Highworth 5 Race

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Today I took part in my first ever running club event – a 5 mile run organised by the Highworth Running club. We all met at the local supermarket then went in groups to the race. That was really nice as I’m always more nervous about the pre-race part than the actual event. So it was great for me to go with a group and know people already and just be able to follow everyone else.

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The race started off at a local school and we all got ready. I almost ran in just my vest, but then decided not to try anything new and put my long sleeved top back on. I’m glad I did as it was fairly windy.

At 11am we headed out to the road and started the 5 mile course. It was on roads all the way and fairly flat for the first 4 miles, with some nice gently meandering down hills. The cars were pretty good at going past slowly apart form on the main road at miles 4 to 5, but we were all spread out by then so no problems.

My aim was to run the whole way and I did! I was so happy I ran up the hill, everyone had been talking about. The hill wasn’t too bad, but the problem is that it’s at mile 4 and doesn’t stop until towards the end when we headed back into the school! Everyone I was running with walked once we reached the hill, but I kept going and slowly made my way up. It was hard, but I did it. That’s where they decided to take the club photos!

893058_10151470107613138_482521373_oI actually like these photos. I managed to smile and kept running as there were a couple of team members cheering us on at that point and knew it wasn’t far to go.
893396_10151470108088138_1777436269_oIt was hard at this point because the people who had walked up the hill were starting to overtake again, but I was running out of steam. This is where the horrible thoughts started appearing and it was a struggle all the way to the finish. The hardest part of this the whole race was the last 300 metres! I headed into the school and thought I was done, but I had to run round the field before finishing. The only thing that kept me going were my team mates cheering me on. It was so hard, but I kept going and did it!

54 minutes 50 seconds!

I was aiming for 1 hour 10 minutes, and did it 15 minutes faster! I still can’t believe it. I feel great and so proud of myself. I have another medal to add to my collection too :)

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I am so glad I joined my local running club. I feel part of a team and group that supports each other. I have come so much further than I thought I could have when I started running last August. I’m Proud to be a Hound!

 

Triathlon Training

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So I’ve started training for my triathlon. It’s 4 weeks away!

I feel a lot better this week than I did the last couple of weeks. I have gotten out on my bike and have almost done the distance required for the day. I’ve also done a few brick workouts, going from the bike to a run and gym/bike days. I feel I will now be able to complete the event, which is all I want to do!

Day/WeekMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
1st AprilRun ClubSwim ClubRun ClubSwim Club
Bike
Gym		Bike (5-10km)
Gym
8th AprilRun Club
Bike 		Swim ClubRun Club
Bike		GymSwim Club
Bike (10-15km)		Highworth 5 Mile Race
15th AprilRun ClubSwim ClubBike
Run		HolidayHolidayHoliday
22nd AprilHolidayHolidayRun Club
Bike		GymGymSwim Club
Bike (15-20km)		Swim Club
Bike (15-20km)
29th AprilRun ClubSwim ClubRun Club
Bike		GymSwim Club
Bike (15-20km)		Swim Club
Bike (15-20km)
Gym
6th MayRun ClubSwim ClubRun ClubGymSwim ClubTriathlon!

My main worry the last week has been what to wear!

I’ve been looking online, but having no joy. So I took a chance this morning and headed over to a shop I’d been told about a while ago. However it was no longer that shop, but now a cycling/triathlon shop – Perfect!

I got there just after it opened and the guy (I wish I’d go his name) asked what I was looking for and I just decided to be honest and say what I was doing and what I was worried about. He took me round the shop and showed me different things and said to come back with my bike and they would show me how to change a tire if it goes out on the event. He was super nice and made me feel comfortable asking about things I am not sure about. No judgement, just encouragement for giving things a go. I feel so much better and a lot less worried than I did before. If you want a shop in Swindon for triathlon go to Origin Cycles!

I came away with something to wear too! A proper triathlon suit for less than £40! It fits perfectly and came with a sports bra (which I’m not going to wear as it’s not supportive enough for me for running).

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I also got a new water bottle and trying some SIS electrolyte powders – the tropical was nice, and still have the lemon/lime to try :)

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I also got a pair of triathlon shorts as they were on sale at £10. Though they would come in super handy for running or biking during the summer.
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The lovely guy in the shop was also telling me some things that are nice to have, but will make a huge different – a race belt (need to get) and elastic laces! Haven’t put these on my trainers yet, but I’m guessing they will be great for the transition.

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It does feel weird wearing a tri suit but I took it out for a test cycle today and loved it. I also thought I didn’t look hideous in it!20130413-192510.jpg

it does show every curve, but, it didn’t ride up, it supported all over and was comfortable! Win win win :) 20130413-192515.jpgSo based on today I am actually looking forward to doing this triathlon. It’s going to be hard, but I like a challenge and to push myself. Plus I’ve got my eye on a slightly longer one in September if this one goes well. Fingers crossed!

 

Adventures in Tea… Twinnings Camomile & Maple Sensation

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I got this tea a while a go and found it in the cupboard today as I was searching for something different to have after dinner. I fancied something sweet , but needed to up my fluid intake and I’m glad I opened this box.

I’m not a big fan of plain camomile, but add a sweet flavour like maple or honey and I’m happy. I let the tea brew for 5 minutes and then let it cool down before tasting. I find trying to drink things like this too hot affects the taste. I let it cool and then really enjoyed it as an evening drink.

It wasn’t too sweet, just enough to take the edge off the camomile. I love maple, so the smell and taste suit me well. Overall an excellent find! Plus I loved the tag on the tea bag :)

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Adventures in Audiobooks… City of Bones

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I listened to this book over the last two weeks – Easter made it take longer than normal :)

I really liked this book! I think it is a new engrossing series I want to finish pretty quick!

‘Sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is an ordinary teenager, who likes hanging out in Brooklyn with her friends. But everything changes the night she witnesses a murder, committed by a group of teens armed with medieval weaponry. The murderous group are Shadowhunters, secret warriors dedicated to driving demons out of this dimension and back into their own. Drawn inexorably into a terrifying world, Clary slowly begins to learn the truth about her family – and the battle for the fate of the world.’

The only thing that let this book down for me was that the narrator made Clary, the main character quite whiny and that annoyed me as I don’t think if I had read the book I would have made her sound like that. Also the guys came across as a bit obnoxious. But my friend Ingrid has told me the next narrator is better – fingers crossed! I’ve got myself on the library waiting list for the next two in the series.

So it follows the same lines as some other young adult series, where the main character loses a parent and goes on a journey to find out what happened in the end find themselves a long the way. It’s clique but I love these kind of stories. I think imagine myself as the heroine saving the day and falling for the hero, which is much more exciting than my actual teenage years!

It’s an interesting world we glimpse in the first book. And I mean glimpse and it’s not until near the end you find out how vast the world is. It feels like it is all happening in our world, but in the shadows hides another world. I hope the next books take us further into that world and how the characters adapt to it.

I guessed part of the story, but there was still a twist I didn’t see coming, which was great! I have the tendency to guess what is coming and sometimes I wish I could just go with the story rather than think ahead. So I liked that this one caught me by surprise :)

I can’t wait for the next one!

29 by 29 Update 3

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I wanted to do another update on how I’m getting on with my 29 by 29 list this last month:

  1. Move into my own place - Complete!
  2. Adopt a cat – I’m thinking June/July after I’ve had laser eye surgery to avoid allergies
  3. Do a Super Sprint Triathlon - 400m swim, 20km bike, 2.5km run - Signed up for the short super sprint on the 12th May!
  4. Take part in running club events and volunteer to help when I can’t take part – I’ve signed up for two 5 miles events in April and June and thinking a 10km for July :)
  5. Do the Parkrun once a month and volunteer as a marshall
    1. January = 38:19
    2. February = 34:40
    3. March = 34:42
  6. Bake more bread – yet to start this :(
  7. Complete the CBT Journal for Dummies - Got delayed with the move and getting proper CBT therapist, but will pick up again
  8. Read more classic books as part of my 2013 reading challenge - i’m going to make sure I do this over the remainder of the year
  9. Stick to my budget and save for holidays and house things - this is more important than ever!
  10. Take a bike maintenance course – been looking for one, but no joy yet
  11. Join a WW meeting and work towards goal - I created my 3 month and 6 month plan so this has changed a bit :)
  12. Blog – maybe a redesign  - Complete!
  13. Plan budget friendly trips – Booked to go to Portugal this month, then it will be exploring locally :)
  14. Try acupuncture – this is going to depend on finances :(
  15. Keep working to create and maintain good mental health - Working on this and it has really become an important aspect of my life :)
  16. Join a coffee club - it’s one of my big weight loss rewards for the next few months :)
  17. Take part in the Masters galas and club championships
    1. February Gala – 2 Golds and 2 Silvers!
    2. Next one in June :)
  18. Work out savings plan for trip to Japan - this is on hold :(
  19. Catch up on Greys Anatomy (been watching Castle non stop)
  20. Get regular haircuts - Going well :)
  21. Move forward with my life and make new friends – making work friends :)
  22. Do my best at my new job - I am enough - Still think this is going well.
  23. Keep my commute healthy - Felt better this last week as the evenings are now lighter (worried about next winter though)
  24. Listen to Harry Potter audiobooks - Books one, two and three done :)
  25. Get rid of stuff I no longer need when I move – Complete!
  26. Use the mantra ‘F**k It’ – trying to remember this
  27. Take up pilates or yoga – might have to get a dvd to do this one
  28. Create photo albums for all my trips
  29. Try two new recipes a month from my cook books - Now I’ve got my veg box coming each week I am making more of an effort to try new combinations, but would like to sit down and take the time to decide on some recipes.

Overall good progress this month. A few things are on hold due to finances, but not ruled out forever – who knew buying a house was so costly! Then other things have come a long like being told I have to wear glasses all the time – hence the laser eye surgery booking. This is not a bad thing though, I just need to prioritise and explore locally more. I’m happy, nervous and excited that I’ve signed up for a few events over the next couple of months. It gives me something to work towards and keep me focused. I’m really looking forward to heading over to Portugal to see Ingrid. I think the coming month is going to be a good one too!

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