love standing on the start line with thousands and thousands of women. I admire the elites who run faster than me and I admire the women who are out there for nearly 3 hours walking the course - its just a great place to be on a Sunday on May! I'm really proud of the way my colleagues organise the race and in my opinion its one of the best races around.

In terms of running I've been doing it for 22 years, but only just decided after many years of thinking about it, and at the grand old age of 44, to join a club. I live in Paisley so joined my local club Kilbarchan and now have a proper coach and wow, has this changed how I run and how I perform. Last year I was just starting our with the club when my 10k training started and i probably launched myself into it a bit more than I should have as a beginner and got injured a month before the race, so had to cycle to stay fit but did ok and ran the race in just over 42 mins. But the training soon kicked in and i got a PB in the GSR last year of 1:34:25.

This year is different. I've trained steadily over winter and my goal for this year is to break 41 mins by the Women's 10K in May.

A week of training for me is reasonably full. Long run Saturday (12 miles), Steady run (6 miles) and weights Sunday, Fartlek with the Club Monday (10 miles) night Spin class Tuesday morning. Wed is a fast 5K and weight and Thursday is Track night (6-7 miles) at the Club. Friday is another spin day and a bit easier so I'm ready to go again. Being a bit older I find this works for me - the spin classes really help me tick over without too much pounding.

So that's all the background - I promise it will get more interesting from here!

I've also got a good friend that is a brilliant runner. She is called Gemma Rankin and is an up and coming star I think! Look out for her. People think I'm her mum which is understandable since she is 20 years younger than me. We both run for Kilbarchan and on Sunday we set out for our first race of the year - the Renfrewshire Road Race Championships down in Greenock. We had a great day albeit we werent too enthusiastic about the cold! Gemma won the race in 28:30 which is amazing and I hit my target for 41 minute 10K pace by running 33.20 for 5 miles - I now know I can do this and with a little bit more training will get my 41 min time in Glasgow - what a big boost to my training! Downside - I ran into a bin on the explanade (despite it being 15 feet wide and having all this space!) and cut and bruised my arm. This isnt a one off - I seem to have a problem with bins and poles - even on training runs. I probably need an eye test but I'm resisting!

On Monday night I headed down to the club for our Fartlek session which is run on the cycle track from Elderslie to Bridge of Weir. Oh what a night! Despite having a head torch on and umpteen layers I was still frozen and couldn't see a thing! It was pitch black and visibility was virtually zero - what a scary experience. A guy also jumped out on us and boy did we run fast I'd never do this session on my own but there are lots of us close together so there's safety in numbers! Our session consisted of 2 mins on (1 min recovery), 1 min on (1 min recovery) and 1 min on (2 mins recovery) x seven times with a mile of warm up and cool down. Its a really challenging session but boy does it get results! Went home satisfied but frozen - a shower has never felt so good!

Well that's probably enough for my first blog - I'll check in again later in the week to report on my track session at Linwood on Thursday night I eits 5 x 1600 metres. Can't wait for that!!!

Week 4

2012-02-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

After last Sunday’s mammoth effort of a 10 mile run, I took it slightly easier this week to allow my body to recover! They say you should only increase your distance by 10% each week but I definitely didn’t stick to that rule last week, and judging by how I felt on Monday I can certainly see why they recommend that! I gave myself a couple of days off from exercise, then on Wednesday night did my Tae Bo dvd in the house, then had Thursday and Friday off also.

Saturday morning, as a change from going to my ususal gym Glasgow Club Easterhouse, I went to Glasgow Club Whitehill. It’s been refurbished recently and I have to say I am very impressed with it! The new gym is a great size and looks so modern and fresh. They also had a good range of free weights and kettle bells, this led me to trying out a variety of different exercises and I was definitely feeling that in my arms and back the next day! Its good to mix the routine up every so often!

As I said last week, I am happy now knowing that I can run 10 miles without stopping, so what I need to concentrate on now is getting my speed back up. I went out for a run on Sunday morning, trying to run at a faster pace knowing that I wouldn’t be going as far. Did 5k in 29m 26s, which is an average speed of 10.2kph. I have to admit it’s a couple of minutes slower than I want to be covering that distance in, but it’s a start at getting myself used to running at a faster pace.

Week 3

2012-01-30T07:41:00.001-08:00

Another week over with, and nearly in February, though I think it will be a while yet before I can get the shorts back out!!

My week didn’t get off to a great start as I had to cancel my Monday night Spin class due to working late, and then I had plans for the Wednesday night, but I managed to do a Tae Bo fitness dvd on both Tuesday and Thursday night. Friday night made it along to Glasgow Club Easterhouse for a weights session!

Saturday I managed to get out for a run once the early morning frost had cleared! Did 4 hill sprints to waken the body up, there is a hill near me which is 500m long so it’s a good wee challenge and gets the heart rate up! After that I watched the experts at the athletics from Kelvinhall, good to see a Glasgow Club facility on the tv!

Sunday I went out for a long run again, getting quite used to this now! Ran 10 miles which I am amazed at as it’s by far the furthest I’ve ever ran! Did it in a time of 1hr 43m 20s, which I’m very happy with at this stage of my training. Now that I know I can cover that sort of distance, my aim for the next few weeks is going to be to start running the longer distances at a faster pace!

Week 2

2012-01-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Well that’s my second proper week of training done, and I’m pleased to say I managed to do a lot more than I did the previous week!

Started the week with spin class at Glasgow Club Easterhouse on Monday night. I’ve been going to this class for a while and find it really enjoyable, as well as being a good workout, it’s a good atmosphere and the instructor is great at keeping us motivated throughout the class!

Gave myself the night off on Tuesday, then did some free weights in the house on Wednesday night and then a Tae-Bo dvd on Thursday night.

On Friday night I got along to my local Glasgow Club, this time to do weights in the gym.

Having my Glasgow Club membership means I can attend any of the 24 Glasgow Club facilities around the city, or take part in any of 700 odd fitness classes each week.

Despite the terrible weather on Saturday morning, my hubby managed to persuade me to join him for some interval training. Did a couple of miles warm up jog and then some hill sprints until the hail stones came back on which led to a sprint back to the car park! But its training sessions like that which definitely make you feel most alive.

On Sunday I was able to do a long run again. I like to try and vary the exercise I do, but I am starting to really look forward to getting up on a Sunday morning and putting in a few miles! I managed to run for 8 miles, however thanks partly to the wind I was struggling for speed, and so completed it in a rather slow time of 1 hour 26 mins. However at this stage I am more than happy just to be able to run 8 miles without stopping so not too bothered about the time it takes me to do it in!

Week 1

2012-01-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well its that time of year again when full of New Year enthusiasm I sign up for the Ignis Asset Management Woman’s 10k and the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run. However this year, for the first time, I have clicked the option for the half marathon in September rather than the 10k. Throughout the next few weeks and months I plan on updating you on my quest to run 13 miles for the first time, and in the process hope to improve on my 10k time!

As a bit of background, I have been running for a few years now and mainly do 10k’s, but have always struggled to get great times. My PB is 56mins 30sec but I did this back in 2009. I’ve always aimed to get under 55mins, so its time to overhaul my training and also add in the new challenge of a longer distance!

This weekend was my first proper running of the year, and I did a slow and challenging 5k (29min 28sec) on Saturday and then a slower and even more challenging 7 miles on Sunday (1hr 10mins), but at least I can take some benefit from being able to run 7 miles already! I have achy legs today, but my usual Monday night spin class at Glasgow Club Easterhouse should help with that!

Well they say the first couple of runs of the year are the hardest, so at least that’s them done and dusted and I can now look forward to getting some good mileage under my belt in the weeks and months to come!

2012 Women's 10k launch

2012-01-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

We are gearing up for the 2012 Ignis Asset Management Women's 10k with our official media launch today in Glasgow. We will be revealing some famous faces taking on the 10k challenge and telling you all about the exciting new developments for this year's race.

You can find out more about what we have in store for 2012 at the race website but enhancements include:

- price freeze
- technical t-shirt upgrade option
- more route entertainment
- pace makers and much more

We are also launching our new advertising campaign - My 10k - which highlights how much we know our runners love the Women's 10k. You told us loud and clear that this is not just any 10k, this is 'My 10k' and you are proud to take part in Scotland's only all-female 10k event.

See you on the start line!

CONGRATUALTIONS

2011-05-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

To all who crossed the line, be that in 32 minutes or 2 hours 10!

See you all next year :)

In the meantime if you fancy reading about my ongoing training check here for my normal blog (which may contain swearing, pointless ramblings or bad jokes).

Over and out,

Fiona McG

So Soon!

2011-05-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Gawd this is creeping up fast... I've got to say that cause of 8 exams and endless stress my training has been appalling! I'll be the tortoise out there on Sunday.

I was dead excited to recieve my race pack and the new chip timing method- no more ankle irritation!

To all the ladies running, good luck! And remember, out there we are all in this together. Start soft, finish strong and HAVE FUN.

Fiona McG

The HEAT is ON!

2011-05-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

Well who would have thought it would come round so quickly...I actually feel like the past 5 months have gone past in a flash! I can't believe the race is just around the corner and I am nowhere near as prepared as I ought to be! Oh well we live and learn I suppose!

Managed a 4.5mile run on Tuesday (which was supposed to be a rest day!) and went to Zumba last night! My thighs are suitably tight and I now have no opportunity to do anything until Sunday! Should have been running tonight however I have book group and that involves large amounts of Italian food, good banter and a wee bit of literary discussion! I may drag my ass to the gym or for a gentle run on Friday but to be honest I don't know that a run on Friday night would undo the lack of training for the past 12 weeks....what do you guys think!?

Well I guess this is it...there is nothing more I can do! I have resigned myself to the fact I will not better my personal best! At this stage I will be happy just to finish the race! I am however, so looking forward to the day! There is no better feeling than being surrounded by women all running together, for a common goal. It makes me a bit tearful just thinking of it! I will undoubtedly cry as I cross the finish line! And not just due to my dire finish time or aching feet and muscles, but because of the emotion of the race!

Sunday is also my Papa's birthday and I will probably shed more tears for him...but I know he will be looking down on me, hopefully proud that I am even doing this regardless of my time! Good luck everyone! I am sure you will all do great and I can't wait to see all the smiling faces along the way!

how did it get to be May so soon!!

2011-04-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

so I have tried we are nearly there the running schedule of a middle aged working mum. I have been running almost 10K every saturday and usually 4-5K in the week ones or twice. Does not sound professional but I hope it is enough. Been trying to raise money and got to £200 so hope it helps Spinal Research. will be seriously emailing for spponsorship next week but work is hectic. Girls have standard grades and trying to get them to revise is impossible. They are so confident... not like their mum. Tomorrow is the Royal wedding, husband is hill walking, twins are belly dancing practice for a show on saturday, young adult is resting and mum is running and going to work as she has a grant deadline and collaborator is slow....... cant believe the race is so soon. Good Luck all you woman out there and thank you all the smilling Mugdock reservoir people for their encouragment.

Not long to go now!!

2011-04-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies,
I hope that your training is going well for the big day next weekend!
I'm stilling plugging away at my marathon training (4 weeks til that and feeling extremely nervous!!).
I'm loving the sunshine but am finding it quite tough for running in. It was SO warm when I was out on Wednesday night. Hopefully we'll have dry but not too hot running conditions for the race.
I was running through Pollok Park the other day and saw some of the girls from the Glasgow Running Network - they were heading up the 10k hill in the right direction whereas I was taking the downhill option. I really need to try and do that hill again before next week to remind myself how it is...eek!
The Glasgow Running Network are having a pasta party next week at DiMaggios. Starts at the Royal Exchange Square one and finishes up at Theatreland - should be good fun!!
Check out their web site for more details: www.runglasgow.org/GRN
Good luck to Audrey, Tammy and the other GRN girls doing the Belfast marathon on Monday.
P x

Its about time I did a blog :P

2011-04-21T03:27:00.000-07:00

Not done a blog on this for a while now so thought it was about time :P

Had a couple of weeks which involved no running :-/ during my uni exams, but since finishing have tried to get back into it and keep doing whatever I can since theres not long to go now!

Got quite excited when my pack came through the door, always makes you realise how soon it is when you receive your number. Was cool to see my shadowed outline on the tshirt aswell :P

I will be featured in the Cumbernauld News next week since I am running for Yorkhill and we want as many people as possible to jump on board and raise money for a good cause.

Hope everyones training is going well, no excuse now with the nice weather (except the fact that we would rather laze in the sun hah)

Jodie

Fiona: This Week

2011-04-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

Hope everyones gearing themselves up- only a few weeks to go!

This week I ran a 6 miler on monday. It was quite toasty here in Ggow so afterwards I looked a lot like this:

Gosh, my boyfriend is a lucky man. Do you like my neon extreme Grangemouth finishers tee shirt?

On Tuesday I did some extreme abs work from the Runners World Olympic Abs page. OUCH.

On Wednesday I headed for the gym and made my peace with the dreaded cross trainer. I used to use the X-C in 10 minute bursts on a casual gym day. Then when I caught the running bug, X-Cs now felt boring, you just go on and on and on. But on Wed I ended up doing 30 minutes.Actually felt pretty good.

Now, if I could just bring myself to love the treadmill...

Thursday was another speedy 6 miler crammed into a study day:

Friday I took a rest (was dead stiff) and Saturday I ran for the athletics team in the 3K and 400m relay. Was a great laugh- ended up doing the 3K in 14.39 which is a 7.51 mile pace and I don't yet know my 400m time. I was so nervous before because track/athletics runners are a lot more serious and I had never run at a track event. Sarah and I, however, devised a mantra. That mantra was, 'We are distance runners. For us this is a TRAINING RUN.'. It really helped. To be honest I was really glad to be part of Glasgow Uni at that point because we were the ONLY team who cheered on anyone in any team. A lot of teams seemed to lack the camaderie you see in cross country.

There was a massive headwind on the 300m corner of each lap but my race seemed really well paced to me and the spectators told me the form was spot on. Overall GUAC came 2nd and could hold their heads high another day. Also I had fun! And I reckon I'd like to try a little more sprinting- I wore Sarah's track spikes for the 400m and I really liked running in them.

sunshine!!

2011-04-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

What a difference the extra hour makes. Its so nice to drive home in the light and its so much easier to go out again. I am really trying to run three times a week and do a 10K on a saturday. Its not what is recommended but it suits my energy levels and spare time!! Yoga classes have stopped for Easter on the Monday but are running Wednesdays, but my work has been hectic going away to give talks on every Wednesday for the last three weeks. Missed yoga loads and have tried to do a little at home but get distractic by chores. My twin girls have been coming to the gym with me though and keeping me right. The reservoir on a saturday is great, so many people runing and smiling supportively. There are the ones that run past quickly the burst of air they create whoshing my hair, then I see a walker and think I just have to pass them without wheezing. Sprint past, smile then try and keep going long enough so they do not catch me up again! My running shoes are getting old, had them a few years now and the tread is looking ropey so with the 15% 1oK voucher got some new shoes!! Not doing well on the sponsorship front so if any one is reading this please sponsor me for Spinal Research!! Off to London to give a talk so no time to run......

Fiona: Staging a Revival!

2011-04-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

University has been kicking my butt so utterly the past few weeks- sorry I've been such an absent blogger!

This week I did a few runs and a few sprint sessions and ate super healthily. I'm feeling out of shape and hoping to get back into it next week!

Also, I signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival HALF Marathon on May 22nd so I really need to get in gear!

As a quick bit of inspiration I found and loved this:

Happy training in the sun! :)

Fiona McG

Light nights at last!

2011-03-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight was my first evening run since the clocks went forward (I was skiving on Tuesday night at the Kylie Minogue concert - well dancing is training right?) and it was SO good to be running when it is still light! I had been very regimental with my 4 training sessions a week for the last couple of months - but have missed a couple over the last few weeks. Still managing to make the Sunday long runs though which is what I need to build on for the marathon! I really should try and do a bit more speed work to try and get my Women's 10k time to under an hour too. Must be more dedicated during April :O) Hope that training is going well for everyone. If any of you are interested in a Saturday morning run then check out parkrun.com - 3 different runs in Scotland - all free and really well organised. The Glasgow one is in Pollok Park and takes in some of the 10K route (albeit in reverse!). Bye for nowp

running longer

2011-03-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

So I am trying to increase my run on saturdays and have got up to around 9K. I have to start earlier than the rest of the runners otherwise everyone is waiting for me! Still I am slow but can do it and am not too sore after. Managed two yoga sessions (one ending in pub) yes we all agree it does not sound right, but it was fun to get together after. Husband is away again so got to the gym and took my twins, who ran well on the treadmill. Then my dad who is 82 on the 28th fell and broke his hip, rushed into A&E, and omitted to orthopaedics, so having to get my mum who is blind, back and forth as well as go to work!! Still dad is getting better and still managed three runs this week. Walked up the 5 floors to orthopaedics ,and took me five minutes to get my breath back before I went to the ward! All becasue the night before the lift would not stop at the ground floor , clunked at the 4th floor and then zoomed up to 10 again, twice. Had to push button to the 5th floor and walk down!! No way was I going in the lift on my own. Yoga has stoped for easter for 3 weeks, its light for longer so should run around those Bearsden hills!!

Fiona: Grangemouth 10K

2011-03-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to sound like a whiny child, but sometimes it doesn't seem fair. I have been eating rot and hardly training, but I still can't believe that after a year with a club I just achieved a personal worst time. I know running shouldn't upset you... but this kinda does.

I guess I need to really get back on it. Start eating well, slim down, train hard.

It just really put me on a downer! Some of our team did amazingly too, the best at a swift 34 mins.

(My horrible time was 59.14. Which may not seem appalling, but the first 10K I ever did was 58.44, and my PB is 50.14. Ick.)

Fiona Mcg

7 weeks to go

2011-03-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

well,

ive just spent my last few weeks in OZ and i have come home to reality....Did i train in Oz - NO

I did my first run this week since i got back i ran 5k in 33 mins which isnt too bad, now that the weather has finally got a bit better the running shoes are out....

This week i have run most nights and let me tell you i am struggling the only thing keeping me going right now is knowing that i am running for a good cause....

Today is my aunt Barbaras birthday whom im running in memory of, this is keeping me going.

well ladies another week is quickly flying by.......lets get out there

should be spring...

2011-03-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Husband was a way for a week so concentrated on training. Ran 3 times and yoga twice felt so sore but very proud. Even managed the bearsden hills (maybe they are not hills to you). Came up to that saturday Mugdock run and wait..... the spring and budding dafodils and crocuses were out but instead of lovely spring sun they were topped by snow. Sorry I am keen but not that keen! Anyway one daughter had a greek speaking competition and even listening to a bunch of teenagers spurting greek and latin was more appealing! How sad... but hannah got a certificate!! Sunday was better and got to 8K, so the week of training was doing something. Read the training schedules on line.... sorry I try my best but all too complicated and makes me panic and feel guilty. Plummer coming round tonight so may scupper the gym!

Fiona: Week 9

2011-03-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Another no training week :( I hate my dissertation.

Only one run on Tuesday- a six miler beside the Clydeside:

It passes the BBC (beebs) building, the Armadillo and the Science Centre, making it very scenic at night. I thought I'd link some pictures, since I've been letting everyone down by training so appallingly!

The BBC from http://www.edwud.com/.

Clydeside bridge from http://admin2.clikpic.com/billycurrie/.

I'm glad they've revamped it though- it used to be a dodger's paradise and not safely run-able. Now its totally cool, though I still wouldn't necessarily recommend that anyone runs alone late at night ANYWHERE in the world. I'll be sad when it gets light at night again though.

Glasgow Science Centre, from http://bencraven.org.uk.

It felt great after the readjustment to actually moving my legs. I wasn't sore at all the next day. Hopefully this huge hiatus will improve my running when i come back next week?

Fiona McG

...and so it begins

2011-03-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well it took me long enough but I have done it...training has commenced!
The lovely people at Achilles Heel on Great Western Road Glasgow helped me find the perfect pair of running shoes, I've found a good training schedule, I am back at the gym and the running is going pretty well...well I'll be honest, at least it's finally going!

My pace is somewhat reduced and I can still feel the tops of my thighs creating enough friction to create a small fire but I am doing it! The weather this week has meant indoor running only unfortunately and with the forecast for the weekend pretty dire it looks like it might be the same until Monday at least! I can already feel an improvement though! I am sleeping better...for those that know me they will be astounded...who knew I could actually sleep better than I already do!?! I have more energy through the day and I literally cannot wait to get back out running once this weather gets better...but bloody hell it's hard going! I am nowhere near as fit as I need to be! I am conscious of the little time I have left to train! Even my Gatecrashers Anthems are not helping me pick up the pace! But I still have time...this has been my mantra since signing up for the race and I maintain that it is the case! Time is on my side...at least until race day...

Glasgow Running Network

2011-03-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
Hope that everyone's training is going okay!
Like Fiona McG I would like to tell people about the Glasgow Running Network's refresher training courses for the 10k - they are brilliant!
The coaches are all brilliantly supportive and it's also great socially to get out running with a group.
I signed up for this training last year and haven't looked back since!

Cheers for now
P

Fiona: Week 8

2011-03-07T07:32:00.000-08:00

I feel appalling this week- My dissertation is due in a week and thus I did NO running, NO workout. I don't feel refreshed, I feel exhausted!

Hopefully will get back to it this coming week, I feel like I have cabin fever. Hope everyone else's 10K training is going much better.

Glasgow Running Network 10k refresher courses start tonight at the Gorbals, Scotstoun and Tollcross Leisure Centres. You can go along and sign up on the night if you're interested. Details are here: http://www.runglasgow.org/GRN/spring-10k-training.php.

Fiona McG

runners about

2011-03-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

10k runners are about. just in case you give in to excuses for not running there is a group of ladies out there getting fit. but not me last week, kids to go to college interviews (monday), tired (tuesday)after train to manchester and back in a day with terrfied teenager, wednesday parents eve for twins, thursday lecture at the univeristy and dinner after, friday.. last night before husband is off to canada for a week for a conference and then its saturday. No trainng but the 1.5 times round Mugdok reservoir was 1 min quicker and felt good. have I peaked!! sunday was a short run in bearsden for the hills. bearsden is hilly to me.... but did it without a stop so thats good. Back to try and get my yoga up to speed but got to 30mins and was exhausted...Still a week to get the training back on line only the kids to school and negotiating revising for their standard grades...Spinal research sent me a running top for the event, reall smart so thanks Jo and steve for the sponsorship got the t shirt now!!!

Fiona: Week 7

2011-02-27T03:44:00.000-08:00

Monday I did notttttthing. Sweet old nothing.

Tuesday I did sprint reps. 1.5 miles warm up with 400mx8, then 0.5 back to the gym.

Wednesday us girls once again proved we are hardcore, as only girls showed up to train. We did the town route, a sweet 6.5 miles. I hadn't eaten enough or drunk enough during the day so I felt a bit sicko but that's my own silly fault :-D

Thursday I couldn't make training. Because 4th Year Uni sucks. Not that I didn't expect it to. So I went to the gym and sauntered about. This is my problem with the gym, unless forced I do very little. I basically did some arm work and 10 min X-Trainer... Lightweight! However, I woke Friday and was glad I only did that. Cause' my shins are sore again. So on Friday I did no cardio at all.

If I can (in my novice state) give you one bit of advice, I give you this: Listen to your body. If it hurts (like beyond a decent workout pain) and especially if it CONTINUES to hurt out-with tough workouts, listen. My shins and ankles are the weakest parts of my legs, easily. My calves are almost never sore, my thighs are steel (well... slightly mushy steel...), but my shins and ankles need a bit o' TLC.

Saturday was a blasttttt: 7 members of the team headed out to do Conic Hill Race, organised by the brilliant Chris Upson. It was tough- the elevation is really sharp and some sections are literally unrunable, but the descent is gorgeous. Especially a section where rise a little again, on a perfect springy grassy hill and suddenly the whole Loch is spread beneath you. Utterly magical.

From left: Bryan, Me, Neah, Julie, Ciaran and Steve

Cause' its held at Balmaha and limited to 70 people there are ample facilities, no queues for registration, and as always I can't help but think hill runners are so incredibly friendly!

Of our team our girl Neah was 3rd! She won lovely lovely booze (the other thing hill runners definitely get right- the prizes!).

Neah, wine and hound

One of our male team was also top ten. After the race, we took the opportunity of being at Loch Lomond to ice in a novel way...

Neah and I

It was FREEZING.

Hope everyone's training is going well! Remember to eat well, don't try and do tooooo much, run a few times a week and you'll be golden on the day. We're all in it together on 9th May!

Fiona McG

do it for charity

2011-02-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Driving to Mugdock last saturday was really uplifting as so many women were out there running all over the place and it was freezing and sleeting. The womans 10K is the best, getting us out there. The run was cold and wet and every step was a wet whip in the eye by my hair. Still sunday was much nicer. Trying to run 7.7K on the saturday and 5K on the sunday. Still not getting any faster but not getting any slower. Find getting to the 10K mark a struggle, but there is quite a few weeks left. Did some interval training in the gym too. Still going to yoga which I am hoping will help my breathing. Decided to definitely run for Spinal Research. They had a fantastic call for donations on television with two very moving accounts from spinal injured people. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00z0jsn/Lifeline_Spinal_Research/ Don't blink and you will see my lab at the end. It was so moving and spurred me on to try and raise some money. Set up a just giving page under Susan Barnett so please donate as I try and get my self round the 10K route and up thePollock Country Park hill.

Fiona: Week 6

2011-02-19T01:05:00.000-08:00

Still having massi trouble getting rid of these blisters- the only thing that saves them from more wear and tear is Compeed blister plasters but a) at this rate im shelling out more a week on these bad boys than food and b) they stick to you long after the run is over, necessitating ripping a healing layer of skin off upon removal... Eew.

That said, impressive levels of training this week: yoga at lunch and then 6 miles on Monday, during which it poured, hailed, snowed and I refused point blank to give in. Instead the few team members who had showed to training started puddle jumping, singing, and trying to really confuse miserable passers-by with our cheery, cheery grins. After that, did some quick arm work for my ball dress on Saturday.

Tuesday was classic intervals- 500ms at 3.5 mins overall allowance. This means that if you're a slow bee like me you get a 1.5 min recovery (cause all of my 500ms were 1 min 57 seconds to 2 mins 6 seconds long). Did five of these and also ran 1.5 miles warm up and 1.5 miles warm down. Thats 4.5 miles overall! Also yoga-ed it up in this lunch break and did some arm/tum 'vanity' work.

Speaking of speed, check my new Nike tee:

Sadly they weren't selling one that said 'moderately slow' ha ha! It does make me look badass though!

On Wednesday us girls showed the boys up- not one single male member of the club showed! So us six girls headed out and did a speeeeeedy 6.5 miles. I was sore after this, but weirdly after going out that night and dancing, I was fine the next day... Dancing as a recovery plan, anyone?

Thursday I couldn't make training, which was to be a tempo run, so I meant to run solo but then had job applications so did NADDA. Same for Friday- stupidly busy with applications.

Saturday I was up at 7 freakin AM to run with a friend. Just a short and breezy 3 miles (it was baltic!) and then after breakfast I went to the gym to an hourt long boxfit class. Sounds hardcore but I must be honest- it was mostly for arm vanity cause tonight is the GUSA ball! Which also means posting now, cause tomorrow I plan to be sleeping curled up with the BF. Zzzzzzz.

Fiona McG

Hill work

2011-02-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

Hey all,
Haven't blogged for a while - so I thought it was time I posted one and let you know how training is going.
As well as doing the Ladies 10K this year - I have also signed up for (my biggest challenge yet) the Edinburgh Marathon. Training started a few weekends ago with a course organised by the Glasgow Running Network.
I have to run 4 times a week - as part of the programme - long run on a Sunday, plus Tues, Wed and Fri nites. Have managed to stick to the programme so far and did a 9 miler on Sunday.
It was mighty hard work though as we had to tackle a couple of big hills - man - I hate hills!!
I was out with the Holyrood GRN group tonight and we did a 4 mile route that took in 4 hills - including a horrible hill on Millbrae Road - yuck!
However, despite the hill horror I know that they will be good for me in the long run - they really help with stamina.
For anyone training for the Ladies 10k you may hear horror stories about a horrible hill in Pollok Park - don't worry - it's not too bad. However, maybe try fitting in some wee bits of hill work to your training and it will be much less daunting on the day - that's what we did at GRN last year and it meant I knew what to expect.
Hope training is going well everybody!!
P x

running in the rain

2011-02-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

Missed reporting last week as my running seems to be getting less instead of the steady increase in training. Still run on saturdays with the Mugdock runners but that is helped by the lovely breakfast and chat after. I am getting up to 1.5 times around the reservoir which is around about 7k. but the time is so slow. Started to try and read what I should be doing. some interval training and hills? Tried using the interval raining on the running machine at the gym which is hard work but not being outside seems funny. Think I cheat by grabbing the heart moniter handles which makes it easier. Yoga is still such a nice relief and I am trying to go twice a week and then run three times. Printed off an 8 week training schedule kindly suggested by my friend Sally, seems good but can I get out of my comfortable habbit. Got to remember to take my inhalers too as missing that out does seem to make a difference. The good news is if I do not run I miss it and worse still I feel guilty. But then I feel guilty as the kids are not getting a nice hot cooked dinner and have to wait. How do we fit it all in? How do you makes yourself run when its raining?

Fiona: Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you have a great day, whether you spend it curled up with a significant other, contented with your family, giggling with your friends or totally blissfully by yourself.

PS: Try and get a run in! Get outside and celebrate your relationship with running :-)!

Fiona Mcg

Fiona: Week 5

2011-02-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

Now, this is what NOT to do:

1) Do nothing from Sunday after BUCS till Thursday.

I blame this bad boy.

2) On Friday try out zumba, even though you know you can't dance.

I know everyone loves Zumba but I actually found it really hard, having no dance background. So much I couldn't follow and I got so frustrated!

3) Spend all day Saturday in bed.

4) Spend all day Sunday in bed, then go to Super Circuits class, then leave 3/4 of the way through to throw up (no idea why!).

5) Eat rubbish all week.

I am an APPALLING IAM training blogger! Will try harder next week I promise.

Fiona Mcg

Fiona: Interesting Health & Fitness Idea

2011-02-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

This video is by thefuntheory.com, which I came across randomly. The idea seems to be to make things that are good for everyone to do (more exercise, recycling etc), more fun to do in the hope that it will facilitate the behaviour.

This one is about taking the stairs instead of an escalator- how cool is this?!

Fiona McG

Fail.com

2011-02-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

So I failed my latest challenge but not in the way I anticipated! Instead of Friday night wine versus Saturday morning run it became Friday night cough bottle versus Saturday morning get off the couch! A chest infection and painful cough have thwarted my best intentions and prevented me from doing any kind of exercise for the past week!

In the meantime my bum has gotten so large that the lining of my skirt spent most of the day gathered somewhere around the top of my thighs in an unyielding and inelastic reminder of the current state of my body and my complete inability to run the length of myself!

As I drove home from work I saw lots of women running, training and getting in shape! I honestly felt a pang of runners envy! I am fully aware that my attempts at running look more like a waddle, with more than a little wobble, but alas it would appear I miss the public humiliation of running like Phoebe from friends (if you have never seen this episode I highly recommend looking it up)!!! I want to be the cause of someones runners envy! I will have new trainers by the weekend and will soon have some more inspirational material to share with the group....until then I'm off to do another menthol crystal inhalation and drink cough syrup straight from the bottle!

Training Update and Thanks

2011-02-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

So thinking about signing up for the 5k fun run in March, think it will be great fun and also a good way to get ready for the 10k in March.

Not done quite as much running as I would like so far, but went for a wee run tonight from my house to Mollinsburn and back, not that far but went quite well :) also thinking about trying to go to the gym at my uni on the days where I have like 3 hours off between lectures -more productive use of my time- but we shall see how that goes !

Also want to say a big thanks to one of my fellow face of the race ladies Liz Burns for sponsoring me on my just giving sight, I appreciate every penny people can donate and just want to raise as much as possible for Yorkhill.

Have a receiption at Ibrox stadium on Thursday as me and my friedn rachel are receving medals for our help for the charity foundation. During the summer we ran from Hampden to Ibrox and then took part in a 5.3k walk around the pitch in order to raise money. So really looking foward to that and also getting more training in for the womens 10k.

Hope everyones training is going well :)

Fiona: Week 4/BUCS

2011-02-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

Last week i did a lot of running (Mon-Thursday), nothing hugely out of the ordinary apart from ENJOYING a tempo run on Tuesday, which is a rare thing indeed! It was very hard but I felt a huge huge sense of achievement when done.

The biggest thing this week was of course BUCS, which went really well. Our highest woman was Elspeth Curran, a truly amazing runner, who was 8th in a very competitive field. I was the second slowest GUHH girl but for me my time was alright! The girls team was 8th overall. Our captain was lovely and said that he was so impressed at all runners. Personally I was seriously impressed at Neah and Stephen, who had great races, and at Luke for battling through seriously hurting his shoulder. He was almost in tears when he finished but He. Finished. and thats incredible.

The men's A Team: from left: Adam, Chris (El Captain), Mike, Dave, Kerrick and Shabir.

Its a tough course too- a lap that was a) over the distance stated and b) had a double loop hill, where you are required to race up, run down, then turn on your heel and go straight back up... That its a lap course can also be quite demoralising as the best runners lap you.

Women's race start

I may not be any good as a competitive runner, but events like that remind me of why I race. Everyone was cheering everyone on- by name or by institution if you didn't know each other. If you saw someone flagging you yelled 'Good effort!' or 'Not long now!' or simply 'Come on insertunihere!'. It also reminded me of why I love my club- No one yells 'try harder' or anything, just full on support. Whereas other clubs had members shouting advice... in a race I wouldn't want to hear that! Also the overall feeling of GUHH is that its amazing if you happen to be a gifted athlete, but if you're not all they require from you is that you love a run and banter.

Back Row: Julie, Stephen, Chris, Neal
Mid Row: Megan, Me, Neah, Bernadette
Front Row: Yulia, Cat, Sarah

Fiona McG

The (Ouch) Challenge

2011-02-01T04:23:00.000-08:00

Well I did it...I managed double Zumba! Two whole hours of huffing, puffing, sweating and yes, on one occasion swearing! I wish I could say it was easy, that my muscle memory meant I suffered very little pain (and embarrassment) but that would be a lie! But it's a start! It's a step in the right direction. It’s…a wake up call!!

Bleeding Heck (excuse my French!)! The race is 96 days away! 96 DAYS! OK…deep breaths…woosaaahhh! 96 days…that’s ok! That’s like 13 weeks…I can get back in shape in 13 weeks! 13 weeks of double Zumba, trips to the gym, pounding the streets of Glasgow and getting my wee (wobbly) bahooky back in shape! 13 weeks is an age! That is just over 3 months, one trimester of pregnancy, a quarter of a year…3 pay days! Ok maybe it’s not that long! But it’s achievable! Isn’t it?! Words of encouragement welcome here…

Self doubt and scepticism will be eradicated! First real run of the year planned for Saturday! I will not be defeated by the chunky, lazy girl currently inhabiting my body! I will update all on progress following the next real test on my willpower…Friday night and an open bottle of wine versus an early Saturday morning run! Wish me luck ladies!

still fun

2011-01-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

just enjoying it and not really pushing. should i? had a great yoga session on monday and then had to fly to london to give a talk on tuesday. That meant the run in the gym was not on as I did not get back till 10.pm. wednesday should have been yoga but came home from work really late and so hungry that it was food or yoga... food won. sorry Jo. Then thursday my PhD student Besma, became a a Dr, and it was her last night in Glasgow going to Manchester and a new lab, so I just had to socialise. Just do not seem to be trying do i? still 7.5 K round mugdock reservoir on saturday. It was lovely and a beautiful rainbow. so many poeple running now, its such a good feeling. Then all the saturday runners went back for bacon sarnies! yummy. Today I went out on my own for a 5K and met two friends also jogging. There is definetly a lot of us ladies out there trying. It was so cold today my asthma was getting to me. That cold just hits the lungs so only once around the reservoir. No reason to my running, I must get some plan.....

Fiona: Week 3

2011-01-30T08:08:00.000-08:00

Monday is my cheeky easy day. I don't eat so well (Divine chocolate at 2pm... Carbs to the max al day...), mostly as its usually a hugely stressful day, and I do less exercise. On this particular Monday I did 10 mins X training- HARDCORE.

Tuesday training was properly hard. It was 6x600m sprints, where each leg feels like forever. I managed them all sub 2.15 though, which isn't terrible for me. Loads of people from the club showed for sessions for once and there was a really curious astmosphere afterwards, where we all kept hugging and patting each other on the back and saying people did well. A bit like how people would act if there was a nuclear disaster and they were truly glad to have survived... Which is pretty much how I felt. Also ran 1.5 miles warm up there and 1.5 miles back.

Wednesday was the GUHH club's Re-Freshers run, which is like a recruitment run, aiming to promote running in those who don't already do it. I did the three miles fast run, which due to some creative route planning, turned out to be the four miles fast run.

I made this poster for it- thought I did an okies job :)

On Thursday I turned up to sessions and realised I'd forgotten my shorts. Then all motivation I had, which had already been beaten black and blue by coursework, left me and instead of borrowing shorts or running back to get mine I just went home.

From Friday I was trying to make an effort to eat better (ate so much junk this week) and I also made an effort to work out more- did a boxfit class and abs work on the floor. Been reading a lot about how important a strong core is to running and since my core is currently doughball-esque I thought I should step it up!

Saturday I did an hours walk with my parents. Sunday we had arranged a long run with the club- a violent 10 miles. Except I failed utterly and did 5. I was just so freaking exhausted, so stiff, so DONE WITH IT. I have been eating badly, hardly sleeping and stressed out about uni so I'm not surprised.

Plan for next week is therefore: eat better, monday gym, tuesday sprints, wed run, thursday session, friday swim then BUCCCS on Saturday, asleep each night before 11pm. Hopefully.

Fiona McG

Fiona: Inspiration To Us All

2011-01-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Ignis Asset Management 10K is a women's only race. Part of what makes that race so special is the atmosphere surrounding it. I thought this Nike athletes ad was really appropriate:

"Are men bigger, stronger, faster? Yes. Is that all that has to do with being an athlete? No."

Fiona McG

January Blues

2011-01-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

Well January has not really been the start to my running year that I hoped! A complete aversion to exercise for the past 6 months has put me right back at square one with the old training malarkey and right now I could figuratively run a mile but perhaps not literally!

However, Monday will be my start day! I'm going to get back into Zumba, get back to the gym and maybe even buy some new running trainers to I can actually start training for the race! That sounded dangerously like my usual diet mantra....'Monday will be the day I change my eating habits and unleash the skinny Amazon I know is lurking inside my 5ft 4", size 12-14 frame!'...then of course Monday arrives, I get on the train home and someone is eating a burger in the seat beside me and it all goes a bit 'pear shaped' (pardon the pun) as I go home and eat my own body weight in twiglets while waiting on a 4 cheese pizza to cook in the oven! But, alas! I still have time to get back into running! I will achieve my goal! I will be fit! And I will probably still cry as I cross the finish line!

Hmmm - right now May seems like ages away but I think that if the next 3 months go as quickly as January has then it'll be here before I know it! Eeeek! Better get those new trainers bought and get cracking! Thank goodness tomorrow is payday....x

Fiona: Devil's Burden

2011-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I ended up doing nadda after my last post before the Devil's Burden...

MAN that is a tough race. My leg was literally 2 miles straight uphill and then rolling hills for one mile, followed by another half mile directly and steeply downhill. Today my ankles are starting to majorly ache and I bet by tomorrow it'll be sore. I also did nothing today. The first two miles felt like forever, and when I reached the halfway pt I was thinking 'are you kidding me?!'.

Its also very much a local's race. Unless you know the hills the navigation is challenging (every racer is required to carry a map, compass and whistle and wear full body cover). I almost got lost once, only prevented from doing so by another kindly participant who yelled at me and gestured. 2 of the 3 teams Glasgow Uni entered got lost on leg 3 (with my poor friend Stephen ending up doing 16k over 2 hours).

In retrospect I enjoy that I DID it, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed it. Unless you're a serious hill runner its just tough, though it can teach you a thing or two about running through pain.

Fiona McG

its all to do with time

2011-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Started the week with a great yoga practice with Jo our teacher back from very serious flu, and it was lovely to have her pushing us through our practice. Really stiff the next day, like some steam roller had ironed out my body, but went to the university gym to try and do some interval training. My trotting is always so slow that I am going to try and speed up. Wednesday was a trip to London for a committee meeting and Thursday we had visitors to stay so I just did not have any spare time for exercise. Several excuses coming up but I was good on the weekend. Saturday is the Mugdock reservoir run, as I am working up to running twice round for 10K. Still only doing it once and it was so icy that it was hard to jog at all, more of a skate and I had to stick to the grass. Very foggy too, got round the reservoir before I noticed it. I listen to radio 4 Saturday live while I trot and got caught up to the stories. This time all the runners came back to us for coffee. My kids did good and phoebe made pancakes, Hannah lemon muffins and Alice croissants. All got scoffed too with gallons of coffee. Made it worth getting up and running. Saturday night was quite a late night to a Celtic connection concert at the Fruitmarket with more running friends from Edinburgh. They got us up Sunday morning for another Mugdock run as they are training for the Cape Wrath Marathon, so were planning to run10 miles. I opted for 7K (1.5 times round reservoir). The weather was much warmer and so much better for my asthma though the hip was twinging. It was nice though lots of geese on the water. Read the papers until they finished their run in 1.5 hrs.

Fiona: Fuerteventura

2011-01-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hi again guys,

Got back from sunny Fuerteventura on Monday night (or technically Tuesday morning!). I'm going to be wildly honest- outside an extremely unskilled game of tennis we did no working out at all. We did, however, have a total blast and made great pals in the sprint team! Actually, I tell a lie, two boys did a whopping 24km run one day.

This week so far I have done my strength training at the gym (oww, hello arms), ran a whopping 7.5 or 8 miles yesterday and today Im planning on super circuits at 5.15pm (this one is a tough class). Eating since I got home has been okay- a little too much chocolate perhaps but hey, thats WHY I run...

I should tell you why I did so much yesterday... It isnt that I'm a cool, dedicated athlete. Its that Julie and I got lost on a group run. I had a date so we ended up tempo running two miles, found the start of our usual 6 miler and raced around that too at a massive pace. And I was still late!

There are a lot of hard races upcoming for me- this weekend is the (aptly named) Devil's Burden Hill Relay - I'm running leg 2 as part of a mixed gender team. Its hilly to be sure. Then its only 2 weeks till British Uni Cross Country Champs in Birmingham- eep!

Fiona McG

Had a good run tonight!

2011-01-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
After taking part in a very snowy Great Winter Run I got back into regular training last week with the Glasgow Running Network (following a month off due to snow and flu).
I went out on Tuesday nite with Holyrood group and Thursday nite with the Pollokshaws group. By the Thursday night it still wasn't getting any easier with my breathing - ooof! But I had a good blether with one of the girls from my group called Tammy who gave me loads of good advice on marathon training.
I then did Glasgow Parkrun on Saturday morning - crumbs - it was hard work. I hadn't done parkrun for a couple of months and forgot how tough those hills can be. It was also really rainy and miserable (I very nearly didn't go - but my fiance uttered his catchphrase "your skin is waterproof" - so off I went to the park). Not surprisingly - there was no PB for me!
I'm working down south tomorrow so went out with the Gorbals group tonight - and had a REALLY good run. I started chatting to a couple of the girls and one of the coaches and it made the time pass much more quickly. I've arranged to meet one of the girls at Tollcross group on Wednesday night - have not been to that one before so it will be good to meet up with someone else who hasn't been either.
I feel much better following my run tonight. Hopefully I'll get a good sleep too - early start for the airport in the morning. Pam x

First Run :)

2011-01-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

Ok so the ice finally melted ...

My first run in a good while took place this morning, nothing brillient I must add but its a start.
Went a wee run round Broadwood Loch and bumped in to a couple of other motivated people doing the same thing.

What I did notice is that when you run past people -and give the usual runner to runner nod- that I always wonder where they have ran from and how much further they are going to run.

Anyway glad that I have finally went out and hopefully it will kickstart me into training.
Back at Uni as of tomorrow but have mondays off so that may be a perfect morning to run.

Also Yorkhill have asked me to be part of their running team and feature on their website and letters in order to get lots of others involved in signing up for running events and raising money for Yorkhill, so excited about that

First week down

2011-01-14T15:27:00.001-08:00

Well since I was asked to be an online face of the race I thought i had better start training. This years 10k is really important to me as i am running for a cause very close to my heart The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, and i would like to beat my fastest time of 59mins....

Tuesday - The week started great when i got back into my step aerobics classes on Tuesday night after the christmas and new year break, it all went really well untill i stopped by the local chippie on the way home. Never mind there is always tomorrow
Wednesday - Time for the work to begin with another step class, oh dear clearly the 3 week break has knocked me back a bit because i felt like i had did 10 rounds with Mike Tyson...
Thursday - Feeling good after last nights excercise time for Attack and a wee run home, I worked really hard in class tonight then took the (roughly about 3 1/2 miles) run home, which might i add took me over half an hour - clearly i have alot of work to do.

I have used tonight (Friday) to work out a training schedule to hopefully i can get back on track and of course i will keep you all updated on my progress

Naomi x

Fiona: A Week in Training 1

2011-01-14T03:19:00.000-08:00

After my crazy Body Workout class, i woke up on Monday to thighs so tight I couldn't descend a staircase. Consequently I was dreading the evening training with the club (GUHH)... Just goes to show how wrong you can be. It was chucking it down but the run was one of those rare ones where rain just makes it easier to breathe. I stayed bang middle of the pack with the boys for the 6 miles, which is faster than my usual pace while training, and finished the run in under an hour. Shame I then forgot my towel and had to drip dry in the gym showers!

Tuesday I was going to do a boxfit class to take the strain of my thighs (which are definitely feeling it). Got to say, I don't think having to sit it a library till 2am is great for your legs post-run. Ah the joys of being a student... I ended up going to sprint sessions instead (ouch but awesome), where coach told me he wants a 45min 10k this time, no excuses. Oh dear. Sprints covered 2.5miles (1 mile warm up, 200mx13 reps = just over1.5 miles).

Wednesday was an appalling run- only 4 club members showed, I was so so stiff and I kept getting frustrated cause I could talk completely normally (ie breathing was A OK) but not run any faster cause' my legs weren't up for it. We ended up doing 5 miles or just over. In the rain. And Thursday morning I was SORE. So I had a rest day.

I know I said I'd blog on Sundays, but I'm doing so early this week cause' I'm off to FUERTEVENTURA today with the athletics club (they call us Hares and Hounds the 'giraffes' ha ha, because we are all tall and skinny) to do some sprint training and, if I'm honest, to bask in the sun. I'm so excited for sun! And training, obv :-D.

Fiona McG

Raising money for Yorkhill

2011-01-14T02:29:00.000-08:00

Huge thank you to Mhairi Duffy for kick starting my fundraising by offering to donate £100 to Yorkhill for my Womens 10k Lanch Hoody.

So I have now set up a just giving page in order to collect sponcers :)

Anyone who would like to donate can do via the link.

Thank you very much in advance.

Ice Ice Baby

2011-01-12T05:09:00.001-08:00

Firstly really enjoyed the launch of the 2011 10k on Monday, was a good laugh and amusing to see the funny looks we were getting from people above wondering why we were running on the spot at the top of the concert hall :)

Was also excited to find out we were in the Evening Times (see picture) and the metro :)

As a Snowsports fan I genually love the winter and snow hoever currently the one thing I stronly dislike is the ice !!

So I was ready for starting traing yesterday and got all motivated for a run however the paths around cumbernauld at the moment have sheets of ice that could put george square at christmas time to shame.

Seriously not only the paths but the side streets and even the edge of the roads have thick layres of slush which make it an impossible task. The only way I could have had a decent run would have been to go in the middle of the road and leap over the coming cars - which for obvious reasons I decided wasn't the best idea ! So I went for a walk and ended that plan there.

Training will comence at some point but if this ice dosen't start to disappear it may have to begin in the gym for a while ....

first blog for me

2011-01-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

Guilt! I start the build up to the Women’s 10K with guilt for not keeping my trotting up and letting the snow and ice be a good excuse. I call it trotting, as my speed can not be considered a jog or a run. However I am still pleased with myself for trotting any distance. I started running 6 years ago, completing my first Women’s 10K with my friends Ali and Mads. Ali kept Mads and myself going by telling stories and we made it. My time is always around 70mins but I do keep jogging even up hill. I have exercise-induced asthma, so its all a bit of an effort. Each year I need an incentive to make sure I do not give up training and this year it’s as an online face for the race. So I started jogging again last week, round the Milngavie reservoir - 35 mins to complete just under 5 K. Got to improve. Keep on with my yoga as its good for running but our yoga teacher has been poorly, so we all got together in the church hall and quietly did our practice together in our heads hearing Jos voice, was great but not quite the same. Went to the gym tonight and trotted on the treadmill for 25mins (only 3K). Got a bit to go…….

Great Winter Run - hard going!

2011-01-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hi there,
This is my first blog since being asked to be one of the featured runners on the Women's 10k site. I'm not the fastest of runners - but I really enjoy it. I've been running for a few years and have done several 10ks and did my first half last year. 2010 was my first time doing the Women's 10k and I loved it - it's a great race and there is so much support on the day.
I'm really excited about being asked to be part of the race and hope I can encourage others to take up the challenge.
I signed up to do the Great Winter Run a few months ago - and as a bit of hill work is involved I wanted to keep training over the festive season. However, despite the best of intentions of keeping running throughout December I really struggled to get out during the snow and ice. I'm not very sure footed so had to miss out on my usual road runs - I did manage to do a few track sessions at Kelvin Hall with Glasgow Running Network. The weather picked up but then I got flu and a chesty cough so my fiance wouldn't let me go out in case I made myself worse - probably a wise man! I went for a run on Thursday nite with the network but really struggled - so was dreading the race on Saturday. To add to my woes - the snow came back on Friday night and was particularly bad in the east.
The race went ahead on a contingency course - which was an out and back rather than the usual loop round Arthur's Seat. It was pretty slushy and slidy underfoot (and still a bit of a hill to contend with) - but I managed to finish in 33.02.
It was a great atmosphere though - Liz McColgan started the race and there was a great turnout and lots of supporters out for the runners. Thanks to my friend Sam who stood about in the cold waiting for me. We treated ourselves to a nice lunch after the race.
So that's the first race of the season done - out with the network on Tuesday night. Hopefully the ice will be gone by then!!
Pamela May xx

Fiona: First Post!

2011-01-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

My name is Fiona McG and I'm one of this years' Runner-Up Face of the Race applicants. Glasgow Life kindly asked me to blog about my training too, so you can all share the ups and downs (and believe me, in rainy Glasgow there are some downs). I'll try to update weekly on a Sunday with what I've been up to.

I've run the race twice before and I love the Girl Power atmosphere at it. My best time is 54.15 on this race but this year I'm faster than that (I hope!), so I'm aiming for a personal best. My current PB was set on the GSR 10K.

Now its officially 2011 and there are exactly four months to go, and I'm getting down to some hardcore training. This year I will be doing a variety of 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons, parkruns and university events (since I run with the Glasgow University Hares and Hounds team) so there's no slacking for me!

So far this year I've been heading out on the odd cheeky 6 miler, but its easy to slack when the team isn't in training. There has been a lot of random activity- today for example I was at a Total Body Workout class, which was sore. The trainer is definitely some sort of closet sadist, considering how lovely she is when you chat to her!

Fiona McG

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-12-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has had an amazing christmas (i sure have) and that you all have great parties tonight to bring in the New Year !!

This year has been pretty awsome: of course firstly running my first womens 10k, returning from an expedition in Africa, leaving school to start my course at Glasgow Caledonian, good nights out and gigs and then to top it off being picked for face of the race 2011 :) Looking foward to what the new year will have instore.

Kicking it off by heading of to France tomorrow "Risoul" to be specific for a week of good banter and snowboarding, then back for the launch on thw 10th of January and after that I will need to kickstart my training for May !!!

Met up with a group of friends from my old high school last week and me being on the leaflets has tempted them to possibly sign up for the run (no idea why as there are far greater thingsabout thw 10k than me being on the leaflets :P) but I will be making sure they stick by their word ... no backing out now !!

All the Best

Jodie

First Blog as Face of Race

2010-12-16T14:26:00.000-08:00

Here goes the first blog since finding out I was going to be one of the faces of the race 2011 :)

Cant explain how excited and suprised I was when I got the call and cant wait till the race in May. Although I will certainly need that time to get ready for it as my training has been well ...non exsistant for a good while now.

The photoshoot was great fun and can't wait till the final shots come out ! Also looking foward to the launch in January just need to ensure no injuries the week before -since I will snowboarding in France- :)

So bring on less snow and clear paths and the training will begin ......

Winter blues

2010-12-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

I'm new to blogging, so you'll have to bear with me. Having recently been told I'm a 'Face of the Race' (the most 'mature' one!), I feel a bit of a fraud because I haven't been out running for several weeks now. The pavements are still icy and treacherous and I'm not going to risk a fall, as I'd be out for weeks more. I had a great pre-Christmas drink (or several!) with women from my infomal running group and it's great to make new, like-minded friends through running.

Let's hope the weather warms up soon, so that we can get out there and start running off those mince pies, to make room for the turkey and Christmas pud!

goodbye and thanks

2010-05-14T10:59:00.001-07:00

thank you soo much everyone for the support and encouragement doing the 10k race......i am soo glad i entered the race and the competition to be face of the race.....i dont want it to end???

ive made two great friends in Pip and Ange and hope to keep in contact with them xx

and i will definately keep up the running/jogging....i havent been to a class for ages...much prefer outdoors now!!!

thanks to everyone hwo sponsored me to raise money for the big build appeal xx

will see you all next year at the next 10k xx

love always natz

Goodbye from me!

2010-05-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well after many months of training and lot's of anxiety, sadly it's all over. It was another brilliant year, I managed a PB taking 10 mins off last year! 1:01:40 - Really happy with this time.

I could not get over the number of people this year again taking part, everyone was so happy to be there, the residents along the route made me burst with emotion, supporting and cheering us on while offering water and sweets :D

I hope my blog has helped others in some kind of way, I have really enjoyed writing them. See you all next year! xx

A huge thanks to my family and friends for all their support and sponsorship.

JogScotland and Parkrun for the training, and everyone at Run Glasgow for organising such a great event.

Tomorrow could be the greatest day of our lives!

2010-05-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

They say ignorance is bliss so I have deliberately tried to avoid finding out too much about the route for the 10k (just like I refuse to watch the trailer for Sex and the City 2), which is now less than 24 hours away...But like the best laid plans, I came a cropper this morning when I went along to take photos at parkrun.

As we left Pollok Park after the run, we came upon the markings and tape all set up for tomorrow. Just when I thought my mouth couldn't get any drier, my (formerly) good friend Carlos decided to impart the interesting (to him) information that the 10k route followed some of the parkrun route, except with a twist. It goes in the reverse direction (I should have known he had something evil in mind when he came dressed in his cape, top hat, and twirly moustache today).

This means that the hill that usually signals a welcome respite from battling with my legs to keep going during parkrun is going to take more persuasion to work tomorrow than a Tory-Lib Dem alliance. And like the voters who were denied entry to their polling stations, my legs just won't be given a choice tomorrow as there will still be several miles to go to the finishing line at that point.

My training has taken a nose dive in the last 6 weeks but I managed to at least recoup a little in the last fortnight. Parkrun, which is half the distance of tomorrow's race, has been a struggle the past 2 weeks I've run it, so it doesn't bode well. However, I was boosted by the fact that my wee sister signed up on Monday night - well I signed her up, and yes she does know...now. It always makes a great difference to your confidence when you have a familiar face to run with, and behind, and then catch up with an hour later at the finishing line...

But on the whole, I'm actually really looking forward to it! Which couldn't be further from this time last year when I completely lost my nerve after I had a similar lapse in training close to the time of the race, and then ended up not doing it. This year, I was determined not to lose out on what everyone tells me is a fantastic day to remember, and an achievement for every single woman who takes part. And hey, I can always walk some/most/all of it.

So for my supportive wee sis, here's a video which will stir some good memories...:-)

The big day is nearly here!

2010-05-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

Was thinking about going for a run on Sunday - anyone wish to join me??

I would also like to wish everyone the best of luck, will try to control my tears of excitement so I look semi decent in my pictures. And I hope to come back on Sunday to advise of a great time and the fact that I managed to complete the run without the aid of oxygen :D

Best wishes everyone - remember to cheer on the pipers! :D

10K 9TH MAY 2010

2010-05-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Just wishing everyone the very best of luck for the big day on sunday..
Enjoy the run it,s all good fun and make the most of the chance to be part of
one of Glasgows biggest days .....Good Luck Ladies...

All sponsors welcome!

2010-04-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

I'm running the 2010 Ignis Asset Management Women's 10k and attempting to raise money for Alzheimers Scotland.
I care for my elderly mother who has Alzheimers and receives support from Alzheimers Scotland who provide day care facilities for her. Without this support I would struggle to continue my work as a nursey nurse, and also support my family. I am also looking to raise awareness for this disease that affects many people and their families.
I was proud to be nominated by my son for the Evening Times Face of the Race 2010 and was lucky enough to be one of the winners! My role has been to promote the race and to inspire others to sign up! This has also given me a boost for my fund raising.
It's a busy life bringing up five kids and supporting my mother but I know what she done for me bringing up a family of six so it's a labour of love. She's a great character and Alzheimers is such a sad disease.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated. http://www.justgiving.com/angiemcqueen
Angie McQueen

X

Under 3 weeks to go!

2010-04-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well what an eventful few weeks I’ve had! First, we had such a great time at the Glasgow Running Network 5k at the end of March, it was a great atmosphere and a really good training exercise for the 10k. However, not long afterwards, my family and I were struck down with a sickness bug which was just horrible and hindered the good progress I’d been making with training. Once we were over that things got a little better and I got out running again. I am so determined to do this, I was even running to and from my Weight Watchers class - now that’s dedication isn’t!
So, training is going well again and I was pleased to find out that the other Face of the Race girls and myself were due to get fully kitted out with running gear as part of winning the competition! We went to Run 4 It on Bothwell Street in Glasgow and Pamela from the shop was great! We definitely got the special treatment and got to pick some Gore training kit and a pair of Ascics trainers, so now I am fully kitted out with the best kit I really need to pull out all the stops ha ha.

My son Paul and I did over 5k the other day and I was so pleased with my time, I managed it in 29 minutes so I know I am definitely progressing. Roll on 9th May!

I have also now started the ball rolling with my sponsorship and aim to raise funds for Altzheimer Scotland who do a fantastic job, the money will go direct to my local centre who have helped my mum who suffers from altzheimers and my family a great deal.

Well that’s me for now, good luck to all the other ladies and speak soon,

Angie x

26 Days!

2010-04-13T02:31:00.000-07:00

The day is drawing ever closer!

My countdown app is telling me today that I only have 26 days till the big day, I can't believe how the time has flown by. I am so excited, constantly checking Facebook for updates, worrying about what I should wear! The list goes on :D

I ran my first Parkrun at Strathclyde park on Saturday and was very chuffed to take 3 minutes of my last 5K time four months ago. It was great fun, so much better running in nice spring/summer weather.

Back to fashion - I have a new pair of trainers and do not know when to break them in or in fact wear them at all! If I get a bad time, the trainers will of course get the blame. But if I don't wear them, then I shall never know?? So many decisions!

Anyway, as the countdown has begun, I better get my skates on (or trainers!) and start building up more distance.

Good luck everyone, hope you are managing to make decisions better than me!

Balfron 10K - 25 April

2010-04-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hello.

This has been voted the top 10K in Scotland by readers of Runners World Magazine (they must mean after the Glasgow Women's 10K)... the Balfron 10K is 2 weeks before our event so have just entered to see how I am getting on.

More at the link, sounds a fun one: http://www.balfron10k.org.uk/

Pippa x

PB or not PB

2010-04-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

I've been in a right cream puff today.

I'd gone along to the 5k parkrun at Pollok Park again this morning, (following last Saturday which was the first I'd run it since December), fully pumped up, psyched, stoked, or whatever else is the latest americanism all the kids are using these days. Anyway, to cut to the chase, I was aiming to beat my time of last week (34:52), or even better, to beat my parkrun Personal Best of 34:27.

It was another beautiful morning, and even though the pavements were still glistening wet the sun was well and truly out. By the time I'd met my friend at the entrance to the park I was even, drum roll, pleasantly warm. Warm enough to run without my jacket, another first this year.

Having Nessa there was a great boost to my spirits, and being able to keep pace with her for the first km or so would get me off to a good start (one thing I thought let me down last week was starting too slow and never really breaking out of that pace). Conditions were perfect, and it was time to get down to business.

Although Nessa and I parted ways before the first km was reached, it was okay as I found a friendly spot in a pack of half a dozen or so women near the back of the race who were all about the same pace as me. There was the usual overtaking/being overtaken as various of us would stop to walk, then start up running again when we'd caught our breath. I was just grateful to be amongst company than to be running on my own with 30 seconds between me and the next person in front.

I must admit to tiring a few times during the run but overall I was pleased with my efforts as my legs felt stronger going up the inclines and steep hills than last week and I was convinced that my pace while not cheetah-like was at least one species up from a sloth.

But alas, my hopes for a good race time were dashed upon seeing that my nikeplus showed 35 mins as I crossed the finish line. Unable to reconcile such a disappointing time with how good I had felt during the run, I fantasised that perhaps I had gained extra time somehow, and that the parkrun timer would record my run as a personal record breaking -34 mins.

But unless the regenerated Doctor Who, tiring of his new assistant already, had swung the TARDIS by Pollok today to pick me up and help him fight the evil forces of the galaxy, I couldn't think of any other circumstance whereby the space-time continuum would show the parkrun timer to be 2 minutes out from my nikeplus. (Though even as I write this I suspect that the Daleks were somehow behind my poor performance today, all part of their despicable plan to destroy the human race one parkrunner at a time...)

Meanwhile back in the real world, I know I'm never going to come first at parkrun, or any race I enter where there is more than one participant, so if I can't beat anyone else I would at least like to beat myself! Talk about scunnered. But somehow even though I still can't run faster than I did last August, I just can't entertain the idea of giving up on running. Cos each time I tie up my trainers and head out for another run, I cling to the hope that this will be the day I achieve a personal best. And I suppose to keep on trying and not give up is the best I can do.

Who am I trying to kid, coming over all philosophical...I still want to see that darn 'PB' alongside my name at next week's parkrun! And if I don't, i'll scweam and scweam and scweam and scweam!

OH MY GOODNESS.....

2010-04-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Hello there

I am so glad I got to do the 5k on Sunday.....it was much harder than I thought!! As im not a runner I thought my fitness levels were good as I go to classes regularly and I use the treadmill but it was totally different running outside......

I have walked/jogged a 5K's before and even the 10K when I was pregnant with Max so I dont know why its so hard now?? This will be the first time trying to run it but as Laura says....its the distance I am wanting to complete so If I need to walk or jog...so long as I finish it and raise money for my charity I will be happy.....I think I will really need to train outside from now on....hopefully I can do this as we have a few weeks left.

This morning I put my car in for an MOT in Bishopbriggs and jogged/ran/walked from there home. I did this in half an hour. Again I will need help with my breathing I think?? Any suggestions??

I will need to find out my time for my 5K at Bellahouston and I will try and beat this time for my 5K funrun.....or at least not be ready to collapse this time!!!!!

Dear Green Places

2010-03-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I kick myself (but not too hard, I bruise easy...) at how lucky I am to live in Glasgow. With its diverse population and communities, world-renowned educational and cultural institutions, not to mention one thousand and one ways to spend your time or your hard-earned buck. But recently I've also been reminded how dear our green places are, especially now that I use them to run in, through, and around.

Being a southsider I have loads of parks to choose from, practically on my doorstep. Pollok Park is a fave Saturday morning locale since I started going along to parkrun regularly last year, and I ran it yesterday, for the first time since December. Even though my training lately has reduced to going out twice a week, I do feel fitter than the last time I ran the 5k there and so was a bit disappointed not to better my personal best on Saturday morning....however, the beauty of parkrun is that there's always next week. And I did manage to run up the hill from hell both times without stopping, a personal achievement, and no mean feat if you have been and know what I'm talking about!

Last Sunday I took a wee notion to run in an entirely different direction to normal, and ended up in Linn Park. Even though it was the middle of the afternoon I was a bit wary running into a park alone that I had only been to once in my life, but the plus side of running in an unknown environment was not realising just how tough it was about to get...A river runs through the park and on one side is a lovely flat trail nestling alongside the lazy river while on the other is a winding narrow path consisting of a rollercoaster ride of steep steps up and down, obviously dreamt up by some psychopathic park designer with a grudge against runners, walkers, or anything else on two feet.

With typical (for me) beginner's luck, I ended up on the Himalayan side. As much as I would love to tell you I took on the hills with gusto, bounding up and down them in two single leaps each time, my feeble attempt ended up being closer to crawling on all fours than actual running. Once I reached the flat ground again my legs were useless lumps of lead and I conceded defeat to a pair of very dapper old ladies out for an afternoon stroll who managed to overtake me at all of their 2.5 mph pace.

Ignorance certainly is bliss to me, so since the course for the Women's 10k has been officially announced, I've been too nervous to look at it very closely. However, a friend was telling me that the route takes in not one but two parks, Bellahouston (which for my shame I have never ever been in) and Pollok. Again, I think to myself, how lucky I am to live in a city with so many lush green spaces to run through, home to different species of Glaswegian wildlife, and lots of animals and plants too I hear. ;-)

When I'm on the home strait of the 10k through Bellahouston and maybe struggling a bit, one thing that will keep me going is a long-held wee dream of mine: which is to one day go for a run through one of the most famous city parks in the world, and somewhere very close to my heart, Central Park in New York.

And I'm not talking about doing the New York Marathon. No, I just mean like when you see shots of people jogging in films or tv shows which are set in New York (remember all those key moments from Sex and The City which happened in Central Park? eg Charlotte meeting her future pet dog "Elizabeth Taylor", or the time when Miranda moved into the 7 minute mile running group after another disastrous 'romantic' encounter, the details of which I won't go into here, SATC fans will know what I mean!), well I want to do that someday.

I've been to New York several times before and spent memorable hours in Central Park, but only got the courage to take up running in the last year or so. And I don't think I'll be able to truly say I have had the complete Manhattan-ite experience until I've jogged through the city's iconic park on a sunny spring day...

Return flight to New York, £499. Running through Central Park, priceless :-)

How about you? What's your favourite real-life, or fantasy, park run?

Glasgow Parkrun

2010-03-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

Hello again

Saturday morning 2nd parkrun ,better P.B. I would recommend this free run to anyone training for the ladies 10K .Its easy to register online , easy to find. easy to park and thats about it for the EASY part after that its all about pushing yourself round this challenging 5K route guided by all the organisers and it is such a well run event it makes it so easy to take part . Everyone taking part is made to feel welcome from the novice runner to the winning athletes Give it a go ladies .

Been Feeling Rubbish

2010-03-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a couple of weeks since I last posted a blog. This is mainly down to the fact that I haven't been able to get out for a couple of weeks due to to having a heavy cold, I was struggling to breath and lost my voice! It was terrible - and I was on night shifts.

Anyway, this is almost all out my system and I am back to my training. We ran 47 mins on Tuesday night at a great pace and I felt brilliant after it. Starting to gradually build up my distance - I haven't managed more than 8K since last years race and really should start building up my distance.

Parkrun will be starting up over the next few weeks at Strathclyde park and I looking forward to a regular timed 5K to keep me on track.

Love reading everyone's blogs, keep up the good work x

Face of the RaceFame!

2010-03-17T01:18:00.001-07:00

Face of the Race Fame!

My training is going really well at the moment, I'm managing my usual 5K route comfortably and I'm trying to add a bit extra on each time I run so that I can gradually build up my distance although measuring my distance isn't my strong point, I don't really use my pedometer or chart my distance but I base it mainly on local knowledge and I know the rough distances so hopefully I'll get by on that. During my early morning runs I'm often quite taken by the view, particularly on a bright, fresh morning and sometimes I find my running can get a little side tracked when I stop to take pictures!!!

I'd really like to try the actual Women's 10K route, but as I'm not from Glasgow I don't often get the opportunity to spend time in the city however next weekend I have a hen night in Glasgow and I'm making plans to incorporate some running along the race route beforehand - I think it will be really exciting to try it out!

The Face of the Race competition has been amazing, local people who see me running my usual route each morning are coming up to me and telling me how great they think it is that I'm involved and my good friend opened her No1 magazine a few weeks back to find my face in the middle of it, she said she was really proud which was a great feeling! I've also had a lot of support from my Weight Watchers leader Patsy Freeman, I would really like to thank her for that. She announced my involvement in the race at our meeting and encouraged all the other girls who attend my meeting to get involved and run the race which was so kind, makes it all seem really special and is doing wonders for my motivation. Looking forward to the months ahead!

Here's looking at you, kid

2010-03-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Palms are sweaty, my stomach is churning, couldn't sleep last night, and I'm shaking as I walk out the front door....to face my first run out in the open air since December.

Some people will be wondering why I am so scared of something they find perfectly natural, while other people will know exactly what I'm going on about. It's not the first time I'm ever attempting to run so its not the fear of the unknown. In fact it's probably cos I know what to expect that I am so anxious.

It's all those fears that using the treadmill for the last 3 months had eradicated: what if I run out of steam before I'm even more than halfway home, what if I need the loo, how many people are going to witness my huffing, puffing body trundling along, and what are they going to think? Having decided to try a run by myself, at least I didn't have to worry about holding anyone back or have the embarrassment of seeing the rest of my companions shrink to the size of ants as the gap between them and me widened.

But, I had decided this weekend was now or never. The weather has been beautiful, my hip seems to be on the mend, and all my friends are making great progress with their training, so it was time for me to stop being such a baby and grow some cojones!

I headed out nice and early and used my nikeplus to make sure I didn't go too fast too soon. It wasn't long before that wasn't a problem anyway as my legs realised what a cushy number they had been onto in the gym. One km in and I was struggling to lift my feet off the ground and wondering if any of my neighbours would clock me if I headed back to my close 10 minutes after I'd just left.

Well, I managed just short of 5km in the end, not the best of runs, and I stopped to walk even between the traffic light breaks. But in the end I did what I set out to do, which was set my foot out the dreaded front door, and planned to try again today - if my body was still friends with me after putting it through that rude awakening. And a rude awakening it was this morning too, rising out of bed I felt like I had been run over by a steamroller in my sleep, however, catching sight of my lady bumps in the mirror it was obvious that nothing about me was flatter than yesterday...:-)

I'm always one to listen to both sides of an argument before I decide to do what I wanted to do all along anyway, so although my body was protesting any further effort this weekend, off out the door I set again this morning. Not quite as early as Saturday morning, so the world of Glasgow was very much up and at 'em, but after 10 minutes I was actually so tired I couldn't give a flying fig who saw me, what they thought, and what kind of a state I looked. I was oblivious to everything but just trying to keep going.

One wee trick that seemed to work for instance was not looking ahead but staring resolutely at the ground. It actually did work as sometimes seeing a long street ahead of me makes me think I'll never make it and that's when I usually give up and walk.

I also struck out on a different route to my old tried and tested, as I think that the same familiar landmarks tend to remind my body of past occasions when I've felt jiggered at those points. Today everything would be a new experience and so my legs would just have to plod on without prejudice. And so I was able to run up a hill without stopping, got a chance to run on grass, and I even managed to run along a few streets which were human-free (the holy grail of the self-conscious runner).

On the home strait I checked the distance on my nikeplus for the first time, knowing it was definitely longer than the previous day but hoping that my usual luck wouldn't mean it was about 0.1km longer. But, yippee, I had actually managed another mile more than yesterday!

Stepping back through my front door ruddy-faced, windswept, and smiling to myself, I suddenly felt a pang of unfaithfulness to the trusty old treadmill that had seen me through the good days and the bad of the past few months. Cos it was clear at that moment that I had fallen in love again with running outside...

The treadmill and I both knew it couldn't last forever though, and that if I didn't leave the comfort of the gym I would regret it. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of my life. As for my return to running outdoors again? I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship :-).

What I Think About When I Think About Running

2010-03-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, just start slow, let the beats of Madonna wash over you, whatever you do don't think about the fact you are going to be running for another hour and right now you are only 30 seconds in...one tune down, six to go till you've done 5k, but don't look at your nikeplus, promise you won't look now...oh here we go, someone's joining me on the nearest treadmill, a guy, who doesn't smell for a change, thank god, o-ho, he's going for it, must be about 6 minute mile he's going there, see how long he keeps that up for...2nd tune down...

...I should really take back that t-shirt dress to H&M as I like the idea of it more than I like it actually on...woo-hoo, every few minutes it actually seems like I'm going as fast as that speedy gonzalez next me to here cos we run in sync for like three steps...was that the 3rd or 4th tune that just finished...if i was a man, and gay, and lived in LA, in the sixties, I bet I could cure Colin Firth's broken heart...mmm Colin...knew it, Speedy was in it for the short haul and has abandoned me to my plodding, oh well peace again...don't like this tune, skip it...

...well my hip seems to be holding up, let's crank up the speed to 5.2 on the treadmill, wonder what the 5.2 is, probably the richter scale considering the way my fat bum is jiggling along, be enough to cause an earthquake 2,000 miles away...check pace on nikeplus (careful not to press the button for distance, mustn't know the distance just yet, probably only done 3k or something), aye, pace just under 7km/min, that's pretty average for me....

...here comes another treadmill neighbour, hold on a minute is that guy really wearing denim shorts??? Careful not to stare or you'll fall off the treadmill and become one of those stories that people pass on 'did you hear about the girl who fell off a treadmill in front of the entire spin class?'...god he must be roasting in them...god, i'm really hot actually, feel like the air is as thick as custard, wish i hadn't worn this stupid hairband, keeps all the heat in and then it feels like my brain is cooking!....phew, a cold breeze just in the nick of time, just as well I went round and opened all the windows before I started....

...right 7th tune, that must be about 35 mins of running now as that's usually my 5k time, how do I feel? pretty damn good, reckon I could carry on like this for hours! steady on, let's see if you can do another seven tunes, then if you can limp through another two you should be able to beat your furthest distance yet...okay, so save the most inspiring tunes for when I really need to pull out the stops, Bruce, Madge, Kenny, bide your time my old pals, bide your time...

...loads of skater girls passing by outside, oh aye, must be that roller derby thing again in the gym, changing rooms were full of tattooed, hair-dyed girls skating aboot last week, looked like a cool bunch mind, and at least no as whiny as they netball girls the week before...

...uff...ouch, that was sore, wee knee gave way there...okay slow pace down for a minute, knew hadn't seen last of that gammy hip...just take it easy, in fact press pause on the treadmill and have a wee drink....aye, that's better, now be careful and press the right button to get started again, press the wrong one and it cancels out your settings on the treadmill and you have to start all over again....and for god's sake don't forget to start up the nikeplus cos if it doesn't record this run you may as well give up now and hit the nearest wine bar...mmm what I wouldn't give for an ice cold glass of Pinot right now...

...Okay, all good...might be time for first patron saint of my running playlist, Kenny Loggins come on down...."been working so hard, keep punching my card"..."everybody cut, everybody cut, everybody cut footloose", yes, I feel great, check pace, down to 6.37km/min, woohoo, never been that fast before!...everything's going great, maybe it would be okay to look at distance now? No, you promised yourself. You'll only be disappointed. Nah, it must be about 7k by now surely. Surely you can't be serious, I am serious and don't call me Shirley, hahaha never gets old...

...time for Hung Up again methinks! Watch out for that bit when it fades out and you think the song has finished cos it just fades up again and there's still another two minutes of the song to go...god my legs feel like lead, okay what was thing you read in Runner's World, that tip that said imagine you are walking on clouds and if you step too heavy your feet will go through the cloud...yeah that's it, feel a bit better, more upright, god if only I wasn't so ruddy hot though....

...right that's it, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to check the distance now!....no, now...this time...now....woohoo!!!!..8.5k....I think I can do this, I think I can get to 10k and a bit more, I'm tired and my pace is down at 7.20km/min but i'll save the final push for last km....here's another new neighbour, aye go for it, knock yourself out, pounding away next to me like the proverbial hare, yes I look knackered and my leaden feet are hardly lifting off the treadmill but I've been here for almost an hour you johnny-come-lately! Gaarrrr....

...you're almost there, time to go down fighting..."baby we were born to run, woah ho ho, woah ho ho ho ho hoaaaahhhh", I am going to die right here right now but at least I'll die happy, check the distance, 9.9k....oh c'mon do me a favour!...Right keep going just a little bit longer, 5 mins and you'll have beaten your longest ever run...but my legs are so tired...well use your arms then, keep them pumping along and they'll keep you going...

...I just want to sit down with a cup of tea and a giant double choc chip cookie and never move again...okay let's check the distance then, 10.1k, almost there, right that's you got another 0.2k to go and you'll have gone further than ever before, keep your mind occupied, work out how long do you need to run for if your pace is 7.20km/min and you have 0.2k to run...okay speed multiplied by time equals distance or is it distance divided by speed equals time, or time times time divides distance up to speed....what the hell am i going on about? Just check the ruddy nikeplus ya big numpty....here we go...10.3k, yippeee!!!!!!!!!!! Job done and I don't have the energy to go another step...slow down the speed of the treadmill....wipe your brow and grab the bottle of lucozade sport...mentally punching the air and shouting inside 'get it up yous'!!! I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...Right, when can I get back to the gym this week to do it all over again?....

2010-03-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

Just completed a 6.5k run in glorious sunshine! I have a week off work and what a difference it's made to my motivation to just get out there during the day, I'm finding I actually want to go out rather than I have to go out.

I think I've mentioned previously that I'm not really new to running but it's the first time I've commited to running a race and therefore training for it and it really does make a big difference. I've kept my running up continually now since the start of the year however I've really stepped it up in the last month, the time when I would normally be trailing off from my promise to myself at the start of the year to exercise more. I can feel the difference in my fitness levels now and I feel better in myself, more alert and energized in general. So if any of you girls out there are thinking about signing up for the Women's 10K in May my advice would be just go for it because it makes running worthwhile, gives you a goal and something to focus on plus I just keep thinking about what a fantastic day it's going to be!

I'm going to stick to working on my distance at the moment, perhaps working up to 8K by the end of March, rather than focus on my speed as the most important thing to me at the moment is to keep going and not stop mid-run, otherwise I can't get going again! Planing on running the Women's 10K route early April to get an idea of much work I've got to do before 9th May!

Will catch up with you soon and all the best with your training meantime! x

Getting the running bug xx

2010-03-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

hello again....well i am starting to train now that the weather is better....last week i jogged/ran from my house in Lambhill to Stobhill in half an hour...I felt great afterwards...

I have also been keeping my fitness levels up by attending keep fit classes...body combat, attack and thighs bum tums....I also tried yoga on Thursday night which was very relaxing and great for stretching the muscles.

I am looking forward to the fun run at the end of March at Bellahouston. This is a 5K and I hope to do meet up with the other face of the race winners for some handy tips for training xxx

I have set up an account with Just giving to raise money for the Big Build Appeal and the sponsors are coming in. Thank you everyone xx My team who are running with me are my sister Nicola Foy, my cousins Tracey Hill, Donna Price, Mary mcGonnigle, Jess Nelson, Ashleigh Graham amd my Aunty Jean xxx

New Shoes?

2010-02-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

Looked at my trusty shoes this morning and thought they looked a bit sad and tired. In fact, that is what most people have commented on re: my 'face of the race' 10K photo - that I should have at least washed my training shoes before the photo-shoot! I never noticed and just reply that it makes them look well used and authentic!! (not old...)

Anyway, need to get some new ones soon so they are all worn in and trusted before the race. I usually just go to Achilles Heel but has anyone out there got any other recommendations of good service and/ or a good deal?

Thanks in advance...

Glasgow Parkrun

2010-02-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Hello again ,

Just a wee update on the training to date ..All is going well managing to up the miles little by little without incurring any painful niggles which is all good.
Most of the routes we are covering are on the walk jog run website and there,s many routes for all abilities - have a look -might be just whats needed to keep up the motivation .
I took part in the Glasgow Parkrun in Pollok park on sat morning as part of Team Jen all for the good cause of The-Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.. there were 20 of us all first time parkrunners and we were made to feel very welcome by a very competitive crowd of 5K runners .
I really enjoyed the run and will be back for more -excellent training- and very well organised so well done to all who volunteer and make it all possible ...

Hitting that perfect beat

2010-02-21T05:39:00.000-08:00

Laid up with (what I hope is) a temporary gammy leg, I was faced with the choice of passing Sunday afternoon in front of the tv flicking between channels showing Eastenders (I know who killed Archie now so no need to watch Enders for another ten years), Holiday On The Buses (really STV, is this the best you can do in 2010?), or another repeat of Friends (very tempting seeing as its impending disappearance from C4 and E4 is looming…end of an era, sigh) but I decided instead to get on with my rainy day project: finishing off a playlist of music for running to.

Before my injury, I had managed to work my way up to 10k on the treadmill and I can honestly say that listening to inspiring music has played a big part in that. With my ipod on shuffle, Born To Run came on at just the right point during the final 5 minutes of last week's 10k and where I would normally have stopped as soon my nikeplus showed the distance I was aiming for, I kept running for another 0.1k (hey, every extra step counts when you've just run 10k :-)) just to spend every last second with Bruce.

Another much played favourite has been Hung Up, which I can always rely on to get me pumping after initial warm up, or see me through any rough patches, which is ironic really cos the last thing you want to hear on a treadmill is ‘Time goes by, so slowly’!

Any song with running in the title or lyrics is also a good bet for motivation, eg “I want to run, I want to hide” from Where The Streets Have No Name, “Let’s take a ride and run with the dogs tonight” Suburbia by Pet Shop Boys, or Keep On Running by the Spencer Davis Group. There are exceptions to the rule though, for instance this is one lazy girl doesn’t need to be hearing Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill just yet - I’ll leave that to some day when I feel that death by hill running is the way to go.

Having downloaded the Now That’s What I Call Music series parts 1-13 recently, I spent a happy afternoon today reliving the 80s, without the perms, shoulder pads, or ra-ra skirts (unfortunately), and adding the most high energy songs I could find to my running playlist.

Movie songs spawned some faves (Holding Out For A Hero from Footloose, Maniac from Flashdance, and Eye of the Tiger, cos even us girls like to run along pretending we're Rocky Balboa sometimes); 80s pop, being cheesier than a multipack of Quavers, offered up the guilty pleasures of Walking On Sunshine, Take On Me, We Built This City; and Jimmy Sommerville and Paul Weller both hit the dizzy bpm heights with several songs set to get me lifting my legs that bit higher off the ground (Hit That Perfect Beat, Why, Don’t Leave Me This Way and Town Called Malice, Going Underground, Walls Come Tumbling Down, and Shout To The Top from Mr Happy himself).

Getting towards the latter part of the 80s, dance classics from acid house to the beginnings of hip hop left me spoilt for choice, so I'll work on a dance only playlist some other rainy day. But just listening to The Only Way Is Up while sitting at my laptop today had me with my hands in the air so I can’t wait to see what effect it will have when I’m battling with the last mile of a 10k, and who knows maybe even pass 10.1k next time...

I’ve babbled on enough but let me just leave you with a cautionary tale.

Listening to feel good music can also be bad for your health. The gammy leg that has forced me to rest while my friends are out racking up the miles this weekend can, I think, be traced back to a particularly energetic session on the treadmill earlier this week while listening to Footloose by Kenny Loggins. Let’s just say that experimenting with a new genre of exercise, a mixture of running and dancing, or what I like to call rancing, probably shouldn’t be carried out on a treadmill. If at all. But that’s the heady power of music for you!

Breaking that barrier!

2010-02-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited because I feel this week I've reached a turning point with my training. Previously I would be utterly exhausted after a run and completely out of puff however this week things have really changed, I'm managing 5K very comfortably and when I'm finished I feel really energized and alert which means my training must be paying off and I'm now seeing the benefits!

Of course I've still got a lot of work to do and will really need to focus on building up my distance and speed if I want to complete the race in under an hour (wondering if that's too ambitious for a first timer?!?) but I feel encouraged. A couple of weeks ago doubt was starting to set in and I slightly regretted signing up for the race but I'm so glad I persevered!!!

I really can't wait until the big day, quite a few of the girls in the office have now signed up and there's quite a buzz, we're all encouraging one another, plus I now have a lunchtime training buddy which is great!

Hoping to get another run in this weekend and hit the 6K mark....oh there's no stopping me now! x

My introduction to Lactic Acid!

2010-02-17T23:33:00.001-08:00

Well, I went to visit the lovely people at Glasgow University Sport & Recreation Service the day before yesterday to be given the training programme that is going to help me go a bit faster than I have ever been before!

No surprises but that also means that life is going to get a bit harder (and slightly more painful) that it has ever been before too! Strangely though, I am really up for it and think that I might enjoy it.

Now, I am an outdoor girl at heart but this is going to involve interval training on a treadmill so that I can control the speed that I am going at for the short, fast bits and push my little legs and my heart rate beyond the comfort zone that they have currently been enjoying.

My real introduction to lactic acid came this morning but I am told that it is a good thing... happy days!

I love Fridays!

2010-02-12T05:19:00.000-08:00

Part of my training plan involves doing a 10K on Friday mornings around Garscube Estate with my (very energetic) wee dog (Jacob the Cocker Spaniel). This morning was perfect... crisp sunshine and all done by 9.15 so I can then feel great for the rest of the day.

That and the fact that I don't generally work on Fridays makes for a super, smashing end to the week. Happy days.

Planning to do the Glasgow Running Network 5K on 28 March @ Bellahouston - is anyone else up for that?

Get a Move on!!

2010-02-11T06:32:00.001-08:00

The title is more reference to my state of mind at the moment, I've been a bit lazy of late due to not feeling my finest but I am going to pick myself up and get back out there. I'm happy all the bad weather is away and any hint of ice is now gone, so I can plan my routes and have a great time.

If you do go running yourself/with friends and without a group then planning your route using a route planner can really help. It can give you a sense of achievement by managing the route and if you still walk a little, then you can note your progress.

I'm starting off slow this weekend, going to try a 5k this weekend at parkrun (which I recommend for all abilities) and get back into it again.

I was thinking of last years women's 10K and how emotional I felt getting close to the finish line - all those folk who cheer you on but don't even know you - they were great and just really help for that final push you need to get that time you've been working towards! Thinking of that gets me motivated and really excited to take part once again!

I spy lighter evenings!

2010-02-11T00:54:00.001-08:00

Hello girls!

I'm ashamed to say my training has been a bit sluggish of late, I think it's the cold weather and dark nights but since the lighter evenings are definately starting to creep in I'm quite confident things will get much easier and I won't just be limited to weekends! My husband has also started running more often because I keep talking about it so it's having a knock on effect on him and it's great to have a bit of support!

I've found reading the other girls blogs really motivational and helpful, it's good to know we're all in the same boat, even the experienced runners! The Women's 10K facebook page has also been really handy as there's loads of girls on there sharing hints and ideas to help so I plan to use some of those (plus I also feel like part of wee team of runners now!).

Can't believe it's only 3 months away, I entered the race in October and the time has really flown by, getting really excited, I just keep thinking about crossing that finish line and the sense of relief and pride that I'll feel. I must dwell on this to keep motivated!!!

xx

Any more snow??

2010-02-09T02:39:00.000-08:00

OK, so I have finally decided on my charity. I shall be running for the local Hospice - St Andrew's Airdrie www.justgiving.com/julie-paterson. I am trying to think of different ways to raise money suggestions welcome. Rather than asking for just sponsorships I am currently selling stuff I have won in competitions on Ebay, I am also running the 10K in September, so I hope to have raised quite a bit by then.

Back to the training I never managed to run outside last week due to the snow and work commitments. I hit the leisure centre instead - I would like to shift some pounds before the big run so ran on the treadmill on Friday for 35 mins then on Saturday I had nearly two hours of body pump then body attack. OMG! this is now Tuesday and I still feel as if someone has attacked my body!! Fatima was great in pushing me to the end of the class :D Hopefully, I will be able to run tonight.

Being a bit of a gadget freak, I purchased the Nike sensor to connect through my iPod and track my distance's and times on-line, it also updates my friends via facebook. It has a 10K trainer to give you targets to reach, I am just over 5K at the moment and slowing building up to the 10K.

So, a 40 min run tonight - wish me luck!

Baby, it's cold outside or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the treadmill

2010-02-07T02:00:00.001-08:00

When I started running last year (or run/walking at first as an unfit beginner) I was so chuffed to have found a form of exercise which no longer shackled me to the gym, and more to the point shackled my bank account to some 2-year contract. I joined a couple of running groups, some cost a little money (the Glasgow Running Network’s 10k Crash Course for Beginners), others were free (parkrun and Jog Scotland), but all involved getting out and pounding those pavements in the fresh air.

Unfortunately, fresh air in Scotland also comes with rain, hail, sleet, fog, and as we have all witnessed recently, snow! If I’m totally honest I have to admit that I only ran in the rain a handful of times last year, just lucky I guess (or does that say a lot about how often I went running... :-0). But when the severe weather took hold last month, I thought sod this for a game of soldiers! Walking on the pavements was a dice with death (and embarrassment if you went flying in the middle of Sauchiehall Street) never mind try running on them (even though I did see some runners out in the height of the icy weather but they were always men, and I just thought, ‘aye trust them‘!) so I did something I thought I would never ever do again…..joined a gym!

But do you know what, hand on my heart, I’ve never enjoyed running more! I’ve discovered all these advantages you see. Like for instance, it doesn’t rain in a gym (unless some eejit has set the sprinkler system off for a lark). The amount of people who get to witness my red face and wobbly arse are way reduced (and I think I am actually doing the public a favour in this respect!). And if I need the loo mid run, I can actually go and use one, instead of wondering if I’ll make it back in time or cursing having been born a woman with the less handy equipment which makes it so easy for guys to go to the toilet anytime, anywhere.

I think the biggest turn on to the joy of treadmill running for me has been that no matter how slow I run I am no longer huffing and puffing at the back of the pack, trying hard not to be last in the race or last back to the muster point. There’s nothing more soul-destroying to be in a running group where you are the slowest (and I have been, quite a few times) . But now on the treadmill I can joyfully keep up with my pal N and although we cover a different distance in the space of an hour, I’ve still done the hour’s run, but just at my own pace, happy as Larry!

That’s just my personal experience of treadmill running though, as I know many people could think of nothing worse than running on a revolving tyre like a lab rat, never moving any further forward than the fixed spot of the machine, while staring at some unchanging view (or in the worst case scenario, a mirror….aarrghh!). Yeah, even I’ll admit that being stuck in the same location can be fraught with dangers. Especially when smelly/letchy/competitive* guy (*delete as appropriate, or if you’re really unlucky you get all three rolled into one) chooses the treadmill right next to you, despite a whole bank of other free treadmills. But that’s when I choose to play my joker: run in an insanely distracting way as possible (a bit like Phoebe did in Friends) and that usually scares them off. Till they go and fetch their pals to point and stare at you, but that doesn’t happen too often.

I’ve probably struck lucky with my gym as well, as they have none of those anti-runner rules like ‘maximum of 20 minutes on machines’ (my friend at work was telling me she actually had a queue behind her when she was on the treadmill at her gym - I can’t imagine anything worse than people standing impatiently waiting for me to finish my go or fall off the treadmill, whichever happened to come first). And I’ve been able to sign up for just 3 months so can de-camp to the real world in April, free of an ongoing direct debit.

But all good things come to an end (even a 10k race, though it doesn’t feel like it at the 1k mark) and I know I’m going to have to go back outside at some point and join all the other brave souls who have already started hitting the tarmac for their 10k training. So if you see a mad girl running along with crazy flailing arms and legs which puts you in mind of Phoebe Buffay, then you will know that the wind changed and I’ve stayed like that!

Enjoying the scenery

2010-02-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Well where do i begin..

Just back from a wee 4 mile run with Evelyn&Mary Well done ladies running in the snow is not for the faint-hearted among us but we weathered the storm and im sure were glad we did.
We ventured out slow to start worrying about sliping, but it looks so much worse than it actually is -The route we chose was slighly hilly but surprisingly easy underfoot considering the snow is a few inches thick:We then finished with two laps of the field which added on an extra mile and you always feel so good when you do a little extra .
Keep up the good work everyone and dont let the weather get in the way of a wee run..

Evelyn Flannery is fundraising for Make-A-Wish Foundation UK - JustGiving

2010-02-01T07:19:00.001-08:00

Evelyn Flannery is fundraising for Make-A-Wish Foundation UK - JustGiving

Posted using ShareThis
Hi im running as part of teamjen-5k on 20th February at the Glasgow park run
Jen is raising funds for The-Make-A-Wish foundationUK
AND IS IN THE FINAL 20 of this years Miss Great Britain/Miss Universe comp
please everyone give a small donation and come to the Glasgow parkrun and suport Jen

I will be there running 5K all part of my womens 10K training come along at 9.30
blow the cobwebs off the trainers and get involved
Eviefla

Inspiration, perspiration, and inebriation!

2010-01-31T03:23:00.000-08:00

What a difference a few days can make.....

Earlier this week I was feeling a bit down and sorry for myself after giving up too easily in a session on the treadmill. Come Sunday evening, and looking back over the week, I am chuffed to say it's ended on a high note :-).

Re-motivation came in the form of inspiration from various people. A work colleague tried his best to show his support and encouragement by telling me a very scary story about collapsing at mile 12 of a half marathon. It was really nice of him to share his own lowest moment, but I can honestly say now that I won't be signing up for a half marathon in a hurry! He has though, for the Edinburgh Half, and I'll be eagerly following the progress of his own personal challenge.

The same day I got a text from my best friend who moved to a new life down under a few months ago. We had started our Women's 10k training together last year and though I didn't manage it, I am proud to say K did, and when I got my confidence back in the summer we kept running together, going along to parkrun (more of this in a moment) and joining the Glasgow Running Network. Losing her to the attractions of Australia was a bit of a blow but we are constantly in touch and one of our favourite subjects is comparing our running progress.

With an average temperature of 29 degrees at the moment though, K has had to revert to the treadmill (so have I, but not cos it's too hot outside...Oh if only, in Scotland!) and without planning to, or with anyone by her side to cheer her on and encourage her, she texted to say she had just done 21k, ie a half marathon, at the gym, much to her own disbelief! This was no mean feat, having started running just last year, and only ever done a maximum of 10k. Well, I am still completely in awe 4 days later at her achievement and as proud of her as a best friend could be. Only shame is that I can't give her a huge well done hug in person (probably just as well as I think I would hug her to death!).

Inspiration no.3 came yesterday when I returned for the first time this year to Glasgow's most welcoming and friendliest (in my wee opinion) running community, parkrun. Parkrun is a free, timed 5k organised by volunteers which takes place every week without fail (even on christmas day!) in Pollok Park on Saturdays at 9.30am. It's been going for just over a year, and I first went along in June last year after K had given it a try first. I've managed to get my personal best down from dropping out after the first lap (about 3k) on my first attempt to completing the 5k course in 34:27, and hoping to get faster this year.

But running the actual race is just part of parkrun. Equal satisfaction (and you might say even greater if you count watching people come in at the finish line with a huge smile on their face as satisfying :-)) is helping that week's race take place by volunteering. I've done it a couple of times now, and though nerve-wracking (big sweaty fellas lumbering over me as my frozen fingers make sure I type their finishing place correctly into the laptop, eek!) it's been made more than worth it by the friendships which are now forming with the other volunteers. It was a lovely moment proudly typing in A's finishing time on Saturday, who I had met my first time volunteering, and who is returning from his own setback due to injury.

The only reason that Glasgow parkrun happened was down to a lovely guy called Richard Leyton who had seen it work in England, and now living in Glasgow wanted to start it up here. So he is my final inspirational model this week, cos if he hadn't gotten up off his ass, instead of leaving it up to someone else, and decided to start parkrun with some fellow enthusiasts, then I wouldn't have gotten my ass up out of bed on many a Saturday morning...come to think of it though, shouldn't I blaming him rather than thanking him, for all those missed long lies? ;-)

And a big shoutout to all who came along on Saturday for the highest attendance so far, a whopping 267! To think it was averaging 50-60 this time last year - who says the residents of the West of Scotland are the unhealthiest in the UK! Check out the parkrun website http://www.parkrun.org.uk/glasgow/Home.aspx or facebook page http://www.facebook.com/glasgowparkrun?ref=nf if you fancy joining us next Saturday (pre-registration via the website and printing off a barcode from your welcome email is required if you want your official time recorded).

I've no doubt that thinking about all these inspirational people kept me going when I managed to run for 8k at the gym today, the most I've done on the treadmill so far! And that's despite the bottle of wine I had last night, but don't tell anyone....;-)

Ok, so here goes.../

2010-01-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hello all, firstly let me introduce myself. My name is Cat, I am a 30 year old psychology student, and a wife and mother of one. I'm a 10k virgin, and in actual fact I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to all types of running! I still can't quite believe I have signed up for this, if you were to ask me this time last year, I'd have become breathless just at the thought of it!

At the beginning of 2009, I was 5 and a half stones overweight, and the only exercise I partook in was walking to the kitchen to top up my wine glass, however, I was turning 30 in July '09, and I really didn't want to spend my 30's the way I'd spent to majority of my 20's - overweight and miserable! I began controlling what I was eating in January '09, and went to my local Body Combat and Body Pump classes at least five times a week. It's been hard work, but I saw results really quickly as the weight started falling off. By July '09, I'd reached a weight I was comfortable at (just in time for my 30th birthday holiday).

I've maintained my weight loss, and I'm still an avid BC & BP go-er, however I'd like to lose one more stone and felt that going into the new year I need a new goal to keep me focussed on this. When my friend suggested we sign up for the 10k in May, although the thought was daunting as I had never ran any grat distance before, I knew this would be the ideal challenge for me. I started training two weeks ago, on the treadmill at the gym.

The first time I walked for 3 minutes, ran for 3 minutes, over 38 minutes (I thought I was going to pass out at the end of each run), but I kept at it and within a few days, I felt confident enough to increase my times. So now I'm walking 4 minutes and running 6 minutes over 60 a minute period! :0O...

Two weeks ago I entered this race with a sense of trepidation, however, I now feel confident that I'll be able to at least finish the 10k, and I'll be delighted if I manage to do that under 60 minutes (I'm even starting to believe that is a possibility!).....

It's pure mental, so it is

2010-01-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

In my first blog I was talking about my fear of not being able to complete the Women's 10k. Certainly when I chickened out last year it was the fear of not being able to physically make it to the finish line, but almost a year on I'm now discovering that the mental challenge is just as difficult to conquer as the physical one. In fact you could say that once your body is in shape enough to run for an hour or thereabouts (I fall into the 'thereabouts' camp), you've kinda got a 10k licked (I'm not saying my body is in that shape yet though!).

Then I hit the treadmill tonight and despite running 7.5k and 6k in my last two sessions of this week, I only managed a paltry 3k tonight! And for the past few hours since getting home I have beaten myself black and blue (metaphorically) about such a rubbish performance. I mean, what a waste of energy is that though! It would have been much easier to not have given up at 3k and tried to run for just another couple of kilometres than to spend all evening brooding about it.

So, I guess I need to give myself a mental kick up the bum and a) don't give up so easily when things aren't going my way (eg I hated the music on my ipod tonight, I hated where the treadmill was in the gym) and b) don't waste so much energy going over and over what went wrong, when I can't go back in time and change it anyway! Rome wasn't built in a day and the next few months of training are certainly not all going to be wine and roses.....The wine and box of Roses will come on the evening of 9th May!

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PS I didn't know whether to post this tonight cos I thought it was all a bit negative and feeling sorry for myself but talking to my friend after the gym she said she likes it when she reads about other people's not-so-good experiences of training. Not cos she revels in their pain, but cos she says at least you know you're not the only person who feels like that! So this is for you N :-)

What have I done......?!

2010-01-25T09:46:00.000-08:00

I don't know what's scarier right now....the thought of completing my first ever Women's 10k or committing to writing this blog from now till the 9th of May!

No longer can I kid myself about my training schedule, healthy diet regime, target finishing time - if I blog it, I'll have to do it. But then, even telling people that you are running the Women's 10k doesn't necessarily guarantee the medal, t-shirt, and goody bag, come race day. If only you could get all that for just talking about it (so that's where I was going wrong for the past 10 years....) but to my dismay you actually have to follow through and run the blinking thing.

See, I had a bit of a bad experience last year. Even though my best friend and I started training early (before New Year and resolution fever) and joined one of the Glasgow Running Network's Beginners 10k courses, I managed to bottle it before May arrived and on the day of the Women's 10k I was nowhere to be seen when my friends were lining up to face the challenge. I was absolutely gutted but had convinced myself that I just wouldn't manage it (if only I had believed all those people who told me it was perfectly okay to walk/jog or even walk the entire thing). However, a month later I completed my first official race, a nice friendly and not at all scary 5k, and proudly displayed my Race For Life medal on my desk at work. I then ran the Great Scottish Run 10k in September with a time of 1:15 (who cares about the time, I actually finished it, much to my disbelief!).

So even though I can now say that I have run a 10k, and got the medal to prove it (I do love a medal!), I still have the spectre of the Women's 10k haunting me from last year. Plus, the race t-shirt is really cool!

I'm really looking forward to writing all about my training experiences in the coming months, and hope people feel inspired to leave comments about their experiences, especially any girls who are as feart as me!

Time to Start...

2010-01-24T04:07:00.000-08:00

Firstly a little introduction - my name is Julie and I am a hard working Mum, Wife and Nurse. I work long shifts (12 hour shifts) and use my running as a way to de-stress.

OK, so the panic has started. With just a few months to go till the big day, I really need to start running again. The same thing happens each year, I build up to a good level before Christmas and struggle to get started again! I used the snow as an excuse over the last couple of weeks, but intend to get back to it this week - I even treated myself to a new pair of trainers :D

I run with JogScotland Airdrie, who are brilliant. Always such a great laugh and the leaders are great at getting us to run up all those hills! Due to work, I can only commit to once a week, so go to the gym also.

Last year was my first ever 10K (1:11), now I know what to expect I am hoping to do a little better this year.

The target this week is to get back out on the streets.

Good luck to everyone!

Fitness Testing!!

2010-01-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hello there and congratulations to everyone that has signed up so far, I can't wait!

The University of Glasgow Sport & Recreation Service are giving me some training support and so the first thing is a fitness test tomorrow morning @9.30am.

It all seemed quite a good idea and now I have to say that I am a bit nervous... and that was before I was told that I had to fast from 10pm tonight!

It is going to involve a 'continual ramp test that will continue until I physically can't continue anymore'! Happy days.

At the end of it though - I will be able to compare against other runners, including top Kenyan athletes so that will give me something to aim for!

Will let you know the results - well I might but it maybe depends what they are... the things we do!

Training update

2010-01-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

Its been a while but here goes:
I dusted off the trainers on Friday evening , met up with three of the girls and went for a short sharp jog 2 miles steady avoiding the ice patches .
Everybody seems fine to be back out running blowing away the cobwebs and already the conversation piece is the Womens 10K.....Thanks to the recent advertising in the Evening Times and the Cardboard cutouts springing up in the Glasgow club premises , we are all well aware that the countdown has begun..
Saturday morning we repeated the 2 miles, worked a little harder though and the ice patches are all but gone a little reassurance that the runners weather will soon be here , i love the cold crispy spring mornings for running / cant wait.
Monday morning 10am/ BODY ATTACK Now i know i am back in training for the run , body attack is not for the faint hearted but if you feel like getting fit fast/ this may be the way to go and can i just add that Lorraine may be the (scariest) Best fitness instructor on the circuit if she cant make you work hard no one can !!

Right....lets get going!

2010-01-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hi!! Well I'm also new to blogging so I will try my best to keep this interesting and full of tips for the readers! I have been running for just over a year and took part in my first ever Women's 10K last May which I thoroughly enjoyed. The atmosphere and the feeling when you had finished was amazing, I would highly recommend it to anyone....especially those who are still a bit unsure to sign up for it.

Signing up for it now gives you the incentive to get out there on those cold winter nights and that's how I feel my running has improved. With the snow and ice playing havoc with my running I'm so excited to get back into it once again. My time last year at the Women's 10K was 01:05:19, and my time for the Great Scottish Run was 00:59:47 so I'm aiming for a new personal best - I hope you're joining me!!

Running is such a popular activity and there's so much of it going on...whether you go out on your own, with friends or with a club - you're bound to feel the benefit of it quickly. I joined a running club towards the end of last year and it has improved my running and my training schedule - which I will be keeping you all up to date about!

I last went for a run on Saturday which was a 7K run (roughly around 4.3 miles). It felt good to get back out and I'll build up my mileage over the next few weeks. I'm off to netball tonight - I like to vary my exercise routine!!

Good luck with your training, speak soon!

Emily x

Beginner....well sort of

2010-01-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

Although I'm not entirely new to running, this is the first year I've ever signed myself up do a race despite vowing to do it every year! I think the Women's 10k is a good race to start with because so many women with different abilities take part so I know I'm in good company with all the other first timers. I'm aiming for around 1 hour, so I really do need to work hard.

I signed up in October and glad I did it so early because after the festive break I feel really lethargic and knowing I've signed up to run the race means that I have to get out there and start running (...next week!)! I did start my training in October/November and worked up to around 5k, so I was half way there!!! But I reckon the reset button has well and truly been pressed and I'll be back to puffing and panting after just 5 minutes. I won't let it stop me I'm determined to do this in a decent time so I will push myself and I've found it doesn't take long to build up the stamina.

I also have a another incentive to get out and start training, my sister has also signed up to do the Women's 10k and reckons she'll manage a better time than me so the sibling rivalry will definately kick in!

Time to start training...

2010-01-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

I’m Angie McQueen, one of the four Faces of the Race and already it’s been quite an exciting January. We attended the Women’s 10K press launch last week which was freezing but a great experience. I felt nervous just before I arrived but I was soon in the swing of things posing on top of the bus along with the other girls and seeing my picture in the paper was quite something! My trainings going well, in fact I’ve just done the ‘school run’ – literally! I seem to run everywhere at the moment. I’m keeping to my routine of doing 5K every morning, something I never thought I would be able to do. I usually keep to the same route, from Gourock Pool to the Western Ferry but occasionally I do a little extra and I’ve considering investing in a good pedometer to find out the exact distance that I’m covering, I’ve a feeling it may be a bit more than 5K which I’m really pleased with. Still got a lot more work to do though to build up to the 10K but I’m feeling more confident as time goes on.

Another thing on my ‘to do’ list is to get in touch with Alzheimer Scotland and find out how I go about arranging my sponsorship! I’m hoping the fact that I’m a Face of the Race this year will boost the funds that I raise, I’d like to raise as much as possible for them as the support my mother has received has been incredible!

All the best with your own training and I’ll be in touch soon with another update.

Angie.

First New Year's Resolution - and it is still December!

2009-12-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

Good morning.

It's all getting a bit real re: the under 50 minute target with offers of training support and the start of my fundraising campaign for Think Pink Scotland.

I am quite excited but thought I had better turn some of that energy into action so have signed up for the BUPA Great Winter Run in Edinburgh on Saturday 09 January. It is a 5K event but I thought it would give me a good idea of the pace that I am currently running at - it does feel faster than I have ever run before but it would be good to know if that is in the legs as well as the mind!

Link above if anyone fancies it...

Also, time is running out to enter the Glasgow Women's 10K with the early bird discount - it really is the best running event ever, come on - you know you want to!

http://runglasgow.org/10k-2010/online.php

(ps also more about Think Pink Scotland at the following links:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/givingtoglasgow/medicalfund/cancer/thinkpink/
http://www.justgiving.com/thinkpinkwithpippa)