Pre race nerves : how do you cope with them ?

Well, I think most of us get these. Some races more than others ; the greater the pressure, either from yourself or well intentioned family; the worse the nerves can become.

Different people have different ways of managing; and for some, these nerves are a buzz rather than a hindrance.

For me, a few bits and pieces can help. Packing my running kit in advance helps- I would be absolutely stuck if I had forgotten an irreplaceable piece of kit, such as trainers or a sports bra ! Other pieces of kit can be cobbled together - but essentials are essentials. So, pack, recheck, recheck.

Trying to prepare directions in advance, including getting to the race start, also helps in preparation. Parking on race day may prove a nightmare if you haven't sorted a sneaky parking space in advance, and all contributes to a pre race panic.

For food before a race, I try and get down as much cereal and coffee as possible. However, sometimes I need to resort to the option of eating anything which is not going to provoke a nervous vomit - in these instances, I certainly give myself a break from trying to be healthy.

City marathons tend to prompt the most nerves for me, due to the crowds and pre race build up. So, headphones in, favourite music on, - these distractions work.


The most important thing to remember, however, before any race : You are more prepared for this event now, at this point, than you ever have been previously. So go with it.

Bit breezy. Enough pics now

Heh heh

Storm Doris

And a bit crazy off road too.  But honestly,  still good to be out running

Storm Doris

Ants in my pants with trying to stay indoors,  so just a little run in the storm.  Unfortunately it's chaos on the roads

This is the running me....

Hi... I'm Rachel... Mildly fanatical runner, and happily so.

I have been lucky enough to run in some incredible places, and hope to continue. Unfortunately not very fast... But loving every moment.

Please enjoy this account of these experiences? And run, too ?

The Spine , or Spineless ??

Well, in my infinite (un)wisdom, I applied and was given a place on next Januarys' Spine race. This is as scary as you can get, within this country, I feel. It is pretty big in multi day racing terms, I am forced to believe.

My understanding is, that it is the whole of the Pennine Way in the middle of Winter. Over approx 7 days or so. With some self sufficiency. I am already not thinking too deeply about it, in the hope that what I don't know or fully understand, cannot hurt too much. A couple of mates- pretty hard themselves- have tried to warn me off and suggested something easier, like the MDS (!!!!ahem).

So in a bid to break myself in gently, I thought I would at least try and examine the route and price up better sleeping bags.

I am not entering this lightly. Just with much trepidation.

Running Anagram 15- 'RAG 15'

Well, the answer to the last anagram was endurance - is it mental, physical, or a combination of both- you decide.


So, number 15 :

I I G R L N S T E B


Clue : It can make or break a race,beware.

Enjoy, any lovers of words.

Green Man Ultra

In a couple of weeks time, I am hoping to participate in the Green Man Ultra- a 45 mile route around Bristol's Community Forest Path. I ran this event in 2015, and remember it as a really nice start to one day ultra races. I also recall it as a reasonably flat route (ahem, I could be wrong); a bit muddy underfoot; well-stocked checkpoints and a lovely race atmosphere.

The race is steeped in folklore; any competitor completing the course within 12 hours is a Woodrose or Woodwight. The pacers are named Timelords- brilliant.

It will be my first long distance event for six months - the nerves are already beginning to kick in. All being well, I get to meet up with running people from the past. Awesome.

.... And history... All in one day.

Weirdness??

YOGA FOR THOSE LEGS!!!!

The last few months I have been managing to attend a mid week yoga class...completely out of running character, maybe. At first, I really liked it because it felt like a full stop in the middle of the day - no interruptions, no phones ringing. It quickly became an hour of deep stretching and moving, which I started to anticipate happily. I don't think runners are renowned for their flexibility - quite the opposite; it feels good to attempt to iron out some of these tight areas. The yoga which is practised at this class is Hatha yoga - a form of yoga intended to align and calm your body. More poignantly, the yoga teacher has the silkiest, smoothest voice which entices us all to try the most boggling poses. I'm sure my body, especially my legs, are now recovering quicker after running events. Be it placebo , fact, or a mixture of both - I don't mind. Yoga days continue.

Hopefully

Running Anagram 14

Well, the answer to the last anagram was motivation....unfortunately, you can't check. So...anagram 14 U C A R D E E N N Clue : Lets hope we have enough for our next event. Blimey. Enjoy, any lovers of words....

High mileage events, high mileage training

Previously I have talked about the use of training diaries and a weekly training plan,  to structure and organise your training.  I thought I would just mention where I am up to at the moment,  and what I aim to include each week.
-a target total mileage of 50-55miles : to some people this may seem low,  but it is all I can incorporate around work and life in general.  This still takes up much of my time,  but I do like to have a bit of a life outside of running
-this includes a long run day :I think the most vital part of training.  Running into work usually covers it,  approx 20 miles round trip
-cross training sessions.  At the moment I am attending one or two classes a week, I am quite in love with yoga : a general fitness class incorporating basic weights feels as if my core is being strengthened.  All helping with running. 
-if possible,  I try and hit the jacuzzi once a week as I swear it helps tight spots and recovery - maybe all a placebo,  but it certainly feels good.

So,  that is where I am at.  I can fit this in around other commitments,  but try and keep it varied to keep it interesting. 
After a big event,  I have a week with little or no running,  then reduce the mileage the following week. . If I detect any injuries,  I keep the mileage down and try to incorporate more cross training.  I am not including speedwork at present,  as my aims this year are to work on endurance rather than time. 
Hope it helps.

TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES

Hi people... So, it would appear, that just by changing phones, I managed to delete the whole of my blog. Never mind.... The good news for me is that I have a better phone to take running pictures. The bad news for you, is that I'm still writing about running stuff, and still thinking up bad word games in the process.. Heh heh, stick with me...