Week 3 - PB after PB

Run No.6

Taking the weekend off has turned out to be a good decison as my shins are feeling much better and hopefully wont cause me an issue on my run. Im siting watching TV really not feeling like getting out the door. Steve is coming up with some crazy excuses as normal trying to make sense of it being ok not to run. For the first time I have been forced out of routine of my weekend run and  the buzzing feeling I had after bettering my 5k PB last week has gone.

After missing a session over the weekend I realize I have to run and set out to find a video on YouTube to give me some inspiration to put my trainers on and run.

Then I come across this beauty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuPLxQD4akQ&list=WL7F2E53F8D0CCC1A4, before the video finishes and my goosebumps settle im already upstairs getting changed and ready to get going!

First 10k run and a PB feeling good!

I planned to run a 10k over the weekend and decide to give it a go, grabing one of my new SIS Go Energy Gel bars to try on the run I head out the door in good spirits feeling relaxed.

Starting off running slower than my 5k pace again (as I did with the 5 mile run I completed recently) I strangly find it difficult with the pace. Seriously considering again to just complete a 5k (after conversing with Steve) I decide to keep going knowing I felt the same at this point over the first 2 miles in the 5 mile run and knowing I have my gel sachet in my pocket.

At mile 3 im doing ok and looking at finishing within the hour mark. I try out my new SIS Gel Energy which seems to give me both a mental and physical boost shortly after and I keep pressing through.

So far I am averaging about 9 min per mile but take a tough turn during mile 4 with the course presenting some hard up hill climbs which take their toll and drop my time right down predicitng a finish time outside the hour mark. While my intention is to finish the distance the competitivness in me wants to push harder and break that hour mark. I take the rest of my gel sachet and pick up the pace.

Coming towards the 5th mile mark I expirence a brieft feeling of the runners high! that feeling that your floating across the ground and can keep going all day...... the downside to this is you tend to pick up the pace even more and going into the last mile im starting to feel it in my legs and my mind, Steve is doing cartwheels!

On the final 1/2 mile point i realize im not only going to break the hour mark but also my PB and dig deep to get that extra bit off the time.

I finish the 10k in 56 mins 39 seconds a 2 min 56 sec improvment on my previous PB. Im hugly supprised by this result and happy I have covered the distance. I have learnt alot over the run, mainly to keep going even if I am struggling a bit at the start to see what happens and that I will get through it and feel good after a few miles. More importantly my shins feel ok!

Im looking forward to my next run, although I intend on taking it easy after this effort.

Run No.7

I'm feeling quite fresh today despite running a 10k PB 48 hours ago. Although once again I'm not really feeling too motivated to run and Steve starts racking up the excuses.... It's dark, it's really cold, you will struggle after doing that 10k run! I decide to watch the video again to see if it will work a second time. Thankfully it does and I'm laced up and out the door. I am keen to do 4 miles today at 10k pace and set out feeling positive through the darkness of the night and in the cold seeing my breath in the air.

Feeling happy after over 10 miles run in 48 hours

Over the first two miles I'm feeling pretty good and relaxed and even Steve is feeling quite positive and good for a change.

Running a new route through a park where I used to play football along with other sport and past the castle it brings some great views and takes my mind off the fact that it's so cold even my fingers inside my gloves are turning numb. 

I'm still feeling pretty good powering up a long inclined hill into the 3rd mile warming slightly as I move towards the tail end of my run.

My legs begin to stiffen over the last mile towards the end of my route, feeling the miles I have covered in 48 hours and I finish the run in 35 mins 37 seconds.

Another run complete and 10 miles in 3 days, I'm happy and looking forward to my next run.  

Now I'm starting to feel the benefits of my training and see the improvements I'm making.

Run No.8

So I've had my first christmas party and taken a extra days rest since my last run to recover from a late night, although as I'm training I was quite good and only had a few beers conscious of my hard work being undone along with my weekend run being effected.

With this in mind I'm a bit apprehensive of how the run is going to go but after beating my PB and already pretty much running more miles this week than I have in a long time over a week period I will be happy to see how the run pans out and run to feel.

I'm heading out to do a 10k again the same route as my last 10k a few days ago. Over the first two miles I'm feeling good running at a good pace and feeling relaxed.

Steve starts to worry I'm running a bit quick considering the weekend I have had, but after reading the book running with the Kenyans and noting some of the key messages, I decide to keep running at this pace as I feel ok and I felt I could have given a little more on the last 10k.

As last time with some of the tough hills through mile 4 it hits me hard again and my lace slows down but I make up the time coming downhill the other side picking the pace right up. I am well on time to beat my PB and maybe break the 55 min mark something I have aimed for.

Feeling great after breaking my PB again

I continue to press on through mile 5 feeling good rhythm and my strides are consistent. Knowing now I'm on to better my last 10k and PB, I push the bar higher on my pace and dig deep to try and chip more and more into the predicted finish time.

Sending most of the last mile with my eyes closed, shoulders rocking from side to side and arms pumping passed my sides I complete the distance in 54 min 22 seconds, which is a 2 min 17 improvement.

I am so happy with the time and the fact I have increased my mileage over this week running over 16 miles achieving a PB and then breaking it again.

I can't wait until next week to see what it brings, I'm keen to keep pushing the miles I cover upwards and more importantly I have reached £200 sponsorship.

Please sponsor me www.justgiving.com/webbertjason or text WEBBJ £5/£10£/20 to 70070 any sponsorship helps.

Leave a message of support below or follow me on twitter @webbertjason

Week 2 - Me and my Monkey

Since my first week blog a few people have been asking about Steve (My monkey). For those who have not read my first weeks blog, unfortunately I don’t own a pet monkey! Steve is the voice in my head who keeps me company on the long cold runs in the wilderness of the valleys on my own. I became aware of the concept when reading the Chimp Paradox by Dr Steve Peters (I would recommend you read it!) it helps you challenge your negative thoughts and understand their meanings.

It might sound like I’m crazy, but I think everyone has a voice challenging them constantly and telling them what they can and can’t do (mostly CANT). I have began to realise that the biggest challenge facing me each day is winning the race and fight against Steve that will make me achieve my goals and keep running……..

Run No.4

After the success of my first week back disaster has struck. The day after my weekend long run I wake up with a cold (not quite man flu) feeling tired and congested.

All ready to head out during my lunch break

Being in a buoyant mood after my first week and keen not to let this get the better of me, I stay positive. I spend a few days between planned runs keeping hydrated and taking medicine. The plan is to hopefully catch it early and stop it from spreading to my throat, which normally happens and leads to me having tonsillitis.

Thankfully by the time of my 4th run I’m feeling better more almost clear!

Due to work commitments my 4th run takes place during my lunch break (something I’m not overly keen on doing). As I get changed and lace up Steve joins me and highlights how much the last few days is going to impact on my run and set me back and to not expect anything good today.

I agree, just happy that with the way I have been feeling I’m getting out the door, however Steve does mention the fact that if I struggle bad it might be a rush to get back on time for the end of my lunch break, which doesn’t help.

I head off running a new route with new surroundings that seems to help and I’m enjoying the break from the office and feeling quite ok.

Surprisingly the first audio feedback comes back telling me I have covered the first mile in just over 8 mins, feeling pretty good with that outcome I continue to press on through the second mile thinking if i can get two good miles in after the last few days and finish slow it won’t be so bad. Again in mile two I have finished even faster under 8 mins and now pretty much on course for a PB for 5k if I can maintain the pace.

As ever other the last mile keen to maintain the pace I end up speeding up and finding it really tough battling with Steve who wants me to stop and slow down. Im set on pushing hard as I know I’m on to beat my time at this rate.

Chuffed to bits with my PB

Amazingly I finish the 5k run in 24 mins 39 seconds albeit a 21 seconds improvement, but giving the last few days, having 6 weeks off and only one week of training I’m pretty ecstatic with that.

Im hoping to complete a 10k run on the weekend which will be a real test, PB again? why not!

Run No.5

Feeling a bit tired today and my legs feel a little heavy from the 5k run 2 days ago, I decide to take todays 5k run easy for the first mile and do some speed work through mile 2.

Setting off I feel quite relaxed taking in my surroundings on my normal route but reversed. Thoughts on my progress so far enter my mind still surprised at my PB a few days ago.

As I hit the 2 mile stage conveniently on a road with lampposts that are spaced out evenly I begin some speed work alternating running and slow jogging 10 times over. It always gives you a good feeling when you run fast almost sprint especially when you legs are a little tired. I am happy I completed the amount I have and continue through the final mile slowing down a little but feeling fulfilled and happy with my efforts.

No weekend run…..

Unfortunately after the speed session I woke up the next day with my shins hurting and fearing my shin splints are coming back I decide to take the weekend off and make up the miles in next weeks training.

It has been a positive week with achieving a PB and my first speed session back, time to start racking up the miles next week hoping to complete a 10k run.

Please sponsor me www.jusgiving.com/webbertjason  or text WEBBJ86 to 70070.

First Week…. First Steps

Run No.1

I’m sitting on the sofa in my work clothes hearing the little voice in my head (lets call him Steve),  Steve is already throwing negative talk at me… Maybe you could start tomorrow, its freezing outside (for the record it is!) you haven’t run in weeks…. But something is different with my running now, I have more of a reason to lace up and run – in 16 weeks time I will be competing in the Newport Half Marathon and will be raising money for the British Heart Foundation. I use the word competing rather than running due to my competitive nature, but I’m realistic enough to know I have no chance of getting anywhere near the top runners but would be ecstatic to break the 2 hour mark which is my goal.

I convince Steve to agree for me to put on my running clothes which actually makes me feel good already! It’s amazing how wearing sports clothes can make people feel fitter and healthier.

It feels great lacing up my running shoes (which I have bought recently from My Moti after having Gait analysis) the half marathon seems a long time away at the moment but getting out the door in the freezing cold for this first run will be a minor success.

I haven’t run in 5 weeks after having a car accident, which caused problems in my neck that forced me to have some time off that lead to me getting out of habit with training and strangely I feel pretty good through the first mile silencing Steve sooner than I expected.  Spurred on by how I feel I pushed on through mile 2 at slightly slower pace than mile 1 but still feeling pretty happy with myself. Moving into the last mile of my 5k run I start to feel it a little and Steve begins to take over, I agree to slow down a bit not wanting to push it after a few weeks off and wanting to run again in 2 days.

I complete my first 5k run back in 27.20 mins, 2 mins 20 off my PB. I’m thrilled I got out the door to run, I’m pretty happy with how I felt along with the fact I’m not miles off where I left off 5 weeks ago and to be honest I probably could have pushed harder.

To top off a great run I come home to see I have my first two sponsors. I can’t wait for my next run in two days.

Run No.2

My legs were a bit stiff and tired the day after my run but with 48 hours rest I set out eager to complete another 5k and build my weekly mileage up. Its freezing and dark once again outside (though no sign of Steve) and I’m happy I have invested in a pair of running gloves and a florescent running top to keep me warm and viable.

The first mile hits me hard and I’m struggling feeling like I’m running slow and feeling it, Steve is now in full flow telling me I have not left enough rest time after having so long off, I should slow down and even stop. But I have to push on through, I have to train and this struggle is little compared to what so many people are going through in hospitals everywhere.

Something interesting happens when I get vocal feedback from my Endomondo App. I have completed the first mile quicker than the average pace for my 5k PB. This surprises me as I felt like I was running slow and to be honest struggling a bit. 

Motivated by this I continue to run at this pace through mile two and start to feel good running with good stride and tempo. My audio feedback again tells me I’m running around my PB pace and I’m set to finish the run just passed my PB. The feeling didn’t last long as soon after the 2 mile mark I start to feel heavy and my stride shortens not helped by the fact I have a cramp in my stomach (I think I have drank too much fluid on the run too early). I decide I’m pretty happy I have run at this pace for 2 miles and slow down slightly ensuring I finish the run strong enough. 

I finish in 26 mins 10 seconds, 1 min 10 quicker than my first run and only 1 min 10 slower than my PB.

Run two completed in a better time than last time out, for all of Steve’s worry it turned out well, Time to focus on rest and recovering in preparation for a longer run over the weekend.

Run No.3

Today I’m setting out to run 5 miles. My last long run over 6 weeks ago was 8 miles,  in which I achieved in 1 hr 20 mins.

 Im feeling less optimistic today, a bit tired from not sleeping well last night. I start a bit slower, conscious of the long run ahead and keen to just complete the distance. I finish the first mile in 9.11, which considering how I felt opening the door is not a bad pace. However as I predicted, during mile 2 I start to struggle and have to slow down slightly while starting to seriously question if I’m going to be able to complete 5 miles.

The route takes me towards to point where I can go back towards home for a 5k distance or continue away from home to my 5 mile planned route. Steve is trying his hardest to convince me to do the 5k but I manage to turn left and head towards the 5 mile route, another minor success.

Strangely once I cross the 5k distance I begin to have a boost of energy and my stride starts to lengthen and I’m feeling good again. I start to pick up the pace up building towards 8 min 29 seconds per mile with 1 mile left to go.

Im sure now I’m not only going to complete the distance but have had a much stronger finish than first thought and I’m thankful I hadn’t turned left and opted for the 5k route.

I complete the 5 mile distance in 45 min 35 seconds. If I had continued for another mile I would have been on key to beat my 10k PB.

Feeling tired but fulfilled it seems as though having a purpose and reason to run has spurred me on when I have needed it. I only hope this feeling continues through any setback I am no doubt going to get.

I saw a quote this week that said running is not competing against other runners but the voice in your head… in my case Steve. It seems like this week I have won in my battle vs Steve.

I know this will be an ongoing battle as I continue to work towards my goal of running the Newport Half Marathon and raising over £250 for the British Heart Foundation.

Please sponsor me via www.justgiving.com/webbertjason or text WEBBJ86 £3/5/10 to 70070

The greatest journey begins with the first step

Welcome to my blog about running, I’m a runner from Caerphilly and I am setting out on a journey to run a half marathon in Newport during March to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

I have set up this blog not for the purpose to share my thoughts or experience with the world (I doubt if anyone will even read my blogs!), But for a personal purpose of reflection and recording of my progress towards my goal. If one person reads my story and takes something from it then great!

A few weeks ago my mother in law had a heart attack; she is 53 and led a healthy lifestyle. It was a big shock for the family and everyone who knows her and does make you lose faith in eating well and being active. She was very lucky to survive and thanks to the staff at the hospital and the British Heart Foundation she continues to get stronger and to live her life, others are not as lucky.

Having been running for a few years on and off (more so this year), I have signed up to the half marathon in March, a distance I have completed once before in a race and a handful of times in training (though being a lot younger than I am now!). I am running the HM because I want to raise money for a great charity that does some fantastic work and to raise awareness about the BHF.

My blog will feature my journey along the way through the ups and no doubt the downs building towards my race in March.

Please sponsor me via www.justgiving.com/webbertjason or text WEBBJ86 £3/5/10 to 70070

Feel free to leave any comments of support below.