Eat | A little bit about me

Without going into too much detail, I have been having a lot of stomach problems recently. It started off with feeling tired all the time, regardless of how much sleep or rest I had. This eventually stemmed into my diet and what I was eating, especially how I was feeling after eating certain foods.

To cut a long story short, I am undergoing tests at the hospital and am taking part in a vast game of trial and error. At the moment I am trying to cut diary out of my diet. Very hard when cheese and milk are my two favourite things in life (sob), but the stomach pain is too horrible to deal with on a regular basis. I am also looking at going gluten free, I have noted when eating gluten I tend to become bloated very easily and feel sluggish, not good when trying to keep up a running routine.

Changes I have made so far:

-          Cut out fizzy drinks  - this has truly been the hardest thing I have ever done. I was addicted to drinking coke, I was drinking minimum 2 cans a day and I lived for the stuff. The first week of cutting out fizzy drinks was hard, I craved it so hard, I constantly thought about it, I had splitting headaches for days on end and I broke out in spots. But now I’ve made it to the other side. Now all I drink is water (or low sugar squash). I avoid fruit juice and only now have this as a treat. When out for dinner or at the pub I opt for blackcurrant cordial and soda water, a great low sugar alternative to coke.

-          No dairy – This hasn’t been as hard as I thought. I used to drink 2 glasses of milk a day, plus milk on my cereal every morning. I’ve stopped drinking this and I have to say I barely miss it at all. Cheese on the other hand, oh how I miss thee. I love cheese, but my stomach doesn’t love cheese. I now only eat cheese occasionally and save it for a treat.

-          Cook more – Since moving into my own place I try to cook a lot more then I used too, only eating out once a week now (it used to be a lot more). I’ve realised I quite enjoy cooking and finding new recipes.

From tomorrow I am making a concerted effort to eat clean. Gluten and diary tend to be in processed foods or foods with high saturated fat. Therefore I want to eat better and fuel my body correctly for running.

I came across a gluten free blog on tumblr and was genuinely excited by all the delicious recipes on offer. Who said clean eating needs to be boring?

I’ll keep you posted.

Run | Number 10

Say hello to the new loves of my life. I have sucked it up and purchased myself the Nike Flex Experience. They had been reduced to £38 from Sports Direct with an extra 10% off, so they only set me back £34.20 and they come in half sizes, amazing. The running type for these shoes is listed as neautral but from reading reviews I have been pursuaded that they are supportive and uber comfortable which is high on my list. I also wanted something that was stylish enough to run errands in, or walk in etc, I think these are perfect.

"Runner type: Neutral runner
Perfect for any runner the Nike Flex Experience Ladies Running Shoes utilise a Nike Flex outsole for complete underfoot cushioning and advanced comfort coupled with the waffle grip pattern for excellent traction. These Nike running shoes benefit from a lightweight construction with breathable mesh panels to the upper and a traditional laced closure for a secure fit."

I spoke about my current trainers and I am totally happy with them, but I also wanted something a little more lightweight and flexible for my shorter runs as sometimes I fine my Mizuno Wave's a little clumpy (technical term).

Now.....Onto the run....

Last night I joined my running club again, yesterday I felt really pumped to run and felt really inspired to push myself. After reading SHUTUPANDRUN I felt ready to really go out there and achieve something, and I did just that. Following a different route I manage 3.92 miles last night, my furthest to date, and my legs feel fantastic today which is the first time they have felt normal in a very long time.

That takes my monthly count up to 25.42 miles.

Inspiration | Mind over Matter

This is something I really need to get my head around. I want to teach myself that I am privalidged to run and I shouldn't see it as a chore. At the moment I am really enjoying running and look forward to getting out as often as I can, but I know the day is going to come where I am tired and all I want to do is curl up on the sofa under a blanket watching Family Guy. But I need to learn to put my mind to it. I want to run, I want to achieve things which I never personally thought were possible, I want to smash goals and ultimately I want to cross the finish line at the GER this year.

 

I can do this and I will do this. 

Run | Number 8 & 9

Saturday and Sunday I was really good and made sure I was out running by 8:45am, I love getting up early and getting my run’s in before everyone else wakes up. It also means I don’t have to spend all day worrying about when to fit them in. On Saturday I decided to venture a little further afield and try a slightly different route to before. I really enjoyed this and I was out for 55 minutes, my longest time yet. Due to the snow on Friday night I had to be super careful and therefore did have to walk in parts where the ice was too dangerous to run on.

Unfortunately when I got home my GPS tracker had cut out half way through so I had no idea how far I had gone (seriously the most annoying thing ever). Thanks to Google maps I roughly calculated 3 miles, but due to walking I decided to only add 2.5 miles to my 20 mile pledge.

Sunday I was out nice and early again and decided to push myself even further, armed with a new GPS tracking app. It’s really nice getting out and discovering new routes and seeing where my legs can take me. Slightly disappointed when I got home, what felt like a million miles was unfortunately only 3.4 miles, but still 3.4 miles more than if I had stayed in bed.

Still I need to look at the plus side, that’s the furthest I have ever gone, even walking in parts I’m still proud of myself for getting out there and trying my hardest. It’s been hard making changes but it has to be done, I’m trying to give up alcohol as I don’t really enjoy it and it just makes me feel sluggish the next day. When trying to get run’s in both Saturday and Sunday mornings I can’t afford to be hung over the next day. But it’s a small price to pay for feeling healthier.

In other good news, I have beaten my 20 mile pledge. Saturday and Sundays run’s have taken me up to 21.5, and I still have Tuesday and Thursday until the month is over.

Run | Number 7

Once again I have surpassed my own expectations of myself. Last night I joined the running club once more and pushed myself even further.

3.09 miles - No stopping.

Meaning my 20 mile pledge is now up to 15.61, with 7 days left of January I definately think I can do this.

I can't believe how much I have progressed in a short period of time. 2 weeks ago I couldn't even manage 1 mile. It's amazing what you can achieve if you stick to a training plan. I've worked hard on slowing my pace down in order to go the extra mile, which is something I found quite hard to do at first but now comes naturally to me.

For once I actually feel on track to compelet something. The club have spoken to me about getting me entered into some smaller races over the summer months so I can have a taste of what it is like to run with 100's of people.

Now I just need to keep this momentom up.

Shop | The Perfect Trainer

When I started running again last year I decided it was finally time to ditch my overused Nikes (first purchased when I was 16). I realised if I was serious about this I really needed to find the perfect trainer which could handle clocking up the miles.

I took myself along to my local Advance Performance to have a gait analysis done. For those of you who don't know, this involved running on a tread mill in my current shoes whilst my feet where being filmed from behind to check their positioning. This showed that I needed far more support then my current shoes were giving me.

I am a sever overpronator meaning when I run I lean towards the inside of my foot, straining my ankle and hamstrings, therefore I needed something to straighten up my ankles and offer me support. After testing numerous trainers the best fit for me was the...

Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11

Coming in at £105, these werent the cheapest but were also not the most expensive. In the end I decided it was something which I needed to spend money on. A year later these are still in top condition and have really helped with the positioning of my ankle when running.

"The Mizuno Wave Plate provides excellent cushioning to the Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 by dispersing the force of impact across a larger surface area. Lightweight and responsive AP+ midsole now offers more comfort and durability while giving a more resilient base for maximum responsiveness with every foot strike."
If you are seriously considering running full time or think your current shoes aren't quite doing the trick I highly reccomend having a gait analysis done. At Advance Performance the gait analysis is free if you buy a pair of trainers, if not it stands at £25, this is redemable off the price of your trainers if at a later date you decide to buy from them. A pretty good deal if you ask me.

Run | Number 6

Yesterday I made my biggest running achievement yet...

I ran 2.82 miles - NO STOPPING!!!!

This might not seem like a great achievement to most, but it really is to me. When I first started running I could barely make it to the end of my road without coughing and spluttering. So to have managed nearly 3 miles without stopping is amazing for me.

I'm really enjoying running with the Bushfield Joggers, my running partner is really understanding of how far I can go, and isn't pushing me into going any further then I want to. This is really helping, as it's me making the concious decision to go further and pushing myself to the next level.

Shop | www.sweatshop.co.uk

Adidas 2 in 1 running top - £ 22

A good base layer is essential when running. At the moment due to the weather I have been layering up more so then usual. This is why I am lusting after this Adidas 2 in 1 to keep me warm. Added bonus, reflective logos on a sleves, a must for foggy weather.

Asics rouched leggings - £ 28

I can't stop thinking about these. Not only do they look amazing but they are made of breathable fabric to keep you warm whilst running. These can also be rouched up to create a 3/4 length look.

New Balance Jacket - £21

This is a really great price for such a staple piece of clothing. Keeping warm whilst running in winter is a must, and a bright colour helps with your visability. I really must invest in this.

Shock Absorber - £16

 

Confession this is already on its way to me. As a bigger breasted girl I find Shock Absorber really are the only sports bra to do the trick. These keep me strapped down but offer enough support to keep me comfortable whilst running.

Nike - £67

These look amazing, they are designed to feel light on the foot whilst keeping the foot securely in place. They have mesh panels to allow breathability and lets not kid ourselves they look freaking fantastic. If I had £67 going spare these would be mine.



I recently stumbled across Sweatshop whilst roaming the internet for a new sports bra. My basket is now full of things I desperatly wish I had the money to buy, so until they become mine, I will just have to share them on here.

So there you have it my wishlist for Sweatshop. Happy shopping.

Run | Number 5

Oh the weather outside is frightful…But that’s not stopping me. My dedication levels are even surprising myself. Sunday morning, I found myself pushing back the covers and donning my trainers. I’ve never ran in the snow before so I made sure I was extra careful. I walked 5/10 minutes from where I live, trying not to fall over in the snow. I eventually made it to my destination, the embankment. I stuck to the grass as this was still full of fresh snow which made it safer to run on.

I actually really enjoyed getting outside in the fresh air, especially as I have avoided leaving the house much over the past few days due to the weather. I must admit yesterday was the only day I truly felt the cold whilst running, but I’m just pleased I managed not to fall over.

My 20 mile pledge is now up to 9.9 miles which I think is pretty good going.  10 days to run 10.1 miles, that’s doable right? Each month I’m going to increase this to really challenge myself.

Did anyone else battle the elements and run this weekend?

Run | Number 4

Last night I braved the cold and went for my second run with Bushfield joggers, and I have to say it is so comforting having others there to motivate you. I stuck with the same training partner as Tuesday, but this time to my surprise managed a little further and in a shorter time. Go me.

My 20 miles in January pledge is going well. I am now up to 8.18 miles and with 2 weeks to go I’m pretty certain I can do this. I just hope my motivation keeps going. Running is something I really enjoy doing once I’m out there, but it takes a lot for me to leave my warm bed to get up early in the morning, but it’s something I am learning to suck up and do.

Run | Number 3

Yesterday saw me face quite a big fear of mine, I ran with a running club. Now this may not seem like a big deal but to me it was. All day I was feeling nervous about going, it is never fun walking into a room of people who know each other and introducing yourself. But if I’m ever going to reach my goal I needed to face my fears and do it. I had nothing to worry about; the club were really friendly and really put my mind at ease.

The session started off with a 10 minute chat about up-coming races, previous races and a general chit chat about what everyone had been up to over the weekend. Once this ended people grouped off into abilities and I was paired with a lovely woman. At 66 she has been running for 32 years and competes in numerous half marathons throughout the year. She offered to stay at my pace and go as far as I wanted. Due to the icy conditions no one made it as far as they hoped. I managed 2.5 miles with one small stop to walk in the middle. I found being with someone else really pushed me to go that little bit further then I would if I run by myself.

I have set myself a mini challenge to run 20 miles by the end of January, having only started running again on the 12^th, I’ve missed out 2 weeks of prime running time, but I’ll just have to work that little bit harder to make up the miles.  So far I have made progress with 5.7 miles.

If you’ve been thinking about joining a club and been worried about it, I honestly suggest you just bite the bullet and go for it. I think it’s really going to help me.

Run | Number 2

After a successful start yesterday and still in high spirits I decided to head out again early this morning and boy it was freaking cold. Having just moved into a new place it’s really fun exploring my new area and finding new places to run. Must make a note to keep finding new routes as I know I get bored easily, and I can’t let my motivation drop.

I stuck to the same route and repeated the run/walk programme I did yesterday and once again completed it no problem. If anyone is looking at getting back into running after a few months or longer out I seriously recommend downloading and using the 0-5k app, and the best part is it’s free.

On Tuesday I am going along to my first session at my local running club, so hopefully they will be able to help me maintain my motivation and help me push myself further.

Run | Number 1

After downloading a 0-5k in 8 weeks app on my iPhone, I decided it was finally time to stop making excuses and don my trainers. Throwing myself in at the deep end I decided 8:30 am on probably the coldest morning this winter would be the perfect time to start. Headphones on, music blaring and it was time to go.

The app was great at getting me started again. It talks you through a warm up and lets you know when to run and when to slow down and walk. The first session takes 25 minutes and this increases each session you do. Today’s was as follows:

5 min – Warm up walk

1 min – Run

1.5 min – Walk

1 min – Run

1.5 min – Walk

1 min – Run

1.5 min – Walk

1 min – Run

1.5 min – Walk

1 min – Run

1.5 min – Walk

1 min – Run

1.5 min - Walk

5 min  - Cool down walk

This covered a distance of 1.75 miles but as I was feeling motivated I did an extra lap of the field to make it up to 2 miles. I found knowing when to start and stop was really helpful and ensured I stuck to a steady pace throughout which is going to be really important during the half marathon.

Love Hate Run | Introduction

Hi everyone.

271 days, 21 hours, 39 minutes, 41 seconds until I take part in my first half marathon, The Great Eastern Run in Peterborough.

Now let me tell you all a little bit about myself. In school I was on every team going, I played netball, basketball, football, cricket you name it. I loved sport, I was a keen dancer and trained multiple times a week, and eventually I tried my hand (or should I say feet) at cross country. I had always thought I wouldn’t be a runner, I wasn’t built for it, I wasn’t tall and lean and every time I had tried in the past I used to cough and splutter all over the place. But something was different, I enjoyed myself and I enjoyed the buzz I got when I passed the finished line.

Then….university happened. I went out 4 times a week, I drank ridiculous amounts of alcohol and ate bad food and ended up piling on the pounds. Last year I set myself the challenge of starting to run again. I made quick progress and decided to entre myself into The Great Eastern Run. Unfortunately in July 2012 I had an operation on my toe and was told I would be out of action for at least 12 weeks, this threw out my plans of running 13 miles and I became disheartened and gave up.

Fast forward to 2013 and after received an email from The Great Eastern Run team to let me know my place had been deferred, I know feel motivated to complete this challenge.

This is going to be my little space on the internet to share my thoughts and no doubt moaning’s along the way. If anyone has any hints or tips please feel free to share them.

Rebecca .