Janathon Day 25 - Retraction Requested!

Good Evening all, here we are again for the 25th day in a row!  

Yesterday I reported on my husbands knee injury (torn meniscus) and operation.  Well, in all the time I have been blogging he has never shown any interest in my blogging thoughts at all ... until today!  Whilst convalescing  (on the couch may I add!) boredom got the better of him (no footie on TV and no beer allowed!) so he decided to take a gander at my blog and shouted "Objection!"  He would like me to retract the statement "sitting on the couch watching football swigging beer", saying it insinuates he is a complete couch potato (errrr, yeah!) and he would like me to point out that this statement only applies Monday to Friday because he does actually go for a walk on a Saturday and Sunday THEN comes in and sits on the couch watching football and swigging beer!  Sorry DEAR - how could I get it soooooo wrong!!  With that little anomaly cleared up I will get on with today's ramblings!           

For once, it wasn't raining today and there was only a slight breeze so life was good! I felt a lot better running tonight than I did last night (couldn't have felt worse!).  Nothing much to report tonight - except there was a lot of traffic around and I seemed to take ages to cross roads, but then when I look on my Garmin statistics it states I was still for only 13 seconds!!  Not sure this is being totally honest with me!  I passed (going in opposite direction to me!) a "lone" female runner who appeared to be blocking the way for several kids on scooters who were weaving around looking like they were wanting to pass her, however later on in my run I passed her again still being chased by the same scooters and kids - they were either her kids or she was being pursued!  Anyhow, returned home with no mishaps to report - hopefully the remaining days will be equally uneventful!

Running Miles today: 6.77

Time: 1 hour 3 minutes 36 seconds

Average pace: 9.30

Average speed: 6.3MPH

View my run on: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/144543401

I also have an additional 1.13 walking miles to add to my total from yesterdays late evening dog walk, completed after I had blogged!

View this walk on: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/144543407

Total Janathon Running miles:  118.65

Total Janathan Walking miles: 29.16

Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2

TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 152.01 + 1 Hour Steps Class + 1 Hour Pilates Class 

Janathon Day 24 - Knee problems!

Well my day was a little unusual as my husband has been in hospital getting his knee "done!".  Most of you will probably assume this is a runner's injury, but NO!  this is purely a sitting on the couch watching football swigging beer injury!  He obviously moved once and his body objected!  But hey ho its all sorted now and after a fortnight off work he will be as good as new, and raring to get fit! (his words not mine!!).I'm not holding my breath on that one though!

So as I had to collect the patient from hospital I was unable to go to my usual steps class, so I missed the double whammy session I survived last week! 

 I went for my run as soon as I got in from work before driving the 23 miles to the hospital (Its all about priorities!!).

Anyway what's with all this rain? ...  and tonight on my run I had fog to contend with too!!! After the first mile, I hit the wall and I thought I was going die - I even considered turning round and going home, but I talked myself into keeping going!  Once I got a couple of miles in I got second wind and felt great!  Strange!!  Is my body just testing my mind!  Which is stronger? The mind or the body?!!  Anyway   I coerced my body into keeping going and managed just over 5 miles, not bad when you consider I very nearly gave up!

Once home, I jumped in the shower, organised the kid's dinner and set off down the wet foggy motorway to collect the wounded soldier and tried to make the appropriate sympathetic noises when I saw him (doesn't come naturally!!!) but then we had to wait for the doctor to discharge him!  By this time I was starving - it was alright for him he'd been fed! Eventually, at 8pm the doctor came and said he could go!  Pack horse me carried all the bags whilst hop-along followed on crutches!  Starvation got the better of me (by this time it was 9pm) and I had to stop at the chippy on the way home to get very delicious and very satisfying fish and chips!!  

I deserved it!  

Running Miles today: 5.15

Time: 48 minutes 36 seconds

Average pace: 9.26

Average speed: 6.4MPH

View my run on: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/144288052

Total Janathon Running miles:  111.88

Total Janathan Walking miles: 28.03

Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2

TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 144.11 + 1 Hour Steps Class + 1 Hour Pilates Class 

Janathon Day 23 - 8 days to go!

Another run done - only 8 to go!!  Apparently research shows that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. That’s 21 days of going to the gym every day or exercising in some way every day, or RUNNING every day 21 days doing ... 21 days of anything! So as its day 23 of this Janathon Challenge I take it I have formed a habit - but when does a habit become an obsession?!  

If I run everyday will I look like this?!!!

I must say although my legs have got tired and sometimes feel a little stiff and achy it has actually got easier to go out running as the month has gone on - perhaps my body is now just resigned to the punishment!  Anyway, for once it was a nice clear evening, no rain and only a little wind.  I hadn't planned how far I would go - after a 8 mile run yesterday and a walk I thought I would play it by ear!  Once I started running I felt motivated and so must everyone else - I seemed to see every Tom, Dick and Harry out running tonight - they all must be fair weather runners, and to be honest before this challenge so was I!!!     


So ... how did I do?  I was quite chuffed I managed 6.43 miles and didn't have any side effects!!!

WHOOOOO HOOOO! GOOD NEWS!! Today was I got a confirmed team place on the Keswick to Barrow 40 mile walk/run!!  I'd assumed I hadn't got in as its been a week since the Registration opened and last year I got confirmation within hours!!  Before anyone dares ask or even suggests it - I am WALKING it! I might risk a gentle jog every now and then, but walking is definitely my primary transport mode!

Running Miles today: 6.43

Time: 1 hour 02 minutes 18 seconds
Average pace: 9.41
Average speed: 6.2MPH

View my run on:http://connect.garmin.com/activity/144095991

Total Janathon Running miles:  106.73
Total Janathan Walking miles: 28.03
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 138.96 + 1 Hour Steps Class + 1 Hour Pilates Class 

Janathon Day 22 - 100 miles and 9 days to go!

What have I been up to today?

Same ole same ole… Run Run Run ... Wet Wet Wet

                                                              

I'm wondering whether when all this is over and I get my life back, will I want it back ... or will I be so obsessed with running everyday I will continue?

I struggled to motivate myself this morning, and on hearing the wind and the rain outside I really really didn't want to go, but I forced myself to move my backside and braced myself to face the elements.  After the first mile the rain thankfully stopped and the sun actually decided to shine down on me although the wind remained!  

What I want to know is how is it possible for the wind to ALWAYS be blowing against me - even when I changed direction so did the wind. Apart from it being called sod's law what is the scientific explanation?

I said yesterday that weather permitting I would aim for 8 miles today, well weather wasn't really permitting but I had it in my psyche to do 8 miles so 8 miles I was going to do!  

It was hard, hard work but I wasn't going to go home defeated!

Winston Churchill said it best "When going through hell keep going" - so I did! 

I was slowing towards the end but got a boost to my confidence when I overtook a cyclist on the cycle path - OK it was a 99 year old granny on a shopper bike - but I STILL overtook a cyclist!

I was relieved to see my house in sight, took a swift look at my Garmin and was dismayed to see it proudly stating 7.45 miles - come hell or high water I was going to do 8 miles and break the 100 mile Janathon barrier. I went sailing staggering past my house with gritted teeth and went around the block. This time when my house came into view I felt like I'd won a trophy when my Garmin was showing the number 8!  Whoo hoo!  That meant I had scored a Century, I was chuffed with myself and it was worth the pain!

I showered, recovered and had some lunch before setting off again in the lovely windy sunshine to walk the dog!  Unfortunately him up there obviously decided I should finish the day off how I started it - WET! About a mile before the end the black clouds descended and the rain hail pelted down forced into my face by the wind! OW! OW! OW! It hurt! I was pleased to clamber into the car, wet and windswept!



At the start of Janathon I set myself a goal of 100 miles, since I have hit that with 9 days to go I best re-evaluate my target.  

My aim is now 150 RUNNING MILES and 200 Miles in TOTAL

Running Miles today: 8.30

Time: 1 hour 18 minutes 47 seconds
Average pace: 9.29
Average speed: 6.3MPH

View my run on:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143641772

Walking Miles today: 4.23 miles

View my walk on: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143724267

Total Janathon Running miles:  100.30
Total Janathan Walking miles: 28.03
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 132.53 + 1 Hour Steps Class + 1 Hour Pilates Class 

Janathon Day 21- WHAT am I doing?

Well, I jogged and logged first thing this morning and now I'm blogging after meeting friends for lunch and a little liquid refreshment so may not make much sense, but hey ho I will give it a go!

I got up this morning and for the first time started to agree with my friends and family - I must be mad!  It was chucking it down and blowing a gale and there's little old me heading out the door!  However I was stopped in my tracks before I even got started - the contents of the paper recycling bin and the "normal" bin were strewn all over the front and back garden like very large confetti, so there I was in gale force winds and  heavy rain picking up soggy paper and rubbish and retrieving the actual bins themselves from the middle of the road - not a good start!

Wind swept and very soggy I set off for my run not feeling very energetic or impressed with life.  Although I did a fairly flat run I think it should count as a hilly one since I was running with the resistance of the wind pushing me back! God it was hard work, and funnily enough I never saw another runner or walker out and about, perhaps they had all been spirited away to Oz!

Not to be beaten by a little bit of rain and wind (hahaha) I kept going, not worrying about my pace too much just concentrating on surviving, and survive I did!!

Day 22 - I'm ready for what you want to throw at me!

Running Miles today: 6.28

Time: 1 hour 08 seconds
Average pace: 9.35
Average speed: 6.3MPH

View my run on:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143298346

Total Janathon Running miles:  92.00
Total Janathan Walking miles: 23.80
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 120 + 1 Hour Steps Class + 1 Hour Pilates Class 

If I could do 8 miles tomorrow I've scored a century running - but of course that all depends on the weather!!

Janathon Day 20 and The Invisibility Cloak!

What a day!!  I think someone is playing a trick on me and its really Friday 13th today, rather than last Friday!

I was only at work until 12 O clock today as my daughter had a hospital appointment at Manchester Children's Hospital, for a routine 6 month check-up after the Spinal Fusion Operation she had in July. I collected her from school and said "I'm just going to nip to Asda to get money out the cash point before we go!".  I got to Asda and parked opposite the disabled bays next to the cashpoint machine, hopped out the car and just as I turned my back I heard an almighty CRASH! BANG!, I turned back to see a rather large Range Rover embedded into my back end!!  The woman responsible didn't even get out the car but wound her window down and said "you weren't there when I looked in my mirror!"  Did I orb down from outer-space?  Anyhow, a very helpful Asda Trolley collector came to investigate the commotion, and asked her to drive forward, after realising this was beyond her capabilities he asked me to move my car instead.  I slowly edged forward listening to the creaking noises as the two cars parted company and got out expecting to see a horrendous dent and scrape to my car and was amazed to see no sign of any damage at all!!  My daughter sensibly took the registration number down etc. in case any problems should develop from it!!!  How can such a loud noise result in no damage? I decided against trying to get any money out the machine when another car reversed out of its place and nearly took the front end off my car, I retreated home to a well deserved coffee and lunch!

My husband drove to Manchester (thankfully) and I had a little power nap both on the way there and the way back!!  All this exercise is taking it out of me!!  The good news is my daughter's back is mending correctly and she can now start gentle swimming - the first exercise she has been allowed to do for 6 months!

We eventually got home at around 5.30pm after sitting in the usual Friday night traffic chaos on the motorway, and I went straight out for my run leaving Mr W responsible for dinner!  It was mild and wet (the weather NOT dinner!!) but far far better than the weather I endured yesterday!

However, rain brings out brollies - in conjunction with inconsiderate walkers, I was speared several times and I am surprised I am still the proud owner of 2 eyes!  Not only that but there seemed to be a bewildering array of idiotic car drivers who seemed determined not to STOP at any red lights or Zebra crossings and who also aimed for the biggest puddles out to drench me!!  You can't even blame me for running in dark clothing - I had a luminous green running gilet on, luminous green trainers as well as a flashing light on my back, surely I was visible!!  I think perhaps everyone was steamed up inside or the heavy rain was obscuring their vision, but I felt thankful to be alive when I finally made it home - soaking wet down to my knickers!!!

Its now the weekend, here's hoping for better weather!!


Running Miles today: 4.62

Time: 44 minutes 37 seconds
Average pace: 9.37
Average speed: 6.2 MPH

View my run on:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143186890#

Total Janathon Running miles:  85.72
Total Janathan Walking miles: 23.80
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 112.80 + 1 Hour Steps Class + 1 Hour Pilates Class 

Jananthon Day 19 - Another Double Whammy!

I might suggest this for a future class!

Another one of those days when I had to fit running in, alongside work, the usual family commitments and then to top it all off Pilates started again after the Christmas break but it was good to stretch those Janathon muscles!

I had the same dilemma as I had on Tuesday, when do I run - A,B,C or D?  I was so tired last night that the thought of setting the alarm clock for an hour earlier was NOT appealing so "A" was out the window!   Well, lets just say that tonight's weather was less than conducive to an enjoyable run, due to this I decided that it was wise to do what I did on Tuesday - run as soon as I got in from work, shower, make dinner, then dash off out to Pilates, rather than turning up at Pilates soaked or getting soaked running home after being nicely warmed and stretched.

When I set off it was cold and windy with light drizzle, which decided to change to heavy rain about 1 mile in, and again to hail at about 3 miles in!  I returned home looking like the proverbial "drowned rat".  A hot shower immediately followed to thaw my old bones out - Bliss!-  before reality kicked back in and I was back to dashing around! I made Sausage Casserole for the hungry Horace's then I escaped the chaos for a second time to go to Pilates! Yet again every Tom, Dick and Harry had turned out in force to satisfy all their New Years resolutions! Not wanting to discourage my fellow keep-fitters in any way but I'm hoping the novelty will wear off sooner rather than later and the classes go back to being hardcore only, instead of having to fight for mat space!  Anyhow, although it was rather crowded and having to be careful not to wallop someone in the face I did enjoy the change in exercise and the stretches!


Once I got home and showered (again!) I settled down with the local newspaper and was shocked to read about a 41 year old female lone runner who had been assaulted at 6pm on the 11th January, running a route that I sometimes do!  Its a bit of a warning to me really, I'm fairly complacent about living in a "nice" place, I'm careful not to run too late at night and always stay in areas that are well-lit!  Unfortunately, it seems this woman did too - perhaps I need to find a running pal!


If it wasn't for Janathon, my competitive nature and my refusal to fail at a challenge I certainly would NOT have gone out running tonight!  


Cold +Wind + Rain + Hail = No Fun Running! 


Running Miles today: 3.92

Time: 36 minutes 50 seconds
Average pace: 9.24
Average speed: 6.4 MPH

View my run on:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/142952390 

Total Janathon Running miles:  81.10
Total Janathan Walking miles: 23.80
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 108.18  + 1 Hour Steps Class + 1 Hour Pilates Class 

Janathon Day 18 - Hard work!

I TOTALLY agree with this!

After a very hard day at work and feeling slightly jaded from a double exercise session yesterday I wasn't very motivated to go out and run tonight!  On a Wednesday evening the kids see Grandparents for dinner, so its the one night I don't have to worry about preparing dinner early on, therefore have no excuse for not heading out the door  ... except ... once I get settled at home all alone (Ahhhhh bliss! Peace and quiet!) I struggle to move again!  Tonight as soon as I came in from work I took the dog for a very short stroll around the block, then found lots of things to do which involved coffee, cake, laptop and sofa  and any thoughts of running out my mind!

Eventually guilt got the better of me, and I decided I best move myself before I was caught red-handed sloathing around on the sofa!  I don't think my mind was in the correct gear as it took 3 attempts to get my running tights on the right way round - three times I struggled into them to realise they were on back to front - what's that all about?  Never had this problem before, then to add insult to injury I realised I was trying to put my gloves on my feet instead of socks!

Eventually, I was good to go and thankfully after a cold, wet and dreary day the rain had finally stopped.  Once I got into my pace I felt a lot better about myself and started to relax and enjoy the run.  The weather conditions were the best they've been for a while - no icy paths, no wind, no rain and very mild too!  I passed lots of runners tonight - they must have all been cooped up waiting for the rain to stop falling!

My first book to review!

Well, what else has been happening in my life?  Last week I was contacted by Human Kinetics and asked if I would read and review a book on my blog, so being game for anything I agreed.  I have never done any reviewing before so not sure how I will go about this! I struggled with the first element of this new venture - downloading the e-book, however, after several failed attempts I succeeded!

Once I have read and inwardly digested some of the advice AND put it into practise during my training I will keep you informed of my thoughts...

Wish me luck!

Running Miles today: 5.42

Time: 51 minutes 50 seconds
Average pace: 9.34
Average speed: 6.3 MPH

View my run on:    http://connect.garmin.com/activity/142756763 

Walking miles today: 0.50 

View my walk on:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/142756776

Total Janathon Running miles:  77.18
Total Janathan Walking miles: 23.80
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 104.26  + 1 Hour Steps Class

Day 17 Janathon - Decisions, Decisions!

Well I have got to day 17 with no complications, but today has just thrown a spanner in the works!

For the last 18 years I have gone to a Steps class on a Tuesday night, but the instructor has been on holiday since 22nd December, however... tonight she was back!  I love my Steps class and I had no intention of missing it, but when do I run?  I realise that Steps could actually count towards an activity for janathon but I had set my own personal challenge to run atleast 3 miles everyday so run I will ... but when?  I decided I had several options

Plan A - Set my alarm an hour earlier, and do a pre-work run!
Pros - Get it over and done with early in the day!
Cons - after the weather turning sooo cold and frosty this didn't seem a good idea as paths will be icy!


Plan B - Run to and home from the steps class (about 3 miles in total!).
Pros - Kill 2 birds with one stone and a good warm up session!
Cons - I would be all hot and sweaty before I even started stepping and  possibly get cold waiting around to start the class - unless I timed it perfectly!

Plan C - Get a lift to Steps and run a 3 mile route home!
Pros - Arrive fresh and energetic for Steps.
Cons -as my steps instructor had been on holiday and resting for 3 weeks she might be in a manic mood and I may not make it home!


Plan D - Run at 4pm straight after work, come home shower change and make kids dinner before I rush back out to steps for 6pm!
Pros - Time to "recover" between run and steps class.
Cons - No time to relax after work, and a rush to get dinner organised.  Not a good water saving option as I would require a shower both after running then again after steps!  I couldn't possibly subject the other steppers to an unclean me! 

So which did I choose?

               

Well, after lots of deliberation and weighing up the pros and cons I went with Plan D!  I came in from work, went straight upstairs to get into my running gear and was out the door.  I was pleased I did because by jove it was cold and it would have been far worse later on in the evening! Anyhow, I managed 3.27 miles, and according to my Garmin with 105% of max Heart Rate - doesnt that mean I'm dead?  Bit confused with this heart rate monitor lark!              

                                                                    Please leave a comment if you can enlighten me on this point!!!

I don't have this problem!

Came home,  jumped straight in the shower, got dressed in my steps gear and went to cook Spaghetti Bolognese!  Having an 18 year old and a 16 year old, who is actually taking GCSE cookery you would think I would be able to leave dinner preparations to them for once ... but oh no, that would get accusations of motherly neglect and being told I'm exercise obsessed so its easier just to do it, then no one can say I love running more than them!!  Anyhow dinner cooked and thrown on the table followed by a mad dash for the door and I jumped in the car. Because the class hadn't been on for 3 weeks it was packed, full of those who have good intentions for all of 5 minutes, and then we never see them again! Legs felt heavy, and I could certainly feel the burn at times but the stretching exercises at the end felt good!! Two more Tuesdays left in Janathon so perhaps  I will try plan A,B or C  and evaluate the best option!

Running Miles: 3.27
Time: 31 minutes 55 seconds
Average pace: 9.42
Average speed: 6.2 MPH

View my run on:   http://www.runningfreeonline.com/act/732964/subView/Map 
Total Janathon Running miles:  71.76
Total Janathan Walking miles: 22.38
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 98.34  + 1 Hour Steps Class

What will tomorrow hold?

Day 16 Janathon - Countdown to the end!

BBBBRRRRRRR its been a cold one today.  At 8.30 this morning my car was saying it was -4C!  I was so pleased I didn't set the alarm early for a morning run, and any thoughts of getting up early tomorrow have now gone too!

I instead went out at about 6pm, just as all the paths were turning frosty white and sparkly.  I didn't want to push the pace and slip so I ran steadily.  The gritters had been out and about so I ran in the road when it was safe to do so!  Although it was freezing I didn't feel cold at all, and really enjoyed being out.

I did just under 4 miles tonight and have another 15 days to go!  A minimum of 45 miles left to plod! Bring it on!


Running Miles: 3.97
Time: 39 minutes 16 seconds
Average pace: 9.54
Average speed: 6.1 MPH

View my run on:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/142289593 

Total Janathon Running miles:  68.49
Total Janathan Walking miles: 22.38
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 95.07

Day 15 Janathon - Nearly half way there!

Well the weekend is almost over, and its nearly Monday again...!  Not much housework done, but lots of exercise!

So...How have I got on today?

Well, Day 15 and nearly half way through this crazy challenge, surprisingly I am still jogging, logging AND blogging, and some insane part of me is actually enjoying it too!

Was pleased to see the sun shining again when I got up this morning, although it was another frosty one I decided to bite the bullet and go for a run this morning, rather than leaving it until the end of the day!

It was cold but bright, and I felt good again.  Perhaps all this running is paying off after all.  I had a 6 mile run in mind, and wanted to do it in under an hour!  Funnily enough after seeing loads of fellow runners yesterday they must have all gone into hibernation today or suffering from frostbite as I didn't see anyone!

Although the sun was shining, the ground in places was still icy so I was constantly zig-zagging back and forth  to the "sunny side of the street!".  If anyone was watching me they would think I had a crossing roads fetish!

I warmed up quickly and  I was soon stripping off (well removing my gloves!). Since getting my Garmin and Heart Rate Monitor from Santa I have had no problems with either, I even forget I am wearing them!  However, I think my heart rate monitor must have loosened with use and today it really got on my nerves, jiggling around and slip sliding its way down my ribs!  I was constantly howking it up - I  hope noone thought I was repositioning my boobs! To have boobs big enough to howk up would be a good start! Anyhow, I did consider stopping to tighten the strap, but the thought of baring my flesh in the freezing cold to reach it put me off - also I don't think the locals are ready for a flash of my body just yet!  I plodded on occasionally howking it back in place!  I managed my 6 miles in under the hour so I was chuffed!

Home, shower, lunch, relax then ... WALK!

We took the dog on a walk that we have done numerous times, and although it is fairly short the start is all up hill - my Gluteus Maximus did a little groaning at this point!  The sun was still shining, and when we got to the top the views were wonderful, well worth the effort involved!

All in all a good weekend of exercise, but absolutely NO housework done!  Hey ho it can wait, it will still be there tomorrow... or next weekend!

Running Miles: 6.01
Time: 54 minutes 19 seconds
Average pace: 9.05
Average speed: 6.6 MPH

View my run on:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/141803094

Walking Miles:  3.53
View my walk on:   http://connect.garmin.com/activity/141897094 

Total Janathon Running miles:  64.52
Total Janathan Walking miles: 22.38
Total Janathan Cycling miles: 4.2
TOTAL JANATHON MILES: 91.10

Once tomorrow's run is over I will be on countdown to rest day!!!