Brighton Half Marathon 2014.....

I made my way to Brighton in the pouring rain.  Thinking I must be mad to be doing this!!
That evening I had my favourite Pre Dinner at Pizza Express (this has become a superstition of mine!)

Before I went to bed I layed all my gear out ready for the morning.  Note my chip is on the back of my number:-)

 

I woke up early in the morning to have my porridge and cup of tea. When I was ready, made my way to the start line. It was buzzing and awesome to have the sun shining for a change. When I went to put my music on it said battery low!!! Not a very good start to a race and there was me thinking I was organised but obviously not :-)

Ready to go

The gun went and off we all went. All I could think about in the beginning was what a lovely day for a run but after about 2 miles I started feeling tired and heavy. Not a very good sign. The next 2 were the same and I was feeling very hot as I had over dressed. It seriously felt like a summers day. When I got near to mile 5 I was ready to stop. My body was tired and I was constantly fighting the demons in my head. Thankfully I didn't and instead put my music on to Katy Perry's track - Firework, it saved me. As soon as I was listening to my music, everything changed and I just got into my running zone - so thank you Katy:-)

At mile 10 we were heading back to the finish line along the seafront. My legs were starting to tire but I thought just 3 more miles Kerry - keep going. I could also really start to feel a blister on the back of my heel which was sore. The crowds were quite big at this point, lining the sea front and the support really helped spur me on. . When I saw the finish line getting closer I thought just keep pushing and then I can have my post race Nando's.
I was very pleased to finish with a time of 1:37:51. Beating my time from last year which is always good.
I love this race in Brighton, its always so well organised and is a great course. Definately one to recommend for anyone wishing to do their first half marathon, you won't be disappointed!

Happy to be finished

 

When I got back to the hotel room, I put my feet up on the bed and then saw blood and was thinking where has that come from? I looked at my feet and low and behold,  it was the the blister on the back of my heel. Look at the state of my trainer!!

I had to go to Nando's for lunch to celebrate!!

 

Training Progress

The Monday after the Watford Half Marathon I treated myself to a rest day which was very much needed. I spent the day foam rolling, stretching and massaging my legs on the power plate.

On the Tuesday morning Melinda and I were back on it. We did a brick session at The Grove and I have to admit my legs did feel heavy but once we got into it we were definately back in the training zone. Doing a brick session with a training buddy makes such a massive difference.

On Wednesday we met at Sports Space in Hemel Hempsted for a easy 5km run followed by a swim session that Melinda had planned. I have really enjoyed the swim sessions lately but this week I don't think I was on top form - think my body was still a little tired.

I had planned to go on a bike ride with Melinda and Hilary on the Thursday but unfortunately I could only get my massage appointment for the same time as when they would be out riding so decided a massage would be far more beneficial. Well what an experience that was!! I have never been to an osteopath before!! I have never heard so may bones clicking in all my life. Sarah assessed me first then did some work on my back followed by some ultra sounds. Then the clicking started - OMG!!! I have to say I was rather nervous but what a difference I felt after the treatment. I would highly recommend her, she is absolutely brilliant!! I have a follow up session next week.

On Friday morning Melinda and I headed out for a run for an hour or so. We ran a different route which was good. It was a comfortable recovery run. Once we got back to The Grove we did some weights. We focused on our legs and core. I have not done a hardcore weights session for a while and by the end of the session I knew I was going to feel it the next day.

On Saturday I planned on doing an hour or an hour and a half on the bike because I hadnt managed to get out on the bike on Thursday. My buddy Sally joined me for half an hour but man my legs and arse were killing from my weights session on Friday. When Sally left I thought just  another 30 minutes but I wimped out and only managed 45 minutes in total. I was so sore!!! Then I decided to do a bit of upper body weights followed by the ab roller which I have not done in a very long time. (I was
definately going to feel this the next day!!!)

Sunday was a rest day for me and my arse and OMG core were killing.

Monday
Well this week I don't have my training buddy Melinda because she is walking up Kilimanjaro _ AMAZING!!! So after work I planned on doing a brick session on my own. It was hard because my body was still super achy. I only managed 30 minutes followed by 5 minute run. That was a poor effort I have to admit!!!

Tuesday morning I met my buddy Vikki for a run around Berkhamsted. Vikki is a really good runner so she pushed me the whole time. I was shattered after the run - thanks buddy

On Wednesday I was going to do a short run but I was tired so thought it was best to have a rest day.

On Thursday after work I went for an easy swim before I went for my follow up with Sarah (osteopath) She was really pleased with how my body had responded to last weeks treatment. I was pleased that there was far less clicking to be heard:-))
I am resting Friday and Saturday as I am planning on going to Brighton to do the half marathon on Sunday. It depends on the weather but hopefully it goes ahead.

Watford Half Marathon 2014

Watford Half Marathon 2014

Night before race day!

On Saturday evening I went out for a meal with my buddies to Pizza Express to carbo load . I enjoyed a goats cheese pizza which was really yummy:-) Pizza Express has become my lucky pre-race ritual however I was home nice and early and pretty much went straight to bed. Melinda on the other hand, had about 85 teenagers partying at her house until the early hours!!
Before I went to sleep, another important part of my ritual,  I laid my clothes out in position, ready for the morning. Yes I am a weirdo!!!

 

I woke early Sunday morning to have a cup of tea and most importantly my porridge in bed. We could not have asked for a better weather for race day. It was very chilly but the sun was out for us which makes such a difference.
Melinda and I met at the Grove and then headed over to Cassiobury Park together. We parked up and made our way to the start line. As we were walking Melinda said to me where is your timing chip?  Being a blonde I'd left it at home, so much for being organised ( I blame the chip not me, because the last few races I've competed in the chip has been on my number not on my shoelaces) There was no time to go back and get it so I had to start without and rely on Melinda's.
We started near the back as we were a little late getting to the start position but think I prefered that rather than arriving too early and hanging about in the cold.

The gun went and we were off. Melinda and I weaved our way around the other runners in the start but it was a little cramped for the first section of the course. Once we were out the park the runners dispersed slightly so it was much better.
Below is a picture of Melinda and I about 3 and a bit miles into the race and ready to take on the hill we were approaching.

Melinda and me running through the massive flooded area

After running through all this water my shoes were absolutely soaked and my legs were very cold but this was not too far from the finish so Melinda and I put our heads down and pushed towards the end.

Final Sprint

We were so happy to finish and both did a fantastic time of 1hour 46 minutes on a really tough course. Melinda did absolutely brilliantly #jobdone

Training buddies at the finish

I have to admit for the last 2 miles all I could think about was going to Nando's!!

My reward - Nandos:-))))