Owwie!!!!

Good afternoon reader - just a quickie, I'm off to work shortly.

I bit the bullet on Friday and finally saw a physio. I can't quite remember what he told me the injury was called, but it started with 'Mid Range' and regarded virtually all the lower leg muscles. Quite common apparently. Just like me.

I have strengthening exercises to do, and they hurt like a bitch. They're supposed to make me stronger, they make me unable to walk. I'm sure that's not right lol!! I did the heel lifts and lowers on Friday, and on Saturday, but by Sunday (and also today) it was too painful to do, I'm going to see if i can manage them later tonight at work, if not, then definitely tomorrow.

Dave and I did a run along the Fallowfield loop on Sunday 21st, we decided to run for 50 minutes, so 25 out and back. It was a painful run for me. My tendons and muscles were screaming at me for the whole distance. I have to thank Dave on 2 counts, one, for not losing her temper with me, and 2, for encouraging me so much - you're a real mate x

So, still sore today, I'll take it easy with the running, and i have 2 classes at the gym booked this week - hurrah!!!!!

Laters, Rodders xx

.....yeah but it felt like 1000!!!!!

Dave, myself and Una met up @ 9am to go out for our first 10 miler in AGES!!! I don't think I've done 10 miles since we did the Great North. Yeah, that long ago!!
We started off at the Northern, off up to Chorlton, round Sale, and then back through the Ee's. After the Ee's was a trot back up Barlow Moor Road and back to the club. Phew.
I quite enjoyed myself, despite having the legendary 2 mile legs lol. Took my camelbak with me for the benefit of myself and Dave, and also to get used to it for Wilmslow. I've decided that getting myself used to drinking just a little bit more on a half might stop me from feeling so sore and getting cramp towards the end. You never know, it might work. It's quite handy for taking gels as well, never seems to be enough water en route for taking gels.

So anyway, back to the run, it seemed quiet around Chorlton and Sale until it dawned on us that it was Blackpool half marathon day. Brilliant. By the time we'd got round Sale though, all the dog walkers were out in force. We even saw that woman that fell on Jacksons Boat Bridge last week hahahahaha. Some of the ground was pretty muddy, but my trainers are wrecked already so it didn't matter too much. Just tried to not think about the distance going round, but the last mile was tiring, although compared to last year, not quite as bad. Had 2 gels going round, and a bit more water than usual. Don't think i really felt a benefit from the 2nd one, so not sure if I'll bother with it or not on the day. I'll be testing that out on our next long run.

We've got 11 miles planned for next week. Scary huh? Bring it on!!!!!!

Last Run

Last night was our last run until the GNR.. we went out on an extremely wet and dark Manchester night for a slow one. It turned out to be incredibly slow due to Emma not being there and there being no-one to lead the group so Dave and I, being the kind and thoughful souls that we are, stayed to bring up the rear for the newbies or rather 1 new lady and one that always thinks she's dying and puts very little effort in and has to be cajoled and pussyfooted along. Is that a bitchy thing for me to write? well I'm a fat cow and I tried harder!! Dave will proabably say I'm a bitch but she's a bit more patient with people than I am. I have to be nice to people all bloody day, when I'm off i can be myself lol!!! Anyhow, we did about 4 miles in the pissing rain and it felt alright. Forgot my Garmin so I've no idea how fast or far, but it was SLOW!!!!!!
So we're absolutely ready for Sunday, it's going to be a great day, got my kit ready, got my fave socks and shoes and I'm raring to get it finished!!!! Looking forward to meeting all the ERU people before it starts as well, will be great fun!!
We're staying at Dave's aunties house in Newcastle, which is really kind of her, and I'm driving there so I hope my legs hold out lol!!
So I reckon the next thrilling installment of the blog will either be just before, so we can tell you all how much we're really bricking it, or just after to let you all know just how painful it was!!!

Laters,
Rodders xxxxx

Great Yorkshire Hell!!

We've enlisted the help of poor old Steve to drive us to Sheffield because I can't be arsed driving there. He woke me at an ungodly hour (6.30am) with porridge and coffee bless him. We're supposed to pick Dave up at 7.15 but as usual I'm running (haha) late. We pick her up at about 25 past which isn't too bad considering how late I can sometimes be!!

Steve's got the sat-nav on to get us there, shame they have to speak. How irritating are they? Ok skip on a bit, we get to the Hallam Arena and park fine, then realise we have to get some shabby tram to the city centre, and unfortunately now Dave and I need a wee (badly - as we've been 'hydrating' all the way there lol) Of course when we finally do get there, the queues for the loos are massive and we end up doing a bit of the warm-up (half-heartedly) while we're waiting - it isn't a good idea to jiggle so much while waiting to wee!!!

So skipping on again. We're at the start. The weather is great, the atmosphere - not so great, bit boring really. Bearing in mind it's quite a small run compared to Manchester though. Anyhow, we start at 9.50am with the realisation that the start is downhill. Hmmmm....

The first 3km takes just over 19 minutes, it felt ok, my legs always feel stiff and tight - especially the right as everyone and thier dog knows by now. The 5km mark is over in 33 Mins (which i'm quite happy about) and the 5 mile mark comes at 54.19 I'm ok with that. In total it takes 1 hour, 7 minutes and 51 seconds!!! The last 400m were 400m's that I'll never ever be able to forget lol, it was like Salford all over again only much worse. After doing the 6 mile part, it was torture to have to do that, what made it worse was the really bad Robbie Williams impersonator that I could still hear when I was half-way up the fecker!!! Didn't help at all!!! Dave and I passed the finish line with just 6 seconds separating us. I know Dave felt she didn't have the best run, I'm sure she'll blog all about it - only she can tell you about her race experience. Personally I felt I did ok, as I said, the last 400m were a killer, and I really felt dizzy after doing the final burst, but felt fine after having my head between my knees lol.

So advice to self - do more hill training. A LOT more.

So that's really about it, nowt much to write home about. After a quick purchase from Nike, we wait in line to get the shabby tram back to the arena - back to the car cafe!! Hurrah for flasks of tea. Dave kindly brought some really lovely cookies and the 3 of us stood around making everyone who didn't have tea and cookies jealous.

Was absolutely knackered on the way home, and I know I didn't mention the dead sheep before, but we never saw it on the way back. Maybe it wasn't dead after all.

um......that's about it really. Hopefully Dave's recollection of experiences is better than mine. I'm sure she'll be a lot more interesting!!!!!

Rodders x

Sunday 10th August

As Dave said, I was late as usual. You'd think everyone else would be used to it by now. Was nice to see Karen again. Emma was with us as usual. We had no Cerys this week as she decided that going to Prague was more fun. Can you imagine that? She's weird.

Had a good run at CWP, as usual my right shin was giving me gyp. A quick stretch sorted that, went around the Ees as Dave said. Nothing much more to report as I'm having a hangover style PMT day which means that there will be no amusement or fun. Although for some reason, people seem to think it's funny when I'm in a bad mood. The b***ards.

I enjoyed the run, could have done more, which is great, but for now am sticking with my faithful running buddy. If she has to 50% then so will I!!! Which is a great excuse for being lazy on a Sunday morning. But will continue the training plan for the rest of the week as best I can. Going to go to the gym as it's easier to work out the reps this week. Anyone know how 10 minute miles equates in km? If I'm supposed to do a 10 minute mile pace, then how does that look for 200m in km? Does that make sense? I'm no good at numbers, I'm better at ballet than numbers lol!!!

Laters,

Rodders x

Thanks to Emma for putting a pic on FB of me looking like a 'tard, Karen flashing her Chapel Hat Pegs, and Dave looking ... well not her best. You will regret that Copson, I WILL get you back.
Consider yourself warned!!!!!

OMFG!!

Haven't got time to do a full Sunday blog just now, but had a look at this weeks training schedule. Have a look at Sunday. That'll be fun!!!

Laters

xRoddersx

Will Dave stop moaning?

Poor Dave's having a rotten time. Eating like a pig and running like a spacker. Lol, only kidding Dave!!!
I went out for my 45 minutes of torture at Chorlton Water Park (CWP)- it's a lovely day. I don't really like lovely days, they don't agree with me. It's too hot. I decided to do 23 minutes out and 22 minutes back (see what I did there?) but just as I left Sale Water Park (SWP), I got tumbled by 2 big dogs called Becks and Sparky (after David Beckham and Mark Hughes apparently) who were big Labradors and soaking wet and covered in mud. Well I couldn't refuse to throw a ball or 2 for them could I? Seemed rude. Plus running's supposed to be fun so why not stop and smell the wet dog now and again eh?
I ran down the Mersey and across the bridge again into the top part of CWP, sweating like a...... anyway. Realised that I'd only done 43 minutes or so and then though 'bollocks' what's 2 minutes. But then I realised again that 2 minutes is 2 minutes of training that'll bring me closer to the 2.30 half marathon time I want to achieve or beat. Buggeration. Now I feel rotten.
As always I have no idea how well I've done as I haven't had time to download the gremlin. Having a rest day tomorrow so will do it all then.

Oh, and ANOTHER day of not smoking. Yay!!!

Laters x

Rodders Rambles

Since I seem to go off at tangents most of the time, I'll try to be to the point. Wednesdays run was a good 'un for most part. We ran as a group for the first 35 ish mins (with Northern Sole) then Dave an I branched off and it started to rain - oh but before that some twat outside a pub asked us why we were running and threw a beer bottle at us. I have a name for those kind of people, it begins with a 'c' and ends in 'unts'.

I've gone off on a tangent already. Can't really help it. So, Dave and I branched off to finish the rest of our 65 minutes. Of course, as soon as we do, it starts to rain. Then Dave needs a poo so we have to find a pub, then we decide that we don't want to run past a big group of girls.

So Palatine Road gets a beating, only by the time we get to the end of Palatine Road we haven't done 65 mins (cos we're sooooooooooo fast) so we have to run around like loons to make it up. Ended up halfway down Barlow Moor Road as well (still raining at this point) Had a great laugh in the process though, felt for Dave cos her hip hurt though. Felt brilliant myself 'cos I don't smoke yay!!!!!

Feel knackered today, and i've been at work since 7.30 am and it's onlu 8.30pm. Poor me.
Looking forward to doing the splits tomorrow (I love saying that lol) 45 minutes of probable hell. But, If Dave can do it, I'm bloody sure I'm going to as well.

Laters xRoddersx

Just copying Dave - and some usual random stuff.

Phew, here's mine Dave.
Lap(#) Time(m:s) Distance(mi ) M Spd(mph)



1 2:32 0.25 6.8

2 2:25 0.25 7.9

3 2:38 0.25 6.7

4 2:29 0.25 7.5

5 2:43 0.25 7.1

6 2:36 0.25 8.5

7 2:43 0.25 7.3

8 2:24 0.25 8.1

9 2:20 0.25 7.4

10 2:21 0.25 8.0



Don't think I'll be blogging that every time I do the splits (lol) WAY too much effort. Think my times are pretty consistent and, as expected, slower than Dave's.

Just looking outside now, and it doesn't seem appealing to go running tonight, in the rain, AGAIN. D'you think it might be nice, but not TOO warm, just for once, at some point? Although, for those of you who haven't done it, running in the rain can be quite nice. But never decide to have puddle fights with your running buddies when you've got to get in the car and drive home - unless of course you take some spare clothes with you (and like getting undressed in carparks ahem......)

Anyhoo, as Dave mentioned, it's the 60 something minute run tonight (i'll find out when I get there) In the rain. Better dig the waterproofs out....Whoopy Dooo!!!!!!!!

Oh, and Dave's not the only one eating like a pig. I feel some self-control is in order. Less crap more good stuff - i'll attempt it but where's the fun in that?

And one last thing, don't eat dog or cat burgers, even if someone else makes it for you.

Thats it for now.

Reps Day

So, today was reps day - 10 x 400mtrs at 10k pace (sub 10 min mile) with 1 minute walk breaks and I did it!!!

Well, nearly :o$

What I actually did was the first 5 x 400mtrs with 1 minute rests then had a 2 minute rest did 3 more reps had another 2 minute rest then finished as per the schedule. Gremlin reports I did a total of 3.12 miles in 32 minutes so think overall I managed it and am v.chuffed with myself.

So come on Rodders - the gauntlet is laid down ;o}

SPONSOR US!!!!!!!

Please sponsor us @

www.justgiving.com/sharonrodden

If we don't get at least £300 sponsorship, Rodders won't be able to run it, this is because she is running for Epilepsy Research UK as she didn't get chosen for a place in her own right, unlike Dave.

So, spare a fiver? a tenner? more? Give's a hand and we'll post a lovely sweaty pic of us at the finishing line - guaranteed!!!!!

What are you waiting for?

Sunday 03/08/08

We've gone out on our Sunday morning run as usual, according to our training schedule we were supposed to do 75-80 minutes, but due to the fact that neither of us read it, we both agreed that we had read 70 minutes.
Runners this morning were Rodders, Dave, Sgt. Major Copson, The Welsh Impostor and that woman that we don't remember who she is but Sgt Major Copson keeps inviting her and her husband brings a huge dog.

So, we ran around Chorlton Water Park, up to Jacksons boat bridge, round the Ees, through a bit of Sale water Park, then back down the Mersey (the route is on Motionbased - the joys of Garmin gremlin technology!!) In 73 minutes, we completed 6.2 miles, the pace was slightly slower than we wanted but it was supposed to be 11.00 - 12.00 minute mile pace so we did alright. Was a good run, felt quite easy - wasn't too hot a day which was also nice - it's great not to be too sweaty and hot. Felt like we could have run more, but we're sticking to the RW training schedule.Had a lovely stretch in our special stretchy hideaway, then back to my car for tea in my car cafe, and since it was the Welsh Impostors birthday, we also treated ourselves to a teeny bit of birthday cake!!

Sunday 03/08/08

So Dave and I have stupidly decided to do another half marathon. This time we're doing the Great North Run In October.

We've decided to blog our training so that we can keep ourselves motivated and also to give us a bit of a giggle, cos we're weird like that!!!

So, we've got a 10k (Great Yorkshire) in 5 weeks to look forward to, then the real deal just a month afterwards. We're going to try our best to keep on track until then.

Maybe one day we'll do a full marathon - but I doubt it lol!!!!